《The Rise of the White Lotus》


 Chapter 1 Suicide

    <h4>Chapter 1 Suicide</h4>


    "Why¡­ why!" Lexi Yang screeched as tears uncontrobly fell from her eyes like heavy rains.


    "What does she have that I don''t?!" She added as Lexi Yang clenched her hand and pounded it on her chest -- harder and harder. The excruciating pain she was feeling inside her heart was as if it was crumpling smaller and smaller as it was limiting her breathing. She could feel her knees tremble before it gave way -- copsing on the high-end carpeted floor.


    She was born rich, smart and beautiful. Every man would desire her and wish to warm her bed, while women envied her, s, the only man she dedicated her heart to -- he chose to break it, shattered it into a million pieces.


    What more than that alone could there be? The indignation and humiliation she experienced a few hours ago made her lose all face. The person behind it all you ask? It was none other than, Morris Liu.


    The once-proud young miss of the Yang n was now known as a white lotus b*tch; a vicious, rotten woman hiding beneath her pure, beautiful shell. All of the egregious deeds she had done were now aired dry in perfect public view for all to see.


    The respected Lexi Yang, because of her elegance and sophistication, was now aughing stock in the entertainment industry, not to mention the whole country. How can she bear all this mortification?


    "Brother Morris¡­ how can you do this to me? I only loved you my entire life but you chose someone who''s not even qualified to lift my heels¡­ why?" Lexi mumbles lifelessly as her gaze raised upwards and stared listlessly at the rope she set up earlier.


    Indeed, she only loved one man -- her childhood sweetheart; Morris Liu. Since birth, both families have been in great terms for decades. Thus, to strengthen the bond between the two families even more, Lexi Yang and Morris Liu were put in an arranged marriage.


    Despite that fact, how can she not fall for someone like him? She could still remember his gentleness and how the young Morris Liu protected her. Hisforting smile whenever she was frustrated about something. His tender pats on her head. Even with a young heart, Lexi swore to marry Morris Liu when she blooms to a beautiful flower.


    Yearster, Lexi studied abroad to broaden her knowledge -- for the sole purpose of being useful to her future husband. However, whether it was distance or the years of her absence, Morris Liu wasn''t the same boy he used to be by the time she came back.


    At first, Lexi was confident that she could make Morris Liu fall for her again. Unfortunately, someone already dominated his heart. What more, the one he loves was theplete opposite of Lexi''s character.


    She has riches, she was smart, independent, and strong. Lexi burned the candle at both ends just to be useful to him in the future. But in the end, he chose a weak, fragile, and gentle damsel in distress.


    Could she ept it? Of course, she couldn''t. After all, Lexi thought that she was way better than Mia Chen. Lexi brainwashed herself that her beloved Morris Liu was just lost and will soon realize that it was her who he truly needed.


    However, love must have taken a great toll on her. She often turned into an unreasonable mad woman at just the thought of Mia Chen, the person who stole her man. Slowly, her hate towards the innocent Mia reached its zenith.


    Lexi Yang''s simple provocations escted into harming Mia Chen -- physically and emotionally, pushing all the me to Mia. But, Lexi didn''t see her ways of handling the situation in the wrong way because of the pain caused by Mia, stealing her man was the only thing she had her focus on and how to get him back.


    But, everything has it''s ending. Just a few hours ago, scandals about her -- whether real or false, was one of the hottest topics circting on the inte. Instantly, she was entitled to bare witness to different insults along with demeaning photos.


    If that is the only concern, Lexi might have survived all the hate she was receiving. But, knowing who''s behind those scandals and her family''s long-establishedpany being on the edge of destruction -- how can she forgive herself? To her, there was nothing left anymore. All hope died that day, as she watched her life turn to ashes within a fiery volcano.


    All she had done was love Morris Liu but at the end of the day, he pushed her and her family to the brink of death. Now that everything was said and done, Lexi finally understood that Morris Liu wasn''t the same man she used to love.


    "Brother Morris¡­ will my death make you happy? So be it. It''s your loss." Lexi murmurs for thest time before closing her eyes and she took a deep breath. Opening her eyes, her resolve in ending her life was unwavering as she fixed her eyes on the rope hanging on the curtain handle.


    After she climbs the well-crafted chair, Lexi didn''t hesitate to ce the noose on her neck and without a second dy, she kicked the chair making it slump on the carpeted floor. She didn''t want to dy anymore, afraid that her resolve would waver. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    *THUD*


    The instant the thud sound from the chair resonated, Lexi was immediately choked. Her body involuntarily moved -- as if struggling to survive but her mind was prepared to leave this rotten world. Soon, Lexi''s consciousness went into the pitch dark abyss of nothingness.


    *DING! DING!*


    "Chuchururu~! CONGRATULATIONS! Your viciousness score surpassed the preliminary test!"


    Lexi couldn''t see nor feel anything. It was as if she turned into a soul inside the space of nothingness. Yet, after hearing a high pitch minion voice of a little girl that almost shocked her already dead being to death, her eyes started to begin to focus.


    Right away, a faint light shrouded the never-ending darkness, revealing a small bun with cute tiny hands and feet.


    "Dumpling?"

 Chapter 2 Chuchuru~

    <h4>Chapter 2 Chuchuru~</h4>


    "Dumpling?" Lexi muttered as her curious gaze followed the small illuminating cute white bun.


    It flew, circling around her non-existent body. When the cute, white dumpling stopped before her eyes, Lexi felt like stepping back as her eyes crossed by the half-inch gap between her and the flying dumpling. However, Lexi was immobilized to step back and the only thing she could do was see and speak.


    "Nice to meet you, chu~!" The little bun grinned brightly and she charmingly waved at her. When the white bun flew further away from her, Lexi thoughtlessly scanned the flying delicacy like a fool. The mixed emotion of utterly mystified, perplexed, and awebined into one caused her mind to malfunction.


    "I am Churu~ chu~, your fairy guide mother in the otome love system, chu! As I said, you surpassed our preliminary exam! So, to gain full ess to the otome love system, you must execute our initial test, chu~!" Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    Lexi was mind-boggled by the words ''Churu'' spoke so much so that it made her look at the little dumpling with an even more perplexed gaze.


    "It talked..."


    "A flying dumpling¡­ just spoke to me¡­" Lexi heedlessly muttered.


    In her 24 years of existence, Lexi was confident with her IQ level. However, this time, everything felt surreal, making it harder for her toprehend the whole charade.


    Minutes ago, she was being choked to death. But now, aside from losing her other senses and the fact that she couldn''t move as freely as she wants as if her soul was stuck into something, there is a talking dumpling in front of her!


    If Lexi could faint, she would. But, predictably, that rite was taken away from her. So, all she could do was absorb all of the information from the dumpling''s bber -- even if it was beyond herprehension.


    "Your initial task is to make your ex-fiance''s best buddy fall for you, chu~!"


    When Lexi heard Churu''sst remarks, she could envision her own face distorting in dismay. Granted that she made a fool out of herself loving the man who will never return her intense feelings, s, Moris Liu''s best buddy sh best man was the city''s infamous Casanova. Never in her entire life, would she imagine seducing a manwhore like him?


    "E- excuse me?" Lexi responded in bewilderment. She added.


    "What is going on here? Is this some kind of joke? I died! Imitted suicide, I''m dead -- no doubt! What are you talking about? And how can a dumpling even talk? My god, did I just lose my sanity and didn''t actually die? I''m just crazy right?! You''re not real, right?" Lexi said all the questions circling inside her mind in one go. After all, this doesn''t make sense -- not a bit at all!


    "This is an initiation, chu~. No, it''s not a joke but a game, chu~. Yes, youmitted suicide but not yet entirely dead, chu~. I''m talking about your way to your second life chuchuru~. Because I am a cute fairy, and, you got one thing right, you''re indeed crazy by doing those crazy things, chu~ but not really, chu~. I am real, chu~! Cute and kicking Churu~!


    Lexi felt like ripping her scalp apart in frustration because Churu precisely and orderly answered the series of questions Lexi inquired with her cute high-pitch voice. However, Lexi could not sincerely take Churu''s words to heart because the little bun made different poses while answering her questions. In contrast, Lexi felt like going insane by this turn of events!


    "Alright, let''s clear this up. You want me to y this sick game because?" Lexi finally tried to open her mind as she might really go insane if she wouldn''t even get answers about her whole situation. Thus, after letting out an imaginary heavy sigh, she inquired.


    "Because, you are vicious, chu~!"


    "Vicious¡­ huh, so, you think I''m also an inhumane person?" Lexi scoffed, feeling a little irked.


    "No, chu~! But since you''re here, that means you did lots of bad deeds in your life, chu~!" Churu exined as her lower body moved sideways in slow motion, dancing an odd move.


    Seeing this, Lexi''s invisible forehead vein posed by how energetic the cute dumpling in front of her was.


    "Here? What is this ce?"


    "This ce is for the souls who''re on their way to hell, chu~!"


    "Straight to hell¡­ what? You mean like a checkpoint in the afterlife?" Lexi stammered. Though Lexi couldn''t believe that she was really having a conversation with a talking dumpling, yet, for some odd reason, Lexi could not help but ask further questions.


    "You can say that, chu~. This ce was made just a week ago, chu~. But I believe in the human world, it would be considered ''eons'' ago, chu~!" Churu rified adoringly.


    "Why me? And why there''s... this kind of ce and game?"


    "Because God pitied you and he is really bored, chu~!"


    Lexi could imagine having a headache with everything she just heard. She didn''t know whether to believe it or not. But, if she ced the information altogether, it sounded oddly convincing yet it is also not.


    "Onest question, why should I y this game?"


    "Because it gives you a second chance in life and in love, chu~." Churu''s eyes shimmered in excitement. Her already excited aura gleamed even more for some unknown reason.


    "And if I don''t?"


    "Then you can just go straight to hell and die everyday like how you died on earth, chu~!"


    "You sound really happy about it, huh?" Lexi scoffed seeing the reaction of Churu as she ryed the consequences if she didn''t take the challenge.


    "I am always happy, chu~!" Churu defended as she gestured a peace sign using her cute miniature fingers.

 Chapter 3 Resurrection

    <h4>Chapter 3 Resurrection</h4>


    "It''s funny how I unhesitantly ended my life and you would just show up out of nowhere and tell me you would resurrect me just like that, really? Shouldn''t you at least give the opportunity to the people who died with natural diseases and by ident?" Lexi scoffed, trying to rationalize things.


    Granted that Lexi slightly believed what the cute white dumpling was stating, yet, she still couldn''t help but wonder why would the system chose a vicious individual just like her, and not the people who deserve it more.


    "Also --" Just as Lexi was about to burst her next batch of opinions, s, stopped midway upon sensing something. Ever since she came to the space of nothingness or what the talking bun referred to as ''checkpoint of the afterlife'', she had been stuck to her position. But now, she felt that her soul was slowly being pulled from the ground.


    "Churu? Hey, Churu!" Lexi panicked as she called out the little dumpling''s name.


    Unfortunately, Churu suddenly vanished into the dark space which engulfed Lexi with dread. Gradually, the spot she was standing strongly pulled her -- as if taking her to the bottomless pit of hell.


    "No!! Please! Ahh!" She screamed at the top of her lungs. All Lexi knew was that she was scared -- terrified to be more exact.


    At that moment, an emotion that was hidden at the bottom of her heart, resurfaced -- the very thing she didn''t want to admit; regret.


    She was filled with a hundred, or even thousands of regrets. Lexi''s conscious mind eventually shut down along with her free-falling ''body''.


    ------


    "Oh my god!!!" A noble-looking middle-aged woman screamed for thest time before she fainted while witnessing her precious daughter being rescued.


    3 minutes ago, probably due to her motherly instinct, Lillian Yang sensed something was amiss. Hence, she went to check her daughter Lexi Yang to see if she was alright just like what her daughter imed.


    However, after several knocks on her daughter''s room, only silence from the inside answered her. She then decided to lean her ear on the door as her hand tried to open the door, but to no avail, it was locked.


    She concentrated her focus to hear what''s going on inside her daughter''s room and in the next second, her heart throbbed loudly for some reason. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    She heard an audible ''thud'' noise which snapped her patience and sent rm signals inside Mother Yang''s head. She knew her daughter well. Although she must admit that she raised Lexi with all her love, s, Lexi was also a strong-willed person.


    Thus, Mother Yang knew that whatever crisis their family was going through right now, she''d stay strong -- the Yang family will stay strong.


    However, the moment Mother Yang along with their servants intruded Lexi''s room, the scene before her gave Mother Yang the shock of her life.


    "Ahhhhh!!!" Mother Yang screamed upon seeing her daughter.


    "Young miss!!!"


    There, her precious daughter was hanging lifelessly with a noose around her neck and her tongue almost out. Lexi''s body still flinched, struggling, as if the veryst vitality her body had was slowly fading away.


    Automatically, the few servants who intruded into Lexi''s room instantly rushed to her hanging figure and without wasting a second, they helped her down with caution.


    Since Mother Yang kept on screaming, Father Yang soon came into sight. Curious about the suddenmotion, Father Yang rushed to his daughter''s room. The moment he saw the scene inside, hisplexion paled.


    His wife fainted and their daughter being held down with a cut noose around her neck. It was mind-boggling and disturbing!


    Without further ado, he rushed towards Lexi andmanded through his gritted teeth, "Summon Dr. Shen this instant!"


    After he said his orders, Father Yang tried to wake Lexi by mildly shaking her shoulder. "Lexi, baby! Can you hear daddy?" A touch of desperation and helplessness could be traced through Father Yang''s voice. His already exhausted appearance turned grimmer receiving no response from his daughter.


    Father Yang checked her almost non-beating pulse -- hoping for a miracle to happen.


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Three seconds.


    "Haaaaa" Lexi suddenly gasped for air and let out a series of coughs. Her hand subconsciously touched her neck and coughed even more.


    Father Yang instantly inclined Lexi''s upper body and gently tapped her back so that she could gasp for more air. He didn''t know what to do but his body was moving by instinct.


    "Thank God!" He murmured in relief along with Lexi''s unending coughs. Lexi could barely see a faint light as she gasped for more air before everything went ck, again.


    -----


    "Chu~? Chuchuruu~?" Lexi''s brows twitched the moment her mind regained consciousness. Slowly opening her eyes, Lexi''s eyes crossed due to the little distance between her and Churu.


    Currently, the cute dumpling was inspecting her facial features thoroughly, as if she was examining even her pores.


    Lexi slowly closed her eyes again as she inhaled and exhaled heavily, she mumbled with a hoarse voice. "If I were you, I''d keep your distance or else, I''ll eat you¡­ alive."


    "Chu?!" Churu immediately flew to the corner of the room with disgust stered across her cute little face. Just as Lexi opened her eyes again, and shifted her gaze on the side, she instantly froze seeing her mother with a shocked expression.


    ''Churu!!!!'' Lexi shouted inwardly.


    "Chichichi~!" Churu giggled. It resonated on Lexi''s mind which made her veins almost popped due to anger.

 Chapter 4 pretty useless

    <h4>Chapter 4 pretty useless</h4>


    "Lexi, dear¡­" Mother Yang gently called out and reached her soft hands to her precious daughter.


    "Why would you do that...? Why would you..." Lillian Yang choked as she held her tears that were tempting to fall in the corner of her eyes. Her voice filled with self-me and unbearable pain as the memory of her struggling dearest daughter hovered in her mind.


    Lexi''s heart clenched as remorse slowly creeps on her heart. "Mom¡­ I-I''m --" her voice cracked, attempting to apologize for the heartache she caused to the person who raised her with love.


    "Shhh¡­ mommy understood." Mother Yang hushed her as aforting smile formed on the side of her lips.


    "I''m sorry... sorry..." Lexi who was originally a little girl at heart whenever she was in front of her parents, yet, because of what she had gone through¡ª she remained secretive. But now, before her mother, she finally broke down, lowering all her defense walls and revealed her vulnerability.


    The pain that Morris Liu caused felt forever engraved in her heart. Still, what made Lexi more emotional was the realization of being too blinded with her love towards the man that she neglected the love she was receiving from the very few people who really cared about her.


    Lexi bawled until her eyes turned puffy and it can no longer produce more tears. Soon after, with Mother Yang''s tender pats, Lexi''s body rxed as her eyes slowly shut closed.


    After some time, when Mother Yang reassured that her daughter has gone back to sleep, she tucked her daughter in before leaving for a while to freshen herself up.


    When Mother Yang left, hearing her room''s door creaked closed, Lexi''s puffy and almost swollen eyes unhurriedly opened.


    "You''re a good actress, chu~" Churu stated with her tiny hand cupping her cute squishy cheeks while lying on her squishy tummy.


    Lexi didn''t bother with Churu''s sarcasm as she contemted for a while. "Hey dumpling, what will happen if Ipleted every task on the system?"


    "You will be granted a wish, chu~" Churu stated with her usual ever so merry high-pitch thin voice.


    "How many?"


    "Don''t know, chu~"


    "You''re pretty useless." Rolling her eyes, Lexi heavily sighed as this guide was not just annoying but also oblivious with vital information she needed.


    "I am, chu~ But every task youplete, my abilities will also increase and I''ll evolve~!" Churu''s eyes gleam with excitement with the thought of evolving; she flew in the air, meter away from Lexi''s face.


    Churu made sure that her distance was beyond the woman''s reach¡ª afraid of the possibility that the girl would suddenly snatch her away and eat her. Well, Lexi did threaten her and taking extra precautions would not hurt.


    "Evolve? From dumpling to what? Siu Bao?" Lexi sarcastically spat out.


    "Siu Bao? What is that, chu~?"


    Lexi''s brows arc as her eye rolled in disbelief. She didn''t know whether Churu was being clever or just downright ignorant. Nheless, it would only be either Churu would adjust to her sassiness or Lexi would need to learn how to prolong her patience for the sake of her own. Either way, they had to figure out things from today onwards together.


    Soon, dizziness finally struck Lexi as her body went into a deep slumber. On the other hand, Churu just stared at Lexi before shifting her gaze on the well-crafted ceiling. Churu''s gazed seemed to wonder beyond the ceiling, on the roof and up to the sky.


    A secondter, Churu smiled brightly before she nodded. "Sure, chu~!"


    ------


    Two weeks had passed after Lexi attempted to take her life¡ª which she sessfully did but was interrupted midway. She was recovering and attended home therapy since then.


    Scrolling through her phone''s browser, some of her alleged photos were still on the top search topics. Yet, reading some harshments and baseless articles about her, Lexi only scoffed in dismay.


    "How tasteless."


    "Isn''t that true, chu?" Churu drew closer andnded on Lexi''s shoulder. She looked at the article''s expos¨¦ about Lexi''s numerous ambiguous rtionships. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "Of course not! Aside from brother Mo, I never threw myself to any man¡ª eww." Lexi stated in a matter-of-factly tone and disgusted tone. She added, "There are a lot, maybe everyone in the entertainment industry are insecure b*tches so they won''t let this chance to slip and put more oil to the mes."


    "You''re one of them, chu~?"


    Lexi red at Churu upon hearing her insensitive remark which ticked off her nerve. s, for some reason, Lexi ended up sighing heavily as she calmed herself down. Well, Churu was right, she was also one of those insecure b*tches as she would do the same if this happened to Mia Chen.


    In retrospect, Lexi didn''t want to enter the entertainment industry, but when she found out that Mia Chen was a small-time actress¡ª trying to make her name known¡ª Lexi wanted topete with her even with that petty thing; wanting to trample Mia Chen in every way she could.


    "Whatever¡­ just another piece of big news or scandal, everyone will forget about this." Lexi tossed her phone on the desk and stood from her vanity chair before heading outside of her room for the first time in her own initiative.


    ''Churu, what''s the initial task again?'' Lexi telepathically inquired. Though she was unsure if Churu might hear her, it''s still worth the shot.


    "Seduce Ethan Lu, chu~!" Surprisingly, Churu''s answer rang inside Lexi''s head which slightly startled her as the little dumpling''s voice was in a full volume mode.

 Chapter 5 Good to see you too, Mr. Lu.

    <h4>Chapter 5 Good to see you too, Mr. Lu.</h4>


    "So I can talk to you inside my mind?" Lexi inquired inwardly.


    "Yes, chu~!" Churu, on the other hand, admitted without batting an eye. For some reason, Lexi only shot her a quick nce but she didn''t say anything.


    "Where are we going chu~?"


    ''None of your business.'' Lexi''s steps never faltered until she arrived in front of her father''s study.


    Exhaling deeply, she knocked lightly. After a few knocks, she heard her father''s stern and dignified voicee through.


    "Come in."


    Lexi briefly raised her brows before entering her father''s silent study room. There was a huge family portrait hung on the wall behind her father''s desk, bookshelves on the wall, a set of sofas and a small table in the middle.


    Staring straight at Frederick Yang, Lexi pursed her lips in a thin line. By the looks of her father that seemed to age overnight, Lexi guessed that theirpany was in a much dire situation and if the problem would not be resolved, they will soon dere bankruptcy.


    Mustering her courage, Lexi sternly proposed. "Dad, will you let me help you save ourpany?"


    Upon hearing his daughter, Frederick Yang slightly flinched as his eyes dted as he stared back at her earnest gaze. For a moment, Father Yang doubted his ears. However, Lexi''s expression confirmed that he heard her right.


    "Lexi, my daughter¡­ you don''t have to force yourself¡ª you can''t." Father Yang sighed heavily. Although he was d that his daughter wanted to help him salvage theirpany, but, with her current state of mind and everyone was ming her for this crisis¡ª he didn''t want to pressure her.


    Therefore, despite that his daughter was apetent woman, he was afraid that after that suicide attempt¡ª the pressure would trigger her again to have such thoughts.


    "I am alright, Dad. I know it was my fault¡­ let me fix this mess I caused." This time, Lexi''s eyes were much determined with a strong resolution in saving theirpany. "Also, I can''t just stay here all-day¡ª it''s killing me."


    Father Yang stared back at her momentarily before sighing in defeat. Indeed, Lexi never left her room and this was her first time going to him. Thus, he was conflicted to decide. This was his daughter after all¡ª she may be made a fool out of herself for chasing a man but, Frederick Yang had always been confident about her judgment and brains¡ª not because she was his daughter but because Lexi proved herself many times before she has gone mad in love Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "*sigh* Just this one, but, you have to promise me you will never, ever try to take your life again."


    Lexi smiled brightly receiving her father''s approval. She chuckled even more when she heard hisst remarks. Hence, to reassure him that she regretted that suicide part, Lexi wordlessly approached her father and hugged his neck from behind his ck, expensive chair.


    "I won''t, I swear."


    "*sigh* Silly girl¡­ you''d be the death of me." Father Yang murmured as he patted her slender arms that were wrapped around his neck¡ª still unhappy about his only daughter''s suicide attempt two weeks ago.


    -----


    "Where are we going, chu~?" Churu popped out of nowhere on the passenger seat like a mushroom that appeared just anywhere.


    Currently, Lexi was wordlessly driving her own luxury car towards a certain destination and when Churu suddenly broke her peace, she almost stepped on the brake. "Tsk, can you not do that?!"


    "Chu?" Tilting her head on the side, Churu was clueless on Lexi''s dissatisfaction as she just arrived and she did nothing wrong... or what she believed.


    "Tss, just don''t appear out of thin air and surprise me." Shaking her head sideways, Lexi had the urge to pinch this dumpling on the front passenger seat as she always spoke as if she knew nothing.


    "Chukay... So, where are you going~?" Nodding in understanding, Churu repeated her query earlier.


    "I''m trying to save mypany, obviously. I don''t want to be poor and miserable." Lexi''s ever sarcastic tone responded.


    "How? I''m excited, chu~!" Churu turned giddier as she raised both her tiny hands up in the air and waves them sideways¡ª as if she was in a roller coaster ride.


    Lexi rolled her eyes and slightly shook her head, "Dumpling, does your expression ever change? Aside from being happy to hyper¡ª is that it?" s, Lexi''s words only passed through Churu like air as she was in her own tiny world.


    ncing at the dancing dumpling while cheering "Amazing! And way to go Lexi!", Lexi decided to just ignore Churu''s unnecessary cheers.


    -----


    It didn''t take that long for Lexi Yang to reach her destination. Lexi with her chin held high and her back was straightened out, she entered the huge Liu Empire building with dignity.


    Her posture was akin to a noble princess with her heels producing a light click-ck sound with every step she takes, her fitted designer outfit perfectly disyed every curve of her body but showed less skin. Her limited edition Birkin bag silently screamed millions as if unting her wealth, yet, people still shot her different odd gazes.


    Regardless, Lexi was unbothered by their gazes as she headed straight to the assistant desk. If this was before, Lexi wouldn''t even bother to stop there because she would go straight to Morris Liu''s office.


    But, the tables have already been turned and she didn''t hold the title of the future madam Liu anymore. Hence, it would only be proper for her to look for Morris Liu as a person in need¡ª not as his fiancee.


    "Please inform CEO Liu, that I''m here -- oh, also add that I''m not here to look for trouble." Meekly smiling, Lexi raised her brows in confidence.


    The assistant clerk nced at her for a second before she responded professionally.


    "Apologise Miss Yang, but you have to make an official appointment if you have to meet CEO Liu."


    "Appointment, huh?" Lexi maintained her proud front as she listened to the front desk personnel to treat her coldly. Of course, she expected this manner from Morris Liu. After all, he hated her so much that he would not see her even if she makes an appointment with him¡ª who was he fooling?


    Furthermore, her father''spany will not hold any longer if Morris Liu kept on putting pressure on their Yang Company.


    Thinking of ways to meet the very person that held the key of theirpany''s survival¡ª a dashing figure was caught on the corner of Lexi''s eyes which made a sly smirk on the side of her lips.


    Without a word, she rushed to the handsome man who was about to enter the building''s elevator.


    "Ethan Lu¡ª hi," Lexi greeted awkwardly yet still sounding matured as ever.


    When the man heard someone greeting him from behind, hezily turned his head to the source of the voice. Seeing Lexi''s figure, his eyes bulge in disbelief.


    "Le--Lexi Yang?! You''re still alive?"


    ''Churu, please tell me he didn''t say that.'' Irked internally, Lexi grinded her teeth upon hearing the unrestrained remarks of a jerk.


    "He did chu~"


    "Good to see you too, Mr. Lu." Lexi tried her hardest to keep her temper at bay and managed to form a smile on her pink lips.

 Chapter 6 She is with me

    <h4>Chapter 6 She is with me</h4>


    "Good to see you too, Mr. Lu."


    Ethan Lu''s dted eyes checked her from head to toe as if convincing himself that she''s a real person and not an evil, vengeful spirit. His gaze then moved to the few rushing marshals towards their direction.


    "Miss Yang, Young Master Lu, we''re sorry to interrupt but Miss Yang, you can''t go anywhere further the premises." One of the well-built guards courtly informed Lexi Yang bearing their disciplined manner.


    Lexi, however, just stood there unmoving¡ªwithout even giving the men behind her a nce. To her, she perceived this situation as an act of humiliation. But, admitting that she was at the lowest time of her life, this treatment was understandable.


    Just as Lexi let out a frustrated sigh as she mustered all her courage to keep her head high like a proud person, Ethan Lu''s yful yet enticing voice intercepted.


    "Oh, I invited Miss Yang to apany me today." Keeping his cool front with his ever irresistible grin that most women would fall for, Ethan Lu shifted his gaze from the guards to Lexi Yang before he raised his brows¡ª giving her a knowing look.


    "My apologies, young master Lu." The head marshal bowed, showing his sincere apologies and respect. Since Ethan Lu was the heir of Lu Corporation and had a strong bond with the CEO of Liu Empire, they could not simply object and interfere with their business. After all, socialites like them are hard toprehend and if one offended them, it might cost them their employment.


    After paying their respect for thest time, the marshal who was shooing her away earlier left without another word. Surely, whether it was from ancient times or today, people obeyed a person''s word if they held great status and has wealth.


    "Well, thank you, young master Lu." Lexi awkwardly thanked Ethan Lu out of courtesy.


    "Don''t mention it. You want to meet brother Mo, right? Then, shall we?" Ethan Lu gestured her to ride the lift first then grinned with excitement as if he was anticipating a great show to unravel. Despite his suspicious intention, Lexi nodded in agreement as she entered the elevator followed by Ethan Lu.


    While inside the elevator, Lexi patiently waited for the lift to reach a certain floor where Morris Liu''s office resides. On the other hand, Ethan Lu was leisurely leaning against the wall with a phone in his hand. ncing at her back every once in a while, Than Lu was quite surprised that unlike the rumors: the hysterical, crazy fiancee of the Liu Empire, that hearsay seemed very unlikely to what''s in front of him. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "Didn''t you --"


    "I did¡­ I mean, I almost choked to death but I didn''t." Lexi, without turning her head to the man behind her, interrupted his sentence midway as she guessed where his question was going.


    Slowly nodding his head in acknowledging her honesty regarding the matter, Ethan Lu pursed his lips as he didn''t bother to start a conversation with her.


    Gradually, the atmosphere inside the elevator turned boring as neither of them uttered a word. Yet, both of them were unfazed as there was not much interesting conversation they could discuss. Moreover, they were hardly considered acquaintances because Lexi was solely interested in Morris Liu while Ethan Lu was busy living his life to the fullest. Therefore, they never met once despite having the same circle of friends.


    "Don''t forget your initial task, chu~" Out of nowhere, Churu appeared on Lexi''s shoulder and reminded her about her task. Fortunately, Lexi was not startled as she was somewhat ustomed to Churu''s sudden appearance and disappearance.


    ''Shut up, dumpling. This is much important than any task from that stupid system.'' Lexi replied inwardly, certain that it will reach Churu.


    *DING!*


    Finally, the sound of the elevator indicating that they arrived on their specific floor rang¡ª giving Lexi a relief. Without a word, Lexi walked out from the lift without amodating the dashing man behind her; which he, by the way, did the same.


    Ethan Lu never said a word with her as his huge strides soon overtook her and were now leading the way.


    When she was in front of the assistant''s desk before reaching Morris Liu''s office, Lexi stopped behind Ethan Lu and heard her former fianc¨¦''s assistant in front.


    "Young Master Lu!" The secretary swiftly jolted from her seat and she bowed her head towards Ethan Lu. s, when her gaze moved to the figure behind him and saw Lexi, a glint of dismay sh across the secretary''s eyes. Still, even upon sensing her hostility, Lexi only raised her brows¡ª keeping her ''b*tch face'' as she looked down on the bowing secretary.


    "Hey, Assistant Lin, brother Mo was looking for me?" Despite the silent war between both women, Ethan Lu could not be bothered by their animosity as he only cared to meet Morris Liu and perhaps, witness a good show.


    "Yes, young master Lu. CEO Liu is waiting inside." Secretary Lin smiled as she courteously informed, disregarding Lexi''s existence on the side.


    "I see... thanks!" Ethan Lu nodded his head before he nonchntly resumed on his tracks towards Moris Liu''s office. On the other hand, Lexi wasn''t the type of person who needed to be assisted as she automatically followed suit. s, just as she took a few steps to her, Secretary Lin blocked her way with a scornful sneer.


    "Miss Yang, I''m afraid you don''t have a scheduled appointment with CEO Liu."


    "What makes you think I don''t." Arching her brows to intimidate, Lexi nkly responded which evidently irked the secretary. Just as secretary Lin opened her mouth to sassed back, her words halted even before they left her mouth when Ethan Lu''s voice reached them.


    "Ah! Right, assistant Lin, Miss Yang is with me." Ethan Lu turned his head back to Lexi''s figure that was being blocked by assistant Lin. Forming a merry smile, he raised his brows indicating to let Lexi pass before he entered Morris Liu''s office.


    After hearing Ethan Lu''s statement, Lexi smirked, "I don''t want to be here as well because... I can''t bear to witness assistant Lin''s flirtatious nature. Sadly, I have to¡ª despite the fact that you disgust me."

 Chapter 7 Mr. initial task

    <h4>Chapter 7 Mr. initial task</h4>


    "Ah, yeah, assistant Lin, Miss Yang is with me." Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    Just as Ethan Lu entered Morris Liu''s office, he was immediately weed by Morris''s cold pair of aloof eyes depicting his discontent. Though Morris Liu''s office was soundproofed and not a sound could pass through his office from the outside, s, he clearly heard Ethan''s deration.


    "Hey, brother, don''t look at me like that!" Ethan Lu raised his hands as he feigned innocent. He pretended to ignore the blizzards that Morris Liu was producing as he took a seat on one of the sofas inside Morris'' office.


    Soon, the door silently creaked opened once again, revealing the elegant and proud beauty of Lexi Yang. However, Morris Liu was unfazed with her gorgeous front as he peered her with nothing but disgust.


    Lexi, on the other hand, gulped by the familiar cold stareing from the man she loved the most. She must admit though that it still pained her to face Morris Liu and feel this heart-wrenching coldness from him. Regardless. Lexi swore before arriving there and before she came face to face with him¡ªLexi pledge not to lose herposure and would face him like a matured adult.


    Ethan Lu who''s smelling the silent tension as both Lexi and Morris stared at each other without a word made him quite entertained¡ª which caused him to let out an audible whistle.


    "Out." After some time, Morris Liu''s cold voice resonated like a p of thunder on Lexi''s ear as he scooted her away like usual. This one word alone made her clench her hand into a fist¡ª digging her manicured nails into her palms.


    "It''s okay, chu~" Churu who was silently sitting on Lexi''s shoulderforted her as her expression slightly change a little. It was as if Churu could feel the agonizing pain and burden Lexi was experiencing in front of her beloved.


    Whether it was Churu''s thoughts of trying to give her moral support or Lexi''s determination to save her family on the brink of bankruptcy, she managed to keep her head high and grit her teeth¡ª keeping her raging emotions at bay.


    "I won''t."


    "Why did you bring her here?" Morris Liu cast a quick icy re at Ethan Lu who had aplex grin stered across his face¡ªrevealing his ill-intention of annoying his dear friend.


    "Huh?" Still, even if his expression exposed him, Ethan Lu feigned innocence as usual.


    "Brother Mo, if you don''t want to see me again, please let my family go and stop pressuring ourpany." Lexi interrupted, still standing to where she was. It took her a great effort to sound proud even though her heart aches just staring at Morris Liu''s stoic front.


    Hearing her bold and arrogant statement, Morris Liu turned his emotionless gaze back to her. The room temperature instantly dropped as if it suddenly turned winter inside his office. Ethan Lu, on the other hand, felt a cold shrill run down his spine, yet, it only thrilled him to anticipate what would happen next.


    ''Geez, I think I''m about to witness world war 3.'' Ethan Lu excitedly mumbled internally.


    "Miss Yang, I don''t have to do that if I don''t want to see." Morris Liu with his ever cold voice was akin to a dagger, piercing Lexi''s heart even deeper.


    ''I can''t... It still hurts...'' Lexi gritted her teeth as she held the tears that were starting to form on the side of her nut-brown eyes.


    She thought she was ready to face him without breaking down, but she waspletely wrong. No matter how much she prepared herself, just one word from him cost her another piece of her already shattered heart.


    "You''re a bastard, chu! Churu hates you, chu!" Losing her cool, Churu stumped her cute little feet in the air and pointed her super tiny finger at the iceman seating on his office chair.


    With that distraction, Lexi nce at Churu''s now crimson face due to anger which made her bit her lower lip¡ª hard, trying to stop the urge tough seeing the steaming dumpling on her side. Somehow, Lexi who was on a verge of crying and knew that the moment she opened her mouth again, her voice would crack and she might break down. If that happens, she wouldn''t just humiliate herself knowing Morris Liu would never pity her but also, break her oath to herself.


    Inhaling and heavily letting it out, Lexi rxed her tensed shoulders as her balled fist loosened its grip. Her pair of sharp, nut-brown eyes stared back at Morris Liu''s perilous, jet ck ones. Her long curledshes fluttered along with her lids as she swallowed a mouthful of saliva.


    Without a word, Lexi slowly bent her knees until itnded on the shiny tiled floor¡ª lowering her pride. "Please, I am begging you."


    For a moment, Morris Liu and Ethan Lu were both startled by her sudden action. It was as if their own eyes were deceiving them seeing her on her knees¡ª Lexi Yang on her knees! Well, who wouldn''t? After all, Lexi was known as an arrogantly proud person and would not back down until the very end. No one could me them, especially Morris Liu as her threatening words three weeks ago werepletely opposite of what she was spouting now.


    Blinking a couple of times, Ethan Lu frowned as he was quite disappointed. Since he was away for months and was enjoying life, Ethan Lu didn''t get to witness the said drama that Lexi did from the previous weeks. Therefore, part of him wanted to see for himself how Lexi made Morris Liu lose his cool to the extent of making an order about destroying Lexi''s reputation and the Yang family to a pulp¡ª the very reason why he allowed her to follow him.


    Still, part of Ethan Lu was a little impressed by Lexi''s courage which really caught him off guard. ''So, she''s not that naive as to what they say.'' He mused inwardly.


    *Ting! +0.1 allure points!*


    Suddenly, inside Lexi''s mind, a notified number that she never saw before abruptly popped out of nowhere which confused her.


    "Wow! Great job, chu~! It seems like you impressed Mr. initial task, chu~!"

 Chapter 8 Unexpected gains

    <h4>Chapter 8 Unexpected gains</h4>


    Unconsciously, Lexi nced at Ethan Lu who''s the side of his lips was slightly curled upward. She didn''t feel honored with that 0.1 allure points instead, she was disgusted!


    Knowing Ethan Lu''s yboy nature, Lexi shuddered just the thought of him taking a fancy of her. After all, even though she would shamelessly throw herself to Morris Liu, but, Lexi would only do that to her ex-fianc¨¦.


    When her gaze met Ethan Lu''s, Lexi immediately turned her eyes away from him¡ªhorrified that he might get the wrong idea.


    "Miss Yang, even if you keep kneeling, I won''t change my mind." Despite that Morris Liu was a little taken aback by Lexi''s action, his trust towards her was already non-existent and everything she says or does couldn''t be taken seriously.


    Lexi froze the instant Morris Liu spatted his affirmation. Yet, his hurtful words only solidified her determination to free her family from his clutches.


    Still, on her knees, Lexi slightly hanged her head low as she murmured. "L-Tech..."


    Though she just whispered her words, Morris Liu was able to hear her¡ª loud and clear. Furrowing his brows, he sternly looked at Lexi but didn''t utter a word.


    "L-Tech Innovative Financing Company¡­ If I can arrange a meeting with Mr. Tanaka, will that be enough?" Lexi slowly raised her head and stared back at Morris with eyes full of resolve.


    Fortunately, before her suicide ordeal, Lexi overheard Morris Liu''s conversation to one of his business partners about this certainpany which piqued her interest because Morris Liu was trying to have a good rtionship with the saidpany.


    Given that Liu Empire is an establishedpany and one of the leading n next to the Han Corporation s, having another internationalpany on the Morris Liu''s side would make the Liu Empire more formidable and could par with the Han family.


    Morris Liu suspiciously squinted his eyes as he was puzzled about how Lexi knew about his interest in L-Tech Financing Company. After all, aside from the few trusted people, Morris Liu hadn''t mentioned anything to anyone regarding this matter. Hence, how did she knew about this?


    Yet, on the other note, Lexi''s first career was in the business field before she entered the entertainment industry. Therefore, it wouldn''t be a surprise if the Yang household also wanted to have a good connection with the saidpany.


    "I don''t need you for that." Still, Morris Liu remained adamant with his decision. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "CEO Liu, didn''t you consider me even as a friend? Even just a tiny bit?" Since Morris Liu made his final decision, Lexi could not help but ask her innermost questions.


    Morris: "..."


    Taking his silence as his confirmation that he never had feelings for her, a bitter smile formed on her lips. "I see. I''m sorry for disturbing you, CEO Liu." With that said note, Lexi supported herself to get back on her feet.


    The numb pain on her knees made her slightly wobbled¡ª almost causing her to lose her bnce. Fortunately, her will to run far away from him overpowered her weakened knees, giving her ahold of herself a bit more.


    Lexi courteously bowed her head towards the icy man sitting on his executive chair. She then showed the same courtesy towards Ethan Lu on the side.


    "I apologize for interrupting your meeting with CEO Liu, Mr. Lu. I''ll be taking my leave." After saying her piece, Lexi wordlessly left the stifling office without a second dy, afraid that she might suffocate if she stayed for a second more.


    *****


    After Lexi Yang vacated the minimalist designed office, a momentary silence engulfed the whole room.


    "Well, she isn''t as bad as others say." Ethan broke the ufortable atmosphere with his usual frolicsome tone.


    "She''s a good actress." Morris Liu cast him a cold nce as he rxed his tensed shoulder and lean his back against the executive ck leather chair.


    "Yes, a good actress and has a good eye in terms of business affairs," Ethan added in a matter-of-factly tone.


    Granting that Ethan Lu didn''t personally know Lexi, he still heard Lexi Yang''s contribution to the Yang family business. After all, businessmen like them are very much inclined about potential business partners and the Yang n has their fair share in the economy of the industry.


    ----


    [Inside Lexi''s expensive car]


    [ Ting! +1 allure points! You now have a total of 1.1 allure points! ]


    "Wow~! That''s not bad progress, chu~!" Churu''s eyes beamed with thrill seeing an additional allure points on Lexi''s dashboard -- causing the cute dumpling shortly forget about her displeasure earlier.


    Lexi who was calming her peevish heart was mildly spooked by her unexpected gains. Earlier, on her way out, though Lexi looked unbothered while keeping her supercilious expression despite the odd nces from the employees and their indistinct whispers, she couldn''t fully say that she was unaffected. However, now that she was inside her car, Lexi screamed in annoyance -- venting her repressed emotion.


    As she let her frustrations, she was abruptly interrupted when the notify sound that rang inside her head before it disyed her score. "What is this?!" She sassed as Lexi found another outlet to release her emotions.


    "That is your love points chu~! Forget that bastard and let''s focus on your love love love chu~!" Still dancing in jubtion, Churu formed a heart shape using her white, little hands


    Shifting her gaze at the shimmering small bun on the steering wheel, Lexi''s brow could not help but twitch that made her roll her eyes. "Love points? Is that something I should be happy about? Will that fill my stomach?"

 Chapter 9 The food must be good

    <h4>Chapter 9 The food must be good</h4>


    "Is that something I should be happy about?


    Her question halted Churu''s jubtion, as the cute white dumpling peered her with confusion.


    "of course!"


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    "Why?"


    "Gaining points makes you level up, grant you limited ess to the system, and have privileges, chu~!" Churu informed in a matter-of-factly tone.


    Lexi''s perfectly shaped brows arc in interest. Though she already knew that a system exist inside her, however, she don''t fully understood what gains she''ll have aside from having a second life. Hence, now that she thinks about it, maybe, she''ll also have benefits if she study thew of the ''love system'' that was nted on her.


    Moreover, Lexi realize that Churu won''t detailed things to her if she will not ask -- making her think that Churu is a live manual to the so called program. Hence, Lexi questioned Churu again to confirm her guess.


    "Why didn''t you mention it before?"


    "You didn''t ask, chu~!


    When she heard Churu''s answer, it somewhat confirmed Lexi''s conclusion of Churu''s purpose and her existence together with the system.


    "What privileges?"


    "I can''t say yet, chu~!"


    "Why?"


    "You have to unlock the first stage, chu~"


    "So, basically, I can''t know what are they if I don''t level up?" Lexi rifies.


    "Exactly¡­ chu~"


    "Can you stop saying ''chu''?" Annoyed by constantly hearing the ''chu'' words in every sentence Churu spat out.


    "I can''t for now, chu~!"


    "For now¡­ does it mean there''s a chance for you to stop saying that annoying word in the future?"


    "Yes, chu! If only I evolve, chu~!"


    Lexi sighs heavily as the system conversation distracts her fuming heart. She leaned her back against the exquisite leather interior of the driver''s seat as she rest both of her hands on the steering wheel. "I see. So, I have to put my interest in the system to gain knowledge about it."


    Churu didn''t responded and only smiled cutely to her. "What are you going to do now, chu~?"


    "I don''t know. Morris decision is set in stone. Ethan¡­ o god, I can''t even imagine making him fall for me -- she don''tcks women. My family -- *sigh* I don''t know¡­ what to do with my life." As Lexi spats her concern, she hang her head low until it reached the steering wheel to where her hand rest.


    Time passed by and Lexi didn''t move a muscle. Since she already phoned and made an appointment with Mr. Tanaka, s, it will take weeks or months for that arrangement to make. After all, that certain person is a busy man and can''t meet him without proper arrangements.


    Though Lexi''s interest towards the system within her, her top priority is to salvage their dyingpany which push her to the seemingly dead end.


    Thinking hard enough, a light knock on the window startled the distress Lexi. She turned her gaze to the person outside, s, Lexi''s eyes dte in shock. Keeping her senses together, Lexi straighten her stance as she roll down the car''s window.


    "Hey, Ms. Yang." Ethan bent his head down to see Lexi''s poker face while his hand was ced on the sedan''s roof panel.


    "What is it that Mr. Lu wants?" Lexi sassed out of habit. Though she knew one day she will regret her diva attitude, but, what can she do? It''s her nature. Moreover, Ethan Lu just witness her most pitiful state earlier when she knelt down in front of Morris. Hence, pretending to be unaffected is her defense mechanism.


    "You." Ethan smoothly replied without a change on his bewitching smile. He added, "want to have dinner with me?"


    Lexi automatically rolled up her window in disgust. Given that Ethan Lu was undeniably handsome, s, his reputation in his love interest are terrifying. For all she know, Ethan Lu might have tasted every woman in the country or almost everyone.


    "Eh? That''s your chance for more points, chu~!" Churu tilts her head that was straightly intact with her body in confusion.


    Hearing Churu''s words, Lexi was reminded that she still needed Ethan Lu. ''Sh*t!''


    Instantly going back on her action, Lexi rigidly rolled down her window and spoke to the confused Ethan. "The food must be good."


    Hearing her agreeing after rejecting him, Ethan Lu suppressed his chuckles to her changeable mind. Though Lexi was still keeping her high and mighty front, s, she looks rather cute when she pretends to be unaffected to her sudden change of mind.

 Chapter 10 I have high standards

    <h4>Chapter 10 I have high standards</h4>


    Staring in front of a restaurant she has never been before -- Lexi''s brows arc in dubiousness. She expected Ethan to take her somewhere fancy, s, the restaurant they were in -- it was very simple and can be considered gauche.


    "Here? Seriously?" Knowing Lexi''s attitude, she won''t hesitate to show her displeasure about the ce. After all, she was raised surrounded with luxury -- whether it was clothes, essories, and even the dishes she eats should be prepared by top chefs -- a true living the dream. Hence, it was understandable for her to react in such a way.


    "Yea. Didn''t you say you like good food?" Ethan stated with a wide grin on his lips showing his small even teeth. He added, "Let''s go."


    -----


    Lexi scrutinizes the whole small restaurant with cautious -- afraid that someone might recognize her. Though she kept her proud and elegant front, s, she was obviously bewildered by the environment around the whole premises. It was small yet it didn''t feel too crowded despite that there is only sufficient seat for her and Ethan.


    "Come on, take a seat. Don''t worry no one will recognize you and the food is superb." Ethan reassured guessing her main concern. After all, Lexi is a well-known personality and even if he takes her to a fancy restaurant, she will be recognized with socialites -- which Ethan doesn''t want to happen.


    Lexi slightly raised her brows then wordlessly take a seat in front of Ethan Lu. He then raised his hand then shouted a familiar noodle dish as if Ethan was a regr and was much carefree than ever.


    "Mr. Lu, I didn''t know you like this kind of ces."


    "We do, including Morris." Ethan honestly responded with a grin.


    Just hearing Morris name can put Lexi off, yet, for some reason, she just kept her silence as she stared down mindlessly on the ss of waterid on the table. Part of her was tired and actually fed up. She already did everything to show her love for Morris but, he never sees nor appreciate it -- god knows if he even considers her even just a tiny bit.


    Hence, even though Ethan was obviously being insensitive, but to Lexi, she might probably thank him in the future because the more she realized that Morris will never love her, the soonest she''ll let him go.


    Soon, Lexi was snapped from her stupor when an olddy served the hot bowl of noodles. She was probably in her early 60''s with a gentle and weing smile on her face.


    "You two look good together." the old grandma humored to Ethan.


    "Hehe, Granny Chen, you know me -- I have a high standard." Ethan Lu winks at the old woman whom he called Granny Chen. Granny Chen then nods giddily as if she was truly happy about something.


    When Granny Chen left, Lexi arcs her eyebrows towards Ethan Lu as if indicating him to take back his words. s, Ethan Lu as shameless as he feigns ignorance as he insists, "Let''s eat, let''s eat. Man, I''m starving." he then gobbles up his noodle without restraint.


    Lexi watched him for a while before shifting her gaze on the bowl of noodles that permeates slightly hot steam. She didn''t look at the food with disdain -- more like she was curious. Of course, Lexi eats noddles but only if it was made by top chefs. Hence, she was hesitating if this dish in front won''t poison her or ruin her sense of taste.


    "Hey, hey, just eat, alright? It''s the best dan dan noodle in town -- trust me." Ethan slightly raised his head seeing that Lexi was just staring at the noodle in reluctance.


    Lexi quickly nces at him before slowly reaching for the ceramic white duck spoon. She then scoops a little amount of soup before cing it in front of her mouth, then faintly blows off some heat before taking a sip.


    To her surprise, the taste of the certain noodle soup was indeed good. Though it can''t bepared to the dishes she had so far in her life, s, the feeling it gave her has warmth, as if embracing her tightly. A dish that made with love and extra care -- it touches her heart.


    "It''s good, isn''t?" Ethan smiled in satisfaction seeing her indescribable expression on her face. Regardless, what''s clear to him is that she liked it all in all.


    "It is." Lexi slightly nodded before taking another soup and elegantly sip it with proper etiquette.


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 Chapter 11 yousre an odd one, arenst you?

    <h4>Chapter 11 you''sre an odd one, aren''st you?</h4>


    "So, Mr. Lu, I supposed you didn''t invite me to just eat, right?" Lexi spoke after wiping the corners of her lips in a very delicate manner with her own handkerchief. She then raised her sharp eyes to meet his tantalizing gaze.


    Ethan Lu''s bewitching smile spread across his face as he props the back of his hand on his jaw, "Right, about arranging a meeting with Mr. Tanaka -- I''m interested. In exchange, I''ll invest in yourpany because I''m not certain if I can convince Morris about your enmity."


    Lexi contemted for a while as her gaze turned stern as if examining thoroughly what was Ethan Lu''s intention, "How about Bro-- CEO Liu? Aren''t you afraid you''ll breach your business deals with him if you help me?"


    Ethan Lu''s smile brightens even more which made him more dashing and amiable. He was somewhat impressed by Lexi''s inquiry. To him, under her circumstances, she''ll immediately agree without batting an eye. After all, she must be desperate for an investor especially someone like him.


    "Are you perhaps worried about me?"


    "Huh, Mr. Lu, Don''t take it in the wrong way. I am not worried about anyone aside from my dyingpany that my ancestor built with their blood and tears but, I wanted to make sure if you will keep your words." Lexi bluntly stated. Though it might seem rude to say such an honest thing specifically doubting a man like Ethan Lu. However, Lexi was a prudent person. Hence, stating whatplicates her is her best bet.


    "Ms. Yang, you''re impressive. I might have a very¡­plicated reputation but, rest assured that your best bet is me." Ethan Lu''s smile was still intact, yet, his voice had a touch of authority and certainty which indicates that he was serious about this deal.


    Staring at each other for a while, Lexi slightly nods in acknowledgment. "Thank you for the meal, Mr. Lu. I truly appreciate your kind thought in taking me here. I will contact you if the arrangement isplete." with that said note, Lexi slowly stood from her seat, then marginally bowed her head before taking her leave.


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    Watching her petite retreating back, Ethan Lu taps his finger on the table while his other one is still propped on his jaw. No one knows what he was thinking but, his bright eyes were clearly screaming in interest towards the ex-fiance of his friend.


    Surely, Ethan''s impression of Lexi wasn''t as bad as everyone else. After all the scene he witnessed earlier and their short meal together, Ethan Lu was rather curious about why Lexi, as sophisticated and clever as herself would be regarded as a naive, vicious, and heedless woman.


    "My, Lexi Yang¡­ you''re an odd one, aren''t you?" He mumbles as Lexi exited the premises without giving him a second nce.


    ----


    [Ting! +.5 allure points! You now have 1.6 allure points!]


    Lexi slightly raised her head as if looking at the notification about her progress in her initial task.


    "Wow, chu~!" Churu eximed looking giddy about Lexi''s progress for the day. "You are amazing, chu~!" she added as Churu flew in front of Lexi.


    Lexi, on the other hand, retracted her gaze on the notification above her after taking just a glimpse of it. She then resumed taking strides towards her luxury ride. ''What''s so good at gaining small points.'' she stated inwardly, certain that Churu can hear her inner thoughts.


    "But it just means you''re progressing, chu~!" Churu justified her jubtion.


    "Whatever¡­" Lexi rolls her eyes before hitching on the driver''s seat, ready to leave. "What I needed is to make an arrangement with Mr. Tanaka -- let''s see how many points I gained. I''ll probably make Mr. initial task fall for me."


    "That''s very unlikely, chu~!"


    "Just wait and see." Lexi sassed before scooting away from the parking space.


    ----


    3 days have passed since Lexi''s encounter with Morris and Ethan. For the past days, she upied herself in researching about the L-tech innovative financingpany. To her surprise, the saidpany was only established for a few years and can be considered a newpany. However, what''s mind-boggling is that it rose and was continued expanding through the years -- making it on par with all the leadingpany in the whole business industry.


    Though there are no pictures of Wren Tanaka; the person behind the sess of the saidpany, Lexi had her ways in recognizing him if she only sees a glimpse of him. Though L-tech innovative was an international empire, it was now remarkably ranking in the whole country x as they established their oriental branch a month ago.


    Sighing her frustration, Lexi Yang leaned her back against the elegant headboard of her bed while herptop was ced on herp. Churu, on the other hand, was lyingzily beside her.


    "why, chu?~" Churu inquired sensing her exasperation.


    "Mr. Tanaka seems not as simple as I think he was." Lexi murmurs as she closed her eyes, thinking of possible ways to attract Wren Tanaka with her arrangement. Surely, since the business tycoon; Wren Tanaka is selling hot in the industry and many wants to curry favor with him -- how can Lexi evenpete with otherpany that can give a much great deal than her?

 Chapter 12 facial mask session

    <h4>Chapter 12 facial mask session</h4>


    "This is frustrating." Lexi exasperates thinking of ways to make a deal with Wren Tanaka. Given that she said her words to Ethan in confidence, s, for some reason, she felt pressured.


    "You should rx, chu~!" Churu turned her attention to Lexi sensing her frustration and a bit stress.


    Lexi opens her one eye then quickly nce at Churu who''s staring at her with concern. For some reason, Lexi felt her burden wasn''t as heavy as she thinks it was because there is someone who shares it with her.


    Oddly enough, Lexi must admit that having Churu on her side isn''t as bad as she thought in the first ce. In retrospect, Lexi was used on working alone, afraid that if she trusts anything to anyone -- it might mess up her work. Hence, Lexi grew distant to everyone aside from Morris who she held dear.


    However, the past should stay in the past and now that she regained a chance in life with an additional cute little dumpling isn''t as bad at all.


    "Hey white bun, want to¡­" Lexi was about to ask Churu to go shopping with her and probably go to a spa to pamper herself but halted midway when she was reminded that she was ''broke''.


    "What, chu~!" Churu tilted her head in confusion.


    "I mean¡­ do you want to get your nails done?" Lexi clears her throat then change her invitation.


    "I don''t have nails, chu.~" Churu innocently corrected. Lexi''s brows twitch hearing her obvious answer. Of course, Churu is akin to a cheap made stuffed toy without any other features aside from her face, body, and little cute hands and feet.


    "Uh, yeah¡­" Lexi murmurs. Surprisingly, part of her felt bad for the talking dumpling as she can''t experience these perks being a human. After contemting for a while looking back at Churu''s adorable face, an idea pop on Lexi''s mind.


    ----


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    "Hmm?" Lexi hummed anticipating for Churu''s reaction. Currently, since she can''t treat Churu to a spa or even buy anything for her, Lexi decided to pamper her herself. To her surprise, though Churu can''t be seen by others, she can use some stuff that Lexi hands over to her. Hence, Lexi bought a facial mask for her and Churu -- an economical way to save a lot of money and time.


    "It''s rxing, chu~!" Churu almost melted by the feeling she was experiencing with the facial sheet on her whole face. On the other hand, Lexi smiles in satisfaction seeing the cute dumpling being excited and merry.


    Surely, Lexi was growing fond of Churu in a way that she now considered Churu as her only friend and probably a sister she never had.


    "Well, the best weapon I can have is my looks!" Lexi sassed then put on a facial mask on her face. For some reason, even though Lexi wasn''t in a high-ss derma clinic, she was content just with Churu as herpany while pampering themselves.


    -----


    "Chu -- I think I''m prettier than ever~!" Churu eximed following Lexi whose on her way to the small restaurant where she dines with Ethan Lu. Since Lexi was craving for the dan dan noodle she had a few days ago with Ethan Lu, she decided to visit the small restaurant because their hired chefs can''t copy its taste. Hence, even if she covered herself with a face mask and huge sses, she still went out to eat.


    ''I know. Next time, I''ll treat you something better.'' Lexi responded telepathically.


    "Really?!" hearing her reply, Churu''s eyes glimmer in anticipation. She added; "why are you being too nice, chu~?"


    ''Don''t know.'' With that said honest answer, Lexi entered the simple restaurant. As usual, the ce was packed but had still enough space for a few customers to seat and enjoy the ''home'' atmosphere it gave off.


    After Lexi said her orders, she sat at the corner table at the diner, waiting for her food. Soon, the mouth-watering, enticing aroma the god gifted creation was served which made Lexi smile a little in excitement albeit evidently.


    Knowing that no one recognizes her around and Ethan Lu wasn''t there -- Lexi ate her bowl of noodles with delight yet in a disciplined manner.


    Unbeknownst to her knowledge, the moment the food was served to her and her attention was solely focused on the noodles, a dashing man with his tantalizing eyes and perfectly carved facial features entered the premises. The moment Ethan Lu step his foot on his favorite restaurant, a smiling girl on the corner of the ce immediately caught his eyes which made the side of his lips curled upward.

 Chapter 13 siblings

    <h4>Chapter 13 siblings</h4>


    Ethan Lu was about to approach Lexi but was stopped by his vibrating phone. Pulling his smartphone, Ethan''s brows raised seeing the caller id of Morris. ncing at Lexi''s side profile, Ethan Lu gestured at one of the crews then whisper a few words.


    The young staff nodded in understanding that made the every dazzling Ethan smile. He taps the youth shoulder before he wordlessly left the premises.


    Just as he exited the small restaurant, Ethan Lu answered the iing call.


    "Br --"


    "Meet me now. I''ll send you the location." With that said note, Morris hangs up not giving way to Ethan to respond. Ethan Lu frowned by Morris usual call for help. Even so, he nces back at the restaurant behind him before shaking his head before hitching on his ride.


    ----


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    Lexivished her noodles as if she was in a five-star restaurant. Every sip and piece she eats warm her heart and made her a little flush as if it makes her fall for it.


    "Is it that good, chu?" Churu innocently inquired seeing Lexi''s expression that she never show to others.


    "It is -- sad to be you¡­ you can''t have a taste." Lexi teased audibly. Obviously, her view of Churu improves and now consider her as her only true friend. Hence, Lexi''s attitude and how she treats Churu improve as well.


    Churu pouted that made her cute even more. By the way Lexi was in high-spirit just eating a food that doesn''t seem to par on the dishesid on the Yang mansion''s dining table yet, she was much expressive showing her inkling to the noodles she was eating right now.


    If anyone recognizes Lexi, they''ll probably think that she had gone mad and will surely cause a scandal if a video was taken. Fortunately, the general customer are elderly and seems to not care on the entertainment industry as they were more inclined in news about politics and its affairs.


    Suddenly, the young crew that Ethan approached serve another te of dumplings. Lexi grins as her gazes back and forth from the dumplings and the talking white bun in front of her.


    "Young Miss, you are young master Lu''s friend from a couple of days ago, right? The owner wants to treat you our special dumpling -- on the house." the young crew bowed before rying the message from Ethan Lu with great respect.


    Lexi''s eyes dte by the words spouted by the young waiter, yet, she only nodded without thinking too much. Seeing that the dish was epted, the young man bowed again before he scoots away.


    After the youth left, Lexi just stares at the delicately made dumplings in bewilderment. Surely, Ethan Lu must be a friend of the owner and the crew recognizes him because aside from his family status, he seems he was a regr in this ce.


    Since Lexi was craving for the one of a kind dan dan noodles she ate in that ce, she asked their private chef to make just like it. However, despite that the chef did a good job, but, it doesn''t have the same taste by the food this small restaurant was serving. Hence, without too much thought, she went out and ate out instead.


    Looking around, Lexi heaves a sigh of relief that Ethan Lu wasn''t around. Thus, she took the waiter''s statement that the owner probably wants to have a good word of the young master of the Lu family.


    "Chu?" Churu tilts her head peering at the speechless Lexi.


    "I think I lost my mind the day Imitted suicide. I am being too careless." Lexi murmurs; unaware that she spat her words loudly for Churu to hear.


    "You are always careless, chu." Churu corrected her referring to her past deeds before they met.


    Hearing the unweed response of Churu, Lexi''s brows arc. "Churu, do you want to join your siblings?" referring to the dumplings that were served.


    "You are bad, chu! Bad Lexi, chu!" Churu flew meters away from her while stomping her feet angrily on the air. Lexi can''t help but giggle as Churu was just too cute and teasing her was a helpful stress reliever and a great distraction.


    "Kidding," after Lexi got a hold of herughter, she stops teasing Churu and ate the dumplings with great delight.

 Chapter 14 Why are you happy, chu?

    <h4>Chapter 14 Why are you happy, chu?</h4>


    Lexi filled herself with delight with Churu''spany. After she had done, she was about to pay her bill but the crew said that the food she had eaten and whenever she dines there -- her meals will always be free; which cause a little shock to her.


    Though Lexi still insisted on paying her meal, no matter how she negotiates, they won''t take her money. Hence, Lexi conceded and just showed her respect and appreciation.


    After Lexi left, a old grandma in a simple attire was watching Lexi exit the premises with a warm smile on her face.


    "What a good girl," she mutters in delight.


    ----


    [inside Lexi''s car]


    Lexi was all smiles on her way home. Churu who was staring at her had a curious face, she inquired.


    "Why are you happy, chu?"


    "Nothing¡­ It just feels good to have a free meal."


    Indeed, Lexi wasn''t used to have free meals as she knew that there is no free lunch in the world. Furthermore, with her wealth and all, none of her so-called friends treat her over a meal. It was always her who pays their meals and drinks whenever she hangs out with them -- obviously taking advantage of her. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    Despite knowing that, to Lexi, she acknowledge them as her friends, thus, she didn''t mind. s, on the lowest time of her life, none of her so-called friends console or share her burden.


    Thus, Lexi''s aggression towards Morris heightened and her frustration to everyone worsen. But now, it still somehow made her happy even though they are treating her kindly because she ate there with Ethan Lu on the first hand.


    Churu smiled brightly sensing the good mood Lexi has. After all, Churu was sort of attached to Lexi''s feelings. Hence, whenever she was happy or frustrated -- Churu could feel it too.


    "Why are you smiling too?" Lexi''s brows raised towards Churu, curious why she suddenly looked happy.


    "Because you are happy -- Churu is also happy, chu~!" Churu admitted cheerfully then she danced; moving her ''hips'' sideways while her hands were waving in the air.


    Lexiughed heartily as she finds Churu adorable. Soon, Lexi''s stone cold heart warmed up a little as for the first time in her second chance in life which made herughed genuinely.


    Churu continued her performaced for a while until Lexi asked her to stop.


    ---


    Reaching the Yang family mansion, Lexi leisurely unbuckled her seatbelt before she turned her attention to Churu who''s sitting on the passenger seat.


    "Alright, sissy. We''re here." with that said note, Lexi exited her car and took strides inside the grand mansion. While Churu flew andnd on her shoulder.


    The moment Lexi entered their majestic living area, her smile froze in an instant as her eyesnded on the people sitting on their expensive-looking sofas.


    There, his father was perched on the head seat, while her mother was sat on the right side of father Yang. In front of her mother sat the cold yet exquisite man -- it was none other than Morris Liu.


    Currently, Morris and her parents were peacefully conversing as if there nothing happened between the two parties. The instant her presence was noticed by her mother, she eximed.


    "Lexi! Dear, where have you been? Morris have been waiting for you since forever." Mother Yang approached her with her usual warm and motherly tone before she held Lexi''s sweating hands and guided her on the sofa where they were chatting.


    Lexi bowed her head in respect to her father but her eyes unconsciously shifted to Morris who was coldly staring at her.


    ''Sissy? Can you mindread?'' Lexi panicked hence, she inquired Churu via telephatically.


    ''No, chu~." Churu frowned sensing the uneasiness that is slowly creeping in on Lexi''s heart.


    "Bro -- CEO Liu, what are you doing here?" Lexi awkwardly inquired, still standing on her father''s side.


    "Lexi -- sit down." Father Yang firmly demanded and was evidently displeased by how Lexi addressed Morris Liu.


    Granting that Morris did put a ton of pressure on theirpany and push them to the edge, s, his action was understandable because Lexi was in the wrong in the first ce.


    Therefore, even though Father Yang''s view towards Morris Liu changed and doesn''t approve to be his future son-inw anymore, but, as a businessman, Father Yang knew that Morris Liu helds the life of theirpany. Reasons why he must dismissed his dismay on Morris past action.


    "Morris is here to apologize about his aggressive action." Mother Yang informed Lexi in a gentle tone which made Lexi''s eyes widen in disbelief.


    ''Not true, chu!" Churu humped angrily -- not believing the words she heard.

 Chapter 15 for a happier life

    <h4>Chapter 15 for a happier life</h4>


    "As I was saying, Uncle Fred -- I truly apologize for my immature act from the past." Morris t and inexpressive tone can make one twitch because he was obviously insincere with all the words he spats. He resumed,


    "I''ll stop putting pressure on yourpany and hope that you can forgive me."


    "Don''t worry, Morris. It''s our fault in the first ce to let Lexi interfere with your affairs." Father Yang''s jaw tightens before he answers Morris implying that he is not the one to me.


    After the pleasantries and the forgiven act, Frederick Yang ordered Lexi who was keeping her silence since the beginning to send Morris off.


    ---


    Outside the Yang family mansion; driveway


    Lexi''s shoulder was tensed as her hands were clenched into a fist. Earlier, Morris was obviously unting his power in front of her. Though she must be d that he lifted his verdict towards her family business, s, Lexi''s heart tightens seeing her father swallow his pride and let Morris trample his dignity as the man of the house.


    Following Morris from behind, Lexi can''t contain her emotions any longer. She raised her head as tears started to form on the corner of her eyes yet, with Lexi''s great resistant, it won''t fall off -- no matter what.


    "Do you really have to do it?"


    "Do what?" Morris Liu turns to face Lexi''s aggravate expression. He arcs his brows as he feigns his innocence. He continued, "Miss Yang, you knelt down to me earlier, begging me to stop targetting yourpany -- so I did. Don''t tell me, I also need to stoop so low to ask for forgiveness to the parents who almost ruined my life?"


    "Ruined your life? What do you think you did to me?"


    "I returned the favor." Morris coldly response without any guilt in his eyes. Examining her proud yet on the verge of crying expression, Morris turns around in annoyance. He added,


    "Your offer earlier -- I''m looking forward to it." and the Morris entered on the back seat of the car before it sped away.


    Lexi was rooted on the ground hearing hisst remarks. So, Morris acted as if he forgive and wanted to start over with her family but actually, his real intention and the root cause of changing his mind is because of the offer she gave about arranging a meeting with Mr. Tanaka.


    When Morris car is nowhere to be seen, the tears that Lexi was holding back finally set free as it taints her cheeks. Whether its the fact that Lexi witnessed her father to bootlick Morris or how Morris bullies her to his heart''s content -- she felt pained and burden.


    "Don''t cry, chu." Churu attempts to console her with her cute high-pitched voice. s, her words were left shun as Lexi hangs her head low -- wiping her tears.


    After some time, Lexi finally calms herself and stops her now puffy eyes from producing salt liquids. Raising her head, Lexi peered at the mansion''s enormous gate.


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    "Churu, why is it so hard to forget someone even though he hurts and only causes you pain and misery?"


    "Don''t worry, chu. You''ll get over that bastard! He doesn''t deserve you, chu!" Churu responded still infuriated at Morris cold and harsh treatment.


    "Why do you think he doesn''t deserve me?"


    "You are pretty, chu -- just like me! Smart and elegant, chu~!" Churu showered Lexi withpliments to make her feel better, at least.


    Lexi slightly giggles by how obvious Churu''s gesture and words. Lexi then pats Churu''s head as her usual sharp gaze softens. "It''s good to have you with me." before Lexi knew it, her words left her mouth.


    Churu slightly flushed in happiness feeling that Lexi was slightly showing her affection towards the little dumpling. "Hehe. and the system, chu! Let''s have a happy life from now on, chu!"


    "Hmm."


    "And meet a lot of great guys!" Churu added, being carried away with the topic.


    ''No, no more ''guys'', for now. Let''s focus on Mr. Initial Task.'' Lexi replied inwardly as she made her way inside their house.


    "Yes, chu~! For a happier life!"


    ''For a happier life... '' Lexi repeated -- setting her mindset to find her own happiness and would only focus on the people that care for her and not someone like Morris who won''t see her worth. Finally, Lexi wanted to set herself free from the chains of the unrequited love she has for Morris and just live a better and happier life.

 Chapter 16 Lexi version 2.0

    <h4>Chapter 16 Lexi version 2.0</h4>


    In the middle of the night, Lexi keeps on turning her body from side to side as she can''t find herself to sleep. Staring at the well-designed ceiling, her mind was quite muddled with all the affairs she must take.


    "What wrong, chu?" suddenly, Churu appeared in front of her with a questioning expression on her face. Since Lexi was quite ustomed to her, hence, she didn''t mind her abrupt appearance as Lexi honestly mutters her concern.


    "I just¡­ you know -- repenting."


    "You''re forgiven, chu!" Churu affirmed with her ever sweet voice. She added, "Isn''t it obvious?" referring to her second chance at life including the existence of the system and her.


    "Yeah, whatever." Lexi rolls her eyes before repositioning herself and soon fell asleep.


    ---


    After two days of researching more about her priority in the L-tech innovative financingpany, Lexi was now ready for battle.


    Standing in front of the mirror on her walked-in closet, Lexi was satisfied with her seemingly simple yet sophisticated business attire. With a white deep v-neck sleeve matched with a well-ironed nude in hue high waist cks that emboss her noticeable height and nude patent pointed toe heels.


    "You look super gorgeous, chu!" Churu''s eyes gleam seeing Lexi in her battle suit. Indeed, Lexi had it all -- beauty, wealth and brains plus her natural ssy demeanor. No wonder that her fame rose the instant she joined the entertainment industry albeit her crashed after all the scandal was also harsh and painful.


    Nheless, Churu can''t help but admire the sophisticated beauty standing before her. In her mind, Lexi''s'' profile was meant to be admired.


    Grabbing an expensive tailored coat with the same nude color, her attire was nowplete which satisfied Lexi and Churu even more.


    "Shall we?" Turning her attention to the flying dumpling, Lexi invited before taking strides outside her luxurious, dream-like walked-in closet.


    ---


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    On the grandiose living area, her father Frederick and her mother Lillian Yang were having a peaceful tea. Turning their attention to their majestic looking daughter, they were curious where she was heading wearing a nice semi-formal attire.


    "Dear, where are you heading?" Lillian Yang softly inquired while putting down her cup of tea and ced it on the small exquisitely designed table.


    "Just about to meet someone." Lexi shrugs as she made her way towards her parent then slightly bow to show her respect to them.


    "Your friends?" Fred instigates.


    "Dad, I don''t have friends -- just one." Lexi halts midway of her sentence then quickly nce on Churu who was now on top of the small table. Churu widely smiled knowing that it was her who she was referring.


    "I see. Who is it? The young miss Che Diayu?" Lillian inquired as her gaze follows her daughter as Lexi sits beside her.


    "No? Mom, the friend I was talking about, though she looks like a dumpling -- small and chunky, she is rather cute and pure. Diayu isn''t cute nor pure, duh?" Lexi rolls her eyes being reminded of that brat Che Diayu who she treated as a friend but betrayed and took advantage of her downfall to get all her resources as an artist.


    Surely, people will show their true colors at the lowest time of an individual. Hence, Lexi can now only see who''s on her side and the people who have a pure intention to her.


    "Oh dear, promise me, you won''t cause any trouble again." Lillian felt troubled hearing her usual sassiness towards her view to others. Granting that Che Diayu and her daughter had aplicated friendship, s, she doesn''t want her good daughter to lose her mind again by the influences caused by her so-called friends.


    In Lillian''s mind, Lexi was originally a filial and bright child. Though her face was intimidating by the sharpness of her eyes and other facial features that makes people think that she is a fierce woman but, in contrast, she believes that her daughter is a sweet person.


    The reason why she can''t almost recognize her daughter when she was chasing after Morris and did her wrong deeds.


    Staring back at her worried mother, Lexi ced her soft hands on her mother''s, she reassured, "Mom, I know I did trouble you from my past action but now, all I want is for us to be happy. Revenge is a waste of time and energy -- I learned from my past mistakes and I will not take that route again."


    Frederick and Lillian almost jolted from their seat and they can''t believe their ears hearing Lexi''s reassurance. Just a month ago, they can''t almost talk to her about letting Morris go and just live her life to the fullest but it seems that their daughter turned to a new leaf after her suicide attempt.


    "You might not believe me but, I will prove it to you. I won''t let mommy and daddy down this time." Lexi added as the corner of her lips curled upward -- smiling sweetly to her mother then shift her gaze to her dignified father.


    Churu who''s witnessing their family time showed her thumbs up as if cheering their family''s peace and harmony tost.

 Chapter 17 meeting an old sfriends

    <h4>Chapter 17 meeting an old ''sfriend''s</h4>


    [Inside a fancy restaurant]


    Lexi elegantly sips her tea as she nced at the very few people inside the premises. Since the establishment was meant for important and wealthy people, Lexi could recognize a few of the familiar faces from the entertainment and business industry.


    However, despite the humiliation that was dawned on her by the scandal Morris scattered, Lexi kept her stoic expression -- not minding some of the odd nces that were cast upon her.


    "Are you sure that Mr. Tanaka is here? chu?" Churu inquired as she also scrutinized the whole area as if she was a little soldier -- ready for an iing attack.


    ''No, but it''s worth the try.'' Lexi responded telepathically. Though she already tried to make a proper appointment to Wren Tanaka, s, she was told that the CEO Tanaka wasn''t avable at the moment and the arrangement might probably take a few months due to his busy schedule.


    "How would you know if it was him, chu?" the little dumpling inquired again. Since after all the research Lexi had done, they didn''t gather a single photo of the said respectable man. Hence, Churu was quite intrigued by how will Lexi knew who is her target.


    ''I''ll hear it. Sissy, in this kind of ce, a hotshot tycoon would be treated differently with manyckeys or girls apanying him.'' Lexi said in a matter-of-factly tone. The reason why she needs to properly observe her surrounding and listen very carefully.


    ''Ohh¡­ were gonna eavesdrop, chu!'' Churu was on fire hearing their certain mission and her almost non-evident ears doubled it sized.


    Seeing her earnest to help, Lexi can''t help but chuckle by Churu''s adorable determination. Surely, Churu is the friend she needed who pushed her to do the things that should be done despite the task given by the system.


    As Lexi elegantly sips her tea, she heard a very familiar voice of someone she clearly remembers.


    "Lexi?"


    Arching her brows, Lexi slowly puts down her cup of tea as sheposed herself and turn her head to the side with ss.


    "Che Diayu?"


    "Oh my god, Lexi! It''s really you!" Che Diayu shamelessly took the seat opposite her as if she was excited to see her friend Lexi. She added, "How are you? I heard you --" s, she paused as if she hesitates to say the obvious.


    ''Great! Of all people, why would I have to see this fake?'' Lexi ridiculed inwardly as she was itching to roll her eyes and just pretend that she didn''t see Che Diayu. s, Lexi had her priorities and she can''t just leave even though one of the most hated people in her life is now in front of her. Hence, Lexi smiles back as if she was unaffected by Che Diayu''s presence.


    "I''m fine, Diayu. Thanks for your concern."


    Quickly ncing at her seemingly casual attire, Che Diayu was wearing a floral designed pink off-shoulder dress that showcases her sexy corbones with a multiyered rose gold ne. Her chocte brown hair had big curls and her skin was as white as a sheet that perfectly matched her pink dress.


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    Indeed, Che Diayu seems elegant and had a gentle temperament by her attire and if Lexi doesn''t know her better -- she might think that this young miss of the Che n is the sign of purity and innocence.


    However, that is not the case because if Lexi was entitled to be a White Lotus -- Che Diayu, on the other hand, can also be considered a green tea b*tch.


    "You don''t know how worried I am when I heard about the news. I want to visit you but my schedule had been tighttely." Che Diayu frown, showing her disheartened about her part as a friend yet, the meaning behind her words contain boasting as if indirectly telling Lexi that all the projects that were meant for Lexi were now hers.


    "It''s fine. I understand."


    Che Diayu was taken aback by Lexi''s calm response as she was well-versed about Lexi''s edgy attitude. If it was before, Lexi would probably ridicule her and act like a diva she used to be. But now, she just acted as if she didn''t pick up the meaning behind her words and acted as if she understood like a considerate human being.

 Chapter 18 your whole face is a joke!

    <h4>Chapter 18 your whole face is a joke!</h4>


    Lexi tilts her head pretending that she was confused by the shocked expression that was stered across Che Diayu''s face. In her mind, Lexi finds her reaction funny as she knew that Che Diayu didn''t saw her changeing.


    "Diayu?" snapping her old ''friend'' to reality, Lexi audibly called out.


    "Uh, sorry. I spaced out -- you know,ck of sleep due to work. So, who are you meeting here?" Che Diayu instantly recovered from her shock as she diverts their conversation back to Lexi again. She added; "it''s not CEO Liu, right?"


    "Sadly, it''s not. I am just here to unwind." Lexi calmly answers as she takes her cup of tea and slowly took a sip. She deliberately just answer and didn''t ask back to indirectly shoo Che Diayu away. s, Che Diayu won''t seem to take notice or probably, just feigning ignorance about that fact.


    "Here? I remember you don''t like this ce as you think that the food served here doesn''t pass your standard." Che Diayu''s brows raised as she recalled Lexi''s words from the past.


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    "People change." still keeping her ssy demeanor, Lexi spats in a trivial tone which made Che Diayu slowly nods in acknowledgment yet, her expression tells otherwise. Thinking about another topic, Che Diayu''s eyes beam as she found a thing to unt towards her.


    "Well, if you''re curious why I am here, it''s because I have a date!" she imed -- even though Lexi isn''t interested about her reason why she was here. After all, this is a restaurant and every elite can go there to eat without any other reason.


    ''No one''s interested, chu! How annoying!'' Churu sassed as her face had an ugly expression just looking at the intruder who interrupts their mission.


    ''I know right. Can''t you do something like a whisper on her ears for her to leave?'' Lexi inquired inwardly thinking of ridiculous ways to scat the annoyingdy prattling in front of her.


    ''If only I can, I already spill this water to her, chu!'' Churu was fuming mad as she attempts to kick the ss of water on the table to Che Diayu''s direction but sadly, she can''t as her little foot was just going through the ss.


    ''Are you a ghost or something?'' since Lexi wasn''t interested in Che Diayu''s story, she might as well just talk to Churu telepathically as it is more fun than hearing Che Diayu''s boastful words.


    ''I told you I''m a fairy, chu!''


    ''Fairy¡­ huh, though you can fly, where are your wings?'' despite that Lexi''s inquiry was spouted without exerting much IQ, she still found her question silly. s, Lexi can only be this silly and show her no-brainer question to Churu -- her only real friend who won''t judge her and treat her with pretense.


    "Wings are not important, chu! Even without them at least I can still fly!" Churu justified her side as she ced her hands on her round waist.


    Seeing her all defensive, Lexi can''t help but let out a light giggle. s, her actions stop the talking Che Diayu who was being ignored.


    "What''s so funny Lexi? Did I say something funny?"


    ''You look funny, chu! Your whole face is a joke!'' Churu dissed taking advantage of the fact that the person she was referring cannot hear her.


    "No, no. I was just reminded of something funny I saw a few days ago. I''m sorry." Lexi almost burst outughing hearing Churu''s mischievous words but, she held it in as she excused her seemingly rude action. She added, "you were saying?"


    Che Diayu''s brows raised as if she sees Lexi as a weird person now and not the cruel girl she used to tail. Clearing her throat, she repeated her words. "I said, I am going to a date with the new and added to the list of the most eligible bachelor of the country; Wren Tanaka."


    For a moment, Lexi was stunned and cannot believe her ears by the words Che Diayu uttered. Hence, she repeated to confirm, "with who?"


    "Wren Tanaka. The CEO of L-Tech innovative financingpany!" Che Diayu dly announced seeing the surprise expression on Lexi''s face.


    ''Huh, envious now?'' Che Diayu mocked inwardly as a subtle smirk form on the corners of her lips.

 Chapter 19 meeting Wren Tanaka

    <h4>Chapter 19 meeting Wren Tanaka</h4>


    "You know him?" Che Diayu brazenly provoking tone wasn''t kept in check thus, it instantly showed her real side. However, she cannot care less as her agenda in getting back on Lexi''s ''maltreatment'' to her in the past was aplished.


    ''Now you are only the young miss of the Yang n and not the future madam of the Liu Family, while I, will be the future Madam Tanaka.'' Che Diayu mocked inwardly. Just the thought of making Wren Tanaka fall head over heels to her can boost her ego.


    Of course, Lexi knew the meaning behind Che Diayu''s obvious smirk as she has the same egotistical mentality before having the title of future madam Liu. Hence, girls like Che Diayu tries to curry favor to her. But now that the tables have been turned, it was now Che Diayu''s turn to feel superior by her delusional title.


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    Even so, though Lexi knew her disposition, she will never, ever bow her head to someone like Che Diayu even if her ims were true. Moreover, if it was true, then, she will have to take advantage of the opportunity served at her.


    "I don''t, but I heard about him. So you''re meeting him today?" Lexi smiles brightly pretending that she didn''t understand the contempt from Che Diayu.


    "Yes --Oh, he''s here!" Che Diayu''s eyes lit up when Wren Tanaka''s figure was caught on the corner of her eyes. She raised her hand for a wave, s, realizing that she became a little unreserved -- she immediately retracted them awkwardly.


    On the other hand, Lexi followed Che Diayu''s gaze, and there, she saw a man who seems to be on his early 20''s and was being guided by the manager of the establishment. Wren Tanaka was wearing a trendy business suit with a branded brand sleeve that was oveyed by a blinding hue of the sun, yellow that only the cor of his sleeve was seen underneath --bined with a Caruso blue jacket.


    His studded ears also added to the effect of looking a corporate easy going type of guy which gave Lexi the impression that she must have been looking at the wrong person. In her perspective, she expected the man named Wren Tanaka must have bear the same demeanor as the sessful Morris Liu and not a boy next door type of socialite.


    However, after scanning the whole premises, only Wren could be seen standing as he just entered the premises which made Lexi''s brows to raised in disbelief.


    ''Wow, he''s handsome, chu!'' Churuplimented as she was stunned by the audacious stylist bearing of the man.


    Retracting her gaze, Lexiposed herself as she quickly reached for her cup of tea to take a sip. Soon, Wren''s cheerful voice reached her ears. "Oh, you''re here!"


    Che Diayu who was now pretending that she didn''t notice the entrance of Wren slowly turns her gaze to his direction before she meekly smiles like a gentle and reserved maiden which made Lexi''s brows twitch.


    ''She is really good at ying this role.'' she sassed inwardly witnessing another pretentious act of Che Diayu. She never sees it before or rather, she was probably too busy chasing after Morris Liu that she took a blind eye to Che Diayu''s fake friendship.


    "Brother Wren --" Che Diayu jolted from her seat as she acted nervously whilst putting her hands together below. She then slightly bow courteously as if she was a shy innocent girl from the past.


    Lexi and Churu who was a spectator on the side scoff in disgust seeing Che Diayu''s 360 degrees change of personality real quick. "Your judgment in seeing friends is now questionable, chu! How can you not see her y pretend?!"


    Churu turned her bewildered gaze to Lexi who kept her unmoved front in check. Taking a light deep breath, Lexi responded, ''Let the past stay in the past alright?''


    Soon, Wren Tanaka reached their table with a bright smile as if he has no worries in the world. On Lexi''s peripheral vision, she could see Wren altered his gaze back and forth from Che Diayu and Lexi before he raised his brows, he inquired. "Hanging out with a friend?"


    "Uh -- No, we just happen to bump into each other." for some reason, Che Diayu panicked which Lexi notice instantly.


    "Hi, My surname is Tanaka, Tanaka Wren. Nice meeting you." Wren kindly introduced him as he held his hand for a handshake. Seeing his kind gesture, Lexi elegantly stood from her seat and receive his hand for a handshake, she replied.


    "Myst name is Yang; Lexi Yang. Nice to finally meet you Mr. Tanaka."

 Chapter 20 Luck is also a skill

    <h4>Chapter 20 Luck is also a skill</h4>


    "Oh? You''re the young miss of the Yang family? I heard a lot about you." Wren happily opened a conversation. s, to Lexi, she assumed that he must have heard the huge fit about her suicide attempt and their alleged bankruptcy. Hence, Lexi could only smile back while keeping her mouth shut. After all, the phrase the less you talk, the less you make mistakes must be applied as she needs to leave a good impression to him.


    "Well? Am I disturbing youdies?" Wren inquired. However, his inquiry piqued Lexi''s interest since Che Diayu already said they were going on a date but by the looks of it, Wren seems to have his own purpose of going there.


    "No, not at all. I shall take my leave so you can continue your date." Lexi smiles as she courteously bowed her head and took her purse. On the other hand, Wren''s brows knit in confusion.


    "Date? Who? Me and Miss Che? Nah."


    Hearing Wren''s denying their ''date'' without batting an eye, Che Diayu was stood rooted on the ground -- rendered speechless. If they weren''t going on a date, then why would he ask her to meet him there?


    Lexi can''t help but giggle inwardly having a glimpse of the stupid expression on Che Diayu''s face. Since earlier, she was rather annoyed by Che Diayu''s constant boasting and innocent act. Thus, being humiliated like this, she can''t help but feel relieved.


    ''Huh, now you know how I felt back then.'' Lexi thought inwardly being reminded of how Morris will deny her existence to her friends and to other people. If it weren''t for the fact that she was the heiress of the Yang business, Lexi might probably hear a lot of ridiculing remarks. Fortunately, she has a good family background so she can always keep her chin high with her usual proud front.


    "Hmmm. Why don''t we eat together then? Mind if I join you,dies?" Wren shamelessly proposed. Lexi didn''t answer immediately as if she pondered about it before she slowly nods in agreement.


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    ''You really have nice luck, chu!'' Churu giddily showed a thumbs up to Lexi as they are making progress about Lexi''s real agenda.


    ''Luck is also a skill.'' Lexi telepathically affirmed in triumph. Though her initial n was to eavesdrop when Wren arrived and pick up a few conversations here and there to know a bit more about the man, and maybe have a glimpse of him to make a perfect n for an offer that he cannot refuse.


    However, all her bad luck before must have been tired of showering her and she was now blessed with only good luck. Hence, she will take this chance to befriend Wren before proposing a business deal with her. After all, she can''t just approach him bluntly about the arrangement she had in mind as it can also leave a bad impression and might end up on his bad side.


    Not long after, Wren perched on the other side of the elegantly square designed table, while Lexi on his left and Che Diayu on his right side. Quickly casting their side profile a nce, he invited as he merrily sped his hands.


    "Well? Dig in!"


    As they eat, Che Diayu keeps her silence with her head hang low as she takes a spoonful of soup. On the other side, Lexi was low key observing their interaction and she could tell that Wren isn''t interested in Che Diayu. How did she know? Well, to someone like her who was in a one-sided love for years, she can tell it with just one look.


    "So, Miss Yang, as you can see, I''m new here but I always admire yourpany''s operation and its contribution to the industry."


    "Thank you for the kind words, CEO Tanaka. I feel ttered by how you regard my father''s hard work." Lexi spouted her thanks with her ssy demeanor, knowing that Wren was only trying to tter her but really don''t mean it. After all, flowery words are often used by businessmen. For some reason, Wren pleasedly smiled by her response.


    "Hehe. are you also invited to the event that the Yue family will be hosting?" Wren nonchntly inquired --pletely forgetting about Che Diayu''s presence.


    "Hmm?" Lexi was slightly confused by his words. Surely, there is a Yue family she vaguely knew about but she never paid attention to them or rather, she hadn''t been paying attention in the business affairs for a long time. Hence, she doesn''t know what''s exactly going on aside from the new oriental branch of L-Tech innovative financingpany.


    "You know, you should attend -- you''ll experience a whole different level of connection there." Wren smugly grinned as he was promoting a certain someone''s business ever since he arrives and while he''s at it -- he won''t forget to raised that person''s chair as if he was worshipping her.


    Moreover, based on his observation to the Yangpany and Lexi, he was satisfied and found them a prospect business partner in the future. After all, the Yang n was clean from all illegal corruption in the business world.

 Chapter 21 I want to marry him, chu~!

    <h4>Chapter 21 I want to marry him, chu~!</h4>


    "Well?" Wren smile as he tilts his head looking straight at Lexi.


    Meekly smiling back, Lexi responded courtly, "If CEO Tanaka proposed, how can I refuse? However, I am not sure myself if the Yang family were invited to a grand event of the Yue family."


    "Worry not, I invited you. So, I don''t think that''s a problem." Wren confidently reassured. After all, almost the guest was all his invites. Indeed, the miss of the Yue family made good use of him which benefited her a lot.


    "Thank you, CEO Tanaka."


    "Wren. Call me Wren."


    "Alright, Wr -- Wren." Lexi slightly hesitated by the close address of the first name. Ultimately, in country X, they would not address someone in their first name if they are not a close friend or had an established rtionship. But, considering that Wren Tanaka came from a foreign country albeit had mixed blood, it is understandable that he will be a little carefree.


    "Woah -- I want to marry him, chu~!" Churu''s eyes gleam in delight as she never took away her gaze from Wren since the very start.


    ''Sissy, please conduct yourself with dignity.'' Lexi almost spat the water she was drinking when she heard Churu''s promation. Surely, this little bun though small and cute that can bepared to a child; she has the mind of a woman. Which made Lexi think if she did get a talking manual or a defective spirit.


    "Eh?" Churu who seemed that can''tprehend about the words Lexi spat finally turns her head towards Lexi.


    ''I''m pretty sure you know I said those words in the past and end up dead.'' If Lexi could roll her eyes, she would. s, since she was in front of the respectable Wren Tanaka and the almost non-existent Che Diayu, Lexi doesn''t want to embarrass herself that might lead to a huge misunderstanding.


    Churu, on the other hand, frowned and hump, crossing her arms -- disying her displeasure about Lexi''s words. Seeing her reaction, Lexi slightly shakes her head.


    Soon, the unforeseen meal ended when Wren received a call from a friend. "Nice meeting you again, Ms. Yang." Wren held out his hand for a handshake which Lexi didn''t refuse and epted it right away.


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you too, CEO Tanaka." Lexi responded keeping her calm poise. However, inside her mind, she was jubting that she took a huge leap on making an acquaintance with the CEO of L-Tech innovative financingpany.


    "Ah, right. Ms. Che, I''m sorry but I have to cancel out date. My assistant will send you home, alright?" Wren nonchntly uttered as if he didn''t deny the ims of Che Diayu earlier. Even so, he seems to not care as he immediately rushed to where he was heading -- leaving Che Diayu and Lexi Yang.


    When Lexi was sure that Wren was gone, she raised both her brows with a knowing smirk on the side of her lips.


    "Well, Ms. Che, if I can excuse myself --"


    "Huh, what a b*tch." Che Diayu faintly mumbles with her head still hanging low.


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    "Excuse me?" Lexi who vaguely heard her words knitted her brows. Although Lexi roughly heard what Che Diayu said, she understood what she meant. Hence, when she sessfully stood from her seat, she held her chin high -- anticipating on what would Che Diayu embarrass herself.


    "I said, you really are a seductress." Che Diayu who kept her head low since the moment Wren denied her existence, finally raised her head to meet Lexi''s. She added in a hissed,


    "I see how you seduce brother Wren and how you look at him. How tasteless."


    If this were before, Lexi would definitely drag Che Diayu by her hair or p her hard. However, times change and even though she was being used of something that she never did nor had an intention to do so, it didn''t have any impact on her anymore.


    Lexi only sees her old self on Che Diayu. How Che Diayu looks at her with disdain and how she rationalized Wren''s action -- believing that it was Lexi''s fault, not the one who declined her existence.


    "Huh, poor you." s, no matter how Lexi sympathized her, she would rather not show it and keep her unfazed front intact. With that said note, Lexi lightly sighs and left Che Diayu who looks at her filled with malicious intent.


    ''So now that the engagement between you and Morris Liu was called off -- you''ll find someone else to cling on? Dream on, Lexi Yang. Wren Tanaka is mine!'' Che Diayu proimed inwardly as her hate towards the ''humiliation'' she received earlier were all med on Lexi; swearing a vendetta.

 Chapter 22 This is progress, bun bun!

    <h4>Chapter 22 This is progress, bun bun!</h4>


    When Lexi arrives home, she immediately headed straight to her father''s study. Knocking on the door, sheposed herself as if to conceal that she didn''t rush her way home.


    "Come in." from the inside of the room, she heard her father respond which she instantly abides and went inside the study room. There, she saw his father looking at the pile of documents which she is certain about theirpanies problem and affairs.


    "You''re home, already?" seeing his elegant daughter, he inquired.


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    Father Yang put his work on a stop as he stood from his desk and started taking strides towards the set of sofas and he gestured his daughter to take a seat. When both father and daughter duo was facing each other, Lexi didn''t go around in circles as she delved into her main concern.


    "Are we, perhaps invited to the Yue family event?"


    Her first inquiry made Father Yang furrowed his brows in confusion. But seeing the eager eyes of Lexi, he honestly replied. "I received an invitation."


    "Can I present our family?" Lexi''s eyes lit up. Though Wren invited her himself, s, she wanted to confirm if the Yang family were invited. In that case, it won''t seem that she only squeeze her way to the event by clinging to an influential man and could keep her head high as the representative of the Yang family -- without Wren''s help.


    "I don''t n to send anyone or attend to the Yue banquet." After a brief silence, Frederick Yang slightly shakes his head which made Lexi creased her brows.


    "Why? I heard that the Yue family is now rising and building lots of connection. If we attend there, we might find someone who wants to invest in ourpany and will probably save ourpany."


    "Lexi¡­ My daughter, I know that. But, it''s the Yue family."


    "What? I don''t understand..."


    "Lexi, you won''t understand even if I exin it to you." Father Yang''s gentle gaze looked at Lexi''s confused and baffled eyes. It''s evident on her that she clearly doesn''t understand his father reasoning but Frederick seemed unwilling to say any rification.


    "Dad, I don''t know the reason behind your refusal but¡­ ourpany is on the brink of bankruptcy. It''s my fault in the first ce why this is happening and Morris -- he doesn''t want to help us, really... His real intention is to eat the whole Yang family, you know that." Lexi closed her eyes and the moment she opens them again, her gaze was filled with detemination.


    Though she loved and still has some lingering feelings for Morris, s, the suicide, the indignation and the scene of her father bootlicking Morris -- how can she not forget that the reason why they were in this kind of situation is because of her and her naive young love?


    Hence, no matter what, Lexi wanted to free herself and her family from Morris grasp. Moreover, she swore to live a better and happy life. To do that, she has needed to put an end to it by making an arrangement with Wren and Morris. After all, meeting Wren Tanaka in a business meeting is good enough since the man is selling hot in the business industry.


    Seeing how determined and knowing the reason why Lexi was too inclined about the event, Frederick let out a heavy sigh. Shaking his head in defeat, he said;


    "Alright."


    "Don''t worry. I won''t embarrass our Yang family anymore, Father." Lexi smiled showing her glee about her father''s decision. Despite humiliating herself by relentlessly chasing Morris Liu in the past, she still carried herself with dignity and pride on any asion.


    After a brief chat with her father, Lexi ultimately excused herself to rest. On her room, Lexi cannot contain her happiness any longer and jumped freely like a little girl.


    "Ehh¡­chu," Churu on the side who was witnessing the never before seen action of the sophisticated and ssy woman, she can''t help but scratch her fluffy cheeks.


    "What?"


    "It doesn''t suit you, chu." Churu awkwardly stated after contemting if should she speaks her mind or not, but in the end, she still bluntly said it anyway.


    "I know -- but, let me be happy for now alright? This is progress bun-bun." Lexi who seem to not mind what Churu said, smiled brightly at her. Since Lexi was in high-spirit, soon, it also affected Churu which calls for a celebration.


    "Alright¡­ It''s facial mask time, chu!"

 Chapter 23 He has good eyes, chu~!

    <h4>Chapter 23 He has good eyes, chu~!</h4>


    The event will be held in a few days hence, Lexi was akin to a girl scout as she prepared all necessary thing she must need. Aside from elegant dress and expensive essories, Lexi prioritized information she can gather of the distinguished guest of the said event.


    To her surprise, lots of business tycoons will be attending for some reason. In Lexi''s understanding, these businessmen were all connected to L-Tech innovative financingpany. Surely, Wren Tanaka had a very close rtionship to the newly appointed chairwoman of the Yue International Enterprise for him to exert great effort to widen a smallpany connection.


    Hence, Lexi familiarized herself to the hobby and basic operation of every business personality attending so that she won''t be left behind and could get along with the same interest with them despite their age gap. Of course, this always happens in the upper-ss family; to build connection, they must have a strong good impression -- that is what Lexi wants.


    After all, her real agenda was to broaden their connection and make Wren say his yes to an arrangement with Morris Liu.


    Currently, Lexi was still reading information about a certain business tycoon named Mr. Tang. Massaging her stiff shoulders, she eximed. "What am I doing all these years?"


    "Huh? Why, chu?" Churu flew on her shoulder and started jumping on it as if to help her massage it. s, to no avail, she weights nothing despite her cute dumpling size.


    "Nothing. It''s just this Mr. Tang seems hard to analyze."


    "How so, chu?"


    "I don''t know, Sissy. At least, I know little of his inclination about calligraphy since my grandfather had the same passion."


    "How about Wren, chu? What is his hobby?" Churu who was obviously much incline to know more about Wren made Lexi roll her eyes. Still, since it meant no harm to say a few things she learned about Wren''s hobby, why would she be too stingy to keep the adorable dumpling in the dark.


    "Well, he likes traveling and he had good eyes on investment so wherever he is, it is said that he will either buynd or establish a business," Lexi informed the sparkling dumpling hearing Wren''s activities. Surprisingly, this information about Wren circling in the business world were allid in public. Probably one of the reasons why everyone was trying to impress him especially thosepany that was in a tight budget and needs an investor because Wren can salvage a dyingpany like a god.


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    "Wow, chu~! He really has good eyes, chu!" Churu giddily eximed which made Lexi''s brows arched -- anticipating for more response from Churu.


    "huh?"


    "He saw your potential, chu~! He was interested in the Yang family that is why he invited you to that event, chu~!" Churu exined.


    For a moment, Lexi thinks about it again. Indeed, in her observation, Wren Tanaka seemed to like prospect business partners and where can he make a win-win result¡­ why would he suddenly offer her to broaden her connection? What for?


    Since she was too busy and excited about the fact that she made huge progress on escaping Morris chains -- Lexi didn''t put much thought about it. But now that Churu mentions it, it actually made sense.


    "I see¡­ So, did I or did I not made a good impression on him?"


    "That''s an odd question chu!" Churu tilts her head yet her fluttering aura was still beaming with high spirit.


    "I am just curious, Sissy. I can''t help it." Lexi nonchntly shrugs her shoulder.


    After her break, Lexi went back on familiarizing herself on some sports that don''t interest her yet, to the sole purpose of having a good impression to the walking banks that she was about to befriend; she persevered.


    ----


    Lexi didn''t notice the time as she was too immersed in studying important parts of another hugepany''s operations and history until her phone vibrated. Slightly flinching by the sound, Lexi turns her gaze on the lit-up phone and saw it was already six in the evening.


    However, the next moment, Lexi''s attention was caught on the message disyed on her screen; it was Ethan Lu.


    "Huh? What does he need?"


    "Oh, oh, oh, is it Mr. Initial Task?"

 Chapter 24 I said ask, not reject chu~!

    <h4>Chapter 24 I said ask, not reject chu~!</h4>


    Intrigued, Lexi''s brows knitted as she meticulously swiped the screen on her phone for it to unlock. Unconsciously, Lexi and the cute little bun thrust their head forward to see the content of Ethan''s text message.


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    [From: Mr. Ethan Lu


    Hey, I am attending an event 2 days from now. Wanna be my date? ;)]


    After reading the short yet concise mail from Ethan Lu, Lexi momentarily froze from her sitting, while Churu''s expression gradually brightened with excitement. When the information was finally processed on Churu''s mind, she jumped in jubtion.


    "Wowowow! That''s the right path, Mr. Initial task -- chu!"


    When Churu''s merry cheers reached her ears, Lexi was snapped back to reality. Re-reading the content of the message, Lexi gasped in disbelief confirming that she didn''t read it wrong. Indeed, Ethan asked her to be his date! s, she was also attending to a certain event with the same date. Hence, Lexi leaned back contemting on her response -- ignoring the dancing dumplings on top of her desk.


    Sensing that Lexi had a stern expression as her mind wanders far from her reach, Churu ceased on dancing as she looked at Lexi with confusion. Flying to scrutinized Lexi, as if guessing what she was hesitating about, Churu inquired.


    "What is it, chu?"


    "Nothing. It just felt so weird¡­ you know, I''ve been engaged to Morris for a long time and Ethan is his best buddy. Why would he ask me to be his date? The ex-fiance of his best friend?" Lexi as usual blurted out her concerned. After all, Churu is her best friend and her life is an open book when ites to this adorable small dumpling.


    "Chu? Humans are soplicated, chu! Why not ask, chu?" Churu innocently responded. Indeed, why would Lexi always guess if there''s another option like asking? After all, it wouldn''t hurt if she admitted that she couldn''tprehend about other things -- especially when ites to other people''s action.


    Shifting her gaze to Churu''s appalled expression, Lexi inexpressibly blinked with her long curledshes fluttering. What Churu said made sense. She felt a little dumb not thinking about it in the first ce. Thus, Churu merited another plus one from Lexi''s point of view.


    Smiling gently, Lexi let out a faint sigh as she mustered her courage to ask. Ultimately, she was the type of person that would self-study and observed instead of inly asking things. She believed that she should research about things she doesn''t understand instead of asking for someone''s assistance. Indeed, her pride reached its zenith and she always wanted to be knowledgeable with different discussion.


    But now, she wanted to change -- for the better. Being too prideful and conceited, it''s understandable that she didn''t gain any real friends; it''s not that she needed them anyway. But the fact that she wanted to be a better person and live peacefully, she had to change some bad habits that she also loathed sometimes.


    Hesitantly sprawling her hand to her phone, Lexi seemed she was given a hard task as she pressed ''reply''. Absurd yes, however, Lexi wasn''t used to this.


    "Alright." She uttered which made the white, tiny, busybody dumpling fawned on her shoulder as Churu attentively read each word Lexi typed.


    [To: Mr. Ethan Lu


    Good day!


    I appreciate the offer, I do. s, I am also attending an arrangement with the same date; the Yue family event. But still, thank you for the offer.]


    With that said reply, Lexi unhesitantly tapped the send button as if she was afraid that her resolve would waver. On the other hand, Churu was rendered speechless as soon as Lexi sent her reply.


    Sensing the dumbfounded dumpling, Lexi''s brows knitted in confusion. She doesn''t understand what''s wrong with Churu. After all, she already took her advice into consideration.


    "I said ask, chu! Not reject, chu!"

 Chapter 25 Sissy, thats how I ask

    <h4>Chapter 25 Sissy, that''s how I ask</h4>


    Despite Churu''s apprehension, Lexi only smiled back at the steaming dumpling that just stood back on the surface of the desk. Slightly shaking her head, Lexi clicks her tongue as she pointed up her index finger and constantly moved it sideways -- as if telling Churu that she got it wrong.


    "Sissy, that''s how I ask."


    "Chu?" Churu frowned in dismay with what she just heard.


    "What a unique way of asking, chu!" She sassed. Though she understood Lexi in many ways especially her emotions, s, the poor little dumpling wasn''t really well-versed about certain areas such as this and her way of doing stuff.


    "Let me exin sissy." Lexi coaxed the fuming bun as sheid the phone on the t top of the shiny white desk. She resumed, "though I sounded like I indirectly refused, I left a keyword about what event I am attending. If we are attending the same event, then, he will respond with the answer I was looking for. In this way, I won''t sound thirsty and make me less of a ve by the stupid system. You get what I mean?" Lexi slightly tilted her head while she arched her brows to see if Churu understood what she meant.


    "Ohhh~" Churu nodded in awe. She rified, "So, it means if he was attending to the same event, even if he didn''t ask you to be his date, you''re going anyway -- Woah¡­ which means even if he wanted to help you build connections, you will still look like a strong independent woman. Also, Mr. T will be there~" Churu excitedly pped her little cute hands together as her eyes glitter. She now sees Lexi as a bright woman with ss just like what she was regarded before being a crazy fiance.


    "That''s hitting two birds in one stone. If you observed Ethan, though he tends to y around with different young misses, he seemed to take interest in capable women who can surprise him in many ways. And I can mingle and befriend with Mr. Tanaka and other business tycoons." Lexi emphasized in a matter of factly tone.


    Indeed, though she seemed to not mind the system, s, it was already within her and she spent her sleepless nights thinking about what''s the caused of the plus allure points she acquired from Ethan Lu.


    Hence, after a lot of thinking, she came to a conclusion of the reason why she gained the allure points. First, she was known to be a prideful woman but she showed her willingness to back down on a battle that she cannot win -- referring on how Ethan Lu witnessed her bend her knees towards her ex-fiance; Morris Liu.


    The second time is when she unintentionally enjoyed the cheap noodles he introduced that wasn''t served into a fancy restaurant or by professional chefs. In this matter, Lexi was also uncertain on the probable cause of why she gained Ethan Lu''s favor. However, what she was clear about is, Ethan Lu isn''t as what he was known to be.


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    Though he was a hybrid casanova, s, to Lexi''s perspective, he was a real yer and don''t take it to the heart -- reasons how fast he changes his girlfriend like how he changed his clothes.


    "Churu is proud! Lexi is amazing!" Churu jumped in joy and as usual, performed her cute funny dance moves that only she can do. On the other hand, Lexi chuckled by the speed of how Churu changed her mood.


    Nheless, Lexi was prepared for the banquet whether she goes alone or not. But, the uncertainty has soon vanished when the ''ping'' notification sound vibrated from her phone. Peering at the message on the screen, Lexi and Churu grinned mischievously. It says;


    [From: Mr. Ethan Lu


    Oh? Well then, since we''re attending the same event, why don''t we go together?]


    "Oho, Mr. Initial Task, you should fall in love with my big sister quick!" Churu blurted out after reading the text messaged. After all, aside from Lexipleting her task, it will also benefit Churu in a way she can evolve and be more beautiful; more majestic.


    "See?" Lexi smirked in triumph. Her face bears the I-told-you-so expression which Churu instantly epted without batting an eye.


    "I won''t doubt you now, chu~!"


    "Good." Lexi smiled widely as if she was appeased with Churu''s white gs. Yet, she didn''t respond immediately and made Ethan Lu wait for her reply in a few hours.

 Chapter 26 Lexi on the move 1

    <h4>Chapter 26 Lexi on the move 1</h4>


    Two days had passed and it was the night of the Yue family banquet. Looking at her well-fitted custom dress, Lexi smiled in satisfaction. She was wearing a limited edition luxury dress that was screaming sophistication and ss.


    It wrapped around her petite albeit curvy body showcasing every angle of her perfect vital sized. Yet, it still didn''t reveal much of her skin aside from the one slit that reached the half of her legs as if its teasing and hiding the goods inside the exquisite dress.


    Overall, with her curled hair draped on her shoulder to her back while the other side was tugged behind her ear, showing her simple yet expensive and eye-catching earrings. Lexi didn''t forget to wear simple but elegant essories thatplimented her whole attire -- making her look smart and superior.


    Knowing the basics of every socialite gatherings, Lexi was absolute that most of the female attendees will try their hardest to stand-out by wearing expensive yet blinding essories and uniformed gowns. Truth be told, she was once like that in her younger years -- following the trend.


    Hence, knowing the difference, Lexi was certain that even if she doesn''t try that much, her vibe and style will still give a different aura to her main targets.


    "You look supeeeer gorgeous, chu!" Churu''s eyes shone brighter than the moon at the night peering at Lexi''s attire. Surely, Lexi never fails to amazed the little dumpling with her well-thought-out attire.


    ncing at the glittering bun, Lexi slightly frowned feeling a little sorry for her. She sighed, "Can''t you do what normal fairies do? Like chant magic and put a gown on you as well?" Though she sounded silly, god knows how much Lexi wanted to pamper the little dumpling.


    Regardless of the sullen mood of Lexi, Churu still kept her lively aura. "It''s fine, chu~! Once I evolve, maybe I can also dress up, chu~!" Thinking of positive thoughts, for Churu, it''s the thought of Lexi that counts. After all, only Lexi can see and hear her so, even if she dressed up or not, no one will really be impressed by her.


    "Alright¡­" Lexi sighed meekly before fetching her luxury purse and prepared to go on the ''battlefield''.


    ----


    [sprakling hotel]


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    When Lexi arrived at the said venue, she was mildly surprised about the innumerable number of attendees. Not only some business tycoons are present, it seems that even the employees of the Yue International Enterprise were invited as well.


    Normally, with this kind of socialite event, only the important ones were given the opportunity to attend such event. However, by the number of the seemingly crowded ce in the grandiose function hall, Lexi could guess even without exerting much effort that the majority of the guests were employees.


    Since she came on time, the event wasn''t yet starting but she already spotted a few familiar faces; the multimedia queen Marga Yue, the rookie of the year Nadine and other familiar faces like Che Diayu, one of the influential business personality CEO Tang, and so much more.


    Despite seeing more familiar faces than she expected, Lexi kept her chin high -- whether the scandal about her was to be taken notice or not, she must keep her strong front. By the time she arrived at her designated seat, Nadine, a beautiful youngdy that was recently taking the spotlight in the entertainment industry courteously bowed her head and greeted her.


    "Hello, Senior Yang." Nadine''s humble image is what she was known to be which made Lexi''s brows arched in vignce. She was a little hostile towards the junior artist as she can''t believe the image she portray in the public. Regardless, since Lexi was up to any pretense, she smiled back.


    "d seeing you here too." Lexi responded. However, she was slightly surprised when Nadine''s eyes sparkled after Lexi greeted her back; as if her idol finally acknowledge her existence.


    "Hehe, I didn''t know many people here. I''m d senior Yang attended as well. Also, we were paired with the same table." Nadine as gentle and humble as she can be continued the seemingly dead conversation. Since Wren Tanaka wasn''t around, Lexi civilly conversed with Nadine, gradually lowering her guard.


    By the next moment, both Lexi and Nadine''s attention were caught by a suddenmotion not far away from them. Seeing what it was, Che Diayu was causing a scene that diverted everyone''s nearby to her.

 Chapter 27 A call from Mr. Lu

    <h4>Chapter 27 A call from Mr. Lu</h4>


    "Are you crazy? Look what you did to my dress?" Che Diayu sassed in disbelief. Currently, another female who seemed to be an employee attendee spilled her juice to Che Diayu''s dress. Of course, Lexi who witnessed the scene made the side of her lips curled upward. After all, it won''t hurt to have a little entertainment.


    "I-- I''m sorry. It''s an a--ident."


    "Don''t touch me! Do you want to ruin it even further with those dirty hands of yours?!" Che Diayu abruptly pped the hands of the apologetic girl with her bloodshot eyes. Surely, as audacious as she can be, Che Diayu won''t let this instance to passed without getting back on the normal employee.


    Soon, themotion drew more attention as another female colleague of the one who spilled her juice defended her which of course made Che Diayu vexed even more. From what Lexi heard, it was Che Diayu''s fault that the juice was spilled but then again, she used the poor female employee and unt her family status-- not acknowledging her mistake.


    Lexi slightly shook her head, feeling sorry to the one who was being wronged. Indeed, in this world, only the one who held status and wealth could do whatever they want -- even if crushing someone''s future. Hence, those who were normal citizen and family, they could only suck up.


    ncing at Nadine, Lexi''s brows knitted in confusion as she could see the beautiful woman clenched her hand into fist. It was evident that she was annoyed by the injustice that the female experiencing.


    "I''m sorry Senior, I''ll have to excuse myself." Nadine excused herself as she immediately made her way to the scene. Lexi, by instinct also followed suit. For some reason, she wanted to stop Nadine from interfering with something she cannot handle. After all, the Che Family is undeniably wealthy -- they could even par with the Yang Family from its recent achievements.


    However, just as Nadine neared themotion, she came to a full stop when a cheerful voice of a man resonated across the vicinity of themotion.


    "Is this Miss Che of Che family, I am seeing?" He inquired which made the raging Che Diayu momentarily zone out. He added; "Oh, it seems you bump into a little mishap here?"


    Lexi who''s standing behind Nadine arched her brows. From her point of view, she could see fear from Che Diayu''s eyes as she spat her shameless pretense and turned the table on her favor. Lexi could not be bothered by the shameless 360-degree change of attitude of Che Diayu as she observed Wren Tanaka''s demeanor.


    He nodded towards the girl named Wei Wei as if permitting her to escape from Che Diayu''s drama. ncing at Nadine standing in front of her, she saw her heaved a sigh of relief as the matter has been settled. For some reason, Lexi sees Nadine in a new light. Indeed, this rookie artist wasn''t pretending to be a nice person as she had a kind heart.


    Just then, Lexi felt her a phone vibrated inside her purse. ncing at Nadine''s back, she slid her hand on her small bag to see who was calling her. s, seeing Ethan Lu caller ID, Lexi looked around not a shadow of Ethan can be seen.


    ---


    Inside the empty and beaming from cleanliness restroom, Lexi entered the cubicle without her realizing it before answering Ethan''s call. Since, she cannot find a peaceful ce to answer the call, Lexi''s feet dragged her into the hotel''s luxury restroom.


    "Heya Miss Yang, I was caught in a traffic jam. So, I''ll be a littlete." The moment the line went through, Ethan Lu''s yful voice was heard.


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    Hearing his excused, Lexi''s brows twitch. ''I don''t even care if you can''t even make it.'' She sassed inwardly for the mundane purpose of the call. Does he think she was his girlfriend to call just for that?


    Churu who''s hearing Lexi''s thoughts loud and clear apprehended, "you should care, chu! Remember? Hitting two birds with one stone, chu?"


    Being reminded by the little dumpling, Lexi sighed before responding in the most calm manner she could to the other end of the line, "Mr. Lu, no worries. Drive safely."


    Half a minute passed before Ethan Lu responded, "alright, see you¡­"


    "See --" before Lexi could even respond, Ethan Lu cut the line abruptly. Looking at her phone with her knitted brows, she was confused why does Ethan Lu sounded odd when he heard her reply. Nheless, Lexi couldn''t be bothered as she needed to get back on the function hall.


    However,? just as Lexi was about to leave the cubicle, she heard someone entered the luxury restroom.


    "Status?" Lexi unintentionally eavesdrops and heard the cubicle next to her opened and closed. After a second of silence, she once again heard the melodious yet intimidating voice of a woman. She added;


    "Alright. I will be waiting for your good news."


    Lexi''s brows creased as she was somewhat intrigued about the woman. However, the thought was immediately thrown at the back of her head as she couldn''t care less. After all, she had a different agenda; aside from Wren Tanaka, Lexi came to a realization about the underrated Yue family''s power. Obviously, to have such audience and influential guests -- the Yue family can be on par to be on the top socialdder.


    Hence, if she can build a good connection with the Yue family, it will bring great progress to their family business. Just then, Che Diayu''s frustrated voice rang through the restroom which reminded Lexi of her initial agenda.

 Chapter 28 its very... tasteless

    <h4>Chapter 28 it''s very... tasteless</h4>


    "Do I look okay? My dress is totally ruined! I shouldn''t attend to this stupid party! Being surrounded by these low lives! Disgusting!"


    "Diayu, tone it down. Someone might hear you."


    "So what if someone hears me? Our family doesn''t need to bow down in front of the Yue family!"


    Hearing Che Diayu''s affirmation, Lexi''s face distorted to a new degree. Surely, Che Diayu is not as bright as she supposed to be. Lexi pities Che Diayu''s parents as she could foresee that their precious daughter will be the caused of their doom if she wasn''t disciplined properly.


    Moreover, can''t she tell that the Yue family deliberately unted their influence gathering such high profile businessmen? So, howe Che Diayu don''t realize the obvious? Unconsciously ncing at the cubicle next to her, Lexi was reminded that aside from her, there''s also a person who can hear Che Diayu''s spite.


    "You stink!" another female voice responded. From Lexi''s mind, it must have been the female employee earlier and probably reached thest straw of her patience which made her responded in an aggressive tone.


    ''Oh, this is getting interesting.''


    "Woah, chu~! Are we going to witness a catfight?" Churu who just appeared out of thin air chimed hearing Lexi''s thoughts. After all, Churu was undeniably irked by Che Diayu ever since she met her from a few days ago.


    ''Either way, it''s still good to see this brat being confronted by someone lower her status.'' Leximented back inwardly. She could hear the sentiments of the other girl about how she viewed Che Diayu''s spiteful attitude which Lexi silently agreed.


    "You! -- How dare you!" By the voice of Che Diayu, she was up for a physical assault. s, just then, the cubicle next to where Lexi was eavesdropping burst open. For a moment, Lexi held her breath, anticipating what was happening. Hearing the running water as if someone was washing her hand, Lexi subconsciously thrust forward to hear what was going on and why the loud shouting subsided.


    Soon, the same melodious voice rang through the silent hotel''s restroom. "Miss Che, don''t you believe that life is like a tire? Sometimes you''re above and sometimes you''re under¡­"


    "But if the tire has gone t and damaged, you''ll be stuck. I just hope you''re not below if that happens."


    Even Lexi who couldn''t see who the person was, she felt a cold shiver run down her spine hearing the sentiment of another woman. In contrast of her nice soothing voice, the aura it emits was intimidating -- enough for everyone present including Lexi to gulp a mouthful of saliva.


    ''Churu, can you take a look who it was?'' Lexi heedlessly asked a favor to Churu as she can''t just take a peek herself. That very instant, Churu disappear from the top of Lexi''s head to grant the favor.


    "Ah, right. This banquet is not to celebrate for the newly appointed Chairwoman but a treat to the people behind its sess... and I don''t recall the Che family is one of them. You may leave whenever you feel like it. Let''s go brave ones." With that said note, Lexi audibly heard few footsteps going out from the bathroom. When Lexi was sure that the woman left, she fixed herself and prepared herself to make her presence known to Che Diayu.


    Just as Lexi opened the cubicle door, she immediately caught the fear lingering on Che Diayu''s face. She never saw her former friend have this kind of expression which piqued Lexi''s interest in the other woman''s identity.


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    Without a word, Lexi elegantly took slow stride in front of the mirror. She then pulled out her lipstick from her purse and started retouching her perfectly painted lips. ncing at Che Diayu through the mirror, it seems like she hadn''t noticed her or to be precise, she was too traumatized to even care about Lexi''s presence.


    By the time Lexi finished touching up, Che Diayu finally snapped back from her stupor. Her otherckeys had also a horrid reaction. Seeing that Lexi was present, Che Diayu clenched her teeth in annoyance.


    "Huh, Lexi -- happy now?" Che Diayu hissed.


    "Huh?" pretending that she didn''t know what Che Diayu was referring, Lexi raised her brows and tilted her head.


    "What a b*tch." Without any particr reason, Che Diayu spat her hate towards Lexi who was not affected at all. Instead, smiled in mockery as she raised her chin as if looking down at the disheveled and haggard Che Diayu.


    "If that what makes you feel better." Lexi shrugs in nonchnce. She then began taking strides towards the restroom''s exit. s, before she could leave Che Diayu and herckey, Lexi turned around as if she forgot to tell something.


    "Just a piece of advice as a former friend, refrain yourself from saying your heedless thoughts out loud. It''s very¡­ tasteless." with that said note, Lexi triumphantly left piercing another dagger to Che Diayu''s damaged heart.


    ''Huh, being a bully to a bully feels good.''

 Chapter 29 Leaving good impression

    <h4>Chapter 29 Leaving good impression</h4>


    When Lexi came back to the hotel''s function hall, the event started with the Queen of Multimedia; Marga Yue as the host which was a little grandiose. After all, Marga was a well-respected senior in the entertainment industry even though they were at the same age.


    ''So, Marga is rted to this family¡­ I see.''


    Since she was just stating some formal courtesy, Lexi went straight to her table and sat beside Nadine. Subconsciously looking around, for some reason she still can''t spot Ethan Lu.


    Reminiscing about their conversation through emails, it''s not that she refused his offer -- it''s actually the opposite. She indirectly epted his offer but of course, as a prideful person as she can be, she told him they''d better arrived with their own ride as she made an excuse of having a short meeting before heading to the Yue family event.


    Moreover, she was at the redeeming phase of her life and arriving with Ethan Lu; her ex-fiance''s best buddy might spark another controversy and would dig a deeper pit for her damaged reputation.


    However, it''s somewhat baffling that Ethan Lu would bete in this kind of event even though he said he was stuck in a traffic jam. Shrugging the thought off, Lexi conversed with other businessmen and famous personality from time to time, until, the new chairwoman of the Yue International Enterprise took on the stage which everyone subconsciously paid more attentive.


    The woman on the stage was wearing a smart casual business suit with her neatly arranged low bun and weird myopia sses. However, even if the chairwoman deliberately concealed herself to not stood out, Lexi could guess the beauty behind the unintentional guise.


    The moment Lexi heard the new chairwoman voice speak through the microphone, Lexi froze hearing the same familiar voice from earlier in thedies restroom.


    ''It''s her?'' She thought inwardly. So, does that mean to say she heard all the insult Che Diayu blurted out? Lexi paid extra attention to the young woman who became the new head of the prominentpany and assessed her meticulously.


    Listening to the bold announcementing from the new leader of the saidpany, a huge uproar was heard from the employees and other business partners, even to the seemingly shareholders were quite surprised with the announcements.


    Regardless, Lexi could not care less as she only heard about this family from Wren a few days ago. Whether they aim to be the top or not, Lexi won''t care as long as it won''t trouble her family.


    The speech of Chairwoman Yue ended leaving a huge impact on most of her guest, even to her. ncing at her surrounding, Lexi spotted Wren Tanaka''s grinned from ear to ear which slightly confused her.


    Probably sensing her gaze, Wren turned his head to her who was not far away from him. Seeing her presence, Wren''s eyes lit up and cheerfully made his way to her.


    "Miss Yang! You came?"


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    "Yes. Nice seeing you, Mr. Tanaka." Lexi courtly replied to the surprisingly humble businessman.


    "How was it so far? Isn''t she great?" Wren who''s pair of eyes were gleaming like a little kid that saw his idol, he inquired. Lexi on the other hand slightly nodded in agreement.


    Excitedly sping his hands together, Wren invited, "Ah, right. I''ll introduce you to her." Of course, Lexi won''t let the opportunity slide as she nodded in agreement and followed Wren to his circle of friend.


    Lexi must admit that she felt overwhelmed being surrounded with respectable and influential men and converse with them with the knowledge she studied for a few days. Hence, she could keep up with the conversation without embarrassing herself.


    Soon, Lexi felt a little rxed as she was confident that she was doing a great job. However, for some reason, she was reminded that something was amiss. It was as if she was forgetting something important¡­ it was Churu. After Churu checked what was going on earlier, she didn''te back since then.


    But knowing Churu, Lexi shrugged the matter off as she was certain that Churu will just suddenly appear out of nowhere. Soon, the newly appointed head of the Yue International Enterprise, Seraphina Yue arrived in their area while being escorted by the doctor prince, Liam Jin.


    Surely, Lexi''s view towards this capable odd woman leaps to a new horizon. After all, the Jin Medical Group is monopolizing the whole medical industry and the first choice of the top families when ites to their health.


    Wren: "Chairwoman, even if you didn''t dress up, your beauty shines the brightest."


    "Haha! I heard Mr. Tanaka have a good rtionship with Madam Yue?" another business tycoon, Mr. Tang said giddily.


    Wren: "Hehe. Chairwoman is my good friend. She helped me a couple of time when we were at country y. If it wasn''t for Sera, I''m afraid mypany isn''t what it is, now. Right, Chairwoman Yue?"


    Seraphina Yue: "Huh, Mr. Tanaka thinks too highly of me. s, it''s true. After all, I''m a better businessman than him."


    Hearing her statement, Lexi almost spilled her champagne by the shameless eptance of her own capabilities. Surely, the chairwoman and Wren''s rtionship is much deeper than expected. ncing at the respectable Liam Jim, Lexi could not care less about the inexpressive of the elegant man.


    Lexi once in a while chimed into their conversation but doesn''t overdo it -- just enough to leave a remarkable impression to them. However, as an observer, she can''t help her lips twitch hearing Wren''s ambiguous and misleading words. Is he attacking Seraphina Yue or Liam Jin? To her perspective, Wren might or might not intend to say such words especially in front of someone''s fiance as he had a different culture.


    After some time, Lexi finally found the perfect time to keep up with the conversation when it was diverted to a business discussion.


    Unbeknownst to her, the ever enticing Ethan Lu was watching not far away from her with a seductive smile on his red thin lips.

 Chapter 30 Got you

    <h4>Chapter 30 Got you</h4>


    Seeing that Lexi was doing great interacting and sessfully blending in with these business tycoons, Ethan Lu can''t help but admire the capable Lexi Yang. Again, questions like what gone wrong to waste her talent by lowering herself by chasing his friend Morris Liu? Sure, Morris Liu is a top-notch in every aspect, s, upon his observation with Lexi''s character, he just couldn''t understand it. Does love really make people act in the dumbest way? After all, he never experienced that even though he hook up with many pretty young misses all the time.


    Conflicted how to approach Lexi Yang that was doing great with just herself, Ethan Lu idled for some time until someone recognized him and approached him.


    "Young Master Lu! What a pleasure seeing you here as well!" A decent man in his mid 40''s greeted together with 3 more businessmen. Ethan Lu smiled courtly as he bowed his head in respect to his elders.


    "CEO Fu, it''s my pleasure." Ethan Lu responded bearing his usual business smile. Taking a quick nce to Lexi''s direction, Ethan Lu decided to let her shine tonight despite standing out since earlier. After all, he can always approach herter and probably tease her a little.


    ----


    *TING! You earned +3 allure points!*


    Hearing the notification sounding from the system, Lexi unconsciously looked up to see her gains.


    ''huh?'' baffled about the points she gained from Ethan Lu, Lexi looked around to find Ethan Lu not far away from her conversing with other respectable businessmen. For some reason, Ethan Lu looked in her direction and met her curious gaze.


    When he saw her looking at him, a subtle smirk formed on the corner of his lips which was made her brows twitch. Given that his smirk with that red thin yet alluring lips of his, Lexi felt unsettled by that teasing smile. ''Gosh, now I know why girls were fawning around him¡­ that smile.'' she mumbled subconsciously.


    She must admit that Ethan Lu''s profile was impable, not any bad as Morris Liu. He had wealth, good family status, and an oh-so bewitching look and physique. It''s not surprising that he was a little or rather, too popr with the elite young misses. The only catch is that he had a bad reputation as a casanova which irked her in many ways.


    If not only with the cursed system she gained, she won''t even bother to associate herself with the yboy Ethan Lu. After all, she can move on without it¡­ or can she? ''*sigh* where is that dumpling when I needed her?''


    Retracting her gazed away from Ethan Lu like she was unaffected, for some reason, he caught a small little dumpling figure on the corner across her. Apparently, Churu was just staring at something that Lexi couldn''t guess what or who it was because of the pir blocking it. But seeing that Churu was just heedlessly staring with her eyes shining, beating the blinding gleam of the chandelier, Lexi''s brows knitted. ''What is it this time?''


    Thest time she saw the little dumpling like this is when she saw Wren Tanaka. Trying her luck, Lexi attempted to speak with Churu telepathically. ''Sissy? Can you hear me?'' Since Lexi was uncertain if she can reach Churu from that distant, she still tried to. To her surprise, Churu''s bewildered voice rang through her head.


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    "How majestic¡­ chu?"


    ''Majestic?''


    "I want to... marry him, chu~"


    Hearing another fantasy of the little dumpling, Lexi felt her head ache in a new degree. She shouldn''t let this dumpling on a loose as she will want to marry gorgeous men whenever she sees one.


    ''Sissy, did you know I gained allure points just now?'' If only Lexi wasn''t around these dignified businessmen, she''ll roll her eyes but to avoid misunderstanding, she smiled with them; pretending that she was listening.


    "Wh---" after absorbing Lexi''s words for a second, Churu snapped from her reverie and almost squeal akin to an interrupted demonic screeching. Before Churu could finish her sentence, she suddenly appeared in front of Lexi, which almost caused Lexi to have a heart attack.


    "WHAT, chu?!"


    Theughing businessmen surrounding Lexi subconsciously turned their head to Lexi as she suddenly jolted for some reason. Ignoring the urgency of the little bun in front of her, Lexi nced at the questioning gaze of the circle of men. Seeing their baffled expression, she awkwardly smiled -- not knowing how to make up an excuse.


    "Haha! I didn''t know Miss Yang can be affected with thrilling stories." CEO Tangughed. Currently, he was tattling about his adventure in hunting and his so-called life-threatening experienced. Hence, he was d that Lexi was intently listening to his story and finally acknowledge the existence of the young miss of the Yang family.


    ''Good grief¡­'' Lexi calmed her heart inwardly. Fortunately, though she wasn''t listening to the story of the business tycoon CEO Tang, her luck wasn''t leaving her yet and saved her some face.


    ''Sissy!''


    "Sorry, chu~! I was just excited about your news, chu~!" Churu had her eyes downcast knowing her misconduct. She almost ruined Lexi''s n by her heedless action. Seeing that Churu was reflecting with such cuteness, how can Lexi stay mad at her?


    ''This is unfair.'' referring that she was immediately defeated by Churu''s undeniable power of charm.


    ----


    Soon, every distinguished guest was invited to a private dining hall so they all had their proper high-ss party which evidently pleased all the guest. As Lexi made her way on the specific dining hall, a gentle tap made her turned her head.


    The moment she turns her head, a finger poked her blemish-free cheeks. She frowned by the childish prank as she raised her gaze to see the smiling in triumph Ethan Lu.


    "Got you." He uttered with a smug grin on his face.

 Chapter 31 Did you miss me?

    <h4>Chapter 31 Did you miss me?</h4>


    Seeing her frowning expression, Ethan Lu was rather d that he did pull this simple trick to her. She always bears her proud, beautiful front that makes her seemed unapproachable. Also, her different expressions were akin to a rare pokemon that could only be seen with a gamble. Hence, it was rather worth it to him.


    Smiling back at her as he slid both his hand inside his pockets, Ethan Lu never felt this tion before. It''s as if he was back to being a kid finding the little joy teasing some other kid.


    "Young Master Lu, aren''t you too old to pull this kind of prank?" As usual, Lexi was unappreciative of his action yet, it doesn''t mean she was mad about it.


    "Hehe, am I?" Ethan Lu tilted his head on the side bearing his yful nature as he feigns innocence. Seeing Lexi up close, he must admit that her unapproachable demeanor was quite fun to tease.


    Shaking her head in disbelief, Lexi blurted out without thinking too much which she regretted the moment she realized her words, "where have you been any --" she instantly pursed her lips, now wanting to p her mouth for spouting such nonsense.


    "Oh ho, Miss Yang, did you miss me?"


    Indeed, this is the reason why she regretted her heedless thoughts. Though she didn''t intend it that way, Ethan Lu will surely take it the other way and would spat some hical and not good for the heart kind of words.


    "Hihi, nice move Mr. Initial Task!" Churu giggled and flew to Ethan Lu''s shoulder. She sat there withfort as both her tiny legs swung to and fro. Seeing that, Lexi could feel the lower part of her eyes twitch. Surely, Ethan Lu''s number one fan is Churu or rather, the little dumpling can''t wait for her toplete her task. Gravitating the pros and cons, Lexi was well-informed that she''ll gain more benefits than her loses, after all, the system only stated that make him fall for her alone.


    "What if I did?" Lexi nced at Ethan''s smug grin before responding. Her answer made the grin that was stered across Ethan Lu''s freeze. Apparently, he didn''t expect that answer from her which caught him off guard. He was expecting that she would either ignore him or maybe keep showing her displeasure¡­ but for her to flirt back? That''s out of the list.


    However, Ethan Lu did underestimate how flexible Lexi''s mind could be. She can adapt easily and surprises him in many ways. Hence, his interest to her was slowly growing albeit not in a romantic way. After all, she was Morris Liu''s ex-fiance and even if their long-time engagement was called off, the fact that she had a history with his buddy won''t change. The very reason why he sometimes restricts himself from overdoing it.


    "Pfft-- we''re even now." Lexi scoffed, which sounded almost like a short chuckle, after seeing Ethan''s stunned expression. For some reason, she found it funny how ironic it is when Ethan Lu is a tease but could make such an expression when he was being teased. Unbeknownst to her knowledge, it was also Ethan Lu''s first time to be stunned like this. He couldn''tprehend why he made such a reaction as well.


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    Was it because he was certain that Lexi will never tease him back? Or because she was too proud and only showed her feelings to Morris Liu that Ethan didn''t see iting? Regardless, the flirt nature of Ethan was piqued almost making him forget about his unspoken brother''s code.


    Lexi turned her back against him with a smug smirk on the side of her lips. She didn''t know that her heedless remarks would impact him in a way -- slowly boosting her crashed ego. After all, from all the flirting and seducing she did to Morris Liu, she always thought that she only had the beauty not the art of seduction.


    "Are we?" Suddenly, Lexi felt a cold running down her spine when a tingling breath touch her ears. Ethan Lu breathes his words on her ear for a moment before resuming his tracks towards the way where they were originally heading. Slightly turning his gaze back to Lexi''s, he winked at her before going ahead first.


    Lexi on the other hand steadily fluttered her eyelids. She cannot believe that Ethan took his seduction scheme to another level. ''Did he¡­ really,'' She couldn''t even finish her thoughts because of his audacity.


    Granting that numerous men tried to hit on her from the past, s, Lexi wouldn''t budge as she set her eyes on Morris Liu, alone. Moreover, they couldn''t even enter her vicinity because she would mercilessly degrade and humiliate those men without batting an eye. However, now that she was forced to be associate with Ethan Lu, we can assume that what happened is quite new to her.


    "Hihi, you''re blushing, chu~!" out of nowhere, Churu who was taken away with Ethan earlier came back to her and witnessed with her pair of round eyes that Lexi was slightly blushing; whether it was because she felt embarrassed or was affected by Ethan''s charm -- Churu could not care less as what clear to her is that Lexi fully piqued Ethan''s interest.

 Chapter 32 Three Versus One

    <h4>Chapter 32 Three Versus One</h4>


    ''I am not blushing. This is me being insulted.'' Lexi defended in a matter of factly tone. She just couldn''t believe that she was being hit on by the infamous casanova who she believed had done this act before to god knows how many women.


    A person as proud as Lexi, she had too much pride in her that she felt degraded being flirted by Ethan Lu, even though she had a task to seduce him in the first ce. However, now that she had a glimpse of his flirtatious nature, Lexi was struck by a sudden headache.


    ''Why did Imitted suicide in the first ce?'' She briefly massaged both of her temples before heading to the specified dining hall where all the important guest of the Yue family were gathered.


    Arriving at the said dining area, as usual, Lexi headed to her designated seat and conversed with everyone as much as possible albeit gingerly. She won''t forget her number one rule; act with discreet modesty. She shouldn''t need to try too hard to snatch the spotlight from the young madam chairwoman of the saidpany. It''s one of her own guidelines in life -- which of course she had forgotten before.


    Throwing that horrendous and degrading past at the back of her mind, Lexi dines with the respected business personalities. s, despite Lexi not pushing her luck that much, in the eyes of many, she was indeed standing out among the women present. She could keep up with business talks and their hobbies. She knew a thing or two which merited her a great benefit from these businessmen and to the whole Yang family.


    "Miss Yang, this mighte as an offense but it never urs to me that the Young Miss of the Yang family is indeed an admirable woman." CEO Tang who was one of the distinguished guests and also one of the prominent families in the top socialdder that can be on par with the Liu Family bluntlyplimented.


    "CEO Tang thinks too highly of me but I''m ttered by your kind words." Lexi smiled sweetly and responded elegantly. Since CEO Tang was always as blunt just like that especially with Wren Tanaka earlier, Lexi took his words as apliment. After all, he was a respected man and for him to say that he didn''t expect something from her, it was a great asset to take advantage of this good impression. Surely, Wren Tanaka was right; she could broaden her connection in this banquet with people she didn''t know she could reach. However, it still hadn''t got through her head as Lexiprehend that it wasn''t enough to consider them as prospective business partners in the future just yet.


    "She is indeed admirable and beautiful¡­ one of a kind." Out of the blue, Ethan Liu chimed in and backed up CEO Tang''s words. Since the Lu family was also one of the top families that had close ties with the Liu Family, Ethan Lu was able to mingle with them as he had the same footing.


    His remarks, of course, sent shudders through Lexi''s spine. Again, he was obviously hitting on her, right? Yet, Lexi could only smile despite that she was irked by Ethan''s hidden agenda.


    "Director Lu, you are too kind to say suchpliments but I greatly appreciate it."


    CEO Tang on the side smiled brightly seeing the chemistry between the young master of the Lu family and Lexi Yang. Since he''s a busybody on the inside, his attention was diverted with these youngsters. After all, Wren Tanaka, his best buddy, and Chairwoman Yue weren''t around, hence, he found two perfect people who he could tease.


    "Director Lu seems to be an acquaintance of Miss Yang?" CEO Tang probed mischievously. By the looks of it, he was insinuating something. With his status and the environment of the business words, Lexi shouldn''t be bothered by it but to her dismay, she was secretly disturbed.


    "Yes, chu~! She will seduce him but it seems the other way is happening, chu~!" Churu who was with Ethan Lu''s shoulder earlier flew to CEO Tang''s ear and whispered that came out as a shout and blurted out with enthusiasm. Lexi who was the only person who was witnessing this could not help the side of her lips but twitch.


    It was as if she was going through the greatest hurdle of her life with CEO Tang and Churu indirectly rooting for the flirtatious man Ethan Lu. On the other hand, Ethan Lu who understood the meaning behind CEO Tang''s giddy words smiled in satisfaction.


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    "We are, aren''t we Miss Yang?"


    "Ha ha, Y- yes." as awkward as it may sound, Lexi stuttered in agreement. s, her reaction only made the old man CEO Tang, the cute dumpling Churu, and the flirtatious Ethan Lu''s eyes lit up.


    Seeing the energy channeling from their eyes, Lexi almost gasped in disbelief. Does the three of them were trying to take down her defenses? In Lexi''s perspective, they were subconsciously coborating into something that they''re unaware of.


    "So cute¡­" All of a sudden, Lexi heard a faint statement from Ethan''s amused smile. He uttered such finger curling words which almost cause Lexi to bring out a white g in defeat.

 Chapter 33 Dinner of the Century

    <h4>Chapter 33 Dinner of the Century</h4>


    Hearing his inauspicious remarks, Lexi cast him a disdainful re that only brightened the mood of Ethan Lu even more. While CEO Tang and Churu, on the other hand, smiled in triumph as if the two had the same thought.


    Soon, the host of the night Chairwoman of the new Yue International Empire, Seraphina Yue, and the CEO of L-Tech innovative financingpany, Wren Tanaka arrived at the grandiose dining hall.


    "I''m sorry for keeping you waiting, shall we start?" Seraphina Yue uttered with elegance and supremacy which every of her guest agreed. In Lexi''s mind as a business person, the woman''s conduct was admirable in many ways. No wonder Wren Tanaka highly regard her than anyone.


    Hence, with that said note, everyone took their respective seats for the dinner of the century. Yes, it was a memorable night to gather some huge names in one ce -- whether they are the rivalpanies or has friendly ties. Which made Lexi Yang marvel why the Liu family weren''t invited or if they are, why didn''t they attend? After all, even the Han Family sent a representative as a sign of respect to the unheard Yue Family.


    Lexi was delved into her own thoughts and wonders that she didn''t notice the person sat beside her was Ethan Lu. Seeing that she was zoning out, Ethan Lu''s lips curled into a subtle smile before he tapped the vacant surface of the table in front of her.


    "Don''t space out." Ethan Lu draws a little bit closer to her side and whispered. His breath partially tickled Lexi causing her to slightly flinched. Her eyes dted and hastily darted her head to her right where Ethan Lu sat. She cast him an incredulous gaze due to his unbelievable action but chose not to speak.


    ''This guy¡­ what does he think he''s doing?''


    "He''s flirting, chu~!" The only individual who was hearing her inner thoughts answered in jest as she showed two-thumbs-up with her small, too small thumbs maneuvering it up and down.


    ''No, he''s teasing me and it irked me to the core!'' Lexi''s patience was running thin by the conspiracy of Churu not being on her side. They were sisters, don''t they? Can''t she tell the difort of Lexi being trifle with Ethan Lu?


    ''Such disgrace!''


    "Oh ho, Lexi in denial, you have a long way to go Mr. Initial Task! This won''t be easy, chu~!" However, Churu seemed to not mind her protest as she instantly flew on Ethan''s shoulder and cheered him on. Churu''s stubbornness made Lexi''s shoulder wobble in defeat.


    ''God, she won''t listen,''


    As Lexi''s inner soul waive to abdicate and reflect her sisterhood with Churu, she was snapped back to reality when she heard her name being uttered by someone. Shifting her gaze to CEO Tang, Lexi meekly smiled.


    "I see CEO Tanaka in a new light for introducing us not only to Chairwoman Yue but also to the young Miss of the Yang family! HAHA!"


    "Oh CEO Tang¡­ I wouldn''t be Wren Tanaka for nothing." Wren Tanaka didn''t reject CEO Tang''s statement but shamelessly admitted and lifted his chair higher than before. Hearing his response, Lexi almost choked on the champagne she sipped. Fortunately, she didn''t drink much or else, she''ll surely spit the aromatic liquor that instant.


    In this kind of social gathering, men and women in status tend topliment and banter with yful words. Moreover, even if they praise one another, one must know to act humbly. Even so, Wren Tanaka doesn''t seem to be that kind of person.


    "Right, Chairwoman Yue?" Wren turned his head to the host of the night. Instinctively, Lexi altered her gaze towards the dominating woman perching on the head seat. She saw her sipped a rare and limited wine that cost a hundred thousand dors before smiling and nodding in agreement.


    "Indeed, I am honored to have such rare and amazing guests such as Miss Yang and everyone else. So, I must thank CEO Tanaka again for assisting me to gather each and every one of you tonight." Seraphina Yue notably bowed her head in gratitude which lightened up the already peaceful atmosphere.


    Being noticed by these respectable people through her knowledge on tons of stuff she studied and sacrifice her sleep, Lexi was satisfied by the oue. Thanks to her diligence from the past few days, she was one step closer to her main objective; convince CEO Tanaka to an arrangement with the Liu Corporation.


    "Also, I am d to finally meet Director Lu¡­ such a treat!" CEO Tang who was the loudest of all sped his hands together in glee and brightly smiled at Ethan Lu''s noble demeanor. Lexi subconsciously turned her head on her side and couldn''t help but unobviously scoff on Ethan''s smart facade.


    Why would she be surprised? After all, everyone of them wore their business smile that has deeper meaning behind it. Even Lexi who smile all throughout the night still criticize some odd and unsightly dresses inwardly.


    Without realizing it, Lexi was staring at Ethan''s side profile as he exchanged flowery words towards other businessmen. Sensing her gaze, Ethan side nced at her and winked which snapped her back from her stupor.


    Blinking numerous times as Lexi turns her gaze away from the flirtatious casanova, Lexi''s brows knitted, ''Churu?''


    "Chu?" Churu who was suddenly called out responded innocently.


    ''Tell me I''m seeing things that I shouldn''t.'' Referring to the wink that was slowly pushing her to her limits and was afraid tosh out if she reaches a certain point; just like how she had done in the past and caused trauma from her previous suitors.


    "Lexi¡­ so sensitive. Is this the start of what they call -- capital L O V E, chu~?" Churu who knew little of Lexi giggled as she formed a heart shape by stretching her cute mini arms and ced it at the top of her head.


    ''No, but it might be the destruction of the thing called, sys-T.E.M.''


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 Chapter 34 You should smile more often

    <h4>Chapter 34 You should smile more often</h4>


    Thank the heavens and the Lords that Lexi sessfully kept her temper at bay albeit through the skin of her teeth. She smiled,as usual, converse using uttered flowery words, and actually acquired business calling cards from some of the influential businessmen.


    Hence, despite Ethan''s constant teasing, she survived until they congratte Seraphina Yue onest time and wished her the best of luck in leading the Yue International Empire.


    After the Chairwoman Seraphina Yue took her leave, Lexi humbly waited for the other big names to leave before leaving herself. While waiting, Lexi approached Wren Tanaka who finally separated from the Chairwoman of Yue International.


    "CEO Tanaka," All smiles, Lexi smoothly called out. Since Wren, for some reason, wasn''t leaving and seemed to have a change of his mood as Lexi took a glimpse of him, clenching his jaw. s, just when she called out, Wren instantly got his easy-going persona as if the annoyed expression Lexi saw seconds ago were just a figment of her imagination.


    "Miss Yang~!" As usual, Wren''s approach was that of an ever-friendly one that reeled anyone who he talked with. "I would like to say I really appreciate you granting my invitation." He added with a wide grin.


    "No, CEO Tanaka, it was me who should sincerely thank you for allowing me to meet all these respectable men." With an open heart, Lexi candidly spatted her gratitude towards the man. Indeed, this opportunity opened doors for different opportunities that the Yang Family could take in the future and Lexi could not be more grateful to Wren.


    Sensing the profound genuineness of her words, Wren smiled brightly as he gestured Lexi to apany her for a while. "Miss Yang, mind if you assist me for the time being?"


    "My pleasure."


    With that, both of them exited the spacious dining hall keeping their professional distance. For Lexi, seeing that Ethan Lu was dragged away earlier along with those other businessmen, she was relieved that she doesn''t have to put up with his teasing.


    ncing at the man beside her, Lexi muster the courage to ask the real purpose of why Wren Tanaka invited her to such an event. Moreover, just like what Churu told her several days ago, she should ask every once in a while instead of guessing all the time.


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    "CEO Tanaka, if you don''t mind me asking, I have been wondering why you gave me this opportunity?


    "As you know Miss Yang, I had a habit of seeing something or even someone''s potential to the betterment of mypany¡­ so, I always take the gamble."


    Hearing his nice response, Lexi was somewhat ttered. She was reminded that in recent years, she never felt appreciated with all her hard work she did for that certain man. She almost forgot her worth despite keeping her proud front.


    Lexi slightly bit the lower of her lips as she restrained herself from showing a huge grin. She didn''t notice the figure of the dazzling Ethan Lu ahead of them as she briefly cast her gaze down.


    Ethan Lu, on the other hand, had a glimpse of the smiling Lexi as if a kid that has been ttered by something and constraining herself to show it. For some reason, a glint shed across his bewitching eyes and approached the two figures ahead of him.


    "CEO Tanaka, Miss Yang," slightly bowing his head, Ethan Lu greeted. Lexi who heard Ethan Lu''s voice again raised her head to meet his momentarily. For some reason, she saw an inexplicable gaze from Ethan as he nced at her before turning his attention to Wren Tanaka.


    ''Huh? What was that?''


    "CEO Tanaka, I''m sorry to interrupt your time with Miss Yang but --" However, before Ethan Lu could finish his sentence. He was abruptly interrupted by Wren.


    "Director Lu, if you were jealous of someone, how will you look at that person?" Out of the blue, Wren who seemed to be bothered by something asked which puzzled Lexi and Ethan.


    Yet, even though Ethan Lu wasn''t certain of what he was referring, he still smiled that showed his even white teeth. "Such a shame but I never felt jealousy¡­ from then and now, CEO Tanaka." Ethan bluntly responded with confidence.


    Lexi who perceived his answer nodded inwardly in agreement. If anything that she agrees with Ethan Lu throughout his nonsense the whole night, this statement actually convinced her without a question.


    "Oh?" Wren who didn''t probe any further but unlike his mood earlier, it was as if something was bugging him yet, Lexi was appalled how fast Wren Tanaka could change his personality in a split second. However, just as Ethan Lu could continue what he was saying, Wren''s assistant suddenly came out of nowhere.


    The assistant whispered something which made Wren Tanaka nodded before turning his attention back to Lexi and Ethan''s direction, "Well, it seems I have to excuse myself first. Director Lu, we''ll talk again some other time." Wren pulled something from inside of his tailored zer and then gave it to Lexi.


    Of course, without looking at it, Lexi smiled as she epted the obvious business card of the man. For her, even though she missed the chance to open the discussion of her main concern, with Wren Tanaka''s contacts on her hand, she''ll surely get her chance soon.


    "Call me if you need anything, Miss Yang. Director Lu, I would like to meet you again in the future as well." With that said note, Wren slightly bowed his head and left with his assistant; leaving the two alone.


    Lexi looked down on her hands and confirmed that the small card Wren Tanaka gave her was his business card. Only several businessmen could contact him without going through his assistant thus, she felt honored. Just the overwhelming feeling from her experience and having a sliver of hope for the dilemma of the Yang Family, Lexi could not help the side of her lips but curled upward in glee.


    "You should smile often, you know." Ethanmented seeing her concealed smile.

 Chapter 35 Whats that thing again?

    <h4>Chapter 35 What''s that thing again?</h4>


    Lexi side nces at him before she lightly shook her head and resumed on her tracks. Though she tolerated Ethan''s nonsense earlier, now that no one that she should impress was around, Lexi doesn''t find any reason to utter a single word to this yful man tonight. She already had enough with him hence, ignoring him was part of her n in the end.


    "Eh? Ignoring me now?" Ethan with a puzzled countenance caught up with her and inquired with his head slightly tilted sideways. Yet, Lexi neither nced at him nor slowed down on her tracks; she didn''t even fasten her pace as if to her, Ethan wasn''t there.


    "Miss Yang is so cold, this is... heartbreaking." Ethan acted as if he was heartbroken by sping his chest as he disyed a hurt look on his profile but to no avail, the cold woman was unmoved. To his perspective, despite being treated like air, Ethan was rather delighted by how Lexi straighten her unwavering resolve.


    Earlier, everything he does made her brows twitch, and then dismay would sh across her face which didn''t go unnoticed by his keen eyes. Hence, to see more of her odd responses to his dazzling and enchanting action that every girl liked, Ethan kept on making a move on her -- just to his entertainment which of course evidently disgusted the woman. Her automatic reaction left a hundred question marks on his head.


    Ethan would probably understand why Lexi was too sensitive being teased if he doesn''t look decent. However, in his 28 years of his existence, Ethan Lu was confident with his looks! He also watched his manner towards her at bay and kept his action to the minimum since he was just teasing her, but why does she seemed she was being hit on by some hoodlum?


    ''Does she have a problem with her eyesight? Eh? That''s impossible isn''t? She liked Morris after all,''


    Now, that her defenses were now secured again, she was back to that arrogant and proud young miss she originally was. She was yet again unfazed by his mischievous ploy.


    In the short span of time, Ethan was still bewildered on why Morris Liu, his sworn brother was too vexed by her presence. After all, she was a decent woman unlike what the rumors say. Moreover,pare to Mia Chen who was indeed a kind-hearted woman, Lexi, on the other hand, is the type ofdy that a businessman would fancy.


    ''Aiya, I would probably notprehend that thing called¡­ what''s that thing again?'' Ethan Lu thought inwardly and resumed his disturbance to the cold empress like a pest. Though he couldn''t fathom this whole charade between Lexi and Morris, the new knowledge he perceived in Lexi''s defense mechanism was amusing in its own way. Thus, he wanted to see more.


    -----


    Reaching the function hall where the employees of the Yue International Enterprise were having a st, two intimate figures on the corner owned the dance floor.


    Though the chairwoman and the young master of the Jin Medical Group were romantically dancing on the corner, their beautiful presence shone through among the crowd. Lexi who''s attention was piqued turned her gaze towards the two figures.


    "Eh, Miss Yang, don''t treat your ally like this¡­" Ethan Lu frowned as he was still receiving the cold treatment. Seeing that she stopped and gazing at the distance, Ethan Lu followed her gaze.


    Scrutinizing the two respectable figure, Lexi must admit that the two of them suited each other. She was more inclined to see the new chairwoman''s expression and to her surprise, the look on her face throughout the night; the dominating and unbending superiority that emanated on her aura despite her humble words -- she was much gentler before the man.


    That gaze of the woman as she looked at the man, Lexi knew it very well. She had the same soft gaze before; the gaze that her eyes would automatically make whenever she looked at her ex-fiance -- pained yet content.


    ''He must''ve loved her just like she does.` For some reason, Lexi was a bit envious. She never received such gentle gaze back from the only man she dedicated her heart for years. Indeed, though she somewhat hated what was Morris had done and the continuance of his suppression, Lexi couldn''t hate the man.


    Yes, she hated his action, his blindness and how unfair he treated her in spite of the things she had done for him. However, she cannot bring herself to hate the man himself. With those thoughts hovering on her mind, Lexi''s mood gradually changed.


    "Chu¡­" Churu who was missing in action since earlier suddenly appeared on Lexi''s shoulder with a worried look stered across her face. At the same time, Ethan Lu witnessed the gradual change on Lexi as she heedlessly peered on the lovey-dovey couple that owned the floor. For some reason, something was tugged inside him which he couldn''t understand.


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    Forcing a meek smile on his face, before Ethan could realize it, he took a step forward and block Lexi''s view of the two couples.


    Courtly lending out his hand, just like a real gentleman with his ever bewitching smile that whoever he aimed it for will certainly be lovestruck. "Miss Yang, will you give me the honor to have this dance with you?"

 Chapter 36 Sorry

    <h4>Chapter 36 Sorry</h4>


    Lexi''s eyes constricted in that very instant. Her eyesnded on Ethan''sid out palm and her brows knitted as she questioned herself if she heard him right.


    "I''m sorry, what?" After Ethan''s constant attempt to annoy her earlier, she finally responded with eyes filled with uncertainties.


    He never saw this before, or rather, he never noticed that Lexi always wanted confirmation. She would always pardon herself when caught off guard and would scurry away for some unknown reason.


    Smiling gently, Ethan patiently repeated his words, "Will you dance with me, Miss Yang?"


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    Lexi rigidly blinked her eyes as her gaze met his pair of bewitching yet gentle eyes. To her, it''s as if she was having a tough time digesting Ethan''s invitation.


    ''Dance? With him?''


    She lightly scoffed as her thought process finally functioned. "Director Lu, I know you fancy ying around but, I don''t think it''s appropriate to target and add me; your friend''s former fiance on your ''dated'' list. If you can''t respect your brotherhood with bro--, with CEO Liu, then, please refrain from doing unnecessary deed that could clearly cause difort to your fellow human being¡­ have some basic human decency." Lexi uttered in one go. Her cold facade was unmoved as she spat her opinion towards Ethan''s action. She doesn''t care anymore about the system and its task.


    If one thing that Lexi came to hate, it was not being taken seriously. Though she could not unt her damaged reputation, she still has too much pride in her that it was an insult that Ethan Lu sees her in a way he could fool around with.


    Even before, she hated being treated that way. What''s more? After everything that happened between her and Morris Liu, Lexi came to hate it more. Hence, she won''t put up with more rubbish pretense with Ethan Lu anymore if it would only trample the dignity left on her.


    Sensitive? Yes, Lexi was rather more sensitive especially now that everyday was still a struggle for her to wholeheartedly ept herself; and to apply the lesson she learned from the harsh lesson called reality.


    After Lexi burst out, she heaved heavily before turning her back against the man and strode away from him.


    Ethan stood rooted on the floor as he stared down at his shunned hands. For some reason, he didn''t feel offended by Lexi''s words but rather, he was astonished.


    He knew that he was sometimes overbearing and would always cross the line before he knew it. However, since he always get away with it and no woman really spoke their displeasure towards his action, thus, it became a habit.


    Hence, without taking any consideration with the issue Lexi was facing at the moment -- he just waltzed in with a selfish desire to fulfill his amusement but could cause trouble for her in return.


    Realizing his fault, Ethan Lu balled hisid out hand into a fist as he grinds his teeth. Raising his gaze to where Lexi headed, he hastily rushed to catch up with her.


    -----


    "Chu¡­ are you mad?" Churu who was surprisingly avoiding the ''system talks'' worriedly inquired about Lexi. She frowned seeing that Lexi wasn''t responding. However, she could feel the emotion Lexi she has now which is why Churu was rather careful with her words.


    "Lexi, chu¡­" Churu who was being ignored flew and wrapped her short arms on Lexi''s neck as if she was hugging it.


    The action of the little dumpling ceased Lexi''s steps. She rubbed Churu''s cheeks by her index finger as if petting her. She reassured, "I''m not." Before she resumed on her tracks towards the parking space of the said luxury hotel.


    "Miss Yang -- wait!" From the distance, Lexi heard Ethan''s weary voice which slightly stunned her. Turning her head from behind her, Ethan jogged his way to catch up on her. When he reached her standpoint, Lexi''s brows creased in confusion. She didn''t expect that Ethan Lu would persist despite the harsh words she spouted earlier.


    Granting that she was displeased on Ethan''s behavior, Lexi also discerned her wrongs by speaking such harsh words without thinking about the consequences. After all, Ethan Lu was still the heir of the Lu family which had a higher family standing than the Yang family.


    "Director Lu, why --" Just as Lexi could even construct her question, Ethan Lu raised his hands and ced both his palm together in a prayer position.


    "Sorry." Ethan''s first word came as a sincere apology that was akin to a child asking for forgiveness. Though his way of apologizing was quite odd in his age, for a fleeting moment, Lexi saw his integrity with his somewhat charming countenance with his eyes shut closed.


    "Pfft--" After some time, Lexi bit her lower lip to restrain herself fromughing out loud. For some odd reason, she wanted to ask if Churu''s spirit manifested the man with his childish action.

 Chapter 37 Be friends

    <h4>Chapter 37 Be friends</h4>


    Ethan Lu slightly opened his eyes to see the giggling Lexi who was trying to restrain herughing by covering her lips with her fist. At first, he was slightly awestruck as it was his first time seeing this kind of genuine reaction from her.


    Granting that she was smiling andughing throughout the party, Ethan knew that it was her business smiles. But right now, the Lexi before her wasn''t the proud and uptight young miss of the Yang family but a woman with grace and undeniable beauty. It was as if her beauty shone that brief moment which made Ethan Lu in awe.


    Snapping from his reverie, Ethan Lu smiled brighter than he could before. "Miss Yang, I know I offended you in somewhat someways and I am truly regretful with that."


    "Director Lu, I appreciate your thought but you don''t have to do this." After rposing her posture, Lexi got back on her usual front s, she was now less repent like the usual. Granting that she was displeased earlier, Lexi wasn''t that stubborn to not ept a sincere apology from someone. After all, it was rare for the people that were part of the top socialdder to admit their wrongs.


    She knew that well as she had that kind of perspective before as a child. However, as she grows up and matures, with the help of her parents on disciplining her, she changed bit by bit. One of the reasons the grave disappointment of her parents when she forgot the principle she was thought by being blinded by a one-sided love.


    "No, I -- You know, Miss Yang I wanted for us to start with the right foot."


    "Huh?"


    "Let''s be friends." Ethan Lu dered without going through circles. Indeed, with the short encounters he had with Lexi, Ethan''s respect towards the woman gradually rose from scratch. He too didn''t expect anything from her.


    On their first encounter, he dragged Lexi along with him to Morris Liu''s office just for his entertainment and also annoy his buddy. He had the knowledge of Lexi being a spoiled brat that does whatever she wants without using her head. But to his surprise, the expectation of her causing chaos that very day turned out to be theplete opposite.


    She wasn''t a person who would wage a losing war. She knew when to stop and when to admit defeat. She was mature and not a brat just like what the rumors say. Ethan hooked up with many to count socialites of young misses hence, his understanding of them was all the same.


    Thus, to unravel Lexi''s nature, he asked her to eat out. Since he was well-versed of the wealthy young misses, he deliberately took her to a small restaurant that he was fond of with the expectation that she was going to a full beast mode.


    s, to Ethan''s surprise, though she showed her reluctance at first, Lexi actually liked home-cooked style noodles that couldn''t par the top chefs cooking for her. What''s more? He saw her going back to the ce alone and genuinely enjoying the food he introduced to her.


    Which made him a little interested to his best friend''s ex-fiance. He could not understand why Morris was too vexed with just her presence alone. In his opinion, Lexi wasn''t that bad with a good social standing and achievements. Well, he''ll probably would never understand his friend''s thought process.


    All he wanted to do now is be friends with Lexi -- nothing more, nothing less.


    "Friends? Director Lu, I don''t think --"


    "Ethan." Without letting her continue her obvious rejection, Ethan interrupted her with a full blinding smile. s, his smile gradually dissipated as he took nced behind her.


    "Uh, is this some kin--" Again, Lexi''s words were forcefully interrupted by the next second as Ethan abruptly pulled and spun her. So now, Lexi''s back leaned against the side of a parked car while Ethan closed in front of her with his hands ced both of her sides.


    "What --!"


    "Shhh¡­ calm down. Just calm down for a sec." Ethan who had a shocked and slightly anxious expression hushed her which for some reason she abides. When Lexi calmed down, Ethan moves his gaze passed the top of the car and saw a few figures who hid their guns on their backs. Just then, he immediately retracted his eyes from those unknown groups as one of the men turned his attention to them.


    Seeing that there''s a two couple who seemed to be in their passionate time, they heed them no mind.


    "Where''s your car?" Ethan whispered to Lexi who was still slightly disoriented by his unusual words. Hearing his inquiry, Lexi raised her head and was more speechless by the half-palm size distance between their faces. If one of them would recklessly move forward, their lips would surely meet.


    The lower of her lips trembled as she stuttered and pointed the direction to where her car was parked. "A - across the otherne."


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    Ethan nodded before shifting his gaze back to the retreating group of scoundrels. He waited for a little longer for the group to walk far away from them before he heedlessly grabbed Lexi''s hand and dragged her towards her car as if their life depended on it.


    "Let''s go."


    Reaching the car, just as Ethan thought they were safe, both of them froze. Apparently, the van next to Lexi''s car had unconscious bodiesying on the concrete ground with three men moving them inside. Though they don''t seem dead, it still shocked Lexi to the core.

 Chapter 38 Its not your fault, alright?

    <h4>Chapter 38 It''s not your fault, alright?</h4>


    Lexi and Ethan were thrown inside another empty Van from the corner of the wide parking space like a bag of luggage. Apparently, both of their hands were tied behind them and their feet as well.


    "Zipped your mouths and you''ll get away here unscathed." A man who''s half of his face covered by a ck cloth warned them. His eyes were akin to a beast that with one wrong move from them, he''ll surely do something they don''t hope for.


    Seeing that Ethan and Lexi were obedient, he slightly nodded before shutting the door of the Van.


    ---


    Earlier, when Lexi and Ethan saw that mind-boggling scene, Ethan shouted for her to enter the car. s, Lexi was too shocked and luck seemed it wasn''t on her side as for that brief moment, she finds it hard to search for her keys despite the small size of her branded handbag.


    Hence, just as she grabbed a hold of her keys, the two men pounced at Ethan. He was trying to hold them back by fighting back but since they are the three of them, he was overpowered.


    When they sessfully subdued Ethan in a matter of seconds, one of the men then jumped skipped towards Lexi who was panicking to unlock her car. Thus, before she could near her escape, Lexi was already captured by the man.


    ----


    Now that everything was done, both of them ended up being hostage in a small van. If anything that can they''d be thankful for was that aside from the few punches Ethan received from his retaliation earlier, they didn''t harm them any longer.


    Ethan nced at Lexi who was evidently terrified of their escted situation. They were just enjoying themselves earlier and had a little argument which seemed they nearly reconciled. However, how did it turned out like this? Them being tied up inside a small van? No, the real question was, who are these people? And what are their purpose?


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    Since the Van they were in was on the corner of the vast parking space, their only source of light was the faint light from the outside which made the inside of the van slightly dim. Though Lexi was evidently scared, it was too obvious that she was fighting it and not letting it overwhelm her anymore.


    "Are you¡­" Ethan wanted to ask her if she was alright s before he could even finish his question, he realized how dumb it is. Lexi on the other could feel her shoulder''s trembling began to get uncontroble. Her hands and toes slowly felt cold and beads of sweat started to form on her forehead. Yet, she wanted to clear her head.


    "It''s my fault¡­ I''m sorry," Lexi mumbled heedlessly recalling her earlier action. She found itughable actually -- acting without using her head.


    "No, it''s not." Ethan brows creased as worries shed across his eyes. Though he liked teasing Lexi and seeing her different action, he never wanted to see this one expression. He budged his tied hands s to no avail, it was rope was tightly secured. Surely, these men were professional and won''t let another mistake by giving them a chance to escape.


    Feeling a little helpless, Ethan gritted his teeth and move to Lexi with great effort. Scrutinizing her bemused front, he demanded in a low and patient tone.


    "Hey, look at me."


    s, Lexi as if trapped with her own little words heed him no mind. Hence. Ethan continuously attempted to snap her back to reality while his tone slowly increased with every time he calls her out and not receive any response.


    "Hey, Miss Yang? Lexi!"


    With hisst call, Lexi finally got a hold of herself and her disoriented eyes raised to meet his. She didn''t think much about Ethan calling her first name despite the distance of their connection.


    She was utterly scared. Granting that she always had a strong front, s, this kind of situation¡­ it was hard for her to y pretend. It only reminds her of a dark childhood past that no matter how much she tries to forget, she won''t.


    Despite the dim surrounding, Ethan could clearly see the tears that forming on the corner of her eyes and was urging to fall any moment. Before him was a vulnerable Lexi -- a scarred warrior after taking off her battle gears.


    "It''s not your fault, alright? None of this is your fault." Repeating his words, Ethan reassured with a meek smile.


    "If only I went to the valet, I¡­ we won''t be here." For some reason, since Lexi was now able to spot her faults, she justified. She added; "also if only I didn''t walk out --"


    "Tch." Ethan clicked his tongue which halted Lexi from her sentence. "If only I didn''t tease you too much then, you wouldn''t walkout. If only I didn''t get on your nerve, then probably, your safe and sound not stuck here. So, it''s my fault in the first ce."


    Admitting his wrongs to put the right scenarios, for some unknown reason, it put a slight smile on his lips. For a while, both of them neither spoke a word as they stared each other under the faint light through the tinted window.


    "Pfft--" Realizing their petty words and reflection, both of them let out a light chuckle. Just then, they hushed as they heard a voiceing from outside.


    "F*ck! How can you guys be so careless?! You actually let yourself get caught and now were detaining them. F*ck! We''re so dead¡­ I''m doomed!"

 Chapter 39 Will you let us go?

    <h4>Chapter 39 Will you let us go?</h4>


    Both Ethan and Lexi looked at each other with their brows knitted. They were puzzled by the man''s upset ims and apprehension. Keeping their silence for a while, Lexi flinched when the door of the vehicle abruptly opened.


    There, it revealed an equipped man with a ck cloth covering his whole except his eyes. However, despite that his features were all covered, Lexi could tell by his distress from his eyes. It was as if he was more on the desperate and worse situation than them.


    After scanning Ethan and Lexi''s condition, he let out a heavy sigh before closing the doors again. Just as the door was shut close, a loud cursed was once again reached Lexi''s ear.


    "F*ck!!"


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    Hearing another distress curse outside, Lexi''s brows could not help but twitch. They were the one who was being tied up and was captured yet, why was the man was acting very out of character.


    Considering the frightening rifle clung across his body and his physique, Lexi expected that he was a terrifying felon. s, instead of feeling more scared than she was now, it rather gave her a slight relief for some unknown reason.


    Averting her eyes to Ethan who was attentively listening to the conversation outside, she whispered, "Hey¡­"


    "Shhh." s, Ethan gently hushed her as he moved on her side and leaned his ear against the wall of the vehicle.


    "They were one of the guests ording to him."


    "I know that! Why the hell did you park beside that car in the first ce?! We were told a designated position to move those bastards! Ha, you''ve beenx aren''t you?"


    Ethan faintly heard their conversation and grasp a thing or two from them. First, they were not the target and it just so happened that they were present at the wrong ce and time. Second was, this group of armed men might or might not harm them if they obediently followed their demand.


    He turned to Lexi''s direction after his conclusion. At the same time, Lexi turned her gaze on him as well. By the looks of their eyes, Ethan and Lexi seemed to have a silent understanding of their dilemma.


    However, before the two could spat a word, the door was opened once again. Turning their attention on the opened backdoor, they were slightly surprised that the man who checked them earlier had two bottles of water and two sandwiches.


    "Here, keep yourselves hydrated." the masked man offered as he threw the sandwiches on Ethan''sp with impable precision and rolled the bottled water towards them.


    "Uh, how nice of you." Before Lexi could realize it, her sarcasm was released from her mouth as she nced at the beverage and snacks for them.


    "How can we eat them?" Ethan who was puzzled by the man''s unexpected concerns probed. He then slightly turned to exin that they were apparently tied up. Hence, there''s no way they could keep themselves ''hydrated.''


    "Ohh, right. Then, just don''t die in the meantime." Their situation finally registered to the man as he scratched the back of his head and awkwardly advised.


    "Don''t die, who?"


    Suddenly, a deep voice reached them. Lexi clearly saw fear from the masked man''s eyes as he heard the deep, manly voice. He abruptly turned to the side and bowed his head in respect.


    "Boss T --" due to panicked, the masked man almost blurted out the other man''s name whom Lexi and Ethan could not see from their standpoint.


    "I heard what happened. Continue your surveince around the vicinity and leave one person to the two." The deep, manly voice instructed which the masked man abided after a bow.


    ''Secure?'' Lexi questioned inwardly. Soon, after the masked man left, a huge that seemed to inherit hulk''s genes came into sight. Though his face was covered by a cute cat head mask, s, his unbelievable enormous body destroyed the cuteness image of a kittenmunity.


    "I apologize for my men''s incautiousness that led to your unsightly situation." The hulk man courtly apologized as he bowed his head. Ethan and Lexi could discern that he was a foreigner from his broke Chinese ent.


    "Who are you people?" Ethan solemnly inquired. Lexi''s brows arc as she turned her gaze on Ethan. She was slightly speechless with his serious expression and a full 360-degree change of persona. He transformed from a happy-go-lucky type of guy into an authoritative one that broadened Lexi''s view towards the young master of the Lu family.


    "Young sir, I cannot answer that question but believe me when I say we meant no harm to the people here."


    "Then, who are those unconscious men?" probing a little bit further, Ethan remained adamant on his post.


    "They were the one who might shoot you in the head." The hulk man sternly responded. By the sound of his voice, he seemed he was telling the truth. s, with the trauma of the sight earlier, Lexi found it hard to believe everything the man says.


    "Alright¡­ will you let us go?" Without showing whether Ethan trusted the man''s words or not, he bravely demanded. After some time, a stifling silence enveloped on their surrounding as the man took his time to respond.


    "I can. But, as you can see, the whole ce was surrounded by¡­ dangerous people. I''m afraid if I let you go now and a gunfight sparked, you''ll get caught in the middle of the crossfire. Will you take the risk?"


    Lexi was astounded by the man''s words. He was willing to let them go now with assertiveness, despite that they might do something silly. ''Is he that skilled to have this confidence?''


    "Chuuu~!! I''m scared, chu~!" Churu who abruptly disappeared earlier and now re-appeared out of thin airnded on herp with her whole dumpling being trembling.

 Chapter 40 Give and Take relationship

    <h4>Chapter 40 Give and Take rtionship</h4>


    Seeing Lexi slumping on herp while trembling, Lexi was quite concern on the little adorable dumpling -- forgetting that she was probably the safest being strolling around them. s, before Lexi could even console her, the little dumpling flew in front of her with Churu''s glittering blushing face.


    "Chuu~! There are bad people in every corner of this area with guns! I can smell the sweet scent of chaos, chu~! So scary~!" Churu eximed in one go. s, unlike her ims of being scared, her expression tells Lexi otherwise. By the looks of it, she was rather excited to the extent of making her tremble.


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    Seeing this, Lexi slowly rolled her eyes as she slowly closed them. She could feel a slight headache realizing that Churu was superficial being that neither could be heard nor touch. Moreover, the cause of her abrupt disappearance hovered on Lexi''s mind.


    Churu turned her attention to the hulk man that has a kitten head mask which turned her glittering eyes to another degree of excitement, "Boss Tito, chu~!" She flew towards the man named Tito with half of her body moving sideways, like a puppy wagging her tail.


    ''Tito? Sissy? Where have you been?'' Hearing that Churu knew the man''s name, she inquired out of curiosity.


    "I''m following them, chu! Apparently, they were taking down bad men who attempted to harm every guest of the host of this party, chu~!" Churu giddily eximed as she continued to scan Tito''s physique.


    ''So he''s telling the truth¡­''


    "Of course, chu~! I sensed danger and I need to survey which side my sissy could trust¡­ you can''t die, chu~!" This time, Churu turned her head to Lexi''s direction and smiled brightly. Indeed, Churu knew she wasn''t useful as of yet to Lexi. Ultimately, the host of the system, which was Lexi was still unwilling to give her entire heart to her task hence, she could not make full use of the benefits of the so-called system -- the basic rules of give and take rtionship between the system and its host.


    However, since Churu grew fonder of Lexi and treated her well despite not abiding the rules of the system, she acted on her own volition for the sake of her ''Sissy''.


    Hearing Churu''s words, Lexi for some reason felt relief. Earlier, even though she was panicking, she thought of Churu''s location as she always forgets that the little dumpling can''t be harmed.


    "Well, Mr. Lu?" After some time, Tito asked Ethan of his decision.


    "Risk? Huh, Let us go and I will take it from here." Ethan Lu authoritatively demanded. Though hisplexion was slightly pale for some unknown reason, his solemn countenance was demanding and domineering.


    The man whom Churu called Tito obviously scanned Ethan''s resolve before he let out a heavy sigh. He then pulled out a small dagger from behind him and slid it towards the side of Ethan; where his tied hand could reach.


    For a split second, Ethan Lu was slightly surprised that the man did submit from his demands. He was just testing the man''s patience and gravitating whether he''d dare to let them go, s, seeing how fast the hulk-like man agreed, it rather heightened Ethan''s suspicions.


    "We can only secure you from the shadows if you''re inside the premises but if you leave, we cannot be concerned with your safety anymore," Tito warned for thest time before closing the doors and left.


    Lexi who was observing the situation lowered her gaze towards the sharp dagger beside Ethan. Seeing him reach for the dagger, she was slightly surprised that Ethan managed to sh the rope in one attempt. Recalling how he attempted to fend off the men earlier, she could tell that Ethan was quite strong for buying her some time.


    It just so happened that he was overpowered as the men who captured them were much more expert in their field. Furthermore, her mind malfunctioned at the same time that caused her failure to leave and ask for help.


    After sessfully freeing his hand, Ethan didn''t waste a second and freed his feet before turning to Lexi. Without a word from both of them, Lexi''s wrists and feet were released as well.


    "I don''t know if we can trust him but if what he''s saying were true, I think we must stay inside the premises a little longer¡­" Ethan exined while heavily breathing and beads of sweat began to form on his forehead. Seeing this abnormality, Lexi''s brows creased.


    "Are you alright?" without thinking much about it, Lexi''s hand raised and assisted Ethan''s jaw for her to see him clearly. Fortunately, Ethan didn''t tease her like the usual as he forced a meek smile of reassurance and nodded.


    "No, you must leave this ce, chu~! I''ll tell you what road is safe." Churu offered filled with determination. Seeing how serious Churu was, Lexi took her advice; giving her full trust to the little dumpling.


    "No, I think he''s not as bad as we thought they were, but... we must leave this ce." Lexi stared at Ethan''s paleplexion with her utmost earnest. In her mind, Churu''s intention was reliable and pure which was somewhat true. However, when Churu heard that Lexi took her advice, a slightly mischievous glint shed across her eyes as if foreseeing a good scenario in her mind.


    Churu giggled inwardly while keeping her facade on the surface, ''hihi, let''s see how many points my sissy can umte this time.''

 Chapter 41 Taking him home!

    <h4>Chapter 41 Taking him home!</h4>


    Ethan peered at Lexi''s pair of scared yet determined eyes before he sighed in defeat. "Alright¡­ I''ll get you home."


    "We''re not reporting it to the police?" Lexi inquired hearing that he would personally drive her home. Yet, she didn''tin about it as her whole being was still trembling in fear and Lexi was also uncertain if she could drive safely with her current state. Moreover, it might be a shame to admit it but Lexi was scared out of her wits.


    "Don''t worry about that," Ethan reassured not going through the details. After all, they must safely leave this establishment first or at least, get in his car as he deliberately left his phone inside it so no one could disturb him, which he regretted now. Seeing Lexi obediently nodded in agreement, he slowly opened the van and cautiously peeked outside.


    s, to his surprise, they were still equipped men outside yet, they didn''t pay attention to him even though they had seen him. ''Ah, I feel so gullible.'' Ethan Lu mumbled inwardly.


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    "Don''t worry, chu~! Tito is a man of his words, they won''t chase you, chu~!" Churu cheered excitedly. She reassured Lexi based on her intelligence. Hence, seeing Ethan''s reluctance, Lexi passed Churu''s reassurance in her way.


    "I trust them."


    ----


    Several minutes had passed before Lexi and Ethan mustered the courage to exit the van where they were currently at. However, no matter how Lexi thought she rposed herself -- everything gradually shattered after seeing how crowded the parking space was.


    She gasped as she held tightly on the hem of Ethan''s tailored suit jacket. Thanks to the years of practice, she didn''t look that pitiful on the surface or rather, she still seemed unfazed before these shadow brigade.


    The parking space that should be filled with car s, now, it seemed like a war base with how many individuals, all geared up surrounding the whole floor. Some of them turned their heads to them yet, they didn''t pay much attention to them -- just like what Churu said.


    Now, even without Churu''s advice, Lexi would die just to go home. She shouldn''t be afraid of death as she already experienced one but, that''s the whole point! She already went halfway the gates of hell and was resurrected by a stroke of luck -- gaining a somewhat useless system with a cute manual.


    However, when Lexi recovered and witnessed how her parents bawled their eyes like little kids, hence, Lexi oath that she won''t cause them any more pain. She was given a second chance at life and she wanted to use it to the fullest -- with a peaceful and happy life.


    Recalling all those heart-wrenching memories she had whenever Morris Liu would shun her, how she painfully shrugged his obvious hatred towards her, and how he unted his power to her parent to the extent of her dear father sucking up to his words; right before her eyes. With that, somewhat, some ways, Lexi managed to get a grip on herself.


    Though her situation before wasn''t as dangerous as this, Lexi was clear about one thing -- both could cost her life.


    ''Those memories also cost my life¡­"


    "But you''re not alone this time, chu~! I got chu~!" Hearing her convictions inwardly, Churu turned her head to her and genuinely smiled as if to say that Lexi wasn''t alone anymore.


    Staring at Churu who was leading the way, Lexi''s tensed shoulders slightly rxed. ''Yes,''


    From the perspective of the men in a full gear suit, they found the two couplemendable. After all, though seeing that they were all equipped with dangerous weapons, both managed to keep a strong front and acted as if they weren''t there.


    Since Ethan Lu''s keys were gone assuming that he dropped them while he fought the men earlier, they decided to use Lexi''s car since she managed to grab a tight hold on it when the men captured her.


    Also, the list that they should stay inside the premises was out of the list when both of them spotted other staff of the said establishment talking with the members of this shadow brigade.


    Reaching her expensive car, Lexi imed, "I''ll drive."


    "No --"


    "Ethan, I can manage." Since Churu said that she will guide her the safe directions, she decided to drive. After all, she won''t be able to exin to him how she knew what safe route to take. Also, unlike earlier, Lexi got a little confidence from her lovable sissy and of course, from her parents that were waiting at home.


    Without waiting for Ethan Lu''s protest, Lexi hitched on the driver''s seat and waited for Ethan Lu to get inside; which in due time he abide before she started its engine -- putting all her faith to Churu and Tito''s word that they won''t harm them before she sped away.


    When they exited the whole premises without hearing any gun noises aiming at them, Lexi felt slightly relieved. She cast Ethan a side nced and saw that he was profusely sweating which caused her brows to crease.


    "Are you really alright?"


    "Hmm." Ethan faintly hummed as he squinted his eyes to have a clearer view of the road ahead.


    "Focus on the road, chu~! Think about Mr. Initial taskter when you get home. Turn right, chu~!" Churu grinned brightly which Lexi didn''t mind as she was always like that. Hence, she focused on her driving, following Churu''s directions.


    ----


    With Churu''s lead, Lexi sessfully arrived home. Though from her perspective, it was quite odd that the exit of the road they took led her near the Yang residence. Yet, she didn''t conclude even further as she decided to go straight home -- bringing a man with her.

 Chapter 42 Dumpling on the move

    <h4>Chapter 42 Dumpling on the move</h4>


    Heavily breathing, Lexi pursed her lips and slowly closed her eyes and opened them once again. She was thankful that they made it out alive. They didn''t encounter any trouble with the route that Churu directed.


    However, now that they were on the safe zone, Lexi recalled Churu''s persistence earlier.


    [moments ago]


    "Turn left, chu! Right, chu! Right again after two streets, chu! You can''t stop, chu! This whole ce was dangerous, chu! Even the police might be involved, chu!" Lexi felt she had a headache hearing Churu''s signature ''chu'' intensify everytime she spoke.


    Brushing Churu''s annoying statements, Lexi nced at Ethan''s direction yet, he wasn''t saying anything as he kept blinking his eyes.


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    "Where would I drop you off?" After contemting for a while, Lexi inquired with caution. She doesn''t want to sound rude as Ethan''s image on her mind slightly changed.


    "It''s okay. I''ll just make a call when you got home." Ethan meekly smiled and looked at Lexi''s still nervous front. Though she doesn''t looked that scared just like earlier, Ethan still wanted to make sure she could make it home.


    However, Ethan must''ve took a toll from trying to fend off the men earlier as he could feel he fractured his shoulder and ribs. s, Ethan had a bad habit of bottling everything to himself, which is why he chose not to let Lexi know about it.


    Churu on the other hand smiled brightly hearing Ethan''s statement. She already foresaw this happening -- an injured Ethan Lu and scared Lexi.


    Churu took advantage of the fact that Lexi wasn''t as clear headed as she usually was. Thanks to her hidden abilities that could only use in case of emergencies, Churu managed to examined Ethan earlier when she arrived inside the van. She instantly got the result of his life percentage and found some broken bones which could be a little serious if left unattended.


    Moreover, Churu stretched her ability and asked permission from the system to some relevant information about the target which is Ethan Lu. To her surprise, Ethan hated hospitals.


    Hence, with as brilliant as hers and to make up with the dog food scene she missed, Churu had her greatest idea of all. Since Ethan had an internal injury, why not make the stubborn host of the system be his nurse?


    Though Churu was uncertain of the time limit or how long will this idea of hers wouldst, for her, it''s worth the gamble -- especially now that Ethan unintentionally riding with Churu''s n.


    "Alright," Lexi sighed in defeat before she followed Churu''s direction.


    ------


    [present time]


    Lexi and Ethan unconsciously stared with each other before wordlessly leaving the car. After all, they couldn''t share with a limited space alone for a long time.


    Neither of them talked as Ethan Lu walked her in front of her home. When they reached the Yang family''s doorstep Lexi meekly smiled.


    "Uhh, right -- phone." Lexi was reminded that Ethan needed to call his assistant thus, she fiddled inside her handbag and found easily found it. However, her phone died out without any justice.


    ''God, why did I forgot to charge my phone?'' She grumbled inwardly. Raising her eyebrows and shifted her awkward gaze back to Ethan''s inexpressive front, she uttered with hesitation.


    "Hmm, why don''t you get inside first? My phone died."


    However, her brows creased together having a clearer sight of Ethan''s pale face and see him unobviously winced in pain. Taking a step forward, Lexi inquired, "What''s wrong?"


    "Uh, nothi--" s, even before he could finish his sentence, a striking pain struck his ribs which caused him to bow a little.


    Instinctively, Lexi hastily stepped few steps forward to catch him. To her surprise, Ethan''s back was drenched with sweat and shoulders were slightly trembling.


    "God, it is not nothing! We''ll send you to the hospital!" Her voice raised as she felt her heart pound from nervousness. She didn''t understand why but for some reason, Lexi panicked.


    However, hearing the word hospital, Ethan gripped at her much tighter than he should. "No, no, no¡­ no hospital¡­ please," He muttered through his gritted teeth.


    By the next second, the front door was opened and revealed a maid of the Yang family. The maid was slightly taken aback seeing the young miss assisting a dashing man.


    "Don''t just stand there, help me!" Lexi aggressively shouted which snapped the young maid back to reality.


    "Y-yes, young miss!"


    With that, the maid and Lexi assisted Ethan Lu inside the Yang manor. Yet, Ethan''s grip on the hem of her dress as if he was afraid of something, Lexi was slightly felt guilty.


    "It''s alright¡­ We''ll call a doctor instead, alright?" She reassured him rather gentler as if she was coaxing a kid.


    Churu on the side smiled brightly. The gamble she took earlier seemed to progress quite well. However, before she could even fly towards Lexi, a great force sucked her and she was thrown outside the Yang Mansion.

 Chapter 43 An order from Father Yang

    <h4>Chapter 43 An order from Father Yang</h4>


    "Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!" Churu yelled as she crushed on the concrete ground on the Yang Mansion''s driveway.


    "Chu! Chu! Chu! Chu!!" [Ouch! That hurt! You don''t have to do that to me!!"] She bellowed looking above, s, all words that came from her mouth was the word ''chu''.


    After some time, her expression turned more ugly as she listened to the voice in her head. Listening more to the voice, Churu was evidently displeased. Still spouting her ''chu'' words nonstop, she justified.


    "What vition? I just helped my host! Why are you exaggerating?!"


    "Don''t forget your purpose, little devil. Until your host could fully abide in the Lord''s mercy, you are supposed to be useless, as always." The female voice inside the little dumpling''s head emotionlessly warned. Her voice was soft yet cold which made Churu a little more agitated. The voice added,


    "Don''t you forget that she also hadn''t done anything for you yet. Huh, you still have that shameful ''chu'' in every word you say¡­ aren''t you a little soft for a demon?" It was evident that the female voice was mocking Churu in her remarks. s, it was the truth.


    Churu was supposed to answer Lexi''s question -- nothing more, nothing less. That was the order she got before being deployed as Lexi''s guide.


    At first, Churu actually didn''t bore any emotion towards Lexi as she strolled around and wouldn''t care if Lexi would do on her own. Of course, she would remind Lexi about the system every once in a while.


    However, in the short course of time, Churu became fonder of her host. Not only Lexi was actually appreciative into small things, she treated her quite well. She even introduced her to the greatest creation of humankind called facial mask!


    Hence, Churu gradually change and before she knew it, she wanted Lexi toplete the whole charade of the absolute one because she also knew the benefit of it. Moreover, Lexi was a smart woman thus, Churu was certain that she won''t fall with the trickery of her future task.


    s, she also knew that Lexi wasn''t fully into the system and it was understandable that she would receive punishment after acting on her own ord. Yet, Churu didn''t regret her action or rather, she was now more determined for Lexi to have her own happy life with the right person.


    "Whatever, old hag! Give me your all, I''ll take it!" Churu challenged. For some reason, though she was still as cute as ever, s, there''s a different aura surrounded her as her pair of eyes had an indiscernible glint -- just like the eyes of a dignified warrior.


    With that, Churu felt an enormous gravity cast on her whole being which cause her to fall face down on the ground. By the next second, the weight on her was gone, yet, Churu was forcefully flew in the air and then mmed again on the ground. The cycle repeated for god knows how long but Churu never screamed for help as she obediently received her unjust punishment.


    -------


    Meanwhile¡­


    Themotion on the Yang''s living area rmed Lexi''s parents. Arriving at the part of the house, several maids were rushing to bring medicines and other unnecessary things that Lexi blurted out.


    Arriving at the part of the premises, Frederick Yang''s brows creased seeing his daughter s, what caught his attention was a man lying on the couch while Lexi sat beside him.


    "Lexi Yang!" Father Yang eximed seeing the sight of themotion. When Lexi turned her head to his direction, Frederick Yang saw the panic-stricken expression stered across his daughter''s face.


    "Oh my, dear¡­ what happened?" Mother Yang who was quick to realize her daughter''s concern rushed towards Lexi''s standpoint. Lexi jolted from seeing her mother,


    "M-mom, he just fainted and his sweating a lot. I don''t know what to do, I --"


    "It''s alright, it''s alright. We''ll send him to the hospital." Mother Yang gently console Lexi''s trembling back. By the looks of it, the young man was a friend of her daughter hence, to calm her down, she reassured. s, Lexi hurriedly retorted.


    "No, no hospital. I already called Dr. Xu."


    Hours had passed and Ethan was transferred to one of the guest room on the house. Waiting anxiously for the doctor Xu to finish his duties, Lexi and her parents sat on the sofa inside the room.


    Shortly after, doctor Xu who''s in his mid 40''s finally finished his job and turned to the family of three. Tipping his eyesses, he nced at Lexi before he spoke, "CEO Yang, I assumed Mr. Lu was suffering to a slight fever before he inflicted his mild concussion. Fret not, he only needed aplete rest for at least a week. I''d also prescribed¡­"


    The Yang''s family doctor continued on prattling on the do''s and don''t to tend to the patient before he bowed his head and took his leave.


    "What happened to young master Lu?" Frederick Yang calmly inquired. He added, "and why are you with him?"


    Hearing her father''s inquiry, Lexi felt somewhat troubled. Does she needed to tell them everything? That they bumped into something they shouldn''t and ended up being captured? s, won''t that make them more worried than they already were?


    Lexi thought hard about it and decided to let them at ease and vaguely explicated, "We had a misunderstanding but he somehow, tried to help me still but I--"


    "Lexi!"


    "Lexi Yang!" Both her parents shouted assuming what their foolish daughter did. It could be seen the disappointment they felt when they came upon what their daughter had done.


    "You take care of the young master Lu and apologize to him." Frederick Yang with his dignified aura ordered before he walked away before he could say hurtful words to his beloved daughter.


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 Chapter 44 Uh. Where are we again?

    <h4>Chapter 44 Uh. Where are we again?</h4>


    "Lexi Yang, we will discuss thister!" Mother Yang humped before going after her husband which left Lexi''s brows twitching. Did they just assume she hurt him? Thinking of how little trust her parents gave her, Lexi wasn''t the one toin.


    After all, a person won''t change in an instant. Moreover, the bad reputation she built up in recent years must be the cost why her parents assumed that she hurt another person -- whether intentional or not, she knew they only wanted for her to keep out of trouble.


    "Well, I can exin tomorrow¡­" Lexi mumbled as she turned her head to see Ethan''s peacefully sleeping. ncing at the IV Drip, Lexi pursed her lips and drag the chair to sit beside him.


    Actually, she was surprised to hear that Ethan was already having a mild fever throughout the night s, he wasn''t saying orining about anything as if he was normal. Moreover, it was never shown that he was feeling unwell -- as he still had the energy to tease her.


    ''He looked harmless when asleep.'' Sheplimented inwardly. Since it waste at night, Lexi was in charge to take care of Ethan since the nurse who was supposed to take care of him had an emergency hence, she could not make it.


    Fortunately, Lexi a thing or two to watch over him since she also did something like this before to Morris Liu. s, of course, it was never been appreciated.


    Hours had passed and sleep seemed unwilling to arrive yet. Scrolling on her phone, Lexi was appalled to see the current news on the chaos taking ce near the hotel they came from. Indeed, the man named Tito told them if ever a gunfight would take ce, they might get caught up in the crossfire. Fortunately, they decided to leave the ce much earlier.


    Reading a few articles regarding the shocking news, she found several casualties but there wasn''t any information about who were the people behind it. Now that she thought about it, Lexi concluded a few things based on the words Tito and Churu spatted earlier.


    First, since the shadow brigade that captured and imed that they meant no harm since she and Ethan were the guest of the host, does that mean they have a connection with the new chairwoman of the Yue International Enterprise? Also, if her conclusion were right, does that mean Wren Tanaka knew it as well since he had a good rtionship with Seraphina Yue?


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    Second, the words ''the scent of sweet chaos'' Churu blurted out earlier left hundreds of question mark on her head. Why would Churu seemed extra excited knowing there would be chaos that would take ce?


    Just thinking of more things could make her head ache. Moreover, where''s Churu when she needed her? Why would she always appears and disappears without short notice? Lexi heavily sighed having these spections on her mind. She knew too much that she shouldn''t¡­


    s, is this why her father doesn''t want to be entangled with the Yue family? Now that she was reminded of her father''s reluctance, it only confirmed her conclusion.


    "Hmm," Ethan softly groaned before he slowly opened his eyes. The moment he opened his eyes, the first figure that was caught in the corner of his eyes were Lexi who was lost in her own thoughts.


    Seeing that she returned to her serious, unapproachable countenance, Ethan meekly smirked. "Penny for your thoughts?" His voice was hoarse and faint but it only sounded maic that instantly snapped Lexi from her thoughts.


    "Oh, what are you feeling? Water?" Lexi instantly inquired and without waiting for his reply, she hastily stood from her seat and fetch a ss of water. cing the ss of water on the bedside table, she wordlessly supported Ethan who was assisting himself to sit then leaned on the headboard.


    Ethan observed how fast Lexi had a change of persona. From cold to lukewarm, now a little bit caring. Indeed, she always surprised him with her personality which made her a little interesting.


    "Water, drink it." Lexi inexpressiblymanded after offering the ss of water. Observing her unobvious expectant pair of eyes, Ethan wanted to tease her a little but recalling that they just somewhat made up, he decided to let it go and meekly smiled before reaching out for the ss of water.


    "Thank you¡­" Ethan sipped as he scanned his surroundings. s, seeing the unfamiliar ce, he almost choked which made him let out a series of coughs. Of course, Lexi reluctantly patted his back with her brows knitted together.


    "Uh, where are we, again?" Ethan inquired with the back of his fist that was covering his mouth.


    "Our -- My parent''s house." Lexi corrected herself not letting Ethan for any opening to use her words against her.


    Ethan blinked numerous times to her as he processed her words. Recalling their situation earlier, he indeed walked her up to their residence, doorstep but after that, his mind went nk. If he was there, does that mean he met her parents under such situation? For some reason, Ethan felt troubled yet, on the surface, he was nkly looking back at Lexi.


    "Uh, hello? You still there?" Lexi awkwardly waved her hand in front of him as he seemed his mind wanders off somewhere.

 Chapter 45 Rumors

    <h4>Chapter 45 Rumors</h4>


    Lexi''s brows creased. She inquired cautiously, "Does your head hurts?"


    Since Ethan was just heedlessly staring at her like a fool, she was rather concerned as she thought it must be due to her mild concussion.


    With that remark, Ethan was snapped back to reality. His nk expression gradually turned into surprise yet, he didn''t say anything or rather, he was lost for words.


    Lexi, on the other hand, was also rendered speechless as she literally saw different expressions of Ethan in a fraction of seconds. For some reason, she found it silly and confusing at the same time.


    Momentarily, both neither utter a word before Lexi wielded the white g and chuckled. Covering her lips by the back of her hand, she uttered in between her chuckles.


    "Alright, I know what you''re thinking. I won''t ask anything in return so rest easy -- we''ll contact your assistant first thing in the morning."


    In her perspective, Ethan must be thinking of how to return the favor which is no big deal¡­ On another note, she might probably need his help about something.


    s, unbeknownst to Lexi, Ethan was rendered speechless was due to the fact that he met a girl''s parents under such inconvenient pretext. Moreover, his stress level also rose because he was confused about why does he have to take this seriously?


    What rtionship does he have with Lexi? They weren''t lovers and she didn''t even approve of them being friends. Hence, why was he overreacting?


    Looking back at the smiling refineddy sitting near the bedside, he heard her speak but didn''t actually listened to her words. For some reason, the confusion and chaotic situation on his mind slowly calmed down. Thus, all he heard was ''call your assistant¡­''


    For some reason, he felt a little sad hearing that she will send him away. Yet, he also felt dismayed for having such whimsical inner thoughts. To divert the foreign and unweed emotions that confusing him to the core, he diverted the discussion to distract himself.


    "Uh, thank you. By the way, I have to apologize for the inconvenience to Chairman and Madam Yang." He courteously muttered slowly regaining his usual tone andposure.


    "Uh, that¡­" Lexi mumbled as she grovels inwardly on how to ask him a favor. Upon seeing her hesitating front, Ethan tilted his head sideways,


    "What ''that''?"


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    Lexi heavily breathe and looked at Ethan''s confused yet dashing facial features, "you see, they misunderstood me¡­" Lexi waited for his reply but to no avail, Ethan was only anticipating for her to finish her exnation which was surprising for her.


    "I am also not sure but they probably thought that I did that to you."


    "You mean, my injuries?" Completely distracted from his thoughts earlier, Ethan''s interest was piqued hearing her short story while he was unconscious. What caught his attention is why would her parents think about that?


    "Uh-huh, you know I have a pretty bad reputation right? Well, aside from the false scandal of sleeping around with different men and doing those disgusting sex parties -- they wouldn''t call me a white lotus for nothing." Lexi leaned on the wooden chair she was sitting on as she crossed her arms while slowly opening her life and giving him a glimpse of it.


    "Aside from those¡­ hmmm, you mean assaulting an investor to a movie was also true?" Ethan rubbed his chin as he recalled the rumors about Morris Liu''s former fiance that able to reached his ears. Upon seeing Lexi nod once, he resumed;


    "What else? Pushing a male celebrity on the pool¡­" Ethan kept on and on of all the rumors he could able to recall and Lexi nodded in confirmation. As he spouted everything, there''s a pattern to her aggressive behavior; everyone involves a MALE.


    "Uh¡­" Ethan looked at Lexi who was nodding as if congratting him to realize the simrities every incidence.


    "Yes, yes, judge me if you want. I humiliate men who attempt to flirt with me and I turned aggressive when they try to harass me. My parents would have to deal with everywsuit afterward. So I understand their dismay this time." Lexi uttered in a matter of factly tone. She already epted this problem of hers and even though she wanted to work on it, Lexi knew that her actions might be a little exaggerated but they were justifiable.


    Turning her gaze back on Ethan, to her surprise, Ethan was just staring at her with an unreadable expression stered across his face. She raised her brows as she waited for what he was about to say.


    "Move closer," Ethan gestured her to move close to him. His sudden demand left thousands of questions on her mind but seeing his injuries and bandaged head, Lexi cautiously moved near him with a threat.


    "I''m warning you --"


    s, before Lexi could even end her sentence, a light palmnded on top of her head then gently patted her head.


    "I''m sorry."

 Chapter 46 Big brother, friends... AISH! Ethan Lu!

    <h4>Chapter 46 Big brother, friends... AISH! Ethan Lu!</h4>


    After a few gentle pats, Ethan Lu retracted his hands from her and meekly smiled. Lexi, on the other hand, was dumbfounded by his sudden gentleness. Knitting her brows together, she repeated;


    "Sorry for?"


    "For being insensitive, for teasing you and crossing the line up until now." Hearing her side of the story, though she didn''t sugarcoat her words and fully epted what others pointed as wrong s, with these incidents, Ethan Lu came to an understanding that Lexi was a rather serious and dignified person. Not only did she protect herfort zone but also proved how loyal she was to Morris Liu.


    If something he does to her earlier was the same deeds those men did to her, then, it means he gave her great difort. In his perspective, Lexi must''ve been struggling to not make the same aggressive retaliation she had done in the past. Even so, there''s no excuse for him to not make amends to her.


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    Though Ethan was a known Casanova who''s dating list was longer than the government''s wanted criminal list, he got his consent to every girl he dated with just a wink of an eye. s, the urge of his curiosity this time on his best buddy''s former fiance took the better of him.


    "Also, what you did to them and probably what you''ll say to me no matter how harsh it is -- it''s justifiable and understandable." He added earnestly.


    Lexi was stunned hearing him admitting his wrongs with his fullprehension this time and taking her side on the ''wrong'' action she had done in the past. Aside from her parents, none understood her disposition as they only med her unreasonable smart mouth running and overbearing personality. Hence, she didn''t quite know what to feel or how to respond to Ethan''s words.


    s, what''s clear to her was that this man, the seemingly preposterous man who changes his lover faster than when he changes his clothes wasn''t that¡­ bad. Did she misunderstand him as well? After all, his reputation from his dating history was as messed up with her arrogant past.


    "Stop saying such embarrassing words -- it''s awkward." Lexi gazed down feeling a little awkward with the situation.


    ''Why would he say such things right up front?''


    "Pffft--!" Upon seeing her act not with her usual cold and proud front sent ripples of emotion inside him to the extent that it was ticklish.


    His muffled chuckles turned into giddyughter that almost made the corner of his eyes well up. For some reason, Lexi was indeed cute whenever she acts this way and admiring when she bore that proud countenance of hers. Overall, Ethan was more than willing to be her friend and probably guard her if necessary.


    "You''re so weird," Lexi cast him a disdainful look as heughed to his heart''s content. Even so, she didn''t find any displeasure and only responded with her honest overview out of habit.


    Surely, without Lexi realizing it, the chained door guarding her heart that was making sure no one could enter was beingcerated with a chainsaw.


    "Sorry, sorry but you''ll get used to it in the future. We''re friends after all." Ethan stated as he wiped the droplet of tears on the side of his eyes.


    "Who would want to be your friend? A weird one, I might add. " As usual, Lexi''s sassiness retorted back s, it didn''t bore the same unnerving she had when she first encountered him. If what she feels now is rather an easement -- a friend''sfort just like Churu.


    "Aya~, didn''t you already approve that? Don''t worry, I''ll be a good big brother." Ethan winked as he clicked his tongue -- forgetting the fact that he was slightly dizzy earlier.


    "Wow, Director Lu. I''m speechless." Lexi shook her head with a subtle smile on the corner of her lips while she rolled her eyes.


    Their banter continued for about an hour before Ethan Lu felt dizzy again and was forced to rest by her.


    "Don''t be stubborn and let me have my uing peaceful days, alright?" Lexi reminded with a re to the lying man.


    "Yes yes, madam¡­ As you wish," Ethan turned to the other side -- against her. Lexi peered at his back before she squinted her suspicious eyes, yet she decided to leave as it was ratherte. ncing back at him for thest time, Lexi slightly shook her head beforepletely leaving.


    When Ethan heard the door lightly shut close, he opened his eyes with aplicated look on his eyes. He mumbled in discontent,


    "Big brother¡­ friend¡­ aish, Ethan Lu! I might have lost my mind for a second." Though he doesn''t regret offering Lexi or rather, forcing her to be his friend, s, his actions and words were all out of character. Moreover, just having a short conversation with her showed that every action she took, she always had Morris Liu in mind which somewhat made him frown inwardly.


    "*sigh* What a waste." He added before deciding to shrug his thoughts off and rest.

 Chapter 47 Plus allure points!

    <h4>Chapter 47 Plus allure points!</h4>


    When Lexi exited the guestroom where Ethan rest, that''s when she realized that the side of her lips had a subtle smile. Knitting her brows, she slightly shook her head and her smile slowly vanished. Looking around, Lexi was bewildered where the hell Churu disappeared into again. To her, Churu''s skeptical act made her rather suspicious and curious. Even so, it also made her concerned. Lexi was somewhat afraid of the possibility that Churu might just disappear and won''te back. Shrugging such disheartening thoughts, Lexi diverted her focus on something else. After all, she doesn''t want to think about the day that Churu might leave her side. Lexi didn''t head to her room but instead, she went to her father''s study. She was uncertain if he was still awake but she wanted to exin the side of her story as she doesn''t want her parents to sleep with a disappointed heart. s, after reaching and checking her father''s study, she found no one. ncing at the wall clock hanging on her the study''s room, it was a quarter before 11 in thete evening. Sighing, she murmured; "whatever, I''ll talk to them tomorrow." Before she began to go back to her room. ----- "Chu chu chu chu chu chu!!" [D*mn that old hag! She really didn''t hold back! I''m beat!] Churu faintly muttered after the long session of her punishment. Though on the surface, she seemed unharmed, s, Churu died many times with all the beatings she inflicted. Slumping on the ground, Churu rolled to see the starless night sky. For some reason, she emanated a mncholic aura within her as she kept her silence. "*sigh* what is my sissy doing? I don''t see any updates from the system." She frowned receiving no updates. Did Lexi let the chance slip? Or perhaps, Ethan Lu was still unconscious? Churu was unaware of the urrence inside the residence while she was being punished earlier. Hence, she didn''t notice the doctor left an hour ago. However, even though Churu wanted to check Lexi, she doesn''t have enough energy to fly. Just as Churu was thoroughly pondering on her n B, in case that Lexi didn''t grab this golden opportunity with Ethan Lu. The fulfilling sound of the notificationing from the system refueled her draining life. [*TING! +30 allure points! You now have 34.6 allure points in total!] That very instant, Churu''s eyes lit up as if she saw spring finallying. She didn''t expect that Lexi would gain such high allure points. Compare to her baby steps progress before, this time, Lexi took a huge leap! "Woah~!" Churu uttered in awe. Now that Lexi did a great job on her progress, Churu felt that all the beatings she received earlier were worth it. *poof* ------ "Wow wow wow wow!" Churu as if nothing happened appeared in front of her host. Lexi on the other hand nearly jolted from her bathtub when Churu suddenly appeared without short notice. "Sissy!" Lexi called out. For some reason, her worry earlier to this adorable dumpling was much more intense than usual. Hence, seeing that Churu was as lively as ever, she felt relieved. "This is huge progress, chu~!" Churu''s eyes glimmered with hope as she indulged herself in the plus 30 points Lexi acquired. Turning her shimmering gaze on Lexi''s beautiful bare face, she added, "What happened, chu? Did you kiss, chu? Or held hands, chu? Did he confess while he''s unconscious, chu?" Every question from the cute little dumpling sounded more excited than the first which made the corner of Lexi''s brows to twitch. "Sissy, calm down alright? We neither kiss nor held hands okay? And there''s no such thing as confession while asleep." Lexi shook her head as she leaned on the bathtub. Hearing that the romance Churu had been waiting for didn''t take ce, she felt dejected. "Then what happened, chu?" "Uh, I don''t know. We just talked and became somewhat friends -- that''s all." Lexi shrugged as she was also appalled why she received such high favor from Ethan Lu. God knows that she was also in a daze when she saw her current progress. After all, she didn''t do anything for him to like her or rather it was the opposite. "He''s such a weird guy," Lexi mumbled recalling their banter earlier. Yet, she wasn''t displeased with his attitude as he wasn''t the type of arrogant and ignorant guy she thought he was. "You''re also weird, chu. This system should also have your current feelings dashboard aside from your allure points you received, chu!" Churu muttered after seeing Lexi''s eased expression upon saying her criticism towards Ethan Lu. "Feeling¡­ huh, sissy, I don''t bear such feelings to Ethan Lu." Lexi rolled her eyes hearing Churu''s statement. Just then, Lexi was reminded of her question since earlier. "By the way, you said the sweet scent of chaos¡­ why did you construct it ambiguously? Also, who are those people?" Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.

 Chapter 48 Otome love system means...

    <h4>Chapter 48 Otome love system means...</h4>


    Lexi squinted her eyes as she anticipates Churu''s exnation. Churu, on the other hand, only stared back at her as her eyelids blinked numerous times. She responded,


    "Didn''t I told you, I''m following them, chu?" Churu tilted her head sideways. She recalled that she left most hints earlier of what attracts her and the purpose of her disappearance. Hence, Churu was quite confused by her question.


    "Yes, I know that but why did you seem excited with the thought of chaos and how did you know it will happen? Also are you sure that they weren''t bad people?" Lexi briefly spouted series of questions. She can''t put her worries into words as her safety might be in danger in the future. Thus, she was inclined to confirm if she and Ethan should be at ease or not.


    "Hmm, because I''m a fairy and I have a keen smell of dangerous people, chu~! But don''t worry, those men who captured you and Mr. Initial task don''t harm people without any reason -- even though it''s still wrong, chu~!" Churu as usual with her high pitch and energized voice exined in one go. s, every word that came out from her mouth perceived to have a double meaning which didn''t go unnoticed by Lexi.


    "Fairy? Aren''t you a ''fairy guide mother'' when we first met? Then, why is the guide of this system has such an odd interest?" Lexi probed further. She hadn''t realized it yet but Lexi only knows little information regarding the system and Churu. Though she wasn''t interested at all and only nned to turn her attention to it after she settled her family business.


    s, after everything that urred, Lexi''s curiosity was piqued due to Churu''s ambiguous behavior and unorthodox engrossment.


    "Initially, Fairies were fallen angels, chu~! And I happened tond before the gates of hell after I was cast out of heaven, chu! So, my upation before this is a death fairy who transport souls to thend of suffering, chu~!" Churu didn''t hold back since Lexi finally took interest in her kind which will entangle her to listen to the stubborn system.


    Lexi just heedlessly stared at Churu as she listened to her unbelievable statement. She was gravitating whether to believe her or not but knowing the little adorable dumpling, she never lied to her.


    "Fallen angel¡­ death fairy?"


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    "Yes, chu! But don''t be afraid I''m not as rotten as those whonded inside the gates of hell, chu~!" Churu meekly smiled seeing that Lexi was unmoving as she repeated Churu''s words in a low tune. In her perspective, Lexi might distant herself or won''t treat her just like before since she can''t feel Lexi''s emotion at the moment. s, Lexi doesn''t have that thought in mind.


    "Are you sure?" After some time, Lexi asked earnestly which baffled Churu.


    "Chu?"


    "Are death fairies looked like dumplings? Shouldn''t they looked horrendous and evil?" Indeed, Lexi couldn''t imagine hell having dumplings as the torturer. ncing slightly above, a sudden reenactment of Churuughing evilly with a whip in her hand. However, the thought immediately vanished as if it didn''t appear in the first ce.


    "No, chu~ I''m the only one." Churu frowned recalling the beautiful fairies and ''good-looking full-grown demons feeling a little insecure.


    "Ughh, then¡­ what kind of atmospheric pressure that made you change your job?" Lexi inquired. In her mind, it was quite odd that the world Churu came from doesn''t seem any difference on how this world of hers works -- its just that, they have different entities and races.


    "It''s not my own decision, chu~! It''s just the final gamble of my life, chu!" Churu who''s back on her usual happy-go-lucky self briefly exined.


    "Final?"


    "Yes, chu! Whether youplete all its tasks or failed, that''s where we know our end chu," Churu soaked half of her body on the bubble aromatic bath with a satisfied smile on her face.


    "You mean we''ll both die?"


    "Yes and no, chu! I cannot rify as of yet because of the restrictions on your level."


    Lexi slowly nodded in understanding. "I''ll get my answers if I aplish a task, correct?"


    "Correct, chu~!" Churu showed a thumbs-up upon hearing Lexi''sst remarks. Finally, Lexi began reconsidering the almost forgotten system that she was ignoring from the beginning.


    "What''s the name of the system? Otome love system?"


    "Yes, chu~!" Churu''s eyes shone brighter than the day as Lexi inquired further. Hence, she answered the very instant Lexi''s question came out from her mouth.


    "Otome? Like the otome games?"


    Churu: "Ha?"


    "What I mean is Ethan isn''t the only man the system will ask me to seduce, no?" Lexi looked at Churu as she anticipates the answer she hoped she''d not hear. After all, her initial task was hard enough for her to stomach; what more if there are other targets?


    Churu''s forehead creased as she looked at Lexi as if she heard the dumbest joke in her life. It took the little dumpling to answer as she tried to analyze the games that Lexi spoke off.


    "Woah, humans are really creative, chu~! But, the otome love system within you means an innocent maiden''s love system, chu~! I won''t root for Mr. Initial task if he''s not your Mr. right, chu~" Churu explicate s, every word in herst sentence came out as a ''chu'' sentence -- indicating that she was restricted to reveal it to Lexi.

 Chapter 49 Meeting with the parents

    <h4>Chapter 49 Meeting with the parents</h4>


    "Innocent, what?" Lexi frowned hearing the literal meaning of the game. Though parts of her were relieved, s, she doesn''t consider herself as innocent.


    Churu tilted her head and stared at her with a harmless yet honest look, "Aren''t you a virgin, chu~?"


    Lexi''s face went all beet red hearing the word ''virgin''. It''s not that she was totally ashamed of it because it''s her pride to preserve her chastity only for Morris Liu on their wedding night, however, it was still embarrassing to hear those wordsing out from the cute little dumpling. Moreover, Churu blurted it out like she was just asking her if she had eaten candy or not.


    "Oh ho, don''t be shy chu~" Churu teased with a sly grin on her cute adorable face.


    "Churu!" Lexi sshed bits of water to Churu as she hushed her and her teasing smile. s, Churu did get wet from all over her face which stunned both of them. Just then, a notification once again showed out of thin air,


    [LEVEL UP!


    System guide''s level: 2 (0/50)


    Unlocked:


    Can receive gifts from the host.


    Can assist the host physically (once only)]


    Both Lexi and Churu blinked numerous times with a nk expression on their faces. After some time when the notification vanished, both of their expressions brightened up as they subconsciously turned their heads to each other.


    "Chuuu!!!" Churu flew and hugged Lexi''s cheeks in jubtion. Feeling the little dumpling, Lexi could not help but warmed up.


    "You''re so fluffy, Sissy!" She rubbed Churu''s back by the back of her index finger. Indeed, though they had spent many days together, s, aside from the facial mask that Lexi put on Churu, she never touched or felt Churu''s body. It''s like the little dumpling was only a wandering spirit.


    Shortly after, Churu flew back and demanded with an ear to ear smile, "Quick, bath me chu~!"


    Seeing how giddy the cute little one, Lexi felt the excitement and good vibes Churu was sending hence, she nodded in agreement.


    "Yes, yes, Madam."


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    The night continued as Lexi pampered Churu until she nearly melts from rxation. They also did their usual facial session before untilte at night.


    ------


    The next morning¡­


    Lexi woke up feeling light and blooming as she had a good night''s sleep. Seeing that Churu on her side who had a facial mask on her face early in the morning, Lexi giggled.


    "Morning pretty~" She lightly poked Churu and was satisfied on the soft solid texture lying beside her.


    "Am I really pretty, chu? Did I became much prettier after I leveled up, chu?" Churu sought for apliment as she rolled to face Lexi.


    Lexi smiled before she slightly nodded which brightened Churu''s mood to another level.


    "I knew it, chu~!" Churu cheered repeatedly and flew in the air while spinning with her arms wide open. Lexi on the other hand also stood and stretched her body.


    ----


    She had done her usual morning ritual before she headed downstairs for breakfast. Churu who turned to a sparkling dumpling followed her as usual.


    However, even before Lexi could reach the dining area, she could hear her parent''s loudughter. Not only she was surprised by the light atmosphere surrounding the whole Yang mansion, but Lexi was also shocked silly hearing Ethan''s voiceing from the said part of the residence.


    Lexi fastened her pace and to her surprise, her parents together with Ethan were happily having breakfast.


    "Oh dear, you''re awake?" Mother Yang gently called out which made her father and Ethan turned their attention to her direction.


    She blinked her eyes countless times thinking that her eyes were deceiving her. s, Ethan was really having breakfast with her parents! What''s more? They seemed like they were enjoying each other''spany!


    "Kyaaa~! Mr. Initial task meeting with the parents, chu~!" Churu instantly fangirled witnessing the scene on the dining area.


    "Uh¡­ shouldn''t you be resting?" Lexi asked and started taking cautious strides to her mother''s side.


    "Oh my dearest, that''s what we told Ethan but he insisted to apany us to breakfast." Mother Yang responded with a satisfied smile.


    ''Ethan?! When did they start addressing in the first name basis?!'' The corner of Lexi''s lips twitched. Though Ethan Lu was younger, s, there is a certain line in addressing people especially those who don''t have close ties. Hence, why do her parents seemedfortable with him if they only met himst night?


    Lexi shifted her obvious suspicious gaze on her father yet, Frederick Yang also had a peaceful aura around him. He spoke,


    "You didn''t tell us that the friend you mentioned was Ethan."


    "Friend?" Lexi repeated in confusion. Recalling her discussions with her parents, Lexi remembered that she once mentioned that she only has one friend but she never disclosed who it was. God knows she was referring to Churu but sadly, not her parents, hence, it led to this kind of misunderstanding.


    "Eh? She even called me big brother, Auntie." Ethan winked at her with a sly smile on his thin red lips. Unlikest night when he was pale and seemed he was dying, Ethan was now full of vitality and back to his usual self.


    ''Auntie?!'' Lexi scoffed and was rendered speechless hearing him call her mother like he has known her since childhood. Lexi wobbled on her seat as she was mind-boggled by Ethan''s charm. He even managed to bewitched her parents!


    "Dear, I''m so sorry aboutst night¡­ we should have listened to you until the end. If it wasn''t for Ethan, we won''t know what really happenedst night." Mother Yang sounded dejected as she apologized to her. Lexi who was lost like a little child darted her gaze to her mother, and to her father, who also had a disheartened expression.

 Chapter 50 Huh, they did connive...

    <h4>Chapter 50 Huh, they did connive...</h4>


    "Ah," Lexi was rendered speechless by her parent''s words. It not that it was the first time they admitted their wrongs, but even though they were disheartened by the fact that they failed to believe her changes, it''s not the reaction she was expecting if they knew what happenedst night!


    "But I''m still d that you made it out from that ce before the ruckus happened." Her mother, Lillian Yang heaved a sigh of relief.


    The reports about the whole chaosst night near the hotel where Lexi attended was all over the news. Upon hearing it, both husband and wife were worried sick and concluded that the reason for Ethan''s minor injuries was due to that after saving Lexi.


    Hence, early in the morning just as they were about to wait for their daughter toe out, they bumped into Ethan who was walking back to the guest room where he stayed.


    First, both mother and father yang were wary of Ethan but moreover, they were concerned about his health. After all, he needed rest as per the doctor''s advice.


    However, the young master of the Lu family was stubborn in an amiable way thus, before they knew it, they were having breakfast as Ethan cracked a joke every once in a while and shared a few interests with Frederick Yang. Not only does he have a bright personality, but both Lillian and Frederick Yang perceived that he has a kind and humble heart as he exined what had happened to himst night. It didn''t even take him aplete meal to gain their hearts.


    "Yes, if it wasn''t for her noble personality, I''m sure this wasn''t the only injuries I inflicted." Ethan lowkey chimed in as he nodded solemnly.


    Lexi darted her confused gaze on the three of them and could feel her face slowly distorting. ''Are they conniving into something?'' She thought inwardly.


    "Oh ho, you should disable your trust issues chu, and go with the flow, chu~!" Churu humored and sat on top of Lexi''s head. It was evident that she was satisfied with what she sees and Ethan''s sincere attempt to ease the worry of Lexi''s parents. Though she was uncertain what harmless lies Ethan Lu made up, she was sure that he meant no harm.


    "Mom, Dad¡­ it''s fine. After all the cleaning up from all the mess I made in the past, I fully understand your point. But," Lexi paused and quickly nced at Ethan, she doesn''t know but she felt awkward saying such things with another person around. Yet, since he''s there, she decided to heed him no mind.


    "But, I am 100% serious when I said I wanted to change, for the better." Thinking that Ethan was a nonexistent individual, Lexi''s gaze softened as she said those words to her parents. Her parents also affectionately smiled back at her with a nod.


    Surely, this time, Frederick and Lillian Yang believed her without a doubt. They loved their daughter so much that they just don''t want her to take the wrong path she had taken in the past. Hence, they were quite harsh with her and the lingering doubts deep inside their hearts got the better of them.


    ---


    The breakfast continued with a more lively atmosphere with Ethan''s presence. Observing the three of them, Lexi had a subtle smile on her face. This moment is one of the scenarios she always desired in the past; her beloved parents and the man she loved sharing and catching up over a meal.


    She already had it all, hence, growing up loving Morris Liu to the ends of the world, she only wanted simple things like this. However, Lexi didn''t anticipate that the additional person wasn''t the man she loved but the most unexpected person she never thought about even in her wildest dream!


    Just weeks ago, they barely knew each other but now, Ethan was conversingfortably with her father. Even so, Lexi was grateful; she felt blessed after that incidentst night. Moreover, having Ethan Lu as her friend doesn''t seem that bad. After all, what benefit does he get from her if the Lu family''s wealth was three times higher than the Yang Group''s worth?


    ----


    Before they knew it, the meal ended peacefully and with much content. Even Lexi''s tension towards Ethan Lu vanished after interacting with him every now and then. Surely, Ethan''s charms were top-notch. Now it made sensed why young misses from different prominent families and even A-list celebrities still date him despite his bad dating record.


    "Lexi, dear, will you assist Ethan back to his room?" Mother Yang asked which Lexi didn''t quite understand.


    "Huh?"


    "What huh, silly. Ethan will stay here until he''s fully recovered! He cannot travel with his state now." Her mother chuckled in glee as if the situation was normal. Lexi turned her disbelief gaze to her father but to her dismay, he wasn''t saying anything as he sipped his hot tea.


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    ''Ha, they did connive¡­'' Lexi mumbled inwardly. She felt like she really did step into a trap. Churu, on? ?the? ?other? ?hand, covered her mouth as she restained herself giggles from bursting out.


    Ethan smiled as his face brightens up -- much brighter than the day as if he received the best news in his entire life!

 Chapter 51 First name basis

    <h4>Chapter 51 First name basis</h4>


    Lexi assisted Ethan as per her parents request. She kept her silence on the way to his room. Since it was the Yang residence, and Ethan was still ''injured'', Lexi entered the guest room even without Ethan''s invitation.


    Ethan on the other hand smiled warmly and left the door wide open. Even though the guest room was rarely visited by the maids aside when it was being cleaned, Ethan still wanted her name to be clean and clear; that both of them doesn''t have that kind of malicious rtionship.


    For some unknown reason, Ethan was much more sensitive and he thought of things that may cause her trouble due to him in the future.


    He doesn''t know why; he was uncertain in many things, it''s as if even before he could contemte his words, they were already blurted out. Even so, it was clear to him that he really wanted to support her whatever her heart desires.


    "Hehe, already forgot when was thest time I enjoyed my breakfast." Ethan blurted out as he prepared a few medicine that was prescribed to him. A subtle and sincere smile could be seen on the side of his lips which made him more dashing as ever.


    Lexi who could see his side profile, she heavily sigh as if she came to a decision. Slightly bowing her head in respect towards Ethan Lu, she spoke in gratification.


    "Director Lu, thank you!" Though Lexi could not believe the fact how Ethan bewitched her parents, s, she knew he meant no harm. Furthermore, Lexi appreciated him more for being sensible enough not telling her parents what really happened to themst night.


    "Ethan." Ethan corrected with a smile while his other palm wasid out and few medicine in it. He added,


    "I get that you don''t want to worry them but, don''t you think they should also know?"


    Lexi pursed her lips before she sat on the sofa. Crossing her legs out of habit, looking elegant and all without even trying, Lexi sighed.


    "When I was 5 years old, I was kidnapped." Though Lexi mustered all the courage she could gather, s, just thinking about her that incident still make her whole being tremble. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "So, if they knew about what happenedst night, I''m sure it will only refreshed that incident from the past. I don''t want that to happen since it''s settled now, letting them know would be unnecessary." Lexi forced a smile and tried to cheer up but failed miserably.


    Indeed, after that incident, Lexi took years to recover from that trauma with the help of her parents and the young Morris Liu who became her light in the darkest days of her childhood.


    Silence enveloped the four corners of the room as neither of them talked. Churu on the other hand just patted Lexi''s shoulder as if saying it was okay which slightly eased Lexi''s tensed shoulders.


    "But, that''s all in the past. What''s important is that I''m safe and sound now." After some time, Lexi broke the silence and attempted to lighten up the mood once again.


    "I see¡­ now, that exins why you''re head over heels to him." Ethan responded s, thetter part came out as a murmur which Lexi didn''t hear clearly.


    "What, Ethan?" Lexi''s brows raised in inquiry, however, since she somewhat considered Ethan as a so-so friend, she called him by his first name.


    "Nothing... Lexi." Ethan grinned, thankful that she gave him an opening for his subconscious thoughts so he could divert their attention on his usual teasing.


    ''Jeez, what''s up with me, the heck?'' He thought inwardly. Ever since he was tangled up with her, he found himself getting more and more weird. However, it''s not that he likes it but he doesn''t hate it either. In his mind, he convinced himself that Lexi''s true nature and her situation -- he could somehow rte. Thus, it was the reason of his urge to be there for her whenever she needed a friend and protect her as her big brother.


    On the other hand, Lexi oath to prolong her patience as she only shook her head hearing him call her first name. Though part of her was quite awkward having his first guy friend, s, it was just her adjusting.


    Since Ethan was still ''unwell'', Lexi apanied him despite having a nurse on standby to check his health status. Truly, the Yang parents gave the best treatment they could on their daughter''s only friend.


    "By the way, is it really fine staying here without telling anyone?" Lexi asked. To her, it''s just too baffling why Ethan seemed he was happier when her parents asked him to stay in their residence until he fully recovered.


    Knowing her parents, Lexi readied herself as she was well-versed on their stubbornness. She could foresee that even if Ethan recovered, they still insist him to stay for another week as they were that kind of a worrywart. Just thinking about it, Lexi felt she was about to have a headache.


    "That''s fine, no one cares." Ethan apathetically responded as if the matter doesn''t bore anything to him. Yet, there''s neither sadness nor bitterness could be seen on him as if he already epted that fact.


    Churu who was lying beside Ethan on the bed rolled to see Ethan''s eyes and then shifted her gaze on Lexi. Seeing that the both of them was starting to open up and ept this ''friendship'' albeit slowly, Churu was satisfied to see hope for her host.


    ''Aiya~ why are these two so difficult?'' Churu thought inwardly as she began another another grand n for them to get a ''little'' more closer.

 Chapter 52 Come, lemme give you a pa

    <h4>Chapter 52 Come, lemme give you a pa</h4>


    5 days had passed since Ethan recuperate at the Yang Residence. In those days, Ethan and Lexi''s friendship somehow progress and Lexi was quitefortable with him.


    Peering at the peaceful garden through the mirror from the guest room, Ethan had a subtle smile on his face. In the span of five days, Ethan neither felt bored nor had the urge to go out to have some fun.


    For some reason, he felt content just staying at one ce. But this ce or rather, the people living in this peaceful manor was what he had been seeking for.


    The Yang residence might be twice as small as the Lu Mansion, s, to Ethan, it was much better, warmer and peaceful.


    "This is what a home should be¡­" he mumbled recalling all the meals and interaction he had with Lexi''s parents; and with her.


    They never treated him as an outsider and did weed him with sincerity and their full genuineness without any ulterior motives. Ethan Lu was the observant type of person, hence, he knew when a person had other agenda when approaching him. Yet, he had a habit of instead of shooing those people away, he''d y with them until he had enough fun before delivering them to their doom.


    Moreover with his social status, Ethan met tons of those kinds and he could tell that Lexi and her parents weren''t those types of people.


    Thinking about his best buddy Morris Liu, he chuckled. "Ay, my brother, tsk tsk tsk -- you did waste this good deal."


    Ethan Lu had always admired Morris Liu. Therefore, he was quite disappointed that he didn''t see the diamond on his side and picked up a normal stone instead.


    Indeed, from his perspective, the only w in Morris Liu was having that little lover of his. Even so, as long as Morris Liu wanted Mia Chen to be by his side, then, he couldn''t care less -- he wouldn''t understand ''love'' anyway or so, he thought.


    Ethan wasn''t a good or bad person. He does what he thinks is right and apologize if it was wrong; he lives as simple as that.


    Still, part of him, in the deepest and most deste part of his heart, he was grateful that Morris Liu and Lexi Yang cancelled their long engagement. If it weren''t for that fact and Lexi''s unstable mentality months ago, Ethan won''t be where he stood now.


    Therefore, all is good. He gained a friend, a good auntie and uncle that were willing to wee him if he ever wanted to visit again.


    A faint knock from the outside snapped Ethan back front his trance. Turning his head to the door, Lexi''s bare yet gorgeous face entered his current room. As usual, she didn''t close the door and left it wide open.


    Seeing her unconcealed smiling eyes, Ethan Lu bit his lower lip -- repressing himself from grinning. He was surprised that in contrast of her intimidating arrogant look, that she always bore, Lexi was much kinder than he thought she was.


    If it wasn''t for the incident a few days ago, Ethan Lu knew that it was impossible to get this close to her. Thanks to his luck this time, he could see this side of her.


    "I did it." Lexi announced attempting to conceal the victorious smile on her face albeit she failed.


    "Did what?" Ethan''s brows creased. Lexi pursed her lips and strode towards the small round table beside the window and sat opposite him.


    "CEO Tanaka agreed with the proposal I sent him." This time, Lexi couldn''t masked her happiness anymore and smiled brightly showing her even white teeth.


    Ethan heard her achievement and was happy for her. However, on the surface, his expression didn''t much change as he was in trance witnessing her genuine and warm smile. For all he knows, only a selected few are able to behold this sight which sent ripples of unknown emotions inside his heart.


    "Ethan, did you hear me?" Lexi slightly tilted her head with a confused expression stered across her face.


    ''Shouldn''t he be happy as well?'' Lexi thought inwardly seeing him in a daze. She added after a second of contemtion, ''It''s probably because of his mild head injury.''


    "Na ah ah, chu~!? He was stunned by your beauty, chu~!" As usual, Churu honestly uttered her observation from Ethan''s countenance, s, Lexi heed her no mind as she knew very well that Churu is one of those fans that ships their idol to someone they had chemistry with.


    "Uh, sorry -- the injury." Ethan excused as he awkwardly smiled and pointed his head. Afterwards, he nodded in satisfaction and said,


    "I''m happy for you. Come, lemme give you a pat."


    "Shut up," Lexi rolled her eyes seeing him back to his usual self. "By the way, Doctor Xu said you can go home tomorrow. Thank God!"


    Hearing the news, Ethan frowned especially when she seemed relieved at thetter part. He mildly scoffed, "Huh, you seem happy about it."


    "Of course, I am."


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    "Right¡­" Ethan murmured before he forced a smile that didn''t reach his eyes.


    "Oh ho, Sissy, he''s sad!" Churumented cheerfully, while spinning like a ballerina in the middle of the table.


    "Who would be happy to know their friend is not well?" Lexi rified -- thanks to her dumpling back up. After all, she still has a task to aplish. When Ethan heard her rification, his hands involuntarily moved and without second guesses, he twirled the tip of her hair by his index finger since that is the nearest he could reach.


    "Right," He responded as his gaze softened and stared at his hand where he ys the tip of her silky and undamaged long hair.

 Chapter 53 Arenst we friends, eh?

    <h4>Chapter 53 Aren''st we friends, eh?</h4>


    Lexi''s brows slightly raised seeing what Ethan was doing to the tip of her hair. Though she didn''t felt extreme difort, s, she wasn''t used to it. "Chu chu chu!" Churu like a traffic enforcer gestured Lexi to stop whatever she think of saying or doing. She added, "your main initial task chu -- don''t forget~!" Being reminded of her acknowledgement to the system, Lexi stopped the thought of pulling her head so that her hair would leave his fingers.?[*TING!* + 5 allure points! You now have 39.6 total allure point!] ''Uh, seducing Ethan is much easier than Morris¡­'' Lexi thought inwardly ncing at the notification of her stats that only her and Churu could see. "Yahooo! Keep it up, chu~!" Of course, unlike Lexi''s apathetic attitude, Churu celebrated as she spun like a little ballerina until she flew in the air. As the little adorable dumpling danced with her arms moving upside down alternately, she responded. "Because it was you, chu~!"?Indeed, from her observations from Ethan Lu, Churu understood that Lexi doesn''t need to try harder like what she had done to gain Morris Liu''s attention. However, she still wished for them to be more in an intimate and steamy scene because she''s a hardcore shipper. Overall, Ethan Lu was meant to love every detail of Lexi whether it was her w or not. He of course, just needed the help of the great little dumpling to push him to cross that strand line between his real feeling masqueraded as friendship. Just then, Ethan stopped fiddling on the tip of her hair and smiled, "We''ll I think my dear friend should drive me home."?"Huh?" Lexi raised her confused gaze on the blinding smile of the dashing casanova before tilting her head on the side. ------ "I can''t believe you really turned me as your driver." Lexi shook her head as she drove towards Ethan Lu''s own vi. "Hehe, aren''t we friends, eh?" Ethan Lu chuckled on the front passenger seat. Since he has a clean bill of health now, though reluctant, Ethan doesn''t want to burden the Yang family anymore despite knowing that they don''t mind. As he thanked her parents, they even insisted him to stay for a couple of days to make sure that he was fine s, he politely rejected as he had a business to take care of. Still, his impression towards mother and father Yang held so much respect than his own parents.?"Whatever," Lexi responded as she continued to drive the shameless new friend of hers to his own vi. As they traveled to their destination, Ethan lu suddenly requested, "Can we stop to eat?"?"Didn''t you just ate before you left our ce?" Lexi who was unaware of Ethan''s dying tactics rebutted. "But, I''m hungry¡­" Ethan Lu frowned like a dejected little kid that was deprived of affection. She side nces at him before she sighed as a sign of defeat. "Okay¡­ but I make sure it''s not crowded -- scandals you know." She widens her eyes reminding him that she was still a celebrity with a tainted reputation. In her mind, Ethan Lu might probably had a small restaurant in mind just like the noodle shop he introduced her. After all, the customers there were mostly elderly and doesn''t give a damn about the drama in the entertainment industry. "Ah, right." Ethan nodded as he nearly forgot Lexi''s current dilemma. Though he doesn''t care if his name would be next to her on the inte, or any ambiguous articles woulde out, s, knowing that between them, the person who would receive more criticism was her. Hence, he pondered for a moment as the noodle shop would take an hour to reach; and it would tire her to drive from coast to coast. "Just stop to the next convenient store." Ethan Lu grinned as he finally had an idea of an uncrowded ce and most importantly no one would recognize her. Just like what Ethan Lu requested, she stopped the car on the next convenient store they passed by and he shopped to buy instant snacks and noodles alone. When Lexi saw what he bought, her brows arched and somehow she saw a bad premonition from his mischievous smile.?Churu who tag along with Ethan and stayed on his broad shoulders giggled as if she knew what he was up to. "Let''s go, my friend!" Without waiting for her to speak, Ethan hurried and threw the food on the back seat as if he was trying to hide what he bought. Lexi was rendered speechless by the ambiguous action of Ethan and Churu and only shook her head and proceed to be his driver. ''Why do I feel something is off?'' She thought inwardly as Ethan said he knew the perfect ce to eat. ---- Looking at the gorgeous private vi owned by Ethan Lu, Lexi gasped in disbelief. "An uncrowded ce restaurant where no one could recognize me -- you mean your ce?!" Lexi grumbled as she turned her head towards Ethan''s bright and harmless countenance. "Yes!" "Perfect, chu~!" Churu cheered as she hopped on Lexi''s shoulder and jumped like an excited dumpling. "Come in,e in! Eh, you promised to eat with me." Ethan giddily invited and held her shoulder from behind as he gently pushed her inside his own vi. "When did I said that?" Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.

 Chapter 54 Mortal Komba

    <h4>Chapter 54 Mortal Komba</h4>


    "YOU LOSE." The words disyed on Ethan''s enormous TV screen showed indicating that Lexi lost once again.


    "Aha! That''s my 57th win but at least, you fought longer this time." Ethan chuckled. She doesn''t know if what he said shouldfort her or ridicule her.


    Lexi inhaled then heavily exhaled before turning her head to Ethan with a nk, unenthusiastic expression.


    "Really? You''re counting?"


    "Hihi~!" Churu who was enjoying this moments between them chuckled adorably on the side.


    How did Lexi and Ethan ended up ying Mortal Kombat?


    [Three hours ago]


    "It''s fine chu~! Mr. Initial task have a pure intention, chu~!" Churu cheered while Lexi is being pushed towards Ethan''s doorstep.


    ''You know what? I''m starting to doubt your assurance.'' Lexi rolled her eyes to the giddy dumpling on the side. Since she agreed and promised Churu to aplish her given task, thus, she granted Ethan''s request.


    After all, Ethan is not a bad guy and if he is, she could make use of the unlocked skill Churu received and ask her to knock Ethan out if he does something crazy.


    After they entered on Ethan''s vi, Lexi was quite surprised that unlike his shy personality, his vi''s interior design was rather simple. Aside from a huge TV screen,test console, set offortable yet elegant couches, a small table at the center, and a sizable aquarium on the side; nothing seemed too gnt in it.


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    It''s the very opposite of what kind of person Lexi perceived as him that is why she was quite confounded.


    "Ah, seat wherever you want, make yourself at home -- I''ll prepare food." Ethan hurriedly uttered as he rushed to the kitchen with the things he bought from the convenience store earlier.


    Before she could even react, Ethan already fled to prepare their food which made her swallow her words. Changing her heels into house slippers, Lexi was unknowingly smiled. She noticed that Ethan only took off his expensive shoes and didn''t wear any house slippers.


    In her perspective, he must have thought that he only had one of them and lend them to her instead.


    ''How considerate, huh?'' She thought inwardly as she wear the oversized slippers of his.


    "He''s a real gentleman, chu~!" Churu didn''t forget toment andpliment Ethan albeit true.


    "He dated tons of girls, why doesn''t he have an extra pair?" She murmured seeing nothing but Ethan''s two different pair of shoes; one pair is the one he took off while the other one is a simple yet expensive slip ons.


    Shrugging off her curiosity, Lexi intrude on the living area and skimmed through its simple furniture.


    Shortly after, Ethan was finally done and brought the instant foods he had prepared. cing it on the small table, he sat on the couch opposite her.


    "This is Ethan''s special noodles! Dig in!" He proudly introduced which made the corner of her lips twitched.


    ''Special?''


    "Eh? Are you not hungry?" As usual, Ethan with a confused look on his face tilted his head seeing her not reacting.


    "Hungry? No." Lexi honestly sassed with a disdainful look on her face. Isn''t he the one who wanted to eat in the first ce? Why does he sound like it was her who requested it?


    "Also, I won''t eat so much msg in me." She added and lightly shook her head. After all, Lexi is a celebrity and even though she was facing tons of bacsh on the made up scandals, she still watch her diet for her own health.


    "In moderation, it''s not that bad but whatever, I''ll eat it all, for your fill as well." He heedlessly smiles and seemed he understood her reason.


    Just then, before Ethan could even start devouring the food he prepared, he nced at her unnoticeable bored look. Thus, he stood and set up his time killer before lending the controller to her.


    "You can y while I eat." He offered with a smile.


    s, his offered only led to him teaching her y different games as she was akin to a baby who had zero knowledge of every game he introduced.


    It has also been the reason for her to stay longer than he expected to be. Surely, Ethan never felt bored with Lexi as hispany. If anything, he never felt his ce as lively as that moment with her.


    [Present time]


    "Whatever, I''m going." Lexi shrugged and straightened her back. Ethan slightly frowned but it vanished immediately as he already asked for her time. He can''t be selfish after all.


    "Alright, I''ll send you off." He offered as he stood and Lexi followed from behind.


    Just as Ethan opened the door, a familiar figure stood in front of his doorstep. Since Lexi wore her heels, she was a littlete to reach Ethan and when she did, she was utterly shocked seeing the ever cold fromt of Morris Liu.

 Chapter 55 Ism a changed fairy now, chu~!

    <h4>Chapter 55 I''sm a changed fairy now, chu~!</h4>


    Seeing Morris Liu''s icy nce that can freeze anyone that very instant, Lexi was about to take a step back. s, somehow, she didn''t.


    ''I didn''t do anything wrong.'' That thought hovered on her mind which made her remain to where she stood.


    If it was before, Lexi would have felt that she cheated on him hence, she kept her distance to any guy -- whether they had ulterior motives or just pure interest. s, with her strong conviction of moving on from him, Lexi must keep going forward and not take, even a step back.


    Ethan on the other hand blinked several times before a huge smile formed on the side of his lips.


    "Bro!" He greeted.


    "Why are you here?" s, Morris Liu ignored Ethan''s joyous greeting as he fixed his cold gaze on the person behind him.


    "Why, why, why chu! She''s here to seduce Mr. Initial task -- got a problem with that, chu?!" Churu humped and instantly retorted just seeing Morris Liu''s cold countenance. She was utterly disappointed just having a glimpse of the man and if she could, she doesn''t want to see even Morris Liu''s shadow.


    Lexi''s jaw tightened as her ex-fiance sh first love peered at her with that kind dubious look. It''s as if piercing her heart with hundreds of needles. Yet, she bravely held her chin up as she mustered all the courage she could gathered and responded calmly.


    "Nice seeing you here, CEO Liu. Di -- Ethan, I''ll excuse myself first. I had a good time." She turned her gaze and purposely softened them to Ethan. She then meekly and professionally smiled again to Morris Liu before she began taking stride outside.


    Morris Liu who had an unreadable expression when he heard her address Ethan Lu on the first name basis emitted a much colder aura than before. Just as his hand moved, Morris Liu''s wrist was caught by Ethan.


    "Bro, you here for a girl consultation? Well, you went to the right ce! But first, lemme send my girlfriend off." Ethan grinned widely as he loosen his tight grip on Morris wrist and followed Lexi.


    Lexi only passed by Morris Liu when she heard Ethan''s ambiguous statement. For a second, its as if time slowed down and her heart raced not because she liked it but she feared the oue.


    ''Girlfriend?!''


    "Wowow!! Is that what you call showing his sovereignty, chu~?!" From a steaming hot headed bun to a sparkling little dumpling, Churu''s transition of mood was faster than the speed of sound.


    When Ethan caught up to her, Lexi looked at him with disdain as she spoke in disbelief, "Girlfriend?!"


    "Uh huh, aren''t you my girl, friend now? What are you thinking, eh?" As usual, Ethan had a mischievous grin stered across his face while raising his brows and rified his side.


    However, unlike the pause he added now, he didn''t say it from the beginning and could make a huge misunderstanding towards Morris Liu''s end. On the second note, Lexi doesn''t need to rify or exined her abrupt friendship with Ethan to Morris Liu as she no longer his fiance nor unofficial lover.


    Unbeknownst to them, Churu who gave ast nce to Morris Liu and saw that he looked at the retreating back of Lexi and Ethan while massaging his wrist that was held by Ethan earlier, made the corner of her lips curled into a mischievous smile.


    She sneakily flew downward up to Lexi''s foot level and activated her second reward she got from the system.


    [Help the host physically activated]


    That very moment, Churu held and pulled Lexi''s stiletto which caused her to lose her hasty bnce and nearly tripped -- face front. Fortunately, Ethan''s reflexes were fast enough to catch her.


    His firm arm wrapped across Lexi''s abdomen and his other hand on her back. "Woah, be careful!" Ethan worriedly reminded her.


    Seeing this, Churu turned her victorious pair of eyes on Morris Liu''s standpoint and saw his eyes constrict.


    "Ha ha, right, die from anger scumbag, chu!" Churu sticked her tongue out as she mocked Morris Liu. Aside from her facial session, Churu never felt this satisfied in her whole dumpling existence.


    When Lexi got back on her footing with the gentle assistance of Ethan Lu, her gaze shifted to Morris Liu out of habit. Since Morris just entered Ethan''s vi, she didn''t know if he saw what just happened or not.


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    "Thank you," She thanked Ethan before she shifted her gaze on him. s, Lexi didn''t catch the inexplicable expression on Ethan when she turned her gaze on Morris direction.


    "Told ya, I''m a reliable big bro. Go now, take care on your way home alright? Or, you''d like me to drive you home?" Ethan offered with his usual yful tone which distracted Lexi from her thoughts.


    "No need, thanks." She waved him off then nonchntly hitched on her ride and sped away.


    ----


    Inside her luxury car as Lexi drove herself home, she red at Churu.


    "Churu, why did you do that?" Now that only her and Churu was inside the car, Lexi could now confront the little dumpling without thinking of her surroundings.


    "Chu~! Forgive me chu~! I know my wrongs and reflected on it chu~! I''m a changed fairy now chu~!" On her knees, Churu held both of her hands high as she apologized. By the looks of it, Churu seemed the whole world wronged her unjustly which made Lexi''s brows twitched.

 Chapter 56 Ethans warning

    <h4>Chapter 56 Ethan''s warning</h4>


    Lexi inhaled then heavily exhaled ad she closed her eyes -- trying to calm herself. The scene earlier was akin to a romance movies she had partake in in the past.


    At first, she often find it absurd for the female lead to trip or something simr just for the trick to happen. Who would have thought that Churu who watched too many dramas would do the same trick to her?


    "Alright,"


    "I''m absolve, chu~?" Churu''s eyes shimmered with hope upon hearing her understanding tone.


    "For helping me gain points? Yes. But using you one time skill without my consent? No." Lexi firmly uttered.


    Considering that Churu only acted on what she thinks is right, however, Lexi spoiled her too much to the extent of using the rewards that the both of them gained without the other person''s permission -- especially Lexi who was the host of the system. Therefore, she needed to discipline the adorable sorry dumpling or else, no one knows what she''ll be when she ''grows up''.


    Churu frowned and hang her head low; reflecting on her real mistake this time. Indeed, she was too mad at the sight of Morris Liu that made her lose her cool and didn''t consent with Lexi about using the one time skill. Now, she could no longer help her physically when Lexi really needed it.


    "Sorry, chu¡­" This time, Churu''s tone was more sincere and sounded that she did understood her wrong.


    "Forgiven¡­"


    "Really, chu?" Churu instantly raised her sparkling eyes towards Lexi''s merciful countenance. s, to her dismay, Lexi''s next word made her fully regret.


    "But, you''ll still receive your punishment. No facial sessions for two, no, one week." Lexi affirmed and decided to reduced the cute dumpling''s punishment time.


    "Nuu~!" Chru weeped for the days that her beautiful wless face wouldn''t meet the greatest creation of humankind called facial mask. This kind of punishment was more harrowing to Churu than being beaten to a pulp.


    She rolled and stumped her chubby little arms and feet, alternately on the front passenger seat as she cry a river.


    "Boohoo, chu~!" Churu sobbed which slightly relieved Lexi from the foreboding tension earlier with Morris Liu.


    Thinking of her ex-fiance, a bitter smile formed on the side of her lips. Surely, the ploy orchestrated by Churu might lead to a misunderstanding between Morris Liu and Ethan.


    If it was other men, Lexi wouldn''t have to worry as she wanted to live without Morris Liu in her mind, hence, she won''t care if he misunderstand her again. s, moving on is easier said than done. Moreover, her task was to make Ethan Lu who is Morris Liu''s bestfriend fall in love with her!


    What kind of chaos does this system wants to do with her? Why Ethan of all people? Lexi sighed asking all the why''s and getting ''chu'' answer from Churu.


    -----


    Ethan Lu watched Lexi''s speeding away car until it became a tiny dot. Meekly smiling, Ethan shove both his hands in his pocket and went back inside his private vi.


    The moment Ethan entered, he spotted his best buddy perching on the single couch like a true noble. He was swirling a ss of expensive wine before sipping it.


    As usual, Ethan cooly hopped and sat on the other couch opposite Morris Liu. "Hey, bro, it''s rare for you to drink, eh?"


    "What are you doing with her?" Morris Liu emotionlessly inquired. He quickly nced at the used utensils and game controllersid on top of the small table.


    "Her? You mean Lexi?" Ethan feigned ignorance and added with a shrugged, "We were ying, bro."


    Morris scrutinized the apathetic look on Ethan like he always does. "You like her?"


    Upon hearing his semi question and statement, Ethan cast him a disbelief look, "Of course I like her but not in a romantic way, alright? Whatever happened between you two, doesn''t concern me. But, I don''t intend to break the rules of our brother code!" He affirmed in a matter of factly tone. Though he sound convinced, part in his deepest heart that he wasn''t aware off wasn''t convinced; not a tad bit.


    "Huh, just a reminder, she got lots of tricks in her sleeve." Morris Liu warned recalling all the ploy Lexi had done to crawl on his bed.


    "Eh, bro, please refrain from saying such words to my friend -- she''s a friend to me just like you and those idiots." Though Ethan requested those words in a smiling face, Morris Liu knew very well that Ethan was warning him which made the corner of his lips smirk.


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    For Ethan to say such brazen words, Morris Liu was bemused. To his knowledge, Ethan only had a selected few that he recognized with respect. For him to defend Lexi even to Morris, what kind of trick did she do to bewitch this easy-goingd this time?


    "I''m leaving." Morris ced his half finished wine back on the small table and slowly stood up.


    "Eh? Aren''t you here for consultation?" Ethan raised his brows and tilted his head in confusion. s, his words were rendered shun as usual as Morris didn''t respond.


    Unlike earlier, Ethan didn''t send Morris Liu''s off and only watch him leave his ce. When he heard the door opened and shut close, Ethan tilted his head back, staring at the meticulously designed ceiling.


    He never felt lonely before as he always find stuff to kill his time¡­ not until today. Lexi''s presence there made the whole ce lively in its own way but now that he was left alone again, a foreboding emptiness slowly seeped through him.


    He flung his arms to cover his eyes, "Should I just party?" He mumbled thinking of activities that could fill the unknown void in his heart.

 Chapter 57 Whats wrong with me?

    <h4>Chapter 57 What''s wrong with me?</h4>


    Ethan stayed with that position for god knows how long until he unconsciously slept. When he woke up, Ethan nced at the wall clock and to his surprise, he slept for an hour and a half. His body must have been tired as he just recovered from the hit he inflicted several days ago.


    Scanning his fancy yet foreboding ce, Ethan reached for his phone to check if Lexi texted. However, seeing that among the ton of unread messages on his phone, not a single message was there from Lexi.


    He didn''t know why but after checking numerous times, he frowned upon rifying that Lexi didn''t update him if he reached home or not.


    "Tch, don''t she know what''s the use of her phone?" Ethan mumbled, dissatisfied with her. She should have at least let him know that she reached home to keep him from worrying.


    Ethan grumpily tapped his finger on histest smartphone and immediately searched for Lexi''s contact number.


    [To: Ms. Lexi Yang


    Did you reach home? Safe and sound? ]


    When Ethan was about to tap send, his thumb stopped midway as his brows knitted. Instead of pressing the send button, Ethan deleted his message and threw his phone on the side.


    Why would he text her? He never replied to any of the girls he dated and he never concerned himself about them. Hence, why was he annoyed that Lexi didn''t update him?


    Is it because they were friends? He''s the big brother after all, right? Brainwashing himself with those kinds of thoughts, Ethan was convinced that he was just doing the duty of a friend. Furthermore, her parents entrust her to him.


    Reaching for his phone again, Ethanposed his earlier message, s, his thumb halted midway as he was about to send his message.


    "Urrgh--! This is frustrating!" Ethan grumbled as he exasperatedly ran his fingers through his unruly silky hair. He just needed to text her right? Why was he hesitating to tap that send button?


    "Forget it!" After repeating the cycle countless times, Ethan decided not to ask her status. He slumped his arms with his phone still in his hands in frustration. Unbeknownst to him, he identally tapped the button that he cod harly press. In a fraction of millisecond, it showed a sent sign indicating that his message was delivered.


    "Damn, what''s wrong with me?" Ethan sighed heavily as he stared at the well-designed ceiling. Recalling the scene earlier, Ethan felt Morris Liu''s displeasure by the sight of Lexi. What''s more, he also sensed that Morris Liu was about to do something that Lexi and Ethan don''t want to happen.


    Hence, he abruptly stopped his friend''s hand before it could reach Lexi. For a second, Ethan felt an unknown level of rage that he never experience before; especially towards his best buddy. Then, when Lexi nearly tripped and was caught by him, part of him was dissatisfied when she nced at Morris''s direction.


    He had never gone through this kind of unweed emotion and Lexi''s impact on him. They were just friends, but, why was he overly sensitive when ites to her?


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    ''It''s probably the concussion¡­ Right, that exins it." Ethan Lu found a rational exnation of the alien feelings that he recently discovered. He repeated his words so he could fully convince himself that it was the real reason -- nothing more nothing less.


    Just as Ethan was peesuaded of the reason behind his ''understandable'' actions, he heard his phone produce a ''ting'' sound indicating a new message. Raising his hands to see who it was, his eyes dted seeing Lexi''s name on the screen.


    What shocked him even more was his message from earlier was delivered and Lexi replied! Ethan gasped in disbelief as he skimmed through Lexi''s short reply, it says;


    [ From: Ms. Lexi Yang


    Yes, thank you. ]


    "What? That''s all? Shouldn''t you at least ask me what I''m doing? Or if I made it alive after our encounter with Morris? Ha! Lexi --" Upon seeing her short yet precise reply, Ethan heedlessly spoke his mind in a displeased tone. s, just as he prattle about hisins, he realized his very childish reaction; it is as if he was sshed with a bucketful of cold water as he could not believe his own words.


    "Did-- did I just said that?" Ethan ruffled his hair once again in annoyance. This person''s talking wasn''t him, he''s not that one of those annoying crazy girls that harassed him after break up!


    "That''s it! I''m gonna party. This woman is driving me crazy -- jeez!" With that said note, Ethan jumped out from his couch and prepared to waste his night away. He needed to forget whatever he needed to forget. He was afraid that if he stayed alone any longer, he might die from disappointment.


    Indeed, he believed that if he goes to have fun like before, he''ll be back to his usual self.


    No big brother''s duty or anything of the sort and be himself -- the easy-going him! However, little did Ethan know that his expectations would grabely disappoint him.

 Chapter 58 Fun Fact, chu~!

    <h4>Chapter 58 Fun Fact, chu~!</h4>


    After sending her reply, Lexi put downed her phone then fixed her facial mask.


    "Boohoo~! I already know my wrong, chu~!" Churu wept as she watched Lexi who was enjoying her facial mask. This is probably the most torturing thing that agonized her to this level; she could have died from enviousness any minute.


    "Hmm, stay strong for a week," Lexi replied as sheid on her bed to rxed her body and mind. Lexi would be lying if she said Morris Liu doesn''t affect her anymore. She loved the man since childhood and moving on was easier said than done.


    With his judging, unfazed, and icy gaze, Lexi was hurt and disappointed. For the past few days that she didn''t have a glimpse of him, Lexi thought that her romantic feelings towards Morris Liu were slowly vanishing.


    However, after her brief encounter with him, it was as if reality pped her real hard. Granting that she hated Morris Liu for making her father swallow his pride and lose face, what disappoints her even more, is she, herself.


    She could not believe that after everything that Morris Liu had done to her, she still has some lingering feelings towards the man. It was aggravating and upsetting at the same time. Lexi clenched her teeth which tightened her jaw beneath her mouth.


    She doesn''t know why but to her, it still hurts. She could feel that her heart was still shattered and was hanging by a thread. It was indeed distressing on her part as her supposed uing marriage was canceled and to top it all off, she doesn''t fully hate him despite that.


    "Are you alright, chu?" Sensing that something was amiss, Churu stopped her drama as she tilted her head on the side. Scrutinizing Lexi''s unmoving figure, Churu reckoned what she was feeling.


    "No, I feel awful." Lexi replied in a low tone. She had always bottled her emotions which she was afraid that if she talked more, it would all rush down.


    Hearing this, Churu frowned. In her opinion, Lexi should just move forward and forget about the man that never sees her true value. Yet, she was being stubborn and keep getting affected by that bastard which frustrates the talking dumpling.


    On the other hand, even though Churu didn''t know the real feelings of Lexi towards Morris Liu, she very-well understood that Lexi didn''t want that either. After all, she did exert extra effort to arrange a meeting between Morris Liu and Wren Tanaka as it was thest strand that connects them. After that, Lexi doesn''t have any reason to associate with Morris Liu anymore.


    "Do you know chu that from where I came from, it''s also like earth?" Churu who knew that a little hug wasn''t enough to console Lexi, opened a topic that would divert her mind from her troublesome thoughts.


    "Oh, yea?"


    "Yes, chu~! A year ago which is equivalent to several millennia here on earth, they decided to build the whole like this because of the dramas they watch." Churu exined and fortunately, she didn''t end up spouting the word ''chu'', indicating that she was allowed to talk about it.


    "Drama?"


    "Yes, chu~! I wonder if you gained tons of fans in that ce." Churu spoke in a matter of factly tone. Upon hearing Churu''s statement, Lexi abruptly opened her eyes in disbelief. Supporting her upper body by her elbow and turned her masked face, to the dumpling on the side, Lexi asked with her eyes wide open.


    "What do you mean fans? You mean I''m being watched? Like the whole nation is watching me?"


    "Hmm, not exactly, chu~! But didn''t I tell you that God is bored? So we are, chu~!" Churu happily explicated as she sessfully diverted Lexi''s thought about Morris. Little did the adorable dumpling knew, that her somewhat normal news gave Lexi an even more painful headache.


    "Fun Fact: In some story, you are akin to the main antagonist who always sabotaged the rtionship between the female and male lead, chu~! But now, you are the female lead in this story, chu~!" Churu giddily continued to prattle her absurd and ridiculous ''fun facts''.


    Lexi pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. Is Churu kidding? She was, right? There''s no way that demons and angels and even the God almighty were like the audience who watched dramas¡­ right?


    "Sissy, please tell me you''re kidding."


    "Huh? Why would I chu~?" Tilting her head on the side, Churu''s cute forehead creased in confusion.


    "You mean there are eyes watching me 24/7? Like even when I bath?" Lexi asked in disbelief and prayed that it wasn''t the case. Just what kind of trauma is Churu trying to give her saying these things to her?


    "Silly -- of course, the only thing they can see is the fluffy stuff chu~! There are different stories with their respective timeslot, chu~! Told you copied the lifestyle here, chu~!" Churu briefly rified. Of course, how can they keep the audience hooked if they aired her pooping time or irrelevant fillers? After all, things needed to be edited before releasing the episode. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    Lexi heaved a sigh of relieved after Churu''s rification. "Thank God,"


    "Fun Fact: Mister Initial task is akin to aic relief character, chu~!" After answering Lexi''s query, Churu resumed on her ''fun facts'' again.

 Chapter 59 You donst have to little miss

    <h4>Chapter 59 You don''st have to little miss</h4>


    Lexi massaged her temples hearing Churu''s fun facts. Her, being the typical hateful character that sabotaged the Female and Male Lead''s happy romantic rtionship and the root caused of their misunderstanding. While Ethan, on the other hand, was aic relief! How can she absorb all these? Not to mention, a whole bunch of angels, demons, and gods are watching her ''drama''?


    "Are you feeling better now chu~? Did that make you forget what you need to forget, chu?" Sensing that Lexi''s tensed shoulder rxed and her breathing stabilized, Churu assumed that her alleviation on diverting Lexi''s troubled thoughts about Morris Liu was effective.


    "Better? No. But that did make me forget about Morris." Lexi lightly scoffed as sheid her body, back against her soft andfortable bed. She already guessed what Churu was trying to do but, it''s not that she didn''t appreciate the thought. It just that what Churu spoke off -- lies or the real truth, she could not help but feel bothered with the idea of a whole divinity realm was watching her every step. That''s like worse than having a paparazzi that constantly followed a celebrity.


    "Great, chu~!" Churu hailed as she sped her hands together in glee. It was evident that she was satisfied with her ''mission aplished''. She added, "You shouldn''t bother yourself with that scumbag anymore and move one -- for a happier life, right chu?"


    Lexi sighed as she fixed her eyes on the meticulously designed ceiling. A momentary silence enveloped her room before she decided to break it, "You know Sissy, it''s not that I don''t want to move or be happier and have a peaceful life¡­ It''s just that, I wasbeled with many, too many names; white lotus b*tch, crazy fiance, the main antagonist, and    from a bystander''s point of view. It''s not that Iin nor did I care about it, really. But¡­" Lexi paused as she let out a heavy sigh.


    For some reason, the emotion and real thoughts she had bottled up since the very beginning until now slowly seeped out from her heart. Somehow, she felt that the ton load of those overthrow feelings that weigh her heart slowly lightened with someone beside her who was actually listening. She resumed after a beat,


    "But, no one really, put their shoes in mine or looked at my point of view. All I believed in my life, the rights that I know I have, and the only man that I dedicated my heart¡­ even if I say I epted that I''m in the wrong but deep in my heart, I asked myself; am I entirely wrong? Is it not my right to fight for my love? Even if we say our engagement was an arranged marriage since childhood, but it''s still considered cheating right? I was mad, infuriated until now but, my feelings for Morris, they were the most genuine emotions I had; I couldn''t just forget those as fast as I wanted to. I wouldn''t me Mia for my angst in the first ce if I could just let bygone be bygones." Lexi slightly shifted her head to see Churu patiently listening to her sentiments. Seeing the little dumpling''s attentiveness while her hand cupping her adorable cheeks while her tiny feet swung alternately, a subtle smile formed on the corner of Lexi''s lips.


    "Don''t worry, I know in due time, I can confidently say that I moved on," Lexi reassured the cute little dumpling that made Churu''s eyes gleamed, looking like a relieved and proud mom.


    "Yes, chu~! You can confidently say you moved on with Mr. Initial task, chu~! Of course, I will be your children''s godmother, chu~!" Churu excitedly cheered with an ear to ear smile as if every word she uttered knew that it wille true. The light and gentle atmosphere surrounding Lexi''s room was instantly shattered when Churu spoke her unnecessaryments which made the side of Lexi''s temple twitched.


    "Sissy, you really know how to kill the mood, huh?"


    "Chu? I am, chu?" Churu slightly tilted her head on the side as if she didn''t realize that her honest foretelling was the inappropriate answer at the moment.


    "I could move on with or without Ethan''s help -- all I need is to make him fall in love with me but that doesn''t mean I should too, right? Also, why did Ethan''s name in this discussion again?" Rolling her eyes as she lightly shook her head, Lexi in a matter of factly tone.


    "Err, because he texted you minutes ago chu? Show me chu, what did Mr. Initial task said?" From uninterested dumpling transformed into a giddy one as if Churu was up for all the gossip, she could decipher the other meaning from Ethan''s short message.


    "You don''t have to little miss; Did you reach home? Safe and sound? -- that''s what he said, nothing special." Knowing Churu, Lexi saved herself from Churu''s peskiness, hence, she nonchntly reported the messaged to the madame dumpling.


    ------


    [Inside a high-ss night club]


    "Woaah! Brother Ethan! How was your vacation?" A dazzling man on an exquisite suit greeted Ethan Lu the moment he entered the party he was throwing. He excitedly threw his arms on Ethan''s shoulder indicating how close they were while his other hand held a ss of wine.


    "It''s good that you''re back! Enjoy the night, man!"


    "Of course Kev, I would!" Ethan Lu grinned brightly seeing how lively the party. He was itching to enjoy his night as it was hisst night of freedom from work. Suddenly, a seductive woman that attracting all the men''s attention approached Ethan Lu and Kevin Woo. She wore a ck bodycon short tight dress that showed her wless back with her cross backless. All in all, she was like Ethan Lu''s typical exes.


    "Nice party Kev." She smiled brightly at Kevin Woo then nced at Ethan Lu. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "Woah, Lisa! This is my party buddy, Ethan Lu. Ethan, this is Lisa Jing." Kevin Woo introduced Ethan to his gorgeous guest. He slyly elbowed Ethan as if saying it was another addition of girls to Ethan''s long list of exes.

 Chapter 60 Is it a what or a who?

    <h4>Chapter 60 Is it a what or a who?</h4>


    Ethan Lu blinked numerous times as he quickly scanned the seductive Lisa Jing. In his mind, she was his type -- definitely, his type. However, after seeing how much skin she had already exposed, somehow, Ethan didn''t find himself interested nor did he had the urge to flirt with Lisa Jing.


    "Uh, hi -- nice to meet you." Ethan Lu offered his hands for a handshake which Lisa Jing epted without a doubt. After a second, Ethan released her hand as if she had some kind of a diseases which made Kevin Woo squints his eyes.


    Of course, his abrupt action left Lisa Jing''s hand hanging that made her smiled awkwardly as she retracted her hand. Surely, she didn''t saw thating; Ethan evidently repelling her. Yet, she neitherined nor showed her displeasure as she could not offend the young master of the Lu family.


    "Uh, nice meeting you too, young master Lu. Uhm, Kevin, I''ll go with my friends over there. Nice party again." Lisa Jing smiled that didn''t reach her eyes as she excused herself.


    "Oh, haha, sure; see ya around." Kevin Woo awkwardlyughed as he nodded to permit Lisa Jing''s obvious escape. The moment Lisa Jing left, Kevin Woo darted his dubious eyes back to his buddy who was surely acting strange.


    "Are you... really Ethan Lu that I know? not an impostor?"


    Ethan Lu furrowed his brows as he looked at the investigative gaze of Kevin Woo. By the looks of it, Ethan Lu wasn''t aware of his unusual behavior. From everyone''s information, Ethan''s first or rather, he always ended up finding his date first before he could even grab himself a drink.


    Which is why, Kevin Woo and Lisa Jing felt weird as Ethan didn''t hit on Lisa Jing the instant he saw her.


    "What do you mean?" Ethan asked. He then picked up a ss of wine from the waiter that passed by him with a smile.


    "What do I mean?" Kevin Woo started reenacting the scene of how fast and uninterested Ethan with Lisa Jin before he looked at him again with a ''that''s what I meant'' expression.


    "Ahh, no, not today." Ethan shook his head as his gaze scanned the whole booming dance floor.


    ''Not today? I never heard him say that before?'' Kevin Woo blurted out inwardly as he peered at his friend with a dismayed glint. Kevin Woo decided not to probe any further or he might get a heart attack by Ethan''s weirdness.


    One and a half hour had passed by since Ethan arrived at Kevin''s party. s, no matter how many drinks he downed and get along with everyone else, the initial reason on why he attended wasn''t resolve! He was utterly bored!


    Inside a private lounge, Ethan together Kevin Woo and his two other friends were having a peaceful billiards with drinks away from the party. Seeing that Ethan was still acting strange, Kevin Woo instigated.


    "Yo, Ethan, you''ve been acting strange all throughout the night. I wonder what could have possibly make you act like this, heh."


    "Ha! Now that you mention it, it''s the first time we don''t have anydiespany." Another trusted friend of Ethan, named Chris Yu chimed in as he runs his fingers through his semi long straight hair that reached his ears. His eyes were long and sharp, a narrow nose, and a chiseled cheekbones. All in all, he doesn''t look less attractive than the three of them.


    "Is it a what or a who?" Another man named Elliott Gong with his blond dyed hair, several piercings on his ears yet, despite his overwhelming outfit that''s akin to a superstar, he still looked charming.


    "Oh, I think karma has finally arrived if its a who, heh?" Kevin Woo grinned as the three of them diverted their eyes on Ethan who was positioned to hit the white cue ball.


    He didn''t respond immediately as Ethan Lu focused on striking the cue ball with the tapered stick before heunched his hit and sessfully going on a three point.


    "Just because I had enough fooling around with thosedies, doesn''t mean it falls to the word strange." Ethan Lu muttered as he chalked the tip of the striking tip of the billiard stick. However, his three buddies looked at him with disdain as they received his unconvincing words.


    "It is strange¡­ if you''re the one who said that." Kevin Woo dissed as he thought his ears were deceiving him.


    "Also, I don''t want her to think that all guys are the same like me." Ethan once again positioned himself to make a strike once again. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "Her?!" The three guys who heard him say hisst statement questioned in unison. Their interest were instantly piqued as they fawned around Ethan.


    Kevin Woo: "Say, who is this girl?"


    Elliot Gong: "Uh huh, I knew it! It''s a who not what!"


    Chris Yu: "Is she pretty?"


    "What the -- give me some space man! It''s not what you think, she''s a friend!" Ethan who can''t focus to continue the game straightened his back and stood firmly as he held his billiard stick on the side. Seeing the interest from his friend''s dazzling faces, he let out a heavy sigh.


    "A friend?!" s, Ethan''s ''rification'' on the woman''s positioned in his life shook them to the core. They spat in unison, "Since when did you became friends with a girl?!"


    Their unified question almost deafened Ethan which made his whole exquisite face distort to a new kind of level.

 Chapter 61 Dug his own grave

    <h4>Chapter 61 Dug his own grave</h4>


    "What? Am I not allowed to have a girl-friend?"? Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "Oh ho, I don''t know this guy." Kevin Woo shook his head as if he was utterly disappointed by Ethan''s statement.


    "Do I have a problem with my head as it kept being reminded of someone saying; opposite genders cannot be friends as it will always lead to bed?" Chris Yu pointed his temple as he altered his gaze towards Kevin Woo and Elliot Gong.


    "He is surely digging his own grave, tsk tsk." Elliot Gong looked at Ethan Lu with pity as if he could foresee his friend''s future dilemma.


    Hearing their unnecessaryments that don''t actually contribute to his current mood, Ethan Lu frowned as he threw his billiard stick on the side. He strode towards the expensive-looking couch and downed a ss full of fine wine.


    Since Ethan Lu''s revtion gaining a new friend which is also a woman, the three of them lost interest in the game and took their respective spots around the small table.


    "We should tell brother Mo about it, though I''m certain that he won''t even budge." Kevin Woo broke the stifling atmosphere that enveloped the whole lounge area as Ethan Lu produced a rare aura of dissatisfaction.


    "You''d get block again if you do." Chris Yu spat out in a matter of factly tone.


    "So, tell us who is she?" Unlike the two, Elliot Gong has more inclination to know more who was the woman that made this stubborn yboy suddenly have a change of heart?


    Every one of them knew Ethan Lu and his well, strong beliefs. He had always this kind of mentality that opposite genders could never be real friends. Well, if it has benefits, he''ll probably reconsider. But, a pure friendship? That would be as impossible as to resurrect a dead person.


    "You''re all overreacting. I didn''t react like this when you guys got ''girl'' friends." Ethan Lu scowled as he scanned at their anticipating gazes.


    His statement made the three almost puke blood by his shamelessness. Did he just say he didn''t react like them? Yeah, because he actually jinxed it!


    "Aya, I never realized this in denial stage is much more critical than I thought." Chris Yu looked at Ethan as if he was beyond savable. He chose to ignore histter statement and pretended that he didn''t hear it just so he could prevent having a heart attack at a young age.


    "This¡­ I am speechless. Please take him home." Kevin Woo face palmed as he let out his heaviest sigh. It was evident to him that he had lost the energy to probe further, afraid that he might hear another shameless goody two shoe remarks from Ethan Lu that might cause his blood pressure to rise.


    "As I said, you have dug your own grave because being a friend means a much harder task to be seen as a man. Good luck with that man." Elliot Gong raised his ss of wine as if making a toast before gulping it down like a man.


    "Though I''m still curious who''s HER friend." Chris Yu mumbled in a low tone but didn''t pry further. Surely, they easily gave up on instigating Ethan Lu''s new love venture as they will know about it in the future days anyway.


    "Damn, I''m outta here." Ethan grabbed the whole bottle of wine and without wasting a second, he left his friends in the spacious lounge area.


    He was utterly disappointed as he initially came there to forget what''s bugging him! Not to remind and be put on the hot seat asking tons of questions about Lexi.


    As he passed by the still bustling dancefloor, Ethan didn''t even nce at it nor did he looked around to find a woman to hit on. He doesn''t understand it himself but somehow, it just doesn''t interest him at the moment. Rather, it only bored him as it has been doing these activities for years now.


    -----


    "That''s all, chu?" Churu frowned. She was quite disappointed hearing the content of Ethan Lu''s messaged earlier. She already has a few sentences in mind that could actually boost more points for Ethan Lu this time.


    "Yeah, that''s all," Lexi repeated as she closed her eyes to rest.


    Just then, her phone rang which slightly irked her. Who would call her at this time of hour? If she was probably still active in the entertainment industry, Lexi would have guessed that it was probably her assistant. But after all the scandals, all her resources, her team was all abolished and was assigned to different artists.


    Reaching for her phone on the bedside table, her brows creased seeing the caller ID of Morris Liu. Churu seeing Lexi''s familiar expression whenever she encounters that man, she flew towards to see that her guess was right.


    "Don''t answer chu! Let him wait till tomorrow, chu!" Churu protested s, her demands were rendered shun as Lexi tapped the green button and directly put it on her phone.


    "Meet me at my office."


    Even before Lexi could speak, Morris Liu''s icy, emotionless voice came through and hung up after he said his piece.


    "I can''t believe you just said you''ll move on and the next second that ''unworthy name that I cannot even speak'' called, you''ll answer without a second hesitation, chu!" Churu grumbled as she was clearly fuming mad at Lexi''s action. s, Lexi replied with a sigh of conceding.


    "He''s asking me to meet him at his office. *sigh* I gotta go."


    "No, no chu! Take a step outside this mansion -- no, this room and we''re friends over chu!" Churu flew in front of Lexi and opened her arms and tiny feet apart as if to block Lexi''s way which was impossible.


    "Sissy, whatever is going on with that wild imagination of yours, is not what you think I''m gonna do. This, this very? I''ll put an end to it soon. I should go and make these things clear with Morris!"


    Churu was quite stunned seeing the burning angst beneath Lexi''s eyes. This is the first time she had seen Lexi this mad but determined. Witnessing Lexi like this, Churu slowly put down her arms as she flew on the side.


    ''No wonder that Mia Chen was so afraid of her.'' She thought inwardly as she watched Lexi walked through her walk-in closet.

 Chapter 62 Kick him in the balls instead.

    <h4>Chapter 62 Kick him in the balls instead.</h4>


    Unlike Lexi''s hours of preparation on thinking about what clothes to wear every single time she would go out, this time, she changed into a simple shirt and jeans she found matched with white sneakers. She then grabbed a random coat among her exquisite coats before picking her keys and her purse.


    Lexi knew that her hard work in negotiating with Morris Liu to let her and her family go would be damned if she didn''t answer his phone call orplied to his demands right now.


    If Morris Liu had already seen her worst, then, it was the same for Lexi. She knew what her ex-fiance is capable off. Just a word from him and the Yang family would crumble down.


    Hence, despite her great reluctance of meeting Morris Liu, she must go. She was already cornered and was not in a position toin.


    Lexi jogged her way towards the Yang mansion''s driveway and without wasting a second, she hopped in and revved up her luxury car before she sped away.


    "You should calm down chu," Churu mumbled, looking through the window.


    "I am trying to calm down, Churu. But this -- what he''s doing? He''s trying to bring out the Lexi he knew in the past." Lexi grinds her teeth in anger as she stepped on the pedal that increased her speed. It is as if she was letting out her overwhelming frustration along with her speeding car.


    She wanted to start her new life without Morris. Moved on from the past and live a happier and better life. s, just when she just wanted to have her peace, Morris Liu would call her in the middle of the nightmanding her toe?


    Why would he need to be so hard just when she was giving him the peace he always wanted? Hence, Lexi felt more determined to draw the line if it wasn''t clear to Morris Liu that she doesn''t or any have funny intention of doing the things she had done before.


    ----


    Lexi arrived at the enormous building of the Liu Corporation. There was still a few employees inside but knowing the tight guidelines of what they see or hear inside this building, none of them would talk about her ''visit'' at this time of the night.


    Unlike when Lexi''sst encounter when she came to meet Morris Liu and how he met Ethan Lu, this time, the guards let her in as if they were expecting her arrival.


    Lexi headed straight on the elevator lift and pressed the number of top floor where Morris Liu''s office.


    "I legit regret using my one time skill. I should have kick that bastard''s ball instead chu." Churu muttered as she flew beside Lexi.


    "Now you understand why you should be punished." Lexi responded in a matter of factly tone. She nced up and saw that she was nearing the top floor.


    Soon, Lexi heard the ''ting'' sound indicating that she arrived at her destination before the elevator lift opened.


    Heavily breathing out, Lexi calmed her tensed nerves and her raging heart. She must keep her head clear because one wrong aggressive act could make her hard work go down the drain.


    Seeing that the secretary spot was empty, Lexi headed straight the Morris office front door.


    ''Calm down, calm down¡­'' Lexi repeated inwardly before she knocked three times.


    "Calm down chu. Don''t worry, I''ll do the cursing chu." Churu humped as she massaged Lexi''s right shoulder as if she was conditioning a boxer.


    "Come in," After a second when her knocks sound vanished, Morris faint yet cold and expressionless voice was heard. Lexi exhaled for thest time before she pushed the door open.


    The moment Lexi entered Morris Liu''s spacious yet minimalist interior office, he slowly raised his head over the stack of documents piled on his desk.


    Scrutinizing the woman that entered his office, Morris Liu furrowed his brows seeing her outfit. He knew Lexi more than anyone and in retrospect, unless she was filming, she won''t wear as simple as a in white shirt, denim jeans and a white sneakers; especially if she was meeting him.


    She would always wear glorious clothes paired with expensive jewelries. But now, it''s as if she just rushed her way with her hair tied in a ponytail.


    "CEO Morris Liu, if you don''t mind me asking, may I know the purpose of this abrupt callte at night?" Lexi gantly stood as her gaze went directly on Morris Liu''s perfectly sculpted eyes. Surely, he was the most handsome man with many achievements she had met. After all, she wouldn''t fall for him if he wasn''t the ''perfect guy'' that fits her.


    However, Morris Liu didn''t respond immediately as he peered at her from top to bottom with only his eyes moving. cing his palm on his executive chair''s armrest, he slowly stood without a word.


    He took slow stride towards her direction which made Lexi ball her hands into a fist. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "Hey, don''t you daree closer or I''ll punish you in hell!" Churu shouted as she pointed her tiny little finger towards the approaching Morris Liu.

 Chapter 63 Drew the line

    <h4>Chapter 63 Drew the line</h4>


    "Let''s go chu! He might do something chu!" Churu bellowed at the top of her lungs as she was vexed by the sight of Morris Liu.


    ''He won''t -- that I''m certain.'' Sensing the heat surrounding the fuming dumpling, Lexi reassured. As she said, if Morris Liu knew her capabilities and the depths of how crazy she can be, she also knew Morris Liu''s limits. Therefore, Morris Liu might destroy her whole image and family but he would never, ever vite her body. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    When Morris Liu was several steps away from her, he nced down. He squinted his eyes seeing that Lexi didn''t take a step back. He didn''t know when it started but whenever they were in a fight in the past, Lexi would habitually step back whenever he sees him approaching.


    He took more steps until he came to a full halt when there was only a limited space between them. However, he didn''t utter a word and just peered at her unmoving countenance.


    "If this is about the deal, I''m on it. After that, I won''t ever bother you and Mia -- you have my word and I honor it, you know that." Since he wasn''t saying anything, Lexi spoke first in a firm tone. She didn''t look away or took a step back. In her mind, this is the right resolve she must have.


    She doesn''t want to look back or let her lingering feelings with him get the better of her. She already gave up with her unrequited love, hence, she must do it all the way. If she ran away now, that just mean she wasn''t moving forward to meet the session of her freedom.


    s, Morris Liu''s expression didn''t change with her reassuring words. It neither showed any satisfaction or displeasure as he took another step forward, yet, Lexi remained her feet on the ground.


    "Why?" By the way Morris Liu delivered his question, it''s as if he wasn''t asking as his tone didn''t change; still the ever overwhelming, cold, and domineering person as if his IQ level would degenerate if he talked with humans.


    Knitting her brows together, Lexi was suddenly confused. What does he mean ''why''? What why is he talking about?


    Seeing that he took another step forward, leaving them with at least two feets distance between them, Lexi clenched her teeth as she restrained herself from stepping back.


    ''No, I won''t step back.''


    "What why chu?! Is your brain that overused, you can''t even construct your sentences chu?!" Churu yelled as she flew in front of Morris Liu face with her pair of hands ced on her bby waist.


    Since Churu was blocking half of Morris Liu''s face, Lexi''s tensed shoulders rxed. This unintentional help Churu was doing all these time, Lexi''s attention was diverted to the punishment time of the little dumpling.


    "Why were you at Ethan''s ce?"


    Hearing his question, Lexi was briefly stunned. Is that''s his reason why he called her in the middle of the night? Just to ask why she was with Ethan Lu?


    Lexi lightly scoffed in disbelief. Raising her gaze back on Morris Liu, Lexi smirked as an unreadable glint shed across her eyes.


    She hadn''t realized it yet but the way she looked at him, Morris Liu recognized those drawing lined gaze. He had seen or rather, he had always witness how she looked at other men before but not to him.


    "CEO Liu, is that why you made me rush in the middle of the night to ask me that question?" She paused as she tried to process his ridiculous reasoning. If it was before, even if it was midnight or before dawn, just one call from his -- she even crawl her way just to meet him. s, this time, she doesn''t have those same reasoning as she only wanted to draw the line.


    "I don''t think I have any reason why should I exin my activities to you. You have nothing to do with my personal matters, and I as well. Please refrain from contacting me after working hours. Let''s keep our connection as civil and professional, CEO Liu." Finally, Lexi drew the line. Somehow, she sessfully mustered enough confidence she needed to utter such affirmation. Also, it''s as if another burden was lifted from her shoulders. This is her first step, atst, she finally took a step forward.


    "You heard that, chu? Don''t bother her anymore chu!" Churu backed up Lexi''s word which was left shunned as he could not hear her. Still, she was like a proud mom as she felt how sincere and determined Lexi was to pass her hurdle.


    "This is thest time I will rush to you." Lexi said before turning her back against him as she was prepared to leave.


    s, just as she took her first thread, Morris Liu grabbed her wrist which made her flinched and turn to see Morris.


    Suddenly, the door of Morris Liu''s private quarters inside his office burst open, revealing Ethan''s sluggish figure. "Ahh, bro --"

 Chapter 64 How did you know I need one?

    <h4>Chapter 64 How did you know I need one?</h4>


    Lexi turned her head on the person on the side and to her surprise, Ethan was there!


    "Kyaaaah~! Mr. Initial Task chu~!" Churu screamed like a fan girl seeing her idol. In her mind, it''s probably fate that lead Lexi and Ethan together wherever they go.


    Ethan''s gaze darted from Morris and to Lexi. He quickly nce at their tangled hands before looking back on Lexi again. After a second when the data of the scene processed on his mind, a bright smile formed on the side of his lips.


    "My friend~!!" Ethan opened his arms wide open as he strode directly on Lexi''s direction. Her brows creased seeing Ethan Lu''s evident flushed face.


    ''He''s drunk?'' She thought inwardly. Pulling her wrist away from Morris Liu''s grip with a re, she gazed back at Ethan''s approaching figure.


    "Are you--" s, just as Lexi could even confirm if he was drunk, Ethan bear hugged her which made her upturned eyes widen.


    Lexi: "!!!!"


    "Kyaaaah~! Is this what they call showing his sovereignty chu~?!" Churu''s eyes sparkled seeing how Ethan hugged Lexi in front of Morris Liu. She could not help but feel giddy and jubnt about it as she felt that beneath Morris Liu''s silence, he was seething with jealousy or something near that.


    On the other hand, Morris Liu squinted his eyes seeing that Lexi didn''t pushed orshed out when Ethan Lu bear hugged her in front of him. Though she didn''t respond to Ethan''s intimate action, she didn''t refused as well.


    "My friend *hic* how did you know I needed one?" Ethan murmured in between his hups. He rested his chin on her slim shoulder to lessen his world from spinning.


    "Tch, you reek of alcohol. CEO Liu, I''ll be taking my leave." Lexi clicked her tongue in annoyance as Ethan''s redolent scent of alcohol wafted her nostrils. But what annoyed her even more was the fact that Ethan went yolo as soon as he recovered. Hence, turning her head to Morris Liu''s usual unreadable expression, Lexi announce.


    She then awkwardly tapped Ethan''s back shoulder. "Hey let go," since Ethan was friends with Morris, Lexi didn''t have the intention of dragging the man with her. After all, he could just rest there and not burden herself.


    "Alright Lex, Let''s go!" As drunk as he can be, Ethan perceived her words in the other way as he retracted his arms from her and stood albeit unstable as his upper body slightly swung sideways.


    "Let''s go, let''s go! You shouldn''t go out at this time of hour." Ethan frowned seeing that Lexi had a dismayed expression stered across her face. He added as he pointed his index finger on Morris Liu''s direction,


    "He''s gonna kick me out anyway." Ethan leaned closer and whispered that didn''te out as a whisper as his voice rang at the four corners of the room.


    For a moment, Lexi felt her head throb for an iing headache. Neither of these scenarios shed in her mind when she came there. However, despite her mild shocked seeing Ethan was already present before her, she could not help but conclude what Morris Liu''s trying to cook on his sleeve.


    ncing at Morris Liu for thest time, Lexi slightly bowed her head gesturing to take her leave again. She then dragged Ethan by his arms like a mad mother.


    "Ah! You''re breaking my arm!" Ethan protested as the girl dragged him out of the office yet, his eyes smiled for a split second that none of them noticed.


    "I will, if you don''t shut up." Lexi grumbled without ncing at the drunk guy she was dragging. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "Bleeh! I hate you forever chu!" Churu sticked her tongue out to Morris Liu''s direction before following Lexi and Ethan''s retreating figure with a joyous aura surrounding her.


    Morris Liu watched the two figure exit his office. He neither said a word nor did something to stop them. Earlier, after he called Lexi, Ethan just barge in without short notice with a bottle of wine asking him to drink with him.


    Of course, he refused and let Ethan consumed the exquisite wine brought along and Morris stocked wines inside his private quarters. s, Morris Liu knew Ethan very well.


    Ethan had a strong alcohol tolerance and wouldn''t be that drunk with that little alcohol intake. After all, Ethan often goes to a party and it would be a surprise if he''s still wasn''t immune on these kind of beverages.


    ''Ethan, what do you think you''re doing?'' Morris murmured inwardly when he could not see their shadows.


    In retrospect, though Ethan was a troublesome guy, s, he was the guy that Morris Liumend the most. Ethan was not hesitant to speak his blunt opinions and wasn''t afraid if he hit Morris nerves every once in a while.


    However, Morris had never seen him act this way. First, was when he forcefully held him on the wrist earlier and then now. Surely, Ethan was more aggressive in his own silent way while keeping his charming smile.


    Grabbing the only wine left on the stand at the corner of his office, Morris Liu silently poured himself a ss of wine and downed it without any hesitation.


    No one knew what was inside his mysterious mind; he won''t say a word or showed his real emotion on the surface even though he was alone. He just silently consumed the whole bottle of wine throughout the night.

 Chapter 65 Baby girl

    <h4>Chapter 65 Baby girl</h4>


    Lexi dragged Ethan by his arm up to the elevator lift. She roughly let his arm go, as she pressed the ground floor button.


    "Don''t you know you just recovered? Why drink so much and abuse your liver?" After some time, Lexi broke the awkward silence enveloping the whole lift as neither of them talked.


    Ethan leaned his back on the side as he tilted his head back and closed his eyes. He shoved his hand inside his pocket while his other one rest on the handrail hang around the elevator lift.


    Unlike his yful persona earlier, for some reason, his earlier lively aura slowly dissipated as he rested his body on the corner of the closed lift. The time seemed to slow down its pace as Lexi could hear the ticking sound of her lightweight wristwatch.


    "I was bored¡­ when you left." Atst, Ethan finally broke the awkward silence that surrounded them as he exined the main petty reason why he went to a fail party.


    "Uh, right¡­" Lexi mumbled. She should have guessed that Ethan would be back to his usual self the moment he got his freedom from the doctor''s surveince. s, she was already frustrated enough to Morris and doesn''t have a tiny bit of energy to worry about Ethan''s issue. After all, he was already like that in her perspective and he''s old enough to take care of himself.


    "He missed you chu~" Churu had her flexible arms waved as she poked at Lexi''s slim cheeks. s, Lexi chose to ignore the irrelevantment of the cute dumpling.


    Once again, only their faint breathing was heard as both delved into their own thoughts. Lexi nced at the digital number above indicating what floor they were at. For some reason, she felt that her travel time to the ground floor was much slower than when she was on the way to Morris Liu''s office.


    "Do you still like him?"


    Out of the blue, Ethan asked which made her slightly flinch as she was getting used to the silence. Lexi didn''t turned her head to Ethan for some reason as she pondered on the appropriate response to him.


    "You''re so careless you know. Why would you go to a man''s ce in the middle of the night?" He added sensing that she won''t respond. Ethan didn''t moved from his position as he tries to sober himself up. Part of him was slightly disappointed but well, he got the whole gist of what happened. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    He might be a little drunk but not to the extent of being unconscious on his action. Earlier, he heard Lexi''s indistinct voice which made him check what''s going on.


    He wasn''t dumb enough to misunderstand the whole situation and also, he doesn''t have the right to misunderstand right? Still, he was genuinely worried about this stupidity of Lexi.


    Does she trust Morris Liu that much? Or she was willing to reconcile with him? It bugged him not to the core; it could even sober him up just thinking about it.


    "I would be lying if I said I don''t¡­ but, I don''t want to dwell on my lingering feelings anymore. I just wanted to move on. And yes, I trusted him that much, don''t you as well?" Since she doesn''t want any conflict on her main initial task, Lexi rified. It''s a good thing that Ethan opened it up much earlier or else, this might lead to a misunderstanding in the future.


    "Mister Initial Task, gimme those points chu" Churu flew on Ethan''s rxed shoulder and whispered her main agenda.


    Just then, the ting sound of the establishment lift resounded before it opened. This time, it was led directly on thepany parking space.


    "Let''s go." Lexi muttered as she began taking stride outside the elevator. s, she stopped when she exited the lift and turned her head back on Ethan''s unmoving figure.


    Arching her fleeky brows, she was puzzled on what''s going on inside his mind. However, Lexi was not up for any guessing game as she hastily strode towards him and halted her hand in between the closing elevator doors which made it opened again.


    "I don''t need a ride -- take care on your way home." As unenthusiastic as he sounded, Ethan informed with his eyes closed and whole body leaning on the corner.


    "Who said I''m going home?"


    Hearing this statement, Ethan''s brows creased as his longshes slowly fluttered open. Looking at the usual proud front of the woman before his eyes, the side of his lips curled into a smirk.


    "Oh? Where you dragging me then?" Though his face was still slightly red, his eyes drowsy and his hair a little messy -- Ethan for some had a gentle gaze circling within his dark brown eyes.


    "Didn''t you imed you''re my friend? Well, I needed one." Lexi uttered in a matter of factly tone as she raised her brows.


    Ethan chuckled as he doesn''t find himself refusing her ''call a friend'' -- or rather, the word ''no'' seemed it was obliterated in his vocabry in an instant.


    "Alright, baby girl." He raised both his hands in defeat with a subtle smile.

 Chapter 66 I canst risk your life, you know.

    <h4>Chapter 66 I can''st risk your life, you know.</h4>


    "Kyaaah~! Baby girl chu~" Churu giggled as she repeated his words. Ethan''s brief dashing countenance as he delivered those words was enough to melt Churu''s heart. It was as if he was doing a live productmercial of his even white teeth.


    Lexi, on the other hand, shook her head as she slightly rolled her eyes yet, she decided not to say anything as she perceived his address as his usual dialogues.


    ----


    Since Lexi couldn''t entrust her dear second life with Ethan''s slightly drunken state, she insisted to drive which Ethan agreed in an instant.


    "That''s very manly of you," A statement filled with sarcasm, Lexi started her luxury car''s engine.


    "Hmm, I can''t risk your life, you know." Ethan nonchntly shrugged as he reclined the front passenger seat. He crossed his arms below his chest and rxed his back on the soft upholstery of her car seat.


    "Chichichi~ tell my sissy that her life is much more precious than yours, chu~" Churu giggled as she whispered her instruction to woo Lexi. However, the little dumpling who was ying as cupid with her words as the bow and arrow could only be heard by Lexi which made Lexi''s face twitched.


    "Hmm, okay?" Lexi awkwardly raised her brows before stepping on the gas pedal and sped away.


    As Lexi focused her eyes on the road, Ethan Lu bit his lower lip as if he was restraining a bright smile, s, he miserable failed. Churu who witnessed this copied his smile then flew to Lexi''s side.


    Lexi nced at Churu''s odd smile then focused on the road again. ''Ahh, sissy? Do you know how disturbing your smile is?''


    Still keeping the smile she copied from Ethan, Churu reported with great effort. "He was smiling like this chu~!"Churu won''t miss this kind of report to her so that her future advice would have more substance and proof.


    Since she could only nce at Ethan Lu''s back, Lexi didn''t bother to check Churu''s spoiler. Yet, for some reason, Lexi felt that it would be impossible to misunderstand Ethan with Churu spoiling everything.


    "Where are we going chu?"


    ''To sober that guy up and collect the fees for my driving services.'' Lexi smirked as she replied to Churu''s inquiry. Though she sessfully drew the line with Morris Liu, Lexi still needed to calm the foreign feelings in her heart as she took her first big step from moving on.


    Indeed, unlike her avoidance in meeting Morris Liu, Lexi realized that she should face her real dilemma and solve it instead of running away -- and that''s what she did! Hence, somewhat someways, she felt she achieved something albeit small but still progressed.


    "Woah, what revenge chu?" Churu squinted her eyes as she sees the mischievous smirk stered across Lexi''s face. She had seen all kinds of her knowing smiles and expressions but not this one which slightly bothered Churu.


    ''Nothing much, really.'' Lexi responded internally. She was unsure if Ethan was asleep or not, thus, to make sure that he won''t think that she was a deranged person talking to herself, Lexi talked to Churu telepathically.


    -----


    Soon, Lexi''s luxury car came into a full halt in front of the small restaurant that Ethan introduced her to. Thanks to her observant eyes, she read that it was a 24/7 shop which is also a good ce for drunk people like Ethan to sober up with their home mouthwatering noodles.


    "Wakey wakey, we''re here." Lexi unbuckled her seatbelt as she announced their arrival.


    "Hmmn, where are we?" Ethan lowly grumbled as he opened his eyes midway to check the ced she stopped into. Seeing the shing wee sign of the noodle house he introduced to her, he could not help but smile arge one albeit not showing his teeth. He stretched his back and feet a little before he fiddled on his seatbelt and exited the car.


    The moment Ethan closed the car door from the outside, he rested both his arms over the edge of the car roof and ced his chin above his arms. Looking over at Lexi from his position, he spoke,


    "You liked this ce?" Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "Thanks to you," Lexi meekly smiled whilst raising her brows before leading the way to the entrance of the small restaurant. Ethan, on the other hand, slightly shook his dizzy head while biting his lower lip that was about to curl upward.


    "Jeez," He muttered before he followed suit.


    ----


    Since it was midnight, the small restaurant was rather empty and only a few customers could be seen eating.


    "Ge!" One of the young waiters that regrly served Lexi whenever she dropped by hastily greeted Ethan Lu the moment they stepped in.


    "Hey chan, looking good eh?" As happy as he can be, Ethan confidently put his arm around Chan''s shoulder as if they were close friends. Lexi''s brows creased by the sudden closeness of the two. Thest time they ate there, Ethan wasn''t this palsy-walsy to any of the staff -- just a little.


    "gege?"


    "Ih, you''re drunk again? Gege, your girlfriend might break up with you -- you reeked with alcohol." Chan''s face twitched a little as Ethan''s strong alcohol scent wafted through his nostrils.

 Chapter 67 We should go on a date...

    <h4>Chapter 67 We should go on a date...</h4>


    "Uh, I''m not his girlfriend -- just a friend." Lexi corrected when she heard Chan''s statement. s, Chan only peered her with his unconvinced gaze as if he was saying ''you don''t have to lie'', which made the side of her lips twitched.


    "Uh, yeah, by the way, this is Chan my little brother." Ethan introduced Chan with a wide smile that seemed none can afford. He added,


    "And this is Lexi, my uh, friend."


    Chan slightly bowed to her which she did as well in return. After that, Lexi slightly tilted her head on the side with a questioning look on her face.


    "Brother?" To her knowledge, Ethan Lu is the only young master of the Lu family; the heir of the Lu n. Hence, does that mean Chan is an illegitimate child? s, scanning both of their facial features, they don''t have any simrities which led her to the conclusion that probably, they had a close brotherhood. But, why would the young master of the Lu family befriend someone that has no connection?


    Recalling her downfall, Lexi was pped by the harsh reality of the norms of the socialites in the top socialdder. There are no real friends but only connections that could benefit each other. Hence, despite Ethan''s happy go lucky personality, he must know that well.


    "Uh huh, we''re brothers!" Ethan grinned as he announced that slightly caught the few customer''s attention.


    "Ge, Miss Yang, take your seats first." Chan shushed Ethan in an embarrassed tone then gestured for them to take their seat which Lexi and Ethan agreed.


    The moment Lexi perched her bum on the wooden chair, she ced her elbow on the surface of the table then propped her jaw whilst arching her right brow.


    "You have a brother?"


    "Hmm," Ethan nodded with his eyes smiling that seemed it was near a closed eyes. He cupped his flushed cheeks by his palm and focused his attention to the girl sat across him.


    "Not biologically." Chan who ced the smallminated menu on the table, shook his head in defeat knowing that Ethan Lu won''t exin himself. He had always been like that, too cool to be bothered and care if he was misunderstood or not.


    "Ohh,"


    "How could you not know anything about me? Oh, Morris, right." Ethan frowned then knowingly nodded when he was reminded of Lexi''s only interest. Part of him was slightly bugged about it but, who cares? It''s not like he is jealous about it¡­ or so he thought.


    "Mr. Initial task is jealous chu~!" Churu giddily marched her small feet on the top of the table as she stared at Ethan and his sly words.


    "Yes, it''s because of him but please, refrain from reminding me of that because that''s the least you could do." Lexi rolled her eyes as she reached theminated menu and skimmed through it. She knew little things about Ethan Lu of course, however, her instincts tells her not to reveal the truth to him. She continued,


    "The usual." Since Lexi was a regr customer, Chan already knew her favorite dish. It''s just that they never interacted before aside from getting her orders and serving it to her.


    "Alright. Ge, what about you?" Chan shifted his gaze on Ethan''s direction, s, before Ethan could even respond, Lexi spoke first.


    "Anything that could help him sober up, please."


    Chan altered his eyes from Lexi to Ethan''s nonchnt countenance before he nodded in awe.


    "Alright¡­ Enjoy your date." After he jot down their orders, Chan teased -- directly to Ethan before he sped away.


    "Why does he thinks were on a date?" Lexi nced at the fleeing figure of Chan whilst knitting her brows.


    "I really think we should go on a date -- getting to know and all." Ethan proposed without turning his eyes away from her. Despite his mild drunken state, he could see every move of her facial muscles, her shaky eyes, and rxed pink plum lips. Seeing her repelled expression that he expected, Ethan smiled, he added.


    "A friendly date."


    "Hey, chu! Don''t sabotage yourself chu!!" Churu''s sparkling smile slowly vanished and grimaced in dismay. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "Aren''t we doing it now?" Lexi heaved a sigh of relieved when Ethan rified what he meant.


    Given that she was now inclined to make him fall for her, s, she knew it won''t work if they dated immediately. It will only lessen the chances ofpleting her task because she believed that Ethan would grow tired if she agreed instantly. Moreover, she was already satisfied with the pace of her progress. Hence, she ignored Churu''s dissatisfied banter in the middle of the table. She resumed,


    "So, tell me --" Lexi was about to ask Ethan''s rtionship with Chan and his connection with this small restaurant s, she halted midway as Ethan spoke at the same time.


    "Then, what are --dies first." Ethan chuckled and thrust his chin forward, indicating she speak first.

 Chapter 68 You make me proud, eh?

    <h4>Chapter 68 You make me proud, eh?</h4>


    "Hmm, so, what''s up with you and Chan? Also, is this ce yours?" Lexi smiled genuinely as Ethan''s brief chuckle was contagious.


    "Hehe, Chan is my former nanny''s kid and this ce is a gift from me to her." Ethan''s gaze softened and a gentle smile formed on the side of his lips as he recalled something on his memories.


    Witnessing how his expression tells a thousand unspoken affectionate words, Lexi could not help but admire Ethan on the back of her mind. It''s as if he treated his former nanny as his family because that''s what she felt hearing him delivered his words.


    "I see. She must''ve been a wonderful person."


    "Hmm¡­ She is. I will take you to her some other time." Without thinking much of what to say, Ethan naturally blurted out.


    After a second when his words slipped out of his mouth, Ethan realized the words he had never offered before and slowly moved his stunned eyes towards Lexi. Fortunately, Lexi seemed she didn''t take it the other way as she nodded with interest.


    "Sure, I won''t tattle." Unlike what she said, Lexi''s mischievous grin tells him otherwise.


    "Youngdy, I am warning you, don''t you think about it." Ethan harmlessly threatened, reciprocating the scheme she was cooking inside her mind.


    "What? I said I won''t alright?" Feigning innocence, Lexi faintly giggled as she lowkey teased him.


    Even her, she didn''t knew when her unbreakable wall started falling apart around Ethan Lu, s, for her, that wasn''t important. As long as Ethan Lu would behave himself and proved that he wasn''t the guy she thought he was, then, she''s cool with it.


    "Chichi, is spring finallying?" Churu sat her cute bby body at the center of the table and giggled while covering her mouth with her small hand. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    Just then, Chan arrived with a tray of their ordered food. "Here''s your order." Chen meekly smiled as he served the hot noodles and steamed dumpling beside Churu.


    Seeing that Chan coincidentally served the steaming dumplings beside Churu who was slightly bigger in size, Lexi could not help but chuckle.


    "Hey! Why did you ce them beside me chu?!" Churu humped in irritation, vexed by the fact that Chan just had to put the steamed food that looks like her on her side.


    ''Sissy, d that you reunited with your siblings.'' She uttered inwardly while biting her lower lips to suppressed herughter from Churu''s adorable protest.


    In Ethan''s perspective, he doesn''t know what she remembered that seemed to be funny to expressed herself this way, s, seeing her like this, he was surprisingly content.


    ncing at Chan''s obvious curiosity regarding their rtionship, Ethan smiled giving no clue to Chan''s silent inquiry. He tilted his head on the side, which made Chan sighed in frustration.


    ''Fine, I won''t disturb your date anymore.'' Chan grumbled internally as he walked out with the tray on his hand.


    "Your turn," Lexi mixed her noodles with chopsticks and asked before raising her head to see Ethan. Seeing that Chan was a distant away, Ethan moved his eyes to the woman sat opposite him.


    "What ahh, I mean¡­" Ethan scratched his temple by his index finger as he groped on the right terms he must use. He doesn''t want to sound investigative or any of the sort to her afraid that Lexi might misunderstand his ''pure'' curiosity.


    "Uh, Mr. Initial task, what are you doing chu? Are you shy or what chu?" As grumpy as she can be, Churu had an ugly expression as she flew on the edge of the table, away from the dumplings that humans eat.


    On the other hand, Lexi knitted her brows as she raised her head to meet the conflicted Ethan -- still mixing her noodles.


    "Say it."


    "You know, why are you with¡­" Ethan thought hard on his words but in the end, it still frustrates him that he sounded weird. It''s just ''why are you with Morris and why didn''t you moved your meeting in the morning instead of the night'' but that''s the whole point! He sounded like a whimsical jealous boyfriend which frustrated him even more.


    "Why I''m at CEO Liu''s office in the middle of the night? Didn''t you asked me that already? He asked me toe." Lexi nonchntly shrugged as she blew the strand of noodles hanged on her chopsticks before cing it inside her mouth.


    "Yeah, but why didn''t you reject? I mean I know you trust -- uh, nevermind." Displeased by her simple response, Ethan burst but ceased his series of questions realizing that now, he sounded more out of character than earlier. He shook his sobered head and reached for his chopsticks as he focused his eyes on the bowl of  homemade noodles.


    "Oh ho, jealousy finally getting the better of him chu!" Churu fanned the mes despite knowing Ethan doesn''t hear herments. She added,


    "Give us the points chu so we can proceed with your love story chu~! Churu spat in between her giggles that only she could hear.


    Looking down, Lexi leisurely chewed the food on her mouth before gulping it then responded in a solemn and honest tone, "I always tell myself that forget about him but, I can''t easily do that¡­"


    Ethan frowned receiving her honest response. He doesn''t know why but it irked him hearing them directlying out from her mouth. However, he didn''t say anything as he kept on ying with his food, losing in appetite by the second.


    "And It would be more impossible if I kept running away from him. So, I came to face him and drew the line that neither of us won''t cross."


    Stunned, Ethan unhurriedly raised his head to see her relieved smile. It doesn''t have any bitterness or regret in it but pure calmness which eased Ethan''s foul mood.


    "Aish, you make me proud eh?" Without a second thought, Ethan stretched his pinky finger then tapped the back of Lexi''s left knuckles.

 Chapter 69 Do you smell danger?

    <h4>Chapter 69 Do you smell danger?</h4>


    Seeing that Ethan was now showing some decency by being sensible with his little physical contact, Lexi smiled in return.


    "Noodles getting cold." She reminded as she slightly thrust her chin forward directing to his bowl of noodles.


    Retracting his arms stretched over the table, Ethan unhurriedly blinked his pair of eyelids while his brows raised, "Right,"


    Unlike his impulsive resolution earlier under the influence of wine, this time, Ethan kept his physical touches to the minimum. Knowing Lexi, she had her limits and he doesn''t want to cross the line again. After all, their ''friendship'' was growing in a good way, albeit, in a snail pace.


    "He''s such a sweetheart chu~" Churu held her tiny hands on her chest as she was unexpectedly touched by Ethan''s patient response. Truly, he was the perfect guy for someone like Lexi who''s trust issue was much higher than Mount Everest and had an immeasurable sensitivity level towards others; especially men.


    A man who would try tomunicate with her host and patiently listen to her without jumping to conclusions until the end -- that is the man Lexi, who was easily misunderstood needed. Seeing him in a much more broadened horizon, Churu was now much determined to pull all the strings for her ship to sail.


    [*TING! +20 allure points! You now have 54.6 allure points in total!]


    All of a sudden, the familiar notification sound of the system rang that only two individuals could hear. After a second, it disyed above Lexi''s eye level. The moment this status appeared, Churu''s expression slowly brightened and produced blinding sparkles in awe.


    "Woaaah!! That''s what I''m waiting for chu~!" When Lexi''s progress sank in her dumpling genius mind, Churu cheered in excitement. Her happiness towards Lexi nearing thepletion of her task multiplied. Just a little more push, and Ethan would fall for her!


    Meanwhile, Lexi only nced at it before she resumed on consuming her food. It''s not that she doesn''t care, but, to her, the results are what she wants -- her progress doesn''t matter as long as she has a good oue, that''s when she''d celebrate like Churu.


    "Hey, chu! Don''t you see that additional 20 points chu~!" Hearing no response from Lexi, Churu inquired while moving her bby waist sideways with both her arms stretched out, moving up and down alternatively.


    ''Does it matter? Results is what''s important to me.'' Lexi responded telepathically while slurping her noodles. Smiling back at Ethan, Lexi chewed her food while wiping her lips with a tissue.


    "Noob Lexi chu, boo~! Results only have two destinations; good and not chu! But either of the two, you have a choice to enjoy the process chu -- or be grumpy like an old virgin grandma and get the same results chu! Enjoy the rain while itsts or find shelter in distress chu?" Churu booed Lexi as she spat her honest opinion on another of Lexi''s uptight beliefs. Though Churu knew one or two about the whole purpose of the system, she wanted to give her two cents for Lexis own breakthrough on her emotional barrier.


    Upon hearing Churu''s advice, Lexi was almost choked as she drank a ssful of water. Letting out a series of coughs, Lexi pounded her chest to help herself from gulping down the stuck food on her throat.


    "Hey, are you alright?" Ethan instantly jolted from his seat then patted her back in worries.


    After some time, Lexi sessfully gulped down whatever blocked her airway as she breathes heavily in relief. She raised her head to meet Ethan''s worried front and awkwardly disyed an awkward reassuring smile.


    "I-- I''m fine, thanks."


    Ethan heaved a sigh of relief seeing her alright and went back to his seat. "You eat little but still get choke. Aiya¡­" He murmured. For a second, he almost had a heart attack seeing Lexi experiencing difficulty in swallowing her meager amount of food she takes.


    ''Sissy, *coughs* that''s deep.'' Lexi mumbled inwardly referring to Churu''s advice. She didn''t expect such word from Churu as she always ys around and spat nonsense most or the times. She added,


    ''By the way Sissy, do you smell danger around Ethan?''


    "Huh? No chu. He''s clean inside out chu." Despite not knowing why Lexi asked her that all of a sudden, Churu still answered honestly. Indeed, Churu had a keen smell of a person''s darkest soul and iing life threatening chaos which actually attracts her -- reason why she was so in love with Wren Tanaka and other individuals back at the Yue Family banquet. To simplify, she knew if someone tainted their hand by someone else blood.


    However, Churu left these details from Lexi and told her that she could only smell if someone is dangerous. For the sake of her host and her. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "Why did you asked chu?" Churu inquired seeing that the side of Lexi''s lips curled upwards. s, Lexi ignored her as she spoke directly to Ethan.


    "Are youpletely sober?"


    "Ahh, I guess?" Furrowing his brows witnessing Lexis expectant eyes, Ethan felt a bad premonition by the looks of her grin.

 Chapter 70 Side quest unlocked

    <h4>Chapter 70 Side quest unlocked</h4>


    "Great! Since you''re fine now, I will collect all the driving services you owe m...e" Lexi sped her hands together as an ear to ear smile stered across her face. However, her sentence slowly faded as another ''ting'' sounding from the system resonated on her ear and showed her status report.


    [ Since you''vepleted 50% of your main initial task, you have unlocked more side quests and perks!


    Main Initial Task: 54.6/100 points


    Side Quest:


    Get a job (0/1)


    Gain weight to 140 lbs (0/1)


    Bless your lips with a kiss (0/1)


    Note: Rewards will await If the hostpleted this task in seven days. Good luck!


    System''s Guide Level: 2 (25/50)


    Unlocked skills/rewards: None ]


    "Woah chu, what an indecisive system. They just probably came up with it to raise the audience impact chu." Churu murmured in dismay seeing the somewhat long stats of the system. She didn''t appreciate the word ''none'' on her part as she believed she needed a reward. After all, she was grounded from facial mask sessions and she needed more skills to execute her ns in mind.


    Lexi skimmed through her side quest and could not her lightly gasped in disbelief.


    ''Get a job?! Gain 140lbs in a week?! Are you trying to make me a fatty?! Also, bless my what?!'' If only she could yell at the system, she would. However, only Lexi and Churu could see this ridiculous side quest!


    Seeing her change of reaction, Ethan tilted his head on the side by Lexi''s puzzling thoughts in mind. Yet, somehow, he liked her like this. It was a refreshing sight to behold as she always had her proud front and even when she was rxed, her facial features are just strong to think that she''s a snob.


    Despite being ignored by Lexi''s preupied thoughts, Ethan indulged himself by valuing this rare dismayed expression of hers as if he would never see this again. Propping his jaw by the back of his hand, a subtle smile formed on the side of his lips as he peered at the beautiful woman peached across him.


    After some time, Lexi slowly shifted her head to the smiling man in front of her. Letting out an awkwardugh, her lower lips lightly trembled as all her energy was slowly draining.


    "Ha ha ha, here drive for me." Lexi heedlessly slid her keys to Ethan''s direction as she could not move on with the side quest she received just now. This time, she really needed someone to help her divert this horrific quest.


    She doesn''t have any problem with the first quest as she is currently getting her money from her parent but the other two? How could the system wanted her to gain weight? Not to mention the third one. Lexi felt like she was having the greatest headache in her life.


    Ethan grabbed her keys in confusion, "Ahh, okay? I''ll drive you home..." He muttered with his brows raised. Even if Lexi won''t ask him, he would insist on driving her home and take a cab from there. After all, she had been doing the driving for the short time they had been ''friends''. Hence, now that he was in a slightly good condition, he would execute the proper duty of a ''friend''.


    "No, let''s pay first -- drive me somewhere else." Lexi''s words spiritless staggered as she lightly shook her head.


    "Okay¡­" Without a clue what happened to her sudden change of mood, Ethan raised his hand in a thumbs up which Chan saw and nodded in return. Ethan added, Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "Bill paid." He meekly smiled indicating that they were clear to leave. Lexi only nodded without a word and slowly stood from her seat and started exiting the premises.


    "*sigh* She had been gaining weight ever since I came yet, it seemed she hasn''t realized it yet chu." Churu shook her head seeing the traumatized back of Lexi. She flew and sat on Ethan''s broad shoulder as she also felt downcasted by her own progress.


    Ethan, on the other hand, scratched his temple,pletely baffled on Lexi''s behavior. Still, he doesn''t mind spending more time with her and probably ease her worries; whatever that was.


    -----


    "So, your highness, where do you want me to take you?" Ethan turned his head to the front passenger seat as he inquired after buckling his seat. She saw her heaved a heavy sigh before she responded,


    "A quiet and nice ce to celebrate and forget -- beers along with it would be nice." She mumbles which made Ethan''s brows knit.


    "Beers?" He asked in surprise, staring in bewilderment at the womannguid figure on the side.


    "Yes! I stayed abroad and had to live less extravagant than here alright? Now, go on -- I need strong liquors and tons of food to celebrate my first step of moving on." Though she said those excuses, Lexi wasn''t nning this turn of events.


    "Woah chu¡­ you are so diligent to gain weight chu." Churu awed despite seeing Lexi''s unappeased expression. On the brighter note, this is also a chance for Ethan and Lexi to have a stronger bond.

 Chapter 71 Getting to know stage

    <h4>Chapter 71 Getting to know stage</h4>


    On top of an enormous hotel''s building, that was owned by the Lu Family, Ethan Lu abided her demands of a quiet ce to chill. He first rmended tons of club and ces but Lexi insisted that the less crowd, the better. After all, she still has an ongoing scandal and her, being sighted with the young master of the Lu family would cause another bacsh to her tainted reputation.


    Ethan Lu doesn''t mind it at all, s, for her peace of mind, he still gave in to her request. Hence, that''s why he took her to his usual spot whenever he wanted to be alone. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "That''s what happened!"?Lexi grumbled as she frowned. Her face slightly flushed and her head felt as light as it is.


    "Ahh, haha really?" Ethan Lu awkwardly responded as he doesn''t know what to reply to her. Currently, for her own personal reasons, Lexi downed three cans of beer.


    "What is so funny about that? I am telling you, there''s a flying dumpling here!" Lexi affirmed seeing his unconvinced countenance. She added,


    "It also wanted me to do quest that doesn''t make sense in my character development! But... she''s so cute I wished she''s as big as baymax."


    "Hey chu! Get yourself together chu! Why are you being careless chu!" Churu, on the other hand, sassed; panic stricken about Lexi''s absurd action. She added in agitation.


    "Is this why you asked me if Ethan Lu is harmless chu? Damn it! What I meant is Ethan''s dangerous level isn''t that high chu!!" Churu face palmed as she felt a paramount headache for the first time.


    However, Lexi only grinned in response. She was too drunk after consuming three cans of beer. Thus, she couldn''t properlyprehend what''s the adorable fuming dumpling was talking about.


    "Tsk tsk, you shouldn''t be drinking if you''re a lightweight..." Fortunately, Ethan doesn''t took her stories into heart as he thought Lexi was just saying stuff because she was drunk.


    Shaking his head, he was about to reach for the other packs of beer on Lexi''s side but halted when she pped his hand away.


    "Ah! What--"


    "Ha?! These are mine! No, crossing lines. This, my space, that, yours." Squinting her eyes, Lexi warily secured all the sweets, chips, and beers on her side as if she was afraid that Ethan would snatch her precious snacks.


    ncing at the space that she was talking about, Ethan''s face distorted seeing that he has nothing, while her space was packed!


    "Hey, I was the one who bought that!" Dismayed, Ethan demanded his rights to have his share.


    "These are payments, duh?" Looking back at him with eyes filled with disdain, Lexi opened another can of beer then sipped the bubbles that eroded from it.


    "Hey! Stop! Jeez, you''re drunk already! How can you drink with a man?" Displease by her recklessness, Ethan could not help but think that Lexi could do this with others. On a second note, getting her trust was like going through the needle hole. But still, it was exasperating to see Lexi this way.


    "Aren''t we friends? Besides, aside from the ridiculous quest, I should celebrate!" Lexi tapped her chest as she brightly grinned revealing all the goodness of her heart. She added,


    "As I said, I took a step of moving on and this¡­ meaning, letting go of the man I loved."


    "Ohh, you really meant that huh?" Stunned for a vague reason, Ethan raised his brows, confirming her statements.


    "Yah,"


    Since Ethan could neither drink or munch a snack, he carefullyid his body on the concrete floor of the rooftop; not minding the little dirt that hugged his expensive suit. Using his muscr arm as a pillow, he peered at the night sky full of stars. After some time, Ethan broke his silence as he inquired,


    "Why are you so in love with brother Morris by the way? I mean, he''s great yeah and helped you on your trying childhood days but¡­ after everything, you know Mia, why didn''t you let him go then?"


    "Heh, because I loved him and I wanted to fight for him¡­ or perhaps, that''s what I thought. Maybe, I have done those because of my ego¡­ yeah, I think that''s what it is." All of a sudden, Lexi''s lively aura slowly dissipated as she pondered all the reasons she used to justify her action.


    The cold breeze of the night enveloped between them as neither of them talked. They silently dwelled on their inner thoughts as if nothing could snapped them from whatever they are thinking.


    Suddenly, Ethan sang a tune which was surprisingly soulful that snapped Lexi back from her stupor.


    "I don''t know what it is that you''ve done to me~


    But it''s caused me to act in such a crazy way¡­"


    She heard that one of Ethan''s talents was singing that could melt a woman''s heart the moment they heard it. s, she didn''t actually expected that it was true!


    "Whatever it is that you do when you do what you''re doing~


    It''s a feeling that I don''t understand~" Ethan continued singing this song as it actually depicted what he was truly feeling in recent days.

 Chapter 72 Trapped with me

    <h4>Chapter 72 Trapped with me</h4>


    "Cause my heart starts beating triple time? Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    With thoughts of loving you on my mind~"


    This confusion and foreign emotions that he never felt to others, he could not express it by words. Hence, he expressed it by a song. Something with her honest words and Lexi''s eptance of her wrongs, made him see her how amazing she was as a person.


    Indeed, she might not be as perfect as she seems to be nor is the kindest human on earth but to him, a person like Lexi that would admit her selfishness was enough to be admired about. It''s crazy with that simple thought could bring a powerful impact on him.


    "I can''t figure out just what to do


    When the cause and cure is you~"


    He slightly moved his gaze to her direction as if the words are directed to her. The corner of his lips curled upward seeing the ever proud Lexi was now slightly drunk and reckless as if she finally broke free from the invisible cage that limiting her to be herself.


    "Woahhh, if I don''t know any better, I''d think you''re an angel chu¡­" Churu mumbled in awe as her attention was solely focused on Ethan''s soulful singing. What''s more? He was now looking at Lexi who was enjoying the song with her eyes closed and a satisfied smile on her face.


    The next line, Lexi sang along with it and slowly opened her eyes.


    "I get so weak in the knees


    I can hardly speak


    I lose all control


    And something takes over me¡­"


    The moment she opened her eyes, it was weed by Ethan Lu''s gentle gaze which stunned both of them a little. It was as if something in them sparked the instant their eyes met.


    *BA THUMP*


    For a second, Ethan Lu thought he heard his heart beat right in front of his ears. It''s not a surprise that Lexi''s voice was on point and could sing melodiously. After all, she rose to fame in the entertainment industry for being a triple threat.


    Too bad she had gone half dimwit due to her intense love.


    ''Aiya¡­ I guess love is the greatest maniptor of all.'' He thought inwardly as he was reminded of how Lexi wasted her talent pursuing the man she loved. Still, his opinion also pricked his heart because of it as well.


    "Good song, hehe." Lexi smiled as sheplimented. It''s as if she received a pat on the back as afort from his song. s, she never had the thought of what was Ethan''s implying because of the frigging reason of her, being lightheaded.


    Meekly smiling, Ethan retracted his gaze from her and peered at the thousand stars illuminating above.


    "Hmmm, it is..." He hummed a tune with an unreadable glint shed across his eyes.


    Unlike his calm andnguid front, his mind and heart started a riot which made him more conflicted. His mind was sending red warning signals while his heart screamed its desire and rights. It was a total chaos!


    Again, only the mild gust of wind could be heard between them as neither of them talked for a while; Ethan being sandwich between the war of his mind and heart while Lexi delved into her LaLa world. After some time, Lexi''s subconsciously asked,


    "Hey, Ethan¡­ what''s your reason why you befriend me?" She never asked this before or had any rification of the reason behind why Ethan Lu would want to be her friend. It''s not that she wasining as she actually doesn''t mind having him as a ''friend''. However, now that she''s under the influence of alcohol, this question that she threw at the back of her mind resurfaced.


    "No, reasons¡­ I actually think I made the wrong step with that." Ethan answered but thetter part came as a murmur because of the ruckus between his should and shouldn''t feel towards his best friend''s former fiance.


    However, since the surrounding was a quiet ce, Lexi still heard his whole statement. Yet, instead of being offended, she giggled in humor.


    "You did *hic*. Hehe, now, you''re trapped with me. *hic*"


    Ethan lightly chuckled by the statement he would never hear on her normal state. Without looking away from the mesmerizing view above, he responded.


    "I did dug my own grave¡­"

 Chapter 73 Jelly?

    <h4>Chapter 73 Jelly?</h4>


    [*TING!! CONGRATULATIONS! Your initial main task: Make Ethan Lu fall in love with you, ACCOMPLISHED!


    Rewards:


    Reduce the host''s bad reputation


    Automatic protection shield


    Next Task: Make Ethan Lu realize his true feelings!]


    Can eat that was given from the host (once a day)


    Can mindread (one time use)


    Can helped the host physically (one time use)]


    "Huh? What¡­ Kyaaaaah~!!!" Churu flinched when she heard the system''s notification. She thought it was another allure points but to her surprise, the news was more than that!


    Who would have thought that this reckless moved Lexi risked was actually thest straw of Ethan''s emotions? However, reading further data from the system, Churu''s jubnt expression gradually turned sour.


    She darted her unenthusiastic gaze from the system then to Ethan; she had done it a couple of times before she let out a heavy sigh.


    Flying in front of Ethan, seemingly blocking his view, Churu took a long inhale as if umting all her energy along with it and when she exhaled, a loud vexed protest came out along.


    "What the hell chu! You fell in love?but still so stubborn to ept it chu!! GRRRR! How could you chu! You dated too many girls chu!! Too many as in too many to count chu! Can''t you tell the difference chu?! Dumb! dumb! dumb! Ethan Lu chu!" Churu stomped on Ethan Lu''s forehead in frustration.


    However, despite being irked by Ethan''s dense feelings, Churu somehow understood. For someone like Ethan who had never experienced sincere love before, he might have deluded himself of thinking that he was only infatuated with Lexi. But still, Churu could not help but feel discontent about it.


    Meanwhile, Lexi just downed another can of beer when the system''s status report came out. Hence, her sight was spinning like crazy which made her unable to read what she had gained. Blinking slowly to have a clear sight, but to no avail, her mind gave in and she passed out!


    *THUD*


    Ethan Lu''s brows knitted hearing a body crashing on the floor. He turned his head to Lexi''s direction and saw that she was wasted as hell. Fortunately, her coat was perfectly ced on the side that protected her head from inflicting wounds.


    Ethan Lu supported his body by his elbow as he sighed in distress. ncing at the six empty can of beers scattered on Lexi''s knees, he shook his head in defeat.


    "How can I send you home in your state?" Thinking of her parents'' worried faces if they saw her. Indeed, Ethan was ced in aplicated situation.


    After all, Lexi just recently ''attempted'' suicide and it might reopen the wound in their hearts. He was too fond of her family that Ethan doesn''t want to worry them because of Lexi''s unpredictable decision tonight.


    "Jeez, Lexi Yang¡­ don''t ever drink with other men or else --" Ethan mumbled as he rose from his seat, s, his sentence stopped midway as he realized what he was about to say.


    "Or else what chu? Or else you''ll get all jelly?! Hahaha ---! Ohh, will get jelly? Jelly jelly jelly?" Churu grumpily sassed but as if an idea popped on her great mind, a mischievous grin stered across her face.


    Ethan ruffled his hair just with the thought shed across his mind before he began taking threads towards Lexi''s lying figure. When he reached her standpoint, he squatted down and let another heavy sigh. This was probably the night that he sighed countless of times.


    "Aish, this is frustrating¡­ but, why can''t I me you for it?" He murmured as he scanned Lexi''s side profile.


    Sliding his hand in his pocket, Ethan grabbed his smartphone and speed-dialed his 24/7 assistant''s phone. It only took three rings before the line went through despite howte it was.


    "Y- young master?" A weary and distressed voice of a man was heard on the line.


    "Call someone to clean up the mess in Grand Hotel''s rooftop. Thanks, man, you the best." Ethanmanded, not letting the man on the line respond as he cut off the line.


    If this happened before with a different girl, Ethan would probably call his assistant to help the girl get home. However, this time is different because it was Lexi! Hence, he wanted to take responsibility to return the favor her family and Lexi did when he was injured. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "This is driving me crazy¡­ you are driving me crazy." Ethan sighed again before carrying her on his arms in a bridal style.

 Chapter 74 Donst roast me

    <h4>Chapter 74 Don''st roast me</h4>


    Fortunately, Lexi was wearing a simple shirt and denim jeans which made it easier for him to carry her without thinking much if she revealed more of her skin while he does so.


    Lexi moved a little as if to find herself afortable spot in his arms. Sniffing his light enticing perfume with a touch of alcohol from his drinking earlier, Lexi murmured.


    "Gross¡­"


    "Heydy¡­ don''t roast me in your sleep, jeez¡­ this girl, really¡­" Ethan''s brows twitched hearing her honest yet unnecessaryment. However, what baffled him is, how can she tell him that if she reeked with alcohol as well?


    Much stronger and very udylike if he may add; unlike her usual elegant demeanor. It is still shocking that despite that, Ethan wasn''t turned off or anything of the sort. Instead, he was only?frustrated by the fact that Lexi could be this carefree at sometimes and she might be this reckless with other men as well.


    On his way to his private presidential suite that was solely for Ethan Lu; the heir of the Lu Family that owns the Grand Hotel, Ethan bumped into the establishment''s manager.


    "Y- young master!" A middle-aged man flinched seeing Ethan Lu in the hallway -- carrying a woman. The manager immediately showed his respect with a bow as he addressed Ethan. He exined,


    "I received a notice that you''re staying in your room so I came to check if nothing''s amiss."


    "Manager Kang, don''t let my father know I was here." For some reason, Ethan''s happy go lucky personality drastically changed as he spat his words in a warning tone.


    Perceiving the firm words from Ethan Lu, Manager Kang gulped a mouthful of saliva as he nodded. "Yes, young master Lu."


    Ethan Lu scrutinized the manager''s intimidated figure, he nodded in satisfaction seeing the fright towards him and resumed his strides to his destination. Manager Kang automatically stepped aside while bowing and let the young master go in his suite


    ncing at Ethan''s broad back while carrying a woman in his arms, the manager''s curiosity was piqued on the woman''s identity.


    He hadn''t had a good nce at the woman''s face as she was facing on Ethan''s chest and Manager Kang was so startled by Ethan''s presence which distracted where he should focus.


    If he doesn''t know any better, Manager Kang would think that Ethan was just like what others see him. However, he had already witnessed how destructive Ethan Lu could be -- especially with the Lu family''s power struggle.


    "Good gracious¡­ I didn''t see anything, right, didn''t see anything." Manager Kang heaved a sigh of relief when Ethan entered his presidential suite. He convinced himself that he didn''t bumped into Ethan and didn''t know a thing.


    In that case, if ever Ethan''s father came to know that Manager Kang didn''t inform about his son staying for the night at their branch, Ethan would surely back him up. This only showed that Manager Kang sided more on the future head of the Lu family.


    ---- Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    The presidential suite was beyond grand and elegant -- it was majestic! All amenities were high-tech that hadn''t been implemented and staying in one of these rooms would surely cost half a million per night.


    The ss bedroom door opened with face recognition of the ce''s owner. As it opened, it revealed an enormous bedroom that was twice the size of a standard studio apartment.


    Ethan strode directly to the uncreased bed. He gently put her down as if she was the most precious and fragile thing in the world.


    "Hey, don''t do anything funny to her chu!" Churu warned as Ethan stared at Lexi without a word. She doesn''t want to use her skills without Lexi''s approval but if worsees to worst, she''ll be using all her skills to knock him out.


    "I''m taking so much risk for you, but¡­ huh, nevermind." Ethan mumbled as a slight smile formed on the side of his lips.


    He moved on Lexi''s feet that were hanging outside the bed and took off her sneakers. He had never done this before but as if?his instinct tells him what he should do.


    "Hmm!" Lexi grumbled a tune as she slightly moved. Her eyes slowly cracked opened but her sight was blurred. She saw a figure stood near her feet hence, Lexi supported her heavy body to sit.


    Wiping her heavy eyes, Lexi looked at Ethan once again. Seeing his familiar dashing looks, she brightly smiled showing her even white teeth.


    "It''s you! I thought it was someone else, hehe."

 Chapter 75 bathump bathump

    <h4>Chapter 75 bathump bathump</h4>


    Ethan''s brows furrowed seeing that the supposed drank girl came back from her sleep. What''s more? She thought he was someone else.


    Immobilized, Ethan Lu''s question slipped out of his mouth even before he knew it.


    "You thought I was who?"


    "A thief! Who else?" Wobbling sideways, Lexi smiled like a person who just reached the legal age hence wasted her night away.


    Lexi dragged her body up to the edge of the bed which confused Ethan. "Oi, where are you going?"


    "I am not yet done for my celebration! Let the party continue!" Lexi raised her hand as she announced her answer. He abruptly stood from her seat which made her head dizzy.


    "Oi, oi, ey," Seeing her abruptly stood then iled trying to get on her footing, Ethan panicked as he gravitated where she''d fall with his hands ced in a palm length distance from both her sides.


    Lexi nearly dropped from her left but thankfully, Ethan''s arm was firm and strong to catch her from falling.


    "Hehe, reliable man." She tapped her arms as Lexi was assisted back to her footing. However, even before she could take a step forward, her shoulders were held by Ethan.


    He put little pressure on her shoulder to sit her down back to bed. "Jeez, Lexi Yang! No, where is Lexi Yang? Give her back!" Ethan sassed as he never thought that Lexi would be more troublesome the longer she was conscious.


    "Lexi Yang is offline -- only two point ow is happy and kicking!" Lexi frowned as she raised her head to meet Ethan''s dismayed countenance.


    "Ahh! Stop! No puppy eyes!" Covering his pair of eyes in distress as he perceived Lexi''s drowsy eyes as puppy eyes with its slight shimmer; he panicked.


    "Ahh, why is it so hot?" Lexi murmured, ignoring Ethan''s dilemma as he frantically covered his eyes. She fanned herself but to no avail, the effect of the beer made her body temperature rose.


    "No, the AC is on --" Still covering his eyes, Ethan''s words halted realizing her situation. He moved his fingers apart to peek at her but the moment he did, his face turned beet red.


    "Wha-- what are you doing, Hey!"


    Currently, she was taking off her shirt -- revealing her t, wless tummy, the reason why Ethan sudden flushed face.


    "It''s hot¡­ are we in hell?"


    Ethan gritted his teeth and dashed on her to stop whatever she was doing. He put down her shirt to cover her exposed tummy with great discretion.


    "Two point ow, we are not in hell but if you continue that -- we''ll end up in heaven instead! Jeez, I''m a man -- don''t test a man''s self-control!" Ethan exasperatedly apprehended. All he wished now was for her to sleep!


    How could he forget? She had consumed too much alcohol and her body temperature was undoubtedly close to boiling.


    Lexi frowned even more as she could notprehend what''s up with Ethan. Moreover, why is he there on ''her'' room. s, her expression instantly softened when a cute adorable dumplingnded on his shoulder.


    Lexi raised her hand and was about to touch Churu but the mischievous dumpling snapped her fingers which made Lexi''s hand passed through her andnded on Ethan''s cheek instead.


    In Lexi''s perspective, she was touching the dumpling but in reality, it was Ethan''s cheeks! Churu pursed her lips as she didn''t know she could ever use this useless automatic skill of her in her journey as the system''s fairy guide mother.


    Lexi used her thumb and caress Ethan''s firm cheeks. Meanwhile, Ethan froze the very instant Lexi softened her gaze and touched his cheeks.?That very moment, his chaotic mind turned nk. He waspletely immobilized as his eyes were fixed on her gentle and relieved eyes.


    *ba thump ba thump ba thump*


    Ethan was being deafened by his own heartbeat as he could hear it race in an unimaginable speed. Something inside him urged him to do a very unforgivable sin that could ruin the newly established trust between them. But, with great effort, he somehow suppressed the desire that was gradually creeping on his heart.


    "You know, I never knew what real friendship was before you. I am thankful that you became my friend¡­" Lexi muttered in the most sincere deliverance she could do. Her words were somewhat pleasing and not at the same time due to the word ''friendship.'' Still, Ethan passionately smiled in return.


    "Thank you¡­" Lexi smiled brightly as she wrapped her arms around the huge dumpling''s neck. In her eyes, Churu evolved into a human-sized dumpling.


    "...sissy."


    The warm atmosphere surrounding them cracked when Ethan Lu heard herst remark.


    "Si -- Sissy?!" He gasped in disbelief as he could not believe that Lexi thought of her as a sister, not a brother! It was already painful enough to be her brother now, but sissy? How could Ethan Lu ept that?


    Churu smile turned more bright as another great scheme shed across her genius mind. With a flick of her fingers, her one time use of helping her host physically was activated.


    That instant, Churu jumped behind Ethan''s behind, putting all her weight on her bum. Her action caused Ethan to lose his bnce and crash on top of Lexi.


    "Chichichi, I risked my probation time of the facial session in this Mr. Initial task!" Based on her observation, Ethan was an honest guy despite his bad reputation from his dating list. However, it was evident that he respects Lexi and doesn''t want to cross the line of friendship.


    So, if Ethan Lu was reluctant to cross the line, she''d rather push him to do so.

 Chapter 76 Bless your lips with a kiss COMPLETED

    <h4>Chapter 76 Bless your lips with a kiss COMPLETED</h4>


    Ethan Lu was appalled as for a second he felt a paramount force from behind; as if someone pushed him which made him and Lexi crash on top of the soft mattress.


    But what shook him to the core is that he was on top of Lexi for pete sake! His palms ced on both sides but still, Lexi was snuggling on his neck!


    Is this a test between friendship? Or rather, is this a test to his morality? For a minute, Ethan could not find the words to utter as he waspletely speechless. Is it the fact that he was on top of her or she called him a sissy, or her hugging his neck?


    God knows how distressing his situation. It is as if he was slowly was receiving his retribution from all his bad deeds in the past.


    "Chichichi, don''t be ungrateful and receive the love that was meant for me chu~! Churu giggled as she humored about Lexi snuggling him like a kitten knowing it was Churu.


    "Sissy¡­"


    "Stop¡­" Ethan slightly draws his head back as he turned to Lexi, s, his agravate words ceased again by the inch length distant they had between them.


    "...calling me that." Ethan body heat gradually rose for some manly reason. Though her breath had a touch of alcohol, it was somehow arousing his inner beast!


    ''Shiiit! !'' He cursed inwardly. His long curses were so extreme that it should be censored. This only showed how exasperated he was but he doesn''t want to be rough hence, he couldn''t pull his neck from her rxed arms that were wrapped around it¡­ or rather, deep down, he actually liked it.


    "Hehe, you''re so cutee~" Lexi loosened her grip from him earlier but tightened it again due to his dismayed expression. She could see that the human size dumpling was shy being showered with physical affection which made her lips curled into a mischievous grin.


    "Love you." Surely, Lexi''s drunken state was too naughty pushing Ethan to hisst straw of resistance.


    ''Fuck!!!'' Ethan gasped in disbelief hearing her say the destructive words that are supposed to be magical. This time, Ethan needed to run or else, Lexi would run away from him after this night!


    He wiggled his neck to escape this drunken demoness. However, Lexi was too persistent which left him with no choice but to use his other hand while the other supporting his body weight.


    However, his decision of using his arm backfired on him as Lexi weighed him down and dragged her on her side.


    "Hey --" By the next second, Lexi''s love that was meant for Churu caused Ethan''s mind to malfunction.


    She kissed the apex of his nose that nearly made Ethan''s soul evacuate his body. She grinned when Ethan''s jaw gaped open and his eyes widened as he didn''t expect that she would go to the extreme.


    This¡­ this is not what he signed up for!


    [ Side Quest:


    Bless your lips with a kiss -- COMPLETED! ]


    The notification from the system popped out but was rendered shun as the host doesn''t care about her surroundings aside from teasing Churu but was Ethan Lu instead.


    "Woah, we gained a lot tonight chuu~!" Churu nodded in awe as she flew on the table near the floor to length window to give the lovebirds privacy. She only needed tea to enjoy the view outside from Ethan''s presidential suite.


    "It''s so beautiful to be in love chuu~" She murmurs with a satisfied smile. Churu was happy for the progress of the two despite the irritating emotional barrier they had.


    Regardless, Churu only wanted for her host to receive the love that she deserves that she never found from Morris Liu.


    Surely, love might be a double edge sword if one chose the wrong person. However, with the right and fitted person, everything would work at the end. Churu anticipates when the time that not only Ethan Lu discovered his feelings but also Lexi.


    ----


    Meanwhile¡­


    Morris Liu swirled the ss of whiskey in his hand as he peered at the night sky full of stars. Leaning on his executive chair, he sighed heavily.


    He kept recalling Ethan''s action towards Lexi. Also, the difference between Lexi''s gaze to him and Ethan.


    He never realized it before but now, he finally understood what are those hateful gaze she bore to others that would disappear when ites to him.


    "Brother Morris, I saw Lexi with Ethan Lu earlier." Out of nowhere, a gentle voice of a woman reached his ear. The delicate and beautiful woman strode on the side of Morris Liu''s desk -- keeping her distance.


    Receiving no response from the icy cold man, the woman added, "Why are you so hard on yourself?"


    "Mia¡­" Morris Liu''s intimidating tone immediately made Mia Chen pursed her lips.


    Morris Liu slowly spun his chair to Mia Chen''s direction. He peered at her with a colder gaze which made her shoulder tremble.


    "Get out."


    "But --"


    "The scandal you spread about her, don''t think I didn''t know." Morris Liu interrupted Mia Chen''s protest with a deadly tone that instantly engulfed his own office with dark auras that soon spread throughout the wholepany. He added,


    "Touch her again, and I''d truly kill you and everyone. Don''t test me again."

 Chapter 77 He lost it!

    <h4>Chapter 77 He lost it!</h4>


    Looking down, Mia Chen''s jaw tightened receiving Morris Liu''s threats. She already knows that Morris Liu had this cold stone heart but she never expected that the line all of them crossed, including Lexi Yang would make her go even further the line as to attempt to take her own life. Lexi Yang? The ever proud and persistent b*tch that just won''t go away would do that to herself? Howughable it was.


    Raising her head to meet his icy stare of Morris Liu that could freeze anyone, the corner of her lips curled into a sweet smile. "Alright... but, brother Mo, even if you took all the me of what happened to her and her family, you never really did anything for her."


    Unlike Mia Chen''s gentle smile and seemingly fragile frame, her words were too dauntless. If Lexi Yang fitted her blunt and harsh words for her unapproachable front, s, Mia Chen''s friendly countenance didn''t suit her statement.


    However, as expected, she got no response from Morris Liu as his expression didn''t have a slight change. It''s as if whatever she''d say wouldn''t affect him no matter how precise they were; which irked her.


    "I''ll go, after all, I did inflict injuries from what she had done to me." Keeping her heart at bay, Mia Chen let a faint sigh before walking away from his office.


    When Mia Chen left his office, Morris Liu''s grip on this ss of whiskey slightly shook but calmed down after a second. Spinning his executive chair again and stopped at the floor to length window, Morris Liu downed the half-filled ss of whiskey in one go.


    Getting the calmness he needed, Morris Liu scoffed in mockery. What Mia Chen said were exactly right. He had been watching on the sidelines while Lexi turned more and more crazy. He didn''t even give her a heads up what''s going on which led her to a trap on herst attempt to harm Mia Chen.


    He had always decided on his own and now that everything said and done, he finally realized how foolish he was. It''s not that he had the urge to make with Lexi or anything of the sort at the moment. Morris Liu was only bugged that Lexi was now hanging out with Ethan Lu.


    He knew the guy more than being an infamous Casanova. After all, Ethan Lu wouldn''t have too much audacity to be as blunt as he could be if Ethan Lu doesn''t have the knack to back up his act and keep his sh*t together. Morris Liu admired him for that, hence, he trusted Ethan Lu more than anyone. s, he does not trust that he could keep her away from the scheming Lu Family members.


    -----


    Meanwhile, the certain someone that Morris Liu admired and thought to ''keep himself together'' was losing it!


    "This... is karma," Ethan mumbled lifelessly as he was attacked by a disgusting fluid that came out from Lexi''s mouth. He could feel his soaked shirt touched his back which traumatized him to the core.


    Earlier, to his desperate desire to escape her clutches, Lexi and Ethan wrestled for minutes that drained all his energy. However, even though he finally got out of bed, Lexi clung on him like a sloth. Not just that, a second after he stood, Lexi''s back began moving heavily as if a mountain that was about to erupt. It only took another three seconds when Lexi vomited over his shoulder that trickled down on his back. After Lexi cast her final move, she shamelessly fell asleep!


    "tsk tsk tsk, don''t worry Mr. Initial task, when she woke up, she''ll surely have a more horrified look on her face chu." Churu shook her head seeing the petrified Ethan Lu as she spat her supposedfortingments. She could imagine Lexi''s expression when she woke up and somehow, Churu prayed that Lexi wouldn''t have to remember what happened tonight.


    Turning her head to the floor to length window, Churu specifically stared at the night sky, she inquired. "Hey old hag, will you do that? I rarely pray -- you can even record and treat it as a family heirloom." However, as expected, none responded.


    Ethan carefully put Lexi down on the bed, sacrificing his precious body from the disturbing liquid sticking on his back. When she settled down, Ethan didn''t waste a second and sprinted on the presidential suite''s grandiose bathroom as if his life depended on it.


    "Ahhh! This is frustrating! That bully, ahhh!" Ethan grumbled in frustration as he immediately took off his shirt and threw it in the trash as if it was the most disgusting thing in the world. If he could bathe in alcohol that kills 99.9% of germs, viruses, and bacteria he would that very instant!


    Jumping in the shower, Ethan Lu gradually rxed and his boiling temperature from his experience with Lexi''s temptations cool down. Heaving a sigh of relief as the water ran from his head to toe, Ethan Lu leaned his palm on the marbled wall in front of him.


    This day was akin to a roller coaster ride. First, he said his goodbyes and thanks to her parents for letting him stay at their residence. Then, the foreboding loneliness when he was on the private vi that led him to waste his night away. Not being satisfied with the n he thought would work, he pestered Morris Liu. Who would have thought that at the end of the day, he still ended up with Lexi; albeit, he literally became her chaperone.


    As he recalled his chaotic yet absurdly fun day, Lexi''s gentle gaze with a mischievous grin shed across his mind.


    "Love you¡­"


    Ethan gasped in disbelief as Lexi''s unintentional torture of being touchy began to hunt him. Looking down on his little brother that was slowly rising from its slumber, Ethan warned in exasperation.


    "Hey, don''t you dare -- she''s a friend! Damn it!"

 Chapter 78 Queen Dowager Churu

    <h4>Chapter 78 Queen Dowager Churu</h4>


    Lexi was awoken by a striking pain. All the awfulness feeling that a person could feel was all gathered having a meeting on her head.


    "Arrrgh--!" Lexi scowled in angst as she rolled on the side of the bed while holding her head. She could still feel her mind routinely spun as she tried to open her eyes. Her dried as a dessert throat and her aching muscles as if she just wrestled with someone only added to her frustration.


    Churu watched Lexi with a knowing expression stered across her white chubby face. She shook her head as Lexi kept on rolling on the enormous bed while lowly groaning.


    Long minutes had passed when Lexi sessfully dragged her heavy body to sit up. s, the moment she did, the soft warmforter that covered her slid down; exposing her naked top.


    Feeling the cold inbound breeze of the room, hugging her bare back up to her front, Lexi looked down. She blinked a couple of times before her expression gradually change which was impactful enough to kick the throbbing pain in her head out.


    "Uh huh, chu¡­" Churu hummed as she nodded her head being reminded of the disastrous urencest night.


    Lexi hastily grabbed theforter and held it on her chest to cover her exposed front. Looking around, Lexi didn''t had the leisure to appreciate her exquisite surroundings as she was more shocked to see an unfamiliar room!


    She was evidently speechless. How could she end up in this ridiculously majestic ce? What''s more? She woke up naked with only her thin tanga panty on?


    Stopping her extra widened eyes on Churu who sat at the center top of the table near the floor to length window, Lexi gaped her mouth open but no words came out from it.


    Churu only shrugged in return as if she has nothing to say to her. After some more time, Lexi finally found the words to utter albeit in a hoarse voice.


    "Sissy, don''t tell me¡­" Lexi heart sank thinking of the worst case scenario that could have happenedst night between her and Ethan Lu. Her lower lips trembled as she continued,


    "...did me and him had se -- no, no, no!" Lexi held her head in distress as she tried to recall what happenedst night but to no avail, she couldn''t!


    Thest thing she rememberedst night was the irrelevant conversation she had with Ethan while she downed three cans of beer in one go.


    "What chu? Did you had SEX with Mr. main task chu? How I wish chu!" Churu flew towards Lexi''s side as she spat her dismayed statements.


    Though Churu helped her aplish one of her side quests, s, it was time for some scolding for Lexi''s reckless move!


    What if Ethan Lu was indeed a perverted man that would take advantage of her? Churu would have to make extra means to knock him out, and if her existing skills wouldn''t suffice¡­ she''ll have to be extreme andmit more sins by dragging his soul to thehends.


    Fortunately, Ethan Lu knew his limits and isn''t that type of jerk that needs to change who he was before he gets his rightful girl.


    "R-= really?" Lexi stuttered with a slight relief. She trusted Churu that never lied to her since day one -- just leaving few details behind. She added,


    "Where am I?"


    "Mr. Main task presidential suite chu. His family is indeed wealthy chu -- but before you distract me chu¡­" Churu inhaled heavily and when she exhaled, her scolding tagged along with it.


    "How can you be so reckless chu! Drinking with a man you recently befriend and chuuu! This is triggering chu! Do you know what will happen if Ethan Lu took advantage of you chu?!" Churu burst as she felt exasperated with every passing second.


    Lexi stared how aggravate Churu was with her reckless action. However, instead of feeling wronged, Lexi gently smiled at the adorable dumpling that was throwing a huge fit.


    "But, you are here right? I know someone had my back so I got the confidence to test him. But still, I''m sorry to make you worry a lot and thank you for looking after me." Regardless of the fact that every word she spat scratched her throat, Lexi didn''t mind.


    "Hmp! You have to promise me that you won''t do this with others unless it was Mr. Main task chu!" Churu humped as she crossed arms around her chest.


    Surely, she was touched that Lexi trusted her too much but she has to remind her to be careful with others. After all, the consequences she would receive if she meddle more with other human''s affair was worse than the time that ''old hag'' beat her up.


    "I won''t, I swear." Lexi nodded obediently to quench the anger of the Queen Dowager Churu. Lexi scanned her surroundings again and spotted a folded clothes on the bedside.


    ---


    After Lexi managed to take a quick shower and put on the oversized shirt and pajamas, Lexi stood in front of the bedroom''s door as she mustered all her courage.


    "Sissy, you sure nothing happened between them right?" Lexi asked once more to find her little confidence to face Ethan Lu.


    "If you meant about losing your chastity, nah, you''re still a virgin chu." Churu reassured which made Lexi''s brows twitch.


    Does she have to emphasize that?


    "Alright," Lexi let out a heavy breathe before slowly sliding the door. She slid it open enough for her to peek. Seeing that Ethan wasn''t around, Lexi cautiously opened the door and warily tiptoed her way out.


    However, just as she took a few steps outside the grandiose room, Lexi jolted hearing Ethan''s loud voice.


    "Ha! Good afternoon, Lexi Yang!"


    Lexi slowly turned her head to his voice''s direction and there, she spotted him. She clearly saw him grinded his teeth as if he was seething with anger.


    "Oops, forgot to tell you something chu¡­"

 Chapter 79 Lewd Yang

    <h4>Chapter 79 Lewd Yang</h4>


    Lexi saw him jolted from where he sat. His usual shy aura transformed into dark air surrounding him. The bags under his eyes were screamingck of sleep or rather, he seemed he hadn''t slept at all! Overall, Ethan was akin to a person who''s on the brink of sanity as he hastily made his way towards Lexi.


    Stepping back with every step he takes, Lexi put her arms up while lowering her head as if her slim arms were enough to hide her panic-stricken figure. She heard Churu''s statement earlier but Lexi didn''t dwell on it further as she was well-versed of the cute little dumpling''s antics. Indeed, Churu might not lie about the fact that Ethan and her, didn''t have sex but¡­ Churu certainly left more important details behind!


    "Wha, wha, what?" Lexi stuttered in fright from the monstering at her.


    Ethan came into a full stop several steps away from her, he chuckled with a demonic tone.


    "Ha ha ha! What you say?" Ethan Lu''s hand raised and his fingers made a crackling sound as he scrutinized Lexi''s frightened figure. It was as if he was pondering what part of her he should dismember and sacrifice to God almighty.


    "You¡­ Lewd Yang, dare forget what happenedst night huh?!" For everyone''s information, Ethan Lu had been thinking of ways how to punish this naughty girl all night!


    ----


    [More urrencest night]


    After Ethan had a long shower to fight his little junior and cooling his heated body, he contacted the Yang residence to inform that Lexi was with him and would be unable to go home for some reasonable excuse.


    Fortunately, her parents trusted Ethan Lu that much and thanked him for looking after her. After his brief phone call, Ethan Lu asked Manager Kang to run some errand for him.


    "Young Master Lu, these are the medicines and tea you asked for," Unlike his unstable reaction earlier, Manager Kang seemed he recovered from his shock earlier. He ced the small brown paper bag full of hangover medicines on top of the small table in the lobby.


    Ethan Lu nced behind Manager Kang. There, a middle-aged female employee bowed her head in respect to Ethan Lu.


    "Take care of her and changed her clothes tofortable ones," Ethan Lu exasperatedly ordered while massaging his temple. Hismand was immediately executed as the woman in her early 40''s headed to the master''s bedroom with a bag full of new clothes for Lexi.


    Manager Kang remained standing in his position as he gravitated about something. Ethan Lu probably sensed the reluctance Manager Kang emitted hence, he slightly raised his demoralized gaze on the much distress Manager Kang.


    "Spill it,"


    Manager Kang coughed as he knew he was caught instantly from Ethan Lu. Clearing his throat, he hesitantly reported.


    "Young Master, I received a report that your Uncle was on his way here." Slightly raising his eyes to meet Ethan''s displeased countenance, Manager Kang gulped another mouthful of saliva. He didn''t utter a word about the young master of the Lu family, yet, the news quickly reached his kins! How could he not worry about his well being?


    Ethan Lu massaged the back of his shoulder as he stretched his neck in a circr motion. He had enough headache from Lexi''s naughty behavior tonight and he wouldn''t want to deal with another one.


    Letting out a frustrated sigh, Ethan''s eyes sharpened as a devilish smirk from the corner of his lips. "Tell him this; Disturb my peace and I''ll do the same to him."


    Manager Kang''s shoulder shuddered that very instant because every word he heard contained a serious threat. However, what made him more conflicted is that he was the one who should ry this message!


    ''What did I do to deserve this? Young Master, can''t you tell that to him instead?'' Yet, no matter how Manager Kang grieved for his frail heart, he didn''t speak his mind and only nodded like what he should.


    Soon, the female servant exited the master bedroom. She reported, "Young Master, I did what you told me too but¡­ she won''t wear anything. So, I only covered her with the sheets" Unlike Manager Kang, the woman was calmer.


    Ethan Lu lightly grimaced as he could feel his head throb, yet, he only sighed and weakly waved his hands off. Upon seeing this, both of the Grand Hotel''s core employees bowed and dismissed.


    "Ahh, whatever¡­ it''s not like I would have to enter that room." Ethan mumbled in relief. Since the presidential suite was made for his liking, it only had one enormous bedroom, hence, Ethan would have to sleep on the couch that as big as a single standard mattress.


    s, one hour had passed, yet, he couldn''t sleep! Lexi''s face kept on hovering in his head which frustrated him to the maximum level. Ethan was miffed as he sat up and he ruffled his unruly hair. As he looked at the closed door of the master''s bedroom, he protested,


    "Let me sleep oy!"


    Just then, Ethan Lu flinched and gradually gasped seeing that the bedroom door abruptly slid open -- revealing Lexi''s naked body! Thankfully, the only source of light was the faint glow from the bright moon through the floor to length window. Therefore, Ethan could vaguely see her bare body.


    "Uhh, did Mom rearrange the house? Fridge¡­ where is it?" Lexi mumbled as she was half-asleep and half-conscious. She freely walked out of the bed without any clothes, finding the refrigerator probably to salivate her throat.


    "Gaaaad! Give me a break!" Ethan covered his eyes as his blood was reheated. How can she do this to him? Can''t she just stay still until she sobered up?


    "Sorry, Mr. Main task, I tried to stop her¡­ just enjoy the view, but no touch okay chu?" Churu sympathized with Ethan while she shooked her little head.

 Chapter 80 Tease a man, yousd get in trouble

    <h4>Chapter 80 Tease a man, you''sd get in trouble</h4>


    "God!" Ethan Lu grumbled through his gritted teeth and crashed his upper body back on bed.


    "Let her be, let her be -- I''m asleep, didn''t see anything. She''ll go back to bed on her own¡­ yes, on her own." Ethan Lu covered his whole body and head with a duvet as he calm himself down. He believed that he doesn''t need to approach the naked woman walking around in his presidential suite, and take her back to the master''s bedroom. He added,


    "She''s a grown woman with two able feets. She managed to walk out, she''ll get back in¡­ right, right."


    "Tsk tsk tsk, I highly doubt that chu~" Churu shook her head as she sat on the couch armrest and could hear Ethan''s consolidated words. But, based on her observation, Ethan''s torture wasn''t done yet.


    After some time, despite the sufficient cool air around the whole living area, sweat formed on Ethan''s forehead and back. He felt heat all over his body, yet, he didn''t dare uncover himself, afraid that he''d see the temptress that challenging his morals as an honorable man.


    Ethan tightly shut his eyes as he tried his best to fall asleep but the moment he did, Lexi''s naked figure appeared in his mind.


    ''F*ckk!!!''


    Just as his face distorted, a bearable weight crashed on his thigh which froze him the very instant.


    "Hmm? shlight?" Lexiined as she slightly moved the standing soldier hidden under the sheets but to no avail, it got harder with every sweep she does.


    Feeling her hand moves and was touching his precious shaft, Ethan snapped and slid down the thick duvet covering him.


    "Stop -- touching it¡­ please," Ethan felt he was in the middle of crying and being aroused. He just won a great battle between him and his mighty guy down there but, why would she let him go through all over it again?


    Hearing his pleas, Lexi frowned and dragged the rest of her body on the soft couch. She sat in front of Ethan with her brows knitted together, looking confused.


    "Ethan, did you put this shlight in my bed? It''s stuck..." Once again, Lexi poked his manhood that was under the sheet numerous times. She hadn''t noticed the change in Ethan''s expression as his eyes darkened as if something manifested in him.


    By the next second, Ethan grabbed the hem of the thick duvet and pounce on top of her and pinned her on the soft, wide couch.


    Only the softforter between them, he stared down at her up close; Ethan whispered in a hoarse yet, seductive tone. "You know when you tease a man there, you can get in trouble?"


    He would be lying if he didn''t admit that looking at her this close¡­ seeing her weary eyes and slightly flushed face, Lexi was so damn attractive. It''s as if she brought her seduction level to a new height that could turn him insane.


    "Oh uh chu¡­" Churu was nearly speechless by how Ethan snapped and brought forth his beast side. She was about to fly to Ethan but halted as the little dumpling observed him even further.


    "Tch, a man will get in trouble instead." Lexi clicked her tongue, displeased by her ''dreams'' where Ethan was in it. She folded her knee in annoyance, unintentionally striking an attack to Ethan''s prideful soldier.


    The moment he felt the paramount pain down below, Ethan seemed he heard a loud gong rang in front of his ear. After that, chirping birds started singing inside his mind while his knees lost all its strength.


    "Ohhhh¡­ rest in peace chu. " Churu''s empathy towards Ethan Lu also took a huge leap seeing everything live. She witnessed how Ethan turned into a stone statue, before his whole body shook.


    Meanwhile, the culprit named Lexi Yangfortably turned on her side and shut her eyes; instantly going back on her sleep as if nothing happened.


    Ethan dropped his head on her side, still unable to move his body. He grinded his teeth, suppressing the urge to curse all the deities. Why must he needed to go through this agonizing pain for the first time in his life? He protected hisrade through the years but now¡­ his soldier down below has fallen!


    Minutes had passed before Ethan recovered from the hellish torture. Turning his head to see nothing but her hair, Ethan sighed is disbelief.


    Given that Lexi put him into a tough situation ever since the beginning, he almost lost control and let lust get the better of him. If not for her knee strike, he was afraid that he would have to regret this night for the rest of his life.


    "Really¡­ I will get my revenge on you one day, jeez." He murmured before carrying her back on the master''s bedroom.


    On the other hand, a subtle smile formed on the side of Churu''s lips. While observing Ethan earlier, he must seem he lost control for a second but his aura instantly change after a second. Hence, she was at ease that he won''t do whatever he thought he would even without Lexi''s strike.


    "Aiya~ Mr. Main task, you are raising my standard chu~." Churu didn''t followed them as she remained on the couch for as long as she can remember.


    [Present time]


    "W--what did I dost night?" Still stuttering from embarrassment, Lexi inquired.


    Hearing nothing from Ethan Lu, she lowered her arms to see what he was up to. s, the moment she did, Ethan''srge palm was ced on her cheeks and pressed them until they puffed up.


    Unlike his unstable, deranged persona earlier, there was only a slight frown on his front as he stared at Lexi''s adorablepacted face.

 Chapter 81 Ism not gullible, duh?

    <h4>Chapter 81 I''sm not gullible, duh?</h4>


    Ethan wordlessly yed with her pressed cheeks with a frown. Lexi, on the other hand, was too dumbfounded to protest.


    Granting that she doesn''t remember when was thest time someone yed with her cheeks, for some reason, Lexi wasn''t dissatisfied with his action. After all, thest time she got really drunk, she almost killed Mia Chen. Therefore, it was understandable if she did gave him a headachest night.


    Looking at the unappeased Ethan Lu, Lexi felt awkward as he unenthusiastically stared back at her puffed up face.


    "Head hurts?" After some time, Ethan finally broke the silence between them with a question. Of course, she only nodded in response. However, Ethan didn''t had a change of expression after receiving her gesture.


    Still holding her face, he resumed, "Dry throat?"


    Lexi: *nods*


    Ethan: "hungry?"


    Lexi: *nods*


    As expected, all his next inquiry were answered with a nod from her. Somehow, it made her feel relieved knowing that at least, Ethan knew how awful she felt and probably, he had prepared a few medicines or teas that is good for hangovers.


    "Good, bwa ha ha ha!" Ethan meekly smiled first, after several seconds, a huge grin formed on his lips. It was as if his insane persona earlier came back with a vengeance. He continuouslyughed evilly that made her brows knit and her lips curl downwards.


    "Ha! Since, I didn''t have an idea what to do, you must bear with the pain for the next three hours -- I''m quite meticulous when ites to food, you know." With a smug grin, Ethan announced as if it would bring great pleasure to him if Lexi would have to suffer with her hangover a little more.


    Lexi rolled her eyes by Ethan''s in as the day lie. Surely, Ethan wasn''t the type of those dreamy guys in every romance novel that weed their partners with their cooking. In fact, Ethan was theplete opposite!


    Granting that he was dashing, to the extent that whatever he wears, shy or not, Ethan would look good on it. s, that''s just not her type! Where''s the chivalry in him?


    Sure, Ethan was fun to be with as a friend, but as a man? Lexi could not help but feel sorry for someone who would end up to be with him.


    Apparently, Ethan made himself known, what she meant was, too known as a friend that Lexi had set her mind to him as a friend standard.


    "Whatever, I''m going home." Still had her face sandwiched between his palms, Lexi sighed heavily. Raising her gaze back on him, Lexi''s face twitched by the ugly expression shed across his face.


    In Ethan''s perspective, he was too focused on the urrencest night and schemed his revenge that he forgot that Lexi was a capable woman. She doesn''t need some pampering and wait for someone to do that because she could do it herself!


    Now, Ethan Lu felt that his almostpleted task to see her annoyed expression instantly failed. He only wanted to tease her¡­ why won''t she let him?


    He really felt a grieve while he put down his hand from her cheeks to her shoulder. His head also dropped as if Ethan was barely hanging with life.


    Just then, the doorbell of the presidential suite resonated through the whole majestic ce. After several seconds, several employees of the Grand Hotel came with tray of different foods.


    "Young Master, this are the dishes you asked me to." As polite as he may sound, Manager Kang announced like a good butler while the other servants ced variety of dishes on top of the round table. Manager Kang nced at the two figures on the living area but to no avail, all he could see was the woman''s back and was wearing Ethan''s shirt and pajamas while his young master was looking down.


    Even though Manager Kang received nothing, he still bowed his head and dismissed together with the core members of the management.


    "You told me, you''re meticulous when ites to foods?" When Lexi heard the footsteps faded, she pursed and bit her lip, suppressing the urge tough.


    Hearing her knowing remarks, Ethan raised his unenergetic and heavy eyes towards her constraint lips up to her sharp eyes. "Huh, it took more than three hours to prepare those."


    "Chichi, poor Ethan Lu¡­?oh, that''s right! He made a call five hours ago for your food chu!" Churu who was enjoying how would Ethan Lu break his own heart backed him up.


    Indeed, since he couldn''t sleep, Ethan was inclined to do something than do nothing, or else, Lexi would hunt his brilliant mind. Hence, with years of experience of being drunk, Ethan knew how awful it is to have a hangover -- which led him to make Manager Kang ran around the whole night.


    "You¡­ you''re teasing me?" Hearing Churu''s rification, Lexi raised her brows because she really took his words as the truth. Or rather, Lexi didn''t expect anything more from him. Thus, even though he didn''t make something for her, she won''t be disappointed.


    "Tch, what do you expect! Man¡­?if I said I''m Superman, will you also believe it?" Ethan mumbled in defeat receiving Lexi''s obvious question.


    "Duh, I''m not gullible -- just didn''t expect anything from you." Lexi shook her head and tapped his arms, for him to removed it from her shoulders.


    "Well..." When Ethan Lu retracted his palms from her shoulder, Lexi grinned as she copied what he did to her -- cing her palms on his firm cheeks and pressed them hard until it slightly puffed up. She grinned;


    "Still, this isn'' fun."

 Chapter 82 His Weibo pos

    <h4>Chapter 82 His Weibo pos</h4>


    Ethan Lu watched her gobble up different dishes like a glutton. He could not help his face twitched with amusement as he witnessed another side of Lexi.


    "Hey, no one''s stealing your food -- Ay!" He reminded but at the same time, Lexi let out a series of coughs while patting her chest.


    Ethan Lu slid the ss of water near her which she downed without a second of hesitation. Just when Lexi gulped down the stuck food on her throat, she raised her head to the man across her.


    "Cheat day."


    "Wow, I don''t even eat like that on my cheat day." Unconvinced, Ethan Lu unenthusiastically responded while he rested his chin on the back of his hand. Unlike her, Ethan Lu had only lost his appetite due to hisck of sleep and a little headache because of it.


    "Whatever, mind your own business ok?" Lexi sassed and resumed on her unusual eating habits -- ignoring thenguid man with her.


    Granting that she is indeed starving, Lexi needed to gain weight as much as possible for the damn side quests.


    Being shunned, Ethan slid his hand in his pocket and reached for his phone. Seeing different emails from his friends, important and unimportant people, he decided to browse on his weibo ount.


    Knitting his brows on the section of Lexi''s ongoing scandal, something inside him felt insulted by the unsightly harsh baselessments regarding her slutty attitude. Ethan Lu silently grinded his teeth in annoyance as he could not read any further. If he didn''t know her, Ethan wouldn''t care but he knew the person more than her bashers!


    Despite that he wasn''t that active on his social media ount, Ethan Lu still has considerable amount of followers since he did some modeling before out of boredom. Moreover, being the heir of the Lu family, Ethan was considered famous. Thus, whenever he posted something, it was always being noticed.


    Opening his camera, Ethan Lu sneakily took a photo of their heavy meal. Parts of the photo had a glimpse of Lexi''s slender fingers but for him, it was the perfect photo he needed.


    While Lexi wasn''t aware of what he was doing, Ethan posted the photo with a caption;


    "Heavy breakfast for the glutton~ struggles of being a friend 101 #nomoredrinkingforher #cheatday #monsterappetite"


    Ethan Lu nced at the oblivious Lexi and a subtle smile formed on the side of his lips, before he posted the photo. After he put down his phone, his meek smile grew bigger into a sketchy grin.


    Sensing the odd aura enveloped around him, Lexi raised her gaze at him but to no avail, she had no clue what''s on his mind. After all, he was always like that, hence, she shrugged the matter off.


    On the other hand, Churu covered her mouth to suppress herughter as she read what Ethan Lu posted. For some reason, she doesn''t want to spoil Lexi from Ethan Lu''s sneak surprise because it also made her want to see Lexi''s reaction if she saw his post.


    "You... you really don''t remember anythingst night?" Though he already asked this earlier, Ethan Lu wanted to confirm it one more time. After all, she yed with hisrade down there and also betrayed him at the same time.


    "Is there something to remember?"


    "No, nothing..." Hearing how normal her response were, Ethan Lu slowly nodded in understanding.


    For him, it was probably the best for them that she didn''t remember what happenedst night because he''s afraid that she won''t show herself from him ever again.


    After all, aside from calling her a ''Sissy'', and telling him ''I love you'', she walked around naked and even touched his manhood! How could she retain her friendship with him if she did extreme deedsst night? So, he might as well suffer alone from that experience than entirely losing her.


    Certainly, Ethan Lu valued this connection between him and Lexi more than he had with any girls.


    "Don''t you ever, as in never drink again. You''re the worst." Ethan Lu heavily sighed as he felt frustrated again, recalling the traumast night. He reached for his warm cup of tea and took a sip tofort his throbbing head.


    "I know. Thest time I got this nearly drunk, I almost killed Mia Chen." Lexi nonchntly admitted, not offended by his honest remarks.


    *coughs*


    This time, Ethan nearly spilled his tea by her statement. He had heard a few gossip about Lexi but not this one which caught him off guard.


    Lexi arched her brows from his reaction. Ultimately, that was herst reckless attempt for Morris Liu''s attention and also the reason why the said man''sst straw of patience snapped.


    "What? You don''t know?"


    "Heck, how would I know? You were like a taboo from everyone''s mouth!" Ethan aggressively dissed after he wiped the blotches of tea on his chin. He added with a re and frown,


    "What did you exactly do to her?"


    "Well, I¡­ attempted to smash her small frame by my car -- shocking, right?" Lexi awkwardly confessed while examining the different reaction from him.


    Well, she wasn''t surprised to see his speechless reaction since she already shocked the world from that incident.


    "Wow, you really said it chu¡­" Churu calmlymented on the side as she watched Ethan Lu''s unreadable albeit ugly expression stered across his face.


    Ethan: "..."

 Chapter 83 Bad Girl

    <h4>Chapter 83 Bad Girl</h4>


    After some time processing the ridiculous data uttered by her, Ethan Lu mmed the surface of the table, throwing a huge fit.


    "You did what?! Ah --! My head¡­ is this how you get jealous? Aiya¡­ this is too much to take in. Don''t tell me you''ll do that if I pushed your buttons?" Unlike the response Lexi anticipated from him, Ethan Lu only acted as if his head was about to burst and inquired odd questions.


    "Yeah, so don''t stress me too much or else, I''ll kick you from here to there." Riding along with his funny reaction, Lexi pointed out the floor to length window on the enormous living area with a slight smirk.


    She couldn''t understand, but Lexi expected for the worst. She would understand if he would be a little awkward or probed even further from what she was thinking back then. She also thought that she''d hear more exaggerated criticism from him¡­ however, his unexpected response slightly calmed her edgy nerves.


    "Tsk tsk tsk, no wonder my brother couldn''t handle the sight of you¡­ his mistress almost got killed!" Ethan Lu sulked as he rested his chin on the table. Raising his gaze on Lexi''s bare albeit refreshing profile, he mumbled.


    "Bad girl."


    "I stopped in the middle alright? It''s just that there''s another speeding car behind me which you know¡­ you can fill in the nks. But still, I got all the me from it. Well, it''s understandable since I did had the resolution for a second." This time, Lexi was more confident toy her dirtyundry in front of Ethan, since he didn''t bore the judgy eyes nor did he depicted that he was disgusted to hang around with her.


    "Damn¡­ that''s troublesome. Did you really change?" Unenergized, Ethan Lu murmured expecting nothing from her.


    He too, was quite baffled that he didn''t have the urge to judge her or anything of the like. Was it because he didn''t expect anything from her? Or was it because he already knew that she wasn''t kind? Yet, Ethan Lu was beat as this confession should lessened his infatuation towards her but instead, it didn''t help; not a tiny bit!


    "Change? I can''t say I''m entirely a change person but I am trying. Also¡­ I can now clearly see the people who really cares for me and the ones I should let go." Looking straight at his tired eyes, Lexi subtly smile with relief.


    What she said were true. She couldn''t say she''s a good person now and she was only at the phase of redeeming herself. However, with her decision of letting go of the man she dedicated her heart to, Lexi''s burden lightened.


    True, sometimes, loving someone who doesn''t reciprocate one''s feelings was like holding a rope that has a huge falling rock; the more she holds on to it, the more it hurts.


    For a brief moment, Ethan was mesmerized by Lexi''s honesty. Her slight smile and touching words¡­ he wondered if he was one of those she was talking about. It gave him waves of emotion that was akin to a mild tsunami as his heart was in a great turbulence.


    Just then, Ethan''s phone vibrated that slightly tickled his ear that was on the same table. He immediately scratched his earlobe while he abruptly nced at his phone then altered it to Lexi who resumed on finishing her food.


    Slowly, he reached for his phone and the moment he opened it, a sly smile formed on the side of his lips.


    "OMG! Young Master Lu finally posted something for a long time!!"


    "Woah, friends? *suspicious emoticon* my baby, you make me jealous! *crying emote*"


    "Waaah~! Struggles of being a friend O.O !!"


    Kevin Woo: "Is that a woman''s finger I see? *coughs* #friends *coughs*


    "EliOfficial shared your post with a caption: how to dig you own grave 101"


    Ethan Lu''s first reaction was light seeing that his ever loyal fansmented and sent their love to his first post of the year. However, seeing his friendsments, especially Elliot Gong sharing his post, his expression gradually turned sour.


    Soon, after Elliot Gong shared Ethan''s uninteresting post, he gained a whole batch of followers andments regarding their funny brotherhood. Moreover, the girl who was in the photo had tons of questions on her identity.


    ''Atleast, it still gained attention more than I expected.'' Ethan heavily sighed inwardly as he muted his phone without a care in the world.


    If Elliot Gong didn''t shared his teasing post, Ethan was unsure if it will gain more attention than it already has. After all, Elliot Gong was a famous actor with a knacked of singing and released several sessful albums along in his career.


    "Omaygad!" Being reminded about something, Lexi abruptly put down her chopsticks. Ethan who couldn''t be more shock any longer cast his apathetic gaze on her with a creased brows.


    "I forgot to tell my parents -- gosh!" As shock as she may look like, Lexi gaped her lips apart and panic slowly creeped on her.


    Ethan Lu clicked his tongue hearing what bugged her in the middle of her meal, he ridiculed.


    "Ha! Such an unreliable child¡­ thankfully, you got this handsome man and told them that their daughter was drunk as hell, unable to get home."


    "Really? You told them I was fine?" Ignoring his unnecessary words, Lexi''s mind unconsciously rearrange and deciphered what he meant. Her face brightened as she anticipates Ethan''s confirmation.


    "What? Didn''t you hear me?!" With a gasped, Ethan''s face distorted by how Lexi ignored his mocking and guessed what he ryed to the yang parents.

 Chapter 84 Where were you all these years?

    <h4>Chapter 84 Where were you all these years?</h4>


    All throughout their brunch, Ethan and Lexi bantered like a newlywed wed couple every now and then due to his edgy mood.


    "Ahh! This girl is frustrating!" Ethan grumbled as he slumped on the couch where he spent his night being hunted with Lexi''s excerpts.


    "Stop whining, gosh! I''m going." Exiting the master''s bedroom with her branded purse, Lexi red at the gloomy manzing on the couch.


    "Go, just go -- give me a break." Unenergetically waving his hands off, Ethan Lu scoots her away as he could no longer take this stubborn girl.


    By the looks of it, he didn''t have any intention of properly sending her off because Ethan Lu knew that, with his current state, he was unable to drive even if he wanted to.


    Moreover, she''s sober and back to the ''strong independent woman'' mentality. Hence, even if he offered her a ride, she would refuse without batting an eye.


    Burying his face on the soft pillow, he heard her stomping footsteps fade which rxed his tensed shoulders.


    ''Yeah, just go already -- I need to rest!'' He whined inwardly, sort of displeased that she didn''t even say goodbye or anything before leaving.


    Retracting his head on the pillow, Ethan was about to take a peek at the entrance of the presidential suite, to check if she had already left. To his surprise, Lexi was squatting down on the side while curiously looking at him.


    "What the! Do you want me to die from heart attack?!" Jolting from his position, Ethan hurriedly crawled on the edge of the couch while looking at her with disbelief.


    "You''re such a diva. I''m just worried if you''re fine, okay?" Lexi rolled her eyes by Ethan''s over exaggerating reaction since earlier.


    She hadn''t realized it yet that her main initial task waspleted, thus, Lexi was unaware of how confused he felt. Not to mention, the real torture he put him throughst night.


    But still, she was indeed concerned at his well being because Ethan seemed to be in hisst straw of sanity.


    "Do -- don''t be concerned to me, god! You are more terrifying when you do, jeez!" Ethan aggressively shook his head by her sudden disy of concern. He just needed a long sleep and he''ll be fine but, as long as she was there, he couldn''t do that!


    "Tch, are you bipr? Whatever, I''m going." Lexi clicked her tongue in annoyance by Ethan''s suspicious attitude but she chose not to dwell on it.


    Supporting herself to stand, Lexi sighed as she nced at Ethan''s messy yet dashing looks.


    "By the way, thanks forst night." She then turned her back on him, while she uttered her thanks to the man.


    She might sound embarrassed about it, however, Lexi was slightly astounded that the person she would be celebrating with was none other than Ethan Lu!


    Even in her wildest imaginations, Lexi didn''t expected that she would be friends with this yboy. If it weren''t for the system, Lexi wouldn''t even bother to tangle herself with him.


    Regardless, now that Lexi and Ethan Lu had a deeper connection called ''friendship'', she was actually thankful to the system. After all, aside from Morris Liu that wouldn''t bat an eye even if she presented herself naked, Ethan didn''t took advantage of her.


    Also, whatever embarrassing deeds she might have caused himst night; she was certain that it wasn''t easy for him to deal with it. Yet, he was still there the moment she woke up; fed her and lend herfortable clothes.


    Thinking about this small kind gestures, a subtle smile formed on the side of her lips. Indeed, Lexi might not expect anything decent from him but all the little information she had from him, he proved her wrong.


    The yboy, uncaring, brat image Ethan Lu had on her mind was shattered and gave him a clean te for her to know him better.


    Now, Ethan''s image to her might be a littleical and unconventional but at the same time, he was a responsible and patient gentleman that wouldn''t take advantage of a woman on her weakest state.


    Meanwhile, Churu silently followed Lexi from behind as she tried to lessen her presence since earlier. She has been cooking excuses how to exin thepleted side quest "bless you lips with a kiss" and why did she used her one time skill without the host''s permission.


    ''So long, my facial mask¡­'' The little dumpling weeped inwardly thinking about her gloomy days without her stress relief.


    ----


    Like a fool, Ethan stared at her back until she left his ce.


    "Did she¡­ really, thanked me?" He heedlessly mumbled, hearing her ''thanks'' over and over again in his head.


    Soon, a shy smile was stered across his face as heid his body on the couch. Stretching his back and rxing his tensed muscles, Ethan kept on smiling from ear to ear.


    "Tss. That woman, she should have said it to my face¡­ is she shy? Hehe," For some unknown reason, Ethan Lu kept on grinning like a foolish man thinking of how she looked like while she spat her simple thanks.


    "Jeez, now, how can I sleep? Tsk, that lewd yang, aiya~! Please infatuation, don''t grow bigger -- you''ll hurt yourself." Unlike his warning words, Ethan sounded yful as he positioned his body into a nice spot to rest.


    Surely, no matter how he convinced himself that he was only infatuated with her that would soon died down, his heart does otherwise with every beat it takes.


    Furthermore, whether he would end up liking her or not, Ethan was satisfied with what they had between them. It''s as if she filled all the void he had felt yesterday and every minute spent with her, it was iparable with the years of ying around.


    As Ethan was finally struck with sleepiness, a satisfied smile was disyed on his lips despite the roller coaster night he had.


    "Where were you all these years¡­"

 Chapter 85 Woah, chill girl.

    <h4>Chapter 85 Woah, chill girl.</h4>


    Three days had passed since Lexi''s drowned herself with alcohol. From then, she hadn''t heard from Ethan and neither did she contacted him.


    "Woah, you only got four days before the side quests ends chu~" Churumented as she scan Lexi''s messy surrounding.


    Currently, Lexi was munching different chips and sweets whileughing her ass off watching aedy show. Though Churu knew that she was doing this because of the damn side quests, however, why does it seem that Lexi was enjoying this unlike her protest several days ago?


    "I know that is what I''m doing --pleting it!" In a matter of factly tone, Lexi responded while opening another snack to gobble up.


    "Completing one! What about the others chu?!" The little dumpling had never been this strict before, but seeing her host in this state now, she could not help but think that the system was doing this on purpose¡­ on the second note, it was actually built like that!


    Still, how about her main task? It''s been days since Lexi talked with Ethan and by the looks of it, she totally forgot everything about him! She didn''t even probe what she had done to him that night, probably to save herself from embarrassment.


    "Woah, chill girl. I canplete the other two anytime but this, gaining weight up to 140 lbs is harder than what it looks like. I might look like I''m enjoying this but in truth¡­ I am no-- Omg~! This is heavenly~!"


    Shamelessly justifying her reasoning, Lexi abruptly stopped when she bit at the custard bun on the side. Her face glitter and it''s as if she finally found the taste that could cure cancer.


    Indeed, though Lexi seemed she had retained her good figure through the years, but selected individual knew her secret history.


    Back when she was abroad, Lexi gained considerable weight to the extent that even she, couldn''t recognize herself. After all, living in a city that status doesn''t matter and she got no image to protect, she could say that it was one of the times that she enjoyed life.


    One of the reasons why she had to stay a little longer abroad to burn all her fats before seeing the former love of her life.


    However, no matter where she goes or what she felt back then, the moment she came back in her home country, Lexi was pped with the life she was born and themunity standards for her; which made her forget those times.


    Fortunately, because of this seemingly unreasonable, pushy system, it reminded her of the brighter side of that past.


    "This is so good~"


    On the other hand, Churu face palmed at the shameless lieing out from Lexi''s mouth. She could not believe that Lexi would be this extreme this time. But, thinking that Lexi was still unaware of the system''s current status, it was only her constion from all this headache.


    ''It''s still good, I could finally have my facial sessionter'' Churu convinced herself inwardly.


    Suddenly, the ever familiar notification sound of the system rang which froze the adorable dumpling in an instant.


    [ Congrattions! Side Quest: Gain 140 lbs in seven days COMPLETED!


    Side Quest:


    Gain 140 lbs (Completed)


    Bless your lips with a kiss (Completed)


    Find a job (No progress) ]


    "Nooo --! Why didn''t it made it 145lbs!" Lexi protested in aggravation reading the first sentence of the system.


    In the next second, invisible mes was ignited as she read further details. Shifting her deadly re on the frozen flying dumpling, Lexi grinded her teeth.


    "Sissy¡­ why is the bless your lips with a kisspleted?" Trying to calm her raging heart, Lexi smiled towards Churu but to no avail, it only horrified the cute small bun. She added,


    "One wrong word, and you could be either be fried or steamed. Hehe"


    "Chu-- I, Chu -- please Sissy! We''re sisters right?" Kowtowing on the bed, Churu pleaded for her life or rather, a time to reduce her punishment.


    "Oh, Sisters¡­ yeah, but sisters never keep secrets from each other right? You won''t be grounded if you tell me the truth; did I kissed him that night? If I did¡­ where?"


    Churu gravitated on Lexi''s expression that suddenly turned from a vampire showing her fangs to a hopeless little girl.


    "Ahh¡­ in -- in the nose chu." Stuttering, Churu admitted trying to find any mishap from Lexi.


    When Churu blurted out that she kissed Ethan Lu on the nose, Lexi heavily slumped her bum back on the couch with her mind slightly malfunctioning and relieved.


    "In the nose¡­" Lexi heedlessly mumbled. She deliberately didn''t probe further regarding the real happening that night as she wanted to save herself from digging a hole to bury herself.


    But now, being caught off guard with this news, how could she remained at ease without knowing every detail from that night?


    "Tell me Sissy¡­ what did I actually did that night?" Without turning her gaze from the show she was attentively watching earlier, she inquired in a low tone.


    "Ahh¡­" Churu scratched the side of her cheeks by her index finger as she pondered what she should tattle and what she''d leave behind. She resumed as she flew to Lexi''s side.


    "Nothing really, aside from puking on his shirt and calling him ''Sissy'' -- I don''t think it''s healthy for your brain to know more chu."


    Leaving behind the fact that Lexi mistook Ethan''s manhood to a shlight and she walked around naked, Churu chose to lessen the casualty.


    "Puking on him¡­ calling him a sissy¡­" Lexi repeated as she envisioned Ethan''s reaction that night. Now, she understood the vague meaning behind the bags under his eyes and the reason why he shooed her away.


    "Ah! Right! On a brighter note, youpleted your main initial task!" Being reminded of the important detail, Churu cheerfully ryed her news with excitement.


    "Completed the task¡­ hah?!?"

 Chapter 86 Love moves in mysterious ways

    <h4>Chapter 86 Love moves in mysterious ways</h4>


    "What? You mean Ethan.. he is-- really?" All of a sudden, Lexi''s dispirited aura gradually turned into a shocked 1one.


    Does that mean that morning, Ethan already likes her? But, why did he treated her otherwise? From her point of view, Ethan Lu''s behaviour didn''t had a slight change! Well, there is a little change and he''s much more edgy. Is that how he shows his love by scooting her away?


    "Uh huh, why don''t you check -- I mean, you have another task chu~!" Churu realized that if Lexi would check the whole system status, then, her mischievous little deed of using her one time skill would be exposed! Hence, she would rather manually report it herself than being sorryter.


    Clearing her throat, Churu sat properly like a role model teacher who only needed a ss, a pair of decent clothes, and a stick to look like one.


    "Since youpleted the main initial task chu, it was changed to a main task which is; make Ethan Lu realized that he''s in love with you chu~!"


    "Ha??" Looking dumbfounded to the small dumpling on her side, Lexi''s face was stered with question marks.


    How could she overlooked the fact that Churu had been calling Ethan ''Mr. Main Task'' instead of ''Mr. Initial Task''? But that''s not the case! How can someone fall in love without realizing it?


    Confounded, Lexi parted her lips but no words slipped from her mouth. She was indeed definitely speechless this time.


    "What chu? Can''t believe Mr. Main task fell for you in your worst state chu?" Churu creased her wlessly white forehead with a smug smirk on the side of her lips.


    Still voiceless, Lexi nodded with her widened and blinking eyes.


    "Chichi, because that''s just love chu~! It moves in mysterious ways~!" Giggling, Churu teased as she covered her lips, suppressing her hearty chuckles seeing her host reaction.


    "How could he liked me even without realizing it? Is this an insult?" Finally getting the gist of her current dilemma, Lexi grumbled in dismay.


    "Oof, why not ask yourself the same question chu~" Sneakily throwing herments, Churu whispered audible only for herself to hear.


    In her perspective, Lexi might not realize it yet or rather, her light feeling of friendship towards Ethan Lu was slightly growing albeit in a turtle speed.


    Of course, this wasn''t just a spection at all because when Ethan Lu carried her to bed, a smile that wasn''t meant for Churu or to anyone was disyed on her face.


    It was a smile of gratification and affection that candidly showed to a person who''d she subconsciously care about.


    "Gosh¡­ Sissy, how can I even make him realize that? Ahh, headache! Also, I''m now fat! I''m sure it will turn him off! I think this system is sabotaging me¡­" Lexi sulked her back on thefortable couch as she kicked several unopened delicacies that''s tempting her to eat them out of frustration.


    Apparently, as much as she wanted toplete all the system''s quest, s, how could she do that if the system itself was sabotaging her ns? In her mind, her beauty lessened because of her weight gain which was entirely wrong.


    "Huh? Why don''t you tell him chu if he even mind -- you being not so fat as you say it." Churu frowned at Lexi''s regrets while pushing half the me to the system.


    ''Such hypocrisy Lexi was showing without feeling any remorse!'' Churu rolled her eyes inwardly.


    Just minutes ago, she was so happy and evenined why she only needed to reach 140lbs not 145 lbs.


    Also, in the eyes of her shining eyes, Churu only sees a little change on Lexi''s figure. After all, the weight she had right now was still ideal for her height.


    "Hmm? Should I? Tell him I gained weight and all? Like, will he still like me even if I became the fattest person on earth? Should I do that?" Arching her fleek brows, Lexi calmly asked Churu -- taking ahead on the little dumpling signature suggestions.


    Hearing the words she didn''t expect that Lexi would utter, hence, her giddiness drastically rose that made her thumb length shoulder tremble with excitement.


    "Uh huh, chu! Definitely go that straight chu~! Then add I''ll love you in the end chu~!"


    "Alright¡­" Lexi nonchntly shrugged her shoulders as she sprawled her arms to reach for her phone.


    Unlocking it, Lexi immediately looked for Ethan''s contact number before tapping several options that led her topose a message. Just like what she told the little dumpling, Lexi confidently typed the words she uttered seconds ago.


    [To: Ethan Lu


    I gained weight¡­ will you still like me if I became the fattest person on earth?" ]


    Churu''s excitement was still rising as she anticipates for Lexi to press send but the next second, Lexi scoffed as she immediately deleted herposed message while shaking her head.


    "In your dreams, Sissy. Do you really think I''d say this? Not to mention to Ethan? Yes, he''s a kind gentleman but girl, that guy doesn''tck in women -- different variety if I may add."


    -----


    [Lu Corporation]


    "Young Master?" A man wearing a formal business suit, a thin frame eyesses, and neatly one-sidedbed hair that was akin to the perfect butler of the year gulped a mouthful of saliva.


    Three days ago, Ethan Lu voluntarily came to his office; actually done some business rted and even now, he was working like crazy!


    It wouldn''t trouble him if he had to drag the young master of the Lu family to work. However, seeing him acting like this, it should make him relieved right? But, why the hell does he felt otherwise?


    "Y-young m-master?" He repeated in a shaky voice.


    "What? what? what?! You called several times already! Just say what you wanted to say! I''m trying to wash away my sorrow, alright? Don''t disturb me if it''s not important, damn it!" Ethan snapped as he red daggers to his personal assistant.

 Chapter 87 If its you... Yeah, I guess.

    <h4>Chapter 87 If it''s you... Yeah, I guess.</h4>


    In the span of three days, Ethan Lu went to different nightclubs for ''soul searching'' but to no avail, it couldn''t really suffice the fun he was looking for. Therefore, he decided that instead of trying to rece the foreboding void thating at him every time, why not bury himself with workloads that would keep his mind upied.


    The decision indeed worked as Ethan Lu only thought of the drunk Lexi, naked Lexi, cute Lexi, and the glutton Lexi every once in a while albeit not as severe when he was doing nothing.


    "This document was sent from Elder Dennis Lu." Clearing his throat, Ethan''s assistant, Lyrick Jiang hand over a document that he tightly held.


    Receiving the sketchy document from his not so favorite uncle, Ethan Lu skimmed through the document before closing it again with a sigh.


    He leaned his back on thefortable executive chair as he closed his eyes and massaged them. Lyrick Jiang, on the other hand, observed his boss''s silent response from the document given.


    Since it was an important document, hence, Lyrick Jiang only took a glimpse of it before passing it through to Ethan Lu as it still needs his approval being the next head of thepany.


    "What do you think a person doing right now?" All of a sudden, Ethan Lu inquired still massaging his closed eyes.


    "Huh?" Puzzled, Lyric Jiang knitted his brows hearing the abrupt, unrted question to the currentpany affairs.


    ''A person? Who''s person?'' Asking himself inwardly and trying to decipher what his young master''s meant, Lyrick Jiang was baffled as he could not understand.


    "I mean, what do you think a person doing now?" Repeating his inquiry, Ethan Lu knew that his question was too vague to have an answer because he deliberately specified ''a person'' instead of ''that person'' to cover up who he was thinking.


    "Uhh¡­ young master, you want to do what you usually do at this time? Did your productivity expired?" Assuming that Ethan Lu was asking what a person like him doing at this time of the day, Lyrick Jiang was horrified to death.


    Though it really concerned him that Ethan was acting strange, however, this was his responsibility and not wasting his time on the club! After all, if he continued this way, his chances of being the head of the Lu family would be lessened more than it already reduced.


    "Uh, don''t mind me. Just¡­ let me be for now. And no, I don''t think it would expire." Waving his hands off, Ethan Lu exhaustedly dismissed his assistant which Lyrick Jiang abided after a bow.


    When Lyrick Jiang left, Ethan Lu remained with that position for some time beforeing to a decision. Reaching for his phone on the side of his desk, he unhesitantly speed-dialed the number zero before putting it in front of his ear.


    It rang several times but as expected, it wasn''t immediately answered. But still, Ethan was too exhausted to think of his confused feelings and dialed Lexi''s number again.


    Not expecting it to be picked up, Ethan Lu still patiently waited for her to answer his call. Indeed, he was slowly turning crazy being infatuated by his friend. But still, working with a wrong motivation was extra exhausting.


    When he thought that the line would be cut off again, Ethan Lu heard Lexi''s smug voice. Immediately, the corner of his lips curled into a subtle smile and his tensed shoulders rxed as if her one word alone soothed his stress.


    Lexi: "yes?"


    "Hmmm? Frustrated?" Not knowing what to say since he didn''t actually expected that Lexi would answer, Ethan asked based on the tone of her voice.


    "How did you know?" On the line, Lexi was mildly surprised by how quick he sensed the offbeat of her tone.


    "My radar is activated ya know¡­ So, what''s frustrates this strong independent woman?" Finding it hard to believe, but Ethan''s interest was piqued for the reason behind her exasperation.


    Spinning his executive chair, he peered at the floor to length window that has a great view of the bustling city. Turning to a particr direction where the Yang Mansion stood, somewhat some ways, he felt the distance between them lessened.


    "Well, my cheat day extended for days and I¡­ *sigh* gained weight." Her words paused as she evidently thought how to confess her petty dilemma.


    "Pfft-!" Hearing this, Ethan let out a slight chuckle as he bit his lower lip to suppressed fromughing out loud.


    "Hey, don''tugh!"


    "Haha, sorry, but pffft-!" Chuckling in between to find some excuse, albeit, failing miserably. Truly, he wouldn''t get tired of teasing her in this kind of dilemma she has.


    "God! You frustrate me even more! I''m hanging up!"


    Envisioning her deadly res, it made him want to fly to the Yang residence just to see how much she gained weight to be frustrated like this.


    "I kid, I kid. Jeez, just burn some fats -- problem solve." Stopping her from cutting the interesting conversation, Ethan conceded in defeat while scratching his temple.


    "How could any guys like me if they see me like this¡­" Murmuring on the line, Lexi purposely uttered those words under the pressure of the Queen of dumplings.


    The moment Ethan Lu heard her statements, his smile froze before it slowly dissipated. He looked at his phone in dismay before cing it back on his ear.


    ''Dang this girl! Should she really need to say that?'' Ethan protested inside his mind. For him, it was good that he knew the real reason for her frustration so he could sabotage them.


    "Hey, guys like thick girls! Go eat some more."


    "Seriously? Gosh, are you hearing yourself? Would you really fall for someone with body rolls?" In a mocking tune, Lexi inquired discreetly making sure she won''t sound so obvious.


    ''If it''s you¡­ yeah, I guess.'' Not speaking his mind, Ethan Lu still responded.


    "Well¡­ yeah, if I like her then, size doesn''t matter."

 Chapter 88 His proposal

    <h4>Chapter 88 His proposal</h4>


    [Minutes before Ethan''s phone call]


    "Waaah! This is frustrating chu!! How could you trick me chu! Have you ever experience of packing up your things for a trip you have been long anticipating but in the end, you''d know you could not go chu? That''s just ten percent of what I feel chu!" Churu protested in dissatisfaction from Lexi''s stubbornness.


    For a moment, Churu genuinely thought that Lexi would send her message but in the end, she was pped with the ''in your dreams¡­'' and all doubt her host had.


    "Well, that''s just five percent of what I felt when you didn''t tell me about these important details!" Sassing in return, Lexi bantered with Churu''s selfishness.


    She already promised to this persistent little dumpling and swore that she''d make her evolve into a beautiful superstar. However, Lexi needed her to be more transparent and won''t purposely leave important details behind.


    Churu: "chrrrru" [grrr]


    For the record, this was probably the first argument between these odd pair of sisters. Like the little dumpling, Lexi was also grinding her teeth as she red daggers at Churu in return.


    Just then, both of them mildly flinched when Lexi''s phone rang. Diverting their gaze on her phone, Churu''s displeased front immediately lightened as if her knight and shining armor came to her rescue.


    On the other hand, Lexi''s brows creased by his sudden phone call. Gravitating whether she would answer the call or not, Lexi peered at the screen until it ended.


    "What?! Why didn''t you answer chu?! The one who''s sabotaging your ns is you, yourself, che!" As expected, Churuined in annoyance by Lexi''s antiques. Afterall, it was the perfect timing for her to ask him the question she should ask earlier, yet, Lexi was ying hard to get again! Hence, how could the little dumpling keep her head cool?


    "Gosh! You are annoying you know that? Have you also experience receiving a call out of nowhere? Right, it makes me think of all bad deeds I''ve done in my life, that''s why!" Venting her frustration to the mighty and unbending little bun who was as fierce as her, Lexi realized that her sassiness couldn''t be par with Churu.


    Again, Lexi''s phone rang which sharpened Churu''s burning eyes as she nced at the screen to Lexi. Shemanded like a general of arge army,


    "Answer that or I, the most beautiful, perfect, and wonderful creation of the Lord would quit this stressing job!"


    "Do you have to say all that? Gosh! I can''t believe I''m conceding defeat to this shorty." Rolling her eyes in exasperation, Lexi clicked her tongue before she cleared her throat and picked up the call.


    "Yes?"


    Ethan: "hmm? Frustrated?


    Arching her brows, Lexi was quite surprised that Ethan quickly sensed her exasperation -- mainly because of her little argument with Churu. Therefore, she heedlessly inquired how he knew.


    As usual, Ethan''s response was something that she''d expected to hear; unting his so called ''radar''.


    Ethan: "So, what frustrates this strong independent woman?"


    Flying at Lexi''s ear to hear what Ethan was saying, Churu then immediately hopped on her host front that made Lexi''s eyes crossed.


    "Tell him what you said you''d ask earlier chu! Or else¡­ c--ha!"


    Covering the mic of her phone, Lexi gritted her teeth as she drew her head back away from the flying fuming dumpling. She mouthed,


    ''Fine! Fine! You win! My god!''


    "Hmmp! Stop monopolizing God, others needs Him as well chu!" Humping, Churu was indeed displeased at Lexi.


    Set aside that Lexi put all the me to the system, what really irked her to the core is Lexi''s thick wall around her heart.


    Sure, Lexi might trust Ethan Lu as a friend and thought that he was a real friend. However, Churu also knew that if Ethan Lu won''t realize his feelings sooner, he might have remained on the friendzoned when he does.


    Therefore, before everything goes out of hand, Churu needs to use extreme means for this slow progress to run a little faster. She wouldn''t mind and probably would be more patient if Lexi was easy to ept romantic love¡­ but, that''s not how she is!


    Lexi might be easier to befriend than she often depicted, s, that jerk of a guy did a great deal to Lexi''s heart that made her more cautions on the romantic side of it.


    "How could any guys like me if they see me like this¡­" ncing at Churu''s strict countenance, Lexi murmured while rolling her eyes.


    "Hey, guys like thick girls! Go eat some more." The way Ethan responded was so firm that caused her brows to twitch.


    ''Eat some more? Are you kidding?'' Retracting her phone away and peered at it with a disturbed look on her eyes, she ced it back again and voluntarily sassed even without Churu''s consent.


    "Seriously? Gosh, are you hearing yourself? Would you really fall for someone with body rolls?"


    "Well¡­ yeah, if I like her then, size doesn''t matter." Sounding bashful and certain at the same time, Ethan responded which made her a little speechless.


    Should she believe him? Will he even realized he fell for a fatty? Question like this hovered on Lexi''s mind which gave her a striking headache.


    For a moment, Lexi didn''t responded as she pondered on what to respond to his answer. Probably, he could not handle the silence on the line, thus, Ethan broke the stillness.


    "But well, if that''s really troubles you, then how about we workout together? I mean, you know, to motivate each other?" Without a change in his goofy tone, Ethan offered out of the goodness and kindness of his heart.


    "Ohh, okay, that would be -- what?" Still focusing on his words earlier, Lexi agreed but halted midway realizing his proposal.


    "It''s settled then, send me your schedule. See ya!" Without waiting for Lexi''s approval, Ethan abruptly cut the line, leaving her no chance to reject.

 Chapter 89 Sacrifice my IQ

    <h4>Chapter 89 Sacrifice my IQ</h4>


    The moment Ethan Lu hanged up the call, a wide grin stered across his face. It''s as if his courage and nonchnce on his emotions gained a huge benefit to him. Now, he had a reason to hang out with her.


    Unbeknownst to him, his harmless offer would bring a phenomenon to his mental state and his ignorant heart.


    "Young Mast¡­"


    Just then, Lyrick Jiang abruptly came back as another news should be ry to Ethan Lu. The instant he saw his smiling boss, Lyrick Jiang was a little taken aback.


    "...er," For a second, he thought that Ethan''s office had some glitters and flowers from his boss'' aura. He had to blink a couple of times to see that it was just an imagination from the spring-like smile of Ethan Lu


    "Oh, Rick! What is it?" Hearing his assistant''s voice, Ethan Lu turned around with a smile on his lips.


    By the looks of it, Ethan Lu seemed he was refreshed and was ready to work like a normal person. There wasn''t a slight clue of his exhausted countenance earlier as if he never felt distress in the first ce.


    "Uh, young master¡­ are you alright?" Cautious, Lyrick Jiang warily strode inside and stopped several steps from Ethan Lu''s desk.


    Granting that Ethan Lu was always cheerful and mischievous, however, his actions earlier were the cue that he wasn''t in the mood to y around like usual. Furthermore, he was only this gracious if he''s out of work or away from the tiring Lu family affairs.


    Yet, right now, his boss was smiling as if he almost didn''t turned mad earlier. Just what happened when he left?


    "Alright? Of course I am! How about you? You don''t look fine to me." Peering at his trusted assistant with dismay, Ethan Lu honestlymented on Lyrick''s behavior.


    In Ethan''s perspective, his assistant was bing more odd by the day. Forget about his outdated style and the damn one sided hairdo, Lyrick was too workaholic that he''s never in a rtionship! How can he rte to him if he never felt butterflies in his stomach?


    "Tsk tsk tsk, want me to set you up on a date?" Pitying the man before him, Ethan shook his head as he made an offer out of the goodness of his inexperience heart.


    Letting out a series of coughs, Lyrick Jiang almost puked blood?as he couldn''t believe of his shameless employer. Did he really offered him that? Why does he wanted to y cupid if he could instantly snatch the woman with just a wink of his tantalizing eyes?


    When Lyrick Jiang got a hold of himself, he spoke. "No, thank you young master." He added,


    "Young Master, I came back to tell you that chairman Lu was on his way here."


    The news that Lyrick Jiang uttered cracked Ethan''s jovial atmosphere. As the data processed on his mind, Ethan''s jaw slowly dropped as panic slowly enveloped in his heart!


    "G-- Grandpa, you say?" Stuttering, he inquired to confirm.


    At the same time, Ethan''s office was forcefully opened by bulk and muscr men then shamelessly intrude. When the two bodyguards entered his office, an elder man in a striped tuxedo and a cane was revealed.


    "Tsk, tsk, tsk, what about me? Ha, brat! I finally cornered you!" Looking straight at Ethan''s shocked front, the old man mocked in triumph.


    Lines and wrinkles was evident on his face but it didn''t cover his original charming looks. His hair nched with little ck stand of hair brushed along with it, and his mustacheplimented his sharp, hooded eyes.


    Despite his age that seemed to be in his mid 70''s, Edward Lu emitted a dignified yet intimidating aura. However, the way he smirk towards his filial grandson, one could tell that it''s Ethan''s doomsday.


    -----


    Lexi slowly looked at her phone with a dumbfounded expression on her face. Did she, and Ethan just became workout buddies just like that? It''s not that she was the one toin but, why does she feel like her task was beingpleted by Ethan without exerting much effort?


    "Uh, Madam, is working out could be considered finding work?" Shifting her curious gaze to Churu''s appeased profile, Lexi humored.


    Since Lexi and Churu both calmed down, their vexed heart earlier died down as well. Hence, both seem they didn''t had an argument moments ago.


    "Hmm, it''s not chu~!" Churu meekly smiled as her mood brightened after that phone call. At least, she could rely more on Ethan Lu than her current host.


    Also, his timing was always perfect! Therefore, Churu felt more reassured that Ethan''s aggression this time would help a lot in the process.


    "Should I apply to my father?" Since it was Lexi''s initial n, get a position in the Yang Holdings, Lexi cked by fattening herself.


    Just as Lexi decided on that, her phone rang once again. ncing at it screen, Lexi''s brows arched seeing her manager''s number calling her.


    "Why is she calling me?" She mumbled with a questionable tune.


    "Hmm, who''s that chu?"


    "Apparently, it''s my manager." Gravitating whether she should answer and receive bad news or ignore and die from thinking the reason why is her former handler calling her.


    "Duuh, pick it up so I''ll curse her and her ancestor." Churu rolled her eyes by Lexi''s reluctance. For some reason, Churu felt that when Lexi decided to change for good, Lexi seemed she be a little coward which slightly tilt Churu. She added,


    "Why are you being coward chu? Just answer chu!"


    "Coward? Me? Why did you say that?" Letting her phone ring non stop, Lexi tilted her head as she looked at Churu.


    "Then why are you hesitant to answer?" Frowning, Churu pointed out.


    "Because I have to sacrifice my IQ when talking with her -- should I really pay a huge price? Nope, not worthy." Shrugging as she answered in a matter of factly tone, Lexi muted her phone without a care in the world.

 Chapter 90 Facial mask will make you smar

    <h4>Chapter 90 Facial mask will make you smar</h4>


    Coming to a decision, Lexi decided not to answer her former manager''s call. Indeed, when her career was ruined, Lexi''s agency including her manager didn''t exerted much effort and watched on the sidelines.


    When she rose to fame, all they did was curry favor from her. But when her name was being tainted with malicious usations, everyone around her dispersed.


    She might have said that Lexi wanted to have a peaceful life, however, she could forgive everyone but she would never forget how they treated her in return.


    "Ohhh¡­ chu~" nodding her little head in understanding, Churu awed. Looking at Lexi''s uninterested expression, the adorable dumpling was certain that Lexi wasn''t faking it.


    Recalling the other angle of Lexi''s behaviour from the beginning, Churu had overlooked Lexi''s leniency towards others since she treated her very differently.


    From her encounter with Che Diayu, the odd nces and ridiculing whispers from the Liu employees, and her first treatment towards Ethan Lu. All these three examples showed Lexi''s determination and mature choice of keeping her head cool.


    She only snapped at Ethan Lu back at the banquet because she was at her limit but after that, Lexi was back into treating everyone the same.


    "Though¡­ I hadn''t heard from them but, why would she suddenly call me?"


    Suddenly, instead of a call, Lexi received a message from the same number.


    [ From: Manager Abi


    Lexi dear, please answer the call. I know you are mad at me or probably hate me but, you have to answer my call. This is important.]


    Skimming through Abigail Fan''s email, Lexi arched her brows. For her former manager to say such stuff, Lexi''s interest was piqued.


    "Sissy, should I degrade my IQ?" Lexi nced at the reposing dumpling on the side who on the other hand lost interest regarding Abigail Fan''s intention.


    "Whatever chu~ Can you put facial mask to me chu~? It will make you smart chu~" With a shimmering eyes, Churu almost melted just the thought of her reunion with her beloved facial masks.


    Lexi chuckled by the sight of Churu before she reached for her phone and returned Abigail''s call. The first ring had not yet stopped as it was answered immediately.


    "Oh, thank God you called! Lexi, how are you?" Soon, without waiting for Lexi''s voice to wee her, Abigail''s relieved tone came in line.


    "How am I? Are you really asking me that? You know me, I hate going in circles¡­ tell me, what it is about." Unlike how she interact with Churu and Ethan, Lexi''s tone was dry and was oozing with sassiness.


    Though Abigail had been a nice and reliable manager, however, Lexi didn''t appreciated that she stayed on the sidelines to fix whatever she needed to fix as a manager.


    On the line, Lexi heard the woman on the line let out a heavy sigh before speaking, "I quit at the agency."


    "So?" Unmoved, Lexi rolled her eyes as she doesn''t care about Abigail Fan''s personal affair. She didn''t want to get ahead of herself nor did she want to know the reason behind the woman''s reasoning.


    "There would be an audition two days from now. It would be Director Arnold Shen''sst movie to direct before retiring -- Lexi, I signed your name to audition for a certain role." Abigail Fan informed in one go with every courage she had.


    Meanwhile, Lexi was shook to the core hearing her former manager''s news. Did she just signed up for her? Why? And why would she forced herself to the entertainment industry again?


    Sure, if this was back then, she would be the first person to sign up to get herself into one of his movies. After all, Arnold Shen is one of the best directors in the industry.


    Also, what she heard about the said director was, he was too meticulous and would always judge based on a person''s talent not by their visuals.


    "How dare you¡­" Grinding her teeth, Lexi scoffed in disgust by Abigail Fan''s audacity. One thing that Lexi despises the most was being put into a situation she didn''t decided herself. Hence, one of the reasons why she didn''t epted the system in the first ce.


    "I know, I know! You might kill me for this but¡­ this is the only way I know I could do! What happened back then, I -- I also hated myself for being a mere manager who had no power to defend you from the people higher than me! That is why I sent my resignation letter since your contract will be ending next week!" Abigail Fan panicked hearing the words she expected Lexi would say.


    Indeed, she did nothing back when Lexi''s career was falling apart right before her eyes. God knows how she begged for the bosses to fix everything, but to no avail, everyone''s hands were tight as they don''t want to tangled themselves to the bad side of the CEO of the Liu Empire.


    Lexi never knew this but for Abigail Fan who admired her for being a natural talent albeit a true diva, she had always believed that she could redeem herself from scratch.


    "Please, even if you don''t believe me, please just please reconsider this once in a lifetime opportunity." Abigail Fan''s voice faded as she pleaded for Lexi toe and show them what she got.


    As expected, silence was the response she received from the other line. Abigail Fan already anticipated that Lexi wouldn''t agree, hence, she would have to show her sincerity for the next to days.


    The next second, Lexi finally responded with a calm tone, "I''ll think about it." She then cut the line short without waiting for her former manager''s reply.


    "Wow, that''s quite a revtion chu~! Churumented after hearing the confession of Lexi''s former manager.

 Chapter 91 Grandpa as love guru

    <h4>Chapter 91 Grandpa as love guru</h4>


    Lexi kept her silence for the mean time as the words Abigail Fan uttered kept on repeating on her head. It''s not that she hundred percent believe what her former manager said. It''s just that Lexi never put herself in other shoes, same with them.


    She had always thought that no one understood her because they were not on her shoes, but in truth, she''s also never did.


    "As they said, there''s always two sides of the story chu~" Sensing the realization that struck Lexi, Churu spatted herments. She added,


    "How convenient chu~ Now, that''s the key to have the check on yourst iplete side quest chu~"


    Lexi let out a heavy sigh as she had enough for the night. First, her brief argument with Churu, then Ethan, and now, Abigail Fan.


    "Let''s go, Sissy. I think I''d get wrinkles if we don''t put facial masks."


    "Sweeet chu~!" Churu blushed and cheered energetically the moment she got her invitation to a facial mask session. God, she missed this beautiful invention of earth.


    -----


    [Lu Corporation]


    "Grandpa!! Your heart --You might get a heart attack!" Ethan yelled as he ran on the other side of his desk.


    Currently, his Grandfather''s cane was akin to a death reaper''s scythe that wasing at him.


    "Brat! Stop running around if you''re that concerned with my health!" Dashing to get on Ethan that swiftly moves away as well.


    Despite his old age, Edward Lu was full of vigor as he tried to whip his hard headed grandchild. Since Ethan Lu was too elusive, the moment the old man heard that Ethan Lu actually spent three consecutive days working like crazy in thepany, he went to see it for himself.


    After all, Ethan rarely get himself involve in this kind of matter but when he did, he dare halt the bidding of his Uncle Dennis Lu''s to a certain project of thepany.


    Of course, Ethan had the right to do so as he still holds the title of future big boss of the Lu Corporation. However, if Ethan did get his hands in this matter, Edward Lu was bothered if his grandchild would tale full responsibility or was just targeting his not so favorite uncle for fun.


    "Aiya! This kid¡­ can you stop running around?!" Edward Lu scorned as he slumped his bum on Ethan''s executive chair. ring daggers at his grandson, Edward Lu uttered in between his long breathing.


    "Not unless grandpa calms down!" As firm as he sound like, Ethan responded as he cautiously took another step back.


    "Why did you intervene with the bidding? Brat, what do you think you''re doing? Don''t you know your presence here had already caused too much tense in our family?!" As Edward Lu stabilized his breathing, he blurted out one of the main reasons for his abrupt visit.


    He might have sounded harsh but to get Ethan''s attention, he must not sugarcoat his words. After all, the old man was already displeased that his sons were already battling who would take over thepany while he''s still alive.


    Therefore, Edward Lu has already made a deration in the past who would be his heir and that''s none other than Ethan. With a satisfying progress and talent as a child, Ethan had all the qualifications to be his heir. However, growing up, he became more and more hard headed and showed no interest to be the family''s head. Reason, why Ethan hadn''t took over the role.


    "The hell I care! Let them be tense until they could no longer move and sleep at night!" In a dismay tone, Ethan protested, displeased on his grandfather''s news. He added,


    "Also, I need to relieve my stress by meddling with Uncle Den''s affairs¡­ hehe,"


    "Ah, my good Lord¡­ my heart." Hearing Ethan''s unbelievable reasoning of his intervening on Dennis Lu''s project, Edward Lu felt a paramount headache and his heart failing.


    "This brat will be the death of me, aiya! This is retribution," Edward Lu patted his chest in defeat as he knew this would happen. Dealing with his grandson of his, it''s much of a headache yet he still doted on him as somehow, he knew Ethan was acting like this on purpose.


    "Aish! Kidding! Of course I have my reason to meddle with his sketchy, very sketchy affairs! I don''t even understand why you let him wander around." Seeing that his grandfather was on his limits, Ethan finally conceded as he strode towards the desk. He exined,


    "The fact that there''s no powerful opponent in the bidding, I highly doubt why we needed to shell out thrice of the otherpanies worth! Though, I am still unsure, I already asked Lyrick, my assistant whocks fashion sense to make some digging, jeez!"


    When Edward Lu sees his grandson stood in front of the desk and exined his real reason, he felt relieved. At least, he didn''t intervene with an understandable reason.


    "Is that so? But, son, you should be clear that meddling with this huge project could mean that you are fighting for your position." Unlike earlier, Edward Lu was now more solemn as he spat his statements.


    Granting that Ethan Lu only involve himself into smallpany affairs which were all remarkable, s, he never gets his hands into major ones. Hence, getting himself involved this time was like his promation of getting his throne.


    "Errr, about that¡­ grandpa, that''s not what''s important as of the moment -- I remember you said you''re a love guru right?" Scratching his jaw by his index finger, Ethan threw thepany matter aside as he remembered his grandfather''s boasting about being the love master in his prime.


    On the other hand, Edward Lu suddenly let out a series of coughs as he never expected that Ethan would remember his lies back then.

 Chapter 92 The trainer...

    <h4>Chapter 92 The trainer...</h4>


    The next day¡­


    "Goodmorning Auntie~!" With a beaming aura, Ethan Lu greeted Lillian Yang with a bright smile.


    Wearing only his gym outfits, he didn''t mind to show himself to Lexi''s parents as they had already witnessed his worst state. Moreover, his rtionship between them was much more stable than his rtionship with his rtives.


    "Ethan!" Seeing the refreshing and cheerful vibe that Ethan emitted, Lillian Yang weed him with a satisfied smile. She invited,


    "Come in, are you here for Lexi?" Assisting Ethan to the grandiose living area, Lillian and Ethan sat opposite each other.


    "Oh? Ethan, it''s good to see you." Frederick Yang who came out of nowhere greeted with a subtle smile before he strode to the main head seat.


    "Good Morning Uncle, sorry foring uninvited early in the morning." Ethan Lu politely bowed as he spat his apologies.


    "It''s fine, Ethan. We''re d that you''re doing fine and see you here again." Lillian reassured with a smile as she prepared the tea that the maid served.


    The atmosphere surrounding the Yang mansion was more warm than ever with Ethan''s presence. Surely, the Yang parents lowkey dotes on Ethan for Lexi. After all, in their perspective, he''s doing a great job diverting their daughter''s attention away from Morris Liu. Moreover, he''s indeed a good and cheerful child that clicked perfectly with Lexi''s elusiveness with men.


    As the ''family'' of three enjoyed their tea with a little catching up, Lexi appeared gaped at this scene. She doesn''t understand but whenever Ethan was around, it''s as if her parents treated him as their own and totally forgets about her!


    Furthermore, why is he there? She did sent him her almost empty schedulest night but he never said he''d pick her up.


    "Why are you here?" As a greeting, Lexi came like a thunder to break the peace of the three. Currently, she was wearing a fitted ck sweatpants, a ck jacket and a ck duffel bag that clung on her shoulder.


    "Chichi~ he was pursuing your parents to get approval chu~ morning Mr. Main task chu~!" Churu giggled as she teased Lexi before flying in front of Ethan and saluted her morning greetings.


    Seeing that her onlyrade sided with the three, the corner of Lexi''s brows twitched.


    "Dearest, why are you so loud early in the morning?" Lillian Yang with her usual motherly tone uttered by Lexi''s exaggerated reaction.


    "Sheined to mest night that she''s fat, Auntie." In a whisper, Ethan rat her out which made her mother chuckled with glee. On the other hand, Frederick Yang and Churu silently chuckled as well.


    "Hehe, I came because I''m your trainer." Ethan shamelessly announced which shocked Lexi to the core.


    "Trainer who?" She retorted in dismay. He insistedst night that he knew the best trainer for her to lose fats in days but never in her imagination that the person he talked about was Ethan,himself!


    "Uh huh," Ethan nodded with a grin.


    Latest night, Lexi sent her schedule and also told him that she''d hire a trainer for her routine. However, the trainer she talked about was a man! How could he let that happen?


    Fortunately, she was transparent enough to tell him that beforehand as Ethan lu could sabotage them in an instant. Also, he found his grandfather''s advice quite suspicious and unreliable.


    Recalling about Edward Lu''s suggestions, Ethan didn''t want to think about it as he knew Lexi too well.


    His grandfather told him; don''t contact her and you''ll see she will miss you -- however, if Ethan Lu did take that advice that only works with others, he was certain that he''ll never hear a word from her! After all, they wouldn''t even talked if Ethan didn''t contact her first!


    "Let''s go burn some fats!" After some time, Ethan brightly grinned as he proposed. He had never been this excited for a workout but with Lexi as hispany, Ethan Lu was satisfied for some unknown reason.


    ----


    "Will you exin why are we here?" Arching her brows, Lexi cast her dissatisfied gaze on Ethan who was stretching his shoulder.


    Currently, they were standing outside the yang mansion and not inside the gym. Moreover, Ethan Lu demanded for her to run outside instead on the treadmill.


    "This is the safest ce to avoid scandals eh? Also, we can relish the fresh air -- cost efficient right?" Ethan winked as he was done stretching. He added,


    "Don''t worry, I''ll apany you. I''m your trainer after all, let''s start! Chop chop." Ethan jogged on the same ce as he encouraged theiningdy.


    "Fine," rolling her eyes, Lexi quickly stretched her neck in a circr motion then shoulders. After all, what Ethan said was partly made sense.


    "Go, go," Ethan announced which made her feet get moving. First walked then turned into a jog.


    On the other hand, Churu flew down and got her two little feet on the concrete ground. She pested Lexist night asking for a gym outfit as well.


    However, Lexi couldn''t make small outfits in a whim, hence, she only gave her wrist band that she ced around Churu''s forehead.


    Though it wasn''t enough, Churu was still satisfied that at least, she still looks like she''d workout and somehow, it gave her a motivation to lose fats as well.


    "Alright, chu~!" The little dumpling copied Lexi''s warm up before she jog making her bby fats wiggle and bounce.

 Chapter 93 Dead dumpling

    <h4>Chapter 93 Dead dumpling</h4>


    Hours had passed since they started working out. Slumping their backs on thewn of the Yang Mansion, Lexi and Ethan gasped for air. On the other hand, Churu didn''t make it to them as she slumped at the corner -- her body gave in and she really felt that she burned more fats than ever.


    "I think¡­ I''m now sexier chu" Churu muttered before resting her body on the moistedwn. She doesn''t have the energy to fly to Lexi and Ethan because she was utterly exhausted.


    "Ahh, I''m so tired¡­" In between her panting, Lexi murmured as she could feel her muscles contract as if they were beat.


    "Aiya, that''s just for beginners." Unlike his proud, confident words, Ethan Lu''s figure tells her otherwise. Though he regrly worked out before, however, Ethan Lu hadn''t been to the gym in months. Therefore, felt as if he was also a beginner.


    "Gosh, how could you say that without batting an eye! You''re as tired as me!" Irked by his shamelessness, Lexi dissed as she turned her head on the side.


    "Impossible!" Denying her usations, Ethan also turned his head to her. Of course, the moment he did, Lexi''s sweating and slightly flushed face made him gulped.


    Although there''s a considerable space between them, Ethan''s sneaky eyes travelled with the details of her facial features. As he did so in a sh pace, he could not help but bit his lower lip.


    ''Damn it!'' He cursed inwardly being enthralled by her natural beauty.


    Looking away, Ethan cleared his throat as heplimented. "But I have to admit though, you really did a good job keeping up."


    "I know right?" Lexi smirked, as she zipped down her jacket. She took it off and revealed a fitted ck top.


    "By the way, I was considering to audition for a movie." Without even realizing it, Lexi blurted out the conversation she had with Abigail Fan that she even her parents were unaware about.


    Her sudden initiation for a conversation made Ethan lu abruptly turned his head back on her. s, the moment he did, Ethan''s tranquility was disturned seeing more of her sweating skin.


    It was bearable earlier since he could only see Lexi''s bewitching face, but now, with her slender neck that was asking to be kissed, her slim shoulder that urging him to caress, and her exposed corbones that''s just too damn attractive, how could he keep himself sane?


    Fortunately, Lexi covered her top using her jacket that snapped Ethan and stopped his ridiculous fantasy.


    ''Why is she seducing me? No! Why am I being seduced with just that? Ahhh!! This is bad¡­ really bad.'' Ethan gasped inwardly as he could not find the words he should say.


    Gritting his teeth in annoyance, Ethan looked away afraid that if he stared longer, he''ll go mental. "If that makes you happy!"


    "Hmm? Are you bipr?" Lexi sassed as Ethan''s voice raised. She didn''t remember saying anything bad but why does he sounded like he was aggravated about something?


    ''Did I offend him? Where''s my sis?'' Asking inwardly, Lexi inclined as she supported her upper body by her elbows and looks around. There, at the far corner of the garden, Churu was lying silently like a dead dumpling.


    She had a glimpse of Churu''s bouncing bby waist as she jog, not to mention how the adorable dumpling''s cheeks move up and down that helped Lexi to keep going.


    "Pfft--!" Lexi could not suppress herughter the moment she remembered Churu''s determined yet super cute figure earlier.


    "Nah, I think you''re bipr." Hearing that Lexi let out a muffled ''pfft'', Ethan Lu returned her not-so baseless usations.


    "Whatever, ipetent trainer." Mocking his diversion, Lexi spoke insulted him up front as she retracted her gaze away from the dead dumpling.


    "Nonsense! I can even do 20 push ups right now!" As usual, Ethan spouted words that he would regretter. Due to his distraction from Lexi''s tempting body that sheined about being fat, Ethan boasted.


    "Really? Can you even prove that?" Entrapping him on his own brainless words, Lexi grinned evilly as she challenged the dumbfounded Ethan Lu.


    Ethan: "Damn it!"


    Unbeknownst to them, Frederick and Lillian Yang watched the two banter like two kids. A satisfied smile formed on the side of their lips as they witness how Lexi interacted with Ethan.


    "Dear, if ever Ethan would like our Lexi¡­ I don''t have anyins about it." Lillian Yang gently uttered as she could not express her happiness into words.


    It has been awhile since they saw their daughter be this genuinelyfortable and happy around someone. Moreover, Ethan as a person was too likeable. Despite being the heir of the prominent Lu family, he was rather humble.


    "I don''t want to decide for our daughter in this matter anymore but if someday, both of them ended up together¡­ I will dly give them my blessing¡­" Frederick Yang mumbled with a worried expression on his face, he added,


    "But, if I can, I wouldn''t want that to happen because one way or another, the Lu family would meddle with them. I don''t wish for our daughter or even Ethan to get hurt."


    Indeed, the Yang family couldn''tpare with the Lu family''s influence and wealth. Even if the Yang family was considered to be in the top socialdder, but the Lu family was one of the highest family, just like the Liu Family.


    They only got lucky that the Liu and Yang family had a close ties ever since and they managed Lexi to get engaged to the Liu''s head master, Morris Liu.


    "*sigh* Let''s not think about that yet, let the kids enjoy the moment. We still got their backs if worsees to worst right?" As concerned as Frederick, Lillian was more positive regarding the matter.

 Chapter 94 Yes or no?

    <h4>Chapter 94 Yes or no?</h4>


    Unlike the first day, Lexi and Ethan had more determination on the second day. Like the first day, Ethan and Lexi slumped on the same spot they rested yesterday.


    On the other hand, Churu managed to copsed a step past her position on her first day of working out.


    "I think¡­ I really lost fats today chu¡­" Churu convinced herself. However, no matter how she soughtpliments from Lexi which she did, Churu was somehow disappointed.


    "I''m tired, I''m tired." Ethan muttered in between his gasping for air. He already humiliated himself yesterday, hence, Ethan wouldn''t make the same mistake twice.


    "Haha, you sure are..." Chuckling at him by admitting the truth even if no one''s asking, Lexi grinned remembering how she dissed Ethan down to the depths of his boastful soul.


    Panting, Ethan briefly winced as he felt his muscles ache. It as if the pain from working out yesterday intensified. Moreover, the horrifying attacked his eyes received on their first day nearly caused him to go mental by seeing more of her skin; that sheined of gaining fat yet to him, it''s a work of art. Hence, for the health of his mind and heart, he specifically instructed her to cover up with a jacket until the end of their workout.


    Silence momentarily enveloped them as neither of them talked while they stabilized their breathing. Since the ever supportive Yang parents were kind enough to wee Ethan and had invited him to a healthy lunch yesterday, Lexi and him managed to talked about random things; including her audition to a certain movie.


    "By the way, the audition will be today right? Let me drive you there." Breaking the tranquil silence, Ethan offered.


    "Hmm? I haven''t decided yet though¡­" probably since she was used to Ethan''s often assuming stuff, Lexi was more calmer to response.


    Considering that she was tempted, several things was interfering with her decision. For example; Lexi didn''t know if she could pull it off with her state of mind.


    After all, the script that Abigail Fan sent and the role she was referring for Lexi to practice was slightly challenging. Abigail didn''t asked her to audition for the main female lead nor did she wanted for the main antagonist; she wanted for the role of a celestial being that is also aic relief!


    Sure, Lexi''s looks might get her the higher chance of getting the role. However, how would she portray it is the problem¡­ because, it should be a littleical which is not her forte!


    Furthermore, she could not help but envision Churu and the demonic angels that she talked about! To simplify, Lexi couldn''t get in character with the notion of dumpling in mind!


    "But¡­ do you want to try or not?" Ethan firmly questioned that could only be answered with a yes or no. Based on how Lexi talked about it yesterday, Ethan perceived that deep down, she really wanted to try her luck.


    She gave off the vibe of anticipation and enthusiasm that he never saw before. Therefore, disregarding the scandals and any reason that was stopping her, Ethan wanted to encourage her to do what she wants that would make her happy.


    "You know, even if I wanted to I--" Exining her argument, Lexi was interrupted midway because of Ethan.


    "Then, that should settle it." Rolling to her side, Ethan announced with a certain smile. To him, Ethan shrugged the foreign emotions that he assumed as infatuation on the side because what they have right now, he was already satisfied with it and that''s what''s important to him.


    "Can you please stop deciding for me?" Turning her head to him, Lexi rolled her eyes yet, for some reason, she didn''t feel irritated.


    "Eeeng! Wrong, I am only giving you thest push to take the route that you might regretter if you didn''t even try." This time, Ethan managed not to flinch by the sight of Lexi''s bare yet captivating beauty. He added,


    "Where is it?"


    "What where?" Arching her brows, Lexi asked in confusion.


    "The script... duh?"


    "Duh? Haha, say it again." Lexi giggled when she heard the word ''duh''ing out from his mouth. The way he copied her was too hrious that lightened the warm atmosphere around them.


    "No way!"


    -----


    "You got lots of free time huh?" Lexi nced at Ethan Lu who was on the driving seat before she buckled up.


    "For your information, I am a busy fellow." Responding in a matter of fact tone, Ethan honestlymented.


    Indeed, since he got himself involved with their family affairs because he wanted to distract himself, Ethan''s schedule became chaotic and tighter than ever. Yet, he still chose to make time for Lexi because of the simple fact that she was frustrated by her weight gain.


    "Really," Unconvinced, Lexi slightly shook her head as she was unaware of his current matters.


    She nced down and there, Churu was slumping on herp like a clingy kitten albeit in a dumpling form.


    ''Sissy, you got a little slim!'' Lexi encouraged telepathically tofort the dead tired dumpling but in truth, Churu''s progress was hopeless.


    "Don''t mind me chu¡­ let me rest chu~ good luck with your audition¡­ chu," Churu faintly cheered her with all the strength she could muster. In her mind, she never got this exhausted back when she was in her original form.


    However, for some reason, aside from her own exhaustion, she also seemed to suck Lexi''s weariness as her host''s fatigue was bing less and less effective.


    ''That old hag¡­ she should have at least told me beforehand.'' Churu thought inwardly as she came to a conclusion of her current situation.


    ----


    Meanwhile¡­


    In a different realm that seemed to be the same as earth but different tenants, huge screens on each building and television on each of their dwellings -- beautiful angels and elusive ones were welling up as they watch their ultimate idol Churu''s tired figure.


    "Master Churu, please be well!"


    "Our mighty captain is doing so much for our girl¡­ this is touching."


    "Booohooo, don''t worry Idol, your sacrifice will be remembered when Lexi get the role!"


    Surely, these celestial beings were too engrossed with the highest rating that was currently being aired.

 Chapter 95 I am edible, wanna have a taste?

    <h4>Chapter 95 I am edible, wanna have a taste?</h4>


    On their way to the said venue where the audition would be held, Lexi tried to get in character while Ethan kept his silence as he drives.


    "He''s not edible¡­ uhh, no, no, that doesn''t sound right." Lexi shook her head in disappointment as she repeated the same dialogue over and over again. Breathing in and out, she repeated in a drawled;


    "He''s¡­ not edible," Face palming, Lexi was frustrated as she sounded coquettish this time. She grumbled,


    "How can this be funny? It''s notedic at all!"


    "It''s funny because it''s not¡­ woah, the irony." Raising his brows without turning his head on theining woman perched on the front passenger seat, Ethan spoke for the first time. After hearing the same dialogue over and over again, for some reason, he found silly for someone to say "he''s not edible" in the midst of war.


    Looking unenthusiastically at his smiling side profile, Lexi frowned with his unhelpfulment. "You try -- ''he''s not edible."


    Ethan cast her a quick nce before smirking into a mischievous one, "I am edible¡­ wanna have a taste?"


    "Thumbs up chu¡­" Though she was exhausted as she already was, Churu still chimed in when she heard Ethan''s lowkey letting out his flirtatious side while erecting her little thumb.


    "Ah no, you''re not edible." Sounding disappointed with a little seriousness in it, Lexi murmured as if gravely dissatisfied at one point. However, when her statement slipped from her mouth, Lexi''s brows slightly raised as she finally got the right tone she wanted.


    "You''re not edible." Repeating the dialogue again, Lexi stared at him to see his response. "Ehan, you''re not¡­"


    "Stop it godamnit!" Vexed by herst address, Ethan grinded his teeth in annoyance. That''s like insulting his perfect muscr body right in front with how she delivered it. Moreover, he''s a very charming guy that¡­ or that''s what he believed until he met her.


    "Don''t attack me if you''re frustrated alright?" He let out a heavy sigh, as he forced a smile on his face and kept his heart at bay. His ego and confidence was already crushed by her unaffected countenance by his teasing before. Hence, this dialogue was automatically being tranted as ''you''re not my type.'' which embitter him.


    "Hehe, thanks." Lexi muffedly giggled when Ethan snapped. That was the reaction she needed for the scene as the character she needed to portray would need to be sounded to be a little disappointed and honest at the same time.


    Letting go of the fact that she needed to be funny, but, what would make itical is the reaction of the person she was referring to, which is the main viin of the said movie.


    Ethan shook his head as he realized that he was her test subject that was a real pain. After all, he was taking it to the heart. As he grumpily drove, his phone rang all of a sudden. Since his duffle bag was in the back seat where he''s phone was kept, Lexi volunteered to get it for him.


    "I''ll get it." She then unbuckled herself and reclined her seat to reach for his phone.


    "It''s in the side pocket." ncing through the rear mirror, Ethan instructed which she followed. Unconsciously, his right hand let go of the steering wheel as he ced it in front of the passenger seat; palm length away from Lexi''s back because of the road bump ahead.


    "Got it -- aw!" Just when Lexi found his ringing phone, a sudden turbulence ured that abruptly caused her to jolt from the back to the front. Fortunately, Ethan''s hand was already there thus, he stopped her from the sudden impact.


    Unbeknownst to her, the moment his hand came in contact with her back, Ethan felt a brief electrifying shocked that made him retract his hand from her. Though he deliberately slowed down knowing the road bump ahead, Ethan unintentionally stepped at pedal because of the shocked he received. For some reason, he almost thought that he was being used of the sight of Lexi but just a slight touch, he was pped by reality that he wasn''t!


    "Thank¡­ you," Lexi heaved a sigh of relief but when she turned her gaze back on the driver''s seat, her brows knitted as Ethan was akin to a person who saw a ghost. She added while repositioning herself,


    "Are you¡­ okay?"


    "No¡­" He heedlessly confessed still focusing his attention on the road yet, his expression was a little pale and disturbed.


    "Ohh¡­ yeah! Here''s your¡­ phone." Lexi awkwardly responded as she buckled her seat again. When she remembered that his ringing phone earlier was on her hand, Lexi held out. However, at the same time, the phone rang again that disyed Morris Liu''s contact number.


    "Who is it?" Without any interest to see it for himself, Ethan tly asked -- not sensing the odd tone on herst sentence. Hearing no response from her, Ethan added;


    "Hmm?"


    "Ah, sorry. It was CEO Liu." Snapping from her momentary daze, Lexi informed him of who was the caller -- trying to be unaffected as she looked away. Ethan didn''t replied for a few seconds before he tly uttered,


    "Answer it." Though he was utterly mind-boggled earlier with his physical contact with Lexi, her, having this obvious reaction with just seeing Morris Liu''s name displeased him. He had never been this annoyed with his buddy but right now, whether it was her reaction or not, Ethan might not admit it himself but deep down, he was jealous.


    After all, all Morris?Liu did to her didn''t benefit her, not the slightest bit yet, her she was, still affected by those lingering feelings she was so determined to let go or what she had told him that night.


    "Huh? Why would I?" Puzzled by his sudden change of mood, Lexi''s brows arched as she turned her head back to his inexpressive side profile.


    "If you''re really moving on, answer it¡­ for me." Keeping his t tone, Ethan insisted with his eyes fixed on the road. She let out a faint humped as Lexi couldn''t understand his unreasonable demand.


    It''s not like she was avoiding Morris Liu because of those so-called ''lingering feelings'', but, she just wanted to keep herself away from him! For god sake, she was going to an audition and she doesn''t want to spoil the light mood that Ethan built for her.


    "Fine, whatever."?Lexi clicked her tongue before she unhesitantly tapped the green button that soon connected the line.


    "Meet me at the LAB now." As usual, the moment the line went through, Morris Liu''s overbearing personality was too intense that even Lexi could not help but cringe in annoyance. Without Ethan''s permission, Lexi still courtly responded like what an assistant should say.


    "My apologies, CEO Liu. However, Director Ethan Lu was handling some personal matters and was unable to get there ''now'' with a very short notice. Still, rest assured he''ll be there, just a littlete."


    Morris: "..."


    For a while, Morris Liu kept his silence when he heard Lexi''s familiar voice before he spoke again, "Why are you with him?"


    "CEO Liu, if you understood Director Lu''s dilemma, then, I will be hanging up. Thank you." With that said note, Lexi cut the line short with a mocking smirk on the side of her lips. For some reason, she felt annoyed that Morris Liu was alwaysmanding Ethan like he was his boss.


    However, in her knowledge since she was raised knowing how the business world moves, the Lu family and the Liu family were on the same ground. Hence, how dare he demand everyone like they were all below him! This simple fact alone surely irked Lexi to the core as she red at the innocent Ethan.


    "You! Are you a pushover?"

 Chapter 96 You mean this is important?

    <h4>Chapter 96 You mean this is important?</h4>


    As Ethan Lu waited for her answer from his unusual demand, his grip on the steering wheel tightened and his jaw clench. He expected that Lexi wouldn''t utter a single word or worse, suppress her cries which he doesn''t want to happen with his selfish request. Hence, regretting his decision in an instant.


    After a second, Lexi unhesistantly agreed then picked up the call, Ethan was shaken to the core when she responded in a polite yet firm tone. He almost gasped in disbelief by her audacious and taunting words that would surely displease Morris Liu.


    After she calmly said herst piece on the line, Ethan felt the ominous aura that began to emit from her before she yelled that nearly deafened him that made his jealousy be thrown on the side.


    "Are you a pushover?!"


    "Ehhh?!" Hearing her insulting question with a touch of usations, Ethan was filled with questions marks. Never in his life he was called a pushover or anything near that word. After all, he''s dauntless enough to break all the strict family rules and live with his life the way he wanted it.


    Moreover, aside from his long dating list, Ethan Lu''s reputation towards his fellow businessmen was well respected because of his capabilities as an individual; being the Lu family''s heir turned out to be a plus in the end. Hence, how did Lexi came to a conclusion that he''s a pushover? Just what did his best buddy Morris Liu told her in a fraction of seconds for her to get mad this way?


    "What ''eh?'' If he told you to get there this instant, will you fly there no matter what it takes?" Still furious on Morris Liu''s overbearing tone that irked her to the maximum level, Lexi''s eyes became more sharp as if one wrong word from him, she''ll kick him out that instant.


    "Did he said I should meet him now?" Guessing the usual dialogues of Morris Liu, Ethan''s face twitched. Didn''t she get used to him all these years? After all, Morris was always like that.


    ''Wait, does this mean she would fly even if she''s a mile away if she received a sudden call from him just like thest time?'' Suddenly, this thought hovered on his mind which made Ethan pull over on the side of the road near her destination.


    Turning his disbelief eyes on the fuming Lexi, he frowned as he asked. "You think I''m a pushover because of that?"


    "Uh huh, if you''re not here, will you go?" She instigated, unappeased as she crossed her arms around her chest. Lexi didn''t realized it yet but how she was acting right now was akin to an aggravate girlfriend from the unjust treatment of her boyfriend. Furthermore, Lexi didn''t know why she was vexed and overreacting but to her, that''s not important because she wouldn''t ept someone treating him this way.


    "Well, of course yeah¡­"


    "See?" Dismayed after hearing his honest response, Lexi retorted in an instant.


    "I mean, I will, since I asked him an important favor but if I''m doing something important, we would have to push back the time!" Ethan exined feeling defeated by her hot headedness. However, part of him was touched with her unusual concern about him.


    Lexi was slightly taken aback when Ethan exined the situation even further. She arched her brows as the fury inside her heart was reduced by an inch. "You mean, this is important?"


    "Of course! It''s your first project after a while." Relieved that Lexi calmed down, Ethan didn''t gave thought about his words as he spoke his mind.


    Lexi: "..."


    Upon hearing his blunt yet touching words, Lexi was rendered speechless. From the time she joined the entertainment industry, aside from the support of her parents, no one ever thought that what she was doing, whether for herself or for her unrequited love, was important to her.


    Hence, having him saying those words as if it held much importance than what she thought it was, ripples of emotion circled inside her untouchable heart. Not to mention, he actually imed that it was her ''first'' project as if he was certain that she''d get the role.


    "Okay? I am not a pushover, and I will never be. But, I certainly know how to acknowledge my position -- it will still benefit me in the end." With hisst reassurance, Ethan gently smiled at her speechless countenance before revving up his car and resumed on driving her to the back entrance of the establishment.


    ----


    "Off you go," Stopping at the said destination, Ethan announced with a smile. Turning his head in her direction, he raised his brows as he watched her unbuckle her seat and fixed her simple yet elegant dress. He added,


    "Are you sure, I shouldn''t wait for you?"


    "Hmm, yeah. Abi will drive me home." After her brief ritual, Lexi nced at him and immediately looked away. For some reason, Ethan was dashing with his unruly hair matched with a genuine smile.


    "I can''t move chu¡­" Churu who didn''t budged on herp since earlier unenergetically spoke which distracted Lexi from whatever thought she had in mind about Ethan. Looking down on the 50/50 life of the adorable, always cheerful dumpling, Lexi felt bad for her.


    Hence, Lexi came up with a ridiculous idea to help her best friend. Finding her phone from her shoulder bag, Lexi held it on her palm then picked up Churu and ced her over it beforeying her other palm beside the other.


    Witnessing her being this weird while holding her ''phone'' as if it was the most precious thing in the world that would be gifted to God, Ethan knitted his brows, puzzled. "Err¡­ what are you doing?"


    "Uh, getting in character! Yeah, this is how I do things. Ha ha." Lying without batting an eye, Lexi awkwardly found an excuse. After all, she couldn''t say she was carrying an invisible dumpling over her phone. She resumed in a bashful tone,


    "Uhm, will you open this door?"


    "Ohh¡­ alright," Ethan bought her excuse as Lexi had different side of her and thought that this was one of them. Therefore, though he found it silly, he didn''t dwell on it as he sprawled his body to open the door for her.


    As he does so, Lexi leaned back and slightly raised her hands keeping it together. Somehow, when his faint natural fragrance wafted her nostrils, she blinked her eyes numerous times as she could not express herpliments into words.


    She never took notice about his looks and his usual light fragrance thus, Lexi was confounded why her mind was being extra today. Was this because of Churu''s ''silence'' that her subconscious mind automatically point these things out in the little dumpling stead?


    "There you go." After slightly opening the door for her, Ethan didn''t lingered near her and surprisingly managed to keep his heart at bay. Seeing that she was in a daze with her palms stillid open with her phone on top of it, Ethan waved his hand.


    "Hey?"


    "Ah, right. Thanks!" Snapping back to reality, Lexi hastily exited.


    "Psst!" Just as she stepped her foot outside, she heard Ethan that made her looked down on the gape of the opened window with a confused gaze. There, Ethan was smiling to her as he uttered,


    "Congrats!" He then winked. To her dismay, he had been winking at her all the time yet this time, why was she affected now?


    "Thanks, take care on your way." Managing to throw her ridiculous thoughts at the back of her mind, Lexi shook her head as she spat her thanks of ims on his congrattory greetings before resuming on going inside the establishment.


    Ethan watched her entered the establishment while she kept holding on her phone in a silly way. Chuckling, he murmured.


    "That silly girl¡­ she really fits the role." He then went on his way with a subtle smile on his lips.

 Chapter 97 Isnst that sexual harassment?

    <h4>Chapter 97 Isn''st that sexual harassment?</h4>


    As Ethan Lu drove his way back to his private vi, he yet again, received another phone call. ncing at it, he clicked his tongue in annoyance before he answered the call.


    "Say, my good grandson Tantan, when is my great grandchilding?" The very instant the line connected, Ethan''s face twisted.


    ''Great grandchild?!'' He was too speechless at his grandfather''s inquiry that Ethan couldn''t construct a proper sentence. After all, he was focused on being used with her that could make him purely see her purely as a friend not someone he sort of like. What more? He just called him by his childhood nickname Tantan!


    "What family is she from? I''ll arrange a marriage to see my cute little grandkids product of my proudest creation ha? Ha?" Edward Lu on the line dawdled in pure excitement as if he was prepared to arrange the marriage if Ethan dropped Lexi''s name.


    "Gramps! Don''t get ahead of yourself -- jeez!" Still hadn''t recovered from his grandfather''s advice on how to get a girl, Ethan grumbled.


    [Short shback]


    "I remember you said you''re a love guru, right?" Ethan''s eyes lit up as he suddenly remembered how his grandfather boast that women flock on him in his prime years; that even herte grandmother who was the most conservative woman in the world gave the white g to him.


    After Edward Lu coughed his lungs out by the abrupt topic, he cleared his throat and answered. "Of course, I am! There''s no woman at that time that wouldn''t confess to me!"


    "I mastered the craft of romance through each and everyone''s help. My child, you might not know this but sometimes, looks weren''t enough. You need to be a little rough and harsh, pinned them on the wall or throw them to bed -- they like it rough and sometimes, nasty hehe." Edward Lu touched the tip of his nched mustache as he heartily gave his advice. However, Ethan looked at him in disdain as if he could not believe or ept this person as his grandfather.


    "Isn''t that sexual harassment?"


    "What sexual harassment? They liked it in the end! Especially if she was unsure of her feelings!" Displeased at Ethan''s ungratefulness of his benevolence.


    Granting that Ethan was a known yboy, Edward Lu was well-versed of his grandson''s ploy and why he chose to be one. After all, Ethan always wanted to divert the eyes of the core members of the Lu n away from him that led him to what he was now. However, Edward was more worried about this grandchild of his because Ethan, not for once, vied for power nor did he showed schemed that he nned to take over as the family head. Which made him think that Ethan would continue this way until Edward Lu ran out of life.


    "Nevermind then," Ethan shook his head in disappointment. He regretted for wanting some decent advice from his grandfather as Ethan would never unhear his statement and see his dignified grandfather the same way ever again.


    "Not unless, she''s like your grandmother, who was too hard to get, then, there''s a different way to get her." Ignoring his grandson, Edward Lu continued as he slowly caressed his mustache and pondered about something.


    Although Ethan''s initial question in mind wasn''t about to get a girl as he knew it like it was written at the back of his mind, his interest was piqued upon hearing the solemn tone of his grandfather. Unconsciously, he became more attentive as he anticipated his grandfather''s next words.


    "Don''t contact her and she''ll miss your presence."


    "That''s it," Ethan''s interest instantly vanished as he heard his grandfather''s advice. In his perspective, three days were already enough to know if Lexi would even think about him which she didn''t!


    The night went as both grandfather-grandson duo bantered just about anything.


    -end of shback-


    ----


    [Present Time]


    "I hope you''re doing well Gramps¡­ I''m hanging up," With that said piece, Ethan immediately hang up on his persistent grandfather. Just talking with him reminds him of his words that nights, hence, Ethan Lu wanted to retain the slightest delusion that his grandfather was a normal person.


    As soon as he cut the line with his grandfather, Ethan''s phone rang again. Fortunately, he arrived at his ce as he drove with his usual speed unlike when Lexi on board. Parking his luxurious car, Ethan frowned to see the caller ID of Chris Yu.


    "What?" It was evident by his voice that Ethan wasn''t in a good mood receiving calls from everyone.


    "Woah, what''s up with brother Mo and you? I smell something fishy eh?" On the line, Chris Yu sounded bemused as he didn''t expected Ethan''s response same with Morris Liu. Based on their voice, both seemed to wake up on the wrong side of the bed.


    "Whatever, but Ethan, about Wren Tanaka¡­ it seems like the Han family was gaining his favor." Shrugging his curiosity behind the sullen mood of both his friends, Chris Yu get down to business. He resumed,


    "Also, since that banquet was like his promation of the people he wanted to work with and you''re the only one among us who was invited -- you know the drill."


    "Uh, that¡­ don''t worry, someone is handling it." Scratching his temple, Ethan Lu affirmed as he was reminded of Lexi''s smiling face when she heard from Wren Tanaka. Of course, Ethan wasn''t dumb enough not to figured the facade of that memorable yet life-threatening banquet.


    It''s not that he was uncertain if he could make a proper deal with Wren Tanaka, however, Ethan somehow wanted for Lexi to aplish whatever she needed toplete as she stoop so low to cut whatever ties she had with Morris Liu. Also, he was confident on Lexi especially if she set her mind to it.


    "Someone? Don''t tell me it''s your girl?" Chris Yu spected as he could discern the cringy gentleness from Ethan Lu''s voice when he uttered the word ''someone''.

 Chapter 98 Let them see your fangs

    <h4>Chapter 98 Let them see your fangs</h4>


    "Tsk tsk, don''t ask. Anyways, what the location brother Mo wanted us to meet?" Shrugging his friend''s assumption, Ethan inquired as he forgot to ask Lexi. Moreover, she might be focusing on her audition hence, he didn''t want to disturb her.


    "Eh? Didn''t he tell you where?" Puzzled, Chris Yu inquired. In his knowledge, this kind of important discussion that Morris Liu would personally handle, how would someone like Ethan also regard this with much importance wouldn''t know this simple meeting ce? Also, Morris Liu should have informed Ethan by now that the documents he asked of him were in his hands. Therefore, an exchange of information should have been settled by now.


    "Just say it, damn it!" Ethan grinded his teeth in annoyance. Can''t his friend just say what he was asked and stopped probing on things that might lead to another teasing about Lexi? Ethan wasn''t always like this s, probably, his insecurity earlier that was set aside and his grandfather''s assuming things were now resurfacing and was being vented out to the innocent Chris Yu.


    "Woah Woah, chill bro! What''s with you? Getid and you''ll feel better, damn¡­" Dismayed at Ethan''s unusual attitude, Chris Yu spatted his advice. Minutes of dissing each other took ce before Chris Yu finally drop the location of the meeting ce while Ethan prepared himself as he argued with him.


    -----


    The moment Ethan hanged up on Chairman Edward Lu, the old man shook his head and clicked his tongue.


    "This brat!" He yelled in dissatisfaction as his favorite grandson was toofortable with him that he became more and more dauntless. To his knowledge, only Ethan Lu could treat this respectable man with pure transparency which Edward Lu actually admired about this grandson of his.


    Ultimately, Ethan was a genuine man that would speak his mind even to him and not some of those individuals that utter flowery words but schemed on his back. Ethan Lu actually reminded the old man of his younger years hence, Edward Lu''s favor of passing the majority of his shares in thepany to him was as clear as the day. The only catch is, Ethan doesn''t want it.


    "Chairman, the information about the young master¡­" Suddenly, a knock outside the enormous and grandiose study room of Edward Lu was heard before a man in his mid 40''s entered. He bowed his head in respect and ryed his report about the abrupt task his boss'' ordered.


    "Hmm?! Did you get the information who was the woman my grandson''s regrly hanged out these days?" When his trusted assistant came, Edward Lu''s persona gradually changed into a cunning yet dignified one. It''s as if he was apletely different person unlike when he was with Ethan.


    "Chairman, these are the girls that went out with young master months ago, but in the past month, he wasn''t seeing anyone of them." Edward Lu''s assistant Bernard Du passed a folder that contains different profiles of girls that Ethan Lu dated sincest month and the months before.


    "Ohh¡­ they look decent and their status is well, so-so. But, who was he seeing now if not of these pretty girls?" Skimming through the pages of the profiles of the girls that Ethan dated, Edward Lu was uninterested to read more after hearing that his grandson wasn''t seeing anyone of them.


    "Young Master had been very discreet and his activities nowadays were all being protected by his assistant. Chairman, it was evident that young master was purposely halting our intelligence." Bernard Gu didn''t hold back on his honest report. Indeed, though he gave an order to spy on the Lu family''s heir under Edward Lumand, Ethan Lu had foreseen iting.


    Truly, he could not judge Ethan Lu with his seemingly ignorant ploy as he managed to foresee thising beforehand. Regardless, this just means that Ethan Lu was hiding something... or someone that he was secretly keeping away from the eyes of the Lu family.


    Was it his lover? Did the young master finally had someone? However, if he was being extreme on hiding someone, does that mean he knew that the Lu family, especially the core members would disagree?


    "Hmmm¡­ interesting." Edward Lu caressed the tip of his nched mustache as his piqued interest intensified. The thought inside his assistant also hovered in his mind as he perceived this move of Ethan rather unusual. The corner of his thin lips curled upward as he spoke,


    "Withdraw all your man¡­ and slip a bit of information regarding this matter inside my family. I just had a good idea how to make him vied for power hehe." An unreadable glint shed across Edward Lu''s eyes as he spat his new order. He added with a voice filled with anticipation,


    "Let''s see how far this secret lover would push him¡­ Let this little game begin." Edward Lu grinned as he leaned his back on his executive chair. Since Ethan had been doing extreme means for an information lockdown that he never did before, Edward Lu was intrigued.


    It''s no harm for him if he knew who was Ethan hiding or whatever status she held -- whether she was at the lowest of the socialdder or not, as long as his grandson was happy, he doesn''t have a say. However, if worsees to worst, Ethan should know that having someone that lower his status had a huge price to pay.


    "Hehe, that brat¡­ let them see your fangs and prove that choosing you as my heir was the right decision I made in my life. Haha!" Edward Lu chuckled with the thought of his grandson maturing because of this forting pretense in the chaotic world of the families in the modern hierarchy.

 Chapter 99 Goddess Changse

    <h4>Chapter 99 Goddess Chang''se</h4>


    Meanwhile¡­


    Lexi cautiously entered the establishment using the back door while holding on the resting dumpling on top of her phone. She made sure to walk like she was walking on thin ice, afraid that it might disturb the snoozing dumpling.


    From the very beginning where Lexi met Churu and the urrence after that, she realized that she had never seen Churu slept! Moreover, Churu was always hyper whatever emotion she showed -- actually, all her emotions are heightened to the core that just watching her was already tiring. Understandable as Churu didn''te from this world.


    However, right now, Lexi couldn''tprehend why the little dumpling got this exhausted just by working out? Is it that tiring to this extent? After all, Lexi might say that she''s quite tired burning her fats with Ethan''s guidance, but Churu doesn''t even perform another routine aside from their minutes of jogs.


    "Sis¡­ are you alright?" In a whisper, Lexi worriedly inquired.


    If anyone sees her right now, they might think that Lexi lost it as she walks really slow with her palmsid together in front of her while her phone was on top of it.


    "Chuu~" [yes] Churu murmured but her answer came out as a faint ''chu'' indicating that she was very tired. This time, Churu could really feel more of Lexi''s tiredness transferring to her while Churu''s senses go to her.


    Fortunately, that''s the only strange thing that happened between them as Churu doesn''t want Lexi to know what was currently happening between them. Furthermore, it''s still a good thing that Lexi was gaining more energy as she had an audition to join and being exhausted might lead her to fail.


    "Sissy, I know you are tired but, I will have to put you downter¡­ Don''t worry, I will find you afortable ce alright?" Spouting her short notice, Lexi gently looked at Churu filled with worry.


    If only Lexi could go to a specialist for Churu to get checked, she would. That''s the level of uneasiness she was feeling right now. For a moment, Lexi was wanted to forget about the audition for Churu to rest -- whatever it takes whether facial mask session just for her to feel better.


    Unbeknownst to Lexi, someone took notice of her and was watching her from the distant. His get-up was simple with afortable ck t-shirt, ssic rxed fit jeans, and a pair of sneakers. By the looks of it, he seemed he was in his early 50''s.


    As he watched Lexi cautiously walked while holding her phone with her palmsid together, whispering to it with a motherly looked, the man nodded in satisfaction. Though Lexi was ridiculously beautiful like a goddess that descended from the heavenly realm, what she was doing was too stupidly silly yet funny in her own way.


    "I found my goddess." He murmured before taking strides to Lexi''s direction. It didn''t take a while when he reached Lexi''s position. He called out,


    "Excuse me! Wait!"


    The abrupt call rang on the silent corridor made Lexi flinched a little before she looked around to the source of the voice. There, she saw no one aside from the man in his 50''s walking to her direction. Her eyes instantly lit up when she had a clear view of the man striding towards her.


    ''Director Shen?!''


    For a moment, Lexi nearly dropped her palms to fixed her posture s, she was instantly reminded when she heard Churu murmured ''chuu~'' once again. Hence, Lexi kept her strange stance.


    "Are you perhaps auditioning for a certain role?" Without going in circles, Director Arnold Shen inquired.


    "Good day, Director Shen. Yes." Lexi bowed in respect as she answered. Her voice has a touch of awe as if a little girl finally meeting one of her idols. She could not hold back the excitement of being approached by one of the best directors in the country. However, Lexi felt burying herself on the ground as she could not believe that she''d face him while she was carrying Churu on her palms.


    In other words, she was not presentable enough and he might think that she lost it after all the crisis she was undergoing.


    "What role?" Satisfied with her humble attitude, Arnold Shen smiled with glee as he inquired to the role that she wanted to audition. Based on Lexi''s visual and her luxurious yet simple attire, he assumed that she was aiming for a higher role; perhaps the female lead or main antagonist.


    "I am aiming for the role of Chang''e, Director Shen." Mustering all the courage she could, Lexi ignored her odd stance as she responded for the role she must get.


    Upon hearing her response, Arnold Shen''s eyes lit up. "What''s your name again?" Since he was slightly unaware of Lexi despite her instant fame due to his busy schedule shooting an international movie, he inquired.


    "Myst name is Yang, Lexi Yang."


    "Hmm, your name sounds familiar¡­ well, whatever. Come with me Goddess Chang''e." Arnold Shen momentarily pondered as he heard somewhat heard or saw her name somewhere but he shrugged it off as it wasn''t important to him at the moment.


    Peering at Lexi that stood before him with all the specifications he required for the role, he nodded as Lexi really fits the role. Moreover, the role of Chang''e was one of the roles that hard to find the perfect fit.


    Because, what he was looking for was not just a beauty but also, a person who was naturally silly in contrast to her smart beauty. Moreover, he had witnessed the auditionees for that role and others acted too cute to the extent of being cringy while others portrayed Chang''e as an airhead.


    Hence, seeing Lexi while he was on a break, that very moment, Arnold Shen was beyond happy that finally, someone gave justice to the important role that he needed in hisst movie.


    "Huh?"


    "Yes, Chang''e -- you got the role."

 Chapter 100 How dare these scoundrels!

    <h4>Chapter 100 How dare these scoundrels!</h4>


    Lexi was instantly dumbfounded when she heard Arnold Shen''sst statement.


    ''I got the role? That fast? Just¡­ how??'' For a moment, she could not find the right emotion to feel and words to say as she stared at Arnold Shen''s smiling countenance like a fool.


    "Come on," Arnold Shen was satisfied to see her mixed expression of delight and confusion. What he sees before him was the exact expression he needed for Chang''e -- a natural beauty of a goddess that descended in modern times.


    Lexi heedlessly followed behind Arnold Shen not knowing where he was leading her. As they walked, Arnold Shen exined why he decided to give her the role without screening her.


    "You know, I have seen the first batch of auditionee for Chang''e and none of them passed the standard I am looking for. After all, this role is important to me and to the whole plot of the movie -- that is why, besides choosing the right person for the main casts, my dilemma was to pick the artist for fits the lunar deity. Luckily, for some reason, my feet drag me on the back door entrance of the establishment for light and saw you." Arnold Shen chuckled by his luck. He doesn''t know it himself but for some reason, he decided to wander and ended up on the back entrance of the establishment where he saw Lexi. He resumed,


    "You know, I had been watching you since the moment you entered and I find it really silly for a person like you to act strange¡­ which is also the reason why I wanted to offer you the role. But, you already aiming for it. Haha! What a coincidence!" Recalling how odd Lexi naturally acted earlier while being ignorant of her surroundings despite her beautiful image.


    Since the role of Chang''e was a deity that descended to a modern-day. Like a newborn kid, she would attempt to know the world that had a drastic changed after thousands of years after she ascended to the moon. Hence, the character of being a little strange was one of her characteristics.


    Just then, Arnold Shen was abruptly interrupted as his phone rang. Groping on his pocket, he turned to Lexi who was beyond surprised by his exnation of why he chose her. Meekly smiling at her, he excused himself as he needed to pick up the call.


    "You can continue on the way of where the audition was going -- I''ll meet you there alright, Miss Yang?"


    Lexi slightly bowed her head in agreement, before Arnold Shen went on his way to answer the seemingly important role.


    "Uh, sissy?" Still holding Churu the same way she had been holding ever since Lexi murmured.


    "Congrats chu~" Slightly recovering from her fatigue, Churu congratted Lexi with a thumbs up. This time, the little dumpling wanted to fly around and dance in glee for her abrupt eptance of getting the role she eagerly practiced when they were alone. Sadly, with her current state, Churu could not hence, she could only give her a thumbs up.


    "That''s¡­ weird." Lexi murmured as she resumed her strides towards the area where she was initially heading for the audition.


    ---


    When Lexi appeared in the said area, Abigail was walking back and forth while holding her phone with an anxious expression. The moment Abigail Fan saw Lexi''s familiar figure on the side of her eyes, she instantly looked on her way and her face lit up.


    "Lexi! Thank God you''vee!" Abigail Fan heaved a sigh of relieved. She thought that Lexi backed out and wouldn''t audition for the side character role. She added,


    "The audition for Chang''e''s role was about to start -- I thought you changed your mind." Abigail Fan smiled in satisfaction, however, as her eyes traveled on Lexi''s odd stance, her brows knitted.


    On the other hand, Lexi arched her brows as she already knew what was Abigail Fan was about to ask as she herself would ask the same if she didn''t know the reason why. After all, she couldn''t think of any better ce to put the magical dumpling as she was worried that Churu might get suffocated if she ced her in her purse.


    "Don''t ask, pretend that you don''t see anything." Lexi tly warned.


    Just then, the familiar voice of the ever-annoying Che Diayu was heard from behind Abigail Fan which made Lexi''s brows twitched.


    ''My my, what good luck.'' Lexi murmured inwardly the moment she heard Che Diayu''s voice. She already prepared herself to meet the familiar faces of her former ''friends'' but, deep down, Lexi hoped that she wouldn''t have to deal with Che Diayu.


    "Lexi? Lexi Yang?! Did youe to audition for Chang''e''s role as well? What a coincidence!" Che Diayu''s voice sounded d however, Lexi clearly detected the sarcasm in her voice. She added,


    "Though, I am surprised that despite your ongoing scandals, you''ll still try your luck here." Chuckling with a gaze of mockery, Che Diayu audaciously disyed her insults to Lexi. Behind her, were Che Diayu''sckeys that giggled with her. With Che Diayu''s unreserved voice, they somehow gathered the attention of other artists from the corner and turned their heads on the end of the corridor.


    The moment they saw Lexi''s presence, murmurs on the tainted girl that instantly rose to fame months ago then crashed from stardom with countless scandals that ruined her career. Hence, murmurs from each of everyone began to resonate.


    "What? The has been trying her luck again?"


    "I bet she wanted to drag thest movie of Director Shen with her."


    "I doubt that Director Arnold Shen would even bat an eye when he sees her."


    "Huh, the ambitious drama queen was now auditioning for a side character''s role? Pfft--!"


    Upon hearing these insults -- Churu who was draining of life earlier rose from her rest to save the day as steam started to emit from her as if her fatigue instantly vanished.


    "HOW DARE THESE SCOUNDRELS CHU!"

 Chapter 101 Conduct yourself with dignity

    <h4>Chapter 101 Conduct yourself with dignity</h4>


    Lexi jolted when Churu suddenly stood and pointed her tiny index finger on everyone. Just moments ago, Churu doesn''t have the energy to talk and now, she was calling them names as if she was more affected than her.


    "How dare these -- chu¡­" Churu was about to continue her bursting, however, she abruptly wobbled back on Lexi''s open palms as if she was low battery again.


    Unaware of Lexi''s strange action, the corner of Che Diayu''s lips curled into a mocking smirk. In her eyes, whatever reason Lexi has, it doesn''t matter as someone like her shouldn''t be there. ncing at the righteous manager Abigail Fan, Che Diayu let out a faint scoff.


    "Manager Abi, I heard that you were dismissed because of misconduct -- I must say though, you''re quick to find another racket with sister Lexi." Surely, Che Diayu had became more confident with her seemingly friendly conversation with Lexi from the murmurs she heard. Even Abigail Fan, she wouldn''t let her off.


    Abigail Fan clenched her fist as her jaw tightened by Che Diayu''s statement. Fire out? So, that''s what those higher ups told everyone that she was fire out instead of quitting herself. However, Abigail Fan held back as she knew what this Che Diayu wanted and she could never give that to her.


    ''This b*tch¡­ if not for Lexi''s crisis, she wouldn''t get all the resources I had for Lexi.'' Dissing inwardly, Abigail Fan grinded her teeth. If she could only grab Che Diayu''s hair, she would certainly be bald at this moment. However, as professional as her, Abigail Fan only humped to release the fury inside her heart.


    "Ohh, it''s you, Diayu." After worriedly checking Churu and made sure she was fine, Lexi finally raised her gaze to Abigail Fan then to Che Diayu. She also nced at her twockeys behind the boastful girl before greeting her. She added,


    "I thought it''s a fly buzzing -- I didn''t noticed it was you! My god, how are you after that¡­" Lexi pursed her lips as her brows raised as if she was hesitating to continue whatever she was about to utter. Seeing that Che Diayu''s boastful countenance slightly changed, Lexi smirked inwardly as she resumed,


    "After that night?" referring the humiliation Che Diayu had gone through back in the Yue Family banquet, Lexi sounded sorry yet, she''s also not.


    Abigail Fan darted her gaze from Lexi''s feigning innocence and Che Diayu who clenched her hand into a fist. She was unaware of whatever Lexi was talking about, however, seeing the glint that shed across Lexi''s eyes, Abigail Fan instantly knew that Lexi was deliberately scrubbing salt on Che Diayu''s unknown wounds.


    "You¡­" Through her gritted teeth, Che Diayu tried to keep her heart at bay. She had gone through extreme activities to forget the night that she had to disy her two facedness in front of everyone present. But, what she found more annoying was Lexi was there to witness how Wren Tanaka disregard her.


    "Me? I had a good time to represent my Yang family and fortunately, I didn''t humiliate my family." Still feigning her ignorance, Lexi unted the good times of that event and leaving all the unconventional events afterwards behind. Her voice also showed a little taunting for Che Diayu to know that she wouldn''t back down.


    "Huh, you really dare mention that after seducing my man." Not knowing what to retort, Che Diayu verbally attacked with her twisted lies. Upon hearing her ridiculous response, Lexi looked at her with disdain.


    However, as she peered at Che Diayu even more, Lexi''s brows knitted. For her, this scene was familiar -- actually, it''s too familiar as what Che Diayu was showing now reminds her of her old self.


    Lexi often acted a bully like Che Diayu to Mia Chen in the past. It''s as if it was already became a hobby picking on the poor Mia Chen who did nothing to her. s, Lexi still mes her for everything which led her to her karma.


    Che Diayu''s words are loud enough to reach the artists who were obviously entertained while listening and watching them. The moment they heard Che Diayu''s usations, some looked at each other with their lips with an ''O'' shape. To them, whether it was true or not, Lexi''s scandals are enough proof for them to believe.


    "What? She even seduced Che Diayu''s rumored boyfriend, CEO Wren Tanaka?"


    "So the rumors are true? She likes sleeping around with different men? No wonder her ex-fiance broke their engagement."


    "I heard that their family had a crisis, probably, she was looking to hug someone''s thigh."


    "Tsk tsk, what a waste of beauty and life."


    As expected, another batch of baseless spections were thrown at her. However, Lexi only had a nk expression as she fixed her pair of upturned eyes to Che Diayu.


    "Ha! That''s right! You don''t know how sister Diayu had gone through because of your greediness to men!" One of Che Diayu''sckeys bellowed as she red daggers a Lexi''s inexpressive countenance.


    "Not just that, she was purposely doing this because she surely knew that sister Diayu was auditioning for the role!" Che Diayus anotherckey chimed in like an airhead person -- taking advantage of the fact that no one would even believe Lexi even if she tells the truth. After all, her tainted reputation was worse than a person who doesn''t have any reputation to hold.


    "What --" Abigail Fan snapped as she could no longer take this insult. Granting that they disliked Lexi, however, why must they used Lexi with this nonsense? Sure, Lexi might not be the kindest nor is she the warmest person but Abigail Fan was well-versed on Lexi''s unbending loyalty to Morris Liu. However, just as she was about to defend Lexi, she was interrupted when Lexi shushed.


    "Shhh, please everyone, conduct yourself with dignity." Lexi then turned her gaze towards Abigail Fan and resumed, "Manager Fan, will you hold my precious phone for awhile?"

 Chapter 102 Baddest Bitch

    <h4>Chapter 102 Baddest Bitch</h4>


    Abigail Fan altered her confused gaze to Lexi''s open palm and to her smiling face. "O-- okay¡­" Handing out her hand, Abigail Fan nodded in agreement.


    "No, not like that, but like this." Lexi tilted her head and instructed that Abigail Fany her hand together just like her and hold it just like what she was doing.


    "Oh," Puzzled on why Lexi was holding her phone like that, Abigail Fan still abided as instructed. When her palms wereid together, Lexi cautiously passed it to her as if she was afraid of injuring her phone.


    Seeing this, not only Abigail Fan but also Che Diayu and the rest was confused on Lexi''s stupid act. Is she on the right mind or whatever she was going through made her mind screw loose? They had already noticed her stance since the beginning, but now that she highlighted it, they could not help but focus on her.


    "Thank you, please hold it like that as I needed to get into character." Lexi smiled as she finally got to rest her shoulders and arms. After analyzing Che Diayu''s ploy, Lexi decided to let her be; for the sake of Che Diayu and for her.


    After all, Lexi wasn''t affected to whatever she was hearing right now as she was already immuned from different kind of bashing. Also, although Director Shen already told her that she got the role, she still wanted to warmed up just in case they needed her for Chang''e''s lines.


    "Huh, so you really think that you''d be lucky?" Che Diayu scowled as she could not believe the thickness of Lexi''s face. Not only she acted righteous by shushing her, but now, she was disregarding her. Hence, Che Diayu taunted once again -- wanting to get the results she wanted. After all, Lexi had little to no patience and Che Diayu was confident that she''d break her.


    "Lucky? Hmm, well, I''m quite lucky these days -- excuse me," Giving the opposite of what Che Diayu''s desired, Lexi caringly smiled as she slightly tilted her head indicating that the boastful girl should step aside.


    However, Che Diayu remained on her position with a mocking smirk. Arching her brows and levelling her bitchiness, she lowly muttered -- only for her, Abigail Fan, and Lexi to hear.


    "Well, too bad, our family invested in this movie so¡­ this audition was just for formality."


    Upon hearing this, her twockeys giggled in delight as if they knew it all along while Che Diayu showed a triumphant smile. She wasn''t supposed toy such information, however, for the sake of getting on Lexi''s nerve, she still spilled the beans.


    On the other hand, Abigail Fan seemed she was struck by a bolt of lightning the moment Che Diayu''s statement processed on her mind. Considering that investors had a two cent in the film, it was possible that this audition was just for formality so Arnold Shen''s unbribable reputation would remain.


    Meanwhile, Lexi didn''t had a change of expression. If she heard this before meeting Director Shen, she would probably feel dejected as well. However, that is not the case because based on her observation with her brief encounter with the said director, he really lived up to his reputation.


    Moreover, Lexi wouldn''t regard the man with his meticulous blockbuster films if his passion in his work wasn''t admirable enough. After all, back when she was active in the entertainment industry, Lexi was more inclined on the people behind every sessful film -- even underrated ones. Hence, this was like a checked bucket list to her if she got even a tiny role in Arnold Shen''s films.


    "Will you step aside¡­" Lexi inquired with a meek smile on the side of her lips as she took a step forward. However, seeing that Che Diayu and herckeys remained adamant with their ridiculing smile and gaze, Lexi took a couple steps forward and stopped two steps away from Che Diayu.


    "... or I make you?" By this time, Lexi''s initial smiling face drastically changed it''s aura. Though she kept the same countenance on the surface, her voice tell the three mean girls otherwise. This¡­ it reminds them of Lexi''s tyranny in the past.


    Seeing the familiar reaction she always received, Lexi resumed as she slightly leaned forward. "Che Diayu¡­ don''t forget that before you became the viin, I was the baddest bitch that you wouldn''t want in your story."


    After rying her warning, Lexi fixed her posture, she smiled. "Will you step aside now?"


    Indeed, Lexi might have seen her old self to what Che Diayu now, however, she also had a short patience of minutes to ask as polite as possible -- and this is the nicest warning she could do to Che Diayu.


    After all, if this Che Diayu would continue to run her mouth while blocking her way, Lexi was afraid that she might snap and would give her a solid p that could lead to anotherwsuit and could lose her chance of getting starred in Arnold Shen''s film.


    "Thank you, lets go Manager Fan. Oops, careful with the phone." Seeing that Che Diayu and herckeys were beyond bbergasted, Lexi resumed on her stride while the three bullies heedlessly steps aside. On the other hand, Abigail Fan heard Lexi''s warning loud and clear. Even though that her words weren''t for her, but she felt a cold run down her spine.


    This is Lexi Yang she had known, or rather, the fragments of the Lexi Yang she used to know. In retrospect, Lexi would have pped Che Diayu without further ado to shut her hence, Abigail Fan couldn''t discern if what to be surprised about; Lexi giving a warning or Lexi''s slight change?


    Regardless, Abigail Fan was satisfied seeing Che Diayu''splexion turned pale. It''s as if she got her revenge along with Lexi''s terrifying tone that reminds her of those challenging days being her manager.

 Chapter 103 Wrapped up

    <h4>Chapter 103 Wrapped up</h4>


    Despite the odd nces, Lexi found a spot for her to sit on. Arching her brows, Lexi nced at the other artist that made them immediately looked away. Beside her, Abigail sat while carefully holding Lexi''s phone.


    "Lexi, do you really think that this was only for formality?" Still disturbed on Che Diayu''s statement seconds ago, Abigail Fan inquired. After all, if what the girl said were all true, then, even if she was confident with Lexi''s skills, there''s little to no chance of her getting the role.


    "Hmm, I think so too¡­" Uninterested in her manager''s troubled heart, Lexi faintly hummed as she responded while slowly closing her eyes. She added,


    "...unless Director Shen doesn''t care what others think."


    Lexi''splex statement left question marks on her manager. What does she mean by that? Was she expecting that Arnold Shen would just announce not to waste everyone''s time because they already had a person to portray Chang''e? Or was she referring that if Arnold Shen doesn''t have the guts to do so, the little chance of her to showcase her acting skills could change their minds?


    Soon, the door of the room where the audition was taking ce opened. Everyone subconsciously looked and saw a girl staff that was in charge of informing whos next to audition. As everyone anticipates who was next in line, the staff apologetically spoke.


    "Everyone, I apologize but today''s audition was wrapped up."


    Upon hearing this abrupt announcement, disappointment from almost everyone gradually showed on their faces. Among them was Abigail Fan as her sliver of hope for Lexi''s career to rise back in the limelight was clouded. She could not help but recalled Che Diayu''s ims earlier.


    On the other hand, Che Diayu smirked as she cast her triumphant gaze across her. Though Lexi didn''t have a slight change on her surface, Che Diayu was still satisfied to hear the announcement. In her mind, the reason why the audition was abruptly finished was because Director Arnold Shen had probably received a call from her agency -- indicating that they give the role to her.


    Hence, just thinking that Lexi would lose her mind behind her, Che Diayu was beyond delight.


    ''How dare you threaten me like that? We''ll see if you could keep your high horse after this.'' Che Diayu ridiculed inwardly. It was probably from jealousy of Lexi catching Wren Tanaka''s attention or the fact that she was Lexi''s formerckey that Che Diayu was inclined to get on Lexi''s nerves.


    Despite being frightened earlier seeing hearing the former Lexi she knew, however, Che Diayu convinced herself that there''s no powerful family that backs her up since Lexi''s engagement with Morris Liu was called off, therefore, she believed that their current standing was on par.


    "Sis -- Lexi, uhmm..." Turning her conflicted gaze to her side, Abigail Fan pursed her lips as she didn''t know what the right words she must utter to coaxed Lexi. After all, her informant told her that the audition was free from bribery and yet, it seems she thought wrong.


    Moreover, knowing Lexi''s attitude, she must be beyond displeased inside her and she''d probably wouldn''t give Abigail a chance to manage her again. Lexi didn''t respond despite hearing the abrupt announcement. She remained in her seat for some time with her eyes closed; getting herself into character.


    The staff kept bowing and apologizing to the other auditionees as each and everyone began taking their leave in great dissatisfaction. After all, it was very rude to halt the screening just because they thought they got the person fitted for the role.


    Yet, they couldn''t speak their minds afraid that if they spouted their discontentment, the consequences would be dire. After all, Arnold Shen was still an influential individual in the entertainment industry.


    Soon, only Lexi, her manager Abigail Fan, Che Diayu and herckeys were the ones left on the waiting area. It was obvious that Che Diayu purposely didn''t leave as she wanted to unt her victory to her. In her little mind, Lexi''s reason why she chose to stay was to try her luck and plead to give her a chance.


    At the same time, Lexi finally opened her eyes and moves it to Abigail Fan''s hands where sleeping Churu rests. After seeing that she was doing good, Lexi heaved a sigh of relief as she unintentionally turned her head to see the Che Diayu across her.


    Blinking her eyes numerous times, Lexi''s expression was nk yet filled with pure innocence despite her smart beauty. Seeing her eyes, Abigail Fan gaped her lips apart as she knew that the person beside her wasn''t Lexi anymore but the lunar deity Chang''e.


    "Tss," Che Diayu scoffed as her assumptions in her mind were correct. She slowly stood?and this time, she was more dauntless as she prepared herself not to back down if Lexi would threaten her again. Slowly taking strides towards Lexi, Che Diayu thrust her chin a little upward as she looked down on Lexi''s innocent yet nk front.


    "You should give it up -- there''s no way you''d snatch the role from me even if you plead for a chance." Che Diayu crossed her arms around her lower chest as she sneered.


    "That''s right, even if you get in character now, you''re wasting your energy." Lackey number one backed up with a ridiculing smirk as she looked down on Lexi as well. After her, the otherckey also chimed in.


    "Sister Diayu, let her try¡­ she seems desperate without the spotlight on her."


    "Well, I am only trying to save her ego -- we were friends before after all. But, if she really wanted to witness how they''d hand over the schedule for the role to me, then, suit yourself." Che Diayu sneered as felt superior with a stronger resolve this time. Surely, she wouldn''t stop even if Lexi'' asked her to.


    Unbeknownst to them, the door from the room where they''d be screened silently opened from the inside revealing a group of people.

 Chapter 104 How did you become this... ill fortunate?

    <h4>Chapter 104 How did you be this... ill fortunate?</h4>


    Among the group of talented individuals, Arnold Shen was with them. Seeing Lexi''s stance, he raised his hand indicating them to stop and then ce his erected index finger in front of his lips to silence the already silent group.


    In his eyes, this was the perfect chance to proved to this colleague that the person he adamantly squeezed as Chang''e was right. After all, he received a call earlier and one investor wanted to ce the actress name Che Diayu as Chang''e. However, Arnold Shen had seen the girls acting skills and even if he said that she''s not bad, it just too mediocre and was certain that she wouldn''t give justice to this important side character.


    His refusal of the order, of course, lost him an investor but, Arnold Shen regarded this film with much more important than the rest of his previous project as this was his own script and hisst masterpiece before he retires. Hence, he was willing to shell out more money if that''s the cost of his nopliance.


    Lexi looked up to Che Diayu without a change on her expression. She kept peering at her like she was examining her whole soul. Slowly standing up, Lexi fixed her gaze on the girl who took a step back.


    Slightly tilting her head on the side, Lexi''s hand slowly raised and seeming to reach out to Che Diayu''s face. However, she stopped midway and unhurriedly retracted her hand as she wordlessly knitted her brows while lightly shaking her head.


    Her action obviously made Che Diayu confused. To her, Lexi had be more strange than earlier. Not to mention, why does she look like she was dismayed about something yet, she also seemed disheartened?


    "Sis, I think she really lost her mind." One of Che Diayu''sckey whispered as she somehow got goosebumps seeing the strange action of Lexi. After all, Lexi was like a deranged person that was unaware of it.


    "My¡­" Lexi finally spoke in a low disheartened tone as she held her closed hand on her chest. ncing back at Che Diayu, Lexi shook her head again and she attempted to reach her hand to her -- and again, halted several inches away.


    "My poor child¡­ how did you be this¡­ ill fortunate?" Lexi heavily sighed as if her heart was pulverized by what''s in front of her. She added,


    "God has created wonderful things¡­ howe you had a face like a bulldog chewing a wasp?" As polite and demoralized Lexi may sound, there wasn''t a touch of ridiculing on her voice. It is as if she was genuinely dispirited on Che Diayu''s face while trying to be polite.


    "You!" Che Diayu''s face instantly reddened and her hand balled into a fist after being insulted right in front of her face. She had never been called ''ugly'' as she maintained her slim face and fair skin with a huge price. Moreover, how could she ept these offensive remarks?


    Just then, a loud, slow pped reached Lexi, Che Diayu, and the rest''s ears. Breaking the ominous atmosphere that was surrounding them, they subconsciously turned their heads to its source.


    There, Arnold Shen was grinning as he made his way to them while pping his hands. Behind him were other important individuals that were in-charged of the screening. Soon, Arnold''s group reached Lexi''s position as his ps stopped.


    On the other hand, Abigail Fan abruptly stood from her seat as she respectfully bowed her head to the group that came into the scene. Somehow, she was relieved that they came to interfere as Abigail Fan was afraid that Che Diayu would lose it and start a catfight.


    The instant Che Diayu saw Arnold Shen approached, her fury subsided. Since it came to this, the best revenge she could return to the insult Lexi spouted was to p her by getting the role.


    "That''s my goddess Chang''e!" Arnold Shen heartily announced as he turned his gaze to hispanions. The people behind him nodded in satisfaction as they were finally convinced of the director''s choice after seeing her portray and give justice to the role.


    Upon hearing this, Che Diayu''s eyes lit up as she cast Lexi a mocking nce before sweetly smiling to Arnold Shen. Slightly bowing her head, she greeted.


    "Good afternoon, Director Shen. I''m d to finally meet you."


    Abigail''s heart sank when she heard Arnold Shen''s statement. By the looks of it, since his right hand wasid open near Che Diayu''s position while he boasts on his choice for Chang''e, she thought that he was referring to her. This gave her a much-dreaded feeling that Lexi''s once in a lifetime chance vanished.


    "Oh! Miss Che Diayu? I''m good." Arnold Shen was too excited hearing Lexi utter some of Chang''e''s dialogues and he was utterly satisfied with it. He had almost forgotten about Che Diayu existence and his disgust for the girl. If she didn''t greet him he wouldn''t even bat an eye but, for professional reasons, he still did. As his assistant hand over a script and the said schedule of readings and other events before filming. He resumed,


    "Oh, by the way, this was the script for Chang''e and the schedules..."


    Che Diayu eyes lit up as she posts a receiving stance, but to her dismay, Arnold Shen''s hand redirected and stopped in front of Lexi.


    "Miss Lexi Yang. Hehe, I apologize to keep you waiting -- things happened earlier, hehe." He apologized with a smile while giving her the folders she needed.


    Fortunately, there''s another way to return on the screening room, hence, it only took him little time to argue with the people that tried to bribe hisst movie to direct with money.


    "You don''t have to, Director Shen -- I truly understand. Thank you," Lexi received the folder with a reserved smile.


    "Hehe, Okay then, I''m looking forward to working with you." Arnold Shen and Lexi exchange more pleasantries before the group excused themselves to tend to other things.


    When they left, Abigail Fan was speechless to the core as she looked at Lexi in awe. Meanwhile, Che Diayu paled, not only she was ignored most of the time but also, Lexi got the role instead of her?


    "Well, I guess I got lucky again¡­" Lexi purposedly blurted out in delight without giving Che Diayu and her twockeys a nce. She added,


    "Manager Abi, close your mouth, let''s go."


    "Lexi Yang! Just what underhanded means have you done to snatch this role from me?" Che Diayu bellowed through her gritted teeth, however, no matter how angry she was, Lexi apathetically gazed at her nearly popping vein on the forehead.


    "Underhanded means? Do you mean bribing Director Shen just like you did? Do I have to though?" Smirking at the beet redplexion of Che Diayu, Lexi heeds her no mind as she began taking strides. As if being reminded about something, Lexi turned her head back to Che Diayu.


    "Oh, by the way, thank you for being my acting partner¡­ and you are right, I came here to try my luck and well¡­ it seems I''m lucky." She uttered before resuming on her track with a smirk.

 Chapter 105 Side Quests COMPLETED!

    <h4>Chapter 105 Side Quests COMPLETED!</h4>


    [ Congrattions! Side Quest: Find a job COMPLETED!


    Side Quest:


    Gain 140 lbs (Completed)


    Bless your lips with a kiss (Completed)


    Find a job (Completed)


    Rewards forpleting all the task:


    Instant slimming skill (back to the host''s original weight of 136 lbs)


    Plus 20 points for the guide!


    System''s guide: Level 2 (45/50)


    Skills: No avable skills]


    As Lexi make her way to the establishment parking space, the ever familiar tone of the notification from the system soon disyed in front of her. Upon seeing this, the corner of her lips formed a subtle smile as another task waspleted. Moreover, she didn''t have to break a sweat and beat her muscles to loose weight; despite feeling that she wasn''t as tired as she expected.


    The only task left was to make Ethan realized her feelings, hence, without this side quest, she could somehow focus and n toplete this one as well. She didn''t know when did it start that Lexi was slightly being entertained withpleting the task. It''s as if there''s a weird feeling of delight whenever she aplished her task. Furthermore, it was actually an effective therapy to move forward -- a double edge therapy that she hadn''t realized it yet.


    "Sister Lexi, what just -- I mean, did you know Director Shen was there?" Catching up to her, Abigail Fan hastily inquired. Still holding Lexi''s phone with great caution, she didn''t know what just happened.


    Not only Director Shen gave the Chang''e role to Lexi but he sounded he had decided beforehand. To her perspective, even though Lexi did a good job portraying the role, did she already knew that the role was already decided?


    "Hmm," Lexi hummed a tune as a response to her manager''s inquiry. Indeed, she had sensed Director Shen''s presence, hence, she chose some lines of Chang''e and continued with her portrayal as her audition piece. For some reason, Lexi was also appalled on how her senses were heightened.


    First, sniffing Ethan''s faint scent that she didn''t notice before, and now, Director Shen and his groups'' presence. If Lexi wasn''t having these abnormalities, Lexi wouldn''t even know that Director Arnold Shen was there.


    Reaching to Abigail''s ck,pact car, Lexi turned her figure to face Abigail behind her. "Pass that to me." Thrusting her chin forward, Lexi pointed at the precious phone where Churu used as a bed.


    "Oh¡­ here," As careful as instructed, Abigail watched Lexi open her palm then ced then connect it as she waited for her to pass the phone. Still confused on the reason why Lexi treated her phone as if it was the most fragile thing yet, Abigail Fan chose not to ask about it and wordlessly and carefully hand the phone like a newborn child.


    "Thanks¡­" Lexi murmured as her gazed softened when she carried Churu. In the eyes of a bystander, Lexi was like a mother carrying her child, however, that''s not the case because they couldn''t see Churu and only the phone was visible to them!


    ----


    As they settled inside the car, to Abigail''s surprise, Lexi perched in the front passenger seat and not at the back. In retrospect, Lexi habitually treated her as her driver and she would automatically head straight at the back seat. However, this time, Lexi asked her to open the front passenger door for her which Abigail cluelessly abided.


    ncing at Lexi, she saw her ced the phone on herp before slowly sliding the phone as if there''s something above it that she doesn''t want to disturb.


    ''Ah, okay¡­?'' Abigail Fan scratched her temple by her index finger as she recalled Lexi saying earlier, ''pretend that you didn''t see anything''. Whatever Lexi was going through, Abigail Fan knew that she''d passed this phase of her life. After all, everyone bes weird at times and this was probably Lexi''s way to distract herself from her career crisis.


    Meanwhile, when Lexi sessfully slid away from the sleeping dumpling with discretion, she heaved a sigh of relieved. She already guessed that Abigail Fan must be having weird thoughts about her but she could not care less. After all, she got the role while taking care of Churu.


    As silence enveloped inside the car as neither of them uttered a single word, Lexi finally broke the deafening soundlessness around them with a calm instigation, "So, you were fired?"


    "No! After getting all the resources I painstakingly acquired for youreback, they want every single one of them! When I refused, the agency tried to suppress me and assigned me to manage untalented artists; so I quit! Now, they are telling people that they dismissed me due to misconduct!" Being reminded of Che Diayu''s information, Abigail Fan''s hand tightened on the steering wheel as she grinded her teeth.


    Indeed, back when Lexi was starting, Abigail Fan volunteered to manage her. After all, setting aside Lexi''s stressing attitude problem and her good family background, the girl has talents. She believed that Lexi wasn''t a person who she depicted her to be and at times, she proved her right yet, most of the time, wrong; especially when Mia Chen was involved.


    Regardless, Abigail Fan could say that despite having several headaches from Lexi -- she finally managed to see the good side and bad side of her. Therefore, even though Lexi was being ruined by ambiguous scandals, Abigail Fan tried her hardest to keep the resources for her but in the end, she was pped back with the reality that she was a nobody before those powerful individuals like the Liu Corporation.


    "Is that so?" ncing at Abigail Fan''s restrained angst, Lexi slightly nodded her head in understanding without a change in her calm expression. She added while unlocking her phone,


    "Then¡­ why don''t you start your own agency?"

 Chapter 106 Letting him know

    <h4>Chapter 106 Letting him know</h4>


    The very instant Lexi uttered her words, an abrupt squeak was heard as Abigail Fan stepped on the break anding to a full halt. Fortunately, Lexi was secured by the seatbelt and only made her suddenly leaned forward before being pushed back again.


    She automatically blocked Churu from falling before casting a deadly re to the driver''s seat.


    "Are you trying to kill me?!" Lexi growled, agitated on the abrupt maneuvering interruption that happened. What displeased her the most is the fact that Churu almost fell from herp and if it wasn''t for her fast reflexes, the poor dumpling would roll to the car''s footrest.


    "Sorry sorry -- I was just too shocked about what you said!" Realizing his hasty action, Abigail Fan apologized but she slightly raised as she exined the cause behind it. She never expected that suggestion from her as Lexi must have known that she already tried before, but to no avail, establishing an agency in this industry was easier said than done.


    Moreover, who''s the artist would she manage? Lexi? She hasn''t even confirmed if she would acknowledge her as her manager despite agreeing to this arrangement. After all, they didn''t have a signed contract and this could be considered as the leats favor to return the unconventional help Lexi had done in the past.


    After a heavy sighed, Abigail Fan resumed on driving as she uttered, "I''m sorry, I just, you know¡­ had always been my n but with the current pretense between me and VM entertainment, I don''t think I could possibly do that. I am just d that this role may be your key to redeem your reputation back."


    "Apology epted but, don''t ever do that again. Also, send me a contract -- my contract with VM would end anyway." After calmly hearing Abigail Fan''s sincere words, Lexi offered. It might be such audacity of her to say such words as Lexi''s career seemed hopeless. However, from a businessman''s perspective, Lexi was confident with Abigail Fan''s capabilities. After all, she wouldn''t remain as her one and only manager if she didn''t have the knack for it. Hence, to Lexi, it was a good investment to put her forting ie from the movie.


    Furthermore, the movie was already a guaranteed hit. Therefore, it wasn''t questionable why Che Diayu could only bribe the side character role as it was said that Chang''e''s role would be an iconic one that would shine on its own aside from the main leads¡­ which on the second thought gave Lexi a realization -- this role reminds her of Churu.


    Upon hearing her benevolent offer, Abigail Fan heedlessly stepped on the brake once again causing the same urrence earlier. This time, Lexi''s eyes widened in disbelief as she just forgave Abigail and she repeated it again! Rendered speechless by what to feel, Lexi slowly turned her head to Abigail Fan''s direction.


    That very instant when Abigail Fan realized what she had done again, herplexion paled and panic gradually disyed on her face as she clumsily reasoned out. "I -- I''m sorry but I just -- I was just too shocked from your offer!"


    Seeing how Lexi wordlessly sharpened her eyes, Abigail Fan''s heart was immediately engulfed with dread. This time, her brainless action must change Lexi''s mind as she already told her not to do it again. Abigail Fan didn''t notice Lexi''s hand that was assisting invisible creature on herp.


    "You¡­ Just what are you thinking?!" Growling in dismay, Lexi grinded her teeth as this was the second offense. To think that she just showed her mercy, she actually did it at the same time! This is her second chance in life for god sake and she doesn''t want to lose it because of Abigail Fan''s recklessness!


    "Sorry, sorry, really! I didn''t mean it -- it''s my fault! Sorry!" Abigail Fan uttered all the pleasing sorry she could ever spout in her life as she was terrified seeing Lexi on her beast mode. If only she could kowtow, she would!


    After some time, Lexi clicked her tongue in annoyance as she leered at her. It was pointless if sheshed out on Abigail. The most important is that Churu and Lexi were unharmed and she only needed for Abigail to drive her safe and sound.


    "Do it again and see what I''ll do to you," Lexi warned before leaning her back against the somehowfortable leather upholstery of the front passenger seat. Abigail Fan spoke her words of gratitude numerous times before driving again.


    This time, she made sure to secure her heart with an imaginary iron to prepare herself whatever bomb Lexi would utter. However, Lexi wouldn''t talk to her again, not unless they weren''t home.


    "We''ll talk in my ce -- we might not be lucky anymore if you stop driving in the middle of the road." Putting an abrupt period on their discussion, Lexi slightly shook her head as she unlocked her phone again.


    Since the beginning, Lexi wanted to give Ethan a call to deliver the good news. However, Abigail kept on interrupting and almost made her forget to inform Ethan. After all, he stubbornly urged her to not missed the chance and hence, she felt she was obliged to let him know at least.


    Thinking of what he might be doing right now, Lexi decided to send her a message instead of a call as he might be in the middle of a meeting as he had a scheduled meeting with Morris Liu.


    [To: Ethan Lu


    Hey, guess what? I got the role! Hmm, well, just letting you know. Anyways, thanks. ]


    God knows how many times Lexi deleted and rpose her chat with him and in the end, she only came up with this short message.


    "Whatever, this should be fine." Lexi faintly murmured as she unhesitantly pressed the send button which instantly disyed that it was sent. Meanwhile, Abigail Fan was slightly curious about what was Lexi mumbling about but heed no mind to it.

 Chapter 107 Consultation with Chris Yu

    <h4>Chapter 107 Consultation with Chris Yu</h4>


    Ethan Lu was solemnly flipping the page of the documents he asked from Morris Liu. As expected, the brief phone call that Lexi answered obviously displeased Morris Liu, hence, he didn''t show up. Fortunately, Morris Liu was professional enough to send his assistant to hand over the documents to the said meeting ce.


    "Hey brother, since it''s just the two of us¡­ Who''s the girl?" Suddenly, the peace around Ethan Lu shattered when Chris Yu decided to open his mouth and turn his busybody mode.


    Raising his gaze and stopping at Chris Yu''s sly grin across him, Ethan Lu frowned and he unenthusiastically responded, "Why does everyone want to know who she is? She''s a friend -- nothing important."


    "Exactly! You call her your friend! That''s the only reason why everyone''s interest was piqued!" In a matter of fact tone, Chris Yu looked at him in disdain as if Ethan Lu was the dumbest person he ever knew.


    Had he forgotten really forgotten his belief? Girls and guys could never be friends? Did he forget how he jinxed most of his friends'' friendship with other girls and predicted that they will end up in bed if they continued? Though what he said indeed happened, however, now that it was his turn to be the ''guy best friend'' of the year, it is only meant that it was their turn to jinx his friendship.


    However, Chris Yu''s perspective was gradually changing whenever he meets with Ethan. He could not pinpoint it but Chris Yu was certain that something had changed because of this ''friendship'' his dear friend affirmed.


    "I, Ethan Lu doesn''t give a damn with everyone''s interest! Give me a break!" Guessing the thought that hovering inside Chris Yu''s head, Ethan was utterly annoyed on their malicious mind. Pondering about something, Ethan Lu added as he leaned his back on the luxurious sofa of the lounge.


    "On a second note, I think I''m infatuated with her but that''s it. It will wear out after a week or two¡­ just a fleeting emotion."


    "Eh? Eh? Infatuated? Why, why? Spill the beans! I''m a love expert, this is your chance for a free consultation!" Hearing his confession, Chris Yu''s eyes lit up as he energetically hopped to Ethan Lu''s with great interest in the feelings that Ethan never admitted before.


    "Nah, I''ll pass. Thest person who said he''s a love expert advised me to do immoral things." Shaking his head, Ethan was once again reminded with his grandfather''s advice that he desperately wanted to forget.


    "No, no. What do you mean by infatuation? Like, you had a crush on her? Pfft--! Crush," Chris Yu suppressed hisughs as he imagined Ethan Lu, the ultimate yboy having a crush. God knows how hot and gorgeous his exes and he never admitted that he bore any emotional feelings to them.


    After getting hisposure back, Chris Yue probed further. "I mean, you think that she''s the most perfect girl you had ever seen?"


    Upon hearing this, Ethan tirelessly closed his eyes, yet, he still responded in the end. "No," Indeed, Ethan never thought that Lexi was perfect as she was originally a wed person that was being covered with her beautiful, proud front.


    "Eh? Then¡­ did you like her at first sight?" Knitting his brows, Chris Yu''s tone gradually turned solemn as if he was now taking this ''consultation session'' with importance. Of course, he was still intrigued by Ethan''s heart condition.


    "No," Thinking the time that Ethan''s first encounter with Lexi, she was being chased by the Morris Liu''s guard as they forbid her to go further the establishment. At first, Ethan Lu didn''t expect that he would bore the feelings he had now, because back then, he had a mischievous n to annoy Morris Liu by leading Lexi to him -- nothing more, nothing less.


    Only their encounter afterward made him see the good and side of the ''crazy reputation'' of her that made him admire her.


    "Huh? Let me ask this¡­ did you like touching her? I mean, you know, touchy-touchy under the sheets?" Now, Chris Yu''s full interest was piqued as he heard more honest responses from Ethan.


    ''What nonsense! We''re friends without benefits! She barely just epted me to be her friend -- how could I ruin that?" After hearing the ridiculous question of his friend, Ethan Lu abruptly opened his eyes and turned his disdainful gaze on his side.


    How the hell Chris Yu concluded that Lexi and Ethan were friends with benefits? Couldn''t they understand the word ''friendship''? Or do they believed that he was living with his d*ck in mind? Sure, Ethan Lu might have a long list of exes, however, the women he had touched was his first girlfriend! After that, he never got that far with his other exes.


    "Tsk tsk tsk¡­ you are bound to doom, my brother." Upon receiving his aggressive response, Chris Yu clicked his tongue as he got to see the result of his friend. He added,


    "Don''t tell me you started liking her after spending some time with her and with every encounter, your connection seemed to grow deeper? Also, don''t tell me that sometimes, you feel disappointed that she doesn''t see you just like what you wanted her to see you; for example as a man? But also feel content seeing her happy..." Chris Yu prattled without an expectation that Ethan Lu would agree or rather, he expected another ''no'' answer.


    However, as he raised his gaze to Ethan''s shocked, speechless front, Chris Yu''s eyes widen. Even if Ethan wasn''t saying anything, his expression was enough to confirm his answer.


    "What?! You do¡­ experiencing those things?" With a disbelief tone, Chris Yu stuttered as he could not believe that he hit the right circumstances that Ethan was undergoing.


    "How -- how did you... Hey, tell me are you reading my diary?" After some time, Ethan Lu asked in disbelief. What his friend said was entirely on-point. He does feel those feelings that he never gave much thought about it. After all, he had been trying to divert his attention from it. If Chris Yu didn''t mention it, Ethan Lu wouldn''t even realize it.


    "Huh? You''re writing a diary?" Chris Yu''s brows twitched with Ethan Lu''s statement. They had been friends for a long time but never did he thought that Ethan was writing a diary like a teenage girl. He doesn''t know if he shouldugh about it or questioned his gender preference.


    "Nah, was just checking if your head was alright." Waving his hands off, Ethan explicated his little abrupt test. He just wanted to know if Chris Yu wasn''t bbing things that were horrifyingly right.

 Chapter 108 Its too late bro

    <h4>Chapter 108 It''s toote bro</h4>


    "So tell me, how did you know that? And why am I bound to doom?" Getting back on the main discussion, Ethan Lu was now inclined to know the reason behind Chris Yu''s statement. In retrospect, among his circle of friends, Chris Yu had a past serious rtionship that was, of course, gone down the drain with no rity. Also, Ethan Lu never really thought that Chris Yu was being serious at that time as he never seemed he really cared about his break up.


    Regardless, with a more sensible question and on-point statement, Ethan Lu was a little at ease to listen as it was different from his grandfather''s love advice.


    "Man¡­ you are bound to doom because that is just not a simple crush or infatuation -- you like her¡­ or probably, fell for her already." Seeing the enthusiastic Ethan Lu, Chris Yu shook his head as he heavily sighed.


    From his point of view, there''s a huge difference between infatuation and love. Based on Ethan''s responses, he could fall on the category of love. After all, love grows while infatuation was more of a fleeting moment. If his friend showed signed that he was in love with his so-called friend, then, that would be a problem.


    Although they teased Ethan and was intrigued by her mystery girl, Chris Yu didn''t expect that his friend would fall this deep to that girl. He knew it, he experienced it beforehand and somehow, Chris Yu was well-versed on the pain of loving someone. Not to mention, with Ethan Lu''s current status and all the internal affairs of the Lu family -- it would be a real pain in the head to entangled his precious girl in the middle of their power struggle.


    "Eh? How can I fall for someone without even realizing it?" Frowning with his friend''s absurd spections, Ethan Lu blurted out.


    Granting that he liked Lexi and Chris Yu''sst question was right, Ethan Lu didn''t consider he was already in love with Lexi. Also, he didn''t think that far as he was confident that his fleeting emotions would subside in time. However, with Chris Yu''s unnned consultation, Ethan Lu pondered about it as henguidly rubbed his chin and leaned his back against the expensive sofa.


    After some time, Ethan Lu murmured, "But, that''s¡­ impossible."


    "It is possible. If I were you, get your ass out of it before you be a ve of love before its toote." Chris Yu shook his head as he opened the bottle of untouched wine that has been standing on the small table in the middle of the set of sofas.


    It is evident that he was slightly sympathizing with Ethan''s situation. Since he had a bad impression of the beautiful word called loved -- however, it was rare to find a woman who would want you just as you are and not because of what you can offer. Indeed, in this world where material things matter the most and deep feelings onlye in second, Chris Yu was concerned about Ethan.


    After all, Ethan had a tough childhood and even to this day, even if he acts dumb and free -- everyone knew that if he gets too fond of something or someone¡­ Chris Yu was afraid that Ethan would never be the same again.


    Hence, even though he sounded harsh and uncaring, to Chris Yu, prevention is better than cure.


    "So¡­ you''re telling me I shouldn''t talk to her? But it''s crazy when I don''t do that." Ethan Lu was somehow considering the advice of his friend as he was terrified with the word ''ve''. Thinking on his volunteer deeds to Lexi, despite not regretting it -- Chris Yu''s words had a point.


    Spending more time with Lexi makes his feelings grew deeper and sometimes, he was having immoral thoughts that a friend should not have. However, not keeping in touch with her makes him crazy that led him to overwork himself just to divert his mind away from her.


    Just thinking about it made him conflicted about which route to choose. Ultimately, he purely wanted to be friends with her, but, if this indeed continues, his feelings might not subside but could grow bigger. And if he stopped talking with her, then, that means the end of their friendship? Neither of the two, Ethan Lu would suffer, no?


    Suddenly, Ethan Lu felt his phone vibrated from inside his pocket suit; snapping him back from his stupor. Heedlessly checking who it was, his eyes lit up seeing Lexi''s caller ID on his screen. Without a thought, Ethan grinned setting aside all his ideas behind as he opened Lexi''s message.


    Chris Yu, on the other hand, nced at him and almost spewed his wine from his mouth seeing that Ethan''s serious countenance earlier as he pondered about his advice was suddenly surrounded with hair-raising sparkles. With this sight he witnessed, Chris Yu was now a hundred percent certain that his friend was trapped.


    "Ay, this guy¡­ tsk tsk, it''s toote bro," Shaking his head in disbelief, all could he could do was toment on the side as Ethan was indeed hopelessly in love without even realizing he was. He was tempted to take a peek of the message that made Ethan''s mood brighten -- more blinding than the sun. s, Ethan nced at him and blocked his phone by his hand which made Chris Yu rendered speechless.


    "Damn this lover boy." He dissed in dismay before grabbing his phone from his pocket andposed a message and sent it to his other brothers.

 Chapter 109 Oh... so, this is love?

    <h4>Chapter 109 Oh... so, this is love?</h4>


    After seeing her short message, Ethan grinned feeling proud of his girl. He already knew that the role was already hers when he drove her to the location and how she weirdly held her phone with great importance.


    Surely, his ambiguous thoughts earlier vanished into thin air as if he never had such thought. How could he let this girl go? Whatever the oue of hanging out with her, or even if he admits that he fell head over heels to Lexi, Ethan Lu couldn''t turn his back against her.


    Biting his lower lips, Ethan didn''tpose a reply and directly called her. After one ring, surprisingly, it was immediately answered unlike his other phone call whenever he makes a call. This, of course, sent waves of satisfying emotions inside his heart.


    Lexi: "Hey," When the line connected, Ethan''s heart nearly melt hearing her gentle and restrained happiness. Of course, with his ever-reliable radar, he instantly detected the indiscernible emotion behind Lexi''s tone.


    Surely, Ethan was alert that everything about Lexi. He wasn''t forcing it, but, it''s was programmed at the back of his mind to take notice with every little detail she showed.


    "Hehe, how was it?" Ignoring the disdainful looked from Chris Yu, Ethan indulged himself with the phonecall as he anticipates Lexi''s response with a full, blooming smile.


    Lexi: "hmm, it was fine¡­ lucky."


    "Just lucky? Doubt that. Well, I expected it after all. So, what are your ns?" Slightly creasing his brows because Ethan Lu highly doubts that she just got lucky, he honestly responded before inquiring what she''d do since she got the role.


    "Nothing in particr¡­ well, we could grab a drink I guess,"


    The moment Ethan heard herst remarks, his eyes widened as the trauma from thest time Lexi got drunk resurfaced. Hence, without a seconds hesitation, he strongly refused.


    "No, no, no, no! No drinking!" He unintentionally raised his voice which startled Chris Yu who was preupied with his phone. ring daggers at Ethan''s panicked expression, he clicked his tongue before he wordlessly turned his attention back on his phone.


    "Haha, kidding. Well, I don''t have any ns as I need to prepare myself before the filming starts." Chuckling on the line, Lexi uttered after hearing Ethan''s panic-stricken response. She was just teasing him and Lexi wouldn''t dig a hole for herself anymore. After all, thest time she celebrated something with him which led her to kiss him on the nose! God knows what would happen next if she got drunk again.


    "Don''t joke like that -- it almost gave me a heart attack." Sighing in relief, Ethan lightly patted his chest when she exined. He resumed,


    "Where are you now? Want me to fetch you?"


    "Ah, no. I''m with my manager and we''ll discuss some things. Oh, we''re home -- I''ll hang up first." On the line, Lexi excused herself which Ethan agreed despite wanting to talk to her a little longer.


    "Alright, see you tomorrow." With a dejected tone, Ethan bid his farewell.


    Lexi: "yeah,"


    Even after the line was cut off, Ethan Lu didn''t put down his phone immediately. At this time, he wanted to fly to the Yang mansion and congratte her personally as he wanted to share her happiness with him. Or whatever reason, he wanted to be there.


    "Tsk tsk tsk, look at that¡­ just look at him!" Chris Yu mocked as he focused his phone to Ethan''s direction. In the screen, Kevin Woo, Elliot Gong were on a video call and the moment they saw Ethan''s dejected expression, theyughed out loud.


    Kevin Woo: "Omo -- is he lovesick? Pfft-! That was gold! HAHA¡­!"


    Elliot Gong: "What a sight to see, pfft-! It was worthy to dy my schedule." In between their peals ofughter, both of Ethan''s'' friends spouted their ridiculing remarks which surprisingly made little reaction from Ethan.


    "Aiya, this guy is hopeless -- he should be cast out, tsk tsk." Moving his phone camera from Ethan Lu, Chris Yu clicked his tongue as he slightly shook his head.


    "Ha ha ha,ugh all you want mofos -- Hey, Chris, do you think I really fell for her? It''s just that, I always believed in her and this feeling that she achieved something, I feel really happy like I''m in a cloud nine for her. Also, I wanted to rush to her side and buy a whole mall as a congrattory gift -- is this infatuation or love?" Ignoring the irrelevantments from his other friends on the video call, Ethan fixed his eyes on Chris Yu who''s brows and lips twitched by Ethan''s persistence.


    On the other hand, Kevin Woo and Elliot Gong almost puked blood being ignored by Ethan. What more? He shamelessly uttered his cheesy feelings that the three thought they would never hear from their lifetime.


    Kevin Woo: "What the fvck? We came here for this?"


    Elliot Gong: "Well, this is not fun worthy now."


    "Uhhh," Chris Yu blinked his eyes numerous times as he stared at the eagerness that shed across his eyes. He resumed after a pause, "Yeah, I guess?"


    "Oh¡­ so this is love?" Nodding in understanding, Ethan didn''t bore any expression as if he would soon have a mental breakdown.

 Chapter 110 If I think you can, you should as well.

    <h4>Chapter 110 If I think you can, you should as well.</h4>


    ''Love¡­ love¡­'' Ethan kept repeating the word inside his mind as if a broken recorder. He could feel his brain short-circuited that made him hear every beat of his heart. Like a robot turning his head towards his friend Chris Yu with Kevin Woo and Elliot Gong still on the line, Ethan murmured in an aghast tone.


    "Bro code¡­"


    "Huh?!" As confused as they could be, the three were rendered baffled in unison. Did they hear him right? Which code of the bro code was he referring to?


    "Uh, this is bad -- really bad." Upon realizing something, Ethan Lu hastily stood from his seat in panic. In the midst of understanding his feelings even further, Ethan was reminded that Lexi, the woman who he seemed to like was his best buddy Morris Liu''s ex! How dare he forget that important part?


    "This can''t be --"


    "Hey, where are you going?! We still have to meet brother Moter¡­" Seeing that Ethan was rashly leaving while mumbling, Chris Yu called out. To no avail, his reminder was rendered shun as Ethan didn''t slow down and left -- just like that.


    Kevin Woo: "He''s getting weirder by the day. *sigh*"


    Elliot Gong: "Did he said bro code?"


    "Aiya¡­ Tsk tsk," Chris Yu clicked his tongue in disbelief. Though he didn''t understand whatever his friend was mumbling about, however, based on Ethan''s personality -- he''s probably going to confess his feelings; which is a very bad idea.


    "Good thing I didn''t phoned brother Mo for this." On the brighter side, Chris Yu heaved a sigh of relief for not pestering Morris Liu from this. Well, he was certain that he wouldn''t even bother to answer unless it was an important one.


    --------


    When Lexi and Abigail Fan arrived home, they instantly settled at the mansion''s garden to discuss the matter further.


    Sipping her freshly served hot tea, Lexi''s eyes raised to see Abigail Fan''s calming front across her. Putting down her cup of tea, Lexi spoke.


    "Well? Can you do it? Be the CEO of your ownpany?''


    Abigail Fan gulped a mouthful of saliva as her grip on the tea handle slightly shook. Fortunately, Lexi chose to discuss it here and not on the road or else, they might not make it home.


    Fixing her pair disoriented downturned eyes to the elegant woman across her, Abigail Fan''s lower lip trembled as she warily rified,


    "You mean, you are willing to invest? But¡­"


    "Ha¡­" Letting out a faint chuckle, Lexi was reminded of someone who would probably say the same thing she would about to utter, she resumed.


    "If I think you can, you should as well."


    "But, why? I mean, it''s too sudden for me to start my own entertainment agency and you, of all people, would willingly shell out money without any guarantee that this business would be profitable!" At this time, Abigail Fan didn''t have time to filter out about what to say as she spoke her mind out of bewilderment.


    "Hmm? Me out of all people?" Detecting the keywords on what Abigail Fan was pointing out, Lexi arched her brows. She already knew what kind of person she was in others eyes. However, Lexi didn''t quite expect that in this discussion, her manager would heedlessly speak her mind; which is somehow not the manager she used to know.


    "Ahh¡­ I mean --" Realizing the ambiguous wording she used, Abigail Fan''s heart raced as she looked at Lexi with great caution. Neither of them spoke as Abigail pondered on how she could sugarcoat her words. On the other hand, Lexi faintly sighed as she peered at the conflicted expression of the manager of hers.


    "You must have heard that after those malicious scandals blow up, I attempted to hang myself¡­" Lexi broke the stifling silence as she began to tell a story that she didn''t dare to share with anyone before; even to her parents as it could only reopen the wounds in their hearts. She continued,


    "Actually, now that I think about it¡­ those scandals, our family business being pushed to the edge -- they were not the root cause, they were just thest straw for me to make such a rash decision." Thinking of those times, Lexi paused and after a beat, she resumed once again.


    "I was already a mess before that. Even now, when I look back, I find it silly because that Lexi¡­ huh, I don''t recognize her. But, in those times¡­ the days that I was entirely blinded by revenge and love -- I overlooked and ignored the people who are being genuine to me despite my unconventional, unstable emotions." Without realizing it, the corner of Lexi''s lips curled into a subtle smile as her she looked down on her tea and traced its mouth by the tip of her index finger.


    "I am grateful that I didn''t die back then because I wouldn''t have to see these angles in life. I cannot say I have changed and became an angel¡­ but, what I know is, I can now appreciate the little things and the people who had silently believed in me." With the short conversation she had with Abigail Fan, Lexi with her heightened emotion felt the sincerity on her words which slightly moved her.


    She never expected that Abigail Fan would defend her while Lexi wasn''t looking and yet, she had always believed that she only had her parents to side with her until today.


    Actually, Lexi already had this thought in mind when she encountered rising star rookie Nadine. That, the people she expected to believe in her instead of baseless rumors that ruined her career were the least people she expected. Hence, Lexi wanted to encourage them to take the path that they will regret if they didn''t -- just like that goofy guy she knew.

 Chapter 111 To be at the top

    <h4>Chapter 111 To be at the top</h4>


    Abigail Fan was rendered speechless as she attentively listened to Lexi''s continues storytelling. She felt honored that Lexi shared this sensitive topic with her, and touched at the same time.


    In retrospect, Lexi had always this huge invisible wall around her that no matter how Abigail Fan showed her loyalty -- she won''t ever gonna see it. However, right now, Abigail Fan felt the vast distance between them gradually lessened. Hence, she believed that Lexi''s realization wasn''t a y pretend but sincere.


    Pursing her lips, Abigail Fan looked down on her fist that was ced on herp as tears started to form on the corner of her upturned eyes. Is this how Lexi care? Abigail had mixed emotions for some unknown reason. It''s as if the previous image she had with Lexi slowly shattered and only this understanding yet slightly changed woman were left.


    The words ''if I think you can, you should as well'' were enough to tug Abigail''s heart knowing that someone believed in her, but hearing further appreciation from Lexi, of all people, was beyond touching. God knows that ever since Lexi''s career went downhill -- Abigail as a manager also had rough days afterward.


    She had been feeling awful and depressed at the same time and thest person she expected to understand and unintentionally cheered her up without question was this Diva. Therefore, how could she not be moved by it?


    Looking up, Abigail Fan bit her trembling lower lip as her eyes were welling up, "Sister Lexi --"


    If only she could pounce on her while sobbing her overwhelmed heart, Abigail Fan would. However, she didn''t dare as she still had the slight consciousness of the do''s and don''t''s in interacting with this overly-sensitive person.


    On the other hand, Lexi rolled her eyes as she slightly shook her head with a brief chuckle. She could not believe the reaction that was stered across her manager''s face as Abigail Fan retrained her snots and her obvious sobs but miserably failed; it was hrious.


    "Well, fast forward, whether you think you''ll do well or not -- I think you will. After all, VM entertainment wouldn''t suppress you if you didn''t pose a threat to them." cing her elbow on the chair''s armrest while propping her jaw, Lexi smirked. She added,


    "Aim to be on the top so, no one could bully you."


    When Abigail Fan got a hold of herself, they discussed the matters further without any heartwarming words as Lexi went into a full business mode. Seeing her like this, Abigail Fan was in awe. She almost forgot that Lexi came from a business family because the time she spent with her -- Lexi''s head was full of ''how to bully Mia Chen'' and ''getting Morris Liu''s heart back'' that cloaked her brilliance in this aspect.


    "In the meantime, while I am preparing for my uing movie, contact all your resources and poach for potential starlets that could make it to stardom." Lexi''sst remark made Abigail Fan''s brows knit in confusion.


    "Umm, Lexi? Are you not going to pursue your acting career? Shouldn''t we suppose to stabilized your reputation and secure projects for you?" Initially, Abigail nned to clear the ambiguous scandals circting about Lexi, hence, she thought she must gather evidence that could prove Lexi''s innocence.


    "I epted this project because of its director, but, to be honest, I am uncertain myself what career my heart desires." Lexi nonchntly shrugged.


    Indeed, although deep down, Lexi quite had a genuine inkling to acting, she felt that it wasn''t for her. She actually never thought about going back if not for the fact that Arnold Shen was the one who would be going to direct the movie; not to mention hisst film to direct. Hence, to fulfill something inside her, Lexi auditioned.


    However, now that Abigail Fan mentioned it -- Lexi realized that she hadn''t found her equilibrium in life. Granting that she could inherit their family business, but, Lexi wasn''t really fond of the business line of the Yang Company. Moreover, she grew up believing that she must useful to her former fiance Morris Liu.


    Therefore, Lexi wasn''t quite sure what path to take after everything happened.


    Upon hearing her honest response, Abigail Fan nodded in understanding. Somehow, she got the gist of Lexi''s dilemma and understood that it''s not something she could probe further.


    "Alright¡­ Let''s just focus on this uing project. I hope you''ll find the ce where your heart belongs to." A statement filled with sincerity, Abigail Fan spoke her mind and legitimately hoped for the best of Lexi''s growth.


    She liked this new Lexi that was in front of her and this fresh business partnership they had begun. Standing up, Abigail Fan slightly bowed her head in respect to the person across her. Lexi, on the other hand, did the same and returned the bow courtly.


    "I''m looking forward to working with you," Lexi solemnly uttered with a subtle smile on her lips. Lending her slender hands for a handshake, Abigail Fan dly received it.


    "Me too, Miss Lexi Yang. Thank you for trusting me." In a professional pose, Abigail Fan warmly smiled back.


    ----


    As Abigail Fan left, deep down, both women knew that their rtionship not only as an artist and manager or business partners was formed; it also showed the seemingly impossible light of friendship with trust also surfaced that filled their hearts with a determination not to let down the other.


    "Well, I must say that opening-up is¡­ nice?" Feeling the burden that was weighing her heart down, her confession about the realization she had after her suicide attempt did not only encourage Abigail but also helped Lexi in her emotional state.


    Just then, Lexi heard the ever-familiar ping of the system''s notification that made her brows arch.

 Chapter 112 Soul searching

    <h4>Chapter 112 Soul searching</h4>


    [ Congrattions! You gained 2 allure points!


    Main Task: Make Ethan Lu realized his true feelings (2/100)


    LEVEL UP!


    System''s guide level: 3 (5/50)


    Rewards:


    Grow 2-centimeter height (Congrats.)


    Lessen the word ''chu'' (grats.)


    Skills:


    None ]


    "Huh?" Skimming through the status report, Lexi''s brows raised even more reading the dry congrattory in Churu''s rewards.


    "Why do I sense the sarcasm behind it?" She murmured at the attitude on the written report of the system. Does the system and Churu had an argument? Why does she think that this time, Churu and the system wasn''t one?


    Shrugging the matter off, Lexi nced at herp and gently pet the sleeping dumpling. Just then, Lexi once again heard the notification sound that caused her to abruptly raise her head.


    [Congrattions! You gain 2 allure points!


    Main Task: Make Ethan Lu realized his true feelings (4/100)]


    [ Congrattions! You gain 3 allure points!


    Main Task: Make Ethan Lu realized his true feelings (7/100)]


    [Congrattions!


    Congrat...


    Congra --!!!]


    Dumbfounded, Lexi''s jaw nearly dropped on the ground as she was being spammed with this allure points! And worse? It seemed it wasn''t stopping any moment! cing her palms on her ear, Lexi felt irritated at the constant pinging sound.


    "Ugggh, what is that guy doing -- is there a mute button?" Through her gritted teeth, Lexi''s uttered. Surely, this constant spamming sound was too insane that might affect her mind if it continues. Also, what is Ethan doing to realize his feelings for her? For Christ''s sake, she hadn''t done anything just yet!


    After some time, Churu suddenly opened her eyes -- feeling fully recharged and hyper! "Chuu~!!! I''m back baby!"


    The moment Churu felt the enormous energy flowing through her veins, she danced in the air with her waist moving sideways while her arms moved upward and downward in jubtion.


    "I am finally free chu!! Oh yeah, baby! Lexi got the role -- double celebration, yay! Oh! Mr. Main task spamming allure points chu!" The moment Churu recalled all the things she missed to leave ament, she continuously blurted out without a thought of Lexi''s stress.


    "Uhhh, Sissy, will you mute this?" Massaging her temples, Lexi was distressed as she could still hear the spamming sound of the system which was annoying to the core.


    "Oh¡­" Turning to see the distress Lexi, Churu snapped her fingers that silenced the system''s notification sound. Tilting her head sideways, Churu giddily probed.


    "Say say Lexi -- what do you think that triggered Mr. Main task to realized his feelings~?"


    Heaving a sigh of relief, Lexi raised her stressed eyes to the flying dumpling that came back to her original merry, always excited attitude. "I don''t know!" She rolled her eyes, still massaging her temple, Lexi added.


    "Also, I''m starting to doubt that this system is for me -- it should be his since Ethan''s doing all the work."


    "I know right? Hihi. Omo omo~! Will he go here chu~?" Thinking of possible happenings if these points kept on adding up, Churu was on fire.


    -----


    Hours had passed and it was almost dinner yet, Lexi''s allure points already reached 40 and counting. Though it wasn''t as constant unlike earlier, it was still garnering enough points from time to time.


    Lexi didn''t bother by it as she was relieved that she could not hear the spam notification from the system and decided to continue her night rituals. While applying her moisturizer, Lexi heard a faint knock from outside her bedroom.


    Raising her brows as she halted her skincare routine, Lexi spoke. "Come in."


    "Young miss, someone sent this for you." As soon as Lexi permitted her toe, a middle-aged maid entered -- bringing flowers and several paper bags with her.


    "Oh¡­ ce them there. Thank you." Putting down the jar of moisturizer, Lexi stood from her seat as she instructed one of their longtime maids to ce it on the soft pink sofa on the corner of her enormous room.


    After aplishing the instruction, the maid bowed her head before she wordlessly left her room. Lexi strode to the things that were given to her. She picked up the bouquet of red roses and sniffed its aromatic fragrance.


    "Hmm?" Seeing the small card along with the flowers, Lexi raised her brows as she picked it up and read its short content; it says,


    [ Congrats!


    -Ethan Lu?]


    "Wow wow wow~! Flowers from Mr. Main Task chu~!" Churu who was the happiest of allmented on the side as she read the short message from the small card. Though part of her was slightly disappointed that he didn''t add something cheesy with it, these gifts slightly appeased her.


    Just then, Lexi''s phone rang that snapped her from her stupor. Going to the side of her bed while carrying the bouquet of fresh red roses, Lexi picked up her ringing phone and saw Ethan''s caller ID.


    Without a second hesitation, Lexi answered the call. "Hello?"


    "Hey¡­ Uhm, did you received my congrattory gifts?" Sounding a little awkward and conflicted, he inquired.


    "Hmmm¡­ thanks." Lexi was about to say that he didn''t have to do this and it was a little too much, however, she decided not to. Hence, she only spouted her ''thanks''.


    Ethan: "Hehe, right."


    Sensing his strange tone, Lexi raised her brows as her curiosity was piqued. Since Ethan was somehow realizing his feelings for her, thus, Lexi wanted to know what happened. "Hmm? What are you doing?"


    Ethan: "Ah, nothing -- just¡­ I need to undergo soul searching. I left your training and diet schedule with the gifts so, yeah. Just letting you know."


    "Huh? Soul searching?" Dismayed on his news, the corner of her eyes twitched. She shouldn''t be surprised right? However, she could not believe that Ethan''s persistence not to fall for her or rather, acknowledge his feelings for her was this intense that he''d wander the world just to forget about it??.

 Chapter 113 I have no say to him.

    <h4>Chapter 113 I have no say to him.</h4>


    The call went on for a short time before Ethan finally bid his farewell.


    "I''m near my destination so, I have to hang up now." With great reluctance, Ethan Lu uttered. On the line, Lexi didn''t immediately respond as she tried to absorb Ethan''s obvious lies.


    "Uh¡­ alright." With that said piece, the call was cut short.


    Heaving a sigh of relief, Ethan put down his phone as he patted his chest to calm his racing heart. After his unnned consultation with his dear friend Chris Yu, Ethan had to treat the matter with great importance.


    Hence, he recalled all the past scenarios with Lexi; her smiling face, her usual snob front, the fact that she was full of surprises, and how she made him feel content with just being with her -- Ethan could not help but scream inwardly.


    If what Chris Yu said were all true then, Ethan indeed fell for Lexi! However, thinking about her connection with Morris Liu and the unbending obstacle of his Lu family -- Ethan could not help but feel his head throb in pain.


    Just what did he get himself into? Falling in love wasn''t what distress him, but the person he fell in love with! How could he heedlessly offer friendship and even shamelessly urged her to call him big brother if he''s going to fall in love with her?


    Furthermore, he fell for Lexi for god sake! Ethan was clear that pursuing the girl and hoping to get her sweet ''yes'' was more impossible than a pig to fly.


    "Aish!! I''m so dumb! So dumb! So dumb!!" Stomping his feet in annoyance, Ethan grumbled.


    He had never felt this frustration in his entire life. That is why he needed some peace of mind. However, even if he wanted to just go awol. -- he was concerned that Lexi might think that he abandoned her without a word.


    Surely, this action of his only added to his frustrations as it only miss her more!


    "Young master¡­ why are you doing this? Are you tired of working so you''d be willing to convert into a monk now?" As usual, the most affected person of Ethan''s abrupt decision for soul searching was his loyal assistant; Lyrick Jiang. If he could weep right here and now, he would.


    Lyrick Jiang was beyond mind-boggled when Ethan Lu exited the lounge where his secret meeting took ce. He, of course, followed his young master but to his dismayed, Ethan dropped an enormous bomb saying; "Clear my schedule for a whole month -- I have to go soul searching.


    Everything happened so fast as Ethan hastily dropped off to a luxury mall. At first, Lyrick Jiang thought that this was the soul searching Ethan Lu was referring but he was rendered speechless when Ethan headed to an elegant boutique for women.


    Everything that caught his boss''s eyes was immediately wrapped. Unfortunately, Ethan seemed to be on the brink of insanity as he only sent a few of them while the rest were carried by Lyrick Jiang. After that, Ethan went to a famous flower shop and bought all the flowers. However, just like what he did on his first purchase -- he only sent one bouquet, the rest must be carried by the heroic Lyrick Jiang, again.


    Lyrick Jiang was curious who was the recipient but to no avail, Ethan Lu personally filled up the form and privately talked to the shop management as if the address was the nation''s ssified information.


    Just when Lyrick Jiang thought that his young master''s tantrums were done and he''d go back to his productive self -- Ethan Lu announced that he''d stay in a temple. His assistant almost copsed as his boss was dead serious. How about his important arrangements in the next several days? Should he really need to cancel all of them?


    Ethan didn''t utter a single word with him as his boss talked to himself and now, they are near a mountain temple while his boss was still letting out his frustrations.


    "Shhh! I have to clear my mind to work properly -- tell that to Gramps." Ethan Lu inhaled then heavily exhaled to calm his exasperated mind. Looking up at the steep, mountain stairs towards the peaceful temple he usually goes whenever he needed some peace, a glint of determination shed across his eyes.


    Indeed, right now, Ethan Lu could not think properly and whenever he feels like this, he always goes in this ce for a breather. After this, Ethan Lu was certain that he could find his answers and things he must take -- whether it leads to breaking his sacred bro code or not, he was sure that whatever decision he woulde up with, Ethan could decide with a clear head.


    "Alright." He murmured before he started taking a stride towards his destination. On the other hand, Lyrick Jiang dragged his heavy feet and followed his young master. By the looks of it, he gave up on trying to stop his boss as nothing seemed to waver his determination.


    ---


    "When is he nning toe back chu?" Churu instigated in dismay as right now, she wanted to drag Ethan and make him stare at Lexi for his soul searching.


    "I don''t know." With her brows knitted together, Lexi shook her head as she put her phone down on the bedside before she started checking the gifts Ethan sent her. In one of the paper bags, a subtle smile formed on the side of her lips as she saw a folder.


    Picking it up, Lexi began flipping its page. The routine and her diet meals she must take for the whole month was already written there. For some reason, she felt touched by this seemingly simple gesture more than the luxurious dresses.


    "That guy¡­ I have no say to him." Lexi chuckled as she was speechless by his effort. Aside from her parents, Lexi never had someone to exert such effort without asking anything in return.

 Chapter 114 One month after...

    <h4>Chapter 114 One month after...</h4>


    29 days had passed since Ethan Lu went to his close cultivation. Relishing the fresh air, Ethan Lu peered at the beautiful sunset while both of his hands were on his back. It had been almost a month since hest talked with Lexi and Ethan never thought that he''d survive.


    At first, it was indeed harder than he thought it was. Fortunately, with the help of the reliable monks in the temple, Ethan managed to attain the peace he needed.


    "Young master Lu, are you really going back tomorrow?" Behind Ethan, an elderly monk inquired with a gentle tone.


    Turning to see the monk behind him, Ethan Lu smiled before he courtly bowed. "Yes, Master."


    Raising his head and fixing his pair of calm eyes to the monk he called Master, Ethan added; "Thank you for your help, Master. My stay here was indeed helpful, as always."


    The monk smiled in satisfaction before he started taking strides with his hand on his back and stopped beside Ethan. Looking at the wonderful scenery, the monk spoke again. "Young Master Lu, I hope that whatever decision you have chosen, may it lead you to happiness."


    "Thank you, master." Looking back on the horizon, Ethan''s eyes soften as he was reminded of someone who''s beauty was iparable in his eyes. He resumed after a beat,


    "Master¡­ my only happiness is her happiness. In my stay here, I kept on denying and attempted to forget the feelings I had for her. However, the more I resisted, the more it intensified. One day, I realized that it was useless because my heart¡­ she already owned it." Reminiscing his struggling days in the temple, Ethan Lu chuckled as he found his action silly.


    He had always like simplicity and frequently choose the easiest path to take. However, he bothered to spend a month away from Lexi. Yet, he didn''t regret it as Ethan couldn''t deal with his feelings properly if he wasn''t in the right mind. Hence, even if he epted it sooner than he expected, Ethan still decided to stay on the temple.


    "It was funny that we knew the same people in our circle, knew each other''s name and basic information, but, we didn''t get a chance to meet all these years. I had always asked this question but now, I think the reason why is because it wasn''t the right time for us to meet yet." Amused by how amazing it was, Ethan could not help but appreciate the existence of Lexi; the woman who made his heart race numerous times.


    The woman he was willing to protect and the reason why he wanted to man up was all solely for her sake. God, he was head over heels with her and he truly missed her.


    "I never thought that just thinking of her existence, I wanted to grow myself so in the future¡­ she had someone to rely on. She''s a stubborn, proud woman but God, I like her." Slightly shaking his head, Ethan Lu could not believe that he was saying this but it''s the truth.


    The elderly monk attentively listened and nodded with a satisfied smile on his face. Since he knew Ethan even before -- the young man had always gone there to calm his head with his Lu family problems. Hence, the monk was mildly surprised when Ethan showed up with a different dilemma.


    But now, seeing that the always rebellious young man of the Lu family had found his reasons to man up, the monk was satisfied. He genuinely prayed that the girl he talked about and Ethan would live filled with love that could conquer every obstacle they would face in the future.


    "Bless both of you." The monk replied which Ethan wholeheartedly epted his blessings.


    Just one more night and he could finally see her. Ethan had mixed emotions just the thought of seeing the person he missed the most. Actually, he didn''t know what he''d do or say when he does.


    ''I wonder what she''s doing right now.'' Ethan thought inwardly as different scenarios shed across his mind to whatever Lexi was currently doing.


    -----


    "Oh my gosh¡­ this is funny. Pfft-!" Lexi cracked up while watching a newedy show. Countless bags of chips, choctes, and different unhealthy foods that she had been putting on her system in the past month slightly shook when she pped the sofa that she reposed on.


    In the past month, Lexi didn''t follow the schedule that Ethan left. Instead, she ate more than she should and gained more fats.


    "My, my, is this what they call stress eating chu?" Shaking her little white head, Churu felt hopeless with her host.


    She had been forbidding her from eating so much junk food but to no avail, Lexi didn''t listen to her with the reason that she has an instant slimming pill.


    Since her reasoning made sense and Lexi never forget to practice her lines, Churu has nothing to say. She only hoped that Ethan would soon show up as she was afraid that Lexi might turn into a pig if he didn''t.


    "Stress eating? Haha! No. Who said I''m stress just because Ethan went M.I.A?" Denying Churu''s spections, Lexiughed like she was unaffected.


    "No one said that chu." Rolling her eyes, Churu flew on Lexi''s side and she sniffed. Seeing this, Lexi''s brows creased.


    "What is it?"


    "Why do I smell Mr. Main task chu?" Churu kept on sniffing as if she could really smell someone''s presence.


    Lexi''s eyes widened in disbelief as she threw the bag of crispy mushrooms in panic, "He''s here? Sissy, quick! Hand me the slimming pill!"


    "Pfft-! Hihi, ihh¡­ kidding." Upon hearing Lexi''s panic-stricken reaction, Churu giggled as she hastily flew meters away from Lexi.


    "Sissy! You dare pull that trick on me? It''s myst cheat day and tomorrow will be the start of my shoot." Lexi frowned in dismay with the prank she never thought would work on her. She red at Churu and added,


    "Also, I alreadypleted my mission and the next task... I don''t want to think about it yet."

 Chapter 115 See you

    <h4>Chapter 115 See you</h4>


    The next day¡­


    Currently, Lexi was in an outdoor shoot and she was waiting for her turn. While she waits, she apathetically skimmed through the script on her hand. However, Lexi already memorized and practiced them countless of times in the past month, hence, the unchanging emotion on her surface.


    Lexi had consumed the instant slimming pill she received as a reward frompleting her side quests. God knows how much she gained weight from her stress eating due to numerous reasons including Ethan''s absence.?Fortunately, the system gifted her that miraculous reward as she didn''t have to worry about her weight gain and instant went back to her original 136 lbs weight.


    "I wonder what time I am going to start..." Shenguidly murmured.


    [Short summary of her whole month]


    Lexi was confused as well because she didn''t give much thought about Ethan before; as he always messages or calls her from time to time. The longest period he didn''t contact her was three days.


    However, this time was different! She hadn''t heard from him for a month now and Lexi could not help but feel bothered about it. Was it because she was used that he always hanged around her; that his abrupt absence made her somehow look for him? Or, was it just because she was bored doing unimportant works in the past month?


    Granting that she helped her father in the Yang Company, Lexi didn''t have to move around that much as thepany was running smoothly again due to the partnership between them and Liu Corporation.


    Moreover, her father, Frederick Yang had preferred Lexi dealing easier task that she could finish in a day or two. It was obvious that her father was warding her off to meet Morris Liu as the whole Yang Company were focused on that said project, and if she gets herself involve in, the chance of crossing Morris Liu''s path was high.


    Therefore, despite that Lexi didn''t mind if she bumped into Morris Liu or not, she still abided his father''s request for the sake of his peace of mind. However, even though?Lexi didn''t want to dwell on it, she felt utterly empty and useless. She never felt this before but now, it''s disturbing that Lexi was undergoing existential crisis!


    [end of her boring month summary]


    "There''s sooo much good looking guys here chuu~!!" Churu screamed as her eyes sparkled in awe. Though the dangerous type of guys was the best in her eyes, Churu could still appreciate the men on the set.


    "Hmm¡­" Lexi hummed a tune, s, unlike Churu, Lexi didn''t share the same enthusiasm.


    Suddenly, while Lexi was nkly staring on the manuscript -- a man''s voice resonated in her side that she somehow sounded familiar.


    "Miss Lexi Yang?"


    Lexi turned her head to the voice''s source and there, she saw the gentle countenance of Elliot Gong. Of course, she knew this man!


    She had met him in some events in the past and also, Elliot Gong was one of Morris Liu''s friends! Lexi had heard that Elliot Gong was part of the main cast but for a change, he specifically auditioned for the second male lead; even though the first male lead suits him best.


    "Elliot Gong?" Throwing the matters that had been bugging her, Lexi arched her brows as her front turned back to the snob, proud countenance.


    "Hi. It''s nice to see you again." Taking several steps forward, Elliot Gong approached her with a friendly smile.


    Scrutinizing his gentle smile, Lexi mumbled inwardly, ''he''s always this friendly as ever.''


    "Hmm, me too -- nice to see you." Meekly smiling, Lexi obviously ended the conversation just like how she interacts with him before.


    Back when Lexi was still head over heels with Morris Liu, she had numerous encounters with his friends except Ethan Lu. With her craziness back then, Lexi left an unforgettable memory with them that made them all avoid her... well not everyone as Elliot Gong wasn''t one of them.


    In contrast, Elliot Gong always had this friendly vibe around him and he often spouts friendly advice that annoyed Lexi in the past that caused her to say nonsense bullsh*ts. Yet, whenever they meet, he never changed his approach.


    "So¡­ you''re really the person to portray Chang''e?" Looking at the ongoing taping from their position, Elliot Gongfortably inquired.


    "Hmm." Raising her brows, Lexi hummed in response as she looked down on her script again. It''s not that she was being friendly or anything of the sort, but to Lexi, whatever Elliot Gong had in mind, she just wanted to act as civilized as possible since they will be working together.


    Furthermore, Lexi''s role had more interaction with the second male lead which was Elliot Gong''s role, hence, it''s better to interact with him beforehand -- even just a brief hi and hello.


    Elliot Gong nodded in understanding. His eyes still fixed on the set from the distance. However, even though they were not discussing anything, he just stood there without a word which made Lexi raised her brows.


    "Uhm?" Looking at the man standing beside her, Lexi produced a question sound with a ''why are you still here?'' expression stered across her face.


    Elliot Gong also raised his brows in confusion as he finally turned his gaze on his left. Seeing her knowing countenance, he just gently smiled before answering. "Nothing. Just thought you needpany."


    "What makes you think I need that?" Arching her brows, Lexi slightly leaned her back on the chair she was sitting on.


    "Hmmm," Pondering whether to say his reasons or not, Elliot Gong meekly smiled. Seeing this, Lexi already guessed why -- because of her suicide attempt.


    "Ah, right. No, it''s fine. I''m good." Waving her hand off, Lexi spoke first as she didn''t want to force him to say what he was about to utter.


    Just then, Lexi''s phone rang and without a thought she saw the caller ID: M.I.A. which made her eyes lit up.


    ''It''s him!'' She instantly thought but Lexi didn''t answer immediately and let the iing call redirected to her voicemail.


    After it ended, as expected, Ethan called again and this time, Lexi picked up the call with an inexpressive tone. "Yes?"


    "Hey, how are you?" On the line, Ethan''s voice was gentle and was soothed the moment he heard her voice.


    "Good." Out of habit, Lexi responded like how she always does.


    "Hehe, where are you?" He asked, used to her usual short responses.


    "Sir Eli, Director Shen said get ready in 30 mins." Just then, a staff approached Elliot Gong and informed him to get ready which he agreed with a gentle smile and nod,?"Alright¡­"


    Elliot Gong then turned his head back to Lexi, he said before going, "It''s nice to see you doing good. I''ll see you around."


    "Uh, yes¡­ see you." Lexi slightly bowed her head in return and watched the retreating back of Elliot Gong.


    "Is that Eli?" On the line, Ethan Lu''s tone slightly changed as he inquired about the familiar voice of his friend.


    "Ah, yes. It''s our first day of shooting the film and he''s one of the main casts." Lexi exined without noticing the slight change in Ethan''s voice.


    "Alright¡­ I will be going now. See you."


    "Okay," Lexi paid no mind with Ethan''sst sentence as she thought he has just said it out of habit.


    Unbeknownst to her, the moment she hung up, Ethan made a sudden phone call to Elliot Gong asking for his whereabouts before speeding away to the said location.

 Chapter 116 Taming hearts

    <h4>Chapter 116 Taming hearts</h4>


    The movie Taming Hearts was a story set in a futuristic fantasy world where advanced technology reigns. Legends, folklore stories, and mythological history of the distant past were nearly forgotten with these drastic changed over tens of decades; and were altered with the recent history of certain individuals that caused the world''s breakthrough.


    In this set of times, a faraway vige, one girl named Xu Yingyue was one of the rare ones that still enjoyed these fables that were consigned to oblivion. She was known to be a genius girl with exceptional talent and a kind heart.


    However, Xu Yingyue was born with no status nor wealth, hence, the opportunity for her was limited. Luckily, her persistence in attempting to study in the City, Xu Yingyue passed and was epted in the most outstanding University.


    Before the day Xu Yingyue, journeyed towards the City, she looked up in the clear bright sky. Raising her hand as if to reach out for it, she uttered.


    "Too bad... I could not celebrate the mid-autumn festival here." Her lips curled into a bittersweet smile just thinking that tomorrow, her life would change thereon.


    Just then, the girl creased her brows because for a moment, she saw the clouds moved in an abnormal pace as the harsh wind blew passed her.


    She squinted her eyes as she looked at the blinding sun and was astonished by what happened next. Slowly, the sun was blocked by the moon; that dimmed some parts of the earth.


    The eclipse formed a huge eye as if it was looking straight at her. It waspelling yet, she felt dreaded at the same time.


    She didn''t know why, but Xu Yingyue somehow felt pressured the moment she witnessed it. Shaking her head, she didn''t dwell on it as she turned to go back on her home.


    However, the moment she turned, there, she saw a woman lying on the green moist grass. She was dressed with an ancient clothing that this generation had forgotten. If it''s not for her inclination with folklore and the very distant history of their country -- Xu Yingyue wouldn''t be in awe.


    Taking cautious stride, Xu Yingyue drew closer, curious of the woman and if she was still breathing. Seeing the woman''s beautiful countenance like she was carved out of the painting; Xu Yingyue squatted down and took her pulsed.


    However, the moment her fingers touched the woman, a mild electrifying shock run through her veins which caused her to abruptly let go of the unconscious woman''s wrist.


    *GASP*


    Suddenly, the unknown, beautiful woman gasped for air as her eyes instantly opened. On the other hand, Xu Yingyue jolted and her bum fell on the grass.


    The woman before her speedily sat up and checked her body before she heaved a sigh of relief.


    "I made it?" She melodiously stated. Sensing the figure near her, the woman raised her gaze and arched her brows. She thoroughly scrutinized the shocked girl which made her brow knitted by her in white dress.


    "Little girl, why are you out here naked?"


    "Uh?" Xu Yingyue couldn''tprehend the beautiful woman''s words.


    Out of nowhere, the woman had a piece of clothing on her hand which made Xu Yingyue''s eyes widen in disbelief.


    "Here, cover yourself."


    Xu Yingyue was unable to move and ept her generosity with what she witnessed so far. The woman meekly smiled seeing her aghast expression before supporting herself to stand and strode towards the baffled girl.


    She gently ced the white, well designed cloak around her shoulder and said, "Little girl, what injustice have you experience to turn into a vulgar at such young age?"


    The woman passionately patted Xu Yingyue''s shoulder as if tofort the girl. She added, "The world itself was always been inequitable¡­ s, you must treasure your life at the least."


    With that said piece, the woman stood from her position and without a world, she calmly turned around and started taking strides to god knows where.


    Before she goes, the woman slightly looked back, "By the way, have you seen Houyi?"


    "H - Houyi?"


    "It seems you haven''t¡­ but, if you do, please tell him that, I, his wife Chang''e had descended from my pce to see him." With that said note, Chang''e left while her clothes and silky long, ck hair beautifully fluttered in the air; leaving Xu Yingyue utterly dumbfounded.


    "CUUUUT!" After that scene, a loud voice resounded. Arnold Shen added through his microphone, "Passed!"


    The woman that yed as Xu Yingyue grinned in satisfaction as they finished the scene without NG''s. "Phew, I didn''t expect that."


    Everyone behind the camera were unconsciously immersed the moment Lexi came into the scene.


    Her different expressions, especially in thest part were so beautiful that they were reeled in as if they wanted to know who was her and her story.


    "Haha, great job Rika and Lexi!" Arnold Shen pped his hands in delight by their impable performance.


    "Thank you," Lexi meekly smiled. ncing at Churu who flew from Rika, that yed as Xu Yingyue, Lexi briefly raised her brows.


    "Chuuu~!"


    To her, Churu had been a great help as all the dialogues she spouted were all thrown at Churu. After all, she was literally naked as she didn''t have any clothes wrapped around her.


    "Hehe, alright! Let''s move on to the next scene!" After reviewing the scene, Arnold Shen announced and all the staff did their own duties.


    Since Lexi wasn''t included in the next scene, she wordlessly headed to her chair where she will wait for herst turn again. As she made her way, Elliot Gong approached her with a bottled water in his hand.


    "You did great," He calmlyplimented while handing the bottled water. Lexi nce at his hand before taking the water.


    "Thanks," She said before resuming on her tracks. Lexi didn''t want to take it but with these people around her, she did.


    Elliot Gong jogged and walked beside her, "No problem."


    "Wow, is he hitting on you~?" Churu tilted her head to the side as she scrutinized Elliot Gong''s side profile. Sniffing a familiar presence, Churu added.


    "Is Mr. Main task here chu?"


    ''Sissy, that can only work once.'' Lexi telepathically responded as she thought that the little dumpling was trying to pull that trick on her again.


    When Lexi arrived on her chair where she''ll rest, she turned her attention to Elliot Gong''s gentle and harmless front, "I don''t know what you want from me but, I don''t need your sympathy."


    Since there were only a few people present, Lexi could finally run her mouth. Aside from Morris Liu and now Ethan Lu, Lexi always repelled any man near her safe zone. Hence, she felt ufortable around him.


    "Uh? I was just congratting you." Shrugging his shoulders, Elliot Gong seemed confused by her sudden change of mood.


    "Yes, and I said thanks. So, will you keep an arm''s length away from me?"


    "Uh huh, stay away from her." Suddenly, Ethan''s voice was heard from behind Lexi which froze her the very instant.


    "Kyaaaah~! Mr. Main task, I missed you!!" Churu immediately screamed her lungs out and hugged Ethan''s face.

 Chapter 117 Shes dangerous

    <h4>Chapter 117 She''s dangerous</h4>


    Ethan Lu smiled that didn''t reach his eyes. Slowly walking towards them, he stretched his arms out as a base to maintain his distance from Lexi''s unmoving figure. Ethan Lu stopped near Elliot Gong and wrapped his arms around his friend''s neck before dragging him a couple of steps away; to be precise. an arm''s length away from her.


    "This is the right distance, my friend." He affirmed with his usual cozy tone as he put down his stretched out arm.


    Lexi and Elliot Gong were both puzzled by Ethan''s sudden appearance as neither of them didn''t expect him to turn up. Raising his brows, Elliot Gong turned to see Ethan''s grinning face as he stared at Lexi.


    The moment Elliot Gong saw Ethan''s sparkling eyes and an unreadable glint that shed across them, Elliott''s brows slightly creased. He was familiar with this -- this was the look that his friend often bores if he wanted to flirt with someone but¡­ why does he sense that it was somehow different this time?


    "Bro, don''t go near her -- she''s dangerous." Ethan Lu whispered albeit audible enough for Lexi to hear.


    "Yup yup! Don''t go near her or you might end up trapped into the danger zone like him~!" Churu, who was now snuggling on Ethan''s shoulder like a clingy little pet, chimed in.


    "Is this why you asked where I am at? You are bored after months living in seclusion and decided to disturb me?" Frowning, Elliot Gong cast him a disdainful look. He didn''t dwell much on the little change in Ethan''s eyes as he was natural flirt that nearly monopolized every girl in the city.


    Hence, Elliot Gong assumed that Ethan Lu dropped by because he had nothing else to do and would surely go on a ''my next girlfriend hunting'' around the set. No one could me Elliot Gong not to have such assumptions as Ethan was akin to a beast that was freed from his cage and frequently looked for his next prey.


    "Nope! I was here to see¡­" Ethan grinned as his arms that rest on Elliot''s shoulder lightly tightened as happily pulled him and he ruffled his hair like a happy big brother. He then nced at the mortified Lexi before he continued,


    "...you," With that said note, Ethan winked at Lexi that made her eyes twitched.


    ''What is he doing? What''s with the wink -- no, no, that''s not important! I''m not ready for the next task yet!'' Lexi gracelessly panicked inwardly. Granting that Ethan Lu always winked at her and uttered full none sense that often gets on her nerves albeit sometimes touching -- however, this time, there''s certainly a changed in him.


    Was it because of the fact that he''s in love with her? However, in Lexi''s eyes, that''s not the only thing that changed. She could not precisely point it out but something in his aura was different. Lexi gulped a mouthful of saliva as she let out a faint exhale before she mended her disoriented mind due to his abrupt visit.


    "Oh ho, Mr. Main task¡­ I''m d that you are here because my sissy missed you, but she won''t admit it. hihi~" As usual, Churu''s unreservedments wouldn''t be missed as she ratted Lexi out in an instant. Unlike Lexi, Churu was more aware of Ethan''s motives which satisfied her little meaty heart. Unfortunately, Ethan Lu could not hear her, or else, she would gossip with him and tattle how Lexi pig out for the past month all day long.


    "Hehe, I missed you... didn''t you know that?" While Elliot was locked in his arm, Ethan took advantage of it as he blurted out his greetings to Lexi. Though Ethan wouldn''t mind interacting with Lexi even if there are millions of viewers, however, knowing Lexi, he held back.


    "Ah, ah!" Meanwhile, Elliot struggled to escape from his friend''s grip and when he seeded, he red daggers at Ethan, he sassed, "d to see me to the extent of choking me?"


    "Uh, sorry. Got a little excited." Feigning innocence, Ethan raised both of his hands in defeat as he put up a harmless smile while raising his brows.


    "Are you two done? Can you please let me be so I can practice my lines?" Upon calming her nerves, as usual, Lexi was back with her diva attitude and bluntly shooshed them away. She forced a smile on her face which didn''t reduce the ambiguous aura emanating within her.


    "No, me and him -- we''re not yet done. But go on... we won''t disturb you any longer," Ethan courtly responded before dragging his friend Elliot to wherever he would bury him.


    Lexi''s brows arched as she watched their retreating back, she inquired internally. ''Uh, sissy? Where are you going?''


    "Do practice, chu~. I smell juicy gossip, hihi~" Churu''s voice rang in her head as she followed Ethan and Elliot from behind with her waggling white bum.


    "Whatever!" Letting the little dumpling on her gossip venture, Lexi slumped on her chair, still a little hyped at Ethan''s presence. She roughly flipped the script on her hand to focused her attention to it but to no avail, she too, wanted to know what happened to him in his months of absence.


    "Tch --" She snorted. Although Lexi was relief that Ethan didn''t mindlessly approach her as she was afraid that she''d be targetted to another ambiguous blind item talks. Lexi was still a little irked that they couldn''t get to catch up. Gosh, these ironic thoughts were giving her a painful headache.


    "This stupid system is messing with my head." She mumbled and slightly shook her head to divert her attention.

 Chapter 118 I call dibs on Lexi Yang!

    <h4>Chapter 118 I call dibs on Lexi Yang!</h4>


    "I see you are back to normal huh?" Elliot Gong snorted as he sat on one of the chairs that have his name written on it. ncing at Ethan who perched on the seat next to him, Elliot Gong shook his head in disbelief.


    Earlier, Ethan dragged him far from the set and when he asked where he was leading him -- Ethan Lu dared say he''d bury him alive! Just what''s up with this guy? Shouldn''t he be calm after his one month of absence? Elliot Gong assumed that Ethan''s abrupt disappearance was connected with his friend''s usual dilemma; the Lu family affairs.


    However, what''s with this sudden motive to bury him alive? Just what did he do to this troublemaker to disturb him in his work hours? More importantly, if he came there to mark his new target -- then so be it! Just let him be as Elliot Gong also needed to practice his lines and get into character.


    "Hey, let me ask you; will you and the two other idiots date my exes?" Ethan rubbed his clean shaved chin as he had these thoughts lingered in his extravagant mind for quite some time now. He was just wondering how dire would their friendship to suffer if he indeed pursued Lexi.


    "Ehhh?! Of course!" Without batting an eye, Elliot Gong affirmed as if the inquiry was as easy as one two three. His eyes bore more disgust as if he asked a no brainer question.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu gasped in disbelief with his friend''s unreserved response. He didn''t expect that kind of answer as he thought that there still a small hope of dignity left with them, s, he was wrong. Hence, Ethan Lu peered at his friend with repulsion as he sassed in dismay.


    "What?! What happened to our bro code, you undignified men!"


    "What do you mean bro code? You almost monopolized all thedies in the City and out -- leaving us with limited choices!" In a matter of fact tone, Elliot Gong justified. Indeed, that''s how intense Ethan''s yboy persona.


    In the past, Ethan''s rtionship onlysts a day and the next day, he got another girl apanying him. Therefore, how could his friends know every single one of them? Elliot Gong continued with the same tone,


    "Also, all your past rtionships were all bullcr*p! Can you remember every girl you dated in the first ce?"


    "Oh¡­ make sense," Upon hearing Elliot Gong''s rification, Ethan Lu nodded and calmed down in an instant. After a second, he grinned in satisfaction as if he was enlightened even more.


    He confidently announced while raising his finger, "I call dibs on Lexi Yang!"


    Ethan Lu''s announcement was akin to a loud roaring thunder that made the handsome Elliot Gong dropped his jaw. He heard him right, right? His ears weren''t deceiving him, right? Elliot Gong was utterly mind-boggled as Ethan Lu audaciously called dibs on the infamous Lexi Yang! The same woman who almost drove Morris Liu to insanity! The Lexi Yang who called them trash and useless!


    Of course, Elliot Gong could remember some of the insults Lexi spouted to them with her pair of sharp eyes and tongue. He just heeds them no mind as Elliot Gong was too calm to be bothered. Moreover, he never treated Lexi''s verbal assaults with value as the girl was like a lost child chasing after Morris Liu. Hence, his leniency towards the woman was out of his kind heart.


    But now, this Ethan Lu just announced that his next target was Lexi Yang? Did he somehow lose his mind while searching for his soul?


    "Wh -- What did you just say?!"


    "Uh-huh, I''m joining the undignified club -- birds with the same feather must flock together!" Ignoring his mortified friend on the side, Ethan''s grin brightened that could bepared to the blinding sun. He added,


    "So, you keep your distance from her from now own or else," Ethan squinted his eyes, as he made a slitting neck gesture as a warning to his friend.


    Though without Elliot Gong''s answer about his question, Ethan Lu had already decided on that. He was just curious about the aftermath. Also, part of his friend''s statements actually made sense. In his perspective, if one of his friends ended up liking someone he dated -- Ethan Lu wouldn''t actually mind as he had no feelings with any of his exes.


    Furthermore, if that happened, he would instead give his wholehearted blessings. Just like Morris Liu, he never liked Lexi in the first ce and chose another woman over her. Therefore, Ethan Lu was now entirely guilt-free to pursue the woman that his heart shouted.


    "Hold up, you mean you''ll pursue the girl? Are you out of your f*cking mind?! That''s brother Mo''s ex -- former fiance for f*ck sake!" Seeing how determined and confident Ethan Lu was, Elliot Gong could not help but feel bothered by it. Thus, the aggressiveness in his tone.


    "So what? He didn''t give a f*ck before. So, what''s wrong if I want to cherish her now?" Ethan''s brows knitted, displeased by Elliot Gong''s reminder. He knew that fact already, that''s why he had undergone extreme stress; enough reason for him to live in a temple for a month.


    However, one of the realizations Ethan Lu came to understand while he was away; why would Morris Liu get mad if Ethan was willing to catch the free-falling woman that he pushed to the edge of the cliff?


    "That''s not the point! That woman attempted tomit suicide months ago because of that. And you, of all people, would want to chase her, console her wounded heart and then what? Dump her? Just like what you always do? Man, are you trying to kill her?" Having a rational thought, Elliot Gong overlooked at Ethan''s keyword ''cherish''. He continued to argue as he perceived this as another game of his jerk of a friend. s, being reminded about something, Elliot Gong''s brows raised and resumed after a beat.


    "Wait, where''s that friend of yours? Did she dump you? That''s why you''re gonna vent your frustrations now?"


    "Bullsh*t! Just shut your trap, alright? I''m not trying to kill her but instead, heal her! And if that means I have to confront brother Mo about it -- then, so be it!" Ethan snapped with all the usations his friend spouted. In his understanding, Elliot Gong was jinxing his future love life.


    "Wow, what a heated argument~ I just wish Lexi was here to witness this, hihi¡­ Go, Mr. Main task, confront that scumbag -- I got your back~" Churu who was the only being that witnessed their bantermented in glee. She was right; Ethan has decided to catch Lexi''s heart the moment he came back. She added,


    "Let the cat and mouse game,menced¡­ chu~" She giggled as Churu anticipated Lexi''s reaction and slowly realize her confused feelings.

 Chapter 119 Let me have a cameo?

    <h4>Chapter 119 Let me have a cameo?</h4>


    The stifling atmosphere between Elliot Gong and Ethan Lu was abruptly interrupted when Arnold Shen suddenly intrude at Elliot Gong''s tent.


    "Young master Lu!" Arnold Shen immediately greeted after a slight bow. He was grinning from ear to ear as if he had seen an old friend.


    The moment Ethan Lu saw Arnold Shen, he smiled brightly. "Director Shen! Good to see you!"


    Ethan returned the same courtesy before he stood from his seat and weed Arnold Shen as if Elliot Gong''s tent was his.


    "Chu~?" Churu''s forehead creased as she raised her invisible brows in confusion.


    Based on her observation, when Lexi informed him that she was considering going on an audition that would be directed by Arnold Shen, Ethan Lu didn''t seemed he knew the guy. However, why does it seemed otherwise?


    On the other hand, Elliot Gong''s brows knitted seeing them being this friendly. Though Ethan Lu was the friendliest and most coquettish of them all, he didn''t remembered his friend having connection with Arnold Shen.


    "I heard that you dropped by, so I came to check. Haha!" Arnold Shen heartily uttered.


    "Heh, I came to visit my friend --" Ethan Lu grinned as the irritation from his dear friend Elliot Gong was set aside.


    Granting that Arnold Shen and Ethan seemed like they knew each other for a long time, however, they don''t. In fact, he only knew the director for a month.


    How did this happen?


    [Short shback]


    Back when Lexi informed Ethan about this movie for the first time, his natural business side was piqued and managed to contact Arnold Shen on a pretense of an investment that very night. Unfortunately, that time, Arnold Shen refused his offer.


    Hence, Ethan Lu didn''t insist further and thought that it was a waste that he didn''t know about it earlier. Unbeknownst to him, the next day, just when Ethan arrived at the temple -- Arnold Shen reached out to him and said after minutes of pleasantries,


    "Young master Lu, may I ask if your offer was still valid?"


    Ethan: "Uh¡­"


    Arnold Shen: "You see Director Lu, two of our investors backed out and the film might be postponed if --"


    "Sure." Without any question, Ethan Lu nkly agreed without a second dy.


    Ethan Lu knew the potential of the movie to earn millions was enough reasons to invest. Moreover, Lexi was one of the cast; how could he not offer his helping hand if that''s the least he could do?


    Arnold Shen was beyond delightful on how Ethan Lu agreed in an instant without asking anything in return -- like rmending an artist in the film.


    That night, Ethan Lu became one of the biggest investors of the movie Taming Heart. s, he specifically asked that none should know that he invested in the film.


    [End of short shback]


    "Right, Eli was your friends -- I remembered." Arnold Shen nodded in understanding as he cast Elliot Gong a thankful nce.


    In his perspective, Ethan Lu took interest in the movie was because of Elliot Gong. He was grateful as Arnold Shen didn''t expect that not only the Che family pulled their investment, another partner that was close to the said family did the same as well.


    Therefore, how could Arnold Shen could cover hundreds of millions that he lost that day? Fortunately, Ethan Lu contacted him the day before so he had thest resort of being shameless.


    "Yup! By the way director Shen¡­ may I ask for a favor?" Having a new idea that shed on his mind, Ethan Lu grinned as he drew closer to Arnold Shen.


    Raising his brows, Arnold Shen attentively listened to whatever he was about to say. Since he owe the guy, Arnold Shen wouldn''t mind lending him an ear before he would agree to his ''request''.


    "I was just thinking¡­ since, I have nothing else to do, why don''t you let me have a cameo?" With that said piece, Ethan''s eyes sparkled as he somehow got the gist of Chang''e''s role and her short story alone.


    "A cameo with Eli? Hmm¡­ sure!" After a quick contemtion, Arnold Shen agreed as a cameo was a no biggie. Furthermore, Ethan''s appearance was not any less attractive to the main cast. Hence, in that fraction of a second, Arnold Shen had an idea in mind.


    "Well? I don''t mind ying a role with any character but I prefer to act with Chang''e." Simultaneously raising his brows with a knowing smile, Ethan bluntly announced which made Elliot Gong cringe.


    ''Woah¡­ I am speechless.'' Elliot Gong scoffed in disdain as he was indeed speechless by Ethan''s statement. Moreover, his friend would go this far just to hit on Lexi?


    "Mr. Main task, don''t be shy and ask for a kissing scene instead, hihi~" Churu giggled on the side as she was totally entertained following Ethan. Also, he admired his decisiveness regarding his feelings.


    "Chang''e? You mean with Miss Lexi Yang?" Puzzled by Ethan''s interest, Arnold Shen squinted his eyes as he somehow hesitated. He added,


    "Well, I don''t have a problem with that, but Miss Yang''s scandals hasn''tpletely died down yet, and if wasn''t for her impable portrayal for the role -- I wouldn''t risk myst movie."


    Indeed, Arnold Shen had knew about it after offering the role to Lexi, however, he was astonished with Lexi''s acting as if Chang''e was indeed her.


    Therefore, in spite of all that, he still pushed through. Also, this project would be a great help to Lexi as Arnold Shen was certain that the masses would see her in a new light after this.


    "But, we''ll see." Still, Arnold Shen reassured with a slight smile on his face.


    Just then, Arnold Shen''s assistant came. She informed him that the set was all good. Thus, he courtly excused himself which Ethan and Elliot Gong understood and politely bowed their heads.


    After he left, Elliot Gong who was distress with his friend''s rash actions and ridiculous idea made him massage his temple and closed his eyes.


    "You¡­ just what are you up to?"


    Meanwhile, Ethan Lu sat back on the seat he sat earlier as his tensed body rxed a little.


    "Who knows¡­" Unlike his aggressive behaviour earlier, Ethan calmed down a little.


    ''This is the only way I could spend some time with her in public now...'' He added inwardly with a sigh.


    Surely, Lexi''s situation with her bloody reputation and all were pushing Ethan to the edge to do extreme means. After all, the guy was dying to let the whole world know that he love her and only her.

 Chapter 120 I missed you

    <h4>Chapter 120 I missed you</h4>


    The shoot went on and the set was wrapped up around 8 in the evening. Fortunately, Lexi did a great job on her first day of taping and all NG''s weren''t caused by her.


    Meanwhile, Churu didn''te back the whole day -- Ethan as well. Hence, Lexi managed to focus on acting and memorizing her lines again.


    "Sister Lexi, you did great today." Abigail Fanplimented as she handed over a bottled water to Lexi.


    "Thanks," epting the bottled water, Lexi thanked her before opening it and gulped a mouthful of water to salivate her throat.


    As they head towards Abigail Fan''s car, her manager kept on prattling that Lexi couldn''t properly understand as her mind wandered somewhere else.


    "Lexi? Sister Lexi?" Seeing that Lexi passed by her car, Abigail Fan called out.


    "Oh?" Upon hearing her manager calling her numerous times, Lexi snapped from her daze and looked back with a disoriented gaze.


    "This is my ride," Abigail Fan slightly tilted her head towards her car.


    "Uh, yeah. Sorry, I was a little tired." Slightly shaking her head, Lexi briefly exined before she strode back on the car.


    For a moment, Lexi wondered where did those two went. Though it was a good thing that they didn''t pestered her again, s, now that it was evening, Lexi could not help but think about it.


    ----


    Since they were on a side country, far away from the city, everyone would have to spend three consecutive days in the most decent hotel in the town.


    As usual, Abigail Fan drove the car and would dropped Lexi to the hotel before she''d go back to the city. After all, she was busy preparing to establish her own agency and Lexi assured her that she''d be fine alone.


    "By the way, have you seen the news?" Without turning her head to her side, Abigail Fan broke the awkward silence.


    "Hmmm?"


    "The Regal Entertainment was now facing a major setback after the prostitution scandal of its VP Victor Wang. *sigh* Who would have thought -- though this us a little benefit because your scandals were buried in an instant. Just a little longer and people will forget about it." Although Abigail Fan sympathized with the victims of the said man, she was also relieved that it also made Lexi''s scandal lessen.


    Also, Abigail Fan wasn''t surprised about the news as she was well-versed that behind the glitz and mor of the entertainment industry, there''s this unspoken rule that existed.


    She didn''t want to think about it as Abigail Fan was disgusted with this kind of people. But, despite despising them, she would also have to mingle around them because that''s how this industry works. Fortunately, Lexi came from a prominent family, hence, she won''t have to experience this terrorizing experience.


    "Is that so?" Lexi tirelessly mumbled, uninterested with the outside world. "Shall I thank the victims then?" She sarcastically added as Lexi stared outside through the window.


    For some reason, Lexi didn''t appreciate the fact that her scandals were being pushed back by this kind of news. Though she hadn''t gone through such horrifying experience, Lexi could somehow feel how those girls felt.


    She was an overly sensitive person and just having a male crossing her vicinity, her difort was enough tosh out on them. What more if she was forced to use her body to get a project?


    Just thinking about it, Lexi wanted to puke in disgust. Thus, the least she could do was be apathetic about it and shouldn''t see it as an opportunity to wash her name.


    Abigail Fan cleared her throat after hearing Lexi''s sarcastic remarks. She knew for sure that Lexi didn''t liked her statement, so, she kept her thoughts to herself.


    Just then, Lexi''s phone rang that made Lexi flinch. Searching for her phone on her handbag, Lexi''s brows raised seeing Ethan''s caller ID; M.I.A on the screen.


    Still, Lexi answered the iing call after several rings, "Yes?"


    "Hey¡­ on your way back to the hotel?" On the line, Ethan softly inquired.


    Lexi''s shoulders rxed and she was relieved after hearing that he was fine. Too bad, she could not ask if Churu was with him as he could not see the flying adorable dumpling thatpletes her day.


    "Hmmm." Humming a tune, Lexi responded as she leaned her head on the front passenger headrest.


    A momentary silence dawned on the line as neither of them talked. Yet, Ethan was already satisfied with the fact that she was there; not hanging up like usual.


    On the other hand, Lexi didn''t bothered to hung up as she patiently wait for him to talk about the reason for his call or whatever he''d say.


    "Lexi¡­" Breaking the peaceful quietness, Ethan gently uttered as a subtle smile formed on the side of his lips.


    ''I missed you,'' He added inwardly.


    "Hmm?" With aid back tune, Lexi was somewhat baffled why her heart and mind felt so peaceful just knowing that he was there?


    "Can I see you?" Mustering his courage, Ethan Lu inquired.


    "You''re still here?" Arching her brows, Lexi didn''t answered but instead, questioned back.


    "Ah, yeah. How can I leave without treating you to dinner? So¡­ will you grant my request?" Ethan paused as he nervously wait for her reply. Though he didn''t expect that she''d agree, Ethan still tried as he could not go back to the city without spending time with her.


    "But, if you''re tired, I understand." Regardless of his desires to see her, Ethan could put that aside as he didn''t want to pressure her. After all, Lexi was probably tired from the whole day of filming.


    "Uh, no¡­"


    "Huh?"


    "I mean, I am actually hungry -- make sure its a good noodle house. Don''t pick me up, send me the address, I''ll head there now." With that said remarks, Lexi immediately cut off the line as she bit her lower lip.


    Meanwhile, Abigail Fan nced at Lexi from time to time and could not help but wonder who was she talking on the phone? Earlier, she offered Lexi some food but she refused as she told her that she''s full¡­ but now, she''s hungry? Also, who is she gonna meet?


    Despite the questions that hovered on her mind, Abigail Fan didn''t probe knowing Lexi''s personality.


    "Drop me off in this address." Lexi informed her manager of the location that Ethan sent and pursed her lips. She then fixed her appearance on the mirror which left another batch of questions on Abigail Fan''s head.

 Chapter 121 Accept Ethan Lu

    <h4>Chapter 121 ept Ethan Lu</h4>


    Just as Lexi was about to apply her lipstick, she stopped midway as she furrowed her brows.


    ''What am I doing?'' She thought inwardly.


    Indeed, she retouched her make up after her call with Ethan Lu without even realizing what she was doing. Hence, now that Lexi was almost finished with her touch up -- she finally became conscious of her unusual move.


    "Uh, no¡­" She whispers before picking up facial wipes and removed her makeup.


    Abigail Fan who was lowkey observing her while driving could not help but be surprised at her artist.


    In retrospect, Lexi always dressed up whenever she goes out. Therefore, it was normal for her to touch up whoever she''s going to meet. But, why did she removed her makeup after putting it on? In her mind, Abigail Fan was more baffled than the confused Lexi.


    Clearing her throat, Abigail Fan mustered her courage to probe as this was something that she''d know; "Ummm, Lexi, are you seeing someone?"


    "Hmm," Without turning her head to the driver''s seat, Lexi didn''t stop on wiping out her lipstick as she took her manager''s words in a literal way.


    Of course, her response sent tidal shocks to Abigail Fan that soon gave her a slight headache.


    She rified, "I know it''s good that you''ve moved on with Mr. Liu but¡­ you see, your scandals are still around and being in a rtionship right now --"


    "What are you talking about?" Even before her manager could finish her sentence, Lexi interrupted midway as she turned her dismayed gaze on her.


    She added and rolled her eyes, "I am seeing someer but not seeing as in dating, duh?"


    "Oh,"


    "And why would you even think I''d date someone after everything that happened? I mean, I am so not ready for it. Also¡­ I don''t want to use anyone just to forget someone, you get me?" Lexi''s voice slowly faded as she uttered herst remarks.


    One of the reasons that frustrate her was that Lexi acknowledges that she''s at her worst state. She was broken, confused, lost, and struggling yet, the damn system wished her to ept Ethan Lu. Indeed, her next main task was to ACCEPT Ethan Lu''s confession.


    However, no matter how deep her thoughts wandered on her next task, Lexi just couldn''t follow the system''s desire. Not only it was unfair to her but to Ethan Lu as well.


    She probably liked him as a ''friend'', but Lexi hadn''t seen herself being in a romantic rtionship with the guy.


    Therefore, now that she thought about it, Lexi was conflicted if her decision to meet with him tonight was the right judgment. After all, if Ethan somehow confessed his feelings to her, Lexi might reject it in an instant¡­ or she thought.


    "Ahh¡­ alright? I was just concerned because before being your business partner -- I am your manager and, well, a friend." Raising both her brows, Abigail Fan coaxed in a low murmur after ncing at Lexi''s exasperated countenance.


    Lexi slowly closed her eyes as she lightly massaged her temples in distress, she expressed, "Forget it, drop me at the hotel -- let me just rest."


    After a quick contemtion, Lexi changed her mind and instructed her manager to send her to her original destination.


    She felt dumb agreeing to Ethan''s request without a thought as she somehow got giddy to catch up on him. But now, with the involvement of the system''s task and Ethan Lu''s feelings for her? -- Lexi felt like running away from it.


    By the time Lexi mildly rxed with her final decision, her manager''s next words made her eyes abruptly opened her eyes and her mouth parted apart.


    "Huh? But, we''re here." Slowly pulling over on the side, Abigail Fan turned her head to see the aghast front of Lexi which made her brows creased in confusion.


    Just then, a light knock outside of the car snapped Lexi back to reality. Turning her head to her window side, Lexi saw an unfamiliar face of a man with a formal suit. On the other hand, Abigail Fan''s brows knitted more as she was intrigued by the man.


    ''Is this the man she''d meet? Who is this man?''


    Lexi exhaled heavily before turning her head to her puzzled manager. "Don''t wait. Just drop my things in my room -- I can manage to go back." With that said note, Lexi unbuckled her seat and then exited the ride without another word; leaving her manager with thousands of questions.


    "Why is she so changeable these days?" Abigail murmured as she stared at Lexi''s figure while following the man from behind.


    Slightly shaking her head, Abigail Fan threw the matter at the back of her mind. What''s important to her was, Lexi gave her words and she must give her the benefit of the doubt.


    "She knows what she''s doing." She convinced herself as she started to revved her car and made her way back to the hotel.


    ----


    Currently, Ethan Lu was on the second floor of the simple restaurant and was patiently waiting for his date toe. Hence, the moment the familiar ride of Abigail Fan arrived at the said meet up, Ethan Lu''s lips curled into a smile and without a second dy, he called her.


    However, as usual, Lexi didn''t answer immediately. Fortunately, he already gave one of his men a heads up -- the reason why one of his guards weed and guided her to where they''d dine.


    When Lexi entered the premises and Ethan couldn''t see her anymore, his heart started to pound uncontrobly and felt nervous.


    He had many scenarios in mind when they meet again, but what he was going through right now, this anxiety and uneasiness that started to envelop his heart was one of the unexpected ones.


    "It''s okay, it''s okay¡­ it''s just dinner -- nothing to worry about." He muttered to calm himself down as he walked back and forth.


    "Mr. Main Task, you are so rude. Why there''s always a bun and dumplings on the menu when you date her? You''re doing this on purpose, do you?" Frowning in dismay, Churu humped as she stood on top of the table while stomping her adorable feet. She heard Ethan''s every order and she was frustrated when she heard he ordered a te of dumplings and buns. Now, Lexi only needed to see it before she gets teased again.

 Chapter 122 Can I just marry you?

    <h4>Chapter 122 Can I just marry you?</h4>


    Awkwardly ncing across him, Ethan''s tension wasn''t reduced -- rather, it intensified before her overwhelming presence. After all, it''s their first time meeting each other again after a month and their brief greetings earlier weren''t counted as he barely winked at her.


    However, now that there are only the two of them sitting opposite each other -- no Elliot Gong, no Abigail Fan or other judgy eyes present; just the two of them inside the whole establishment, Ethan Lu was anxious.


    "Uh¡­ dig in. haha!" As sheepish as he may sound, Ethan Lu gestured her to eat which she did with a little portion on her te.


    By the looks of it, both of them were distracted about something as neither of them uttered a word without sounding awkward.


    Lexi nced at Ethan Lu as he drank another ssful of water as if he was very high-strung. She then nced at Churu who sat at the very edge of the table -- away from the dumplings and buns.


    "This date is sooo boring~" Churu protested as she frowned while watching the two eat without voicing a single word. She added with a humped, "This is very frustrating! Frustrating! Frustrating! Frustrating!"


    Lexi lightly shook her head seeing that the adorable dumpling was again throwing a huge fit. Regardless, Lexi didn''t mind this stifling silence between them as she was afraid that Ethan would just confess if he opened his mouth.


    "Umm, I''m sorry for not telling you I''d drop by." After some time, Ethan finally broke the foreboding silence between them as he forced a smile.


    "It''s fine¡­ It''s not like you have to tell me in the first ce." Since Lexi managed to keep her heart at bay with their momentary silence, she raised her gaze and smiled. She added,


    "By the way, how was your soul searching?"


    "Well, it went well -- I found what I was looking for." Riding along with the confidence she regained, Ethan slightly rxed.


    At least, Lexi was back being at ease around him. After all, he first thought that she might be a little mad for his interruption earlier.


    "I see¡­" Lexi unhurriedly nodded in understanding.


    Of course, she already knew that. However, she couldn''t let him know that she knew, right? Also, she wanted to interact with him without thinking of his feelings and her meddling mind -- just like what they used to be.


    And then again, no matter how much they wanted to converse, the awkward silence never leave and was always lurking around them.


    In retrospect, Ethan Lu was always the one to open a conversation but now, he didn''t initiate another conversation. Lexi nced at him again and saw that he was profusely sweating as he ys with his food.


    ''Sissy?'' Having an idea in mind, Lexi called Churu telepathically.


    "What, chu?" Still not on the right mood, Churu dryly responded.


    ''Are you on your period? Gosh.'' Rolling her eyes, Lexi shook her head which Ethan didn''t notice as he was overwhelmed by his chaotic mind. He knew that Lexi might think that he had be weirder but he couldn''t help his restless heart!


    ''Can I use my one-time skill; mind reading?'' Ignoring Churu''s edgy attitude, Lexi demanded inwardly. She wanted to know what was going inside Ethan so that she''d prepare herself what wasing at her.


    "Are you sure chu?" Squinting her pair of round eyes, Churu smirked as she confirmed. In her mind, Lexi would be shaken if she read Ethan Lu''s mind that was filled with none other than a certain someone.


    Seeing the little dumpling''s expression, Lexi hesitated. Is there something that she''d regret after having a glimpse of Ethan''s mind?


    Regardless, this only increased Lexi''s curiosity. After all, she removed her makeup and her skin was tired. Hence, there''s a possibility that Ethan was judging her unpresentable appearance?


    ''Yes!'' With that irrational thought in mind, Lexi affirmed. After she spewed her affirmation, Churu unhesitantly snapped her fingers as she let out a faint giggle.


    ''You did this to yourself,'' Churu thought inwardly as she watched Lexi with interest.


    ''Calm down -- just calm down! I cannot mess this up! Never, even if she was so beautiful. Ahhh! This is annoying, she''s just too gorgeous. Man¡­ I really miss her like crazy but I''m being a coward! Ah ah, now she looked at me! She might think I''m insane -- ahh! I''m so, so, so not ready for this. Her presence alone was overwhelming enough it makes my heart race like d*mn...''


    Lexi almost jolted from her seat as she cast Ethan with a disbelief look. Is this what he had been thinking? Though part of her was ttered that Ethan Lu was endlesslyplimenting her even if she didn''t try too hard -- still, she was mind-boggled!


    She didn''t expect that his mind was this chaotic as she read more of his thoughts for the next one minute. Lexi was rendered more speechless as she heedlessly stared at Ethan with a vacant look.


    "You¡­" Murmuring, Lexi''s soft call snapped Ethan Lu from his rioting mind. He looked up and met her surprised gaze that made him raise his brows and he immediately looked away.


    "Me?"


    "Yeah¡­ what did you just say?" Pursing her lips, Lexi''s brows knitted together with thest words that Ethan Lu uttered in his mind.


    Before the mind-reading went off, Lexi clearly heard hisst remarks;


    ''*sigh* Can I just marry you? Will you even like me?''


    "I didn''t say anything." Shrugging his shoulders, Ethan Lu was a little confused. After all, he had been talking to himself like a weirdo.


    "Uh, sorry. I was just a little tired." Finding an excuse, Lexi meekly smiled as she turned her attention back on her half-filled te.


    For some reason, something inside her was moved by Ethan Lu''s thoughts. She had prepared for any revtion and confession Ethan Lu had on his sleeves, but Lexi didn''t imagine that far such as Ethan Lu wanted to marry her.


    Is this how rush he could be? Though he wasn''t saying anything yet, Lexi was troubled that he''d just propose just like that.


    ''This guy¡­ can he be normal for once?''

 Chapter 123 The confession of the jerk

    <h4>Chapter 123 The confession of the jerk</h4>


    After they finished the main course, Lexi and Ethan were served with the restaurant''s signature pudding for dessert. Throughout thete dinner, they only talked every once in a while albeit always ended with an ''I see'' and ''is that so?''.


    Lexi dwelled on Ethan''s proposal in his mind as she was reminded of her historic past. All her life, her main goal was to marry Morris Liu. Of course, that wasn''t a secret to everyone as she never felt ashamed of it.


    However, after everything that had happened, Lexi never sees herself in a romantic rtionship with anyone just yet; what more get married. It''s not that she was still holding on with Morris Liu but to her, she wanted to be in a rtionship when she wasplete again.


    Yet, around Ethan, she felt as if she was standing at the edge of a cliff while he was on the ground; smiling and urging her to jump.


    "This is frustrating¡­" Lexi murmured that was audible enough for him to hear. Upon hearing her remarks, Ethan froze.


    ''I knew it! I frustrate her!'' He grumbled inwardly as dejection began to surround him. He messed up. Though he was already satisfied with her presence around him and even apanied him to dinner, Lexi might think differently.


    "I -- I''m sorry. I had many thoughts in mind and I ended up wasting your time."


    Lexi nced at his dispirited eyes yet, he was trying hard to smile to conceal his emotions. So, does this mean he didn''t intend to confess to her? She should be relieved, right? Then, why does she feel otherwise?


    After that, another round of silence as only the nging sound of their utensils and tes resounded across the four corners of the room.


    "Oh my god¡­ this is boring! So boring!" Churu who was dismayed to the core shouted. She thought something entertaining might happen after Lexi read Ethan''s mind but to no avail, she remained her lips zipped and talk to herself! Just what are these two doing? Should she pull another trick for a romantic scene?


    "Lexi¡­" Ethan Lu gently put down his spoon as he raised his longing gaze across him. They were together since earlier but Ethan felt that he was wasting her time. After all, she should be resting by this time but she still went there.


    He had so many things to say to her but he doesn''t know where to start in the first ce. Granting that Ethan had already decided to pursue her, s, the moment she was in front of him, he could not help his heart but to throbbed uncontrobly.


    He was too focused on his nervousness and his feelings instead of making her feel very ufortable. Hence, he couldn''t let this go on.


    Gulping a mouthful of saliva, Ethan Lu heavily exhaled. He raised his gaze once again and immediately caught her pair of unreadable eyes.


    Just straightly looking at her, Ethan''s tumultuous mind suddenly calmed down as if he took some muscle rxing pills. Since earlier, he could only nce at her like a shy teenager boy, afraid to approach his crush.


    But staring at her like this, his gaze softened and a subtle smile formed on the side of his lips. His stiff shoulder gradually rxed as he heaved a heavy sigh.


    "Did you know that I don''t remember every single girl I dated?"


    His abrupt opening made Lexi''s brows knitted in confusion. For a second, she thought that he''d finally say he likes her or anything near that. However, what was this nonsense now?


    "Uh¡­ is that something to be proud about?"


    "Haha, no¡­ I just picked that up earlier." Letting out a slight chuckle, Ethan Lu slightly shook his head because if not for Elliot Gong, he wouldn''t have realized it. He added,


    "Also, do you know the reason why I dragged you to brother Mo''s office back then? It''s because I was selfish. I wanted to see how you''d entertain me."


    His next remarks made Lexi''s brows arch in dismay. She already guessed that far in the first time yet, Lexi shrugged it off as she didn''t care before. But still, now that he said it himself, part of her was displeased.


    "Not to mention, my provocation back then was because I was, again, selfish. I want to see that vicious, crazy white lotus that snapped my dear friend to the brink of insanity."


    "Ethan¡­ stop." Lexi nkly warned as she didn''t want to hear more about this. Especially, if it wasing from his mouth. However, Ethan didn''t waver as he fixed his gaze on her and resumed with a voice filled with mockery.


    "Huh, I even called dibs on you."


    "I said stop!" Upon hearing hisst remarks, Lexi snapped. She abruptly stood from her seat as she mmed her palms on the surface of the table.


    Her eyes sharpened and her shoulder trembled. She had been insulted many times but this¡­ hearing it from him, Lexi was hurt. Even if she was unsure of what she wanted, Lexi was certain that he was her friend.


    "What a jerk." She scorned before harshly picking up her purse on the other chair and turned her back on him.


    "What?! Is this your confession?! Are you crazy Mr. Dumb dumb?! Lexi isn''t a priest! Confess your sins to a church, not to her!" Churu who was the most dismayed about this sudden turn of events bellowed. Her cute little fist continuously knocked his head as she vented her frustration.


    "Yes, I am a jerk alright?" Lexi''s steps halted when she heard him from behind. Ethan stood from his seat still staring at her slender back.


    "I might be the most selfish, insensitive jerk you''d evere across. I didn''t approach you out of the goodness of my heart, but because I have ulterior motives." Indeed, their first encounter might be a coincidence but the urrence after that was because of his initiative.


    Ethan grinded his teeth before he continued and began taking slow strides towards her, "Yet, this jerk was insatiable and offered friendship with a shameless smile."


    "And then, this jerk''s greediness reached the zenith because¡­ I fell in love." Just as he uttered hisst words, Ethan stopped two steps away from her. He bit his lower lip and without a second hesitation, his hand reached hers.

 Chapter 124 Her response

    <h4>Chapter 124 Her response</h4>


    The moment Ethan touched her soft hand, his grip lightly tightened as if he was holding on his lifeline before he slightly loosened it. On the other hand, Lexi didn''t avoid his touch as she was preupied to process every data Ethan Lu was delivering.


    Slowly, she turned around to see his conflicted countenance. His eyes were filled with thousands of unspoken stories that he was holding back.


    Seeing this, Lexi was lost of words. She knew this wasing and prepared her outright ''no''; yet, before him, his sincerity, his honesty¡­ the simple one word that Lexi should utter was stuck on her throat.


    "All these years, I had been fooling around -- I know that I''m wasting my time but, I didn''t care. I had always done things in my own way because I am that selfish, Lexi." Looking straight at her unreadable eyes, Ethan Lu lightly gritted his teeth as he exposed his dirtyundry.


    "I party all night, hooked up with different girls, neglect my responsibilities... that''s what I had been doing all my life! That was my motto; to live life to the fullest. But then, you came into the picture." Ethan heavily sighed and gulped a mouthful of saliva. He could feel his sweat covered his back as he continued,


    "I approached you with a hidden agenda. But the longer I spent time with you, the more I realized how little of a man I am."


    "Unlike you who could admit your wrongs and reflect on it¡­ unlike you who could ept and let go of the person you devoted your heart even if it hurts; unlike you who could confidently keep her head high despite the odd nces and harsh criticisms -- I, on the other hand, couldn''t do anything; I never fought for anything." A bitter smile formed on the side of his lips as he uttered his statements.


    Indeed, Ethan Lu often runs away and avoided things that would disturb his meaningless tranquility. Yet, this woman in front of her had suffered a lot that nearly pushed her to death -- yet, after her failed attempt, Lexi chose to be a stronger woman.


    "Even when I know I liked you, I chose to stay away just to forget. Just to convince myself that I only think of you as a friend¡­ but then I realized that you, Lexi Yang was my karma."


    "I don''t know when it started or how it happened -- I just woke up one day and my heart began to race just the thought of you. God knows I resisted and I don''t wanna ruin what we currently have¡­ but, I just can''t!"


    "I fell in love and keeps falling for you every day." Ethan stopped. He wanted to say more but he knew it would be an endless confession.


    For a moment, neither of them spoke a single word, yet, Ethan kept holding on her hand. When he saw Lexi gaze down before she slowly pulled her hand from him, a terrible pain struck his heart; as if it was pierced by a sharp dagger.


    He knew it. He already expected this yet, he never thought that her silent rejection was this painful. Looking at his empty hand that was holding hers earlier, he could somehow feel her warmth receded.


    Indeed, she was his karma. The only woman he ever loved didn''t feel the same way. And without a word, she had shattered his heart in a fraction of one second. s, he was a fool and a stubborn man.


    "Ethan¡­ I -- I don''t think --" Lexi was looking for the right words to say. However, she was interrupted midway as Ethan Lu spoke.


    "I know..."


    Lexi raised her gaze and met his. There, she saw Ethan smiled albeit the more she stare in his eyes, she could clearly see the pain behind it. After all, Lexi concealed her agony back when she was relentlessly chasing after Morris Liu.


    "Before going here, I mean, before leaving the temple, I am a hundred percent sure that you''d say no. But, I never really thought that it was this painful. Haha." Ethan chuckled with a touch of bitterness in his voice. He continued as he fixed his indiscernible gaze on her.


    "Still, I already said I am selfish and so, this is not a matter of a yes or no question. I confessed my feelings because I don''t want to be just a friend -- I want you to know that I am a man as well, not a huh, sis." His gaze softened as Ethan smiled a little wider while raising his brows and sliding his hands in his pocket.


    "Lexi, I never thought that a day I will desire to prove myself worthy woulde. I''m not perfect and even if I wanted to, I will never be. I might unintentionally hurt you one way or another but I will do my best not to. You might not like me now and I won''t say I will wait for you to like me¡­ I am not a martyr and this pain right now -- I am barely hanging¡­" Ethan briefly bit his lower lip as he let out a faint sigh. He resumed after a second,


    "But, I will make you notice me. I won''t just sit and wait but I will make you like me¡­ no matter how long it will take, I will continue to prove myself worthy to hold your hand and change your surname to Lu. And until then¡­ until you get married and maybe if I failed and you found someone better -- I will never stop loving you." Ethan uttered those words with a genuine smile on his face. Although hisst sentence hurts, Ethan treated them as a challenge to whoeverpetes with him.


    Hearing everything, his unfiltered words -- Lexi would be lying if she said she wasn''t moved. All these years, she had been doing the chasing part that even Lexi noticed that she has degraded herself to the lowest of the low.


    Yet, Ethan regarded her with great value that he considered himself unworthy to hold her hand. He was also determined to change her surname; meaning, he was dead serious about this whole thing. However, no matter how moved she was, Lexi silently agreed with Ethan.


    If he was willing to prove himself to her, Lexi also wanted to prove something to herself. She preferred to confidently answer him wholeheartedly -- and if that timees, whether her answer is a yes or not, at least, they won''t have any regrets.


    "Alright, do that." Finally, Lexi meekly smiled back with a slight nod.


    "Hmm?"


    "I said, make me notice you -- make me like you that I will think about you 24/7. If you ever seed, I won''t just date you. You wanted to see my crazy side right? Then, aplish that¡­ you''ll see the next day, you will have a wife beside you." She uttered in one go.

 Chapter 125 From wanting to kiss you

    <h4>Chapter 125 From wanting to kiss you</h4>


    Ethan vacantly stared at her unwavering gaze. He blinked numerous times as he tried to have a fullprehension of what she said.


    ''Did -- did I hear her right?'' For a moment, Ethan''s mind went nk and only her words kept ringing in his head. His eyes traveled across her beautiful facial features with inexplicable emotions circling inside his heart.


    "But, let me get this straight. Right now, I don''t like you¡­ well, what I meant is that I only like you as a friend. So, don''t ever think that this will gonna be easy. I swear to God Ethan Lu¡­" Lexi cleared her throat and started prattling about her conditions and warnings. However, Ethan Lu could hardly focus on her words albeit got the gist of it.


    Arching her brows, Lexi crossed her arms around her upper abdomen. She instigated, "...are you listening?"


    "Uh, yeah." Ethan Lu vigorously nodded yet, by the looks of it, his mind was still wandering somewhere else.


    "Yeah? Doesn''t seem like it." Lexi slightly shook her head and rolled her eyes.


    "Uh, sorry. I am trying to distract myself." Snapping from his stupor, Ethan Lu grinned that showed his even white teeth as if he finally figured it out Lexi''s words.


    "Distract yourself? From?" Knitting her brows in confusion, Lexi probed as she was somewhat intrigued by how chaotic his mind right now.


    "From wanting to kiss you." Without batting an eye, Ethan Lu shamelessly dered that made her let out a series of light coughs.


    "Do you really have to say that?" After some time, Lexi red at his smiling and innocent countenance. He already told her everything, hence, couldn''t he have a short break from his romantic advances?


    "Of course! This guy needs to work hard for his future wife. I can''t waste a chance to flirt with you." Slightly tilting his head to the side, Ethan Lu winked as his expression marginally brightened.


    Unlike his distress aura earlier, Lexi''s response gave him a sliver of hope. God knows how happy he was right now. After his stay on the temple, Ethan Lu not only decided to date Lexi but also, had the intention of marrying her.


    In his perspective, he could not bear these emotions towards others. Therefore, Ethan was earnest to pursue his love interest.


    While Lexi was looking at him with a little bit of disdain, Ethan chuckled as he somehow guessed what she was thinking. He nced over at her behind and nodded seeing one of the staff entered the second floor of the establishment.


    The young staff was carrying two bouquets of flowers which he ced on the table beside them. Without a word, he courtly bowed his head and left the two VIP guests.


    "Great!" Ethan Lu sped his hand together as he walked towards the two different bouquets of flowers. He meekly smiled as he picked the two sets of flowers. On the other hand, Lexi followed his figure and altered her gaze on Ethan and the two bouquets of flowers in his hand.


    One of the flowers was a pink blush bouquet of alstroemeria that was gorgeous and impressive. While the other one is a colorful arrangement of white and red roses that was shaped into a heart.


    "Here you go, this pink one is from your friend Ethan while the other one is from suitor Ethan." Offering them with a smile, Ethan Lu smiled widely.


    Fortunately, he had prepared himself that whether she rejects him or not, he''ll never change his mind and will continue being her friend and her suitor. After all, Ethan Lu didn''t want to waste the friendship they had, hence, he wanted to clear this between them.


    "For the meantime, if you needed a friend -- even if it seems impossible knowing that I have a hidden agenda, I can still be one alright?" Ethan reassured.


    Lexi slowly nodded as she was entirely speechless seeing the flowers he had prepared beforehand.


    ------


    "I can''t believe you turned one of your cars to look like a taxi¡­" Lexi mumbled as she shook her head in disbelief.


    Earlier, when Lexi excused herself from him, Ethan insisted on sending her off. However, since Lexi didn''t want to get unnecessary attention as anything could happen if she wasn''t careful enough, Lexi refused.


    Who would have thought that Ethan had prepared a car that looked like a taxi on the surface with a superb interior? Surely, this isn''t just any ordinary taxi as it is a luxury car in a taxi disguise.


    "Well, I have to get you off my mind at some point but I didn''t know how -- so, yeah this happened." Ethan quickly nced at Lexi before fixing his gaze on the road with a subtle smile.


    "Uhh, can you postpone and maybe start your romantic advances next time?" Lexi''s finger curled every time Ethan opened his mouth. It''s not that she disliked or liked it, it''s just that she wasn''t used to it.


    "Romantic advances? I am just being honest love." Ethan shrugged nonchntly as a smug grin form on the side of his lips when he muttered hisst address.


    "Whatever," Sighing in defeat, Lexi leaned her back against thefortable front passenger seat. Soon, her eyes turned weary as her body suddenly felt drained. Without knowing it, Lexi fell asleep just like that.


    "To be fair, your confession wasn''t that bad Mr. Main task¡­ hmmm, don''t you disappoint her~!" Churu who sat at the top of the steering wheelmented after looking at Lexi''s sleeping figure. She added,


    "See? She let her guard down around you so don''t betray her alright~?"


    Ethan nced at Lexi and let out a faint chuckle. Slowly, he pulled over to the side and took off his jacket. He then put it on top of her and looked at her with satisfaction.


    His hand raised and tucked several strands of hair behind her ear. "I''m sorry¡­ and thank you,"


    He pursed his lips and gulped a mouthful of saliva before he retracted his head away from her while ruffling his hair. Turning his head back on her, Ethan heavily sighed, "Aish, why do you always test my self-control?"

 Chapter 126 I love you

    <h4>Chapter 126 I love you</h4>


    The moment she opened her eyes, Ethan''s sleeping side profile is what weed her. Seeing this, Lexi heaved a light sigh before turning her head towards the windshield.


    Currently, they were still inside Ethan Lu''s car but, it was already parked in the hotel''s parking space. When Lexi slowly sat, the jacket that was covering her slid down which caught her attention.


    ''Sissy, what time is it?'' Lexi inquired telepathically before she nced at Ethan''s sleeping figure that was perched on the driver''s seat.


    On the other hand, Churu was sitting on the car''s hood. The moment she heard Lexi, she turned her head to see Lexi''s tired countenance.


    "Past midnight~ you have already arrived two hours ago but Mr. Main task was afraid to disturb your rest~" As usual, Churu''s response had a few more extra information that Lexi didn''t ask.


    For some reason, instead of waking him up, Lexi leaned her side to thefortable front passenger seat while staring at his side profile. She then used his jacket as a nket again.


    ''Why¡­ why me?'' After some time, a thought hovered on her mind as she watched his peaceful profile.


    Initially, Lexi wasn''t serious about the whole system thing. She was just going with the flow because of Churu. However, thinking about her previous tasks, most of it was aplished by Ethan. She didn''t actually break a sweat for him to like her.


    Unlike how she chased Morris Liu, Lexi was rather apathetic towards Ethan Lu yet, the man still fell for her without any reason.


    Moreover, his confession was the thing she didn''t foresee that gained respect from her. She already knew his personality but to stripped himself and reveal all his shameless deeds, Lexi was in awe. Even her, she took a huge devotion to reflect on her misconduct and ept that she was wrong.


    Hence, this night not only made them take a step forward with each other but also, she sees him in a new light.


    ''Comic relief? Huh, Sissy, you are wrong I guess?'' Smirking, Lexi spoke inwardly as she was reminded of Churu''s information back then.


    "In my defense, Mr. Main task is indeed aic relief but now, he could be considered a second male lead~ and soon the male lead hihi~" Churu cleared her throat as she properly sat on Ethan Lu''s forehead like an innocent maiden. She ced her two little palms on herp as she inhaled and exhaled as if to calm herself.


    Lexi rolled her eyes as she shook her head with a smirk on the corner of her lips. Just then, Ethan Lu moved and turned his head to her direction.


    "You''re awake¡­" He dawdled as he smiled towards her. His gaze softened with satisfaction seeing that Lexi was still there.


    "Hmmm. Just resting a little before going back to my room." Humming a tune, Lexi slightly nodded as she immediately found an alibi why she didn''t wake him up. After all, she''s been awake for tens of minutes but she chose to linger around.


    Suddenly, Ethan Luid out his palm towards her which made her brows arched in confusion. She altered her gaze to Ethan''s smiling face and his hand that was seeking her hand to fill.


    "One hour."


    "Huh?"


    "Kidding. 5 minutes." Ethan faintly chuckled as he gently shook hisid out palms.


    "Woah, the moment he wakes up, he was already flirting with you~! Just flirt back, you will never know¡­ maybe if you do something for once, you''ll fall for him as well. Hihi~" Churu as a solid Ethan supporter urged Lexi to give Ethan an opportunity. After all, it was just holding hands and their current status is half dating and half not. Hence, it would be normal for some physical touch.


    "Why?" Arching her brows, Lexi ignored the talking dumpling that always instructs her toply with him every single time.


    "Some energy boost." Winking, Ethan continuously raised his brows up and down as if he was certain that she''ll hold him. He added,


    "I''ll have to go hometer and¡­ I will surely miss yo --" His sentence was interrupted midway when Lexi abruptly ced her hand to his.


    "Five minutes."


    "Hehe," Ethan chuckled a little louder as he was amused at Lexi''s strategy to shut him up.


    Looking down on their tangled hands, Ethan''s gaze turned even more gentle as he yed with her slender and soft hand. Though their rtionship was ratherplicated, Ethan Lu was more determined to make their rtionship official.


    "Can I pick you up on yourst day here?" After a minute, Ethan asked without turning his head towards her.


    "No need. Manager Abi will pick me up."


    "Oh¡­ alright," He nodded in understanding. Ethan didn''t insist further; afraid that she''ll be annoyed with his never-ending demands.


    One minute before the said time, Ethan indulged himself with the warmth of her hand as if he was treasuring every second that he held her hand. Soon, he broke the peaceful quietness around them.


    "I never thought that holding hands can be this satisfying."


    Upon hearing this, Lexi pursed her lips as she almost fell asleep because Ethan''s touch was too gentle.


    "Times up!" Ethan announced as he put her hand back on herp. At that very moment, Lexi prepped herself to exit the car and go to her room.


    It didn''t take long enough when Lexi grabbed her purse and the two flowers from the back seat with Ethan''s help.


    "Uh, thanks. Take care on your way¡­" Lexi awkwardly uttered as she cast him a nce before opening the door and without a word, she exited the car.


    Just as Lexi stepped her foot outside, the car''s window rolled down and Ethan was smiling while looking at her. He uttered,


    "Hey, I forgot something."


    "Huh?"


    "I love you." He grinned widely that revealed his even white teeth.


    On the other hand, Lexi shook her head as she rolled her eyes. "Drive safe." She tapped his car''s hood before resuming on her tracks towards the hotel''s lift.

 Chapter 127 No bathump bathump

    <h4>Chapter 127 No bathump bathump</h4>


    As Lexi entered the elevator lift from the parking space, she let out a faint chuckle before a subtle smile formed on the side of her lips.


    "He''s too extra¡­ really," She mumbled as she slightly shook her head being reminded about Ethan''s priceless smile when he uttered his ''I love you''. It was as if he was the happiest person even though Lexi didn''t respond.


    "Do you hear your heart make that bathump bathump sound~? Eh, eh, eeeh~?" Churu''s voice gradually rose with excitement as she flew closer and closer to Lexi. Her bum swung left and right while her two little fists were held closely on her chest. Her eyes sparkled and her cheeks flushed in anticipation making her look extra adorable.


    "No bathump bathump, alright? Just¡­ I don''t know, feel a little weird about this whole setup." Lexi blew the few strands of hair dangling in front of her as she leaned her back on the lift''s wall.


    Churu pouted upon hearing her response. She stared at Lexi''s apathetic front for quite some time as if contemting something. After a while, Churu''s lips parted into an ''O'' shape and the bottom of her tiny fist knocked on her opened palm indicating she finally cracked the meaning behind Lexi''s words.


    "Ooh! it''s the inexperienced dilemma~!"


    "You''re fast." Lexi sarcasticallymended as she nced at the flying white bun. She added with a sigh, "I''ve been engaged with that man since forever so this¡­ with Ethan, I don''t know what to feel -- actually, I don''t want to think about it for now because I don''t even know what to do with my life."


    With that said piece, the elevator lift came to a full halt and produced the sound that indicated that Lexi arrived on her room floor. While the door was opening, Lexi muttered, "Whatever. That''s not important at the moment."


    Lexi then exited the elevator and headed to her room to rest. Behind her, Churu followed as shemented Lexi''sst sentence with a voice filled with dismay. "Not important, not important, pwe! But that''s what important to me~"


    However, no matter how the adorable dumpling whined, Lexi ignored her yammering and pretended she didn''t hear the flying Churu that wasn''t even trying to conceal her motives.


    -----


    Meanwhile¡­


    Lyrick Jiang kept on ncing on the rear mirror to confirm that he was not seeing things. Currently, his master was smiling from ear to ear. What more? He was blushing! How could Lyrick Jiang who had seen every side of his boss''s personality not be confounded after seeing this new one?


    Since Lyrick Jiang arrived in the town when Ethan dropped Lexi to the hotel, he missed the recent happenings about his boss. He was only called when Ethan Lu needed a person to drive him back to the city.


    "Aiii~ I said it, hihi~" Ethan Lu muffledly giggled being reminded that he just confessed to Lexi and received her golden response. Moreover, holding her hand and being able to express even half of his feelings was enough to make him want to roll on the ground because of extreme excitement and happiness.


    Tossing his curiosity on the back of his mind, Lyrick Jiang cleared his throat to catch the attention of his whispering boss, he reported. "Young Master, Director Dennis Lu called another meeting tomorrow. He had been holding meetings and convinced the chairman to continue the project you interrupted."


    "Eh? Did gramps received the documents I sent him?" Snapping from his daydreaming, Ethan Lu diverted his gaze towards the front seat where his assistant perched with a furrowed brows.


    "Chairman did. However, Chairman also said, ''this proof doesn''t matter to me if he won''t personally settle this with his uncle.''" Lyrick Jiang recalled Edward Lu''s exact words which he ryed just now to his boss.


    Upon hearing this, the corner of Ethan''s lips twitched. He must have known that his grandfather won''t let him off so easily. If this was before, Ethan would just let it slide since he could never be bothered or rather¡­ he wouldn''t even have to deal with this in the first ce.


    Scratching the back of his head, Ethan Lu clicked his tongue in annoyance as he nced at his wristwatch. Currently, it was past midnight and traveling back to the city would take at least three hours with Lyrick Jiang''s driving speed. Therefore, Ethan Lu was left with little time to prepare for his crash in this so-called meeting.


    "Hay... head straight to my office, I''ll just rest there," With a sigh, Ethanmanded which Lyrick Jiang abided and stepped harder on the pedal.


    Turning his head towards the window, Ethan Lu let out another indiscernible sigh. He never thought that he''d ever be concerned with their endless family affairs and dramas. But now, after his stay in the temple, Ethan Lu not only realized his feelings for Lexi but also, his disposition in this family.


    His grandfather had been lenient with him ever since but Ethan Lu was certain that if he continued to y around, Edward Lu would eventually meddle with his life. If he didn''t fell in love with Lexi, Ethan wouldn''t mind as he was prepping himself to cut ties with them and live freely.


    However, his situation right now was a different ball game. He had someone he wanted to protect and he wanted to prove that he could face this problem that he had been avoiding all his life. Surprisingly enough, Ethan Lu was on fire regarding this challenge. He never vied for power but right now, he was thirsty. Reason? He wanted to surpass Morris Liu.


    Granting that Ethan Lu admired his best friend Morris Liu, s, with Lexi being involved, he refused to bepared to him. Hence, hispetitive side recurred. It''s been a while since he challenged his brother Morris Liu and thinking about this, Ethan Lu grinned.


    "Also, contact brother Mo -- I mean, set up a meeting with him tomorrow. This is important." Ethan Lu spoke, enough for Lyrick Jiang to hear.


    "Yes, young master." As usual, Lyrick Jiang remained with hisposed tone as he assumed that Ethan Lu would need another favor from his ever-reliable friend Morris Liu. Unbeknownst to him, his boss''s agenda wasn''t anything of the sort but a very mischievous one.


    -----


    After some time, Ethan finally closed his eyes to rest. Before falling asleep, a thought rolled in his mind.


    ''Sigh¡­ I miss her already.''

 Chapter 128 New Friend

    <h4>Chapter 128 New Friend</h4>


    The next day at the set of Taming Hearts¡­


    In the scene, Chang''e was tending to her foreverpanion, the jade rabbit. However, due to the drastic change of the world that Chang''e could not recognize it anymore, she was perceived as a deranged person. Hence, she was targeted to be the next victim the moment she arrived in the next town.


    Fortunately, Rika''s character as Xu Yingyue followed her when she realized the direction she headed. When Xu Yingyue caught up with her, she had witnessed the scene where Chang''e was being surrounded by malicious men. Xu Yingyue wasn''t surprised because the vige Chang''e walked into was not like any other town as it was known to be awless town.


    Hence, someone as heroic as Xu Yingyue started a fierce brawl to save innocent beauty. Unbeknownst to Xu Yingyue, her action only saved the fiend scoundrels from the terrifying power Chang''e was about to unleash earlier.


    During the fight, Chang''e remained where she stood without any change of expression while the female lead was fiercely battling against the viins. Since Chang''e could not understand what was happening around her and the reason why Xu Yingyue followed her, she decided to leave.


    However, although Chang''e could easily dodge the stray bullets and flying daggers, she was tripped because of the small rock underneath. She didn''t notice it as her focused was on the sick jade rabbit that rests on herid out palms.


    "Cuuuut! Pass!" Arnold Shen shouted over the microphone. The moment Lexi and the rest heard him, they could finally let out a sigh of relief.


    "Need a hand?" Rika, one of the leading actresses of the movie Taming Hearts offered her hand to Lexi who was sitting on the ground while her palms were ced side by side; just like her position when Arnold Shen saw her a month ago.


    "Thanks," Meekly smiling, Lexi reached out to Rika''s hand and with her help, she managed to get back on her feet easily. Lexi then dusted off the little grass and dirt that clung on her ancient clothing.


    "You should prepare me some rabbit costume for me since I''m ying as your jade rabbit~" Churu suggested as shended on Lexi''s shoulder. Apparently, she was forced to act as the invisible jade rabbit that only Chang''e could see.


    "Lexi Yang¡­ hmm," Suddenly, Rika muttered Lexi''s name as she slightly nodded her head upon understanding something.


    "Hmm?" Raising her eyebrows in curiosity, Lexi hummed a questioning tune as she finished dusting off the dirt on her grand ancient clothing.


    "I heard a lot about you, I just didn''t expect that you''d be uh¡­" Rika contemted what to say next as she realized what she was about to blurt out.


    Despite Rika being a senior in the industry, she was known to be an understanding and humble A-list artist. Therefore, she knew that mentioning about Lexi''s reputation would be very insensitive.


    "It''s fine, Senior. It was me who built that bad image for myself after all -- though I regret doing so." Guessing what conflicted her senior, Lexi reassured while raising both her eyebrows and a subtle smile on the side of her lips.


    Upon hearing her, Rika grinned and she let out a slight chuckle. She had heard that Lexi was frank and a straightforward person, but, she didn''t expect that she''d also admit this kind of stuff. Well, Rika was not to me as her first impression of Lexi was an unreasonable diva that thinks too highly of herself.


    She wouldn''t be surprised if Lexi still acted that way because Lexi initially came from a wealthy family and her acting was impable which made things easier. Thus, what''s important to Rika was, as long as Lexi wouldn''t trouble her, the actress wouldn''t meddle with her.


    s, who would have thought that Rika liked the girl after observing her in the past two days? Hence, after their scene just now, she approached Lexi.


    "Haha, I see¡­ I really can''t believe anything in this industry unless I see it myself." Rika faintly muttered in between her chuckles. Turning her gaze back to Lexi''s ethereal beauty that suited the ancient clothing really well -- disying a beauty of a goddess, Rika grinned before she spoke.


    "Wanna eat dinner with us?"


    Her sudden invitation made Lexi furrowed her brows. She didn''t see iting as she was satisfied to get her work done and rest afterward. Moreover, Lexi somehow remained distant from everyone except Arnold Shen. Therefore, this sudden friendliness Rika was showing made her suspicious about her intention.


    "Come on, let''s be friends." Seeing that Lexi''s expression tells her to scram, Rika blurted out her genuine intention but to no avail, Lexi was unconvinced.


    "Wow, she''s rather nice~" Churumented as she scrutinized the delicate beauty in front of them.


    In her eyes, although Rika was wearing a simple white dress that had dirt all over because of the fight scene, it wasn''t enough to conceal her beauty. Also, unlike Lexi''s sharp facial features that make her look like a snob, Rika, on the other hand, had this kind of vibe that she could be approachable and also not.


    "Tsk tsk, are you going to reject your senior''s offer?" Pouting, Rika showed a disheartened expression seeing that Lexi''s expression didn''t change a tad bit.


    "Uh, no. I''m sorry, I''m just a little cautious towards that word friendship." Drawing back from her curious mind, Lexi cleared her throat as she uttered her blunt opinion.


    Indeed, aside from the friends that left her hanging in the air months ago, the first human that offered her friendship since the start of her second life confessed to herst night that he had an ulterior motive and now, he was her half suitor half friend. Thus, Lexi didn''t want to go circles with Rika. After all, this is the entertainment industry.


    "I knew it. Don''t worry, I like you." Instead of being offended, Rika''s inkling towards Lexi rose even more. Since Rika was an established and famous actress that was free from any scandals since the beginning of her career, she was well respected.


    So, it was obvious that Rika was surrounded by tons of different people that it was hard for her to discern who were genuine to her and not. She resumed with a bright smile,


    "I will be treating everyone to dinner at XX restaurant and since we are staying in the same hotel, let''s go together alright?"

 Chapter 129 Their photograph

    <h4>Chapter 129 Their photograph</h4>


    Rika and Lexi''s conversation went on for several minutes even though most of the time, it was Rika who was talking. It only ended when the staff called out Rika for another scene she must take and Lexi would have to wait for her turn again.


    Sitting on her chair that was ced under the shade of the giant tree, Lexi supported her jaw as she peered at the grass on the ground.


    "What''s on your mind?" Curious about Lexi''s silence, Churu perched on herp then reposed like azy bun. Yet, Lexi didn''t respond as she was lost in thought.


    "Do you miss Mr. Main task? Me too~" Jumping to the conclusion, Churu''s eyes shone brightly. She urged, "Why don''t give him a call~ eh, eh?"


    "Call him if you miss him. I''m wondering why Rika was being friendly." Unhurriedly, Lexi cast the giddyzy dumpling on herp before she rolled her eyes.


    Granting that Lexi was used to this kind of offer, however, her disposition right now, Rika wouldn''t gain anything from her. Was her intention really pure? Lexi could not help but be wary about it. After all, she didn''t have a good impression of this word friendship.


    "Boohooo~! I wanted to call Mr. Main task but how?! Gift me a phone with his number on it -- maybe I can call him~!" Due to her two days'' experience of acting, Churu wept as she rolled back and forth on Lexi''sp.


    "*sigh* you''re a hopeless dumpling." Shaking her head upon seeing Churu''s dramatic act, Lexi sighed. Regardless, her worries that Rika was up to something lessened. She added in a whisper, "Well, whatever she''s trying to do, you got my back, right, Sissy?"


    "Boohoo~! Poor me! I was forced to act but I don''t have a sry! This is illegal! Where''re my rights?!" Churu ignored Lexi as she continued toment her injustice that was also deliberately brushed off by Lexi for some time. s, since the dumpling kept on throwing a huge fit on herp, Lexi conceded defeat.


    "Fine, I''ll sew you some great clothes alright? Also, I will make your facial mask when we get back home."


    "Really~? Really~?" After receiving her host''s response, Churu''s whimsical pretend came into a full halt and her face instantly brightened. After all, ever since the taping started, Churu''s favorite facial session was affected. Hence, her mood was akin to a grumpy old grandma every time.


    "Hmm, so stop whining. Give me some peace." Lexi nodded in reassurance as she reached for her phone inside the big tote bag that clung on the side of the chair. She then started scrolling on her Weibo for the first time in a long time to read news about anything.


    Lexi read different articles about the hottest topic about Regal Entertainment''s prostitution scandal and of course, harsh criticism was inevitable. After that, Lexi still spotted some articles about her which she didn''t bother to check. However, for some odd reason, just as she scrolled down, her hand unintentionally hard tapped the article with the title; the white lotus scandal expos¨¦, that redirected her to the article.


    "Tsk, stupid finger." Lexi clicked her tongue in annoyance as she saw the title of the long article. She was about to exit the page, but the first paragraph of the article made her stop.


    [The rising star Lexi Yang was showered with criticism when ambiguous pictures of the said artist circted around the inte. However, are these pictures legit? Were this true or just another conspiracy behind the dirty secret behind the glitz and mor of the entertainment industry?]


    Lexi''s brows furrowed. What is this article? Why did it sound that it wasn''t made to attack her but to defend her?


    Because of that first paragraph, Lexi continued reading the whole article and to her surprise, some photos were revealed as edited pictures and the person behind the blog post showed evidence about the original photo of a girl hooking up with a wealthy old man.


    At the end of the post, it says; "We are quick to judge what wasid in front of our eyes and without a seconds hesitation, he believed it. But, until when will these maniptors behind these media would control our minds and beliefs?"


    After reading the article and seen the evidenced, Lexi was rendered speechless. She didn''t remember Abigail Fan hiring someone to prove her innocence. Moreover, Lexi never responded to any interviews and articles ever since her scandals broke out. In other words, she didn''t intend to exert effort as she knew her words weighed nothing.


    That''s why Lexi was rather interested in the person behind the post but to no avail, it was anonymous. Scrolling further, Lexi read thements.


    "OMG! This is creepy AF! So it means someone is trying to destroy Lexi Yang by producing falsified pictures? My¡­ poor Lexi Yang."


    "I had goosebumps while reading this whole article. I agree with the post, people nowadays don''t care if they are destroying the innocent because they immediately believe what they saw."


    "I knew it! My goddess wouldn''t do something that disgusting! She''s too ssy for that!"


    "If I know any better those scandals probably came from envious people that were outshined by a rookie SMH."


    "Tch. this is probably Lexi Yang herself trying to push the me to others."


    Upon reading more of it, Lexi had mixed emotions. Of course, thement section had different opinions about the article; some agreed while others questioned its credibility. Regardless, Lexi was d that there are still people supporting her from behind. But, her curiosity about the person behind the article also heightened. After all, the article was just posted one day ago.


    "Who could it be?" She murmured as her mood gradually lightened. Surely, this motivated Lexi to do well in this movie.


    -------


    "Master, should we boost the article?" Inside the enormous office of Morris Liu, his assistant inquired.


    "No need. It will gradually gather attention in three days." Morris Liu leaned his back on his executive chair and he let out a faint sigh. ncing at his assistant''s stoic face, Morris Liu propped his temple by the back of his hand before he inquired,


    "What about Ethan?"


    "Young master Lu scheduled an appointment at 9 pm, noted it was important." The assistant unchanging expression ryed Lyrick Jiang''s words. Morris Liu nodded in understanding before he waved his hand off, dismissing his assistant.


    When his assistant left, Morris Liu''s gaze traveled towards the right drawer on his desk. Pulling it open, Morris Liu picked up the turned down small picture frame. Looking at it, his eyes had an unreadable aura that emanated from it.


    It was a photograph of a girl and a boy in their early teens. In the photo, the girl was smiling brightly while being piggybacked by the boy that seemed a little older than her. The boy, on the other hand, had a satisfied smile and his cheeks blushing as he was looking at the girl.


    It was him and the beautiful innocent young Lexi.

 Chapter 130 Unveil his mask

    <h4>Chapter 130 Unveil his mask</h4>


    Meanwhile at the Lu Corporation¡­


    "Good day everyone! Your beloved young master is here to grace everyone with his presence." The moment Ethan Lu entered the spacious meeting room, he announced like a free spirit.


    The room was filled with intimidating individuals as if they bore the aura of being the founder of the world government.


    Subconsciously, all core members of the Lu Corporation turned their attention to the dashing figure who just arrived. There, they saw the beaming aura of the young master of the family.


    Surprisingly enough, some of them had a reaction that contained dismay seeing him. They followed Ethan''s figure by their gaze until he perched on the first seat on the right side near the head seat.


    Seeing that all of their attention was on him, Ethan Lu grinned from ear to ear, revealing his even white teeth. "What? Too happy to see me?"


    With hisst remarks, others averted their gaze with a faint humped while others cleared their throat. Surely, Ethan Lu''s abrupt attendance had a strong impact; good and bad. Regardless, Ethan Lu was too dashing to care. Moreover, he hadn''t had enough sleep hence, he didn''t mind their ''warm'' wee.


    "It''s good to see our young master again after how many years." Suddenly, one man in a pinned striped tailored business suit heartily spoke. Despite being in histe 40''s, his noble appearance seemed like he didn''t age.


    "Yes! Though I am mildly surprised that our young master suddenly showed up." Another man who''s in his mid 50''s with numerous white strands of hair brushed along with his ck ones. His face was neatly shaved and had mild wrinkles all over his face.


    "I am also d to see you, Uncle Gerald. But, I''m more relieved that I didn''t give Uncle Harold a heart attack for surprising him." As usual, Ethan Lu''s response towards the two of his somewhat favorite uncles was unreserved.


    Of course, his expected reply caused the two men tough loudly -- making the atmosphere inside the enormous conference room lightened.


    Suddenly, the entrance opened once again and revealed a noble-looking man in histe 40''s. Granting that everyone bore different auras that were all be considered as intimidating, the neer was the most noticeable one.


    If one didn''t know, the man would be mistaken as the headmaster of the Lu family with his palpable demeanor.


    Seeing him from his position, Ethan Lu''s lips curled upward. He saw the man briefly scanned the room and their eyes met before the man began taking a stride towards the first seat on the left side near the head seat. As he made his way, some of the core members of the family stood on their seats and slightly bowed their heads as a sign of respect.


    This gesture only indicated that these men respected the man and treated him as the next family head. After all, the Lu family had an old tradition that was akin to a royal family in ancient times.


    "Young master, I didn''t know you''ll attend." The moment the man sat on his seat across Ethan, he greeted in his firm deep voice.


    "Well, should I have asked for your permission first, Uncle Dennis?" Still wearing his smile, Ethan Lu calmly responded as he leaned his back against the chair.


    "I see you''ve been well since you still have that sharp tongue of yours." Dennis Lu smiled that didn''t reach his eyes.


    "Hehe, I missed you too Uncle." Ethan chuckled after hitting a nerve on Dennis Lu.


    Obviously, their seemingly normal exchange of pleasantries affected the stilled atmosphere and change into a suppressing one.


    After some time of silence, the door opened once again and the old figure of Edward Lu appeared along with his ever-loyal assistant behind. Upon seeing the chairman, the current head of the family, everyone stood from their seat and courtly bowed their heads.


    No one dared to take their seats until Edward Lu perched on the head seat.


    ncing on his right side, Edward Lu quietly humped seeing his rebellious grandson. Fortunately, Lyrick Jiang reported that Ethan Lu was attending this meeting or else, he might have had a mini heart attack upon seeing him.


    "Ethan, if you are here to cause trouble then scram."


    "Woah, chairman! How did you know that?" Ethan Lu gaped in surprise which made Edward Lu''s under-eye twitched. He added, "But not that kind of trouble, alright? I''m just here so I can save my untainted name from being tarnished because of groundless usations due to meddling with my dear Uncle Dennis project."


    Ethan Lu sighed heavily as if the whole world wronged him. Yet, his unfiltered words displeased the majority of the core members of the Lu family.


    "Ethan, refrain yourself from insinuating anything." Displeased by Ethan''s ambiguous words, Dennis Lu warned with a threatening tone yet, this only made Ethan Lu''s eyes lit up.


    "Insinuating anything? Uncle, I had clearly stated the reason why the project should be halted but still, we are having this meeting because you wanted to push the project. Seriously, are you a businessman or a corrupt government official?"


    "Ethan Lu!" Upon hearing Ethan''sst remarks, Dennis Lu mmed his fist on top of the long table. Veins popped on the back of his hand as his jaw tightened.


    Unlike Dennis Lu triggered countenance, Ethan managed to keep his cool as he was satisfied to annoy this uncle of his, he resumed.


    "Please Uncle, thend was a previous cemetery -- give the dead some ck. Let them have their peace, jeez!" Ethan shook his head in disappointment as folders were ced in front of every individual by the assistants on the side.


    "Granting that thend was indeed cheap and the location was good, but¡­ it''s not a good risk because, in the future, the business would die when this awful truth would be exposed. Even if we profited now, the consequences in the future would be dire and the Lu Corporation especially our chain of hotels would be affected as it will be dragged in this impending scandal. Tell me, Uncle, are you trying to sabotage our Lu family?" As Ethan continued his statements, his expression gradually changed and his eyes sharpened while staring directly towards Dennis Lu.


    Upon hearing that his usual yful tone gradually changed into a threatening and domineering one, everyone subconsciously gulped a mouthful of saliva. On the other hand, Edward Lu lowkey observed his grandson and seeing him like this, a glint of satisfaction shed across his eyes.


    ''He had finally decided to unveil his mask, heh.''

 Chapter 131 Better insul

    <h4>Chapter 131 Better insul</h4>


    The atmosphere reached the maximum suppression level as Ethan Lu''s lively aura changed into a pressing one.


    How many years has it been when this young master had been like this? Ahh¡­ it was when he fought for his freedom and caused a huge ruckus inside the Lu family. Even Edward Lu at that time didn''t have the choice but to tolerate his demands because Ethan would go so far as to destroy the whole n. Some of them gulped a mouthful of saliva seeing him like this and retain their silence.


    However, some of the men present that only heard about it and didn''t heed it any mind as they thought it was only one of his tantrums. Moreover, they wouldn''t believe the rumors about Ethan Lu''s terrifying side as he always disyed his carefree side.


    But now, before their eyes and ears, Ethan Lu''s heavy words and intimidating demeanor made them subconsciously shut their mouth and looked down on the folderid in front of them.


    "The folders in front of everyone contains information of thend; its history, all the previous owners, and every business establishment that went bankrupt. I must say though, it was harder than I thought to obtain this information¡­ it''s as if someone deliberately concealed this fact." An unreadable glint shed across Ethan Lu''s tantalizing eyes as he scanned everyone''s reaction while he firmly uttered his words.


    Seeing that one after another begun checking the folder with a dismayed expression and their brows knitted as they flip each page, Ethan Lu returned his gaze across him. "Care to exin, Director Dennis Lu?"


    Dennis Lu''s expression slightly changed upon hearing his nephew''sst remarks yet, after a second, his shoulder rxed and his balled fist loosened. Fixing his crafty gaze to Ethan Lu''s sharp eyes, he sneered.


    "Exin? Ethan¡­ I don''t know who''s your informant and how you obtain this ambiguous information. I did my own digging and I was certain that thend was clear from this scandalous history." Dennis Lu then turned his head towards the head seat on his right where Chairman Edward Lu, his father perched. He added,


    "Master, I don''t mind if I have to take responsibility for my negligence but, I request a thorough investigation of this new information. It was suspicious that these things had been overlooked." Dennis Lu firmly uttered in one go before casting Ethan Lu a brief taunting nce.


    Edward Lu remained silent for quite some time as he gave everyone some time to skim through the documents. He too pretended to look at the documents that Ethan sent a month ago. He already knew about it and conducted his own investigation. However, despite knowing the authenticity of the evidence, he wanted Ethan to handle it himself to prove himself to these people.


    After all, this discussion wouldn''t take this long if not for the fact that Edward Lu was purposely stalling time before his grandson''s arrival from his soul searching.


    "I want to hear everyone''s opinion about this serious matter." Finally, Edward Lu broke his silence after two minutes of quietness.


    "Master, I agree with Director Dennis. We still need to conduct a thorough investigation of the information''s credibility." One of the core members of Lu Corporation cleared his throat and spoke his honest opinion.


    "Huh? Why do we need to waste more resources? Are you saying that they might be falsified? Why would our young master do that?" Harold Lu, one of Ethan''s supporters chimed in as he closed the document in front of him.


    "Waste resources? Director Harold Lu, aren''t you being a bit careless with your statement? Director Dennis had his fair share for the development of ourpany and I believe that he certainly did his background check before pushing this project but... howe that this information was overlooked? I don''t understand why would Director Dennis purposely sabotaging ourpany after working hard all these years. So, I could not help but think what if someone tried to conceal this information to frame him?" Another elder among the men around the long table shared his opinion.


    "What are you insinuating, Director Bai? Are you saying that our young master Lu was trying to frame Director Dennis?" Gerald Huang, one of Ethan''s favorite Uncle agitatedly sassed as he didn''t appreciate the ambiguous insinuation of the man named Eric Bai.


    Soon, each and everyone spouted their own opinions which caused another tension among them. Some sided with Ethan, others with Dennis Lu while the rest remained neutral. It was as if this scene also revealed whose side these men would pick as the next headmaster of the family.


    "Silence!" Before things get out of hand, Edward Lu mmed his fist on the surface of the long table that shut everyone to silence. He had observed their arguments and witnessed how these people split their unity. It had been like this ever since.


    Even back before he became the head of the family, something like this was inevitable. Regardless, he was d that some supported Ethan, his best bet.


    On the other hand, Ethan and Dennis Lu remained tight-lipped as everyone argued. Both are calm but their aura was shing fiercely.


    "I agree that we needed to conduct a thorough investigation¡­" When themotion subsided, Edward Lu spoke his verdict. Upon hearing this, Dennis Lu sneered inwardly and his supporters silently heaved a sigh of relief.


    Still, Ethan Lu remained unaffected as he fixed his apathetic gaze towards the facade of his uncle. Even though his grandfather, Edward Lu uttered his decision, Ethan Lu didn''t avert his gaze from Dennis Lu as if he was reading the deepest and darkest secret he had perfectly hid inside his heart.


    "I don''t doubt this evidence as I already confirmed its authenticity. If it wasn''t for this, we had lost more than we already did. What we need to expose was the person who concealed this information. It was clear that someone behind the scene was trying to sabotage us. Dennis and Ethan, lead the investigation -- start with everyone present here." Edward Lu explicated further. His statement was just and unbiased; favoring neither of the two.


    It only indicated that he listened carefully with everyone''s opinion and unlike them, he remained in the middle. He didn''t use his son, Dennis Lu having involvement and gave him the benefit of the doubt. To Ethan as well, though he gave the credit about the evidence, Edward Lu didn''t dwell on it.


    "Meeting adjourned." After the matter had been decided, Edward Lu dismissed the meeting before he stood from his seat and left.


    When the Chairman left, everyone started taking their leave with a little dissatisfaction regarding the investigation. Now, everyone needed to undergo this unnecessary investigation.


    Just as Dennis Lu slowly stood from his seat, his gazended on Ethan with a contemptuous scoff. "Stop causing trouble, kid."


    Ethan propped his jaw by the back of his hand with anguid expression, he muttered. "Don''t wanna."


    "Ethan¡­ what do you think you''re doing?" Irked by his unstirred countenance, Dennis Lu''s brows furrowed as he discreetly clenched his teeth.


    "Hmm? Resting, I haven''t slept yet. But if you are asking about something else, well¡­ isn''t it obvious? iming my seat." This time, an unsettling smile formed on the side of Ethan''s lips that sent red signals inside Dennis Lu''s mind.


    In retrospect, Ethan rarely set his mind into something serious but when he does, he''d go all out until it session; just like when he announced he wouldn''t affiliate himself with the family affairs. Hence, seeing him like this, Dennis Lu was threatened.


    "Huh, I see. Good luck with that." Dennis Lu uttered his sarcasm before he left Ethan alone inside the enormous conference room.


    "He should havee up with a better insult¡­" Ethan mumbled before shutting his eyes for a power nap without the intention of changing his sitting position.

 Chapter 132 Ism getting married

    <h4>Chapter 132 I''sm getting married</h4>


    "Ethan, so you have decided to be a candidate as the next family head?" Looking sternly across him, Edward Lu took a sip from the exquisite cup of tea.


    "Grandpa, is this why you summoned me?" Ethan frowned. He only had a good five minutes of sleep before he was disturbed by his ever-reliable assistant Lyrick Jiang. He was told that his grandfather summoned him as they needed to discuss something important hence, Ethan Lu had to fight the urge to sleep more.


    However, ever since he arrived, his grandfather didn''t speak a single word for a long time and the first thing he''d uttered was this?


    ''Jeez, isn''t that obvious? I don''t understand why uncle and grandpa were acting as if they don''t get the gist. It probably sucks to get old.'' Having this thought in mind, Ethan Lu shook his head in pity.


    Seeing his grandson''s expression and guessing his obvious thought, Edward Lu''s corner lips twitched. He tried his hardest to keep his heart at bay, afraid that if he didn''t, he''d die sooner than expected.


    "Ethan, do you know why I favored you to be my heir instead of your father or Uncle?" Clearing his throat, Edward Lu calmly uttered -- ignoring the disdainful expression on his grandson''s face. He resumed after a second,


    "One thing is that they kept arguing who was the most deserving between the two even before you and your cousins were born. I was pretty pissed that they are talking as if I am about to kick the bucket. But, as time flies, I noticed something."


    Ethan Lu''s brows raised as his interest was piqued. Granting that he had heard his grandfather ''reasons'' on why he announced Ethan Lu as his only heir; that he was pissed with his uncle and father. Still, Ethan knew there was a deeper reason behind it.


    s, Ethan Lu didn''t bother to care as he never intended to inherit the wholepany. After all, Ethan Lu was confident that he''d managed to maintain his lifestyle with his own endeavor as he didn''t have a weakness back then.


    But now, upon witnessing how cunning those core members of the Lu family and how they almost turned the table and put him in the disadvantage, Ethan Lu''s understanding deepened. He realized that pieces of evidence and facts wouldn''t work on them as they could always twist it to their liking.


    Fortunately, Ethan Lu sent the documents a month ago to his grandfather hence, his grandfather certainly did his own investigation. Still, he must admit that it wasn''t as easy as he thought about dealing with them and Ethan Lu was only lucky this time. Regardless, it wouldn''t be fun if it was easily obtained.


    "Both your father and uncleck something¡­ leadership. They might be good at business and how they aplished their projects aremendable. However, they don''t have good leadership which is the most important asset why our family stood at the top all these years. Ethan, your father was undeniably good at what he does, but he preferred doing things on his own. He doesn''t trust anyone, even with little matter that is why his health deteriorated to that degree. Dennis, on the other hand, though he seemed he was leading his people, but, sometimes, instead of being in control, he ends up being manipted -- that was proven by your father." Edward Lu''s eyes suddenly turned solemn as he took another sip from his cup of tea.


    "Eh? Then why did you announced I''ll be your heir when I was 5? Grandpa, I don''t remember ying as mafia boss with my friends." Knitting his brows, Ethan Lu checked the memory of his childhood days and nothing in his memory could be recalled as a sign of a good leader.


    Edward Lu scrutinized his grandson''s skeptical expression before he grinned, "True, but you can be trained."


    "Tch,me." Upon hearing his grandfather''s response, Ethan showed a thumbs down. He already expected this type of answer from his grandfather. He added, "Which is a major epic fail."


    "Ha! Brat! I wonder what went wrong with you." Sighing heavily, Edward Lu didn''t have the energy to smack this blunt grandson of his.


    "Hehe, Grandpa is awesome so I became super awesome." Seeing that Edward Lu''s mood suddenly turned sour, Ethan grinned and immediately threw apliment towards him.


    After all, though Edward Lu was known to be strict, he had been always cool with him. Hence, Ethan might not say it out loud but he truly cared about his grandfather''s well-being and would do any of his requests except being the family head¡­ but now, he might aplish that.


    "Haha! This child¡­ anyways, did you do any advice I gave you about¡­ love?" Shaking his head as he was evidently pleased about Ethan''s praise, Edward Lu changed the subject as he took another sip from his tea.


    "Ahh! I almost forgot!" After hearing his grandfather''sst remarks, Ethan was reminded about something important that he must discuss with him. He continued after a beat,


    "Grandpa, I am asking for your blessing -- I''m getting married!" Ethan Lu asserted with a solemn expression across his face.


    Edward Lu almost choked to death upon receiving the shocking news his grandson delivered just now. He let out a series of violent coughs while tapping his chest. His assistant on the side was rmed and pour him a ss of water which Edward Lu drank.


    "Brat, are you trying to kill me!?" When Edward Lu managed to calm himself, he bellowed and red daggers at Ethan who sat across him.


    "Woah, grandpa, chill." Raising both his hands, Ethan Lu flinched seeing that his beloved grandfather was triggered.


    "Why are you suddenly getting married? Ahh! I forgot to say you must use protection, is she pregnant? Wait, does this mean I''m having a great-grandchild?!" Edward Lu was aggressive at first but concluding that he would have a great-grandchild, his face shone brightly and his eyes sparkled with hope.


    "Jeez! Grandpa, I''m still wooing her! How I wish she''d bear my child with just my winks. I am just asking in advance because I might get married at any time." Ethan frowned as he too wanted a child with Lexi. However, right now, it was still a far-fetched dream.


    "Tsk! This brat¡­ giving me false hope!" Disappointed at how slow Ethan''s advancement in his love life, Edward Lu dissed with a dismayed gaze.


    "Aish! Aight, it''s time. I must go, gramps. I still have an important arrangement for my future wedding. Don''t worry, I won''t waste my time when we get married." Ethan bowed his head as he asked for permission to leave before he slowly stood from his seat and uttered hisst sentence with a sly smile on his lips.

 Chapter 133 Asking her parents blessing

    <h4>Chapter 133 Asking her parents blessing</h4>


    "Ethan! I''m d to see you again! How have you been?" As usual, Lillian Yang''s approached towards Ethan Lu was weing and warm. She then served Ethan Lu her signature hot cup of aromatic tea.


    "I''ve been well, Auntie. How are you?" As courteous as ever, Ethan Lu felt refreshed with Lillian Yang''s motherlypany. Also, her tea was rxing with just its scent. Not to mention, it''s refreshing taste.


    "Ohh, we''ve been doing just fine." Lillian Yang chuckled. She was clearly delighted with Ethan''s visit.


    Last night, Ethan Lu contacted her asking if he could drop by. Of course, Lillian Yang treated her like he was her own son and didn''t reject his request. After all, they hadn''t seen Ethan Lu for a month for some unknown reason and Lexi''s response to her query was always vague.


    "Have you eaten? Try these snacks I had made first while the dinner is being prepared." Offering him her homemade egg tarts and pumpkin pancakes, Lillian Yang gently gestured.


    "Thank you, Auntie. I''m sorry for the trouble." Smiling, Ethan Lu slightly nodded before picking up one egg tart and took a bite. The moment he chewed on the said snack, his eyes gleamed which pleased Lillian Yang.


    "Wow, Auntie. These are¡­ heavenly!" Ethan Lu genuinely praised as they were indeed good. He had tasted Lexi''s mother dishes but it was his first time to try her desserts. He added after gobbling the whole delicacy,


    "Auntie, why didn''t you opened a restaurant? This is so good! I can eat it every day!" Ethan felt like he was on cloud nine as he indulged with the vorful snack. If he wasn''t watching his manners, he would be shameless enough to eat everything in one go.


    "Silly, you are wee here whenever you like to have some." Lillian Yang giggled as she was ttered by Ethan Lu''s kind words. Also, his expressive reaction while he enjoyed her simple snacks was enough to fill Lillian Yang''s heart with satisfaction. After all, not everyone who tasted her dishes was as vivid as Ethan Lu.


    Just then, Frederick Yang arrived wearing a formal business suit. Seeing the light atmosphere in the living area with Ethan Lu''s presence, he smiled.


    Lillian Yang as if her radar of her husband''s presence has switched on, she turned her head towards the entrance and saw her husband arrived.


    Standing up, she greeted, "Dear," Lillian Yang then strode to wee her husband. She helped him took off his formal zer then ced it on her arms.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu abruptly stood up and courtly bowed his head towards Frederick Yang''s direction. "Uncle!"


    "Haha, Ethan, you don''t have to be so formal." Seeing that Ethan Lu didn''t change a bit, Frederick Yang let out a shortughed.


    Both Yang parents then perched on the set of exquisite sofas; Frederick on the head seat while Lillian Yang on the right side, across Ethan.


    "Ethan, I was surprised when you said you''d drop by today. But, Lexi wasn''t here." When Frederick Yang leaned his back against the soft sofa, he turned his attention to his left where Ethan Lu sat.


    Lillian Yang, as usual, busied herself pouring his husband a cup of tea and ced some snacks on the porcin small tes for him.


    "Uncle, I am actually here because of Uncle and Auntie." Clearing his throat as Ethan fixed his position as he ced both on his hand on hisp and straightened his posture.


    His statement made Frederick Yang''s brows raised and Lillian as they diverted their focus on the young man.


    "Because of us?" Repeating his intention, Frederick Yang slightly tilted his head on the side. Meanwhile, Lillian Yang also patiently anticipated on Ethan Lu''s next words. But for some reason, Mother Yang''s instinct tells her it was about Lexi.


    Ethan Lu wordlessly nodded as he mustered his courage. After three seconds, Ethan spoke. "Uncle, Auntie, I came here not as Lexi''s friend but her suitor."


    A sudden stillness enveloped around the whole Yang mansion the moment Ethan Lu uttered his words. It was as if Ethan Lu caught them off guard as both Yang parents stared at him without a word.


    "Uncle, Auntie, I know you have weed me with open arms, feeds me with delicious home cooking every time and had been lenient with me. I know it is selfish of me to bear such desires towards Lexi after everything and crossed the line. But, I really love Lexi and would be more than willing to marry her if she ever gives me the chance." Ethan Lu''s hands gradually formed sweats as he uttered his intentions.


    He cautiously looked at Frederick Yang''s inexpressive front then shifted it to Lillian''s surprised front. This quietness surely raised Ethan Lu''s anxiousness level to the core. He could hear his heart throbbed as if he was waiting for his judgment. Soon, sweats started to form on his forehead as he gulped his own saliva until he could no longer swallow anything.


    After sometime when Ethan Lu''s words finally processed on the Yang parents, Frederick and Lillian wordlessly looked at each other before Lillian nodded in understanding.


    "Ethan, will you follow me to my study?" Atst, Frederick Yang broke his silence and he invited Ethan Lu to his study room which he agreed without a second hesitation.


    ----


    [Inside Frederick Yang''s study room]


    Ethan Lu silently followed Frederick Yang from behind until they entered his study room. Scanning the room, a huge family portrait of three hung behind the desk instantly caught his eyes. It was a simple photo but it was evident with their smile that they were a happy family because of their beaming smile.


    Frederick Yang stopped in his stride in front of his desk as he raised his head to their family portrait. Without turning his head, he finally broke the silence.


    "That photo was taken years ago when Lexi came back from abroad¡­"


    Ethan Lu attentively listened to his words and nodded after knowing when it was taken. He fixed his gaze towards Lexi''s smiling face as if she was free of negative vibes and could not help but fall for her the longer he stared at it.


    "You see, in that photo, my Lexi was smiling from ear to ear. It was her idea, to take a family photo that time saying we needed to update our family photo. That silly girl, she was so energetic as if she wasn''t exhausted with her long flight." Frederick Yang''s eyes softened as he recalled how giddy Lexi back then while she insisted to shoot a formal family photo the moment she arrived in the country.


    "I didn''t know the reason why... she probably didn''t as well, but, after that day, I never saw her smile like this. At first, I didn''t notice that slight change as she always smiles at me." Suddenly, a bitter expression gradually disyed on Frederick Yang''s face. He resumed,


    "As days, weeks, months passed by, her smile has slowly faded. After more months, I finally noticed her change. Her eyes don''t smile just like it used to be and even if she always reassured me that everything was fine, it only worried me even more. But, I didn''t know why -- even my wife didn''t know the reason but we felt there''s something wrong. Yet, we still gave her the benefit of the doubt because we believe she will open up if she can''t take it anymore¡­ but we''re wrong." Frederick Yang''s voice had a touch an anguished that he had been hiding all this time.


    "We failed her as a parent. We didn''t meddle with her affairs and dared to think we were respecting her personal space but clearly, it was considered negligence. We didn''t know that our daughter''s fragile heart was slowly being shattered."


    Ethan could feel the regret, Frederick Yang has until now. Hearing his point of view, Ethan''s felt like someone was stabbing his heart.


    "Until she finally broke and we could not recognize her anymore. Our sweet daughter turned into someone we don''t know and even when we decided to step in, it was toote because my daughter almost killed someone." This time, Frederick Yang''s voice cracked and the corner of his eye formed a salty liquid that was tempting to fall. He resumed when he managed to keep his heart at bay,


    "Ethan, our Lexi had been through a lot. She only loved one man in her entire life and devoted her life to him -- she would even go to the extent of ending her own life because of it. I didn''t know like always, huh. While my daughter was¡­ while she was struggling with herst breath, I was looking at this same portrait like a fool. At the very end, I failed her because I decided to look at her in this photo instead of being with her side." Frederick Yang almost sobbed because he was mad at himself. He nearly lost his daughter because he was an ipetent, weak father.


    "I was fortunate that she didn''t leave us¡­ that she was given an oppotunity to start anew. I know that my daughter was still fighting, rebuilding herself." With that said note, Frederick Yang slowly turned and faced Ethan who was standing behind him.


    Seeing that Ethan was looking down, Frederick Yang rxed his shoulder yet, his voice turned firmed. "Ethan, if you give me your word to bring her smile back and never taking it away, I will dly give you my blessing. But, if you''re going to be one of the reasons if she cries again, I will use all my power to destroy you -- even if it means facing the Lu family."


    Slowly, Ethan Lu raised his head and his determined gaze met the intimidating eyes of father Yang. "Uncle, I am pursuing Lexi with the intention of marrying her. If I ended up hurting her, I will give my word that I, Ethan Lu will personally destroy myself¡­ but, rest assured that I will make sure not to make her cry... because my heart was already hers and hurting her means hurting myself."


    For some reason, Ethan was itching to beat Morris Liu to a pulp after hearing this. After all, Lexi had always said things like it was no big deal, s, in Frederick Yang''s perspective, Ethan felt an unimaginable pain in his heart.

 Chapter 134 Tell him to wai

    <h4>Chapter 134 Tell him to wai</h4>


    The Yang parents and Ethan Lu still proceeded to have a peaceful dinner. Of course, through the course of their meal, they mostly talked about Lexi and her happy childhood days while Ethan Lu attentively listened with great interest.


    After he showed his resolve towards Lexi, her parents weed him as their daughter''s suitor. Although they treated him the same as before, this time, it was as if another thin wall had broken down that made them informed him about Lexi''s favorites, hobbies, and things she likes.


    When the dinner ended, Frederick Yang had to excused himself to tend to some business affairs that he brought home. On the other hand, Lillian Yang apanied Ethan Lu for quite some time before he finally asked for permission to leave.


    [Outside the yang mansion; driveway]


    Lillian Yang followed Ethan Lu up to his shiny ck car with a soft smile on her lips as she watched Ethan Lu secured the pack snacks she prepared for him to eat at his ce.


    After making sure that the snacks were secured on the back seat, Ethan Lu turned his head back to Lexi''s mother who was smiling gently as usual. Smiling brightly that showed his even teeth, Ethan Lu politely bowed his head.


    "Auntie, thank you for everything."


    "Ethan, you''re most wee." Lillian Yang tenderly responded. After she let out a delicate exhaled, she spoke again; "Ethan, about Lexi¡­"


    Ethan Lu marginally raised his brows as he anticipated what Mother Yang was about to say. Granting that he had a heart to heart talk with Frederick Yang, however, Lillian Yang acted like she had nothing to say regarding the matter; which Ethan Lu doubted. After all, she was a mother.


    "I know your Uncle Fred probably said most of the things I wanted to say to you. But, I want to let you know one thing. You see, my dear daughter wasn''t used to¡­ this, having suitors. She was a very faithful woman that she was purposely distancing herself with men, afraid that Morris Liu might misunderstand her¡­ until it became her habit." Lillian Yang meekly smiled as she fixed her gaze towards Ethan Lu. She continued after she gulped,


    "I am surprised when she went home with you that night. She was panicking -- it was my first time to see her have such reaction again. And after that, although I was a little worried about the two of you, after knowing you a little well, I didn''t mind whatever gender my daughter''s friend as long as she had someone to trust... because, she also had a habit of keeping us in the dark."


    "What I''m saying is, the weight for aiming for her love wasn''t easy¡­ it has a heavy responsibility. I know you made your resolve but I am begging you, Ethan. I know I can''t offer you anything, but as a mother, I am asking you to continue being her friend." Unlike Frederick Yang, she was expressive because it was evidently that she was on the verge of crying. Her eyes were slowly being filled with tears that any moment, her cheeks would be stained by it.


    Seeing this, Ethan Lu unhurriedly took steps forward. Reaching for the motherly hands of Lillian Yang, he ced his other hand on top of hers. He raised his gaze as he smiled in reassurance before he sincerely uttered, "I promise, Auntie."


    Lillian Yang smiled in satisfaction as a drop of tears fell from her eyes. Ethan Lu tapped her hand as if to console the worried mother without a word. They stayed like that for a minute before Lillian Yang insisted that she was fine and sent him off.


    ----


    As Ethan Lu maneuvered his car, he ced a wireless Bluetooth headset on his ear and speed-dialed his assistant, Lyrick Jiang''s contact number. The line was immediately picked up even before the first ring ended,


    "Young Master, you still have yourst meeting with CEO Morris Liu for the day at 9 pm, Eleven Lounge Bar." Lyrick Jiang didn''t go in circles as he reminded his boss about hisst appointment for the day.


    ncing at his car''s dashboard, Ethan Lu checked the time and saw it was 8:30 in the evening. He only had thirty minutes to reach the said meeting ce. However, even if Ethan Lu elerate his speed, he would still bete for least 5 minutes max.


    Knowing Morris Liu, he hated waiting. If Ethan Lu didn''t arrive at the said time, Morris Liu would certainly push back their next meeting monthster; which Ethan Lu didn''t want to happen. He had been keeping this rage inside his heart since earlier.


    If it wasn''t for the fact that he was with Lexi''s parents, Ethan Lu would have thrown a huge fit and the most anticipating appointment he was looking forward to today would be rescheduled earlier than expected. Fortunately, he had to apany the yang parents to dinner that gave him the time to cool down and think with a clear head.


    "Got it. I''ll be a littlete -- tell him to wait." Without any expression on his face, Ethan Lu tlymanded to his assistant on the line.


    Surely, Ethan Lu''s ridiculous remarks made Lyrick Jiang''s face twitched. Did his boss lost his mind? Did he hit his head just now? He was the one who requested this meeting saying it was important yet, he wanted Morris Liu to wait? They are friends, don''t they? Then, Ethan Lu must know that his demands were impossible to fulfill!


    "Yo - young master -- "


    "Lyrick¡­ tell him to wait." Ethan Lu abruptly interrupted Lyrick Jiang''s obvious nagging with a stern tone. He grinded his teeth as his grip on the steering wheel tightened.


    By the looks of it, Ethan Lu was clearly seething with anger as a furious glint shed across his eyes. He already nned to use this day to inform his grandfather about his ''marriage'' and Lexi''s parents for their permission.


    Lastly, he wanted to respect his brotherhood with Morris Liu. He needed to have a serious talk with him. He wanted to let him know that he would have to turn his back on the brother code and follow his heart; whether he would give slight care or not, Ethan Lu wanted to let that man know!


    But now, it seemed his n for peaceful discussion was unnecessary. His buttons were pushed after hearing a father''s regret and a mother''s heartfelt plead. Even if it was in the past, he essentially needed to get this off his chest.


    Upon noticing the tone of his boss''s tone, Lyrick Jiangposed himself and responded, "Yes, young master." Then, the line was cut short.

 Chapter 135 She was amazing, donst you think?

    <h4>Chapter 135 She was amazing, don''st you think?</h4>


    [At Eleven Lounge Bar]


    Inside the spacious and luxurious VIP room, Morris Liu wordlessly poured himself a cup of exquisite wine with his left hand inside his pocket.


    Despite the dim lights around the private lounge and the man not having expression on his icy front, it only added it to his charms. He was akin to a mysterious man, tempting someone to know what''s inside his mind.


    Over all, only a blind person wouldn''t be awestruck upon seeing his perfectly sculpted facial features as if God took extra time to mold his very being.


    No wonder, Lexi was head over heels with him in the past. Considering the looks, upation, achievements, status, and digits on his bank ount, these alone could make every girl throw themselves at him.


    "That''s weird¡­ brother Mo, you''ve arrived earlier this time." Turning his head towards therge bar on the other side of the room where Morris Liu stood, Chris tilted his head on the side with a curious countenance.


    In retrospect, Morris Liu often arrived at his meeting one minute prior to the agreed time. No matter how hard Chris Yu searched in his memory, there''s never a time Morris Liu arrived ten minutes earlier! Hence, Chris Yu''s inner busybody resurfaced.


    After Chris Yu uttered his sentence, the wine ss was already half filled which made Morris Liu halt himself from pouring more wine then ced the cork back on the wine bottle.


    Picking up the ss of wine, Morris Liu strode towards the long sofa and he ignored Chris Yu''s obvious words.


    His stance, his every step, and even the way he sat contained elegance. If was as if he came from an aristocratic family with his natural grace.


    When Morris Liu perched on the corner of the sofa where he leaned his back and crossed his legs, with a ss of wine in his hand, he finally spoke.


    "Why are you here?" Lightly swirling the wine, Morris Liu raised his gaze to his left, where Chris Yu sat.


    "Err, that ve of love asked me toe and have a drink?" Shrugging, Chris Yu bluntly responded the reason of his attendance.


    Indeed,st night, he finally heard from his friend, Ethan Lu after his months of silence -- telling him to meet him at this ce because of something important.


    Of course, he could not forget thest time he was with Ethan Lu as they had discussed about his friend''s real feelings towards the mystery girl, Ethan Lu talked about. Hence, Chris Yu agreed without a second hesitation just to see his friend''s resolve. Who cares about the boring important stuff he wanted to discuss.


    "Love¡­" Morris Liu whispered that only he could hear. After a second, he took a sip from his ss of wine and yet, he still kept his stoic face.


    "Haa? Did you say anything, brother Mo?" As keen as Chris Yu, he heard him whisper. Sadly, it wasn''t audible enough for him to discerned what he said.


    After some time of silence and it was hopeless for Morris Liu to keep a lively atmosphere, Chris Yu mocked loudly.


    "Haha! That fool, he actually fell in love with his ''friend''. Haa! Karma strikes him, splendid! Very good!"


    Surely, he was taking advantage of the fact that Ethan Lu hasn''t arrived yet as he hadn''t ridiculed him enough in the past month. He resumed,


    "He went soul searching -- probably, he knew there was no chance for him!" By the way Chris Yu uttered his words, one would rethink if he was Ethan Lu''s friend.


    Well, no one could me him as Ethan mocked him in the past about being locked into a rtionship for a long time; saying, he wasted several years of his life.


    "I must say though, I am intrigued who was the woman that managed to make that guy fall in love. I must thank her!" Chris Yu cheered even more as he cracked up and poured himself a ss of whiskey.


    "She was amazing, don''t you think?" While Chris Yu wasughing, Morris Liu suddenly muttered. It wasn''t loud but it was enough to reach Chris Yu''s ear.


    "She is! Hahaha -- haa?" Chris Yu heartilyughed. s, he stopped midway as he turned his head towards Morris Liu''s direction. He blinked numerous times as he could not believe his ears.


    Normally, Morris Liu would keep his silence on their boy''s night out and was the first person to leave after tolerating them for at least 15 minutes. However, just moments ago, did he just shared his opinion? Or was it Chris Yu''s imagination?


    "For Ethan to like someone, that woman was admirable." Ignoring Chris Yu''s bewildered stare, Morris Liu rified.


    "Woah, brother Mo! Are you actually paying attention to Ethan''s messy love life?" Shocked at his conclusion, Chris Yu heedlessly blurted out.


    "I am not¡­" Morris Liu, with his ever t tone replied before salivating his throat with the fine liquor. Chris Yu didn''t pay attention to the unusual amount Morris Liu gulped as he drank his whiskey as well.


    "...not until now." Morris Liu lowly uttered as he stared down at his ss.


    Suddenly, a light knock was heard from the outside of the door that caught the two men''s attention. And then, it opened afterwards. There, Lyrick Jiang''sposed figure with his neatly arranged one sided hair style appeared. He strode directly to Morris Liu and courtly bowed his head.


    "Mr. Liu, our young master apologize in advance that he''d be a littlete."


    "Late?" Furrowing his brows, Morris Liu nced at his wristwatch and saw, it one minute before the specified meeting time.


    "My apologies for this inconvenience, Mr. Liu. Our young master said if you could wait --" Sensing the pressing aura emanating from Morris Liu, Lyrick Jiang gulped before he mustered his courage to romanticized his boss''s words. However, he was interrupted before he could finish his sentence.


    "He wants me to wait? Huh¡­" Morris Liu''s tone didn''t change, but one could tell that he was displeased. Putting down his ss of wine, Morris Liu unhurriedly stood and without a word, he began taking strides towards the exit.


    He didn''t have the time to wait. He already made there much earlier and he wouldn''tin about it, but,0 Ethan Lu must know that he was strict towards these things. Especially, since he made an official business appointment.


    ---


    When Morris Liu arrived outside the establishment, his ride was already waiting for him to hitch. However, just as the backseat door was opened by his assistant and when he was about to enter, he heard an angry shout.


    "Brother Mo!"


    Turning his head towards the source, Morris Liu was caught off guard and before he knew it, a powerful punchnded on his left cheek.

 Chapter 136 Who do you think you are?

    <h4>Chapter 136 Who do you think you are?</h4>


    The sudden assault caused Morris Liu to lose his bnce which made him took a staggering step back before he stumbled to the concrete ground. Momentarily, all he could hear was a tline sound ringing in his head and a striking pain traveled to his mind.


    Ethan Lu roughly loosened his tie. He grinded his teeth as his hands were still balled into a tight fist. A vein showed on his forehead and a dangerous glint shed across his eyes as he looked down on his friend.


    Even though he punched his friend, it seemed like it didn''t quench his anger - not a tad bit.


    "Morris Liu!" Ethan Lu called his name through his gritted teeth.


    God knows how fast Ethan Lu drove just to get there much earlier instead of using his usual speed. He knew that Morris Liu would refuse to wait. Fortunately, the moment Ethan Lu arrived, Morris Liu just exited the establishment.


    "Master!!" Snapping from his shock, Morris Liu''s assistant panicked and immediately squatted down to check his boss.


    He then hastily slid his hand into his jacket suit to get his phone. After doing so, he didn''t waste a second and dialed a number for some medical purposes. However, just before the assistant could press the green button, Morris Liu held on his arm to stop him.


    "Master¡­"


    Morris Liu didn''t respond to his assistant as he wiped the blood on his cracked lips by his thumb. Surely, Ethan Lu got him real good with that punch as he made him dizzy for a minute.


    Looking up to meet the pair of fiery eyes, Morris Liu''s icy gaze turned freezing and the atmosphere around him dropped into negative zero degrees. On the other hand, Ethan Lu''s vicinity was scorching with invincible wild mes that could burn anything down.


    If one was not cautious enough and identally intruded inside their vicinity, they could be caught up in the middle of this piercingly cold and searing air.


    Just then, Chris Yu grumpily exited the establishment while scratching the back of his head in annoyance. Normally, he doesn''t go after Morris Liu when he walked out because he was always like that. However, for some reason, his feet dragged him outside.


    "Man¡­ that guy must have lost his mind. He knew that brother Mo hates wasting his time. We could just barge in his office -- why bother set an official business meeting if he''s gonna bete. Tsk!" Chris Yuined.


    "Young master must have his reasons." Behind Chris Yu was Lyrick Jiang''sposed stance. He knew for a fact that his boss''s demands couldn''t be met and there''s no stopping Morris Liu, hence, Lyrick Jiang decided to wait for his young master to arrive and report that he failed to get stopped Morris Liu.


    The next second, what weed them outside was a mind-blowing scene. Both men darted their gaze from Morris Liu who was slowly standing from the ground to Ethan Lu who remained in his position. It only took them several seconds to discerned what was currently urring.


    Upon realizing it, Chris Yu and Lyrick Jiang''s jaw nearly dropped to the ground. Did they just conclude that Ethan Lu assaulted Morris Liu? Are they right? There''s no way he''d do that, right? Then why the hell does it seemed he did exactly what''s on their mind?!


    "Holy mother of Christ¡­" Chris Yu murmured in disbelief as he could not swallow what was going on, or rather, the happenings before they came in.


    Lyrick Jiang "..."


    When Morris Liu sessfully got back on his feet, he spat some blood that was filling up on his mouth before he returned his cold gaze back to Ethan Lu. "Why did you hold back?"


    "I''m here to knock some senses into you, not murder you."


    "Huh¡­ so, you want to meet me so you can ''knock'' some sense into me?" Sneering, Morris Liu stressed the word ''knocked''. He then slid his hand into his pocket suit and grabbed a slim case containing cigarettes. Without a word, he clipped the cigarette butt in between his lips and lit it up with the lighter from his pocket. After a long drag, Morris Liu puffed the smoke that danced along in the air. He added,


    "And why so? Who do you think you are?"


    "Tch," Ethan Lu scoffed as he looked at the man in front of him with contempt.


    "Brother Mo, I don''t care whatever affairs you have as it is your business, not mine. But, how can you peacefully sleep at night knowing you trampled someone else''s life -- bring them despair and act as if nothing happened? WHO.DO.YOU.THINK.YOU. ARE?!"


    "So, you resort to violence because of them? Funny." Morris Liu smirked as he slightly shook his head in disappointment before taking another long drag and blew it in the air.


    He didn''t need to ask who he was referring to as Ethan Lu had been hanging around with Lexi and was often spotted in the Yang mansion. How did he know? He had been keeping a close eye on them¡­ ever since.


    "Because of them? Ha, maybe¡­ but the main reason why I resorted to this is that I am your friend before anything else." Indeed, although Ethan Lu was triggered after hearing the Yang parent''s worries and what Lexi had gone through, what made him really mad was the fact that his friend was the root cause of it.


    He had always admired and looked up to Morris Liu as he was undoubtedly exceptional; especially how he yed his cards with the Liu family and led the Liu Empire at his young age. However, Ethan Lu didn''t appreciate his ways on how he dealt with Lexi.


    It has always been a mystery to Ethan Lu, what''s his friend''s reasons why he didn''t cut his ties with Lexi after finding the woman who he imed he loves. Nheless, he didn''t dwell on it as he regarded it with zero importance and must thank him instead because he got a chance to be with Lexi.


    Still, after everything he heard and put more thought about it, Ethan Lu was left with a huge question mark on his head; WHY? Regardless of his reason, this is not the kind of person Ethan Lu wanted to be affiliated with -- trampling someone just to remain at the top.


    "So, you''re now saying it was for me? Should I thank you instead?" Morris Liu was on thest straw of his patience as he scorned.


    "Yeah, you have to f*cking thank me!" Returning his sarcasm, Ethan Lu began takingrge strides towards him as he wasn''t done with him yet. s, just as he took two steps forward, Lyrick Jiang grabbed ahold of his waist while Chris Yu intervened in between them -- facing Morris Liu who seemed he was prepared put up a fight as well.


    "What the f*ck are you two doing?!" Chris Yu bellowed as he stared at Morris Liu before he turned his head to Ethan Lu.


    "Young master, young master, please stop!" Lyrick Jiang cracked hisposed act as he panicked and tried to firmly hold Ethan''s advances.


    "Let me go! I''ll beat this bastard to a pulp until he knows the word decency." Ethan Lu violently shrugged his assistant yet, Lyrick Jiang tightened his grip even more.


    "Decency? Let him go and I''ll educate him what''s the real proper decency." Morris Liu''s eyes sharpened as he clenched his teeth.


    "Woah, Woah, brothers! Chill! What the!" Seeing that Morris Liu''s leniency ran out, Chris Yu stood firmly in front of Morris Liu with his hands raised halfway. He didn''t want this to get out of hand than it already was.


    "Young master, please calm down!" Lyrick Jiang desperately pleaded.


    "Brother Mo, please¡­" Chris Yu''s tone turned solemn as he fixed his eyes on Morris Liu. He never saw this guy break his self-control like this. Regardless, it was easier to stop him than Ethan Lu.


    Morris Liu stared at Chris Yu''s eyes for a moment before he contemptuously scoffed before he cast his assistant a nce, "Let''s go." He then strode towards his car parked on the side and wordlessly hitched inside.


    By the time Morris Liu''s car sped away, Lyrick Jiang finally let go of his boss.


    "Tch, that arrogant jerk!" Ethan Lu clicked his tongue as dusted off his creased clothes.

 Chapter 137 How do you sleep?

    <h4>Chapter 137 How do you sleep?</h4>


    ''Hmm?'' For some odd reason, Lexi suddenly felt anxious for no reason.


    "What is it~? Missing Mr. main task~?" Sensing the slight change of Lexi''s peacefulness, Churu asked with great interest.


    ''Nothing.'' Ignoring Churu''s usual banter, Lexi shrugged the bugging feelings that suddenly struck her.


    "Hey, hey, Lexi! Why don''t you sing for us, eh??" Rika elbowed her with excitement as her brows moved up and down. Her face was a little flushed as she was drinking since the beginning.


    Currently, Lexi, Rika, Elliot Gong, Arnold Shen and the crew of the movie were in arge KTV room. After their satisfying dinner, Rika had a great n on her sleeves. She merrily insisted everyone enjoy and have a drink in the nearest karaoke bar -- her treat.


    Of course, the crew was tempted with the word ''free''. Hence, everyone agreed without a second hesitation; Arnold Shen wasn''t an exception.


    Lexi, on the other hand, was surprised by Rika''s carefree personality. Since Rika was extremely famous just like Elliot Gong, she expected her to be more modest. However, Rika''s behavior while on set and tonight has a vast difference.


    Was she always like this?


    Moreover, Lexi was in disbelief about how this whole crew treated each other. There was no contempt in their interaction, rather the whole atmosphere around them and Arnold Shen was light.


    Lexi worked into different movies but there was no such dinner as lively as this in her memories¡­ Or, was it because she was busy cooking up schemes and missed all the fun in the past? After all, most of the movies Lexi worked on, Mia Chen was always there.


    Regardless, the more Lexi spent the night with them, she gradually got used to it and watched them sing and dance like there''s no one watching them.


    "Yes yes! I heard Miss Yang has great vocal!" One of the writers of taming hearts sat near Rika chimed in. She as well was evidently tipsy with her beet-red face.


    Staff number 1: "Oh, oh! Miss Yang, grace us with your voice!"


    Staff number 2: "*whistle*"


    "Loosen up, Miss Yang and have fun! You''ve been quiet since earlier. Hehe!" Arnold Shen whom Lexi was the most surprised about cheered after hearing Rika''s request.


    Soon, all the attention was on Lexi which gave her a little difort. It''s not that she was shy or anything of the sort, she was just adjusting with this environment.


    After swallowing hard, Lexi awkwardly nodded her head. "Alright¡­"


    "Woohoo! Go bestie~!" Rika''s face brightened up and already regarded her as ''bestie''. Whether she was a little drunk or not, Rika undoubtedly liked Lexi more and more.


    Regardless of her scandals and the harsh usations, what''s important for her was, the Lexi she knows wasn''t near to those articles. Also, she was probably the most real gal she worked with. Hence, the sudden giddiness.


    On the corner, Elliot Gong was also having fun talking with another male artist. When he heard Lexi awkwardly spoke, his attention was caught. He already expected her to keep her quiet throughout the night as he was somewhat used to herck of participation. However, hearing her agreeing to their request, he was mildly surprised.


    ''Really? She''s participating and didn''t reject them outright?'' He thought inwardly.


    "Great! Great! Rika will sing for us next! She will showcase her talent!" Arnold Shen heartily pped his hands in delight.


    "Alright alright! Since I''m in a great mood, I will sing!" As shameless as she can be, Rika instantly agreed without anyone''s forcing her. She didn''t even give others a chance to speak as she already seconded Arnold Shen''s request.


    Some of them who already heard Rika''s singing could not help their face but twitch. Subconsciously, they had one thought in mind,


    ''She was waiting for this for sure. Good gracious, our dear ears!''


    ---


    "What do you want to sing, Miss Yang?" One of the staff inquired.


    "Uh," Lexi pursed her lips, undecided what song she should pick.


    Seeing that she was undecided, the staff smiled and offered, pointing at the song title, "How about this song?"


    "Oi oi, you only want to listen to your favorite song, eh?" The staff beside the one who suggested the song dissed.


    Lexi nced at the song title before she nodded. Since she knew the song and was undecided about what she''d sing, Lexi agreed with the request as it saved her the trouble.


    Lightly tapping at the mic with her index finger, Lexi cleared her throat. She scanned her audience that was anticipating for her to start before she meekly smiled as the song began.


    "I''m done hatin'' myself for feelin''


    I''m done cryin'' myself awake


    I''ve gotta leave and start the healin''


    But when you move like that, I just want to stay~"


    The moment Lexi started singing, everyone was unconsciously drawn with her soulful voice. What''s more, her slight facial movements were too perfect.


    "What have I be?


    Lookin'' through your phone now, oh, now


    Love to you is just a game¡­" Lexi knew this song from months ago, however, she was too busy with herself and never appreciated its lyrics. But now, it somehow reminded her of a particr man and the old Lexi Yang.


    "Baby, how do you sleep when you lie to me?


    All that shame and all that danger


    I''m hopin'' that my love will keep you up tonight~" The more Lexi continued the song, her voice became more emotional. For a specific reason, the lyrics were the words she could not express before.


    "Oh no, how did I manage to lose me?


    I am not this desperate, not this crazy..." Indeed, this song represented the old Lexi.


    As the song continues, Lexi could rte to it. It was her love journey in a nutshell. After all, Morris Liu didn''t introduce Mia Chen to her, it was Lexi who found out about it because of her former fiance''s cold treatment and suspicious excuses.


    As Lexi finished the song, her eyes traveled through her audience''s faces before her eyes softened.


    "Boohooo~! My bestie!!" Rika was the first one to snap as she sobbed. She abruptly stood from her seat and hopped towards Lexi. She then hugged Lexi as if she wasforting her friend albeit, she was the one crying.


    "You poor thing,e here!" Rika added which made Lexi''s brows twitch.


    "Waaah! Sissy! I want a hug too~!" Just like Rika, Churu was sobbing as she joined the group hug.


    ''What? Why are you crying too?'' Puzzled at these two crying babies, Lexi asked Churu instead. Although it affected her, Lexi sounded emotional because she felt bad for her old self -- and not whatever inside their mind.


    "Miss Yang, Miss Rika seemed she hadn''t moved on with her recent breakup, so she''s crying." One of the staffmented as he teased the kind celebrity.


    "Shut up! Huhu!" Rika responded with a re at the person whomented before burying her face to Lexi''s shoulder again.


    "Ohh¡­ it''s okay." Lexi awkwardly tapped Rika''s back as she wasn''t used to this kind of situation. "Let''s sit first okay?" Lexi then offered and after a second, Rika nodded.


    The corner of Elliot Gong''s lips curled upward watching this unfold before his very eyes. He shifted his gaze to his phone when Lexi and Rika returned on their seats.


    [Enjoying the night here! Look who sang^^ please send my fee to my bank. Ty ^^]


    Elliot Gongposed a message and attached the clip he recorded while Lexi was singing. Without thinking twice, he sent it with a sly smile.

 Chapter 138 Did you missed me?

    <h4>Chapter 138 Did you missed me?</h4>


    "Master¡­" Morris Liu''s assistant paused as he ced a box of first aid kit and medicine ointments for the wound on his boss''s lips.


    "... We should treat your wound." He sternly resumed as he straightened his posture.


    "Paul, this is just a slight wound. No big deal." Morris Liu waved his hands off before he took his cigarette case and lit it up afterward.


    The woody redolent fragrance gradually wafted to Paul Yuan''s nostrils then across the four corners of Morris Liu''s office.


    Paul Yuan shifted his gaze towards the ashtray full of cigarette butts before he strode towards the stand on the side. Grabbing an empty and brand new ashtray, Paul Yuan went back in front of his boss''s desk as he carefully put down the new ashtray.


    He then bowed his head then picked up the other ashtray full of cigarette butts. Before wordlessly leaving the office.


    He worked for Morris Liu since he took over the Liu Empire. He witnessed how his boss picked this bad habit of his when he was under pressure. At first, it was asional. However, as time goes by, Morris Liu would smoke once or twice a day.


    Until months ago¡­ Morris Liu''s bad habit intensified and he turned into aplete heavy smoker. Of course, Paul Yuan knew everything regarding his boss''s affairs as he was his trusted assistant -- also the reason behind his boss''s sleepless nights and why he could finish a whole pack of cigarettes in a day or two.


    But what could he do? It was the only thing that could calm his boss. Hence, the only help he could do was silently rece his ashtray and throw the used one as if they were disposable.


    When his assistant, Paul Yuan left, Morris Liu spun his chair to see the beautiful city lights. s, he didn''t appreciate the view and tilted his head back and rested it on his chair instead.


    Taking a long drag then slowly exhaled it, Morris Liu closed his eyes. The moment he shut his eyes, Ethan Lu''s irked countenance from earlier vividly shed across his mind.


    ''Who do you think you are?!'' His friend''s angry shouts rang again and again on his mind as if it was getting louder every time.


    "That guy¡­ he''s still as innocent as ever." Morris Liu murmured before taking another long drag.


    Just then, he felt his phone vibrated from the inside of his pocket suit. Normally, he wouldn''t check who it was but for some reason, he did¡­ which he regretted afterward.


    On the screen, Elliot Gong''s message with an attached clip in it was what weed him. It wasn''t hard for him to discern who was the person on the video as he knew her for as long as he could remember.


    His thumb hesitated to open the clip but in the end, he found himself watching the video.


    In it, Lexi was singing a song he was unfamiliar with yet, she owned it as if it was hers to begin with. Unconsciously, he was drawn to her singing and to every word she spilled.


    Only the sound of the woman''s singing could be heard around the enormous office as Morris Liu remained silent. When the video ended, he sent a red pocket with a generous amount of money to its sender before mildly tossing his phone on his desk.


    Taking another long drag, Morris Liu leaned his back against the executive chair and tilted his head back. Staring at the ceiling, Morris Liu slowly closed his eyes once again.


    He didn''t know how and when he fell asleep because he had been having a tough time sleeping; most of the time, he doesn''t get any.


    In his sleep, Morris Liu was brought back to the time when he met Lexi after several years. It was when she arrived in the country.


    It was a particrly tiring afternoon as he had been working nonstop; day and night for months. That day was the only time he finally had a break, yet, as usual, the ce where he rest was his office.


    When he arrived at his ''abode'', Morris Liu didn''t head on the private room inside the office but directly perched on the long sofa at the center of the spacious office.


    Loosening his tie, he could finally breathe. When he leaned his head back, Morris Liu rested his stressed eyes by shutting them. After a while, he felt a soft, gentle hands cover his already closed eyes.


    The person who was mischievously keeping her silence anticipated him to take a guess. s, he didn''t speak for quite some time yet, his aura gradually turned even colder.


    "Get out," The first words he uttered were enough to scare someone away but not the dense woman. She was unaffected and remained covering his eyes which made him knit his brows.


    In recent years, there''s only one woman who dared toe and go in his office and every time, he would scoot her away -- and that woman would always abide without a second warning.


    But now, the person who was covering his eyes had no sign ofpliance. He didn''t want to touch her hand or her, hence, he didn''t remove it himself. Just as his lips parted again, Morris Liu''s words were stuck on his throat as a very familiar perfume wafted his nostrils.


    It was the scent he would never forget as there were only a few of them that were manufactured and he bought everyst bit of them because she told him she liked it very much.


    Slowly, his hand raised and felt the warmth of the hands covering his eyes. Just one touch, he felt a sense of familiarity.


    ''Lexi¡­'' Morris Liu remained touching her hands for a moment before he unhurriedly moved them.


    The instant he opened his eyes, her beautiful pouting expression was what weed him. Lexi, had her head slightly leaned down as she met his eyes, "Is that how you treat your fianc¨¦?"


    Morris Liu slowly blinked as he fixed his eyes on her. His assistant didn''t inform him that Lexi wasing back. But that was not important, why did shee back much earlier? Shouldn''t she suppose to stay abroad for another six months?


    Seeing that his expression didn''t have a slight change, Lexi faintly humped before she straightened her back.


    His gaze followed her figure as she walked around and sat beside him. She was looking at him with eyes filled with longing yet, there was a fake frowned on her lips.


    "I''m back and my fiance is looking at me weirdly¡­ just say it, you missed me." She lightly poked his shoulder.


    ''You''re back but¡­ why? You shouldn''t be back yet. Why?'' Morris Liu''s mind was preupied with questions yet, on the surface, there wasn''t a change in his expression.


    "Say it, say it, I missed you." Lexi continued to mildly poke his shoulder, trying to squeeze the words she wanted to hear but to no avail, Morris Liu strongly uttered something else that made her flinch a little.


    "Why are you here?"


    "Hmm? My fiance is a meanie! Not returning my calls and rarely replies to me with short messages, meanie! So, as my revenge, I didn''t meet you yesterday." Ignoring the unpleasant response, Lexi frowned as sheined and unted her ''counterattack''.


    The next second, he aggressively held on both her shoulders and repeated through his gritted teeth, "Why are you here!?"


    His sudden aggression evidently shook Lexi as she didn''t expect him to be like this. He wasn''t like this even when he was mad at something. He never vented his anger to her in the past.


    "Brother Mo¡­ you''re hurting me." Feeling the pain as his grip on her shoulder tightened, Lexi winced which snapped Morris Liu back to reality and let go of her.


    Lexi massaged her shoulder yet, her heart ached more than her shoulders.


    Neither of them talked for a while. Surely, Morris Liu''s sudden belligerence not only shocked Lexi but him as well.


    ''What¡­ am I doing?''


    "Did you missed me?" Breaking her silence, Lexi inquired while looking down -- rephrasing her words since earlier into a question but to no avail, she got no response. She added,


    "Just say yes¡­ even if it''s a lie."


    "Go back¡­ leave the country." Morris Liu could not see her expression as she was looking down but at least, he could also not see her hurt expression while he uttered the words that he knew would hurt her.


    To his surprise, when Lexi raised her head, she was pouting as if she didn''t hear him. "Meanie, can''t you lie and say you missed me if you want me to go away?"


    His gaze traveled across her pretty face and knowing her, he knew she would remain adamant and repeat her words like a broken record. Hence, he responded without any emotion. "I do."


    "Then, that''s all that matters! Alright, I''m going to shop and enjoy my free days. Also, don''t forget, you''ll date me tonight. I already found a ce because I know you''re busy." Upon hearing his ''lies'', Lexi smiled brightly and informed him about their date. She then stood from her seat then grabbed her purse before she left the office without a word or looking back.


    When she left, Morris Liu kept staring at the shut entrance of his office, "I''m sorry¡­" he whispered as his expression gradually changed and his fist tightened while he ced his arms on each of his legs.


    ****


    Morris Liu opened his eyes, feeling the heat in between his fingers. Seeing that the cigarette was almost finished, he grinded it on the ashtray before lighting a new one.


    "Huh... I really f*cked up big time¡­" Morris Liu lowly mocked himself as he already knew that there''s no amount of sorry couldpensate for the pain he had caused her.

 Chapter 139 I like the spirit! Please flirt with me!

    <h4>Chapter 139 I like the spirit! Please flirt with me!</h4>


    "Was she always like this?" Lexi inquired in disbelief as she looked at Rika''s wasted figure lying on the bed.


    "uhh¡­ sometimes?" Rika''s assistant named Julie Cao awkwardly responded. However, her reply convinced no one, even she found it unbelievable.


    [One hour ago]


    Earlier, after Rika cried her heart out, she announced, "Alright! Since I can''t go back on my promise -- I will sing a song!"


    "Miss Rika, you can continue crying¡­ we don''t mind really!"


    "Hehe, yes, yes! Rest assured, it''s fine."


    "Hahaha! Sing your sorrow away!" Arnold Shen who was already drunk heartily cheered that made almost everyone secretly red at him.


    "No! I will keep my words! I''ll sing, I''ll sing! I can''t let director Shen down! Please y unbreak my heart!" Ignoring the obvious pleas of her colleagues, Rika downed another ss of alcohol before she abruptly stood and took the mic. And just like what Arnold Shen said, she sang her sorrow away.


    As Lexi watched these lively crew, a subtle smile formed on the corner of her lips. If only she got to meet them before, and had a chance to work with them months ago¡­ maybe, just maybe, she could rethink her actions.


    ''Well, what''s done is done. At least, I got to meet them in this lifetime.'' Lexi thought inwardly before drinking her own ssful of liquor.


    "Right right~?! It''s never toote to find real friends and love~!" Churu smiled from ear to ear upon hearing Lexi''s loud thoughts.


    However, Lexi never thought that after Rika drowned herself with alcohol, she was the one who would help Julie Cao to carry her back to her hotel room because they could not rely on the other staff as they were drunk as well.


    [End of short shback]


    "Really¡­" Lexi shook her head seeing the unconvinced expression Julie Cao was making. After looking at Rika''s snoring figure for thest time, Lexi heavily sighed before turning her head back to the little assistant on the side.


    "Don''t forget to buy her some medicine and tea to cure her hangover tomorrow." She reminded which Julie Cao understood with a nod.


    "Alright, I''m going back to my room." Lexi excused herself and Julie Cao courtly bowed her head with a loud thanks for her help.


    ---


    When Lexi returned to her room, she immediately headed straight to the bathroom for a shower. After all, she was the type of person who could not fall asleep without feeling refreshed. Moreover, she drank a little amount of alcohol hence, her body temperature was slightly hot.


    When she was done, Lexi changed into a pair offortable white pajamas. Turning to Churu who already had her reserved facial mask on her face, Lexi called out.


    "Sis, what do you think? Don''t you think we''re twins?" She spun as Lexi showed Churu her pair of white pajamas matched with a white headband.


    Churu turned her head toward Lexi. She examined the prouddy while patting her cute cheeks before she nodded, "Just a little more and you''ll be as pretty as I am~"


    "Don''t worry, you''ll still be the prettiest sister." Lexi agreed while tilting her head sideways and leaped her ways to the bed.


    Just before Lexi couldy on the mattress, she heard her phone produced a notification sound. Since her small handbag was ced on the bedside table, Lexi searched for her phone before she copsed her body on the bed with it on her hand.


    Checking who it was, she immediately saw Ethan Lu''s contact name: M.I.A and his short message.


    [Still up?]


    Lexi nced at the time and it was one hour before midnight. As Lexi contemted whether to respond or not, she received another message from him.


    [If you do, can I call you?]


    "Hmm?"


    "Mr. Main task should be a little more shameless." Churu flew and reposed beside Lexi''s head as she read the message. She added, "Say, did you develop any feelings towards him - even just a little bit?"


    "Sissy," Lexi shot Churu a knowing look as if herst remark was a no-brainer question.


    Just then, she received another text from him that made her return her gaze on the phone.


    [I am restraining myself from going to you¡­]


    "Tsk," Lexi clicked her tongue not because she was annoyed at Ethan Lu''s night sweet message but about something else. Instead of replying, Lexi tapped the phone sign button thennguidly ced it in front of her ear.


    "Move it here so I hear~" Churu demanded as she was toozy to fly on the other side of the pillow. For some reason, Lexi granted her request and switched it on her right ear.


    It only took one ring or rather, the first ring didn''t even end yet when it was picked up. The moment the line connected, Lexi was the first to speak.


    "If you want to call, just call. Why would you even ask?"


    "Feisty¡­ I liked it." Ethan Lu chuckled hearing her pleasant greetings.


    "You sure do," Lexi smirked. Probably because she had a little drink, she went along with his humor.


    "Oh? I like the spirit -- please flirt with me." As expected, her words ignited Ethan''s shamelessness and he demanded. Unlike his modest message, one could not really judge a person by his simple text.


    "Tss, really¡­ why did you want to call?" She changed the subject knowing that he''d turn more flirtatious.


    "Uh¡­ I missed you. Do I have any reason?"? In a matter of fact tone, Ethan''s voice clearly longed for her even though it was only 23 hours since hest saw her.


    Indeed, just a day felt like a month to him; especially now that he embraced his feelings for her. Hence, he would really drive his way to where she was if she didn''t hear her voice.


    "..." His answer rendered her speechless. She already expected this kind of words from him, yet, Lexi could not help but be caught off guard every time.


    For a while, Ethan Lu didn''t utter a word -- same with Lexi as she didn''t know how to respond or rather¡­ should she really need to respond or pretend she didn''t hear him?


    "Lexi¡­" Atst, Ethan Lu broke his silence. However, his tone of voice had a touch of sorrow.


    "Hmm?"


    "Love¡­" He added with the same tone.


    Lexi''s brows knitted upon hearing how he addressed her. Regardless, she didn''t make a big deal out of it as she was dealing with Ethan Lu -- what should she expect?


    "Hmm?"


    "Sorry¡­"


    "For?"


    "For beingte¡­ for not meeting you sooner, for not showering you with love much earlier." Ethan Lu slowly muttered his reason why he was apologizing. By the sound of it, he was deeply depressed which moved her for some reason.


    "Love, I''m sorry¡­ I promise I won''t let you carry your burden alone anymore."


    Lexi pursed her lips after hearing hisst statement. Surely, this guy was an expert in his field. No wonder girls were head over heels to him as not only he got the looks and money but his tease vocabry was vast.


    "Have you been drinking?" Diverting the subject, Lexi blurted out without contemting.


    "Uh¡­ I had a drink -- just a little." He expected her to change the topic thus, Ethan Lu honestly came clean.


    "So, your message is a bluff?" When these words escaped from her mouth, Lexi smacked her lips. How could she ask that?


    "Haha, no it''s not. I am actually on my way but I thought I should make a call first and if you didn''t reply, I have a valid justification. Sadly, you called so I pulled over." As expected from Ethan Lu, he didn''t have a second hesitation letting her know the truth.


    After all, this is what he wanted; openmunication with her, a transparent rtionship. Therefore, he was practicing it while he was still in the early stage of wooing her.


    "Gosh, Ethan Lu¡­ are you crazy? It''s almost midnight. Go home and sleep!"


    "Will you apany me? If you stay on the line even if you don''t speak, I will go¡­ to my ce instead of my home." Ethan chuckled as he liked the sudden nagging. He added,


    "This is a threat by the way. Though in the end, I am the person who gets hurt because I won''t be able to see you plus, staying on the line means you don''t want to as well. Aiya, I feel like crying~!"


    "What a drama king. Sure, cry. Lemme hear it." Lexi''s corner lips curled upward as she heartlessly teased him.


    With that said, the night was spent with their phone both connected on the line until Lexi fell asleep.

 Chapter 140 Spend the night with you

    <h4>Chapter 140 Spend the night with you</h4>


    Lexi stretched her arms and her back as she woke up. Just then, the rm she usually carried whenever she was out in a taping rang.


    "Urghh, I woke up even before you rang!" She grumbled before she smacked her rm to silence. Lexi then wrapped her body with the softforter again with ease like a sleeping shrimp. She murmured,


    "Five minutes¡­"


    Last night was fun. Aside from seeing the brighter side of the entertainment industry and discovering Rika''s likable personality, Lexi didn''t expect that apanying Ethan Lu was actually¡­ nice.


    Lexi didn''t even notice that she fell asleep as they chatted random ridiculous stuff that she, herself, found it silly. Regardless, one could tell her engrossment because Lexi even charged her phone in the middle of their conversation.


    Since her call time would be in four hours from now, Lexi had the time to idle for several minutes before she would prepare herself to work. However, she could not help but wonder if the production team could work recalling how drunk they werest night. Also, how could they party? It''s not even thest day of their filming Hence, Lexi was puzzled. Nheless, it wasn''t entirely her concern but Arnold Shen.


    ''They could handle it¡­ maybe?'' She thought inwardly.


    "Morning," Suddenly, Ethan''s familiar voice greeted.


    "Hmm, morning¡­" Lexi greeted back but, the moment she did, her eyes abruptly opened and immediately turned her head towards the direction of his voice. Hearing Ethan Lu''s voice early in the morning shook her to the core.


    Lexi: "!!!!"


    Apparently, Ethan was still on the line and her phone was still charging beside her. Does that mean he didn''t hang up the whole night?


    "Haha!" Ethan Lu guessed her shocked hence, he could not help but let put a delightful chuckle. He added, "What a treat to hear you early in the morning."


    "Uhh," Surely, Lexi was rendered speechless. For some reason, she felt self-conscious as she wondered if she snored while asleep. Petty. However, that would be a little embarrassing and her perfect image would be shattered. Most importantly, Ethan Lu might probably use it against her!


    "I didn''t know you snore so loud." Just as Lexi was thinking about it, Ethan Lu teased in between his stunningughs that made her face flushed from embarrassment.


    "Impossible!" Without batting an eye, she denied it almost immediately.


    "Kidding." Ethan Luughed loudly. However, Lexi''s expression was theplete opposite of his.


    "Ha ha, is it funny?" Uncharging her phone, Lexi looked at it with her right brow arched as if the man on the line could see her displeasure.


    Clearing his throat, Ethan Lu conceded as if he sensed the dangerous aura from his mobile phone, "No, it''s not."


    "Huh," The corners of her lips curled into a smirk as if her intimidation was a sess. She added, "Good."


    "Hehe, you''re going hometer?" Diverting their subject, Ethan Lu asked in great interest.


    "Uh, yeah. We''ll have a week break starting tomorrow¡­" Lexi didn''t realize that she blurted out more answers than she should. Yet, it only worked with Ethan Lu''s advantage as he needn''t stalk her schedule.


    "...and then, after that, we''ll be moving to another location to continue."


    "I see¡­ so, I''ll see you tomorrow then?" After Lexi finished her sentence, Ethan Lu uttered with an unclear tone which made her brows raised.


    "Hmm?"


    "Will you go on a date with me? Let''s date." Since he got her parent''s permission, and he had already informed his grandfather, Ethan Lu didn''t want to waste a second to get married as soon as possible.


    Upon hearing his invitation, Lexi swallowed as she pursed her lips into a thin line. Couldn''t he give her a little time to adjust? But, recalling her response to his wonderful confession, and knowing Ethan Lu''s personality -- she must have expected this much from him.


    "Alright..."


    "Sweet!"


    "I''ll be hanging up, I need to prepare before my call time." Lexi nced at the time and saw that she had extended her idle time, yet, she still informed him as this guy didn''t end their long phone call even after she fell asleep.


    "Go ahead, I''m already happy that I got to spend the night with you." With a touch of mischief, Ethan Lu worded his sentence very ambiguously that didn''t go unnoticed by her.


    "Ethan Lu¡­" She warned firmly which cracked up the man on the line. She slightly shook her head as Lexi almost neglected that Ethan Lu has different levels of flirtiness. He could be sweet and¡­ pervert at the same time.


    ''Gosh¡­ this guy, he''s already showing his true nature.'' She thought inwardly. But for some unknown reason, she didn''t find him annoying.


    "Haha, alright alright. I''ve been taking too much of your time -- just hung up anytime."


    "Bye." Without a second hesitation, Lexi ended the call since she really needed to start moving. Seeing the duration of their call, which is seven hours and a couple of minutes, Lexi could not help but briefly raised her brows.


    It''s the first time in her 24 years of existence that she stayed on a call this long. Even when she was with Morris Liu, their calls onlysted minutes because he was always busy and she didn''t want to take too much of his time.


    Shaking her thoughts off, she murmured. "Enough thoughts of Ethan Lu." Lexi then tossed the phone on the side before she hopped out of her bed and headed to the bathroom to start her day.


    Just when Lexi entered the bathroom, her phone lit up with Ethan Lu''s contact name on it.


    [Have a great day, love. Don''t forget to eat or else, you''re giving me a reason to pick you up. See you.]


    ******


    Ethan Lu smiled after his message was delivered. He then ced down his phone on the kitchen counter before picking up his cup of coffee and he took a sip.


    He was already wearing a slim fit royal blue trousers, paired with a well-ironed white dress shirt. His first buttons were still unbuttoned, his hair a little messy as if he was interrupted in the middle of preparing himself to work. Regardless, he was still as dashing as ever.


    "What a good way to start the day¡­" He smiled as he bit his lower lip. He never thought that he got to talk to her much longer than expected. What''s more? He had given the chance to hear her beautiful snores. Ethan Lu never thought that snores could be as smooth as a luby.


    Moreover, hearing her voice early in the morning sparked his desire to spend more mornings and nights with her for the rest of his life.


    "Right, I need to buy our wedding rings and engagement ring." Surely, Ethan Lu thinks too advanced as he needed to prepare rings if ever Lexi epted his love at any time. After all, he took her words seriously days ago and he wouldn''t let it slide.


    Just then, his phone rang that brought him from his Lnd. ncing at it, he saw Lyrick Jiang''s contact name on the screen which made him clicked his tongue before he swiped to answer.


    "Young master, Chairman received the news aboutst night between CEO Liu and you --" The very instant the line connected, Lyrick Jiang was evidently panicking yet, Ethan Lu''s expression didn''t change.


    "Rx, don''t overthink just yet." Ethan Lu nonchntly calmed him down which didn''t help his assistant on the other end.


    "Young Master! This is a serious matter as Chairman --"


    "Tsk tsk, my dear right-hand man, I know the people around me. Yesterday was a recap of how scheming they could be andst night was calcted and well, can be considered a test." Ethan Lu smirked as an indistinct glint shed across his eyes. He added,


    "Enjoy your breakfast. I''ll see you in my office." With thatst remarks, Ethan Lu cut the call short.


    "Aiya, Just when I am thinking of my wedding day...." He whispered before a scheming smile appeared on the corner of his lips.

 Chapter 141 Showered together

    <h4>Chapter 141 Showered together</h4>


    Just like she said, after her morning call with Ethan Lu, Lexi leisurely prepped herself before her call time. Since she was diligently early, she decided to go to the hotel''s morning buffet for breakfast. After all, she read Ethan Lu''sst message and for some reason, she felt that he had eyes everywhere. Also, she was actually a little hungry.


    Looking around the room, Lexi''s brows knitted as she was reminded of something. Why does she think that she was missing something¡­ or rather, someone?


    "Sissy!" After a second, Lexi finally realized who she was missing since early in the morning: it was Churu!


    Indeed, she hadn''t seen Churu ever since she woke up. Since her attention was focused on Ethan and preparing herself before her work, she forgot about the little dumpling.


    "Where is she? Did she wander around?" Lexi slightly tilted her head on the side with a questioning look.


    "Whatever," Knowing Churu, she''ll surely show up if she ever gets exhausted. Also, she''s a big girl already hence, there''s no need to worry about her, right?


    With that set of mind, Lexi shrugged her worries towards the cheerful dumpling and headed downstairs for breakfast.


    ***


    Arriving at the hotel''s breakfast buffet, the corners of her lips twitched seeing some of the production staffs having an imaginary dark cloud above their heads.


    "Miss Yang!" Seeing Lexi''s unmoving figure, Rika''s assistant, Julie Cao approached her.


    "Julie, how''s Rika?" Turning her head to the assistant''s voice, Lexi inquired. Upon scrutinizing the assistant''s eased countenance, Lexi guessed that Rika was doing fine which gave her a slight relief which was proven wrong almost immediately.


    "Uh, that¡­" Suddenly, Julie Cao''s expression turned sour just when Lexi rxed. Conflicted, she decided to point a certain table as she could not put up words to exin Lexi''s inquiry.


    Lexi''s gaze followed the direction Julie Cao was pointing. There, she saw the most gloomy person in the hotel''s dining area. The invisible clouds above her head were much darker than the rest of the staff present.


    ''How can these people be so careless?'' Lexi thought inwardly as she could not believe her eyes. Moreover, how could these people work appropriately if they were all suffering from a hangover?


    Regardless, Lexi shook her head as she resumed on taking soup, pancakes, and tea for her breakfast while Julie Cao filled two tes for a heavy breakfast.


    After that, Julie Cao turned her head to her side where Lexi stood and was looking for her seat. She suggested,


    "Sister Lexi, you can join our table."


    "Hmm?" Lexi furrowed her brows as she cast Julie Cao a side nced. After a second, she nodded her head and agreed, "alright."


    With that said note, Lexi and Julie Cao wordlessly made their way to where Rika sat. Currently, the culprit fromst night''s party had it pretty hard. She waszing around the table with her head and arms upying half of the table.


    "Uhh¡­ my head¡­ I won''t drink aga -- uhh!" Rika repeatedly grumbled.


    "sister Rika, sister Lexi will join us for breakfast." Julie Cao was the first one to speak as she ced the two filled tes on the square table.


    Rika slowly raised her gaze and when she saw Lexi''s inexpressive front, she meekly smiled before she unhurriedly straightened her back. "Bestie, how are you? I think they put something weird on our drinksst night."


    By the time Rika finished her remarks, Lexi and Julie already took their seat; Julie Cao beside Rika while Lexi opposite them.


    "Sister Rika, that''s a hangover. You drank a lot, now you''re suffering." Shaking her head, Julie Cao gently reminded. By the looks of it, she was used to Rika''s antiques and how she pushed all the me to the alcohol instead of her unreserved drinking habits.


    "Julie¡­ how cruel." Frowning, Rika turned her aggravate gaze to her side before averting it back across her -- seeking for sympathy. However, Lexi remained unmoved as she backed Julie Cao''s statement.


    "You should drink responsibly. Having a heavy breakfast will help." Without looking back at Rika, Lexi uttered before she took a sip from her soup.


    "Yes, yes," Sounding dejected, Rika picked up her spoon and started gobbling up her food. The three silently consumed their breakfast as Rika wasn''t in the mood to be cheery and Julie Cao was busy eating while tapping her phone from time to time.


    Lexi, on the other hand, didn''t mind the quietness as she was already used to it. However, the longer Churu wasn''t around, her worries towards her little support slowly grew bigger. After all, even though Churues and goes at first, she sticks with her like glue as time goes by. Therefore, Lexi could not help but wonder what was the little Churu doing and where she was.


    Just then, the gentle voice of Elliot Gong reached their ears. "Good morning,dies."


    Subconsciously, the three of them turned their attention towards the man walking towards them with a light te of breakfast with him. Rika furrowed her brows the moment she saw Elliot Gong''s signature gentle smiling face while Julie Cao courtly bowed her head. Meanwhile, Lexi''s eyes widened upon seeing Churu on his shoulder.


    "May I join the table?" Tilting his head on the side, Elliot Gong inquired.


    "Help yourself," Rika dryly responded before she resumed eating. Elliot Gong then sat beside Lexi with a satisfied smile on his lips.


    Sensing that Lexi was looking at him weirdly, he turned to see her unusual countenance. He then looked at his shoulder where Lexi was staring but seeing that there''s nothing in it, he asked, "Is there''s something wrong, Miss Yang?"


    "Uh, nothing. Sorry." Snapping from her daze, Lexi slightly shook her head and resumed spooning her soup. However, she could not help but nce at Elliot Gong''s shoulder with a puzzled gaze.


    ''Sissy? Why are you surrounded by hearts and pink air?'' Asking telepathically, Lexi sipped from her warm soup. Apparently, the instant she saw Churu on Elliot Gong''s shoulder -- blushing to top it all off, Lexi was beyond mind-boggled.


    ''Is he dangerous?'' Adding with her inquiry, Lexi was reminded that Churu was attracted to dangerous people and chaos. Hence, she instantly became wary of him.


    "We showered together~ he''s dangerous and his little friend down there is not little at all~!"


    *bang!*


    Churu''s response almost made Lexi choked on her soup as she mmed her palm on the surface of their table. Of course, her abrupt action caught the attention of the three. Seeing that Lexi was coughing non-stop, Rika panicked.


    "Omg! What happened? Are you alright?"


    "Hey," Just like Rika, Elliot Gong''s brows creased as he heedlessly raised his hand to tap her back. s, even before he could do so, Lexi raised his hand gesturing him that it was fine.


    "Pervert¡­" Lexi murmured. However, her words were audible enough to reach the three.


    "Oh, sorry." Misunderstanding her words, Elliot Gong awkwardly apologized. He assumed that she spouted those words directly at him as he almost touched her. It was already a miracle that Lexi didn''t say anything when he sat beside her but touching her was probably still prohibited; no matter the circumstances.


    "Uh, no. Not you -- I was just reminded of something. Ha ha!" Recovering from her shocked from Churu''s perverted remarks, Lexi awkwardly excused her action just now.


    ''Churu!!''


    "Wahh~! What~? I was so bored with your conversation with Mr. Main task so I wandered around and see him topless while going through the rooms~!" Sensing the danger from Lexi, Churu justified her action. She added, "It was his abs fault~!"


    ''Huh, so you showered with him?'' Being utterly disbelief, Lexi couldn''t stop herself from turning her disgusted eyes to Churu''s blushing face which caused another misunderstanding to Elliot Gong.

 Chapter 142 Alvah

    <h4>Chapter 142 Alvah</h4>


    The morning meal ended very awkwardly as none of them spoke a word. However, the culprit why they were quiet didn''t seem she was concerned as she consumed her breakfast faster than her usual pace before she excused herself.


    "I never thought Lexi is quite cute in her own way." Rika blurted out as she watched Lexi''s retreating back.


    "She''s always like that, I guess." Elliot Gong smiled as he nced at Lexi''s back before he continued eating his food.


    As usual, Elliot Gong shrugged Lexi''s unpleasant verbal assault as he was already used to it. At least, she said she wasn''t pertaining to him even if it was out of unneeded courtesy.


    "Uh, right. You know her¡­ hmm, by the way, now that I think about it, I heard you rejected this project? Why are you suddenly here as the second lead?" Rika narrowed her eyes as she stared at Elliot Gong with suspicion. Since she worked with him several times with different movies, they could be considered friends. Hence, she was unreserved towards her instigation.


    "Hehe, I need money." Smiling, Elliot Gong honestly answered. s, the real meaning of his words could only be understood by him alone.


    "Money? Are you sure? Not love interest, eh?" Still pressing on the matter, Rika grinned as she knew that after Lexi got the role Chang''e, Elliot Gong took up the role that has more interaction with Lexi''s part -- which sparked her thirst for gossip.


    "Haha, sadly no. I love my life." Elliot Gong heartily chuckled hearing the ridiculous conclusion made by Rika.


    For his own reasons, he found it silly that he''d be misunderstood that way. After all, that was Lexi Yang they were talking about. She was infamous on lots of things, especially her sensitivity towards other men. Therefore, he wouldn''t waste his time investing deep feelings for someone like her.


    Nheless, he couldn''t be bothered whatever Rika had in mind as it wasn''t true and he was only doing this because a certain someone was generous when ites to her.


    "You still sounds fishy¡­ let me tell you, don''t have silly thoughts about her or I''ll mess with you." Still unconvinced, Rika thrust her chin forward as she uttered her warning.


    "Hehe, you really like her, do you? Then, that''s good." Unaffected by Rika''s threats, Elliot Gong was rather delighted that Rika seemed she was genuinely fond of Lexi. Furthermore, at least Lexi would get to have a real friend like Rika. After all, Rika might seem carefree but she''s a good support especially in the industry.


    ****


    Lexi could not help but scratch her right jaw when she arrived on the set. It appeared that her prediction was correct -- the whole crew was like zombies trying to wrap their head together. Even Director Arnold Shen was no exception.


    "Again, how could they be so careless?" Lexi murmured as she scanned the whole area. She knew that Rika didn''t have any scene today and could go back to the city today, but, how about them? How about the whole production team? Could they be useful and finish the shoot?


    "Hehe, sister Lexi, don''t worry about them. They are always like that." One of the m artist that Abigail Fan temporarily hired to take care of Lexi''s appearance, chuckled after hearing Lexi''s statement. She continued,


    "I worked with them numerous times and they are always like that, especially when Director Shen was in-charge."


    Lexi''s brows arched as she cast the woman a side nce yet, she chose not to speak a word. Since Lexi didn''t have her own m team and this woman was her temporary make up artist, Lexi didn''t find any reason to ask her anything. Furthermore, it was already a relief that the production team could still work properly despite feeling awful.


    "It''s good, don''t you think?" After some quietness, the woman spoke again.


    For some reason, Lexi felt bugged by her brief aura as she uttered those words. Hence, she turned her head to the woman beside her with a slightly baffled look on her eyes. "Huh?"


    "I mean, there''s always another side of the story. People who don''t know anything could only see the glitz and mor of this industry while unfortunate ones only know the dark side of it, s, that doesn''t make them a liar nor blind -- you''re lucky, you got to see this angle." The woman slowly turned her back on Lexi and began taking strides away from her.


    "Ohh¡­" Feeling a little taken aback, Lexi could only nod as she absorbed the woman''s words. Thinking about it, somehow, she made sense. However, who was she again? It''s rare to hear someone openly share their opinion regarding the entertainment industry.


    "Sisssy!" Just then, Churu appeared. She was flying from the sky with high speed and stopped in front of her. "There you are!"


    ''Sissy, where have you been? Please, don''t tell me you watched Eli changed clothes?'' Rolling her eyes, Lexi hadn''t moved on about her perverted statements earlier, thus, thinking that Churu apanied the poor Elliot Gong to change, she somehow felt bad for the guy.


    "No~! I was checking something. By the way, who are you talking to?" Tilting her head, Churu innocently inquired.


    "Just a makeup artist. Don''t disturb me any longer, I need to practice my lines." Waving her hands off, Lexi began walking to the spot where she usually perched. For some reason, that spot helped her focus more and get into character faster.


    "Ohh, okay!" Churu saluted but she didn''t follow her. Lexi didn''t find something weird about Churu''s action as she was always like that. That''s why she didn''t mind the dumpling even though she didn''t follow her -- thinking that she''d stay with Elliot Gong.


    When Churu saw that Lexi didn''t sense the abnormalities of the air, she heaved a sigh of relief. Turning her head towards the direction where the woman Lexi was conversing with earlier, Churu slowly flew towards it and entered the small tent.


    "You''re fast." The moment Churu entered the small tent, the makeup artist greeted her while sitting leisurely on one of the chairs.


    "What are you up to?" Unlike her jolly character, Churu''s eyes surprisingly sharpened and despite her cute, small front, she emanated a strong dangerous aura.


    "Take it easy, Churu¡­ or should I call you Alvah? Ooops, right. You''re a nameless demon now." The woman chuckled with a hair-raising tone while the back of her hand was covering her mouth. Raising her gaze to the unappeased small dumpling, she scoffed.


    "By the way, congrats. You finally got rid of your ender ''chu''."


    "Are you going to tell me why you approach her or I''ll make you?" Ignoring the woman''s sarcasm, Churu''s voice was threatening as the aura surrounding the tent turned pressing.


    "Make me? How? With that form of yours?" Unfazed by the threat, the woman smirked. However, in a fraction of millisecond Churu appeared in front of her.


    "I can''t. But don''t forget, I can force myself to take my original form and snap your neck. Be grateful, I don''t want to cause trouble and kill that innocent woman." Despite her minion voice, Churu''s eyes were frightening as a thirst for blood oozes every part of her body.


    "Huh, you never change. Being attached to a human despite knowing that in the end, she''ll forget about you" With thatst remarks, the woman copsed as a white spirit flew and vanished into thin air.


    "That''s none of your business." As Churu gazed at the spirit that manifested on the woman until it dissolved, she mumbled and let out a heavy sigh.

 Chapter 143 Ethans radar

    <h4>Chapter 143 Ethan''s radar</h4>


    "You''re an odd one¡­ why are you wearing something like that?" Elliot Gong tilted his head on the side as he looked at Lexi''s innocent face in interest.


    "Fiend, it''s not me who was an odd one here but everyone." Looking fierce, Lexi responded as if she was utterly insulted by his unnecessary statements. ncing down on a chicken nugget, her brows creased.


    "What is this unpleasant-looking thing?"


    "Haha, are you cosying cause if you are, then, you''re good. This is food." Raising his brows as he chuckled, Elliot Gong went along with whatever innocent ys Lexi was into. He resumed as he picked one chicken nugget and showed it to her, "This is edible. We eat it like this and get fat."


    Elliot Gong then swallowed the whole nugget with his eyes smiling while he chewed. Lexi looked at him with aplete disdained gaze. Regardless, she still did what he did and ate one nugget that made her face brightened afterward.


    "Good?"


    "What is this wonderful creation, you humans created?" Lexi gulped before she gobbled up the rest of the nuggets.


    "Haha, it''s called chicken nugget." Delighted by her reaction, Elliot Gong happily informed her despite knowing that the woman was ying some ancient character.


    "I see¡­"


    "What''s your name again?" Intrigued by her, Elliot Gong asked with interest. After all, he had never encountered someone like this person. Moreover, she walking around with ancient clothing that this new generation had forgotten.


    "Chang''e. I am looking for my husband, Hou Yi. Have you seen him?" As honest as she may sound, Lexi cleared her throat as she paused from grabbing another chicken nugget. Her response didn''t give much change to Elliot Gong''s wless face as he continued to grin.


    "Chang''e? Do you mean the lunar deity? I see... so that''s who you''re portraying." He chuckled, not taking her words seriously.


    "Human, don''t offend a deity or you''ll face cmity."


    *Booom!*


    Just when Lexi warned him, a loud resounding explosion made almost everyone inside the small fast-food chain tossed by the impact.


    "Cuuuuuut!" Just then, Arnold Shen shouted over the microphone that snapped everyone to reality.


    "That''s a good shot, passed!" He added with a satisfied nod.


    "Director, don''t you think the chemistry of the two is good?" Suddenly, a writer beside Arnold Shen spoke. She noticed the chemistry between the two with their scene for the whole day which might bring a good impact on the movie.


    After all, Elliot Gong''s character was a pitiful one in the end as he would lose a lot. Even Xu Yingyue, his beloved and he would sacrifice his love for her happiness. Hence, if they could give him a good ending with Chang''e, then, wasn''t that a refreshing ending for a second lead?


    Arnold Shen rubbed his chin as he pondered on his colleague''s observation. He also thought about that since the scene when Lexi''s role as Chang''e met Elliot Gong''s character Long Yutao.


    "We''ll have to see more and decide on that but, if you can make a rewrite and present it to me, then we can talk about it next week." Coming to a decision, Arnold Shen turned his gaze to Lexi who was being assisted by Elliot Gong to stand before he nodded in contentment.


    "Alright, everyone! That''s a wrap!" Arnold Shen then announced which made everyone started packing up faster. He then began taking a stride towards Lexi and Elliot Gong before he heartilyplimented.


    "You two did great!"


    "Thank you, Director Shen." Lexi courtly bowed with a satisfied smile.


    "Hehe, that''s because the director was good." On the other hand, Elliot Gong smoothlyplimented back which made Arnold Shenughed even more.


    "By the way, we were talking about the screen time between you two because you have good chemistry -- what can you say?" Normally, Director Shen wouldn''t discuss changes with the artist but since he was pretty close with Elliot Gong and he admired Lexi''s acting skills -- he did.


    Surprisingly enough, both Lexi and Elliot Gong responded with a surprised, "What?!"


    "Haha! That''s not yet decided but I am telling you this so you two can bond and know each other as it will help you act together." Despite their reaction, Arnold Shen chose to ignore it and adviced them which he thought could help.


    Arnold Shen stayed to discuss a few things that he noticed with their actions earlier. Unlike Lexi''s performance, while acting with Rika, she made numerous mistakes and NG''s while working with Elliot Gong. It was evident that she was slightly ufortable hence, Arnold Shen pointed out that to her.


    "Hmmm, so, I guess we have to have a friendly date or something to make youfortable with me." Staring at Arnold Shen''s retreating back, Elliot Gong scratched his temple as he uttered in great distress.


    ''Damn, I''ll be killed!'' He cursed inwardly being reminded of Morris Liu. Just then, he recalled Ethan Lu''s calling dibs scenario which stressed him even more. How could he survive this forting cmity that was cast upon him?


    "This is the worst¡­" Lexi mumbled as she also stared at Arnold Shen''s back.


    It was a normal urrence in the entertainment industry that artist date or at least go out for the sake of ''getting to know'' each other. It happened mostly to the leading actors that needed to act naturally to bring a better impact in the movies or even dramas.


    However, Lexi and Elliot Gong didn''t saw thising. The script for them was that Chang''e would be friends with Elliot Gong''s character, Long Yutao and helped him in some ways but, it was not specified that they''d have a romantic scene because she would continue her journey to find her beloved Hou Yi -- that''s Chang''e''s ending.


    "It is¡­ I''ll be dead." Elliot Gong ghastly murmured. Both of them stood there like a fool. It was not that they don''t like each other¡­ well, in Lexi''s part, she mildly didn''t like him. In spite of that, this news was too abrupt that made their mind buzzed.


    After some time, Elliot Gong got to recover from his shock as he turned his head to see her inexpressive front. "Uhh¡­ I''ll drive you home tomorrow. That''s the safest, I guess."


    Although Elliot Gong always sounded confident and gentle, this time, he was awkward as he offered her a ride. It was not because he was shy or anything near that, but, for the sake of their work and Lexi avoiding less mistake -- he got to risk his dear life to whoever would take it.


    "Uh, no. I mean, why?" Lexi was still a little disoriented about the matter which exined her off-course response.


    "If we go out in the city -- the chance of us being seen was higher. We don''t want that to happen. A long drive will be enough¡­ I guess." Trying to rationalized things, Elliot Gong could onlye up with this selfish n to save himself. Although they have a choice not to take Arnold Shen''s advice, but, if he had pointed it out, that means they needed to work it out.


    Lexi knew about this; she understood this very well. Although in the past, Lexi was adviced with this but she dared not abide, but this time, she was working with Arnold Shen. She didn''t want them to give a hard time because she couldn''t act well with Elliot Gong.


    "Uh, I think it will be alright¡­ I''ll contact my manager about it." After minutes of contemtion, Lexi finally agreed.


    *****


    [Lu Corporation]


    "Lyrick, what''s my schedule for tomorrow?" Out of nowhere, Ethan Lu asked just when Lyrick Jiang was about to leave his office.


    "You have a clear schedule for tomorrow, young master." Lyrick Jiang was back to being the calm assistant after his young master smoothly shut the mouths of the executives of the Lu family. Thus, he unhesitantly answered his boss.


    "Right," Waving his hands off, Ethan Lu dismissed him which Lyrick Jiang abided.


    When he was left alone, Ethan Lu felt restless for some unknown reason. "Why do I feel like someone is¡­ hitting on her? Hmmm." Ethan murmured as he stopped going through the documents he was checking and his strong radar kept on ringing in his head.


    Minutes had passed and Ethan Lu''s uneasiness intensified which made him mmed the desk. "Aish! This won''t do!" With that said note, Ethan Lu abruptly stood from his seat and left his office.

 Chapter 144 1000 winks

    <h4>Chapter 144 1000 winks</h4>


    When Ethan Lu arrived at the town where Lexi was working, it was already past midnight. Staring at the hotel where she stayed, he hesitated to give her a call as he didn''t want to sound needy and greedy since she apanied him throughout the eveningst night. Hence, Ethan was left with a great dilemma.


    "Aish¡­" Ruffling his now unruly hair in annoyance, Ethan Lu grumbled through his gritted teeth. For some reason, he stayed outside the premises, afraid that he''d be seen just in case she was in the lobby. After all, destiny sometimes liked to y.


    Furthermore, she already told him not to bother to pick her up in the morning as her manager could drive her home. Yet, due to his restless radar that didn''t go off until he reached this town, Ethan Lu ignored that matter.


    After walking back and forth outside the hotel, Ethan Lu mustered his courage andposed a message which he immediately sent with his eyes closed.


    [Goodnight *1000 winks*]


    However, minutes had passed and Ethan Lu didn''t receive a response from her which left him conflicted even more.


    ''Was she asleep? She won''t wander around the hotel''s lobby at this hour, right? And even if she was and saw me... maybe, she won''t get mad and won''t think that I''ve be annoying, right?'' Ethan Lu spoke to himself as he bit his thumbnail in distress.


    After some time, Ethan Lu''s face brightened up being reminded about someone. "Eli!"


    Upon recalling that Elliot Gong was also working with her, he quickly went through his contacts and without a moment''s hesitation, he called him.


    Several rings had gone by before the line connected. "Urgh, Ethan Lu! Do you know what time is it?!" Elliot Gong''s hoarse voice that sounded as if he was disturbed in the middle of his sleep growled. However, Ethan Lu was unfazed as he couldn''t care less if he interrupted his exhausted friend.


    "Answer me, where is she?"


    "Haa?! Who''s she? Oi, I haven''t dated any of your exes." Frowning, Elliot Gong forgot hisst conversation with Ethan Lu as his mind was still half asleep.


    "I mean¡­ do you think everyone was asleep?" Conflicted, Ethan Lu for some reason worded his question that could divert his inquiry about Lexi.


    "What do you think?" Elliot Gong dissed as if his question shouldn''t be asked in the first ce. He added, "Everyone suffered a hangover the whole day so¡­ don''t disturb me." With that said note, Elliot Gong abruptly cut off the line.


    "Hangover¡­ she had a drink!?" Repeating his friend''s words, Ethan Lu''s eyes widened in disbelief as he was reminded of Lexi''s drunken state -- momentarily forgetting that they were on a voice callst night.


    "Sh*t!" He cursed out loud before he entered the hotel''s entrance.


    ***


    In the reception, a woman in-charge of weing the guest smiled sweetly seeing the dashing Ethan Lu.


    "Good evening, Sir. Wee to xxx hotel. May I have your name, please?" The receptionist was extra sweet as she greeted the new guest. Even though the hotel was packed with celebrities because of the filming for the uing movie: Taming Hearts, the receptionist was still excited seeing another good looking man entered the premises.


    "Ethan Lu." Ethan constantly looked around as if his life was being targeted by someone as he answered all the needed information before he could check-in.


    Normally, he didn''t need to undergo such a bother as his assistant, Lyrick Jiang could just call the owner of the said establishment and Ethan Lu would be treated with extra care. However, since he went there in a hurry, he didn''t want to bother people thiste -- not Lexi or the owner of the hotel, or so he thought.


    "Here are your keys, Mr. Lu¡­" The woman uttered all the necessary information and pleasantries a receptionist required to remind.


    Since he already knew all this kind of stuff, Ethan Lu nodded without listening to the receptionist. After she muttered herst remarks, he said. "Got it, thanks!"


    Just when he took several steps towards the lift, Ethan Lu instantly took several steps back to the front desk.


    Leaning his arms on the edge of the desk, he inquired, "By the way, Miss¡­ Deng," Ethan Lu paused for a moment as he traveled his eyes on the receptionist name tag before he returned his eyes on her and smiled.


    Surely, this sudden attention from this dashing, stunning guy made the receptionist blushed. His tantalizing eyes, his perfectly sculptured jaw matched with an unruly hair that made his appearance a beautiful mess.


    "Yes, Sir?" Thank you to her years of experience, she could still able to respond despite getting his sudden noticed.


    "May I know Miss Lexi Yang''s room floor?" Depicting innocence, Ethan Lu smoothly asked as he tapped his fingers on the desk.


    "Miss Lexi Yang? I''m sorry, sir but we can''t disclose other guests'' information." Sounding surprised and sorry, the receptionist was too engrossed indulging herself with the man''s oozing sex appeal as she was truly captivated with his smile.


    "Uh, right¡­ you can''t do that." He frowned, dejected by the heartless refusal which disheartened the receptionist as well. But, even if she wanted to tell him, it might cost her to lose her job if something happened because of it.


    "Well, I think¡­ " Ethan Lu didn''t finish his sentence as he speed-dialed Lyrick Jiang''s number before he ced his phone in front of his ears.


    As usual, Lyrick Jiang answered with just one ring which made Ethan Lu''s brows twitched. ''Does he even sleep?''


    "Yes, Young Master?"


    "Can you give Mr. Tao a call, tell him I''m staying the night with his hotel and I have a request. I''ll owe him this one." Ethan continued the rest of his sentence through a whisper before Lyrick Jiang affirmed, "Copy," and then the call was cut short.


    Ethan Lu then turned his smiling eyes back to the receptionist. It only took a minute before the telephone on the front desk rang and the receptionist snapped from her daze.


    Answering the call, the receptionist cleared her throat and nced at Ethan Lu''s grinning countenance before she responded, "Understood, Ma''am."


    "Mr. Lu, what was your request again?" Turning her attention back to the dashing man, Ms. Deng the receptionist still had a tone of sweetness but distant at the same time; probably after knowing the man''s identity, she knew that it was impossible to reach his status and a person she shouldn''t offend.


    "Transfer me to a vacant room near Lexi Yang''s room." Ethan Lu grinned from ear to ear as he uttered his request that was immediately granted without further questions.


    Minutester, the receptionist gave him another key, nearest Lexi Yang''s room. Though it was a lower floor than his original suite, a downgrade, in other words, Ethan Lu was much happier to ept and he almost skipped his steps towards the lift.


    "Hehe," He giggled as he tried to justify his action inside his head.


    ''I''m just going to check if someone''s making a move on her¡­ for her safety, yes, that right. She won''t get mad if she won''t see me... I''d be more careful.'' He repeated these words over and over again in his head.


    Although staying at the same hotel, the same floor with her seemed riskier, however, how would he know if there''s someone suspicious in front of her door if he''d stay in a room a floor above hers?


    Unbeknownst to Ethan Lu, he would receive a shock of his life and the maximum of his jealousy meter the next day.

 Chapter 145 Elliot Gong... you are so dead!

    <h4>Chapter 145 Elliot Gong... you are so dead!</h4>


    The next day¡­


    "Morning, sissy~" Lexi calmly greeted the dumpling sitting beside her pillow.


    It was a great morning for her as she didn''t have work for a week starting today. Hence, Lexi relished herself by rolling while being wrapped with the thick nket on the bed.


    "You didn''t sleep with Elist night?" Sensing that Churu was acting weird since yesterday. If only Lexi wasn''t busy, she would have had pointed it out.


    "He was tired yesterday and he was asleep before I arrived." Frowning, Churu seemed she was extra dejected by the matter.


    However, part of her was disheartened from her abrupt unnecessary conversation with that insignificant being. Yet, Churu decided not to inform her host about it as she didn''t want to make things difficult for her. After all, Churu was certain that one way or another, Lexi would fall for Ethan Lu which was a good thing.


    "Sissy, what''s the problem?" For some reason, Lexi sensed that there''s something more why Churu was depressed, thus, she asked while covering half of her lower face with the whiteforter.


    "I just told you¡­ I want abs."


    Lexi thoroughly scrutinized Churu''s expression and after giving her the benefit of the doubt, she slightly shook her head as she rolled her eyes.


    "Sissy, is there a guy like you around us? What you''re doing makes me think that; what if they''re a guy guardian like you and he watched me bath? It''s very rming."


    "Don''t worry~ as long as I''m here, only Mr. Main task can see your body~" in a split second, Churu returned to her usual cheerfulness, s, Lexi could discern that she was forcing it. Still, Lexi chose not to take notice and kept her questions with her.


    "Alright, then. At least, I have someone like you with me."


    "Give me lots of facial masks and beautiful dresses and headbands then~!"


    "Yes, yes. I haven''t forgotten. I will buy the material tomorrow, okay?" Smiling gently, Lexi closed her eyes again to take another nap.


    When Lexi fell asleep again, Churu''s smiling face gradually disappeared. Surely, the words from the woman yesterday caused some effect even if Churu had shown her fierceness and tried to shrug the matter off.


    Staring at Lexi''s peaceful sleeping face, the little dumpling let out a heavy sigh. Only Churu could understand her sigh as she almost forgot her ending of this story.


    Indeed, she never thought that her ending would be hard as she never expected that she''d get too attached to her host. With Lexi''s profile and how she was an unlikeable character that Churu thought it would be good entertainment and a refreshing upation if she took the job as her guide.


    However, as time goes by, Churu grew fond of her as she herself was surprised by Lexi''s other side. She might seem unapproachable and very hard to pleased but when one got to her soft spot, Lexi was actually appreciative of simple gestures. Therefore, Churu knew that sooner orter, she''d fall for Ethan Lu. After all, the guy''s personality perfectly matched hers and he loved her dearly without any reason.


    ''At least, there''s someone that will take care of you when I''m gone.'' Churu murmured as a meek smile formed on the side of her lips.


    Thinking that Ethan Lu would be enough to fill the void in Lexi''s cracked heart and had the ability to heal it, Churu felt relieved despite knowing that their memories together would be forgotten by her host someday.


    *****


    At 10 am, Lexi was finished preparing her baggage and dolling up. Since she hadn''t had breakfast, she decided to grab some in the hotel''s buffet. ncing at Churu from time to time, Lexi was relieved that Churu was back to her usual self.


    ''I guessed you moved on from Eli, eh?'' She teased while on her way to the dining area.


    "Hmph! I am loyal to my hubby Tanaka~!" Being reminded of that particr person, Churu''s eyes gleamed with excitement. On the other hand, Lexi giggled as the shamelessness and theck of dignity of this adorable one was undoubtedly extreme.


    ''One could not judge the book by its cover, indeed.''


    When she arrived at the said area, Lexi saw that there are only a few production staff left while others were already in the hotel''s lobby with their equipment and baggage -- waiting for their chauffeur.


    Nheless, Lexi wasn''t obliged to ride with them as the artists had their own personal rides because everyone had their own scheduled for the day. Probably, only a few of them were as free as Lexi.


    Without giving much thought about them any longer, Lexi served herself before she took a vacant seat and started eating her food in peace and modesty.


    "Say, are we really going to hitch a ride with Elliot?" Sitting on her usual spot which is the center of the table, Churu tilted her head to the side with a curious look.


    "Hmm, we can''t do anything about it. I really need to get used to interacting with him for the sake of everyone." Letting out a faint sigh, Lexi whispered as she recalled Arnold Shen''s wordsst night.


    "Ohhh¡­ That''s good." Churu nodded which made Lexi arched her brows in suspicion yet, she chose not to probe about it since Churu had been acting weird and saying weird stuff most of the time.


    Unbeknownst to Lexi, Churu saw a familiar man who was hiding his face with the newspaper and constantly peeking at her back from time to time. Seeing that Ethan Lu was present and had gone incognito for some unknown reason, Churu''s mind went wild knowing that Elliot Gong would drive Lexi home.


    "Hehehe,"


    ''Sissy, you know that you''re making a scary face, right?'' ncing at Churu, Lexi rolled her eyes as she could notprehend what kind of scheme Churu was hiding beneath her sleeves. Nheless, she knew that whatever n this little dumpling has in mind, it wouldn''t harm her in many ways.


    Just then, Elliot Gong''s gentle voice reached her ears. "May I sit with you?"


    "Oh, sure." Actingfortable even if Lexi wasn''t rxed at all, she agreed the moment she confirmed that it was indeed Elliot Gong. With that permission, Elliot Gong sat opposite her and put down his teful of fresh fruits.


    "So, how was your night? Did you inform your manager?" Elliot Gong casually opened a conversation as he didn''t have the problem interacting with her -- it was her who was ufortable with him and every other guy except Morris Liu¡­ or so he thought.


    "Good. Yes, I did." Evidently forcing herself, Lexi cast him a quick nce before turning her attention back to her soup.


    "Haha! It''s okay, I know you''re onlyfortable around brother Mo and it was already good progress that you followed Director Shen''s advice." Of course, as someone observant like Elliot Gong, he knew that Lexi was only forcing herself to respond to him and didn''t shun him without batting an eye. s, he instantly pursed his lips when he realized he mentioned Morris Liu''s name.


    Scrutinizing Lexi''s expression, Elliot Gong was relieved and puzzled at the same time as she seemed unaffected after hearing Morris Liu''s name.


    ''Is the difort I''m causing her that much it''s distracting her?'' He spected inwardly.


    Behind them, two tables away, Ethan Lu''s eyes widened in disbelief as he saw Elliot Gong approach her and Lexi''s side profile as she smiled and let him join her table. What''s more? They were casually conversing and smiling at the same time. Just what are they talking about?!


    His grip on the newspaper tightened causing it to creased as he grinded his teeth in annoyance, "Elliot Gong¡­ you are so dead."

 Chapter 146 Yousre making me jealous

    <h4>Chapter 146 You''sre making me jealous</h4>


    Ethan Lu was drowned with vinegar as he watched them conversed and eat the whole time! The poor newspaper he used as a cover was abused and was near tearing apart with how roughly he has been taken care of.


    At the same time, he cursed his dear friend countless times and even the ancestor of the whole Gong family was included. "Is the reason why he argued with me thest time was because he was interested in her? Great! Just great Eli!" Through his gritted teeth, Ethan Lu grumbled as the poor newspaper received his wrath.


    While he was being cursed, Elliot Gong suddenly sneezed as he felt a cold shudder run through his spine. ''Who is cursing me? Am I caught by brother Mo? D*mn! Not too soon!''


    "Hehe, sorry." Unlike his worried inner thoughts, Elliot Gong managed to smile and apologize to Lexi which she understood with a nod.


    Since they already consumed their meal, Lexi slowly wiped the corner of her lips with the table napkin. "By the way, are you the one who''s going drive?" Intrigued about his wordsst night, Lexi knew that Elliot Gong was provided with the best treatment from his agency as he was their money tree. Hence, it would be less awkward if they were other people with them inside his car.


    "Yes. I informed my manager about our set up so he took care of my things and brought my car for us to use." With his ever gentle smile, Elliot Gong said without a second hesitation.


    Since he would die anyway when the news reached Morris Liu, he''d as well go all out for the sake of his job. In retrospect, Elliot Gong never had this headache as his roles and Lexi whenever they starred with the same movie had little interactions.


    In other words, this was the first time Elliot Gong took a role that he purposely chose due to his busybody self as he wanted to know how was Lexi after everything that happened. However, never did he thought that it would lead to this kind of a mess.


    In spite of the danger of his life and career, at the end of the day, Elliot Gong was still professional in his field and would worry about itter. What''s important now was to make herfortable with him so after their week break, she could act with her best state. After all, Arnold Shen seemed he had decided about the change in their script. Thus, Elliot Gong was certain that there would an additional screen time for them.


    Of course, Lexi knew this as well. She wasn''t dumb enough not to understand that simple instruction from Arnold Shen. She knew that Arnold Shen informed them about it beforehand so they could make adjustments which were too kind of him.


    "Alright, I''ll see you outside then." Nodding in understanding, Lexi meekly smiled that didn''t reach her eyes.


    "Alright. I''ll prepare my car, I''ll see you outside." Elliot Gong also nodded as both of them silently agreed.


    As if on cue, Lexi and Elliot Gong left their table and walking side by side, they exited the dining hall.


    Still aggravated on the scene slowly unfolding before his very eyes, the newspaper he kept on abusing finally snapped and was torn apart without mercy. Ethan Lu watched them leave together that made his heart race -- not that kind of ''bathump'' he usually hears whenever Lexi was near him but the kind of ''bathump'' that was filled with fury.


    ****


    On the hotel''s lobby, Lexi and Elliot Gong exchanged contact numbers before they went separate ways; Elliot Gong to the parking space while Lexi checked her luggage.


    After Lexi confirmed that her baggage was all good andplete, her brows arched as her attention was caught by Churu who kept on giggling nonstop on her shoulder.


    ''Sissy, what''s so funny?''.


    "Hihi~ nothing~! I just remembered the night I spent with Elliot Gong~" Lying without batting an eye, Churu''s giggled gradually turned into creepyughter that made Lexi''s under eyes twitched.


    Apparently, Churu was entertained as she secretly watched Ethan Lu drowned with vinegar as he jumped from his conclusion to another conclusion through the course of their meal. Surely, his reaction and how he stopped himself fromshing out that very moment was too funny she could not forget for the rest of her life.


    ''You''ve be weird, sissy.'' Shaking her head, Lexi asked a bellboy to bring her things outside which was acted ordingly.


    Outside the premises, Lexi waited for Elliot Gong''s car to approach as she stood there. She was wearing a ssy sunsses and some of her hair danced in the air along with the strong wind. Even with a simple outfit, a loose v-neck white blouse, the front was tucked in her ck fitted leggings while its back was let loose. Her leopard-print patent stiletto heel added to her elegance.


    In other words, Lexi stood out that others that passed by her could not help but give her a double look. If not for the sunsses, one could recognize her.


    Minutes had passed before she heard the honk noise from the speeding red sportscar that stopped in front of her. Elliot Gong then exited from the driver seat wearing a round vintage sunsses that perfectly matched the shape of his face.


    He jogged his way to Lexi''s side before he smiled as he nced down on the luggage on her side. "Let me help you." He offered, slightly thrusting his chin toward the direction of her luggage.


    "Sorry for the trouble then," epting his offer, Lexi nodded. With that said note, Elliot Gong then picked up bags then carried them to the trunk of his car.


    Lexi watched Elliot Gong lift her baggage and surprisingly enough, he seemed he had been working out pretty well as it seemed he didn''t exert much effort as he ced her bags to the back of his car.


    After Elliot Gong put thest bag, he closed the trunk with a ''phew''. He was relieved that his manager took care of his things as Lexi had lots of bags with her. Understandable, she was a woman with many needs after all.


    As soon as he recovered his strength, Elliot Gong strode back to her position and asked, "Is that all?"


    "Hmm." Nodding, Lexi was certain that she didn''t forget anything.


    Since she was certain, Elliot Gong uttered "alright!" and without further ado, he opened the front and only passenger seat like a gentleman and gestured for her to enter, "If you may,"


    Seeing this, Lexi arched her brows but still nodded, "Thank you¡­" For some reason, she felt that she wanted to call her manager and pick her up instead. However, since Elliot Gong was making an effort and it was hers who had a problem, Lexi shrugged off her reluctance.


    Just as Lexi was about to enter his car, arge hand wrapped around hers which halted her steps. Even before she turned her head to whoever it was, her hand already sensed the familiarity of his warmth.


    "Hmm? Love, why are you riding to another man''s car? You''re making me jealous." As yful as he sounded, Ethan Lu''s fingers slipped in between her fingers and all his jealousy since earlier magically disappeared.

 Chapter 147 Shes mine, so, f*ck off

    <h4>Chapter 147 She''s mine, so, f*ck off</h4>


    Lexi immediately turned her head behind her and there, Ethan Lu''s bright and dashing front weed her. For some unknown reason, she felt relieved seeing him appear out of nowhere. However, the next second, her brows arched upon realizing his statements.


    On the other hand, Elliot Gong''s jaw nearly dropped to the concrete ground seeing Ethan. What''s more? He audaciously held her hand and still holding it! Moreover, did he just addressed her as ''Love''?!


    "Hmm? Did he threaten you or something?" Ignoring her questioning gaze and her arched brows, Ethan Lu narrowed his eyes as he red at his friend who was evidently shocked.


    "Do you think I am that kind of person who can be threatened by just anyone?" Rolling her eyes, Lexi uttered apathetically.


    "Hehe, of course not!" Shifting his deadly gaze to a merry one when he looked back at her inexpressive front, Ethan Lu grinned as he pressed his palm against hers out of excitement.


    When Ethan pressed his palm against hers, Lexi nced down to the rxed hand clinging on her before she shifted her gaze back Ethan Lu''s smiling eyes, she uttered, "Let go,"


    "Ihh, don''t wanna." Frowning, Ethan Lu lightly stumped his feet like a little kid about to throw a tantrum. "I missed you and --"


    "Hold on!" Before Ethan Lu could finish his sentence, he was interrupted with the startling voice of Elliot Gong that made the two turned their heads to his direction. He resumed after catching their attention.


    "You, both of you know each other?!" Elliot Gong then darted his gaze from Lexi to Ethan before it traveled down to their connected hands which made him blink countless times. He wanted to confirm that his eyes weren''t deceiving him but to his surprise, they were indeed holding hands and Lexi didn''t p him just like what she usually does before with other guys!


    "Isn''t obvious?" Tilting his head on the side, Ethan Lu answered in a matter of factly tone. Slightly raising his chin, he instigated, "By the way, are you kidnapping my heart?"


    "Don''t jump into conclusion, but, why are you here?" Raising her brows, Lexi spoke before Elliot Gong could even defend his innocence.


    Upon hearing her question, Ethan Lu awkwardlyughed as he instantly brainstormed toe up with an understandable reason. At first, he never nned to show himself to her and would just make sure that she was fine. However, how could he stay still after seeing that she was about to ride Elliot Gong''s car?


    If it was just a simple meal, he could refrain from doing anything as he could consider that Lexi was just having a meal with her colleague. But, riding on a man''s car and guessing that he''d drive her home, that''s a different case! After all, it would be a long drive and Lexi would have to spend hours alone with Elliot Gong!


    It was not that he didn''t trust Lexi but for god sake, he knew his friend''s antics the very reason why he must stop this ridiculous charade of his!


    Ethan Lu heavily sighed as he could note up to a reasonable excuse, "Is missing you a reasonable excuse?" He then raised the hands that were holding hers and ced the back of her hand on his right cheek. His eyes were gentle which made her gulped.


    ''If you put it like that...''


    "Wait, wait, I''m lost here. Can you please enlighten me on what''s going on?!" Dismayed to this sudden dogfood attack, Elliot Gong hysterically inquired that made Ethan Lu red dagger at him, again. Regardless of the deathly res, this¡­ Ethan and Lexi¡­ it was beyond hisprehension. Didn''t they just meet a couple of days ago? Is Ethan''s charisma that strong to women that even Lexi Yang fell for his trap?


    ''Is he dumb?'' Ethan Lu dissed inwardly seeing that his friend had a ridiculous expression stered across his face. ''Was he shocked that he''s death was around the corner?''


    Ignoring his friend, Ethan Lu turned his eyes that instantly transformed into an imaginary heart shape when itnded to Lexi''s indifferent front. "Love, can we tell him?"


    "Tell him what?" Knitting her brows, why was Ethan purposely worded his words that could be easily misunderstood if others heard him? It was as if they were secret lovers or anything¡­ well, on another note, they were considered dating, right?


    "That I''m head over heels with you and wooing you." Winking, Ethan Lu grinned as he uttered his words audible enough for his friend toprehend. His words, of course, had an indirect message to Elliot Gong.


    In Elliot Gong''s understanding, Ethan Lu was basically saying; ''She''s mine, so f*ck off.''


    "What? Uhh, headache." Feeling his knees weakened, Elliot Gong massaged his temples trying to lessen his headache.


    Even if he tried hard enough to fathom this shocking news to him, unfortunately, he could not wrap it around his head! Setting aside from Ethan Lu''s flirtatious nature and Lexi falling for his trap, how about Morris Liu? Ethan Lu knew that Lexi was his friend''s former fiance right? However, that''s all that he knew!


    Since Ethan Lu has been wasting his life away from recent months, he missed tons of things that incurred his friends. Hence, he could barely rely on the rumors because he didn''t witness anything that urred in the past. Furthermore, knowing Ethan Lu, if he knew what truly happened between the two or rather, to Morris Liu -- he''d surely be put in aplicated position.


    "This is impossible¡­ truly impossible." Elliot Gong mumbled as he massaged his temples.


    "Are we going or not?" Unbothered by their drama, Lexi nced at the people that go in and out of the hotel, and the three of them were clearly garnering their attention. She could not me them though as the three of them seemed to be in a love triangle starring in a soap opera.


    "Uh, right¡­" Elliot Gong was reminded of where they were and quickly nced at the odd nces thrown at them. Seeing that Ethan Lu wouldn''t let her hand go and Lexi needed to befortable with him, Elliot Gong heavily sighed.


    "We can use my car -- we three can''t fit in your car anyway." Acknowledging the dilemma, Ethan Lu suggested with a grin. At least, in this case, he could watch his friend and one wrong move from him, he''d surely break his fingers, one by one.

 Chapter 148 Ethan Lu is badnews!

    <h4>Chapter 148 Ethan Lu is badnews!</h4>


    Since it was the most convenient way for Lexi, she agreed after Ethan Lu spouted his suggestion. Of course, even though Elliot Gong didn''t want to agree, he still did since it was already gone this way. Hence, he''d rather stick with the n and ignore his friend who suddenly appeared out of nowhere.


    After transferring Lexi''s things to Ethan Lu''s luxury car, they could finally start their ''journey''. On the front passenger seat, Lexi perched there out of habit. Since it was Ethan Lu''s car, of course, he was the person who would drive it. Besides, Lexi was in the front passenger seat thus, how could he push the responsibility to his unreliable friend?


    At the back seat, Elliot Gong altered his gaze from the driver''s seat to the front passenger seat. Based on his brief observation, Lexi and Ethan indeed knew each other well. Though there was still some distance, he could tell that Lexi wasfortable with him; which was surprising no matter what angle Elliot Gong looked at it.


    Ethan nced at his side and seeing that Lexi forgot to buckle up, he smiled. "Want me to help you?"


    Lexi raised her brows and saw him pucker his lips, pointing at something. Her gaze followed what he was referring to. There, Lexi was reminded that her bad habit urred again. However, before she could even secure herself, Ethan has already moved and started putting her seatbelt which made her stiffened a little.


    Since that odd day when all her senses were heightened and Lexi took notice of Ethan Lu''s faint refreshing scent for the first time, she somehow could not help but sniffed his scent while he was buckling her seat. Smelling his scent withplete discretion, she turned her head away to the window as she didn''t want to get distracted by him.


    ''Why does he smell¡­''


    "So good~?!" Finishing her sentence, Churu grinned with a knowing gaze.


    ''Shut up, Sissy.''


    Ethan Lu turned his dashing face to see her looked away which made him smile before he returned to the driver''s seat. "Alright, you''re all good." He informed with satisfaction before he nced through the rear mirror where Elliot Gong looked at them with disdainful eyes.


    "How about you?"


    "Ahh, don''t bother with me." Elliot Gong waved his hands off, gesturing that he didn''t need his fake concerned. Seeing that his friend saw through him, Ethan Lu indifferently shrugged his shoulder.


    In spite of the fact that he was still vexed on Elliot Gong and whatever funny reason he had to act ording to what he saw with his own eyes, Lexi''s presence calmed him down. What''s important at the moment is Lexi didn''t get mad at him and he sensed that she was relieved that he did. Whether it was his delusion or not, Ethan Lu wanted to believe that way.


    ***


    As they drive going back to the city, the inside of the car was surrounded by dead silence as none of them talked for a while.


    The first one who broke the silence was Elliot Gong''s question matched with an investigative gaze, "So¡­ what''s up between you two?"


    "Huh? Didn''t you hear me? I''m courting her." ncing at the rear mirror to give his friend a ridiculing look, Ethan Lu unreservedly answered.


    It was not that he didn''t like saying this statement repeatedly as he always wanted to let the whole world know that he loved her, however, he was still pissed at his innocent friend.


    "Err, is that true?" Shifting his eyes and fixing them on the back of the front passenger seat, Elliot Gong directed his question to Lexi. In his mind, Ethan Lu might say heedless stuff but Lexi might say another. Hence, he would never listen to his friend knowing how aggressive he could be when ites to women.


    "Hmm¡­ you can say with dating." After a minute of contemtion, Lexi audibly answered. Whatever term of excuse Ethan and Lexi might use in their current status, she already agreed with their set up and thus, admitting that they were dating but not exclusively was enough exnation.


    "Hihi~" Hearing her say they were dating, Ethan Lu giggled as his heart melted that instant. If not for the fact that he was driving while Lexi was on board, he would elerate his speed due to extreme happiness.


    On the other hand, Elliot Gong was particrly shocked upon hearing Lexi''s confirmation. He could not believe what she said just now. Although Ethan Lu might announce and bber mindless stuff, but not Lexi Yang! Therefore, he was rendered speechless as he tried to absorb and understand her words.


    ''Was she doing this to forget brother Mo? No, no, that would be impossible. Has she moved on? Like really?'' In a fraction of seconds, Elliot Gong''s mind was filled with thoughts that he could not utter as they were stuck on his throat.


    Only one word sessfully slipped from his mouth, "How?"


    "Hehe, don''t worry my dear friend. I also asked that question to myself when I fell for her." Being reminded of how foolish he was, Ethan Lu chuckled as if he was a father reminiscing his good times and was sharing it with his kid.


    "Did you get your answer, then?" Casting the ''driver'' a side nce, Lexi smirked as she somehow adjusted on the two men''s presence.


    "Does it matter? I liked you, I love you, should I know the reason why?" Without backing down, Ethan Lu grinned as he gives her a nce before focusing his attention back on the road. In his perspective, whether Lexi would retort or not, at least, he could genuinely convey his feelings to her.


    Also, by doing this, it could make her notice him at the least. Therefore, it was a win-win situation for him either way.


    "Wow, he''s too honest~ say something sweet as well sis~!" After having enough of her silence, Churu chimed it as Ethan''s words are hard to resist.


    Yet, Lexi only cleared her throat and looked away while biting her lower lip. Indeed, she had the same thought just like Churu as he found Ethan Lu bing more and more open and honest after his confession.


    s, what would she say in return? She wasn''t good at it and her feelings for him were ratherplicated. She knew she liked him but not romantically as of yet. However, the more she looked at him, the more she thinks that Ethan for some reason looked kinda attractive.


    "*sigh* Lexi, don''t fall for his sweet words, he''s a veteran when ites to ttery." Gazing at the driver''s seat, Elliot Gong moved a little closer to Lexi as he warned her through a whisper.


    "Pfft-! Shouldn''t I?" Chuckling by how wary Elliot Gong was, Lexi slightly shook her head as she vented her overwhelming feelings to teased the man on the backseat.


    "Tsk! You should listen to me. I know him and he''s bad news!" Elliot Gong had taken advantage of the fact that Ethan Lu was preupied with his driving and even if he wanted to beat him up, he couldn''t.


    "Well, I think I agree with you there."


    Soon, the atmosphere through the whole long ride lightened up as Elliot Gong constantly ndered Ethan Lu while Lexi agreed and somehow, both of them gossiped about Ethan Lu''s and his weird habits as if he wasn''t there.


    "Hey, I''m still here!" Having had enough of their snicker, Ethan Lu''s face turned crimson red as the two joined forces and gossiped nonstop. Despite that, Lexi didn''t realize that her difort earlier gradually vanished as time goes by.

 Chapter 149 Not you too, love.

    <h4>Chapter 149 Not you too, love.</h4>


    "So, you see -- "


    "Ay ay! Get off, we''ve arrived!" Before Elliot Gong could finish his another defamation towards Ethan Lu, he interrupted him midway through his gritted teeth.


    Fortunately, Ethan Lu prioritized his driving as his beloved future wife was on board. Hence, he was extra mindful of his driving and didn''t let his irritation control him. Still, he already nned how would he get his revenge in the future.


    After all, Ethan Lu received several huge blows because Elliot Gong exposed his odd habits and embarrassing moments to Lexi.


    On the other hand, Lexi kept on giggling as she listened to Elliot Gong''s stories and how he tainted the ''clean'' reputation of Ethan Lu. Regardless, she didn''t find it disgusting rather, she found it hrious and sees him in a new light. Whether Elliot Gong was purposely trying to break whatever connection she had with Ethan Lu, it was all for naught. To her, what''s important is the present and not their past, right?


    "Huh? For your information, me and Lexi should be on a DATE. Why did you drive me home?" Emphasizing the word ''date'', Elliot Gong remained in his spot as he cast Ethan Lu a disdainful gaze.


    "Date?! Oi, don''t get silly thoughts -- it''s a FRIENDLY date and it ends now." Stressing the word ''friendly date'', Ethan Lu turned his head on the back seat as he returned a disgusted look to his friend.


    "It''s fine, I think we had a great time." Slightly shaking her head, Lexi reassured.


    She didn''t realize it until now that she becamefortable with Elliot Gong through out the course of their long drive. Perhaps, it was the fact that gossiping nonstop about Ethan Lu ¡ª Lexi and Elliot Gong had something to talk about.


    Thinking that if only she and Elliot Gong''s stick with their n to drive her home alone, she was certain that the oue wasn''t as sessful as this. Hence, before both friends start arguing, she stopped them.


    "See?" With a triumphant smirk, Ethan Lu cast his friend thest mocking gaze before he repositioned on his seat. By then, Lexi used the opportunity to turn her head to see Elliot Gong''s displeased expression.


    "It was fun talking with you." Lexi meekly smiled as she slightly nodded.


    "I''m telling you this Lexi Yang as your colleague, be careful with that guy." Giving her thest warning, Elliot Gong then exited the car with a dissatisfied expression stered across his face.


    He already did everything for her to be turned off with Ethan Lu but to no avail, she found rather it silly! Even when he said his friend couldn''t even remember all the girls he had dated in the past, Lexi only chuckled in return.


    Therefore, Elliot Gong was worried and disapproved about their set-up. It was not because he didn''t want his friend to be happy but for god sake, Lexi had undergone traumatizing experience! What if Ethan Lu suddenly got tired and leave her? Not only he''d hurt her but Morris Liu would surely kill him!


    Indeed, Elliot Gong was more concerned about their brotherhood being severed because of it. Knowing the admirable Morris Liu, even though he gave up on his feelings towards her, and decided to watch her from afar, still, he wouldn''t let another man hurt her the same way he did; and Ethan Lu had the ability to do that!


    "Tsk, This is a problem." He murmured as he strode towards his vi.


    When Elliot Gong left the car, Ethan Lu could finally heave a sigh of relief. "Finally, that guy¡­ how dare he nder me in front of you."


    "nder? In my opinion, he was just telling the truth." Chuckling, Lexi teased as she lightly shook her head.


    "Uhh, not you too love!" Defeated, Ethan Lu softly mmed his forehead to the steering wheel while both his hands held onto it.


    "It doesn''t matter anyway¡­" Rolling her eyes by his action, Lexi murmured.


    Fortunately, the inside of the car was silent enough so Ethan Lu clearly heard herst remarks. Stopping from what he was doing, Ethan Lu turned his sparkling eyes to his side.


    "Really~?"


    "It''s not that I don''t know about it anyway." Nonchntly shrugging her shoulders, Lexi turned her eyes away from him and look at the window.


    Recalling his confession, Ethan Lu admitted all his ws and warned her that he might hurt her one way or another, whether it was unintentional or not, thus, Lexi kept that in mind.


    Furthermore, it''s not like they were on that level yet as she was still unsure of her feelings for him.


    "Hehe~" Letting out a faint giggle, Ethan Lu began to drive again and this time, they headed to the Yang Mansion.


    Although he wanted to date her, however, knowing that she needed rest, Ethan Lu could wait until tomorrow.


    ****


    It only took them an hour before they arrived at the Yang Mansion. Hitching out, Lexi asked the guard to call a maid to carry her bags which was immediately acted in ordance.


    "Don''t forget our date tomorrow," Resting his chin over the top of his car, Ethan Lu gently smiled at her.


    "Hmmm?" Furrowing her brows, Lexi tilted her head to the side seeing that Ethan Lu wasn''t inviting himself inside their house like he always does. Yet, Ethan Lu misunderstood her gesture as he thought she forgot about it.


    "We agreed, right? Tomorrow, you and me on a date?" Exining their schedule for tomorrow, Ethan Lu raised his brows as he looked at her with puppy eyes.


    "I know. Aren''t you going inside? It''s almost dinner. I know Mom would be delighted to see you. They haven''t seen you for a month." She rolled her eyes upon knowing they were not on the same page. Also, Lexi knew that driving for a couple of hours straight was tiring thus, it would be impolite not to invite him over dinner.


    ''I was here yesterday and even got their permission.'' Answering in a matter of factly tone inwardly, still, Ethan Lu grinned that showed his even white teeth. Well, how could he let spending more time with her slip? Hence, he epted her invitation almost immediately.


    "Hehe, sure!"


    ***


    Upon entering the Yang Mansion, as usual, Lillian Yang weed them warmly. After all, it has been days when Lexi went to film and she knew that she would being home today. That is why she prepared a lot of dishes for her. However, seeing that Ethan Lu was with her, she was mildly surprised but recovered the next second.


    "Lexi! Ethan!"


    "Mom," Lexi courtly bowed her head before she gave her mother a warm hug. When she let go, he saw Ethan Lu spread his arms.


    "Mom!" He greeted which made her arched her brows. Did she hear what she heard? Did he just address her mother, ''mom'' as well?


    "Oh, Ethan, Did you picked my daughter up? You must be tired." To Lexi''s surprise, her mother chuckled and seemed she wasn''t as surprised as her when Ethan called her ''Mom''.


    Lillian Yang added, "Did you eat the snacks I gave you yesterday?"


    "He was here yesterday?" After hearing another bomb from her mother, Lexi shouldn''t be surprised about it, knowing Ethan Lu. Yet she was still taken aback.


    "Yes, Mom! I was eating them untilst night, thank you~" Like a happy kiddo, Ethan Lu seemed he melted recalling the taste of the snacks Lillian Yang gave her which made Lexi''s brows twitched.


    "Oh, oh, Mr. Main task seemed he got everything under control~!" Admiring his diligence, Churu somehow guessed why Ethan Lu went to meet the yang parents which made her satisfied with his progress.


    "Oh dear, let me set the table first -- I''ll fill you about the detailster." Lillian Yang heartily chuckled with the back of her hand covering her lips seeing her daughter''s expression. Before she left, Lillian Yang gave Ethan Lu a knowing wink that made him grinned.


    On the other hand, Lexi''s whole face twitched unfolding this before her eyes. ''Are they conspiring behind my back?'' She thought inwardly as she felt that Ethan Lu must have run his mouth to her parents.

 Chapter 150 Indirect kiss

    <h4>Chapter 150 Indirect kiss</h4>


    "He said¡­ what?" Disbelief on what her mother just said, Lexi, darted her stunned gaze from Lillian Yang to Ethan Lu''s grinning front.


    Just like what her mother said earlier, Lillian Yang did inform her that had urred yesterday in this mansion. To summarized it all, Ethan Lu asked her parent''s permission to court and marry her if she ever agreed. Hence, the headache she was experiencing right now.


    Watching how her mother approved of him and Ethan Lu''s interaction with her, Lexi heavily sighed in defeat. She knew Ethan Lu and thus, she should have seen thising. However, Lexi didn''t actually expect that he would ask her parent''s permission the next day she agreed with his confession. Surely, he wasn''t wasting a second in pursuing her heart which somehow urged her to run away.


    "Oh, dear, you shouldn''t be surprised by Ethan. Men are always like that¡ªunpredictable, at times." Lillian Yang chuckled in delight seeing that her daughter had this ridiculous expression stered across her face.


    Surprisingly enough, only Ethan Lu¡ªand his careless yet sincere actions could bring out these kinds of expression of their daughter; that both Frederick and Lillian Yang missed. Hence, even before Ethan Lu officially asked their permission, they grew fond of the guy. After all, he was a good, kind, and genuine person. Whose parents who didn''t want their child be with someone that would treasure their child as much as they cherished her?


    "Hehe, actually Mom, I would also like to ask for your permission to take her to a date tomorrow." Clearing his throat, Ethan Lu sat properly as he politely requests for authorization from Mother Yang to take her daughter.


    Lillian Yang giggled with his old-fashioned style. In her perspective, Ethan Lu might not realize it yet but his way of courting her daughter was something that every girl would wish for a man. She slightly shook her head before she gently responded with her soothing voice, "Oh, Ethan dear¡­ my daughter is a grown woman, you don''t have to worry about me and your Uncle Fred but, I appreciate the thought."


    "Hehe~ She agreed," Giggling back, Ethan Lu leaned closer to Lillian Yang and whispered.


    "Really? That''s good to hear, then!" Happy for his progress," Lillian Yang sped her hand together in glee. She giddily added, "Right, let me inform you of the do''s and don''t''s for tomorrow."


    "Hello? I''m still here" Indifferently murmuring while she yed with her food, Lexi let out another heavy sigh. Their muffled conversation could still reach her ears that made her roll her eyes. Do they think she was not present? If Lexi and Elliot Gong joint forces earlier, now, it was her mother and Ethan''s turn to gossip about her¡ª well, not really gossip but a discussion instead?


    "Mom, where''s Dad by the way? It''ste." After some time, Lexi was reminded of the time and normally, Frederick Yang would be home by this time. Moreover, they were informed that she''d being home today hence, knowing Frederick Yang, he should be home much earlier than usual.


    In the middle of giving instruction to his future son-inw, Lillian Yang was disrupted with her daughter''s inquiry. She turned her head to Lexi''s inexpressive front, then she smiled warmly and said, "Oh, right. Your father had a very important emergency meeting he needed to attend, but he said he''ll buy you something."


    "Oh¡­" Nodding in understanding, Lexi didn''t probe further and Lillian Yang returned on her ''giving tips'' lessons with Ethan Lu.


    The dinner ended much longer than usual as Lillian and Ethan''s session took longer than expected. It wasn''t surprising at all that Ethan Lu took so much interest and he only needed a notepad to jot everything down. Fortunately, it was about Lexi thus, he was extra attentive to Mother Yang''s help hence, he easily memorized everything.


    ***


    As usual, Lillian Yang asked Lexi to send him off which she abided without anyints. She was used to it after all.


    On the mansion''s driveway, Lexi was walking a step behind Ethan Lu while her mind wandered somewhere else. Sensing this, Ethan Lu walked slower for him to walk with her ¡ª shoulder to shoulder. He then slipped his hand through her fingers to bring her senses back.


    "Hmm?" Lexi slightly flinched upon feeling his warmth against her hands. Given that it wasn''t their first time holding hands, however, Lexi could not help but react whenever Ethan Lu slipped his fingers to hers without short notice.


    "You''re zoning out. May I know where''s your mind wandering?" When his gentle gaze met her pair of upturned eyes, he slightly tilted his head on the side as his brows raised.


    "Uh, nothing." Shrugging her worries about her father, Lexi meekly smiled -- letting him hold her hand as it was quite reassuring in some ways.


    "Lie." Bluntly exposing her, Ethan Lu pouted with her answer. He added with a wink, "You can tell me if something bugs you -- I''m still your friend¡­ with ulterior motives."


    Rolling her eyes, Lexi shook her head as she knew he would pester her to spill the beans. "*sigh* It''s nothing, really. It''s just¡­ I tend to overthink when I hear the word emergency." She then looked down to hide her worried eyes and was ashamed of how petty she could be.


    Yet, Lexi was indeed worried about the emergency meeting her father attended. After all, theirpany had just stabilized after the mess she had done in the past.


    "Ohh¡­" Nodding in understanding, Ethan Lu stared at her downcast head before he turned his body to face her. Without a second hesitation, he gently ced his hand over her head while his head leaned forward and kissed it.


    Even though Lexi didn''t felt his kiss, however, she clearly heard the soft sound he produced. She then raised her surprised eyes to see him gently smile in return.


    "I wanted to kiss your worries away but I''m afraid you''d run away," said Ethan Lu with a soft gaze.


    If he wasn''t thinking about the aftermath of directly kissing her worries goodbye, Ethan Lu would have done it. But, with their current status, even if he was dying to do as he pleased, he prioritized her feelings first. Thus, he could only do this for now.


    "OMGGGG~!! That''s sooo sweeet~ yet, you should''ve kissed her directly~!!" Happy and disappointed at the same time, Churu hysterically flew and spun her whole small frame in the air.


    On the other hand, Lexi blinked numerous times as she tried to process what he had done. Whether his action just now set her mind in peace or just distracted it¡ªshe could not fathom. It wasn''t a direct kiss on her head but it sent warmth to her heart that was gradually swallowing it whole.


    "Lexi, I''m sure Uncle Fred is doing fine¡­ he''s your father after all. I can go check if you want." Ethan Lu softly patted her head as his eyes traveled across every detail of her facial features.


    Unbeknownst to Lexi, Ethan Lu was more worried whenever she worries about something and even if she didn''t tell him about it¡ªhe already decided to ask his assistant to check the current status of the Yang Company after this.


    "Uh, yeah -- you''re right. Don''t bother, it''s fine." Managing to waved off her main concern and Ethan''s indirect kiss by lightly shaking her head, Lexi forced a smile on her lips that wasn''t gone unnoticed by his keen eyes. Yet, Ethan Lu chose not to point it out as he only smiled in return.


    Minutes had gone by before Ethan Lu reluctantly bid his goodbye. Before he goes, he reminded her, "Tomorrow morning, I''ll pick you up."


    Tired, Lexi only nodded as he watched his car slowly exited their huge gate and then, he sped away without any reserved.


    "That guy¡­" she murmured as her gaze softened and let out a faint exhale.


    "Is sweet? Caring? Loveable? Ideal hubby? Sexy? What is it~?" Guessing the sentence that Lexi was unable to finish, Churu instigated with her usual excited persona. ncing at the flying dumpling on her side, Lexi resumed with a subtle smile,


    "...is warm." With that said note, Lexi head back inside the mansion as her concerns about Frederick Yang magically vanished.


    ''He''s my father¡­ right.'' She uttered inwardly when she reached the doorstep of their house.

 Chapter 151 Give yourself a chance

    <h4>Chapter 151 Give yourself a chance</h4>


    When Lexi entered their manor, Lillian Yang was enjoying a cup of tea in the living area. Hearing the footsteps of her daughter, Lillian Yang turned her head to Lexi''s direction.


    With a motherly smile, she spoke, "Lexi, dear, can you apany your mom for a while?"


    "Sure," Nodding, Lexi agreed as it was already her n¡ªto catch up with her mother.


    Sitting beside her mother, Lexi served herself with tea as she didn''t want to bother her mother any longer. After all, she personally prepared their dinner for tonight. Therefore, Lexi was certain was her mother was as tired as her.


    "Lexi? What do you think about Ethan?" Breaking their peace, Lillian Yang softly inquired as she slightly moved to face her daughter.


    "Uh, about him¡­ Mom, can we not talk about him for a while? I haven''t recovered about him asking for your permission the next day he confessed to me -- that guy¡­" Knowing where this was heading, Lexi heavily sighed.


    In actuality, it''s not that she didn''t want to talk about him, but rather, she was afraid. Afraid that the more she delved with what her mind and heart were telling about Ethan Lu, the more she''d be confused.


    "I see¡­" Knowing her daughter more than anyone else, Lillian Yang didn''t probe further as she ced down the tea on the small table. She then returned her gaze back to her gorgeous daughter, she spoke once again.


    "Lexi¡­"


    "Hmm?" Humming a tune, Lexi turned her gaze to meet her mother with her brows slightly raised. Seeing her motherly smile, she smiled back.


    Lillian Yang reached for her hand that was holding the teacup and smoothly rubbed them.


    "I know what''s stopping you. We were selfish and followed your grandfather''s wish about your engagement with Morris. We didn''t give you the chance to meet other men, and made it as your habit --"


    "Mom, that''s not it." Interrupting her mother midway, Lexi''s brows creased.


    She knew how emotional and self-ming her parents could be, hence, she didn''t want to keep worrying them. However, even if she wanted to let their worries about her go away, she couldn''t just simply do that as she hadmitted suicide; which was by the way she regretted the most.


    If it wasn''t for the system, Lexi died a long time ago and when she thought about it, her parents would surely grieve for the rest of their life¡ªming themselves for letting her give up her life. She resumed,


    "Mom, I am now alright, okay? It''s not your fault for agreeing to an arranged marriage¡ªthat''s just how it was always done¡­ it''s not that I didn''t like it as well. Also, whatever action I did in the past, I am to me -- not you or Dad." Lexi uttered her reassurance in one go.


    After her suicide attempt, Lexi hasn''t talked about it with her parents and neither did they. But now, she had the chance to say it to her mother.


    "Lexi¡­" Lillian Yang paused as she meekly smiled upon hearing her daughter''sfort. She continued as she raised her right hand and ced it on Lexi''s heart, "What I''m saying is, give Ethan a chance¡ªgive yourself a chance and let your heart know what love is. It''s not wrong to open up your heart and love again; whether it was too soon, just don''t the past be a hinder to what''sing."


    Lexi bit her lips as her mother read her like she was an opened book. Indeed, probably, the problem with her right now was, she convinced herself that he was just a friend and settled there. Although he was exerting much effort that she never knew a man would to it for her, Lexi often argued with herself.


    Looking straight at her mother''s gentle eyes, Lexi didn''t respond but only smiled back.


    "Go, Mama Yang~! Shove Mr. Main task to her with all your might~" On the side, Churu cheered as she danced and somersault midair. By the looks of it, she only needed some pompoms and cheering clothes to be a captain in a cheering squad.


    ****


    [Yang Company: Conference Room]


    Frederick Yang thoroughly studied the documents and unhurriedly flipped each page after reading the contract. After some time, he finally reached thest page and when he was done, he ced down the documents on the long table.


    Looking on his side where an icy, inexpressive man perched, Frederick Yang cleared his throat before breaking his silence. "Mr. Liu, it was a tempting contract and if I think of it as a businessman, I will sign it as it will benefit ourpany greatly." He paused as he kept his heart at bay.


    When he finally calmed down, he resumed as the man indifferently waited for his continuation. "However, I cannot ept another joint project with Liu Empire Don''t get me wrong, I am not looking down at yourpany." With that said remarks, the whole conference room was enveloped with nothing but dead silence. It was stifling, yet both men seemed unfazed with the atmosphere around the four corners of the room.


    Soon, Morris Liu broke the deafening quietness, "I see¡­" as he acknowledged the response he already anticipated, Morris Liu slowly stood from his seat before courtly bowing his head. As he turned and took a step forward, he halted when he heard Frederick Yang spoke.


    "Morris, you know the reason why I didn''t stop cooperating with you despite what happened. But, when thises topletion, I will be severing ties with the Liu family. Whether you want to pick a fight with me again, I will face you head-on by then." Frederick Yang''s voice was firm as his fist resting on the armrest tightened.


    Morris Liu turned to face the stern middle-aged man sitting on the head seat, "Rest assured, I will keep my word -- I don''t need another enemy." He then politely bowed again and left.


    When Morris Liu left the conference room, Frederick Yang could finally heave a sigh of relief. ncing at the shut entrance, he lightly shook his head and looked at the contract again before he picked it up. Resting his back against the executive chair, he murmured. "That brat¡­ he could just apologize instead of giving me this."

 Chapter 152 Naked dumpling no more!

    <h4>Chapter 152 Naked dumpling no more!</h4>


    Lexi''s conversation with her mother didn''tst long as Lillian Yang insisted for her to rest saying: Lexi was tired and still have an important date tomorrow. Seeing how persistent her mother, she could only agree and abide.


    After freshening up, no matter how long sheid and nkly stared at the ceiling, sleep wouldn''te. Lexi knew her body was exhausted, but, no matter how tired she felt¡ªher brain just wouldn''t give her peace. Therefore, since she couldn''t go to slumbend, she decided to be a little productive instead of staring at nothingness¡ªand think about her mother''s advice.


    "Hmmmm~? Hmmmm~?!" Slowly tilting her head to the right, before unhurriedly tilting it to the other side, Churu''s questioning hummed grew louder every time.


    Currently, Churu was watching Lexi gather different small, medium size boxes and a variety of clothes while she sat on the pillow. Yet, no matter how loud she hummed an inquiring tune, Lexi was indifferent about her obvious query as she continued to fetch thest set of clothes she got after she ransacked her walk-in closet.


    "Are you moving out~? Eloping with Mr. Main task~?" As usual, Churu''s first question didn''t make sense. It only made Lexi wonder what was going on inside the mind of this little dumpling. Does she only cared about her love life and facial masks? Well, she was a guide of this love system, hence, she''d surely focused on this matter more than anything else.


    "Nope. Come here." Gesturing her toe by her index finger, Lexi opened one of the small boxes and picked up a nicely rolled body measuring tape from it. Slightly pulling the end of the tape measure, Lexi grinned as her gaze fixed on Churu.


    "Sissy, let me take your body measurement -- I''m making you a dress!"


    "Me~? Reaaaally~?" At first, Churu was a little confused as Lexi didn''t utter a single word when she jumped out of bed. But now that Lexi rified what she wanted to do in this hour, Churu was excited as she jumped up and down like a small ball with her cheeks blushing.


    Upon seeing this, Lexi''s eyes softened. Lately, although there are tons of perks Churu received in the past tasks that were aplished, and Lexi frequently let her take a bite from her food¡ªshe never made her cute dresses! Hence, this time, Lexi searched her closet for the clothes she doesn''t wear anymore and rely on her DIY skills.


    "What dress you''re making me? Can you really make one?" Her face gleamed like a moon, lighting up the night. Churu''s body slightly shook as she tried to calm herself down. However, her expectant expression was too hard to resist especially when her eyes sparkled as if she would worship Lexi any time.


    "Just trust me, okay?" Rolling her eyes, Lexi started taking Churu''s small body measures and jot the details down on a small notepad. Fortunately, she attended fashion designing sses and different seminars in skincare while she was abroad; exins why she knew a thing or two regarding this stuff.


    "Alright~! I''m having a dress~! A dress~!" Churu hopped out of bed and started marching while repeating her words over and over again with an odd tune. Perhaps, it''s her way to rxed because she was too hyped up being clothed for the first time.


    Hours had passed and Lexi was still at it. Thanks to this sudden idea of hers, she managed to keep her mom''s words and Ethan''s stirring warmth down as her mind was preupied with making Churu different dresses for her to change on a daily basis.


    Soon, when it was two hours past midnight, Lexi finally yawned as she pressed the turn off button of the small sewing machine she used. Looking on the side, Lexi subtly smiled seeing that Churu was just staring at the five different dresses, five shirts, and five small skirts.


    "You liked them?" Softly asking the little dumpling, Lexi tilted her head on the side as her heavy eyes slowly blinked while waiting for Churu''s response.


    "Lexi¡­~" Raising her head to see Lexi''s smiling yet exhausted front, Churu''s voice cracked as she was tightly biting her lower lips while her eyes were welling up. After a second, she flew, like a bolt of lightning and hugged Lexi''s cheeks.


    "Boohoo~! They are soo pretty~! Thank you~! They are perfect for the perfect me~!" Churu sobbed and spoke in between her hups.


    Upon hearing her response, Lexi chuckled with herst remarks. Surely, Churu was the epitome of self-love as she always praised herself from time to time and often boosts her confidence by saying she was perfect just the way she was -- despite being in a dumpling form.


    "That''s alright¡­ why don''t you try them?" Tapping Churu''s back as she glued on her cheeks like a sticker, Lexi proposed which made the little bun flew right away. She stopped and mildly jumped beside her first batch of clothes with excitement. Her tiny little fingers rubbed against each other in a quick pace as she said:


    "Quick, quick, give it to me~!" Sounding extra eager, Churu nced at Lexi.


    "Right," Being reminded that she needed to personally hand whatever gift she wanted to give the little dumpling, Lexi nodded in understanding before picking up a cute red dress and she smiled. She added,


    "Want me to help you?"


    "Yes~!" More satisfied with Lexi''s offer, Churu nodded in glee.


    It only took a minute before the clothes synchronized with Churu''s ability. Hence, only Lexi and Churu could see the clothed dumpling instead of a dress flying around that would strike a terror on everyone.


    "It''s soo perfect~! I feel like a modern princess~!" Churu flew while spinning and went straight towards her host''s vanity mirror. Looking at herself, her cheeks blushed even more because Lexi made her a matching cute headband using the same fabric as her dress.


    When she was satisfied staring at herself, Churu went back to Lexi and asked her to give the rest of the clothes. Confused about her sudden request, Lexi was already sleepy hence, she agreed without a question.


    To her surprise, when she passed her the clothes, there''s a small hole that Churu made after zipping the space and it opened! She then ced every clothes there like it was nothing before Churu closed it.


    "Huh? What''s that?" Puzzled, Lexi felt that she wasn''t sleepy anymore after seeing what happened.


    "That''s my private space or bag, hehe. I earned it thest time, remember~?" Referring when the time Ethan Lu realized his feelings for Lexi, she received another reward that seemed toe in handy in the future; which was actually now.


    "Thest time?" Arching her brows, Lexi recalled the time she came to know that Ethan Lu fell in love with her. However, upon her realization, Lexi only took a glimpse of the status report while Churu only confirmed that she aplished the task¡­ or rather, Ethanpleted the task for her.


    "Uh, yeah¡­ I almost forgot about the system. By the way, am I making any progress from my current task? Since it doesn''t appear anymore¡­ I guess, there''s no progress, right?" Nodding in understanding, Lexi then narrowed her eyes as her brows slightly creased while muttering the half of her sentence.


    "Huh? What do you mean~? Have you forgotten, you muted the system so it''s not appearing? Want me to unmute--" Looking back at Lexi''s concerned front, Churu innocently replied in a matter of factly tone. Just as she was about to snap her finger to unmute the system, Lexi stopped her.


    "Wait! I don''t want to see it¡­ just yet." Lexi said in one go before she bit her lower lip. For some reason, she was afraid to see these points because ultimately, it was her progress this time and not Ethan Lu.


    "Okay, so far, you don''t have any side task and your main task of epting Mr. Main task is still ongoing with almost 60 percent allure points." Churu understood what she meant and thus, she wanted to be considerate with her. However, just as Churu reassured her about having no side quests as they could be a real headache sometimes, she somewhat tattled about her current progress that made Churu and Lexi''s eyes gaped open in unison.


    Churu: "Uh oh¡­"


    Lexi: "Churu!"

 Chapter 153 Hey heart, tone it down!

    <h4>Chapter 153 Hey heart, tone it down!</h4>


    The next day¡­


    Since Lexi fell asleep ratherte after lecturing Churu and her unstoppable mouth, she felt groggy and grumpy when she woke up.


    ncing at the time, her eyes widened seeing that it was already ten in the morning. Remembering that she and Ethan Lu agreed that he''d pick her up at ten, Lexi immediately sat on her bed with a shocked look stered across her face.


    Without further ado, Lexi hopped out of bed as she dashed towards the window of her room where she could see the mansion''s driveway. And there, a shy orange sports car stood among the rest of their luxury cars because of its bright color -- it was Ethan''s!


    "He''s here!" She panicked before Lexi sprinted towards the bathroom inside her room.


    On the other hand, Churu has already changed the dress she was wearingst night to a new one and slowly peeled off the facial mask on her face. Seeing that Lexi was running around early in the morning through the vanity mirror, Churu only shook her head as she refrained her mouth from saying anything. After all, she just got in troublest night because of it.


    "She''s so stubborn." Churu sighed before she resumed arranging her cute headband.


    ****


    Scanning at all her clothes, Lexi kept on stomping her right foot while her arms wrapped around her upper abdomen. She was still in a bathrobe and her hair had just been slightly blow-dried. She had this dissatisfied expression on her creased brows as she clicked her tongue repeatedly in annoyance.


    "What are you still doing~? Stalling~?" Since Lexi was taking quite some time inside the walk-in closet without making any loud noise, Churu came to check what she was doing.


    As expected, Lexi seemed she was having a hard time choosing what kind of outfit she''d go. After all, she didn''t know where Ethan Lu would take her. Also, knowing him and his antics, it was hard to guess what kind of ce they''d go on a date.


    Would it be fancy? Simple? Comfortable? Crowded?


    "Urgh! Whatever!" Ignoring Churu, Lexi face-palmed and grabbed the ck dress that she really liked but haven''t gotten the chance to wear even since she purchased it.


    "Hayyy¡­ how could she wear something so simple on a date?" Shaking her head as her gaze followed the busy Lexi''s figure, Churu heavily sighed as she felt helpless on the dress Lexi chose for today''s date. In her mind, she was wearing a grander dress than the woman.


    At 11:30 am, Lexi was finally done with her makeup and all her rituals. For the record, this was probably her fastest record in prepping herself on a date. After all, even just going out, Lexi took longer hours to prepare¡ªespecially whenever there''s a change in her outfit.


    Staring at herself in front of the vanity mirror, Lexi let out a one heavy exhaled and a glint of determination shed across her eyes.


    "I will know my answers today," She murmured, still looking at her reflection as if trying to convince the person in the mirror.


    Whatever answers she had in mind, no one knew but her. Regardless, she was definitely earnest to have them answered.


    ****


    When Lexi arrived at the living area, as usual, her mother and Ethan Lu were already having a good chat over tea with her mother''s signature egg tart that she loved since childhood. Lexi stayed where she stood for a while and watched the two at the living area conversed.


    Although it was not the first time Lexi had witnessed this scene, however, after her talk with her mother, Lexi somehow, wanted to look at Ethan Lu not as a friend but as a man¡ªeven for a tiny bit so she could see the difference.


    Hence, what she sees now, maybe there''s not much of a big difference from before but Lexi must admit that the scene before her was pure genuineness and peacefulness. It was as if Ethan Lu was her mother''s own child and even if Lexi wasn''t there, he''d still stay longer and continue to apany Lillian Yang.


    After several good minutes, Lexi decided to approach the two with a subtle smile. "Mom," she greeted and hugged her mom from behind the sofa. Her sudden sweetness made Lillian Yang chuckled as her hand gently rubbed on Lexi''s arm that was lightly wrapped around her neck.


    "You''rete, Ethan had been waiting for you since earlier." Lillian Yang softly reprimanded, but, by the sound of it, her voice doesn''t sound near angry or disappointed.


    "Hmm, I sleptte and woke upte¡­ I''m sure, Ethan doesn''t mind -- just look at him." Lexi murmured as she reasoned out with her mom. She then unhurriedly retracted her arms away from her as Lexi straightened her posture. ncing at the dashing man sitting across her mother, Lexi could not help but heavily sigh.


    Currently, Ethan Lu was smiling as he sat properly. The thing is, his mouth was stuffed with egg tarts hence, his puffed cheeks. He looked half cute and half weird at the same time that made Lexi feel conflicted.


    ''Is this the guy I should open up my heart with?'' She asked inwardly as the corner of her brows twitched.


    Actually, Lexi was quite confused about the real Ethan Lu. Every time she was with him, he always changes his personality too quickly that Lexi couldn''t keep up with it and could not discern which was real and which wasn''t.


    "Well, as I said, why won''t you just ask him~?" Churu bluntly responded as she already sat on Ethan Lu''s broad shoulder.


    ncing at the cute madam sitting on the mischievous kind of modern prince''s shoulder, Lexi pursed her lips into a thin line as her thoughts were suddenly distracted and was changed into: "I should have bought her wig as well."


    "Yes, I don''t mind waiting for her, Mom." Ethan Lu grinned widely after gulping down the egg tarts with great effort. ncing at Lexi, his eyes discreetly traveled from her head to toe that made him immediately looked away and turned his shocked expression to Mother Yang. Of course, his sudden change of expression puzzled Lillian Yang that made her brows marginally raised.


    "Uh¡­" Scratching his right cheek, Ethan Lu pondered whether to say what bugged him or... was it a bad idea for him to say? Gazing at Lillian Yang, Ethan Lu awkwardlyughed and found an excuse, "Ha ha! It was nothing, Mom! I just had a mini heart attack after thinking where I ced my keys. Ha ha ha!"


    "Ohh... " Nodding in understanding, Lillian Yang chuckled along with his awkwardughs. Unbeknownst to him, Lillian Yang already guessed whatever he has in mind and she found it rather sweet.


    When Lexi sat beside her, Lillian Yang spoke with aforting smile, "I guessed you''ll be having your lunch outside?"


    "Hmmm," Lexi answered in a hummed as she leaned her back against the sofa and ced her left leg over the other, revealing more of her skin.


    This slight exposure made Ethan Lu''s sneaky eyes looked away almost immediately as he incessantly tapped his fingers on hisp. He was very tempted to cover the little exposed skin she was revealing but in front of Lillian Yang, Ethan Lu wouldn''t want to sound rude or anything of the sort. After all, this was their house and he could not do just anything he pleased even though he was almost doing it anyway.


    ''Hey heart, keep tone it down!'' He grumbled inwardly.


    "Fun Fact~!!" Just then, Churu shouted as she stood on Ethan''s shoulder with her right hand raised.


    ''Oh, please¡­ enough with your fun fact.'' Rolling her eyes inwardly, Lexi shook her head and turned to see Ethan that was oddly looking on his right¡ªbut there''s nothing there.


    "Mr. Main task sees your clothes as revealing!" Despite Lexi''s nonchnce, Churu still ratted Ethan Lu out with a poker face. She added,


    "His heart goes bathump bathump so loudly, I can hear it!"


    ''Revealing?'' Lexi looked down on the little exposed skin between the hem of her dress and her over the knee ck boots. Briefly squinting her eyes, Lexi''s lips curled into a mischievous smirk. ''Is that so?''

 Chapter 154 Stop seducing me, else...

    <h4>Chapter 154 Stop seducing me, else...</h4>


    Since Ethan Lu focused his attention on Lillian Yang, his mind that was filled with Lexi-so-provoking-and-so-beautiful was sessfully put down. After a quick contemtion, the thought of leaving Lillian Yang to eat her lunch alone, he felt sad for his own future son-inw reasoning.


    He knew that she was rooting for their date, however, it wouldn''t hurt for the both of them if they apany her for another hour right? Hence, he suggested that their first stop for their date was to eat lunch with Lillian Yang. Nothing new, but, it was still touching for mother yang.


    "No Ethan, it''s fine¡­ This day was supposed--" Moved, Lillian Yang smiled gently. However, just as she was about to reject his suggestion, Lexi halted her by cing her hand on hers.


    "Mom, I agree with him. I also wanted to eat before going out." For some reason, Lexi felt moved that he was considering her parents and willing to sacrifice another hour of spending time with her alone.


    "Plus 10 points for Mr. Main task~!" On the other hand, Churu slowly pped her hands as she dered openly.


    "You kids¡­" Darting her gaze from her daughter to Ethan Lu''s grinning face, Lillian Yang faintly sighed as she slightly shook her head.


    The meal ended as peaceful as always. Of course, the one that was very moved by this simple gesture was Lillian Yang as she got her daughter and future son-inw''spany.


    ****


    [Yang Mansion''s driveway]


    Lexi and Ethan Lu stared at each other as they examined their outfits. Lexi had a surprised expression with her brows arched while Ethan Lu was grinning from ear to ear.


    "Is this destiny?" He teased.


    Currently, Lexi''s army green,pel cor trench coat that was over her short ck dress almost looked the same as his. She matched it with over the knee ck boots and a ck handbag. Since she was unsure about his ns for the day, Lexi chose to look casual and elegant at the same time¡ªso she could blend in with wherever ce he''d bring her.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu was wearing a navy blue pullover thaty over his dress shirt and only revealed his cor and tie. He had a gray scarf clung across his nape and the ends rest on his front. His white sneakers and army green coat induced his personality.


    Overall, their outfits coordinate with each other.


    "Matching outfi--" Churu was about to dawdle her humor but before she could continue, Lexi hissed.


    ''Shut up, you forever third wheel.''


    "Hmph! Baaad Lexi, bad!!" Dismayed, Churu sticks her tongue out and flew towards the car''s back seat. Well, it was their date after all and Churu already decided to go sightseeing while the two enjoy each other on their first official date; lessening her presence as she said.


    "Tell me, you didn''t ask¡­ uh, nevermind, let''s go." Lexi arched her brows and spected that Ethan Lu asked her mom about her outfit but recalling that she just decided on what to wear earlier, she stopped and threw her irrelevant question to the back of her mind.


    "Wait, let me open the door for you," Skipping his steps, Ethan smoothly opened the passenger seat for her like a gentleman with a smile on his lips.


    Slightly raising her fleek brows, Lexi said, "thanks¡­" before she entered his car.


    She watched Ethan jogged over the other side and from her point of view, Ethan''s aura was bright but at the same time, there''s something in him that she often noticed but until now, she could not exin what it is.


    When he entered and settled in the driver''s seat, Ethan Lu nced at her inexpressive front down to the seatbelt. Seeing that she did buckle up this time, he smiled before he inquired.


    "Ready for our date?"


    "Hmm," Biting her lower lip, Lexi hummed with a slight nod that made Ethan Lu smiled even more. He started his car engine and before he could start driving, heid his hand opened near her side.


    "What?" Arching her brows as she moved her gaze to him, she saw him briefly raised his brows as his eyes smiled.


    "Let''s hold hands." Without a second hesitation, he requested while his fingers slightly waved as if waiting for her to fill the gaps in between his fingers. Seeing that she wasn''t moving, he persuaded;


    "Love, let''s y --" However, before he could finish his sentence, Lexi slid her hands onto his. This treat obviously startled him as he didn''t expect her to agree without giving her a good reason.


    "No problem," She said before a smirk formed on the side of her lips.


    He looked at her as she smiled on him while her curled hair was put on the other side. Just this view made his heart go crazy as his eyes were deceiving him!


    ''Why does she looked as if she was flirting back? Ugghh! I need my eyes checked!'' Unbeknownst to Lexi, her date''s mind was momentarily in haywire as his heart raced by her sudden ''coquettish'' eyes.


    He blinked and blinked several times but her expression was still there! Her flirtatious smirked that was tempting him and whenever hershes slowly fluttered, he just wanted to watch her looking at him like this!


    "Hmm? Something wrong?" Slightly tilting her head on the side, Lexi''s tone wasn''t as dry like she normally sounded but it was rather¡­ yful; as if she knew his sudden dilemma.


    ''Uh¡­ is this what they call seduction?'' His mind snapped as this thought hovered on his mind yet, the question was stuck on his throat and was gulped down when he swallowed a mouthful of saliva.


    "No, it was nothing, hehe" Instead of speaking his mind, Ethan Lu found an excused as he closed his fingers while their hands were intertwined.


    "Sure, its nothing¡­" Shrugging, Lexi whispered her humor but she made it audible enough for him to hear.


    ''I''m busted! I''m busted!'' He panicked inwardly. Fortunately, his riotous feelings caused by her sudden change didn''t take much effect on the surface¡­ or at least to others but not to her.


    "Let''s start our date, love~!" After clearing his throat, Ethan Lu announced as he started to drive away from the yang mansion.


    *****


    Hours passed by and still, they haven''t arrived at whatever ''romantic'' ce he kept bragging about throughout their journey.


    "Where are you taking me? Don''t tell me you''re actually kidnapping me on a pretense of a date?" Arching her brows, Lexi didn''t mind when they went out of the city as it was normal; at least for her as she liked ces that were established outside the city.


    However, it''s been three hours since they left the yang mansion yet, Lexi was left with zero clues on where he was taking her.


    Meanwhile, Ethan Lu would let go of her hand from time to time and would immediately go back to her as if it was an automatic program. Hearing her suspicious inquiry, he chuckled and teased.


    "Hehe, well, we''re eloping." Fortunately, Lexi didn''t attack her with whatever magic she got on her sleeves hence, he could finally rx a little.


    "Really now?" Rolling her eyes, Lexi attempted to pull her hand away from him but his grip gently tightened.


    "Kidding, love. Well, you''ll see-- we''re almost there." He winked at her before a mischievous smile formed on the side of his lips.


    "Fine," Sighing in defeat, Lexi didn''t probe further as she knew it was hopeless. Also, she decided to use her naughtiness when he wasn''t driving -- afraid that his fragile heart couldn''t handle it.


    ***


    Just like he said, soon, perhaps 30 minutes after, Lexi and Ethan finally arrived at the shore near a small town.


    The autumn wind harshly blew past her yet, the uninhabited, cleaned area matched with the unpolluted air made her rxed for a bit.


    Despite the good area he chose, however, Lexi was puzzled as there wasn''t a satisfactory ce nor there''s a restaurant near the area. If one thing that this cecks was that, it wasn''t known for tourists¡ªeven to her who grew up in a big city and abroad!


    "So, this is where we..." Slowly nodding and scanning the area for some secret shop that was probably just around the corner, Lexi''s gaze stopped as she spotted a yacht approaching.


    "Yup, there is our romantic destination." Seeing that his yacht was slowly approaching the shore, Ethan Lu turned to face her as he took off his scarf and tenderly wrapped it around her neck. He added without thinking of the words that woulde out from his mouth.


    "You''re so gorgeous¡­ stop seducing me, else I won''t keep my mind sane."

 Chapter 155 First official date

    <h4>Chapter 155 First official date</h4>


    Lexi slightly gulped seeing him smile a little as he bit his lower lip. In retrospect, Ethan Lu always actededic and well, charming¡ªadd the drama king on the side. Hence, Lexi found it hard to see him in an extremely serious way. Even back when he was being a jerk and always let his yboy persona hit on her every once in a while, it only annoyed her to some degree.


    Still, right now, in somewhat someways, Ethan Lu seemed and sounded manly. It was as if hispliment was a warning for her or else, he might really lose his sanity. Moreover, where did his confidenceing from? She still has many tricks on her sleeve to pull to tease him yet, he was saying something like this that actually made her a bit cautious.


    Despite that, Lexi wanted to try and get her the answers she wanted -- for her and maybe, for this quiteplicated rtionship between them.


    "Aren''t we on a date? This is how I date." Curling her lips upward, Lexi thrust her chin forward and met his soft pair of eyes.


    ["Oh ho, you only dated one man~" Churu who was keeping her distance from the two humored. She was far away from them and Lexi couldn''t hear her teasing. Regardless, what''s important was Churu could hear her even from miles away and keep herself updated with the current happenings.]


    "Oh?" Leaning his head a little forward, Ethan Lu was now safe from her taunting as he wasn''t driving nor he was about to drive. So, he could y whatever game she had in her mind. Furthermore, hepletely liked it as he felt he could flirt with her and maybe, just maybe, he''ll sessfully gain more of her attention. He added,


    "Then, please take care of me -- It''s my first time..."


    "Tss, liar." Lexi rolled her eyes as she faintly scoffed at his obvious lie.


    "I''m not. It''s the first time I will go on a date with someone I''d want to marry." Ethan Lu draws closer to her even more and whispered the rest of his sentence. His heated breath caressed her ear which made her take a step back and looked at him with surprise.


    Seeing her reaction, Ethan Lu chuckled as he knew this stunt was a risk. However, he needed to do this as he knew she wouldn''t stop ''seducing'' him even if he told her so.


    "Hehe," He then winked at her and a grin stered across his face¡ªrevealing his even white teeth.


    Just then, the yacht approached the shore and the person maneuvering it waved his hand to call the attention of the owner and his date.


    "Mr. Lu!"


    "Oh, it''s here," Ethan Lu turned his eyes to the direction of the person who was shouting his name while waving his hand. Holding her slender hands a little tighter, Ethan Lu nced at her and seeing that she was snapped back from her daze, he started guiding her towards the 72-meter private luxury yacht.


    "Young Master, sorry we arete." The man scratched the back of his head as he bowed and apologized for their dy.


    "Don''t worry about it -- no biggie." Ethan Lu casually waved his hand gesturing him that he didn''t mind the short wait. The person smiled brightly as his boss never changed since his employment.


    Ethan Lu then carefully assisted Lexi inside while she kept her silence. Looking around, Lexi must admit that she was in awe with this limited edition yacht. Of course, it wasn''t the first time she rode in this kind of boat as she often attended parties in a muchrger yacht. However, although she was surrounded by socialites, only a few of them personally owned one. This only showed the wealth of the Lu family acquiring such luxury or so she thought.


    "You liked it? Well, I was also mesmerized the first time I saw it and had to spend all my savings to buy it." Satisfied with her impression, Ethan Lu proudly tattled without reserved.


    "Wait¡ªyou bought it?" Furrowing her brows, Lexi turned her head to see Ethan''s proud smile. At first, she thought it was owned by the Lu family, but hearing him say he used up all his savings for it, Lexi didn''t quite believe him.


    "Hehe, don''t tell others but I was broke for a year." Sneakily whispering his secret, Ethan Lu recalled his ''broke days'' that he always thought he''d sell this beautiful thing to get his money back. Fortunately, he found another opportunity to gamble thest penny he had and his money grew back again to maintain his lifestyle without going back to the Lu family affairs.


    Lexi examined him for a while and seeing that he had a slight ugly expression as he reminisced, she raised her brows and was left with no choice but to believe him.


    Ethan Lu toured her around with enthusiast. On the other hand, Lexi was attentive as she listened to his short misadventures when he acquired this yacht. He told her about the time he threw a party that was a total st. Also, sometimes, his friends Chris and Kevin would rent his yacht for a night or two.


    "Do they really pay you?" Scoffing, Lexi raised her right eyebrow as she questioned hisst story. Well, they were friends after all. Hence, she expected that he''d let them use it for free.


    "Haha! They''d be haunted for the rest of their lives if they didn''t. Also, if you''re thinking that I shouldn''t have let them pay -- how can I survive my bankruptcy? They have money and I don''t." He chuckled and uttered in a matter of factly tone.


    "Make sense," Shrugging her shoulders, Lexi followed him outside the deck just to be weed with a romantic set up table. Although the candle was unlit since it was only close to sunset, a proper dining set just for two-person was arranged with a bottle of champagne in the middle yet, the tes were still empty. There was also a guitar on the side but there''s no other person present aside from the two of them.


    ''Since when did he prepare all this?'' She thought inwardly as her gaze scanned the exquisite set up in this awe-inspiring yacht.


    "Well?" Turning to see her sophisticated and seemingly unfazed face, Ethan was unbothered as her eyes were telling him all the things he wanted to know. He resumed after three seconds,


    "You know, when I bought this thing, I somehow regret it because aside from bragging that I have a yacht, there''s really nothing I can do with it¡ªalso, I had to limit my spending. But now¡­" He recalled.


    He then strode closer to her side and he tenderly held her hand and slightly raised it. Slowly filling the gaps in between her fingers with his, his heart raced because their hands seemed perfectly matched¡ªas if they were each other''s missing puzzle.


    Ethan Lu spoke again when he sensed Lexi turned to face him.


    "But now, it can finally serve its purpose." He was mildly rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb as he looked at it with a subtle smile. Ethan Lu then raised his gaze and immediately caught her enchanting pair of eyes.


    "I had always had this delusion of us, being here, under the golden rays of the sunset with our hand intertwined while sharing a passionate kiss¡­ but, who would have thought that just your presence is enough to fill my heart?" Ethan Lu honestly shared his far fetched dream with a slight chuckle.


    "Lexi, love, let''s forget the noise of the world for tonight, can we?"


    "Ethan, who are you really?" After some time, Lexi spoke the question that always lingered on the back of her mind. His personality shifts too fast that for some reason, she was reluctant to believe what''s in front of her. She resumed,


    "I know this is out of course, but everything is just too fast -- you''re too fast. After that day, you already managed to ask for my parent''s permission and now, this¡­ it''s not that I don''t like it, but it''s just... I don''t know." Lexi heavily sighed as she was lost of words to describe and express herself.


    Indeed, aside from being used as her friend, one thing that frightened her was his pace of acquiring her attention. It was not if she liked or disliked it, but everything was so quick that it was overwhelming.


    Ethan Lu meekly smiled at her distressed front. Raising his free hand and reached for her other hand, he assisted it to his cheeks, "If I didn''t do it fast enough¡­ I am always afraid that someone will take you away from me." He smiled bitterly as he admitted his worries.


    "If someone like me fell in love with you for no specific reason, then, there would be tons of men who are waiting for an opportunity as well¡­ It''s crazy¡ª just thinking that another man is holding your hands, it makes me crazy." Again, Ethan Lu let out a faint scoffed as a dreading scenario shed across his mind.


    "Even though I consider the possibility of failing to gain your love, it still terrifies me. I am terrified¡ªscared to lose you, scared to hurt you. Lexi, I know I am again being selfish and knowing that I am putting pressure on you even if it wasn''t my intention, I --" Ethan Lu didn''t finish the rest of his sentiments as he heavily sighed. It''s not that he couldn''t end his sentence but, if he does, he would sound that he was putting the me on her. Hence, he decided to stop and reflect on his strategy.


    Lexi was looking at him all this time and as always, Ethan Lu never failed to say the sweetest and moving words that always tugged her heart. She totally understood him and his reasoning as she herself experienced that same concern in the past¡ªback when her heart belongs to someone else and not to her.


    But now, Ethan Lu was slowly cing the pieces of her shattered, recovering heart together without either of them recognizing it.


    Momentarily grinding her teeth, Lexi slightly shook her head and without realizing it, she took a step forward and retrieved her hands from him before she wrapped them around him for a hug. When Lexi had the gist of what she was doing, she still decided to stay and rested her head on his shoulder.


    "Are you dumb? If it wasn''t for your luck, I''d also keep you an arm''s length away from me, dummy. Also, I only date one at a time."

 Chapter 156 Only with you...

    <h4>Chapter 156 Only with you...</h4>


    His eyes widened and time seemed to slow down when Lexi let his hand go as she began taking an immediate stride towards him. The very instant her arms snaked around him and her hands lounged on his back--Ethan Lu stiffened.


    "Are you dumb? If it wasn''t for your luck, I''d also keep you an arm''s length away from me, dummy. Also, I only date one at a time." Her tone lowered yet, to him, it sounded so reassuring.


    Inside his mind, chaos ensued after hearing her words. Who wouldn''t be in pain after knowing that he was unintentionally putting pressure on her? After all, that was Ethan Lu''s most afraid about: causing her pain or anything rted to that.


    But the instant she did what she had done, his chaotic mind was abruptly shut off¡ªit stilled like a peacefulke. Eventually, her warmth transferred to him that made his mind started to function again.


    ''God¡­ is this real? Is this one of my delusions? Perhaps, a dream?'' He questioned inwardly as for a moment, he could not utter a single word.


    Soon, his hand slowly moved and wrapped around near her shoulder¡ªhis chin on top of her head as the fragrant of her sweet-scented hair wafted in his nostrils. He could not believe it nor did he expect this to happen.


    For him, her initiation for a close physical contact was a far-fetched dream he could only reach after years of trying. Granting that he had bearhugged her before, but there was a vast difference from then and now.


    Before, he could feel that there was this thick wall surrounding her that even though he was so close to her, it always seemed she was beyond his reach. But now, he could totally feel her soothing warmth that abled to shut his riotous mind to peace.


    At the same time, the sun began to set. It slowly goes down on the horizon creating a magical, autumnal golden ray that was so beautiful words couldn''t give justice to express it.


    "Did you hear me?" After some time, Lexi broke the tender atmosphere as Ethan Lu kept his silence even after returning her hug.


    ''Was he insulted being called a dumb?''


    "I did¡­ I am just so happy, I can''t talk." Ethan Lu almost whispered his words as he continued to sniff her pleasant fragrance and gently tightened his grip around her.


    "..." Lexi pursed her lips on a thin line as for the first time, she heard her heart loudly ''thump''¡ªit was so loud that it actually startled her. Regardless, she doesn''t regret her action because, for some reason, Lexi felt that what she did was right¡ªfor her and for the both of them.


    Lexi had always been like this. Once she decided on something or what her mother called it ''let someone in her heart'', she would do it wholeheartedly¡ªno regrets. That is why she fought for her first love until she lost everything, even her life.


    "Lexi, the man hugging you right now and is beyond cloud nine is the real me. The man who confessed his love to you is me. The man who genuinely cares for Uncle and Auntie was also the real me. Every time I am with you, that is the only time I can show the real me¡­ only with you, I can express myself. I don''t want to y pretend of the man I am not and give you the wrong interpretation of what to expect from me."


    Lexi attentively listened to his gentle yet straightforward words. She was quite surprised that Ethan Lu remembered her first question as she almost forgot about it after his long sentiments. Hearing him utter such words, a subtle smile formed on the side of her lips.


    "So, you''re also a dummy¡­"


    "Hehe, well, not entirely but I guess I am." Chuckling, Ethan Lu''s smile was the brightest he had in his 27 years of existence. His happiness right now... just him, hugging her under the beautiful sunset filled his heart with unparalleled delight. Even though it was not what he had fantasies it to be, it was actually better than he imagined.


    It was more romantic, more sincere, and heartwarming; as their heart silently agreed and beat at the same rhythm.


    Sensing that she was pulling herself away, Ethan Lu mildly pulled her back as he rested his cheeks on top of her head; "Let''s stay like this for a while¡­ I''m afraid I can''t control myself if I see your face and might end up stealing a kiss¡ªthe sunset, remember?" Referring to what he said earlier, Ethan Lu reminded her as he wasn''t ready to face her.


    He was afraid that if she pulled away now, he could not control his extreme happiness and might end up kissing her that could also lead to a huge mess. After all, sharing a hug and a kiss had a tremendous difference, and they are not on that level yet.


    "Alright¡­" Recalling his so-called ''delusion'', Lexi swallowed a mouthful of saliva.


    Knowing Ethan Lu, if he spoke his mind like that, that means it was what he knew would do. Hence, Lexi didn''t want that to happen as well. After all, the vibe between them was already set and having an abrupt kiss was thest thing she wanted to happen¡­ or so she thought.


    Granting that she just decided to open her heart to him minutes ago, that didn''t change the fact that they were still on the earliest stage of ''getting to know'' part. She wished to know him better. She preferred to make an effort by appreciating his deed as a man, not a friend. And if she ever falls in love with him... maybe tomorrow or after a year, or perhaps more years, she would embrace her feelings despite all odds. Therefore, taunting him right now wasn''t a good idea.


    "Kyaaaah~!! Kyaaaah!!! OMG~!!" On the top of the deck, Churu kept on squealing like a solid fangirl. Although she promised that she would keep her distance and give them the privacy Lexi wanted, she could not help but take a peek after their heartfelt conversation.


    Although Churu was used by Ethan Lu being Mister Romantico -- Churu was surprised when she heard Lexi''s soft and cute reply. Unlike her tone when she responded to his confession which was firm and carried pride, this time, it was as if Lexi''s heart opened up and weed him along when she uttered her half-insult half-teasing.


    "Omo~! Omo~! Omo~! What is this~?! OMG~!" Churu''s wailing was so loud that it soon reached Lexi''s ears.


    ''Sissy, I was told earlier to forget the noise of the world tonight. Just when I thought I can¡ªshhh!!'' Lexi apathetically uttered telepathically as she knew this wasing. However, her words stopped and shushed her instead as Churu flew towards them and kept screaming from the top of her lungs.


    Churu then suddenly copsed on the floor¡ªface front, as if she shut down for a second before she quickly raised her head and started rolling on the floor stating her ''kyah''s and omo''s''.


    For a moment, Lexi''s heart stopped when she saw the hysterical dumpling dropping on the floor but after a second, she heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing that Churu only rested for a second to boost her energy. Fortunately, only Lexi could see what was happening on the side.


    ''Don''t worry~! I am only sharing Mr. Main task happiness and expressing it for him~!'' As shameless as she could be, Churu reasoned out in between her fangirl squealing.

 Chapter 157 Never have I ever

    <h4>Chapter 157 Never have I ever</h4>


    Lexi and Ethan Lu stayed like that for god know how long. Despite that, the two of them didn''t seem they were bothered as they rxed with each other''s embrace. After that, since the sunset was still there, they watched it with their hands intertwined.


    Lexi was too focused on the magical view, she didn''t notice the feather-like steps that entered the area and served a variety of dishes on the table. They even lit the candles with discretion before they wordlessly took their leave.


    Of course, Ethan Lu sensed their presence the whole time and cast them a nce before shifting it to Lexi''s beautiful side profile. In his honest opinion, looking at her was much more magical and phenomenal than what she was watching with mesmerized eyes.


    ''God¡­ I love this woman,'' While staring at her, a thought resurfaced once again in his mind and heart. Indeed, he was smitten with her to the core. To him, every day he wakes up, his love towards her was getting deeper and deeper. Thus, sometimes, he questions: ''Howe I could love someone like this in a short span of time?''


    Regardless, Ethan Lu knew to himself that his love wouldn''t wane easily. He knew that these feelings he bore for her would be engraved to him until the end of his life. Hence, he was grateful and treasured every moment with her.


    "Hmm?" Sensing his intent stare, Lexi''s right brow arched before she slightly turned her head to see him. "Any problem?"


    "Nothing, nothing at all¡ªhungry?" Smiling back, Ethan Lu mildly shook his head before he offered her to dinner.


    "Now that you mentioned it, I think I am but--" Lexi contemted for a millisecond and realized that her stomach started to protest.


    However, if she remembered correctly, the table was still empty and she didn''t hear anyone entered the area. Turning to see the supposed empty table, Lexi''s brows knitted before she briefly chuckled seeing that the tes had now te covers and the unlit candles were now lightened.


    "But?"


    "Sneaky," Lexi shook her head. She already guessed what happened behind her; when she was too focused on appreciating the view that effectively reduced her stress and exhaustion from filming days ago.


    "Well then, please." Ethan Lu offered her an arm for her to hold on which Lexi didn''t refuse even if they would only need to walk a couple of steps towards the table.


    Reaching the romantic set up table, as expected, Ethan Lu pulled the chair for her to sit on.


    "Thank you, Mr. Lu." Slightly tilting her head on the side, Lexi perched on the seat as she always liked this treatment from him.


    "My pleasure, Miss Yang." Ethan Lu slightly bowed his head with a bright grin before he unhurriedly sat on the seat across her.


    ****


    In the middle of their dinner, Lexi and Ethan Lu shared some untold stories they could never forget in the past to get to know each other better. They shared goodughs and would automatically tease each other when they found something weird with their action especially in their own childhood days; until they consumed everything without them noticing.


    Drinking their own ss of wine, Ethan Lu grinned as he suggested. "Hmm, why don''t we y a game? The never have I never game."


    "Well¡­ sure." After sipping a meager amount of wine, Lexi slowly nodded her head as she ced the ss of wine on the table.


    "Alright, hmmm¡­ how we put our ten fingers up and --" Ethan pondered how was the game rules should be as he was afraid that he''d be tortured again if Lexi got drunk again. However, just as he was stating the rules, Lexi interrupted her midway.


    "No, we drink¡ªthat''s for babies." She smirked and looked at him with interest as she had too many things in mind to defeat him.


    "Uh, no¡­" Ethan Lu''s eyes marginally gaped upon hearing her suggestions, but seeing her right brow slowly raised, he gulped a mouthful of saliva as he somehow saw a bad premonitioning his way by the way she looked at him.


    "Did you say yes?"


    Ethan Lu cleared his throat by a series of coughs before he hurriedly nodded, "Yes, I said yes."


    "Good." With that said note, Lexi smiled in satisfaction as she rested her jaw on the back of her hand.


    Soon, the ''never have I ever'' gamemenced with Lexi starting the question because Ethan Lu uttered dies first''.


    "Never have I ever said ''I Love You'' just to sleep with someone." Lexi arched her brows as she anticipated if he''s going to drink or not¡ªalthough she expected him to drink. To her surprise, Ethan Lu smugly grinned as he shrugged his shoulders and simultaneously raised his brows up and down.


    "Well, I don''t go that low, my love." He winked in triumph. Now, it was his turn. "Never have I ever ate something found in the trash can." His words made Lexi furrowed her brows, thinking if he actually thought she had done that before.


    "Eww, no way! Do you really think I''d do that?" Looking at him in dismay, Lexi sassed which made him chuckle for his own good reason; not letting her take a single drink because it was more dangerous when she was drunk.


    "Sorry, just messing with you." He lied between his delighted chuckles.


    Lexi shook her head as she faintlyughed as well. She continued, "Never have I ever two-timed." This time, Lexi was certain that he''d get his first drink but to no avail, Ethan Lu grinned even more as he unted that he was ''clean''.


    "You''re kidding me, right?" She instigated with a narrowed eye.


    "No, Future Mrs. Lu, I date tons of girls in the past and sorry to disappoint, but your future husband didn''t enter the lowest of the scum society¡ªI am already a jerk for changing girlfriends almost every other day, so there''s no need for two-timing." Ethan Lu stated as if it was something to be proud of which made Lexi rolled her eyes on him as she dissed.


    "Huh, you''re still a scum."


    "My turn, let see¡­ never have I ever stuck gum under a chair."


    "Ethan! How can you be so gross and unmannered?" Looking at him with extreme disgust, Lexi''s gaze traveled from his head down to his chest. She added, "Can you be serious for once?"


    "What? I''m being serious. Also, I don''t do that." Ethan Lu burst outughing seeing how disgusted she looked at him. For some reason, he really found her silly and cute at the same time.


    "Whatever. Never have I ever lied ying "Never Have I Ever"." Since he wasn''t being serious, Lexi spouted her remarks without thinking much thought about it. As expected, Ethan Lu still had this smug grin stered across his face as if saying ''you have to know me better, girl''.


    She was too sure that he''d let him get the first drink knowing his flirtatious nature but to her disappointment, he was quite clean and not at the same time!


    "Hehe, my turn. Pfft-!" Ethan Lu was chuckling thinking of another statement that she''d surely haven''t done or experienced. He blurted out, "Never have I ever been pped across the face." He was anticipating another dismayed look from her but his smile froze when she rolled her eyes and drank a mouthful of wine.


    "What?! You''ve been pped by who?!" His eyes widened as shocked showed on his face, waiting for her to answer.


    "Tsk. Don''t ask." She sassed in annoyance. But, Ethan Lu persisted and repeated in a growl, "Who dared hurt you?"


    ''That''s in the past, don''t get so worked up, dummy'' Lexi thought inwardly but didn''t speak her mind.


    "I''m an actress, duh?" She snorted, as she threw that memory at the back of her mind. Also, in her perspective, there was no point in remembering that bitter past.


    "That doesn''t count!" Protesting as if he was the one who should drink it, he frowned.


    On the other hand, Lexi wasn''t as enthusiastic anymore as her morale was slightly crushed, hence, she ignored his unreasonableints as she continued, "Never have I ever dreamt about our wedding night."


    Upon hearing that she proceeded with the game, Ethan Lu sighed as he reached for his ss of wine and downed everything in one go. Putting down a ss of wine, he dered,


    "You got me there, love. If you wanted me to drink, just think of ridiculous things I may have done for you. Hehe."


    "Oh¡­" Nodding in understanding, Lexi''s eyes lit up. She was too focused on knowing how dirty he was in his past rtionship but to no avail, he only fell to the category of scum but not the worst ones.


    The gamested for the longest time and Ethan Lu mostly got to drink because of the clue he gave her. Of course, Lexi had a drink or two¡­ actually more than as she threatened him that if he didn''t ask properly, she''d beat him up. However, it wasn''t enough for her to get drunk as well for Ethan Lu despite the many shots due to his high tolerance towards alcohol.

 Chapter 158 I love you, baby...

    <h4>Chapter 158 I love you, baby...</h4>


    At this time, Lexi and Ethan were slightly intoxicated after the ''Never have I ever'' game.


    "Alright, I give up." Chuckling, Ethan Lu downed another drink after herst statement of ''Never have I ever had a naughty fantasy about you.'' On the other hand, Lexi was only giggling as her cheeks were slightly flushed.


    "My gosh, Ethan¡­ what naughty fantasy is that? Hah, you better be careful, Mr. Lu." Since they were on it since earlier, Lexi was moreid back and cool about every question she blurted out that was being epted by him through a drink.


    "Miss Yang, you don''t want to know." Shaking his head, Ethan Lu humored as he knew she''d have the shock of her life after knowing what kind of dreams he had in mind¡ªromantic and steamy hot.


    He added in an attempt of a whisper but failed miserably, "I am a man who''s head over heels about a woman named Lexi Yang¡ªit''s normal."


    "Hah, try me." Taunting, Lexi''s brows raised while her chinid on the back of her hand as she challenged him to expose himself.


    "No can do," Knowing what she was trying to do, Ethan Lu chuckled even more as he shook his head in defeat. Indeed, even if he was slightly drunk, he would never, ever rat himself out.


    After all, everything he had in mind after their ''marriage'' was to make love with her every day¡ªperhaps whenever he had the chance in a day.


    "You will know after I change your surname to Lu." He winked as a knowing smirk formed on the side of his lips.


    Lexi gave up upon hearing hisst remarks with a giggle. Her gaze then shifted on the side and spotted the lone guitar that was kept untouched since she boarded the ship.


    Raising her brows as her index finger pointed to the direction of the guitar, she inquired, "Is that yours?"


    Following the direction of what she was pointing at, Ethan Lu smiled seeing his guitar that was waiting to be strummed. "Right¡ªthank you for reminding me." With that said note, he abruptly stood up and strode towards the spot where the acoustic guitar rest.


    He effortlessly picked it up and clung the strap across his shoulder as he slowly walked back to the table and dragged his chair to her side.


    "Let me serenade you, Miss Yang." He dered.


    Although Ethan Lu was far from being drunk, his face still showed a pinkish blush on his cheeks that added to his already charming and dashing looks.


    "How can I refuse, Mr. Lu?" Shrugging before she sipped a small amount of wine, Lexi epted without a second hesitation that made Ethan Lu''s heart fluttered with hearts and roses.


    Clearing his throat, Ethan Lu checked its tone before he smiled in satisfaction. Raising his gaze to meet her anticipating pair of eyes that was unhurriedly blinking, while her lips were curled upward, he began.


    "You''re just too good to be true


    Can''t take my eyes off you~" Ethan Lu started singing as he professionally strummed the guitar without showing any difficulty.


    "At longst love has arrived


    And I thank God I''m alive~" Back when Ethan Lu stumbled upon this old song, although he liked it, however, he didn''t appreciate the lyrics as he hadn''t felt the feelings that it was emphasizing. But now, he could finally say that he was thankful that he got the chance to live and meet her in this lifetime.


    "Pardon the way that I stare


    There''s nothing else topare


    The sight of you leaves me weak


    There are no words left to speak~" As he sang this part, he winked at her that made her faintly giggled.


    "...But if you feel like I feel


    Please let me know that it''s real~" Ethan Lu stopped as a huge grin stered across his face.


    Standing up, he took off the strap of the guitar and leaned the instrument on the table. Ethan Lu then offered his hand to her which made her arched her brows.


    "May I have this dance?" He asked in a tender tone.


    Although skeptical, she still epted his offer to dance despite not having background music¡ªby reaching out her hands to him.


    Ethan Lu escorted her to the open space as their dance floor near the table where they dined and yed a silly game ''never have I ever'' game.


    Turning to face each other, Ethan Lu smoothly traced her left arm down to her slender hands and guided it to his shoulder. He then smoothly moved his right hand and fixed it on her upper back while he gently grasps her right hand and holds it up about his shoulder level.


    "I am not surprised¡ªliterally not," As she let him guide her from the beginning and helped her with the right positioning, Lexi giggled as she actually didn''t expect him to know this obvious etiquette in a slow dance.


    "Hehe, you''re really not." Chuckling back, Ethan Lu nodded in agreement as if he didn''t catch the sarcasm behind it.


    He cleared his throat as he continued the song where he left off; and as he sang, he led the slow dance and savored every moment.


    "I love you, baby


    And if it''s quite alright, I need you, baby~" Eventually, as she was being guided with the slow dance and his acape song as their background music, Lexi rested the side of her head on his chest as his voice was really soothing. She thought that if Ethan Lu started a singing career, he''d make it big!


    "Oh, pretty baby


    Don''t bring me down, I pray, oh pretty baby


    Now that I found you, stay


    And let me love you, baby¡­~" As he continued to sing, Lexi felt the sincerity on every word of the lyrics as if it were his own utterance that he was delivering.


    ''How can you be so sweet?'' She inquired inwardly as her heart was filled with nothing but warmth. After the coldest treatment from her past love that she prepped her life to be with, Lexi could easily discern the difference.


    Indeed, it might be ridiculous for her to have a thought about Morris Liu at this time, however, with Ethan Lu being extra warm and gentle, she could not help butpare.


    Unaware of it, as the sudden thought of her former fiance shed across her mind, her heart didn''t ache just like it used to be. It was as if Ethan''s strong feelings protected it from those horrible memories that regrly attacked her out of nowhere.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu''s happiness was hard to describe with words. His heart was filled with strong emotions that he felt like exploding. He wanted to love her more. He wanted to protect her even if it means he''d go against the entire universe. He wanted to shout to the whole world the name that monopolized his heart. He wanted to do tons of things, adventures, and spend the rest of his life with her. He had countless wants that he wanted to do with her but if he stated all of it¡ªthey would have to spend another week.


    ''Aiya, this is so beautiful¡ªI don''t want this to end just yet.'' He murmured inwardly as he rested his cheeks on her head that was resting on his chest.


    When he was done singing, Lexi and Ethan Lu kept on their slow pace and when they stopped, she raised her now flushed face to meet his gentle ones. At that very moment, even the howl of the autumn breeze was silent as their beating hearts pound louder and louder. They stared at each other for a minute and the powerful emotions surrounding them intensified.


    Slowly, Ethan Lu leaned closer as his instinct overwhelmed him. Seeing him get closer and closer with every millisecond that was passing by, Lexi knew what he would do. However, she didn''t turn her to the side or pulled away. Instead, her eyes slowly closed¡ªweing what wasing in a few more milliseconds.


    *****


    [Liu Empire: Main Office]


    Morris Liu nced at numerous photographs of the earlier events at the Yang Mansion. On the particr photo he was holding, a picture of Lexi with a subtle, unobvious smile as Ethan Lu hold on the open door for her.


    He knew her since childhood, hence, he could discern if she was ufortable just looking at her eyes.


    And in this photograph, she was more thanfortable with Ethan Lu''spany. Slowly, his hand crumpled the photo on his hand as his jaw tightened. He already swore to let her go as the matters in his hands right now was about to end.


    However, he could not help but check on her every once in a while and seeing that his friend was firmly pushing his courtship to her¡ªhe felt like an utter fool. What''s more? The yang parents weed him wholeheartedly because of the reports he had about Ethan Lu''s ins and outs of the said residence, which gave him inexplicable emotions.


    Just then, his phone rang and disyed Elliot Gong''s contact number. Seeing that it just him, Morris Liu obviously rejected the call without batting an eye. After he did so, his office door produced a knocking sound from the outside and without further ado, it was opened¡ªrevealing Elliot Gong''s apathetic figure.


    "Brother Mo, did you already know?" Elliot Gong''s first words wereplex as he perched on one of the sofas and poured himself a wine that was standing in the middle of the small table.


    As usual, he didn''t receive any response from Morris Liu as he lit another stick of cigarette.


    "Of course, you know about it¡ªwhy am I even asking." Elliot Gong heavily sighed as he already knows the answer to his question. He just wanted confirmation from him. He continued, "Bro, why don''t you just tell her parents and Lexi that it was for their sake that you--"


    Before Elliot Gong could finish his sentence, Morris Liu interrupted him midway with a mocking tone, "That I what? That I hurt her and almost killed their daughter?"


    "But, that''s a miscalction! She wasn''t supposed to return the country 6 months prior and if she only listened to you¡ªeverything won''t happen and you two were probably married now!" Agitated by his friend''s response, Elliot Gong stated facts. He added, "Also, you deeply trusted that she was a strong woman--"


    "A strong woman also had a breaking point and I pushed her to the edge¡ªanother miscalction huh¡­ Eli, she was happy with Ethan, let them be." Turning his head to see the city lights of the night, a bitter and mncholic glint shed across his eyes.


    He didn''t want to bother her or find any excuse because the fact that Lexi almost took her life¡ªhe could never forgive himself for hurting her more than anyone.


    "That''s the point! It was Ethan of all people! It''s not like I had anything against my friend but what if he dumps her just like everybody else after he had his fun?!" Dismayed, Elliot Gong grumbled as he was well-versed of Ethan Lu''s antics and he was afraid that Ethan Lu would do what he had always done to his past exes.


    "Then¡­ I''d have to take the whole Lu family down¡ªeven if it means losing thispany. I already lost my everything after all,"

 Chapter 159 Donst change

    <h4>Chapter 159 Don''st change</h4>


    Every millisecond seemed to take longer than it should be. When he saw her slowly closed her eyes and was giving her the permission of one his long-awaited dream¡ªhis heart melted to a thousand degrees.


    Just as his lips were an inch away from hers, he stopped and whispered in a hoarse, struggling tone, "You are driving me crazy¡­" Ethan Lu then raised his lips direction and ced a soft, gentle kiss on the apex of her pointy nose.


    His action snapped her back to reality as her eyes slowly opened. Looking at his flushed and charming profile, Lexi was rendered speechless¡ªnot because she was displeased about not being kissed but rather, surprised that he didn''t despite having her silent permission.


    "Let''s do it when we''re both sober," His voice was low as a meek smile formed on the corners of his lips.


    God knows how much he wanted to kiss her right there and then. However, being reminded that she had a few drinks earlier, Ethan Lu didn''t want to take advantage of it.


    Also, what he wanted was her heart and if kissing her right now would lead to something that she''d regret tomorrow, Ethan Lu preferably not cross the line.


    Upon hearing his remarks, Lexi''s eyes softened as another scattered piece of her heart was ced back to where it originally was. She appreciated his thoughtfulness and hence, the more she spent more time with him, the more she felt safe.


    In retrospect, it was the system''s fault that Lexi was forced to entangle herself with him. All those earliest encounters with him, Lexi only corresponded because of the system and her ''task''. However, she wouldn''t go this far if not for him.


    Lexi had always had this thought in mind that if Ethan Lu¡ªthe so-called ''Mr. Main task'' was aplete jerk, there''s no way she''d abide. After all, the system had no due date and even if she didn''tplete it until she grows old, it wouldn''t do anything to her.


    But, he proved her wrong. Because, before her, he wasn''t the man she suspected him to be. He wasn''t also the jerk he imed to be. Or at least, for her, he''s the most kind-hearted, thoughtful, and a real gentleman in this modern era she had ever met.


    Moving her arms and wrapping them around him¡ªshe ended up going back to his embrace without a word. She could not say anything as her heart was utterly moved. Thus, at the very least, she hoped that her hug could tell him how she felt.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu smiled before returning her soft hug. Burying his face on her shoulder, he audibly grumbled.


    "I missed my chance," Of course, somewhat some ways, he still regretted missing the opportunity. After all, he had fantasized the day that they would share a romantic kiss. Still, he wished it to be done without the influence of alcohol.


    Lexi chuckled hearing his regrets, "Too bad for you," she humored.


    "Can we do it tomorrow?" Still burying his face on her shoulder, he pleaded.


    "Nope, Mister." Softly rejecting him without batting an eye, Lexi giggled as she could feel his frustrations.


    They stayed like that after some time as Ethan Lu kept on pleading for a kiss tomorrow, but to no avail, she would mercilessly veto it.


    More minutes had passed, Ethan Lu finally conceded defeat. Regardless, he cheered himself up that there would be more chances in the future when she fully epted him as her lover and husband.


    "Say, how many seconds you think of me in a day? Five? Ten? Maybe, 30?" Being reminded of her challenged ''let me think about you 24/7'', Ethan Lu treated it as a gauge to measure his progress.


    Lexi pondered for a second before she responded to the anticipating puppy, "Ten..."


    "Ten seconds? Hmmm, not bad. I still have 23 hours 59 minutes and 50 seconds to catch up to fill a day.." Indeed, Ethan Lu was already happy to make a little progress with his courtship¡ªeven if it was just a second, he''d be delighted. To him, making her think about him just for ten seconds was already an achievement.


    "...minutes," She resumed which made him abruptly pulled away from her and looked at her with a stunned expression.


    "I-is that for real?" He stuttered as he forced himself to rify what he heard; hoping that he didn''t hear her wrong.


    "It''s just an estimation. Don''t overreact," Chuckling, Lexi rolled her eyes as she slightly shook her head.


    "Ahhh¡­ how can I not?" Going back to her, Ethan Lu happily buried his face on her shoulder as he didn''t expect to make such huge progress.


    Both of them teased and continue the night doing random things. They watched a movie together inside the seemingly enormous yacht and moderately drink wine.


    Since it waste and both have them had a drink, Lexi agreed on staying for the night¡ªsleeping in different rooms. However, in the middle of watching another movie, Ethan Lu fell asleep.


    Staring at the man next to him that was still in a sitting position while his back and headfortably leaned on the enormous, customized lounge sofa¡ªshe smiled.


    Lexi''s gaze traveled to the details of his side profile and she must admit that he was really good-looking. In the past, aside from Morris Liu, all other men were all ugly in her eyes. But now, she could appreciate his dashing looks matched with a good personality.


    Subconsciously, her hand raised and she mildly poked his cheeks for no good reason. "You must be exhausted." She murmured as he didn''t wake up.


    Thinking about his stories earlier, Ethan Lu shared that he was now working in their family business and said ''it was crazy!'' in a joking way. But, Lexi knew how draining it was working in a bigpany even if he had the privilege of being an heir.


    Moreover, Ethan Lu''s position in the Lu family seemed it was already set in stone thus, he needed to work harder and smarter than anyone else.


    That is why Lexi understood if he suddenly fell asleep. After all, it was already past midnight and the fact that he has told her that he was working nonstop in a silly way¡ª she recognized how tough it actually was. Furthermore, he drove for several hours straight earlier.


    Therefore, just thinking about it, she could not help but be moved again as he could still make time for her and for her family.


    "Ethan¡­ don''t change¡ªor, maybe you can, but I hope in a good way." She whispered as her eyes were fixed on his side profile.


    Indeed, that was probably thest thing she wanted to happen: seeing Ethan Lu change into someone she could not recognize anymore just like a certain someone.


    ''You are already fine just the way you are¡­ I hope one day, having enormous power won''t change you.'' She stated inwardly as a subtle smile stered across her face. Even if she said that, for some reason, she put all her faith that he wouldn''t disappoint her.


    Behind them, Churu slowly descended from the upper floor like she was the seconding of Jesus. She wanted to check their current status, s, seeing that Ethan Lu fell asleep, she had the urge to bite him in the face to teach him a lesson for falling asleep in the middle of a date.


    But when her gaze moved to Lexi and her gentle front, Churu rxed a little. Knowing her host, she must have understood and got the gist behind his exhaustion. Well, that''s Lexi anyway; a mature woman who could be needy and understanding at the same time.


    ''I''ll bite him if he did this again.'' She threatened inwardly before slowly ascending to god knows where.

 Chapter 160 Leave no one unkicked

    <h4>Chapter 160 Leave no one unkicked</h4>


    After three days¡­


    "Want me to apany you, love?" On the bluetooth earpiece that was on her ear, Ethan Lu offered. Actually, he sounded more as if he was inviting himself and needed his own approval.


    "No, this meeting was set months ago and I should meet Mr. Tanaka alone." Rolling her eyes as Lexi gulped a mouthful of H2O from the bottled water.


    Currently, she just finished working out hence, she called him after seeing a message from him saying: [Love, I need some energy. *sobs*]


    "Aww¡­ I wanna go too," He murmured on the line. Lexi could clearly imagine him doing puppy eyes.


    "Didn''t you say you have a meeting?" Diverting their subject, Lexi arched her brows as she nced at her watch.


    "I do¡ªin five minutes, I''ll be going in a war again." He heavily sighed showing his distress from his heavy workloads after his romantic date with her that has an abrupt ending that he regretted the most. He could still remember how Lexi pretended that she mind and boss him around almost half a day until she confessed that she was joking.


    "War? Be sure to leave no one unkicked then." Without thinking much thought on her reply, Lexi tly cheered with the most encouraging words she could.


    "Hehe, my future wife sure is so scary¡­ hmm, now that I think about it, why don''t you meet my grandfather, eh? Maybe, my Uncles as well so they should fear the future Madam Lu." Having the not greatest idea of all time, Ethan Lu still suggested even though it has risk. After all, the yang parent weed him with open arms and he should let her meet his ''family'', even if it means he has to upgrade the security of his privacy and Lexi''s safety.


    "Uh, wait¡­ we should discuss it on our second date because it''s very risky." After further contemtion, Ethan Lu changed his mind and wanted to tell her the important details she must know before meeting the other Lu family members and their frightening family rules.


    "What? We are not yet getting married, duh?" Knitting her brows, she snorted as Ethan Lu was always ahead in everything.


    "Hehe, don''t worry. I already told Grandpa: I''m getting married."


    "What?! When?" Shocked by his seemingly old news, Lexi stopped in her tracks as she waited for his response.


    "The day before I asked your parents permission. Hehe." Ethan Lu giggled as he imagined Lexi''s reaction after knowing this.


    Just then, a knocking from outside his office reached his ears. After he permitted the person toe in, Lyrick Jiang entered his office.


    "Young Master, the meeting was about to start." As usual, Lyrick Jiang tly reminded his behaved boss. However, hisposed demeanor was startled inwardly when he heard his boss''s next cringy words.


    "Aww¡­ Love, I still want to talk to you." Heined in the most adorable way he could sound.


    "Hah, remember what I said. Go now, I still have a meeting to prepare." Lexi shook her head upon hearing his usual protest. She added, "I''ll hang up now." With that said note, she unhesitantly ended the call; knowing Ethan Lu, he would stall more time if she didn''t.


    Unbeknownst to her, the most grateful for her act was Lyrick Jiang. Even though he hadn''t known the identity of the woman that his boss was smitten¡ªhe already worshipped her. After all, Ethan Lu was discreet about the information about the woman he was keeping.


    Understandable, because with how other Lu family members y just to snatch his throne, he must protect everyone he cares about. Also, if Lyrick Jiang knew about her identity and messed up even once, Lexi would be eyed as Ethan Lu''s weakness. Therefore, Lyrick Jiang wasn''t meddling with his boss''s personal space.


    ****


    After her call with Ethan Lu, Lexi didn''t waste a second and started preparing herself for her meeting with Wren Tanaka. Checking every piece of documents for her proposal that she prepared months ago, Lexi nodded in satisfaction. Since everything was prepared, she left her room wearing a smart-casual that still looked elegant and grand with her wearing it.


    [Inside Lexi''s car]


    "My hubby Wren Wren~!" Churu''s face flushed in excitement just the thought of seeing Wren Tanaka after a long time. Compare with Lexi''s quite nervous heart, Churu felt otherwise.


    "Huh, after what you''ve done to Eli¡ªthe nerve." ncing at the front passenger seat, Lexi''s brows twitched on how Churu dolled up just for this day. She wore the best dress that Lexi made and even the matching headband was properly ribboned around her small white head.


    "Let''s go, Let''s go~! My date is waiting for me~!" Churu cheered as she instructed her to drive so she could see her date.


    "Uh¡­ okay? But, let me tell you, WE are going to a meeting, not a DATE." Stressing the words she wanted Churu to understand, Lexi raised her brows waiting for the little dumpling''s reply.


    "Definitely! It''s a date." Churu turned her head to the driver''s seat and had this ''understood'' expression stered across her face that made Lexi heavily sigh.


    "Gosh¡­" Lexi murmured in defeat because Churu had already twisted her words to her liking.


    Thus, Lexi could only focus on pretending she was not seeing herter. However, even Lexi was unconvinced about that because for sure, Churu would do ridiculous deedster.


    ***


    Soon, Lexi arrived at the L-Tech Innovative Financing Company. The establishment wasn''t as huge as the Liu Empire but it has almost the same size as the Yang Company.


    Just like anypany, Lexi went to the front desk and informed them of her appointment with the Chief Executive Officer. After further verification, she was assisted to the top floor of the building where the CEO''s office of the saidpany located.


    After a knock of a woman imposed as the secretary of the Wren Tanaka, Lexi heard the faint voice e in" before the woman opened the door. She led the way and Lexi followed.


    "Oh, Miss Yang! It''s good to see you again!" The moment Wren Tanaka sees Lexi, he stood from his seat and weed her with his arms open.


    As usual, Wren Tanaka was wearing a shy business attire that suited him very well because of his good looks. His overly-pierced ears were calling everyone''s attention especially those he was meeting as he depicted a trendy and cool businessman.


    Lexi slightly bowed seeing the respectable young CEO of the sessfulpany. "Good to see you too, Mr. Tanaka." She courtly greeted.


    "Hubby~!!" At the same time, Churu flew towards the handsome man and hugged his cheeks. She added, "Did you miss me~!"


    "Come, take a seat." Wren Tanaka offered and gestured her to sit on any of the sofas in the middle of his office. "Gia, you may leave now," He added as he meekly smiled to her.


    ''Yes, leave now. I can smell your covetousness in here!" Churu red at the gorgeous secretary as she growled. On the other hand, Lexi was ignoring the little dumpling as much as possible.


    When the two of them were the ones left, Wren Tanaka didn''t go on business mode and exchanged unnecessary pleasantries. Instead, he asked about her well being like a concerned longtime friend.


    "How are you after the party, Miss Yang?"


    "It was great, Mr. Tanaka. I still want to thank you for inviting me." Disregarding the fact that she almost had trauma after that party, still, she gained a lot after that night. After all, she met tons of sessful businessmen, even the untouchable ones, in that party and after that, she received some calls offering the Yang Company some deals and projects because of their impression of Lexi.


    "Really? Like, really?" Raising his brows, Wren Tanaka seemed he was observing her every action that only Churu could notice.


    "Hayy¡­ how can you be so great hubby~?" Churu softly exhaled as sheplimented her so-called ''hubby'' by his sly interrogation.

 Chapter 161 Peace of mind is priceless

    <h4>Chapter 161 Peace of mind is priceless</h4>


    After Lexi reassured Wren Tanaka that the banquet was great and sincerely thanked him, they finally got down to business.


    "Miss Yang, your offer is indeed tempting¡­ however," Wren Tanaka retracted his gaze from the documents on his hand and raised them to see the woman across him. He continued,


    "I am a man that believes when something is too good to be true¡ªit''s suspicious. I don''t mean to offend but, I am curious Miss Yang; why am I the person who has the most benefit from this construction?" Wren Tanaka smiled. Unlike his verbal insinuations, his tone was rather calm which was harder for someone to discern if he was displeased or not.


    Lexi didn''t respond immediately as she calmly returned his smile. "No offense was taken. I know you have no time to waste so I will be frank¡ªI am bribing you, Mr. Tanaka."


    Upon hearing herst remarks, Wren Tanaka''s interest was quite piqued as he looked at her in intrigued. In his perspective, hemended her for having the guts to utter such risky words. However, based on his observation, Lexi knew what kind of person she was dealing with. Therefore, instead of being insulted¡ªhe was rather amused.


    "Bribing me? Haha, Miss Yang, I keep my business as clean as possible-- just so you know." Humoring her, Wren Tanaka chuckled as he put down the documents on top of the small table separating them. He then crossed his legs and leaned his back as he wanted to hear more from her.


    "One meeting¡ªyou''ll get the contract. It''s a win-win situation." Pushing it through, Lexi remained cool andposed despite witnessing the little dumpling showering the man with kisses on the cheeks.


    "One meeting? With who? Can I even trust the person you''re arranging for me to date?" Propping his jaw by the back of his hand, Wren Tanaka purposely showed his interest in their discussion.


    "Haha, of course." Lexi modestly chuckled. Despite hearing that he was quite interested, it was not enough to ease her mind until she hears him say ''yes'', hence, she added; "Morris Liu, the CEO of Liu Empire."


    ''Aiya¡­ women nowadays are scary and bossy.'' While Wren Tanaka was staring at her and how this woman would make it far in the business world, he was reminded of a particr woman who was also not someone to mess with.


    "Liu Empire? Now, that''s something..." He slowly nodded, yet, his eyes showed indifference hearing the Liu Empire.


    "Whether you epted their offer or not¡ªyou''ll still get this contract, Mr. Tanaka." Briefly raising her right brow showing him a knowing look, Lexi smiled. However, her smile didn''t show insincerity nor did it show genuineness; the reason why Wren Tanaka was proud of his keen eyes on potentials that hispany could benefit in the future.


    "Hmm¡­ Liu Empire, one of the prominent families in the business industry. In recent years, CEO Morris Liu sessfully parred with the Han Corporation. An insightful and scary man¡­ not bad." Mildly rubbing his chin, Wren Tanaka verbally recalled the information he knew about the saidpany and the man who runs it now. s, his other thoughts and information, he kept it with him for the sake of the woman. He continued,


    "You know what Miss Yang, you are actually an odd one. You can just give me an offer that both ourpanies can benefit¡ªa win-win situation for you and me, right?"


    "I can but, peace of mind is priceless."


    Upon hearing her vague reasoning, Wren Tanaka raised his brows as he chuckled loudly. "that''s very much true! Haha! So, it''s something personal and I agreed to be a decoy. *sigh* why is it so hard to earn money¡­"


    "So, is that a yes?" Slightly tilting her head on the side, Lexi rified.


    "How can I refuse a great deal?" Wren Tanaka chuckled as he mildly shook his head. Standing up, Lexi and Wren Tanaka shared shake hands to close the deal. When he let her hand go, he advised;


    "You should really be a businesswoman¡ªyou have the knack for it, trust me."


    "Haha, you think too highly of me, Mr. Tanaka. But, thank you." Meekly smiling, Lexi Yang softly replied as she unhurriedly retracted her hand from him. Still ignoring Churu who was trying to take a peek inside his clothes, Lexi fixed her eyes to Wren Tanaka and didn''t dare travel it elsewhere.


    "Well, what can I say, my eyes rarely deceive me. Anyways, I am free for the next two weeks¡ªGia will inform you when I can date Mr. Liu." Being back to his friendly tone, Wren Tanaka informed her as he assisted her to the door of his office.


    "Thank you again, Mr. Tanaka." Lexi sincerely thanked him for agreeing for her proposal and for his indirect help that even Lexi didn''t understand the reason behind it. Nheless, this would be thest straw to cut everything with Morris Liu. Also, the most peaceful way for him to keep away from her and her family.


    Just as Wren Tanaka opened the door, an enormous man on a simple shirt was in front of the door akin to a giant rock blocking the way. Lexi raised her gaze until she waspletely looking up to see that it wasn''t a giant but a well-built man. Still, his size, height, and physique seemed he far surpassed all the bodybuilders in the world.


    The man looked down on her with a poker face but to someone who would see it, they''d perceive it as dreading look as if he would strangle someone that instant. Yet, Lexi''s expression didn''t have much change.


    "Tito~!!!" Upon seeing the familiar man, Churu instantly flew to the half-giant man and buried her face on his muscr chest. "Sissy, let''s stay here for a while~!! I might see more of these rare goods here~!" She added in a very hyper tone.


    ''Tito?''


    "Oh," Seeing that the tiny humans were seemed to exit the door, Tito slowly nodded his head before he stepped on the side. On the other hand, Wren Tanaka gave her a side nce as he thoroughly examined every bit of her facial movements. To his surprise, she didn''t even flinch seeing the man she had met that night in the Yue Event. After all, even if Tito''s face was covered that night by a mask, his remarkable physique was not hard to recognize.


    ''Haha, this woman¡­ I see, such rarity.'' He thought inwardly as he certainlymended Lexi this time. Turning to face the woman, a friendly smile formed on the side of his lips as he spoke; "I apologize for not able to assist you personally out, Miss Yang."


    "Mr. Tanaka, you''re a busy man¡ªI''m already grateful enough for sparing me your time." Lexi and Wren Tanaka exchanged flowery words andpliments before Lexi officially bid her farewell with a satisfied heart.


    When she was gone, Tito entered Wren Tanaka''s office with an inquiring look stered across his face. "Isn''t that one of the guests at Boss''s party?"


    "She is¡ªI know you remember her." Wren Tanakanguidly sat the head seat of the sofa with a knowing smile. On the other hand, Tito sat on the long sofa where Lexi perched earlier.


    "I do. She recognized me though. Did you expose us?" Tilting his head on the side, Tito rxed his arms and spread them on the upper edge of the sofa¡ªconquering the whole space.


    "She did recognize you but it was barely noticeable. No worries, that woman will be a great business partner in the future. She''s a natural." Smirking, Wren Tanaka picked up the documents she left for him and an unreadable glint shed across his eyes.


    He purposely asked his confidant to show his face to her to test Lexi that remained silent even after what she experienced that night. Just what he spected, Lexi Yang was a smart woman. She probably knew if she wasn''t careful enough and unreasonably run her mouth about that night, she''d be put in a tough predicament.


    Granting that the Yang Company hadn''t reached the height of the families in the top socialdder, and based on his thorough investigation, the saidpany was ever since clean from corruption and anything rted that. Hence, it settled where it was and they never knew the depths of those families remained at the top.


    "Cutest, who do you think I''d bring to a not so safe meeting? I''m meeting a very, very interesting man¡­" After the brief silence, Wren Tanaka rubbed his chin as he pondered about something and asked for a suggestion.


    "Bring Leon."


    "I figured I shouldn''t have asked you." Shaking his head, Wren Tanaka snorted upon hearing Tito''s suggestions.


    Meanwhile, Churu was still on Tito''s chest, snuggling. Hearing their conversation, she raised her head and scrutinized Wren Tanaka''s face. Upon sensing that he didn''t have a bad intention towards her host, she heaved a sigh of relief. However, she was intrigued about the ''interesting man'' he said; which was Morris Liu.


    "What''s so interesting about him, hubby~? Spill the beans please~!!" Resurfacing her inner busybody, she inquired and flew in front of Wren Tanaka. She wanted to hear more before Lexi could exit the establishment.

 Chapter 162 The dangers of Ethan

    <h4>Chapter 162 The dangers of Ethan</h4>


    When Lexi entered her car, she could finally celebrate her sess. It started from a muffled squeal until she screamed in joy.


    She didn''t expect to be this happy that made her heart beat faster and louder. At first, she made this deal because of her little knowledge about Morris Liu''s intention to meet Wren Tanaka.


    Although she was quite appalled why her former fiance couldn''t meet Wren Tanaka¡ªshe had spected ambiguous reasons due to her impable stalking skills, and unveiled that the L-Tech Innovative Financing Company was in good terms with the Han Corporation; the strongestpetitor of the Liu Empire.


    Regardless, since Lexi wanted to somewhat impress Morris Liu in the beginning, and wanted to fix her mess, thus, she proposed this deal with him. However, as time goes by and every short encounter with Morris Liu, Lexi''s reasoning changed.


    She wanted this deal so she could firmly move on and be free from Morris Liu''s invisible chains.


    She wanted to have peace of mind and move on: no more lingering feelings, no more heartaches, no enemies, and just be the best version of herself that learned her lesson from her past and mistakes.


    Lexi predicted that when this deal was done, part of her heart would still be in pain. But, she thought wrong. Instead, she was rather relieved¡ªrelieved that she could sleep at night knowing that her first love would keep his hands off with her father''s business.


    She was also proud; proud of herself that she hase this far to her moving on process.


    All her life, she believed that without Morris Liu, the man she set up to marry, the man she thought she''d spend the rest of her life with, and the man that she was willing to give her heart, her soul, even her body if he wanted to¡ªLexi thought she could not live without him.


    Therefore, she chose death over anything else. She didn''t think twice about kicking the bucket because she knew she couldn''t cope with the unending sadness. The eternal tunnel of sorrow and darkness that doesn''t seem to have an end.


    However, after her resurrection, after she reached that dark ce where a faint light appeared out of nowhere, and a ridiculous congrattory greeting she first heard right after her momentary death¡ªLexi could finally see the end of the tunnel.


    "Sissy--" After letting out her extreme happiness, Lexi turned her head to the passenger seat, s, the little dumpling that always perched there wasn''t with her.


    "Huh? Where is¡­ she?" Her brows knitted as Lexi pondered where Churu was. The next second, she realized that her fairy guide mother didn''t follow her and stayed with the man she called Tito. Hence, her face distorted upon her realization.


    Just when Lexi was left into a great dilemma after celebrating her sessful meeting, she heard her phone''s notification indicating she had an email.


    Immediately, Lexi searched her phone inside her handbag and after finding it, she didn''t waste a second and checked who it was.


    There, the official email of the L-Tech Innovative Financing Company sent her the exact address and time of the meeting. After skimming through the details, Lexi''s eyes lit up. She mildly patted her chest as another batch of extreme bliss was brewing to overwhelm her heart.


    "Alright, Sissy. I hope you enjoy your date and don''t go homete." Despite not knowing if the little dumpling could hear her or not, Lexi still murmured her words before tapping her phone and sent a short message to Morris Liu.


    *****


    [Lu Corporation]


    Ethan Lu satnguidly while everyone inside the meeting room was attentively listening to the person presenting another project in front of them. With a smug grin, he elbowed his Uncle Gerald, then whispered.


    "It''s pretty cool, eh?"


    "Hehe, look at your favorite Uncle''s face." Lowly chuckling, Gerald Huang whispered back as he sneakily pointed at Dennis Lu''s direction.


    "Shh, stop whispering if I''m not included." The next person sat next to Gerald Huang was Harold Lu. Hearing the two murmuring while chuckling, he shushed them as he was quite a distance with Ethan Lu and couldn''t participate with their manly gossip.


    On the other hand, Dennis Lu who was sitting across Ethan Lu nced at them and seeing that Gerald and his nephew were sneakily whispering and giggled like two little girls¡ªhe scoffed. Yet, he didn''t say anything and turned his attention back to the presentation.


    "Hehe, Uncle did you see that?" Of course, Dennis Lu''s unconcealed sneer didn''t pass his keen eyes; which nearly made Ethan Lu burst outughing.


    Fortunately, his grandfather was present and other important executives of the Lu Corporation, therefore, he suppressed hisughter with great effort. While Gerald Huang only let out muffled coughs at how this mischievous young master irritated Dennis Lu.


    Soon, the presentation ended and everyone still looked at the guidance documents that were given to them. Since this project was led by Ethan Lu, the presenter courtly bowed his head and soundlessly waited on the sidelines as the young master of the Lu Corporation was the person who would answer their questions.


    The four corners of the meeting room were filled with nothing but silence. Waiting for someone to take the initiative of asking a question, Ethan Lu was ratherid back and only tapped his fingers on the near top edge of the table.


    "Young Master, you mean you wanted to build a hotel and resort near xx town? Hah," As usual, Dennis Lu was the first to question Ethan Lu despite seeing that the presentation was actually good. However, he''d always find fault in him not knowing he was also digging his own grave.


    "Why not? Director Dennis Lu, did you read the presentation?" Furrowing his brows, Ethan Lu nonchntly responded with his eyes in disbelief.


    "I did and saw loopholes¡ªalmost unnoticeable if I may add." Chuckling, Dennis Lu shook his head as he closed the folder containing the information of the said project. He resumed,


    "You forgot to indicate on your presentation that, that town is prone to flood and natural phenomena in the past."


    "It is?" Raising his brows, Ethan Lu asked as he wanted to hear more from Dennis Lu.


    For the record, he was quite amused that his Uncle actually looked at this angle for choosing a good area to build hotels and any establishment they could build. Well, to be fair, Dennis Lu wouldn''t be a ''tough''petitor if he didn''t. The only thing about him was, he was a greedy man.


    He didn''t care if Ethan Lu was a man, a teen, or a child because to him, his nephew was hispetition ever since Edward Lu announced his next heir. Therefore, he did everything he could to drag Ethan Lu down.


    He was also the happiest person when his nephew caused a huge ruckus saying he wanted his freedom. Thus, the reason why Ethan Lu wasn''t fond of him.


    "Young Master, don''t tell me you didn''t look at these important details?" Sneering, Dennis Lu obviously taunted and ridiculed him. He raised his voice even more so his statements would be more clear to everyone present¡ªespecially to his father, Edward Lu. He continued in a righteous tone,


    "Young Master, I know you just returned to our Lu family and it is understandable that you can overlook a thing or two when choosing a property. So, you can always ask me whenever you have difficulty." Dennis Lu depicted as an understanding person as if he forgave Ethan Lu for his shorings and was willing to help him.


    ''You still need more years of experience, brat.'' He mocked inwardly.


    "I appreciate the thought, Director Lu. But, there''s no need for that. Let me ask you again, did you thoroughly read the presentation?" Tilting his head on the side, Ethan Lu unhurriedly fluttered hisshes as he calmly questioned his Uncle.


    Furrowing his brows, Dennis Lu chuckled. "Of course!"


    Upon hearing his response, Ethan Lu smirked as a tricky glint shed across his eyes. Actually, the presentation didn''t give the full address of the property and it only indicated which town it was located. However, in the documents, every little detail was input there and if one reads it¡ª not just scan it, they would know why they should consider this sweet deal.


    "All regr employees, out." Ethan Lumanded that slightly startled and confused everyone; including Edward Lu.


    "Ethan, what are you saying?" Chairman Edward Lu asked as he didn''t have a clue on what was going on in his grandson''s mind.


    "Family rules." Turning his head to his grandfather, Ethan Lu tly answered. This time, his words startled all the executives who were well-versed of the Lu family rules as they were also admitted with it.


    Staring at his grandson, Edward Lu raised his hand as a signal and only the people who knew the family rules could remain inside the room. Soon, the entire meeting room was left with Lu Corporation''s top executive, the chairman, Ethan Lu, other close assistants and the bodyguards of Edward Lu.


    "Ethan, what is this?! Why are you inserting family rules right now?" Agitated, Dennis Lu was the first to growl his dismay. Although every Lu family members stick with their traditional rules, he was displeased by the fact that Ethan Lu had the audacity to utter it from his mouth after cursing it in the past.


    "First, Uncle Dennis, you don''t have the right to address me by my name¡ªI am your next master." Leaning his back, Ethan Lu crossed his legs as he fixed his sharpened eyes to Dennis Lu. His earlier mischievous behavior while talking with Gerald Huang suddenly vanished as a dangerous aura emanated from him.


    When everyone heard his statement, others could not help but gape their eyes in disbelief. Hence, theirplete attention was focused on Ethan Lu''s inexpressive side profile.


    "You had been calling me by my name ever since I came, Uncle. I already let the first time slipped but now, I think you need your son to inflict a few broken bones to learn your lesson." Slowly resting his jaw on the back of his hand, Ethan Lu continued as the atmosphere stiffened and gradually deadened.


    "Second offense, you must not lie to your master and the next family head¡ªfamily rules. However, Uncle Dennis, let me ask you again, did you or did you not thoroughly read the presentation?" Ethan Lu fixed his piercing gaze on the man across him.


    Indeed, the main reason why Ethan Lu always avoided the Lu family was because he despises the ridiculous family rules. s, since he had the taste of how cunning and scheming everyone inside this room was, he must show them no mercy and imnt fear¡­ or else, he would be the one begging for mercyter on.

 Chapter 163 Make sure he could not walk

    <h4>Chapter 163 Make sure he could not walk</h4>


    "ording to our dear family rules: each member shall be honest with the family master and the next headmaster¡­ don''t make me repeat my question, Uncle Den." After one slow blink, Ethan Lu uttered.


    Everyone present inside the meeting room remained silent with a stern expression stered across their faces. Some disyed extreme displeasure regarding Ethan Lu unting his powers, while others intently observed every little detail on the young master; his tone, every slightest change in his facial expression, and so on.


    It was not new to them that Ethan Lu''s extreme opposition to this  mafia family rules. However, now that he was using it in his own good¡ªthey were quite interested in howe this young master suddenly abides and even used it to his advantage.


    Of course, they also knew his obvious intention in imnting fear to them that was indeed effective. After all, the consequences of disobeying the family iron rules were dire¡­ or rather, deadly.


    Dennis Lu mmed his fist on top of the table as he abruptly stood in agitation. "Eth-- Young Master! As I said, I did! I am merely sharing my knowledge about the town because it will be a huge loss to us if we did what you wanted!" Despite his building eternal hatred to Ethan Lu, he still uttered his words inplete discretion¡ªafraid that it would be used against him. Still, Dennis Lu spatted his words as if he was just trying to help his nephew but instead, Ethan Lu was using the family rules to shut him.


    "I see... " Ethan Lu faintly sighed as he unhurriedly nodded in understanding. After a beat, he spoke again; "Lyrick, this is a direct order from me: drag Dn Lu from wherever he is to receive punishment in his father''s stead¡ªmake sure he wouldn''t be able to walk for 3 months." Without turning his eyes from Dennis Lu, he emotionlessly ordered his assistant who was standing several steps behind him.


    Bowing his head, Lyrick Jiang gulped a mouthful of saliva as sweat started to form on his forehead and back. He had never heard nor did he ever witnessed his young master utter such heartless words in aplete poker face as if he had no remorse on his cousins.


    Granting that Lyrick Jiang was well-versed with the frightening Lu family rules, and if he ever heard it from the Chairman himself, he wouldn''t be surprised. However, it was Ethan Lu who was giving these orders¡ªdirectlying out from his mouth! It was not that Lyrick Jiang was unwilling to receive the orders but, having such tasks from his boss for the first time¡ªhe didn''t know if his ears were just deceiving him.


    Regardless, he concealed his astonishment and slight fright as he responded, "Yes, Young Master." with that said note, Lyrick Jiang excused himself as he immediately executed themand as soon as possible.


    "What-- what nonsense-- Master!" Stunned at the sudden order, Dennis Lu panicked as he turned to the head seat where the chairman perched with a stern and observant countenance.


    "Uncle Den, I asked you multiple times to give you a chance to be transparent to me. However, you choose to lie after lie¡ªdo you think my absence made me forget everything?" Looking apathetically at Dennis Lu''s ugly front, Ethan Lu showed no remorse as his tone seeped with menace.


    "If what you said about reading the reports were true, you wouldn''t utter such careless words. On page ten, the location of thend was located near the border of the next town''s, but because of many reasons, legally, it was stated that it was inside the territory of xx town." Ethan Lu paused as his eyes thoroughly scrutinized Dennis Lu''s expression. Seeing that he froze upon hearing his statements, he smirked.


    "Therefore, upon checking with my own eyes and thorough investigation, it was a safe area to establish a haven for tourists and to help the local townspeople¡­ also, since the government was opening the ce for tourists¡ªit is a good time to grab this opportunity. After all, the few inns and old resorts were allcking." He paused as Ethan Lu slowly stood from his seat.


    Walking in front of everyone, he picked up the wireless remote for a presenter and pressed one button which disyed the designed project.


    "Just like what Director Lu stated; the xx town was prone to natural disasters, reasons why it was looked upon and only small,mendable businessmen gambled to build their small hotels and inns despite that fact. It was also the reason why it wasn''t a popr tourist spot for many for now. However, as you can see¡­" Ethan pressed another button and photos of the incredible view and ces where they could add more recreational activities were shown.


    "This ce has a huge potential with the government starting to promote it, and a bigpany, which is us, supporting it. Of course, we cannot ignore its history. Therefore, I had to efficiently dig information about the areas that were unaffected whatever disaster urred in the past, and we found it¡ªthe perfect spot where we could establish our Royal Pce. Well, sooner orter, this ce would garner the attention of those men in this field." He smirked as a glint shed across his eyes. His eyes then scanned each and every one of the top executives as they listened and reconsidered his exnation.


    Soon, they again went through to the documents to have a thorough read if what he said was true. Surprisingly enough, they were amused how did Ethan Lu had this information from the government without them knowing.


    "It is indeed a great n to be the first one to choose the best ce to establish a hotel and resorts¡­ even other spots can be used for recreational activities." Gerald Huang uttered his unbiased opinion as he nodded in understanding while skimming the documents.


    "It is also cost-efficient and thend value hadn''t increased yet and it will surely increase after a year or two." Adding to what Gerald Huang''s stated, Harold Lu pointed out this important detail.


    Soon, the core members of the Lu Family spouted their opinions. Oddly enough, they were satisfied with Ethan Lu''s project as they were all businessmen and in that perspective, this was a sweet deal that shouldn''t slip their grasp.


    "Ethan, how did you know the government was opening it as a tourist spot? They should have proposed this project to us beforehand." After some time, Edward Lu straightened his posture as his unreadable gaze met his grandson''s calm ones.


    "Sadly, rats nowadays upgraded and can steal from someone with a few sugar words and a considerable amount of money. If it wasn''t for my luck for visiting someone several days ago, I wouldn''t even know that our resources were being snatched one by one without us knowing." In a matter of factly tone, Ethan Lu responded with a shrug.


    Indeed, when he visited Lexi to her filming location, he wandered around the town in his free time. Hence, his interest was piqued seeing that not far away from the filming area, the whole ce was actually a good spot. Moreover, the hotels they stayed in were allcking. Up until now, he was surprised that Lexi was able to sleep in that kind of hotel.


    His reply undoubtedly caught the attention of everyone. Sensing that their awareness was back on him, he continued.


    "The Sun Group of Companies had been sniffing around and proposing deals with some of our partners."


    "Those fools!" Upon hearing the name of thepany, Edward Lu tightened his fist. While the others scoffed in dismay and murmured their ridiculous remarks towards the saidpany.


    Satisfied with their displeased reaction, the corner of Ethan Lu''s lips curled into a cunning smile. "Don''t get so worked up, Chairman. We wouldn''t gain this information if it wasn''t dealt with. After all, no matter how sneaky rats are, they are not as cunning as foxes." His reassuring remarks stunned everyone including Dennis Lu whose knees weakened after Ethan''s clear exnation of the project.


    Eventually, all dumbfounded eyes were on the man standing in front of them with a terrifying smirk stered across his face.


    ''Hah! This sneaky brat¡ªhe is not holding back to give everyone a heart attack¡­ now, I''m more intrigued by the woman behind him.'' Edward Lu chuckled inwardly seeing that his heir has revealed his fangs too early that it intimidated everyone. Nevertheless, it was the most effective way to catch them off-guard and engrave his status to them.

 Chapter 164 Just so you know, I donst hate you.

    <h4>Chapter 164 Just so you know, I don''st hate you.</h4>


    Upon sending the message, Lexi immediately received a response to where she could meet him for thest time. After a heavy exhale, Lexi didn''t wait for Churu toe back and went straight ahead to Liu Empire''s main office.


    It only took her half an hour to reach her destination despite driving at a normal speed. When Lexi was in the Liu Empire''s enormous parking space and exited her car, she saw a familiar petite figure on the corner of her eye: it was Mia Chen.


    Turning to confirm that she saw right, Lexi''s brows raised when the figure where it originally stood wasn''t there anymore. "Huh?" She murmured before Lexi shrugged her shoulders to forget she saw someone.


    Since Morris Liu told her to go straight to his office, Lexi wasn''t surprised that she no one halted her this time. She slowly walked and enter the establishment up to the elevator lift without any obstacle. Still, Lexi received odd nces from the employees who saw her and began whispering words she didn''t care whatever criticism it is.


    ''Sure, gossip until your mouth''s turn dry¡ªthis will be thest time I will be here anyway.'' She mocked inwardly as Lexi kept her strong, proud front as she made her way to the elevator. When she was inside the lift, her brows arched seeing that the two female employees were hesitant to join her inside.


    "Are you going in or not? You''re wasting someone''s time." Lexi tly said as she altered her gaze to the two female employees.


    It was not that she was displeased or anything of the sort but to Lexi, she wanted this to end as soon as possible. Hence, her unfiltered words could be mistaken for her beingpletely annoyed.


    "Y-yes!" Stuttering, the woman bowed her head before she went inside, followed by her colleague.


    Seeing that no one was entering anymore, Lexi leisurely pressed the top floor button where Morris Liu''s office was. Unbeknownst to her, the two employees were stealing nces to her with a traumatized gaze.


    "Which floor?" Suddenly, Lexi asked. Since she was near the elevator buttons, and the two female employees seemed like they didn''t have the courage to speak their mind or even get closer to her, she might as well help their dilemma.


    "38th floor, M-Madam."


    Upon hearing what she was addressed, Lexi''s brows raised as she turned her head towards the two simple-looking employees. She saw them gulped as if they were barely keeping their feet on the floor,? while their trembling knees nearly gave way.


    ''What''s with these two?'' With their pitiable state, Lexi chose not to correct how she was addressed because she didn''t hold the title of being the future Madam Liu anymore. However, she was curious about why these two seemed too afraid of her.


    Reaching the 38th floor, Lexi stepped aside even before the lift opened to let the two weirddies exit the lift with ease. After all, they had surrounded the lift with extreme awkwardness.


    Just as the elevator slowly opened, a beautiful woman was revealed standing in front of the lift. She was beautiful with a gentle, graceful aura emanating within her. Just looking at her innocent profile seemed to draw peace to someone¡ªlike an angel sent from heaven above to heal the world, but not to Lexi¡­ or rather, the old Lexi.


    "Miss Chen!" The two female employees courtly bowed their heads and unlike the frightened tone they had towards Lexi, they sounded friendly.


    Mia Chen slightly bowed her head and with a smile that seemed to brighten the entire floor. "Oh, hi," She greeted in an oh-so soothing tone that was so reassuring and harmless.


    Just two words from her and the twodies blushed as if they were finally noticed by their idol. Even when Mia Chen entered the lift and until it closed, the two female employees stood there in a daze.


    ***


    Inside the elevator, Lexi only cast Mia Chen a nce before she turned her eyes on the numbers that glowed when they passed each floor.


    Unlike before, Lexi remained silent and pretended she was alone inside. In retrospect, just seeing Mia Chen or even her shadow would make her rampage¡ªemotionally and physically. However, this time, it also surprised Lexi that she managed to keep her heart still. After all, it wasn''tpletely healed and she bore a deep grudge towards this woman.


    "Lexi...?" After quite some time, Mia Chen decided to break the silence as she opened a conversation with her.


    As expected, Mia Chen didn''t receive a response from her, as if Lexi heard no one. Regardless, Mia Chen meekly smiled and resumed.


    "I heard what happened and I¡ª I am sorry." In the midst of her sentence, Mia Chen''s voice cracked as if she was utterly guilty about Lexi''s suicide.


    "Apology epted." Without turning her gaze to her, Lexi responded without batting an eye which surprised Mia Chen inwardly.


    Mia Chen wanted to question her if she meant what she said since Lexi''s unchangeable expression was hard to read. However, she was rendered speechless realizing that she would sound stupid if she continued her act.


    Soon, the ''ding'' sound indicating that they had arrived on the top floor before it opened. Lexi unhurriedly started to exit the elevator as she said;


    "Ask your manager to enroll you in a better workshop¡ªyour acting sucks." With that said note, Lexi walked straight ahead to Morris Liu''s office leaving Mia Chen with a clenched fist.


    ****


    The moment Lexi entered Morris Liu''s office, he was already sitting on the head seat at the set of sofas in the middle of his office. Morris Liu slightly tilted his head gesturing her to take a seat which Lexi did without any formalities or whatsoever.


    Taking out a folded note from her handbag, Lexi slid it on the table towards him. "This is the time and ce where you can meet Mr. Tanaka." She tly informed before straightening her posture and she looked straight to his chilling eyes.


    Without a word, Morris Liu picked up the folded note and skimmed the precise information of the said meeting. After that, his gaze then shifted to her before he nodded without a change in his front.


    "Alright,"


    For some time, Lexi and Morris Liu looked at each other without uttering a single word. None knew what they had in mind but surely, it was the words they wanted but chose not to say.


    "CEO Liu, I trust that you will keep your words." Meekly smiling, Lexi broke their silence as she slowly stood from her seat. She then offered her hand to him for a done deal for thest time. She wanted to end this in a professional and peaceful way for their mutual closure.


    Morris Liu looked down on her hand that was waiting for a handshake. He knew that if he did, she has no way to stall around. He knew that after this, he would bepletely gone from her life. With just those thoughts, he felt his heart clenched.


    It pained him to see the woman whom he kept pushing away had now decided to walk away in her own volition. Regardless, Morris Liu also understood that the pain he was experiencing right now could neverpare to the heartaches she had gone through because of him. Therefore, no matter how much he hated it, his hand reached for hers for a brief, numb handshake.


    "You have my word, Miss Yang."


    "Well, then, I will have to excuse myself, Mr. Liu." After their short handshake, Lexi courtly bowed before she grabbed her handbag and prepared to leave his office.


    Just as she was at the door, she stopped in her tracks, her hand on the door handle, and spoke without turning to see the man behind her.


    "Just so you know, I don''t hate you." With that said remarks, Lexi exited his office with a second hesitation.


    Upon hearing herst statements, Morris Liu stared at her retreating back until the door was shut again. He stayed there for a while before he slowly sat on the seat with a bitter smile, "What a cruel woman,"

 Chapter 165 Illegal cheat day

    <h4>Chapter 165 Illegal cheat day</h4>


    "Just so you know, I don''t hate you." When Lexi uttered these very words, a heavy feeling that was weighing her heart down slowly lifted. Hence, as she walked away from his office¡ªfrom his first love, a subtle smile formed on the side of her lips.


    She could not remember thest time she felt this light. It was as if the invisible chains that connected her to him nked loose. Every step she took, farther away from him, and from his territory, Lexi didn''t look back. She continued to exit the huge establishment with ease because finally, she was free.


    Free from him and from her old self. Of course, Lexi would be lying if she didn''t feel the slightest pain about this. However, it wasn''t enough to overwhelm her reliefs.


    In all honesty, Lexi never hated him¡ªshe had loved him so much that she could not bear such hatred. Granting that she was mad at him for his change of heart, s, she never realized it till now that she had forgiven him a long time ago.


    Now, she hadpletely let him go. And as she let her hand go that was holding tightly to the chains that connect them, Lexi knew that it was time to forgive herself. To forgive what she had done in the past, to condone for losing herself while loving someone, and to atone for putting so much pain to the people that stayed with her up until now.


    When Lexi entered her car, she could not help a smile to form on her lips as she felt like celebrating. Hence, to share this achievement, Lexi searched for her phone and immediately found it. Speed-dialing her father''s personal contact number, it connected after three rings.


    "Lexi, my daughter!" The moment the line connected, Frederick Yang who sounded happy to receive a sudden phone call from his daughter greeted.


    "Hmm, Dad¡­" Upon hearing her father''s voice, her voice cracked as she could not hold the overwhelming mixed emotions circling inside her heart.


    "Lexi, are you crying? Who made you cry? Is it Ethan?! That¡ª"


    "Haha, no Dad. I am just happy." Wiping the tears that stained her cheeks, Lexi chuckled at the aggressive response from her father. She resumed,


    "Daddy, let''s eat outter with Mom."


    "Oh¡­ my precious daughter, are you sure?" Still at it, Frederick Yang''s eyes narrowed as he intently listened to his daughter''s voice.


    In retrospect, Lexi had always said she was fine in a very convincing way, hence, Frederick Yang didn''t want that to happen again. After all, he wouldn''t want to lose his daughter ever again.


    "Haha, 100 percent Dad. I just want to spend this happy day with you and Mom¡ªthat''s all." Still chuckling while imagining his father''s reaction, Lexi reassured.


    Frederick Yang didn''t respond for several seconds before he heaved a sigh of relief. "No problem. Let''s go on a trip with us three after your movie." His eyes softened because it has been a while since the three of them went out on a trip. Therefore, taking this opportunity, he suggested.


    "Really? That would be great!" Delighted, Lexi''s heart stilled in peace. Unlike Frederick Yang, she could not actually remember when was thest time she tagged along with their small family trip.


    Hearing that Lexi didn''t refuse and actually sounded excited about his ns, Frederick Yang''s tensed shoulders rxed. It was as if he was beyond d that his daughter was slowly going back to what she used to be¡ªhis sweet, lovable daughter.


    Their conversation went on for several more minutes with Frederick Yang nagging her to eat and shop to reward herself with whatever made her happy. After all, Lexi wasn''t telling him exactly what it was.


    *****


    Since it was lunchtime, Lexi took his father''s advice and went shopping to purchase appreciation gifts that she wanted to give to her parents, to Churu, and Ethan. After all, one way or another, Ethan Lu indirectly helped her thus, he''s on her list.


    As Lexi shopped inside a luxury mall, she first found something for her parents: a set of exquisite essories for her Lillian Yang and a tie for Frederick Yang. After that, she headed to a fabric stall where she could find kits and fabric to make cute dresses for the adorable dumpling.


    When she was done paying and requested her items to be delivered to the Yang Mansion, Lexi decided to dine first before looking for the perfect gift for Ethan Lu. After all, she knew what to gift to her parents and to Churu. However, Lexi knew little knowledge about Ethan Lu¡ªhis likes and dislikes. Unlike him who was shameless enough to ask her parents.


    "Bestie!!" While Lexi was deciding where to eat, she heard a somewhat familiar voice from the distant. But certain that it was not her whom the person was calling, she continued on her way.


    "Bestie!! Lexii!" Upon hearing her name being screamed by someone, Lexi turned her head to its source. Her brows knitted and her eyelids blinked before she squinted her eyes to see who it was. To her surprise, the figure that was sprinting toward her was none other than Rika.


    Soon, when Rika finally caught up with her¡ª panting while her palms rested on her knees, Lexi slightly lowered her head to the side to check if Rika was alright.


    Just then, Rika miraculously regained her energy as she abruptly straightened her back as she pouted. "My gosh! I''ve been calling you since earlier. Didn''t you hear me?"


    "Uh¡­ I never really thought it was for me." Awkwardly smiling, Lexi raised her brows as she honestly gave Rika the answer to her question. She could not be med though, because first of all, Rika had been shouting ''bestie'' and not her name.


    Rika let out a heavy sigh as she understood her reason, "Well, that doesn''t matter anyway. Are you shopping? Let''s shop together!" Rika changed her mood much faster than a blink.


    Lexi scrutinized her from head to toe and from toe to head. Her brows could not help but twitched seeing that Rika ran with four-inches stilettos. Considering the floor, Lexi secretlymended the woman in front of her.


    "Sure, but, let''s eat something first."


    "Great! I''m actually starving, also¡­" Rika paused as she slightly leaned forward before she continued her sentence.


    "...it''s my cheat day. Please keep this between us." After she spouted her words, Rika nodded as if to convince her. However, it didn''t¡ªnot a tiny bit!


    "You mean, illegal cheat day?" Arching her brows, Lexi exposed her that made Rika looked at her withplete dismay before her surroundings turned gloomy and dark.


    "Bestie¡­ you made me feel guilty." She murmured.


    If she could use her finger to draw lines on the floor, she would.


    On the other hand, Lexi shook her head and rolled her eyes as she could not believe that this woman who was called the Nation''s Goddess, best actress of the year, and so on was acting like this.


    Regardless, Lexi felt more helpless with this girl trapped in a woman''s body. She sighed. "I won''t tell anyone. Let''s¡­ Let''s just go."


    Rika''s face instantly brightened as her pair of eyes twinkled looking her heroine. She then blissfully followed Lexi who also had a subtle smile on her face.


    ''Really¡­ I''ve been meeting weird people nowadays.'' Lexi thought inwardly as her second chance at life was full of surprises that kepting to her life and makes it a little more colorful.

 Chapter 166 Love, they bullied me!

    <h4>Chapter 166 Love, they bullied me!</h4>


    Following Rika''s suggestion, they went to a fancy restaurant where Rika already nned to pig out alone.


    Currently, Lexi sat across her somewhat newfound friend. As they wait for their orders to arrive, Rika giddily opened a conversation. "Tell me, tell me, are you and¡­" she paused as she examined Lexi''s inexpressive front.


    Slightly furrowed her brows, Lexi repeated in a questioning tone, "me and¡­?"


    "Uhmm, Eli a thing?"


    Upon hearing her question, Lexi''s unchangeable front immediately turned to a dismayed one. "Eww, no way!"


    Her response cracked Rika up as she burst outughing while lightly mming her palms at the surface of the square table. After a two-minute goodughed, Rika recovered, or so she thought.


    "I wonder what will his fans say if they heard you, pftt--! Hahaha! the nation''s prince being ''eew-ed''! Pfft-! That was gold!" Rika stated in between her unrestrainedughs.


    "Really, what made you think that me and him¡­ like, I can''t even imagine." Unlike Rika, Lexi could not help but roll her eyes as that thought never shed in her head. It was already surprising for her that Arnold Shen thought that their chemistry was pretty good.


    "My, my, now there''s two of us who think Elliot is not that great." Happy, Rika leaned a little closer and whispered her words of relief. She added,


    "Like, yeah, Eli is good-looking but meh¡ª not a prince at all."


    Lexi stared at Rika for a while before she tilted her head to the side and asked, "Did you two dated?"


    Her question froze Rika as her eyes widened as if she didn''t see thating, "How did you know?"


    "I didn''t, that''s why I asked." More shocked than thedy across her, Lexi felt likeughing at the ridiculousness of this conversation.


    "Gosh¡­ me and my stupid mouth. Well, I trust you anyway." Rika lightly smacked her lips before she shrugged as if nothing happened. Well, she wouldn''t blurt this out to anyone anyway if she didn''t trust the person.


    "Uh¡­" Speechless, Lexi could merely nod her head with what she said.


    ''Trust? Me? Why?'' She asked inwardly but even if she wanted to say that inquiry, they were stuck on her throat for no reason.


    "Well, you see, me and Eli¡­ We dated for a month because of a movie, like always. But, meh¡ª he''s too gentle for me." Nonchntly shrugging, Rika evidently showed her indifference as she uttered the summary of dating Elliot Gong.


    "Oh¡­ but at least, you two seem alright." Nodding in understanding, Lexi stated because Rika and Elliot talked like normal colleagues as if they didn''t have a history.


    "Well, it''s a mutual decision between us, and we decided to just be friends since we are better that way." Shrugging once again, Rika justified.


    "Also, I already set my eyes to someone but sadly, he seems he was taken. *sigh*" Rika added as she heavily sighed. She then took out her phone from her purse and immediately tapped a few times before showing the screen to Lexi.


    "This guy,"


    Lexi raised her head to Rika''s screen and to her extreme surprise, the man that was disyed on the screen was Ethan Lu''s Weibo ount. Since Lexi wasn''t active in any social media tform because of the constant criticism, she wasn''t updated that Ethan Lu has been active with his ount.


    Retracting her phone from Lexi, Rika heavily sighed once again as her gaze looked at Ethan Lu''s profile. "So sad, he''s taken¡­ I always wonder how fun it will be to tame a casanova."


    Just then, the dishes they ordered finally came. They served it with care to their table as one staff conversed with them. This gave Lexi a relief because of her shock regarding Rika''s inkling toward Ethan Lu.


    Since Rika''s attention was diverted, they never discussed ''taming a casanova'' or anything of the sort. They continued dined and talked for more than an hour as Rika did live up with her illegal cheat day and ate with her heart''s desire.


    ****


    "Hmmm? You got a boyfriend?" Rika inquired when they entered the men''s section of the huge famous boutique.


    "Not a boyfriend. I''ll be gifting a friend¡­" Raising her brows, Lexi didn''t turn her head to Rika as she continued to scan the disyed watches.


    "A friend?" Narrowing her eyes, Rika''s expression was screaming with desire for gossip as she anticipated the response from her new bestie.


    "A friend with ulterior motives," In a matter of factly tone, Lexi rified which made Rika brightly grinned.


    "You got a nice friend, eh?" Mildly elbowing Lexi, Rika giggled and smiled while raising her brows¡ª up and down.


    Lexi pointed at a variety of watches and the shop assistant courtly got the watches Lexi chose for her to see. As she examined each of them, Lexi suddenly spoke.


    "Your inkling to that guy you showed me¡­"


    "You mean, Mr. Lu?" Confused, Rika raised her brows showing a clueless expression stered across her face.


    "Yes, Mr. Lu¡­ do you really like him?"


    "Well, he''s my type, but he''s taken. I don''t want to be entangled with a third party scandal." Honest and indifferent as ever, Rika answered in a matter of factly tone.


    When Lexi heard her reply, she murmured. "Good,"


    "Hmm?"


    "Nothing," Smiling back at Rika, Lexi was relieved that Rika wasn''t that extreme. Well, at least, her new friend knew her limits and wasn''t as reckless just like now.


    Lexi then turned her gaze back to the shop assistant as she pointed at a specific watch before the clerk nodded and she began preparing everything.


    Just then, Lexi''s phone rang that mildly startled her. Reaching for her phone, she saw Ethan Lu''s caller ID which made her brows slightly creased.


    ''Is his meeting done? This guy has too much free time¡­'' Regardless of her thoughts, Lexi still answered the call after several rings.


    "Hmm?" The moment it connected, Lexi hummed a questioning tune as a greeting.


    "Hi, love love, how was your day~?" Despite sounding a little exhausted, Ethan Lu''s first sentence was to know how was she.


    "Good. My meeting with Mr. Tanaka was a sess and I went to Liu Empire afterward." As Lexi passed her card to the clerk, she meekly smiled as she reported the highlights of her day to the other end of the line.


    When Ethan Lu heard that she went to the Liu Empire, he frowned. However, he knew that it was inevitable for her to meet her former fiance since it was a deal between them. Yet, he could not help but be envious as he also wanted to see her that instant.


    Lexi continued, "How was your meeting?"


    "Aiya¡­ as usual, my Uncle bullied me! It was tough attending several meetings in a day¡­ love, can I see you? I need some energy." Pouting, Ethan Lu slightly grumbled before pleading to see his energy booster. On the other hand, Lyrick Jiang who was about to leave his boss''s office could not help the lower of his eyes twitched.


    ''Young Master, aren''t you the one who dragged your cousin to his father''s mess?'' Lyrick Jiang thought inwardly before leaving the office.


    "Didn''t I tell you not to leave anyone unkicked?" Rolling her eyes, Lexi shook her head as she imagined Ethan being bullied¡ª just like what he imed in distress.


    "Hehe, of course, I won''t let my future wife down so I also bullied them¡ª hehe, I also drag his son in it." Sounding a little evil, Ethan Lu giggled that seethed with evilness.


    Lexi arched her brows as she never heard Ethan Lu sound so scheming before. It was as if she was hearing an antagonist of a movie while they cooked their ploys. Nevertheless, it was much better that he could defend himself because she understood that if he didn''t¡ª Ethan Lu''s status would remain a status with little to no value or weight.


    "Well, that''s good then."


    "Ahhh¡­ I''m so tired and it''s not the end of the day yet¡­ Love, where are you? I want to see you even for just a minute, errr, maybe two, or three?"


    By this time, Lexi nce at Rika who was now busy looking at some of thedy''s watch selections. "Aren''t you busy?"


    "I am¡­ I moved my scheduled meeting in two hours because I missed you." Indeed, Ethan Lu''s schedule for today and the following weeks was too tight that there''s only so little time for him to pee. However, knowing that Lexi went into an important appointment, he deliberately made time to get an update and hear the person who pushed him to work harder for their future.

 Chapter 167 Do you love me?

    <h4>Chapter 167 Do you love me?</h4>


    "Uh¡­ is that so?" Lexi heedlessly replied as her focus was on Rika not far away from her.


    In her mind, she knew that she was not trying to be dishonest with her or anything of the sort. However, Lexi still felt a little guilty that her new friend has always been honest with her ever since, yet, she didn''t even tell Rika that the guy she had a crush on was also the same friend ''with ulterior motives'' Lexi was talking about. Therefore, Lexi was conflicted about whether if she could fully trust Rika or not.


    "Uh-huh¡­" As keen as Ethan Lu, he sensed that she was distracted about something, thus, a sly smile formed on the side of his lips.


    "Can you say yes to two of my questions?"


    "Hmm," Lexi consistently watched Rika as she bought two essories that she could not clearly see. However, for some reason, Rika suddenly went out. Hence, Lexi didn''t pay much attention to the man on the line.


    "Do you love me?"


    "Hmm¡ª"


    "Love you too, hihi~" Giggling, Ethan Lu was evidently happy about his mischief. And so, he responded as if he believed that she truly admitted that she loved him.


    "Ethan!" Through her gritted teeth, Lexi just realized that this cunning man just took advantage of her inattentiveness. Still, she reminded herself that it should be a happy day and Ethan was just being Ethan.


    "Hahaha! Aiya, I want to hear it again." Lightly chuckling, Ethan Lu''s voice turned gentle as if his exhaustion diminished a little.


    "Whatever," Shaking her head, Lexi has no words left for him as she was more shock to herself that she never got used to his naughtiness.


    Just then, the shop assistant approached Lexi with a gentle voice and a reserved smile; "Miss Yang, would you like us to deliver the item to your residence?"


    "Uh, pardon?" Due to the female clerk''s almost whispered words, Lexi turned her head to where the shop assistant stood. Asking her to repeat her question, she meekly smiled back.


    "Would you like us to deliver the item to your residence?" Repeating her words, the shop assistant did as she was asked.


    "Yes, please." Understanding the question this time, Lexi nodded as she followed the clerk that she assisted her to fill the form.


    As Lexi fill-up the form, she stopped midway as she raised her gaze, "Can this be delivered now?"


    "Yes, Miss Yang." Since their regr clients were all socialites, the shop had incredible services. Thus, if they were told to deliver it in an instant, they would do it with additional charges.


    "Alright," Upon her confirmation, Lexi meekly smiled again before nodding her head.


    Instead of putting the address of the Yang Mansion, Lexi wrote the Lu Corporation address. She knew that Ethan Lu would be very busy for the following weeks, and he sounded a bit exhausted, Lexi wanted to give this gift to him hoping to cheer him up¡ª even just a little.


    She didn''t indicate the sender''s name but left a message with; "A reward for your hard work."


    After cing all the necessary details, Lexi handed the form and with a smile, the shop assistant epted it.


    "You''re shopping? Where?" Finally breaking his momentary silence, Ethan Lu inquired.


    "Even if you''ll know, you won''t make it back with only two hours vacant time." Knowing him, Lexi read him like an open book as the man was sometimes too predictable when ites to this. So, if she told him where she was, he would certainly rush his way to wherever she was.


    It was not that Lexi didn''t want to give her gift personally, but, she didn''t want to be the cause of some important meeting would be pushed back because of her. After all, with her experience with the Liu and Yang Company, Lexi was very well-versed on how a hugepany like the Liu Empire and Lu Corporation could be hustling. One of the reasons why Lexi didn''t call him as she didn''t want to disturb him in the middle of a meeting.


    "Aww¡­" Pouting, Ethan Lu wished to work beside if possible. It''s been days since hest saw her but those days felt like unending months to him. Besides, he was indeed enervated. Fortunately, Lexi kept in touch with him and they would spend hours inte-night calls sometimes¡ª exins why he kept going.


    "I got you something. Take a rest and eat¡ª Rika is here." Faintly sighing, Lexi spoilt her own surprise present as she could clearly hear his heavy sigh.


    "Present? For me?" Upon hearing herst remarks, spring suddenly bloomed inside Ethan Lu''s office as this would be the first time she would gift him. His eyes sparkled as his imagination gone wild.


    "Hmm, now, go eat and rest. The day is still long. I''ll hang up now." Seeing that Rika went back with a slightly annoyed look on her face, Lexi''s brows furrowed as she ended the call.


    "Alright, see you¡­ter," Before Ethan Lu could finish his sentence, the line disconnected¡ª making him frown for a brief second before regaining his overwhelming anticipation as he recalled her gift.


    Right away, Ethan Lu called his assistant; informing him about a package that he was expecting. When Lyrick Jiang told him he understood, Ethan Lu ended that call. He then spun the executive chair he was sitting on and hummed a random tune, expressing his bliss and excitement to what Lexi got for him.


    "Love is patient, Love is kind, Love is gifting me something, Love is beautiful¡­" He continued to mutter about an endless ''love is this and that'' like a broken record. It was as if every passing word were his seconds as he waits for his gift like a child waiting for Santa us toe.


    ****


    Meanwhile, while Ethan Lu was delved in his Lnd, and Lexi was celebrating for herself¡ª inside Morris Liu''s office was surrounded with nothing but dread.


    "Hmm? Did she ask to reconcile with you, again?" On one of the sofa, Mia Chen perched with her legs crossed and her back wasfortably resting. Looking at the icy man busy working on his huge stack of folders on his desk, her expression changed from reserved to a wicked one. It was as if the Mia Chen Lexi bumped and rode in the elevator was just one''s figment of the imagination. Yet, her words only brushed passed on Morris Liu''s ears as if he didn''t hear a single word, or rather, he didn''t acknowledge hispany''s presence.


    "Weird¡­ it was rather peaceful this time¡­ don''t tell me¡ª" Narrowing her eyes, Mia Chen spected. s, she was interrupted midway when the office door suddenly opened¡ªrevealing Chris Yu in his usual trendy yet casual attire.


    Chris Yu nced at Mia Chen before he turned his gaze to Morris Liu''s busy figure. Without even asking, he already guessed what was happening in this gloomy office room. Even so, Chris Yu wasn''t bothered as he strode and sat across Mia Chen¡ª knowing what Morris Liu want him to do.


    "Sexy¡­" Chris Yu whistled as he greeted Mia Chen with a malicious greeting. Staring at her delicate features before it traveled to her legs, he added with a smirk, "Want to go something private?"


    Mia Chen rolled her eyes and without a word, she hastily grabbed her bag and stomped her way out. It was evident that he could not stand the man as she didn''t even look back. When she left the office, Chris Yu burst outughing that soon bounced on every corner of the room.


    When he recovered from his endless waves ofughter, Chris Yu turned his attention to Morris Liu who was unfazed on what happened moments ago; as if he could not care less about the whole world. "Brother Mo, is it true that Lexi got a hold of Wren Tanaka¡­?" Chris Yu asked before he murmured the rest of his sentence, "...now, that''s amazing."


    Finally, Morris Liu raised his gaze to meet Chris Yu''sid back gaze. Sliding one of the drawers on his desk, Morris Liu picked up a piece of folded note before he ced it on top of the pile of documents on his desk.


    "Make proper arrangements in one week." With that said note, Morris Liu leaned his back on the executive chair as he watched Chris Yu got up from his seat until he stood in front of his desk and picked up the note.


    "Aight¡­ what a dangerous guy we''re meeting." Scratching his temple, Chris Yu quickly scanned the short yet precise content of the said appointment. Even without Morris Liu giving him every little detail, it was not hard for him to fill in the nks as he already knew the major details.

 Chapter 168 Literal faceslap

    <h4>Chapter 168 Literal facep</h4>


    "What happened?" Slightly tilting her head to the side, Lexi inquired as she approached Rika. She observed her new friend and Lexi could easily discern that the Rika from earlier seemed to change into a different Rika.


    "I saw a b*tch and my mood is totally ruined¡ª gosh! The nerve!" Grinding her teeth, Rika seemed she could strangle someone as her eyes were burning mad.


    ''Huh? What kind of person can tick this girl off?'' Observing her even more, Lexi thought to herself. In her perspective, Rika might be a little weird at times... and wild, but she had never seen her fumed like this in their short interaction together.


    As Lexi pondered who was the brave person that ticked Rika off, the answer was immediately delivered to her in the next second.


    "Oh! Isn''t this Lexi and Miss Rika?"


    Even without looking at who it was, the corners of Lexi''s ears already twitched hearing the most annoying woman, that was trying to break a record in the Guinness book of records.


    Raising her gaze, Lexi heavily exhaled seeing the ever-annoying Che Diayu. "Now, I understand¡­" Lexi murmured that was audible enough for Rika to hear.


    On the other hand, Rika rolled her eyes as she didn''t dare to face Che Diayu¡ª afraid that when she did, she would pull all her hair until there''s no hair to pull. Also, since her image was clean, she didn''t want her first-ever scandal with Che Diayu in it.


    "What a coincidence! I''m d to see¡ª"


    "Rika, do you hear something?" Interrupting Che Diayu''s fakery, Lexi spoke as she turned her gaze to Rika.


    Snapping from the rage that was consuming her, Rika looked at Lexi''s inexpressive countenance. Since she was distracted by the cause of why she had a deep grudge with this girl, Rika didn''t hear Lexi''s whisper earlier. "Hmm?"


    "I guess it''s just a demon whispering¡­ or not?"? Shrugging her shoulders, Lexi gave Rika a knowing look which she understood instantly that made the side of her lips curled into a smile.


    "Excuse me," Suddenly, Lexi approached another shop clerk that was passing by her. When the female attendant turned her head to her, Lexi gently smiled.


    "Uhm, you see, I think I heard something buzzing around here¡­ might be an insect or worse, a pest." Lexi paused as a conflicted expression stered across her face. Leaning a little forward to the female attendant, Lexi whispered¡ª but her words were audible enough to reach Che Diayu and Rika who bit her lower lip to suppress herughter.


    "You!" As expected, Che Diayu could not keep her heart still as her hand curled into a ball until her manicured nails dug on her palms.


    "That! Did you hear that buzzing?" Sounding frightened, Lexi fixed her eyes towards the innocent female attendant that was dragged into a socialite drama.


    The female attendant nced at Lexi before Che Diayu and courteously bowed her head. "Sorry, Miss Yang, I will gather a meetingter with our staff. I hope you''ll let this pass."


    "Thank you," Lexi was very well versed in the automatic response of the staff in this kind of establishment as they would never want to offend either of them. Hence, they could only take her words in a literal meaning.


    When the poor female attendant left, Che Diayu dissed. "Lexi Yang, who do you think you are?"


    "Miss Che Diayu, I thought thest time we met, I already made it clear that I don''t want to be part of your entertainment." Meeting the fiery eyes of Che Diayu, Lexi raised her right brow as she thrust her chin forward. She added after a beat,


    "And that includes my friends. So, will you please step aside so that, me and my dear friend here can go on our way? You''re taking too much space¡ª I guess thecks of projects make you gain weight."


    "Pfft-!" Rika suppressed herughter as much as she could. She could now totally agree about the rumor that Lexi was a real bully and one of those mean girls. Even so, she understood it in a good way as Lexi was purposely doing it for her.


    Granting that Rika might be a senior in the entertainment industry and had tons of connections. However, she wasn''t originally rich in the first ce. Rika was recognized because of her talent, and fortunately, she signed under a moral agency that groomed her to what she was right now. Also, since she was from rags to riches and her charitable heart, the nation endlessly supported her.


    In spite of all that, Rika has still no match with a person thates from a wealthy family like Che Diayu and Lexi Yang. She might have a connection and friends in the entertainment industry but, once she faced someone who was crazy enough, she has to prepare herself to bid her goodbye with her career.


    "Lexi Yang!" Agitated to the core, Che Diayu''s hatred towards Lexi that umted through the years grew stronger. She hasn''t moved on about how Lexi stole the supposed role for her doing underhanded means and yet again, she was humiliating her.


    Che Diayu''s voice caught the attention of the very few people inside the stall. Therefore, indistinct gossip soon followed and anticipating watchers looked forward to an interesting show.


    "How dare you? I treated you as a friend and even after keeping my peace despite everything you''ve done to me, you just wouldn''t stop!" Che Diayu delivered her words as if the whole world wronged her. It was as if for the first time, she was standing up for herself from all the injustices she had received.


    Lexi and Rika watched her award-winning act in extreme disgust as they could not believe their ears. They already know that Che Diayu was an unreasonable brat. However, what shocked them was that she would go this height and believed her own lies.


    Rika: ''Did she lose her mind? This girl needs help, really!''


    Lexi: ''????''


    "Even after everything; seducing my boyfriend, snatching a role that was meant for me, I always respected you and kept my silence! Yet, the moment you see me, the first thing you do is humiliate me¡ª why?!" This time, Che Diayu managed a fake tear to fall from her eyes with great effort as her voice cracked.


    "Gosh, isn''t that Lexi and Che Diayu? Did she said, Lexi, stole her boyfriend? Tsk tsk¡­"


    "That''s Rika, right? Oh god, don''t tell me she''s friends with the white lotus b*tch?"


    "*sigh* Even if the article about Lexi somewhat cleared her name from the usations against her, well, it won''t start if there are no roots, I guess."


    Soon, more shoppers surrounded themotion and the conversation grew louder. Hearing the murmurings, Rika cast them a deadly re as her expression screamed ''shut your mouth or I''ll shut them myself'' look. If it wasn''t for her ongoing movie project that was her good friend Arnold Shen''sst movie, she already did what her face was telling them.


    On the other hand, Che Diayu sneered inwardly as thements were evidently on her side. ''Huh, trying to humiliate me? Well, I might as well drag you down, b*tch!''


    Meanwhile, Lexi was used to this gossip and judgy looks that were cast upon her hence, she could not be bothered by it. Yet, what bothered her was Che Diayu''s attitude getting worse. Lexi observed her for a minute before she finally opened her mouth and indifferently said;


    "Are you done? Can you move now? You''re blocking our way."


    Her apathetic response as if she was unaffected at her words made Che Diayu fumed even more. "You!" She bellowed through her gritted teeth as she took hurried steps forward. "How dare¡ª"


    It only took two seconds when Che Diayu stood in front of the unmoving figure of Lexi. Then, without a second to waste, her hand raised for a p. However, just as her hand swung and aimed for Lexi''s face, it was stopped when Lexi caught her wrist; and in a split second, a loud resounding p shocked everyone.


    *Pak!*


    Everything happened within a fraction of three to five seconds. Rika and the rest could not help their eyes dte upon witnessing that Lexi pped Che Diayu that made her reel her head to the side. Che Diayu was also shaken feeling a striking pain throbbed in her cheeks as the person should be in pain right now was Lexi and not her.


    "I warned you¡­ but, you never listen." Lexi let her wrist go as she looked at Che Diayu without remorse or whatsoever. She resumed, "This is self-defense. I''ll let this one slip but, the next time you nder or harm me and my friends¡ª I''ll be seeing you in court." With that said note, Lexi cast the bbergasted Rika before she said;


    "Let''s go."

 Chapter 169 Ethan Lu, Ism dating him.

    <h4>Chapter 169 Ethan Lu, I''sm dating him.</h4>


    When Lexi spoke, that''s when Rika snapped from her stupor. Everything was beautifully processed on her mind that made the corner of her lips curled upward. Rika taunted Che Diayu with a triumphant smile before following Lexi.


    ''Serves you right.'' She thought inwardly. Though, she didn''t expect Lexi would literally p the annoying Che Diayu in front of everyone. Even if her career would be at risk or articles regarding this would once again circte around the inte¡ª Lexi still SLAPPED her!


    ''Woah¡­ this woman.,'' Rika''s eyes sparkled as if her horizon broadened and sees Lexi in a new light. Despite that, she was also worried that Lexi''s name would be drag down yet again and the truth would be twisted.


    On second thought, Rika could clean it up if that ever happens. After all, that''s the least she could do.


    Hastily catching up to Lexi, Rika giddily inquired, "Bestie, are you alright?"


    Lexi didn''t respond immediately until they were far enough from the boutique where she left Che Diayu. Stopping in her tracks, Lexi looked down on her numb palm that she used to p the unreasonable girl. Since she pped Che Diayu with all her force, her hand also turned numb and throbbed a little.


    "I am," Responding to Rika''s question earlier, Lexi raised her gaze and the side of her lips curled into a meek smile.


    Both beautiful women then slowed their pace as they walked not knowing where to go. After all, Lexi was done purchasing the gifts she wanted to give to the people she cares, and they were only wandering aimlessly around to see if they find something nice.


    ****


    [Inside another luxury stall]


    "Aren''t you going to ask what grudge I have with Che Diayu?" After some time, Rika gave her a side nce as Lexi wasn''t asking anything. She wondered if Lexi wasn''t interested or she just couldn''t be bothered. Nevertheless, Rika still wanted to tell her.


    "Even without asking, it''s really hard to like that girl." Shrugging, Lexi apathetically responded as her eyes wandered around the shop they were in. Her reply automatically made Rika chuckled because what Lexi said was indeed true.


    "Well, that''s true¡­ but as for me, I won''t dislike someone just because of what others think about that person. It''s just that, Che Diayu harassed one of my staff and humiliate her. It only reached me afterward." Still, Rika summarized her reason for hating the girl with a heavy sigh.


    Indeed, Che Diayu did not personally attack Rika. But, back when they filmed a movie where she starred and Che Diayu had a short scene in it, Che Diayu bullied one of her staff with a petty reason that her new assistant bump into her.


    Since Rika was busy the whole day, she only knew what happened the next day. However, Che Diayu already left so Rika could not confront her. Therefore, she held that grudge and waged a personal vendetta; that if one of these days, she would work again with Che Diayu¡ª she would humiliate her on the pretense of working.


    "Rika¡­" Upon listening to what Rika said, Lexi finally turned her head to Rika''s bitter smirk. Sensing that Lexi''s attention was on her, Rika turned to face her with a questioning raised brows.


    "Ethan Lu, I''m dating him." Without further ado, Lexi nkly confessed. Forget about Che Diayu, but after spending some time with Rika, she wanted to give this ''newfound friendship'' a chance by trusting the woman the way she trusted her.


    In her mind, Rika had been too open for her. She says things that would get her in trouble if the press came to know about it¡ª especially dating Elliot Gong. Plus, Rika''s reputation was clean with no dating scandal or whatsoever, so if Lexi wanted to cause her trouble, she could with that information. Thus, after long contemtion, Lexi wanted to trust this woman.


    On the other hand, if Rika''s jaw could literally drop, it was probably on the floor right now. She thought Lexi would warn about Che Diayu or what she was capable of. But, this¡­ this was thest thing she expected for her to say.


    It was not that she was dismayed that about what she admitted, but it was because Lexi was dating! What more? It was the ultimate yboy that seemed impossible to tame when ites to his greed in women.


    Lexi stared at Rika whose mouth was wide open. Fortunately, there wasn''t a fly around or else, it already nested inside her mouth.


    Slowly nodding, Lexi heavily sighed. "I know, it''s crazy but--"


    Lexi wasn''t able to finish her sentence when Rika suddenly held her hand and thoroughly examined it with a bewildered look. Rika''s other hand then hastily fiddled inside her purse and the next second, she was holding her phone while altering her gaze to her phone''s screen and to Lexi''s hand.


    Her action made Lexi''s brows furrowed in confusion. In her eyes, Rika seemed she wasparing something with her phone and her hand. Since Lexi only saw Ethan Lu''s profile for a brief moment, she hasn''t seen the whole content of his Weibo ount that was oozing with sweet love moments.


    "No way¡­" Minutes had passed before Rika finally let these words slipped from her mouth. Raising her astounded gaze to meet Lexi''s pair of natural upturned eyes, Rika gasped in disbelief.


    Based on her momentary examination, Lexi''s hand seemed simr to most of the photos Ethan Lu posted. After all, only her hand or finger was always shown in every photo Ethan Lu shared.


    What confirmed Lexi''s words was that, upon clear inspection, Rika noticed that she had a dot sized mole on the back of her hand. It was so small that if the photo wasn''t zoomed in, it will go unnoticed.


    Unconsciously tightening her grip on Lexi''s slender hands, Rika stuttered. "T-those photos¡­ i-it was you?!"


    "Hmmm," Nodding as she hummed, Lexi confirmed. She would be lying if she said she wasn''t curious about what Ethan Lu had been posting on his Weibo ount. s, whatever that was, Lexi would surely knowter.


    "Oh my god¡­" Still, in disbelief, Rika muttered while she covered her mouth. Her eyes contained awe and her inner gossip side slowly resurfaced.


    Although Rika somewhat admired Ethan Lu, it wasn''t that deep for her to be hurt. Instead, she was interested in how did this happen. After all, Lexi''s engagement with the chief executive officer of the Liu Empire wasn''t a secret¡ª everyone knows about it.


    Furthermore, it has only been months since the engagement was called off before Lexi''s countless scandals bombarded every entertainment news section. Therefore, based on her observation with Lexi, she was more shocked that she had started dating¡­ and it was Ethan Lu for god''s sake!


    "This is huge¡­" Without thinking about her words, Rika uttered her thoughts out loud.


    "I know¡­ and I trust you about it." Nodding, Lexi knew that if thises out while her scandal hasn''t died down yet, not only the public would put pressure on Ethan Lu but it would all revived her past scandal.


    Well, Ethan and Lexi''s reputation when ites to their love lives has been pretty messed up. Also, this was better as she wanted her private life to remain private as much as possible.


    "My gosh, bestie!" When Rika recovered, she excitedly sped her hands together. She added, "Tell me how did it happen?"


    Lexi already expected the worst oue. But, seeing Rika''s reaction, part of her heart was relieved that she wasn''t against it or showed the tiniest displeasure about it. Although it was risky to tell her, even so, Lexi gambled.


    "Well, it just happened back when¡­" After several pleas from Rika, Lexi began telling her how they met and what happened thereafter.


    Instead of shopping more, they ended up in a cozy cafe and resumed their girl''s day out. They didn''t notice the time as Rika was too engrossed listening to their ''love story'' as if she was watching a movie.


    Suddenly, just when Lexi ended the summary of her history with Ethan Lu while leaving other details like Churu and the traumatizing Yue event, her phone suddenly rang.


    Looking at the caller ID of her father, Lexi immediately answered with a soft voice. "Hi, Dad¡­"


    "Lexi, I''m on my way to pick up your Mom. We''ll arrive at the restaurant in an hour." Delighted, Frederick Yang said as excitement lingered on his voice.


    Lexi nced at the time and seeing that it was past six in the evening, her eyes widened. "See you, Dad. Take care of the road." With that said note, Frederick Yang agreed before ending the call.


    "Wow, we didn''t notice the time." When Lexi ced her phone down, Rikamented as she looked at her watch.


    "Well, it''s been a while since I didn''t get bored with someone''spany." Smiling, Rika genuinely uttered as she was grateful that she saw Lexi today. This time, all her uncertainty about Lexi vanished as Rika perceived that she was the most real friend she would have. She added;


    "Well, I n to invite you over dinner but it seems you already have arrangements tonight. Hehe,"


    "Hmm, I''ll be eating out with my parents." Mildly nodding, Lexi might not say it out loud but she already considered Rika as her friend now.


    Soon, Lexi and Rika went on their separate ways but before that, Rika hugged her tightly to express her feelings to her new best friend.


    "I''m d we got to be friends¡­ who would have thought, hehe." Said Rika before letting her go.


    For Lexi, it was a day well spent and surely, their friendship would grow stronger with time.

 Chapter 170 Ethans Weibo accoun

    <h4>Chapter 170 Ethan''s Weibo oun</h4>


    With a light heart, Lexi drove to where she booked her dinner with her parents. Since the mall she was at earlier was only minutes away, she arrived before her parents. Being assisted in one of the private dining rooms inside the fancy restaurant, Lexi patiently waited for them.


    While she does so, she was reminded of Ethan Lu''s ount. Hence, to quench her curiosity, Lexi reached for her phone and searched for his ount. It only took her seconds for the search engine to disy the person she was looking for.


    He had a profile picture of him holding a ss of champagne while he was on a yacht that seemed a party was taking ce. Clicking his profile, Lexi was surprised to know that he had abundant fans following him.


    Scrolling down, thetest photo she saw that was posted hours ago was the watch he gifted her.


    The watch together with her note was on top of his desk. The background had a few stacks of documents that he was working on. Reading the caption, Lexi''s brows twitched.


    It says: "Love is patient, love is kind. Love gifted me, Love gave me energy¡­ aiya~! I can make this as our family heirloom. *heart melts* #Fullyrecharged"


    "Just when I thought he knows a bible verse¡­" Shaking her head, Lexi let out a faint chuckle as she continued to scroll down. The next post she had seen was their dinner on their first official date.


    On the photo, her hand was caught but it was not enough to discern that it was hers.


    It says: "Never have I ever been in love like this¡­ #drinkswine"


    "Tss, this guy¡­ so that was he was doing." She chuckled. Recalling their first date, Lexi remembered that Ethan would sometimes use his phone from time to time.


    The next photo was a photo of their shadows under the magical sunset.


    It says: "The only time I can be myself is when I''m with you. God, I love this woman¡­ Thank you


    Upon reading this caption, a subtle smile was stered across her face. "This guy¡­ when did he take all of this?" She murmured as Lexi continued to scroll down and read his every caption.


    There were photos of him, working out¡ª the one when he volunteered as her trainer. It was as if every time he was with her, he was posting them with funny captions or humble bragging.


    Still, only parts of Lexi were in every photo¡ª either her hands or the tip of her hair. Still, this act was enough to make her heart softened as she didn''t know that he had been doing this. She stopped scrolling down when she reached the first post Ethan shared back with a caption calling her a glutton.


    And after all that, the interval of his post was tremendous. So to speak, Ethan Lu had only been active since that heavy morning breakfast. Of course, since Elliot Gong shared Ethan''s first sweet status, he had garnered enormous followers.


    And with his every new post, fans were bombarding thement section stating they were envious of the woman he was referring to, calling him the most romantic guy and so on so forth. She didn''t know how, but thest thing Lexi knew, she was reading a screenshot collection of his post that had gone viral.


    It says: "Where is my own Ethan Lu?"


    Exined why even without going on any show or any promotion, Ethan Lu had his own fan club. Of course, his dating history also resurfaced but surprisingly enough, his fans are pretty solid to defend him. Still, Lexi knew that Ethan Lu was unaware of all of this.


    After reading as muchment as she could, Lexi finally closed the app as she massaged her eyelids. She has mixed emotions about his sneaky act to brag about his love for her¡ª not in a bad way.


    Just then, she heard the door opened and there, her parents guided by the manager entered the private dining area.


    "Oh, Lexi dear, we''re sorry to keep you waiting. We were stuck in a traffic jam." The moment Lillian Yang saw her daughter, she lovingly apologized.


    On the other hand, Lexi stood and slightly bowed her head before giving her mother a reassuring smile. "It''s fine, Mom." She then helped her mother to take off her coat and ced a kiss on her father''s cheeks.


    Surely, this lightened the mood around the private dining room as Lexi was being extra sweet. To the Yang parents, whatever the reason behind her sudden sweetness, they were d to see that their daughter was slowly returning to them.


    Since Lexi was the one who arranged it, the food was shortly served on the table. As the mouth-watering dishes were being served withplete discretion, Frederick Yang spoke.


    "Lexi, how were your sessions with Doctor Xu?" Although Frederick Yang was keeping a close eye with Lexi''s counseling with Doctor Xu after her suicide attempt, he wanted to confirm if it was genuinely working well. No one could me him because Lexi seemed to cope faster than they thought¡ª and it was rming sometimes.


    "To be honest Dad, Dr. Xu is amazing but I know a better doctor." Smiling while thinking about Churu, Lexi honestly stated.


    "Who is it?" Curious, Lillian Yang was quite curious about the doctor she was talking about. Does that also mean, aside from Doctor Xu, she was also attending to other treatments? Both Yang parents patiently waited for her response but in the end, Lexi only brightly smiled.


    "Don''t worry, Mom, Dad. I will still attend my appointments with Doctor Xu."


    Disappointment shed across both Lillian and Frederick Yang, but they didn''t probe further. As long as their daughter was doing well, they would not mind whoever doctor it was. Soon, they started digging up their food as the family of three enjoyed every moment together.


    It had been a while since they couldugh together and share stories to catch up. Lexi also shared about the movie she was currently working on. She told them about Rika, how Arnold Shen and the crew almost sabotage their own schedule by drinking too much the night before thest day of on their set.


    *****


    [Lu Corporation]


    Ethan Lu rested his back on the executive chair as he happily looked at his wrist. When he received the gift Lexi sent her, he immediately made Lyrick Jiang readjust it so he could wear it as soon as possible.


    "Young Master, that would be yourst appointment for today." Closing his small note, Lyrick Jiang reported. Looking at the smiling man who was brightening up the whole night, he could not help the corner of his lips but twitch.


    He could still remember how his boss waited at the building''s lobby so he could personally receive the gift. And when it arrived, not only Lyrick Jiang but everyone else was astounded by their next big boss''s reaction. It was as if that instant, spring bloomed inside of the Lu Corporation in the midst of autumn. He could still remember how his boss skips his steps as he goes back to his office.


    ''Is this the effect of love to him? It must be¡­'' Lyrick Jiang wondered inwardly as his mind wandered who could be the woman who had his boss wrapped around her palms.


    Just then, Ethan Lu received a chat from the contact ID: My Heart. Without a second to waste, he opened the message. He was then weed with a selfie of Lexi with her parents. It says;


    "Ate out with Mom and Dad. Don''t forget your dinner as well."


    Ethan Lu stared at their photo for a long time with an even huge smile on his face. He was reminded about his conversation with her father, Frederick Yang, and their family photo. Although Lexi''s smile wasn''t as bright just like the specific family portrait, the heartwarming and kind atmosphere from the selfie she just sent gave him relief.


    "At least, she''s starting to smile again." He murmured. His heart rxed as his eyes softened. He had the urge to join their dinner, however, he respected their family time as he thought that he had been stealing Lexi''s time too much. Still, he was still d.


    "Lyrick, let''s eat!" Turning his attention to Lyrick Jiang, Ethan Lu invited his assistant after replying to her. He then jolted from his seat and hurriedly made his way to wherever they could eat.

 Chapter 171 Meeting with Wren Tanaka

    <h4>Chapter 171 Meeting with Wren Tanaka</h4>


    One weekter¡­


    "Huh? Is brother Mo still mad about that punch?" Furrowing his brows, Ethan Lu frowned after hearing that his presence wasn''t needed to the transaction with Wren Tanaka. Although it was not a big deal, still, he was an important affiliate with this project that they were proposing. Moreover, it was originally Morris and Ethan''s¡­ or so, what he believed.


    "Brother Mo is not as petty as you. Besides, you''ll have less burden." Sighing heavily, Chris Yu lowly dissed Ethan Lu but his tone was low as if he was tired, or rather disturbed.


    "Oi, my reason is not petty. I am dragging him back to reality as a friend." Because he had been relentlessly working for the past week, Ethan Lu''s defense wasn''t as aggressive as it used to be as he didn''t have the energy to argue with Chris Yu.


    "Whatever, man." Sighing, Chris Yu ended the call without short notice. He already told Ethan Lu what he needed to say for his own good. Hence, Chris Yu and Morris Liu could be at ease with that problem.


    s, even if they didn''t have to think about Ethan Lu, the man they were about to meet filled Chris Yu with dread. After all, none of them knew how Wren Tanaka''s mind works or rather, Chris Yu was more uneasy if he would agree to side with them.


    Turning to his side, Chris Yu could not help but admire Morris Liu for keeping his icy front intact. It was as if he had no worries or he could not be bothered if this will be a good day or bloody. As Chris Yu was wondering what was going on in this cold man''s mind, Morris Liu spoke.


    "You''re the only oneing with me." With that said note, Morris Liu exited the car without a word.


    "Yes, yes," Slowly nodding, Chris Yu let out another heavy sigh. He then followed Morris Liu towards a private restaurant where they would meet Wren Tanaka.


    Chris Yu nced at the only car parked outside¡ª aside from theirs before his gaze scanned the surroundings.


    He recalled that days before their said meeting, Morris Liu received an email personally from Wren Tanaka. His message was short but precise, saying: "Please bring fewer people."


    When Chris Yu came to know this short message, he felt a cold chill run down his spine. Unlike Morris Liu who already withdrawn his order the next day when Lexi gave him the note¡ª as if he already predicted this. However, Chris Yu still felt that he was being watched. It was not that he was scared or anything of the sort, but he was irked as he didn''t like being spied on.


    "Weird, I don''t see anyone around." Chris Yu murmured as he expected that the ce would be firmly guarded.


    "He doesn''t need that many." tly responding, Morris Liu didn''t halt on his step as he made his way directly to the lone restaurant that was located outside the city.


    When Morris Liu entered the establishment, he was greeted by the manager with a polite bow and a reserved smile. Aside from the several staff beside the manager, there were no customers present.


    "Mr. Liu, this way please." The manager courtly gesture and guided both men to a private lounge where Wren Tanaka was waiting. Reaching the door, the manager turned his head to Morris Liu and Chris Yu.


    "Mr. Tanaka is inside." With that said note, the manager walked away without making any noise. Chris Yu''s gaze followed the manager''s figure until he could no longer see him.


    "Sketchy¡­" He muttered. He had been observing the manager since they came in, hence, Chris Yu turned more hostile and didn''t let his guard down.


    On the other hand, Morris Liu remained silent as if nothing could faze him. He reached out for the door handle and slowly, he opened it without blinking. The moment it opened, Wren Tanaka raised his gaze while he wasnguidly sitting on one of the sofas.


    Seeing Morris Liu and Chris Yu behind him, his face brightened as a huge smile¡ª revealing his even white teeth showed on his wless face. Wren Tanaka then stood from his seat as he greeted with open arms, "Mr. Liu!"


    Morris Liu slightly bowed his head as his eyes briefly closed. "Mr. Tanaka."


    "Hehe,e, take a seat." Sounding friendly as ever, Wren Tanaka gestured for them to take a seat. s, when his gazended at the long sofa whom a lying person wrapped with a white nket upying the whole long couch¡ª the corner of his lips twitched.


    "Hehe, don''t mind that person there." Laughing it off, Wren Tanaka awkwardly waved his hands off.


    Morris Liu nodded his head without a word and as instructed, he sat at the single-seater that was across the head seat where Wren Tanaka perched.


    Meanwhile, Chris Yu stood on the side like how a bodyguard would do. He only nced at the person lying on the long couch yet, with that one nce, he became warier.


    Staring at the icy man across him, Wren Tanaka sighed and then frowned. "CEO Liu, didn''t I tell you no weapons?" His statement evidently confused Chris Yu while Morris Liu didn''t react¡ª not one bit.


    After a beat, Morris Liu responded, "Mr. Tanaka, I didn''t."


    "Hehe, I am not referring to guns or daggers. I meant that man over there." Wren Tanaka thrust his chin as he pointed it at Chris Yu''s direction. He added as he leisurely propped his jaw on the back of his hand.


    "Humans can be deadly too, you know."


    Upon hearing Wren Tanaka''s statement, Morris Liu finally had a change of expression as he subtly smirked. It was alluring, yet, someone like Wren knew that he was someone to be wary about.


    "Indeed. My apologies but¡­ I need a little protection as well. I hope you understand."


    "Hahaha! Nice!" Instead of being offended, Wren Tanaka heartilyughed as he waspletely amused. Surely, Morris Liu was an interesting man just like what thought.


    "Don''t worry, I don''t mind. Let''s get down to business, hmmm¡­" Setting that matters aside, Wren Tanaka rubbed his chin as he pondered. After a second, even before Morris Liu could start whatever deal he was about to propose, Wren Tanaka spoke again.


    "You know, Mr. Liu, I keep my business very very clean¡ª you probably know that already when I didn''t invite you to my, I mean the Yue event."


    "This is a clean business, Mr. Tanaka." Without leaving his gaze on Wren''s figure, Morris Liu nkly stated.


    "Clean? Hmmm, let''s see... You are indeed doing clean business but, the Liu Empire''s history is not clean at all, am I right? As far as I know, a powerful group still held you by the neck¡­ I don''t want to be entangled by this mess¡ª my life''s been pretty chaotictely, thanks to a certain someone." Raising his tone with hisst sentence, Wren seemed he wanted that certain someone to hear his sarcasm.


    "Years ago, a normal employee was sentenced to death by his employer for being a whistleblower. That man died but, one yearter, a certain businessman, who looks exactly like that employee rose out of nowhere. No history, no family¡ª just a wealthy man." Instead of confirming Wren''s words, Morris Liu started talking about a story he knew.


    When Morris Liu was done, Wren''s interest was entirely piqued. Straightening his back, he peered at Morris Liu''s stoic expression with fascination.


    "You are indeed a smart man. Only a few know that¡­ tsk tsk tsk, no wonder you are in such a predicament¡ª you know a lot that you shouldn''t. No wonder you have to push Miss Yang away."

 Chapter 172 I like Miss Yang, a beauty!

    <h4>Chapter 172 I like Miss Yang, a beauty!</h4>


    Even though Morris Liu hasn''t responded yet, Wren Tanaka already filled the gaps inside his mind. "I must say though, good job for keeping Miss Yang in the dark, else, she would never have a peaceful sleep." Wren Tanaka shrugged.


    In his perspective, what Morris Liu had done was neither right nor wrong. He was not a person to judge which is which. However, in his opinion, he admired that Morris Liu remained the Yang family''s shield.


    Yet, the problem was, Morris Liu just didn''t know how to properly deal with the mess he stepped into and his Achilles'' heel. Therefore, instead of protecting them, he also destroyed them.


    ''What a tragic story¡­'' Wren Tanaka thought as she shook his head.


    A momentary silence enveloped the whole room as neither of them talked. Hearing Lexi''s name in the middle of this discussion, Morris Liu''s jaw tightened He guessed what Wren Tanaka was thinking hence, he was insulted one way or another. Regardless, since he desperately needed his help¡ª to hasten everything, he didn''t open his mouth.


    Just then, the person who was lying on the long sofa while being wrapped by a thick white nket sat up. This made Wren Tanaka flinched as if he had a mini heart attack. Patting his chest, he red at the person who had her hair pretty messed up¡ª as if she had just woken up after a good night rest.


    "Morning¡­"


    "Morning?!" Briefly forgetting that he had guests, Wren Tanaka aggressively sassed at the woman who was rubbing her eyes. This sudden interruption caught the attention of Chris Yu and Morris Liu as they turned their gaze to the woman.


    Upon minutes of staring at the woman, Morris Liu''s brows furrowed as he recognized who it was. It was none other than the newly appointed chairwoman of Yue International Enterprise. Although Morris Liu already learned that Wren Tanaka and Seraphina Yue has some kind of ambiguous connection, Morris Liu hadn''t figured out what rtion exactly.


    Are they lovers? But, based on his intel, the heir of the Jin Medical Group and Seraphina Yue were officially dating. So, was it possible that Seraphina Yue wasmitting adultery? He highly doubts that. Morris Liu was certain that it was not as simple as that¡ª he knew there was a deeper connection between these two.


    "Sigh¡­ why did I even let you tag along instead of Rex? Ay ay ay, headache!" Wren Tanaka massaged his temples in distress. After a second, he stopped as he realized that he was in the middle of a meeting and he blurted out words that shouldn''t be heard by others.


    ''My image¡­'' He wept inwardly as he cares more about his image than dropping Rex''s name and how he snapped seeing the woman behaving as if she was in her own home.


    "Hi, Morris¡ª Yo, Chris." Looking at Morris Liu before she looked at the man standing on the side, Seraphina Yue waved her hands as if she was greeting her close friends.


    Morris Liu: "..."


    Chris Yu: "..." he was certain that he had never met this woman. Although Chris Yu also recognized her when she brushed off the hair that was on her face, yet he was utterly speechless that she knows him! After all, he wasn''t that popr, and his established businesses were mostly night clubs. The only reason why he became friends with Morris Liu was because of his capabilities.


    "Hehe, can you pretend that she doesn''t exist for now? Haha," Ridiculous, he knows, but Wren Tanaka''s headache had be more unbearable seeing her saying hi and calling them on a first-name basis.


    ''Why are you making things harder for me?'' Continuously weeping inwardly, Wren Tanaka wanted to bawl his eyes as his stress level gauge was reaching its maximum level. He knew this would happen, however, because of some unforeseen events, he could only take her with him and take the risk.


    "Who was it?" Suddenly, Seraphina Yue inquired as she tilted her head to the side. Her innocent eyes stared directly at the pair of lifeless and freezing cold eyes of Morris Liu.


    "Oh, sh*t¡­" Murmuring, Wren Tanaka frowned and gave up as his fun was over. She took over and that only means his job was done. While Morris Liu didn''t respond as he was confused about her question.


    "I like Miss Yang, a beauty. Met her in my coronation night. So, who was it?" Another off-track remark escaped her mouth before she repeated the question without rifying it.


    "My apologies, Miss Yue but, I don''t understand." Finally, Morris Liu asked for a rification as he could not decipher who she was asking about. Moreover, the woman seemed she didn''t know that she was the only one who could understand her lingo¡­ or so he thought.


    Letting out a heavy sigh, Wren Tanaka felt helpless. "She meant, who was the group harassing you?" Shaking his head, his friendly tone eventually turned sour as his interest waspletely lost. He still wanted to probe further and tick Morris Liu off to see if he would help him or not. s, she just has to wake up in the middle of their conversation!


    "Kong Shuren." Despite that Morris Liu was puzzled why was the woman was interfering and Wren Tanaka was letting her, he still dropped Kong Shuren''s name that was dragging him to the ruin.


    "Kong Shuren¡­ not bad. This country is his turf. Don''t worry, he said ``yes." Pointing at Wren Tanaka, the woman agreed with her own reasons.


    "Never. Don''t want to deal with the guy." Without batting an eye, Wren Tanaka looked at the woman with dismayed as she was forcing him to do freebor again.


    "See? He said yes. In exchange, hmmm¡­ give me a five percent share of yourpany. Don''t worry, I only like money¡ª I don''t n to sabotage yourpany." Ignoring Wren Tanaka, Seraphina Yue continued her deal that confused Morris Liu and Chris Yu to the core.


    Who would they listen to? They came here for Wren but now, they were dealing with Seraphina Yue.


    "Hmm? Deal or no deal?" After a minute of receiving no reaction, the harmless-looking girl tilted her head from left then slowly tilted it to the right.


    "Miss Yue, what''s your connection with CEO Tanaka?" Knowing that his question was impossible to get answers, Morris Liu still asked. Since this matter was very confidential and this woman being here means she knew a thing or two.


    Wren Tanaka: "Business partners."


    Seraphina Yue: "Myckey." At the same time, Wren and Seraphina replied with two different answers, which only confused the two even more.


    Surely, this meeting wasn''t what Morris and Chris envisioned as they knew that Wren Tanaka was a dangerous businessman that had a connection with the underworld.


    "Lackey?! Oi oi, stop destroying my respectable image." Wren Tanaka''s face nearly distorted hearing that she called him ackey. Although it was the truth, still, how could she say that in front of other people?


    "I see¡­ then, deal." Still uncertain, Morris Liu nodded his head as he agreed. Losing five percent of shares was nothing if he could get rid of the man who had started his misery. Although he could do it himself in time, if there was a way to get rid of him much faster then, he would grab the chance.


    "Sweet, I''ll be waiting for my five percent then."


    "Is there''s a guarantee?"


    "Hmm? I usually don''t like being asked like that but oh well, I''m in a good mood. I can send his head to you if you want." Evidently happy with her gain, Seraphina Yue smirked that could make a person''s hair raise. Seeing that they were quite shaken, she added,


    "Kidding,"

 Chapter 173 Familiar scene

    <h4>Chapter 173 Familiar scene</h4>


    Meanwhile...


    "Lyrick, that was myst meeting for the day, right?" Asking Lyrick Jiang that stood in front of his desk after he ced three documents on his desk, Ethan Lu asked.


    "Yes, Young Master. Your schedule is free for the next two days." Asposed as ever, Lyrick Jiang responded and reminded his boss.


    "Alright!" Upon confirming that he had no appointments today onwards, Ethan Lu instantly hopped out of the executive chair. He hastily grabbed his keys and coat as he prepared to leave his office with the thought of finally, he could see Lexi after ten days of not seeing her.


    When Ethan Lu was on the door while Lyrick Jiang was following behind him, he ordered. "Make sure no one would know where I am." With that said note, Ethan Lu started taking hurried strides again as if his life depended on it.


    ''Hehe, what should I get for her?'' Ethan Lu thought inwardly as he hummed while walking his way away from his assistant.


    Lyrick Jiang courtly bowed his head after receiving his boss''s order. He watched Ethan Lu''s back and was somewhat in awe. How could this man who was nearly skipping on his steps while humming be the same person when that ordered to cripple his cousin?


    Since he already knew what to do, Lyrick Jiang immediately executed the order by giving a heads up to Ethan Lu''s men to look after him from the shadow and not a single soul would disturb him.


    Indeed, the reason why until now, Dennis Lu and Edward Lu had zero clues regarding the woman Ethan Lu was seeing was because of these orders.


    ****


    "Cuuut!" Arnold Shen shouted over the microphone with a satisfied smile. He added, "Passed! Hehe."


    "Thank you," Lexi smiled back at Arnold Shen before thanking one of the staff that handed her a bottle of water.


    "You look¡­" Narrowing his eyes, Elliot Gong could not exactly point it out but there was definitely something changed with Lexi. He already noticed it when they started filming again two days back yet, up until now, he could still not discern what was it.


    Arching her brows, Lexi tilted her head to the side as she waited for Elliot to finish what he was about to say, but to no avail, he just kept scrutinizing her as he pondered the exact words he wanted to utter.


    Chuckling, Lexi shook her head, "I look beautiful, I know."


    "Uh, no, not that. There''s something changed¡­" Elliot Gong then took a step forward as he leaned a little to whisper his words, "... are you and Ethan officially together?"


    "Hah, no¡ª not yet."


    "Yet?" Shocked about her ender, Elliot Gong gaped his eyes open as if he could not believe what he had just heard. So, does that mean she liked him? Or rather, she wanted to be with him.


    Lexi only shook her head as she let out a faint scoff that sounded like a short chuckled before drinking a mouthful of water. ''Fortunately, Churu wasn''t here.'' She thought inwardly as Eli was free from getting molested.


    Recallingst night''s event, Churu demanded a "day off" because she believed she "deserved it". Her sudden request, of course, surprised Lexi as she never thought that Churu also wanted to have a day off.


    However, aside from flying around and giving half sensible half nonsense advice, Lexi could not fathom the word "been working hard" just like her ims. Nheless, Lexi agreed after having had enough listening to the dumpling''s nonstop rants.


    Suddenly, Rika approached them and seeing that Elliot Gong stood closer to Lexi, she raised her chin with an investigative gaze. Her right brow was arched as if she was an overprotective sister.


    "Hey hey, keep your distance, young man." When Rika reached them, her gaze never left Elliot Gong and stood in the middle of them that made him take several steps back. "She''s not avable. Don''t destroy my ship." Herst remarks made both Lexi and Elliot Gong''s brows twitched.


    "I''m not sinking anyone''s ship." Elliot Gong heavily sighed before leaving these two best friends alone.


    Turning her head to Lexi, Rika brightly smiled before she bearhugged her. "Bestie~ you''re doing great~!" Sounding proud because Lexi hadn''t had NG''s and oddly enough, Elliot was the cause of their NG''s. Still, it was only a few mistakes. Therefore, Arnold Shen didn''t mind because the results were still satisfying.


    Patting Rika''s back, Lexi smiled. Ever since that day when they both went shopping, their friendship grew quite stronger as they would talk in DM''s whenever they were free.


    To Lexi, she was grateful to meet such people in this lifetime¡ª thoughte, it was still worth it.


    "You too, you''re doing great." Chuckling, Lexi responded.


    Maybe, Lexi could not ask for more. She has a loving family, real friends, and a man that respects her and endlessly supports her. Despite not being in an official rtionship with him, Lexi was seeing Ethan Lu as her prospective husband. After all, if her feelings grew deeper and like what she said, "think about him 24/7" she would marry him.


    Lexi and Rika chatted for a while as they went to Rika''s tent. They spent their time there whenever they were changes in the scene or the setup. Even if Rika had to work a scene, Lexi would still stay inside the tent whenever she wanted to rest while most of the time, she would watch them act; that had been her routine since three days ago.


    ****


    Soon, it was night time and Arnold Shen called it a day. Since thest scene they filmed was about Lexi''s, Rika, and Elliot''s character¡ª the three decided to eat out after they had finished the scene.


    After bidding goodnight to Arnold Shen and all other staff who was fixing the set, the three of them headed to where Elliot''s van was located.


    "I can''t believe the three of us are eating together." Still, in disbelief about how these things turned out, Rika cast Lexi a disapproving gaze. She invited her to dinner but Lexi also invited Elliot Gong. Of course, he was shameless enough to agree hence, here they are¡ª walking towards a dim ce where Elliot Gong''s van was parked.


    "It''s alright, me and Eli need to interact more so we can polish our acting and give a natural vibe." Ignoring Rika''s usual unreservedments, Lexi nonchntly responded. Since the three of them were quite tired, none spoke a single word until they were near Elliot Gong''s van.


    "There it is." Spotting his ck car that was nearly camouging with the obscure surrounding. Elliot Gong then pressed a button on his key for it to light. However, when he did, they saw another ck car that was parked behind Elliot Gong''s van.


    As they reach Elliot Gong''s van, the driver''s seat of the car that was parked from behind the vehicle suddenly opened. Since the three of them were tired and couldn''t care less anymore, they didn''t notice a certain someone approaching them.


    As Rika went in first, Lexi waited for her to settle her seat before she hitches a ride. However, just when she was about to enter the van, a hand suddenly slipped and held her hand.


    Stopping in her tracks, Lexi felt that this scene seemed too familiar to her. This warmth, this faint yet alluring smell¡­


    "Why do you I always catch you entering another man''s car, every time?" Smirking, Ethan Lu''s heart softened because finally, he could able to hold her hand again, even for a short time.


    Lexi slowly turned to face the man on her side and seeing him after a week and odd days, part of her heart was relieved. Did she miss him? She didn''t know. But, one thing''s for sure, she was d to see him, face to face.


    "Ethan¡­"


    Meanwhile, while the two were having the time of their life staring at each other, Rika''s heart skipped a beat. Her gaze altered from Lexi to Ethan then Ethan to Lexi. Although Lexi already told her about them dating, she still could not believe it. Or rather, her heart wasn''t ready for this silent dog food that was served right in front of her.


    On the other hand, Elliot Gong heavily sighed the moment he saw Ethan Lu. Maybe because he already had the shock of his life back when his friend appeared out of nowhere and did what he was doing right now.


    "Did he know I parked here? Hey! Are you stalking me?" Murmuring his first sentence, Elliot Gong shouted the rest from the driver''s seat as he felt that Ethan Lu was keeping a good eye on him.

 Chapter 174 Oh-so-romantic hero

    <h4>Chapter 174 Oh-so-romantic hero</h4>


    "Eli, can we pretend that we''re dating today too?" Unenthusiastic, Rika heavily sighed by the dogfood being served on their tes.


    Currently, Ethan Lu tagged along with theirte dinner. As they eat, he kept on cing a different meager portion of dishes on Lexi''s te, while his sparkling gaze that emanating hearts and roses never left Lexi. While Lexi obediently consumed whatever he put on her te and ced other dishes on him as well.


    The vibe around these two was too bright that could make someone blind. Although Rika was happy to see that Ethan Lu was like what he was in his Weibo post and indeed deserved the crown of being Mr. Romantic¡ª she could not help but think where was her own Ethan Lu?!


    "Sure," Without a second hesitation, Elliot Gong responded. However, his answer shared the same low enthusiasm as Rika. His appetite was barely hanging as he was being attacked by this semi-public disy of affection. They only need to raise their chopsticks a little to feed each other for it to be a full-blown dogfood.


    "Nice¡­ romantic," Hearing Elliot Gong''sckadaisical answer, she responded with sarcasm. With that said note, both Rika and Elliot Gong were forced to watch and eat dog food. The only thing they were fortunate about was that they were exhausted for the long day of filming so, they didn''t have enough energy to have an energetic reaction.


    Meanwhile, the two culprits of why Elliot Gong and Rika were wondering what was wrong with them for not having such lovely aura just like them were trapped in their own little world.


    "Did you lose weight?" Gently asking, Ethan Lu scanned her small face that seemed it slightly slimmed down after not seeing for a week and several days.


    "No¡­ Did you? I think you''re the one who was losing weight, not me." Returning his question, Lexi narrowed her eyes. In her perspective, despite maintaining his dashing looks, the mild dark circles under his eyes were still evident. Moreover, his face''s natural contour had been entuated¡ª that made him look manlier.


    "I''ve been working nonstop but I am eating on time¡ª hehe, your gift is very helpful." Showing his wrist to disy the watch she bought for him, Ethan Lu grinned. "Whenever I look at the time, it reminds me of you. It''s like it was saying: I have to take care of myself to have the energy to take care of you."


    Upon hearing his cheesy lines, Rika and Elliot Gong let out a series of violent coughs. Elliot Gong pounded his chest by his fist as he almost choked by the food he was swallowing. While Rika drank a mouthful of water to help the food that had sudden traffic on her throat. Their reaction finally caught Lexi and Ethan Lu''s attention as they looked at them with a questioning front.


    "Careful, you''re not in a marathon." Reminding them to slow down in eating, Ethan Lu''s brows furrowed as he nced at Rika and to his dearest friend Elliot Gong.


    "Are you alright?" Checking both of them, Lexi concernedly asked. After several seconds, she heaved a sigh of relief seeing that they were both alright.


    "Marathon?! Oi, for your information, we were eating in peace here until you suddenly be this oh-so-romantic hero." Elliot Gong''s under-eye kept on twitching as he dissed his friend across him.


    "Bestie, is he always like this?" Leaning forward, Rika cautiously whispered. She was more surprised that Lexi was unfazed after Ethan Lu''s cheesy lines.


    "I''m used to it." Lightly chuckling, Lexi whispered and shrugged. Even though she said that but, Lexi might be a little used to it but the effect was still the same for her. It still moved her from time to time and honestly, she rather found it less annoying every time.


    "Tsk tsk... " Instead of retorting back, Ethan Lu only clicked his tongue as he mildly shook his head in sympathy.


    Soon, the four of them continued and Ethan Lu never stopped from throwing cheesy lines every once in a while. He also had the chance to talk with Lexi''s new friend; Rika. It only took them minutes to converse as if they knew each other long enough; though most of their conversation was about Lexi and how to get the girl.


    The dinnersted for two hours with Elliot and Ethan''s constant banter, Ethan swooning over Lexi, Rika teasing Lexi, and Lexi being savage to Ethan every once in a while. Still, it was still a dinner well-spent with Lexi and Elliot being morefortable with each other, Rika establishing her position as the president of EthanXLexi''s ship, and Ethan being there.


    Since Ethan Lu volunteered to drive them to wherever they would eat, stating: "you guys look tired, I don''t entrust my love''s life to someone incapable of driving", and neglecting his own exhaustion, he still drove them there. Hence, he was still the one who would drive them back to the hotel they were staying in.


    When they reached the hotel, Rika hurriedly went out first after saying her thanks while dragging Elliot Gong with her¡ª leaving the two alone. After the two left, Lexi slowly unbuckled her seatbelt as she chuckled, knowing what Rika has in mind. Turning her attention to Ethan Lu on the driver''s seat, her brows arched seeing that he was just staring at her without moving.


    "Hmm?" Leaning her side against the front passenger seat, Lexi didn''t hitch out as she stayed inside. Ethan Lu didn''t respond and only reached out his hand and opened it for her to hold.


    "I missed you. Let''s stay here for a while." He said with a subtle smile stered across his lips. It might be selfish of him to stall her time after her long day of filming. However, his longing for her just came too strong that it was driving him insane.


    "How was work?" Pursing her lips on a thin line, Lexi slowly slid her fingers to fill the gaps in between his fingers as she diverted their subject.


    Granting that they were already together since two hours ago, Lexi and Ethan hadn''t had a proper conversation to catch up on what happened to them in the past week. Despite that they kept in touch through calls and chats, it seemed it wasn''t still enough.


    Letting out a heavy sigh, Ethan Lu momentarily frowned recalling all events that urred in the past week as he consistently worked in the Lu Corporation. He already expected that it wouldn''t be that easy but still, he''s body, mind, and schedule had a drastic change that he was still adjusting to this chaotic world of top-tier business.


    "Tiring¡­ Thanks to you, I can move forward."


    "No, don''t thank me. What you''re doing is your own choice and only you can push yourself forward." Disagreeing, Lexi softly shook her head as she uttered her honest opinion.


    "I know that but still, it is also my decision to have you as my motivation." Ethan Lu smirked as he teasingly winked that made her let out a mild scoff.


    Gazing down, Ethan Lu led their hands to him, he held her hand with both of his hands as both his thumb lovingly rubbed the back of her hands.


    "Lexi, Love¡­ will you still be with me if you know I have to be a wicked man?" His gaze was bitter and his brows creased. He always had this thought in mind while he was going deeper into their family affairs¡ª much deeper than had already been. Hence, he was terrified of what would happen if Lexi found out about it.

 Chapter 175 Kisses

    <h4>Chapter 175 Kisses</h4>


    He wasn''t terrified about the danger they might stumble upon or riotous problems they might face in the future because of the whole Lu n. Ethan Lu had never thought of leaving her because of it as he would wreak havoc if it means to protect her. However, his main concern was her¡ª would she tolerate something like that?


    Granting that the oue of this courtship was uncertain, Ethan Lu had already sworn to all the Gods that he would only marry one woman named Lexi Yang. Hence, he wanted to know beforehand what would she think about his question.


    "Is it necessary to be a wicked man?" Her gaze fixed on the man that was looking down while rubbing the back of her hand. Even though Lexi didn''t know the main reason behind his question or what was exactly he was pertaining, she still had the gist of it.


    For some reason, when he was being like this, she could not help butpare Morris Liu and Ethan Lu, again. At the very least, Ethan Lu always stayed unfiltered and honest with her¡ª whether it was a piece of good news or not.


    Morris, on the other hand, never said a word to her. He just transformed into a different person and breaking their engagement without exining the reason. To her, she would understand whatever reason he had as she loved him that deeply. However, if it wasn''t for that faithful day that she caught the ambiguous message Mia Chen sent that day, Morris Liu wouldn''t tell her that he had another woman.


    "I don''t know what''s happening to your Lu family but, don''t let anyone bully you. If being wicked was yourst resort, do I have the right to judge?" Softly breaking the silence, Lexi subtly smiled as she shared her hindsight.


    She wasn''t a kind person nor has she turned into aplete angel. Lexi never prayed for world peace or have the kindest person around¡ª as long as he treated her right with respect and love, she actually didn''t mind how cruel he could be to others; that''s just how his world works after all.


    Ethan Lu slowly raised his head to see her gentle, understanding smile. Seeing beautiful face and hearing her considerate words, his heart raced much faster than it was. That instant, he felt absolutely lucky that his heart beats for her. It gave him an extreme reassurance that Lexi had this vast insight towards things.


    By instinct, Ethan Lu lowered his head again and without realizing it, his lips ced a soft, gentle peck on the back of her hand.


    On the other hand, when his breath brushed her skin before a delicate kiss was ced on the back of her hand, she stiffened as if for a brief moment, she was unable to move. Granting that she already embraced him, held his hand longer than anyone, almost let him kissed her on their first date¡ª Ethan Lu never directly kissed her, ever. Therefore, this sudden more intimate physical contact caught her off-guard.


    By the next second, just when she thought Ethan Lu would stop and look at her with a more bbergasted look¡ª she thought wrong! After that first peck, Ethan Lu ced another tender kiss.


    One¡­ twice¡­ thrice¡­ slowly going up to her wless arms as if he was losing his control.


    His action gradually rmed Lexi as he showed no sign of stopping. She would be lying if she says she didn''t feel a little scared as she wasn''t ready for it just yet. Hence, with great effort, her slightly trembling lower lip, opened.


    "Ethan!" Her call snapped Ethan who was acting by his instinct as he stopped.


    Realizing what he was doing, his eyes slowly gaped open in shock. Bit by bit, he raised his aghast expression to meet her utterly shocked front. For a minute, both of them stared at each other as both of them were beyond speechless.


    After some time, Ethan Lu let go of her hand before he ruffled his hair in dismay. Whether he was too moved and grateful for her existence or his desire to shower her with his bottomless love¡ª he knew it was not enough reason to justify his action.


    He was careless. He had controlled himself for a long time yet, he still acted out of instinct. "Sh*t¡­" He lowly cursed as he had the urged to bang his head to the steering wheel.


    "Love, I''m sorry¡­ I know there''s no excu...sed." Facepalming, Ethan Lu apologized as he closed his eyes in distress. He then turned his head to look at her, but to his surprise, Lexi''s face was crimson red. It was as if all her blood rushed to her head as she unmovingly sat there.


    To his understanding, his action traumatized her which urged him to go back to the temple and meditate so his soul could be cleansed. Unbeknownst to him, Lexi''s dilemma wasn''t what he thought it was.


    Currently, her heart was beating so fast as she could still feel his heavy breathes and soft touches on the back of her hand. This made her heart thumped louder and faster¡ª it was so fast that it was somewhat painful. She could hear Ethan Lu and his apologies, however, her mind was malfunctioning as of the moment and she could not respond.


    ''What is this¡­?'' She thought inwardly as she held her hand on her chest.


    Seeing her acting like this, if only Ethan Lu could kneel on a washboard this very instant, he already did with his both hands raised in the air. ''She''s traumatized¡­ stupid, stupid me!'' He cursed over and over again with an added insult inside his mind.


    ****


    [Inside a grand vi]


    Churu stared at the icy man that she hated ever since the beginning of her journey as the system''s guide. Since her interest was piqued when she spent a day with Wren Tanaka and witnessed a variety of exciting scenes that day, she still hadn''t gathered enough answers from him.


    Therefore, asking for a day off from Lexi, she attended the meeting they held. Of course, she would be lying if the dangerous aura from inside the deste restaurant didn''t excite her. But, to her surprise, when Morris Liu entered the room while Churu was snuggling on Wren''sp, she immediately noticed Chris Yu¡ª that made her swoon over the man.


    As Churu was busy hopping from Wren Tanaka to Chris Yu and vice versa¡ª showering them with love, her ears were still attentively listening to their discussion. When she heard Wren Tanaka uttered "...no wonder you have to push Miss Yang away." she stopped and turned her head to the two conversing men.


    As Churu listened to their conversation up until the person who was sleeping on the long couch that had the most dangerous aura woke up¡ª Churu fixed her gaze to the stoic front of Morris Liu. s, the flying dumpling remained silent until she heard Seraphina Yue says;


    "Kidding."


    "Hey, you''re not kidding¡ª your strong bloodlust, I can smell it!" Churu sassed as she looked at thex woman in dismay.


    "No need for the head, Miss Yue. As long as he would disappear¡ª I don''t care." Morris Liu bluntly responded with his usual t tone.


    "Nice. hehe,"


    "Oi, you sound like a hitman or something. Please have some decency¡ª your drool!" Wren Tanaka murmured but seeing that there was still dried drool on the corner of her mouth, his stress level reached its peak.


    [Present Time]


    "I can''t say I sympathized with you because on how you treated Lexi but¡­" Churu sat on top of the small table as she looked at Morris Liu who was silently drinking a strong whiskey all by himself.


    "Huh, I did horrible things to her¡­ I thought that if I pushed her away, she will eventually get tired and leave, but, I never thought that her means of leaving would be, death¡­ I''m pathetic, don''t sympathize."


    "HUH?!?! Did you hear me?! Can you see me?!" Shaken to the core, Churu jolted from her seat as she flew closer to his drunk figure.

 Chapter 176 Churus advice

    <h4>Chapter 176 Churu''s advice</h4>


    Morris Liu subtly smiled. His hand slowly raised as he reached his finger to the white blurry dumpling in front of him. "Adorable." He said as he tried to poke her.


    *GASP!!*


    Churu gasped in disbelief as she flew a little farther from him. "You can see me?! As in, SEE and HEAR?!" Panicking, Churu was bbergasted by this turn of events.


    "Huh, I think I''m going crazy¡­ I can hear the walls screaming." With that said bitter note, Morris Liu downed another ss full of alcohol. Right now, he could faintly hear a small voice and a faint white figure flying in front of him. However, since he was drunk, Morris Liu thought he was having delusions¡ª or believed it was the effect of the alcohol andck of rest.


    Upon hearing hisst statement, Churu heaved a sigh of relief. She almost had a heart attack seconds ago. "Good grief¡­"


    When her heart calmed down, Churu heavily inhaled as if she was gathering all her energy forces before she shouted while looking above;


    "Hey, old hag! What are you doing?! Stop testing out stuff if it will be buggy! @(#-&$!!" As far as she knew, only Lexi should see her. Hence, there was only one exnation of why the drunk Morris Liu was hearing her¡­ on a second note, there''s also one possibility why he was seeing her.


    "Oy! What will happen to this man?!" As expected, Churu never heard a response even after the harsh curses she threw at her.


    "She must be having fun toying with me." She fumed before turning her attention back to the mncholic man. She flew closer and sat at the center of the small table. Since he could hear her in his drunken state, she must at least take this chance to give him a piece of her thought.


    "As I was saying before that bug¡­ my anger towards you might lessen a little bit, still, you and Lexi are not meant to be. Everything happens for a reason because¡­ God is always bored and he needed some entertainment!" Churu''s tone escted quickly on herst sentence. Still, half of what she said was nothing but facts.


    Since she came from the heavenly world, she knew one or two things how this world works, and how the Absolute One had his odd way of teaching his creations a lesson¡ª for a better cause or whatever cause he had in mind.


    "Well, that''s just how it always is..." Churu heavily sighed once again.


    She had hated Morris Liu since day one because of his overbearing and strong arrogance. However, she never really thought that there woulde this time of the day that, while Lexi and Churu would normally have their facial sessions¡ª Morris Liu was drowning himself with guilt, regret, and painful memories of the past.


    "You''ll eventually find your perfect match." This time, Morris Liu didn''t respond immediately as he continued to wordlessly drink his sorrows away.


    "Match¡­ huh, I don''t need that¡­" He bitterly muttered which made Churu frown.


    If only, Morris Liu met Wren Tanaka or Seraphina Yue much earlier, he would have been preparing for his uing marriage with Lexi. However, he only had this chance after everything was done. After he lost everyone he cared about¡ª after losing the only family he acknowledged¡­ he didn''t know what he was fighting for anymore. Was the death of Kong Shuren enough?


    [Short shback]


    When Morris Liu was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Liu Empire and its ''major'' shareholder, he was weed with a mind-boggling truth that he never heard before: their family had fallen a long time ago.


    Indeed, his first day of being the Liu family head was also the day he discovered that his position was a mere valueless title. Instead, he was sacrificed to be the next puppet of the master puppeteer: Kong Shuren.


    Granting that the Liu Empire still stood tall on top of the socialdder, however, because of the huge debt they had to Kong Shuren¡ª the most powerful man in the underworld in country x, they ended up being his employees behind closed doors.


    Of course, since Kong Shuren was a smart man, he knew the value and weight of the Liu Family, therefore, he milked every benefit he could from Morris Liu''s dumb Uncle and used the Liu Family connections to cover up his illegal business. He also let the Liu Empire operate like how it used to be while being the real owner from the shadows.


    Morris Liu already had his suspicions back when he was a director of theirpany. However, with little vague shreds of evidence and mere hunches, he didn''t specte despite being restless by every passing day.


    "Morris Liu, my new dear confidante! Wee aboard!" Kong Shuren weed him. He was in histe 40''s with a scar on his right closed eye.


    Those were the words that he first heard in the first meeting with the former chairman¡­ or rather, the former puppet that covered up Kong Shuren''s schemes.


    In spite of knowing the truth, Morris Liu managed to keep his icy front intact as he swore in his mind that he would take back their family to its former glory. However, that same day, Kong Shuren unted his powers to him and how low he could go to make him bend.


    ***


    "Since you already know the truth, my CEO Morris, why not be obedient and go with the flow, eh? After all, your Liu family still remained at the top with my protection. Also, you don''t want your fiance and the Yang family to be involved, right?" The man said with a vicious smirk as a murderous glint that shed across his eyes after he shot someone in cold blood.


    "Don''t drag them into this." After keeping his silence for a while, Morris Liu spoke as he nced at the lifeless body of a man that was drowning with his own pool of blood on the concrete ground.


    "Of course, I won''t." Kong Shuren slowly strode towards him and ced his tainted hands on his shoulder. Tapping it lightly, he whispered, "It will be you who will decide if you want to involve them or not." with that said threat, he left with a satisfied smile after seeing Morris Liu''s priceless reaction.


    ---


    [Present Time]


    "Well, the person for you wille whether you like it or not¡ª but that won''t be Lexi." Shaking her head, Churu bluntly uttered with this stubborn, egotistical man.


    "Not her¡­ Mhmm, I gave her up a long time ago." Responding to the apparition, Morris Liu bitterly muttered. Although he didn''t want to give her up, he must.


    He knew already knew that he must give her up. The first day he hurt her and the following events after that¡ª he had lost all his rights. Furthermore, the fact that she attempted suicide, Morris Liu knew he failed. He failed to bring the Liu Family to its former glory and he failed to protect her. Instead, he pushed her to ruins.


    "Say, what do you think will happen if I told her about Kong Shuren?" Fixing his disoriented gaze to the adorable dumpling, he asked.


    "Huh? You should have known the answer to that." Tilting her head to the side, Churu responded as she didn''t mind conversing with a drunk Morris Liu. After all, he won''t think this was a reality.


    "Right¡­ she will try to understand. She will stay, she will involve herself in the deeper mess, but¡­ that''s not the life I want for her. Yet, I still gave her hell¡ª what''s the difference, I''m still pathetic."


    Churu pursed her lips on a thin line as she watched Morris Liu me himself for everything. Although Churu wanted to me him, however, how could she judge now? What happened to them was cruel. Morris Liu was in a hell predicament and he could only take small baby steps to beat Kong Shuren while trying to protect the people he cherished¡ª even if it means hurting them instead of entirely losing them by that man''s hand. Yet, he was too naive not to realize that hurting Lexi was the same as losing her in the hands of Kong Shuren.


    Thus, he lost her.


    On the other hand, Lexi''s love was too deep that she was willing to lose her life instead of coping with the pain. Hence, even though Churu felt sad for Lexi, she could not fully me Morris Liu.


    "Can you get a hold of yourself?! You''ve done everything you can and that''s what''s important! If you really love Lexi and want to show penitence, then be a better person! The damage had been done¡ª you can''t do anything about it! You can never reverse the time so, the only thing you can do is do what you originally want to do! You frustrate me!" Frustrated, Churu fumed as she yelled at him in one go. Unbeknownst to her, her advice would soon backfire on her.


    "What I initially want?"

 Chapter 177 The Taming Hearts

    <h4>Chapter 177 The Taming Hearts</h4>


    The next day¡­


    "Oi, stop spreading bad vibes here." ncing at the gloomy corner where Ethan Lu sulk, Elliot Gong could not help but diss him. He could even feel the gloomy aura spread throughout the tent that effectively distracted him from getting in character.


    "I''m so stupid¡­" Murmuring, Ethan Lu wept as he recalledst night''s event.


    [Short shback ofst night''s events]


    As Ethan Lu relentlessly apologize to her, Lexi didn''t utter a single word as she unhurriedly left his car with a little spirit.


    Of course, Ethan Lu followed and also knelt on the concrete ground. He asked for inhumane punishment for what he did but to no avail, Lexi seemed she could not hear his pleas as her steps never faltered.


    [End of short shback]


    "You just realize that now?" Shaking his head, Elliot Gong heard his repeating murmuring as Ethan Lu kept on calling himself stupid which Elliot Gong agreed.


    "Shut up! Leave me alone!" Frustrated, Ethan Lu retorted back as he red daggers at his friend.


    "What? This is my tent¡ª you leave me alone!" Dismayed to the core, Elliot Gong snapped as he tossed the script on his hand and grinded his teeth while ring at Ethan Lu.


    Just then, Arnold Shen entered Elliot Gong''s tent as he needed to discuss something with Ethan Lu''s cameo. Sensing that both men inside were shooting invisible daggers at one another, he chuckled as he always sees them like this every time.


    "Good afternoon gentlemen!" Arnold Shen heartily greeted that broke the stifling atmosphere between the two.


    "Director Shen," Upon hearing Arnold Shen, Elliot Gong stood from his seat and slightly bowed his head to as he politely greeted back. On the other hand, Ethan Lu waved his hand as he resumed to sulk in the corner.


    "Mr. Lu, will you lend me an ear for a minute?" Ignoring Ethan Lu''s extreme depressing mood, Arnold Shen brightly smiled that caught Ethan Lu''s attention.


    *****


    Outside Elliot Gong''s tent, Ethan Lu followed Arnold Shen as he remembered that the second reason he was here was that he asked for a cameo with Lexi. He almost forgot about it after being up all night and reflect on his purpose in life.


    "So, for the cameo, Mr. Lu, I heard that you have a nice singing voice¡ª same with Miss Yang." Confirming on this talent of his, Arnold Shen inquired with his brows raised.


    "Uh, correct." Still unenthusiastic, Ethan Lu nodded.


    "Great! So here''s the scene for the cameo." Grinning, Arnold Shen excitedly handed the script for his cameo.


    "Thanks, Director Shen." Unlike his uttered words, Ethan Lu sounded ungrateful by his t tone.


    Regardless, Arnold Shen ignored that before he excused himself. What''s important to him was that if Ethan Lu pulled it off, even if it was just a cameo, it will bring a great impact on the movie. After all, every little detail about the movie: Taming Hearts were meticulously written and approved by Arnold Shen himself.


    When Arnold Shen left, Ethan Lu didn''t go back inside the tent to give his friend his own space so he could concentrate on his work. Instead, he walked without any specific directions as he read the script.


    Upon scanning the scene that he would participate in, a slight smile formed on the side of his lips as it was a perfect scene he has in mind and it was just brilliant!


    ****


    Soon, the scene where Lexi, Rika, Elliot Gong, and Ethan Lu was about to start after enough preparations. Obviously, the three of them already know the script which is why the three of them were looking at Ethan Lu with different expressions.


    Elliot Gong peered at him with extreme dismay, while Rika''s eyes were sparkling, anticipating what would happen next. On the other hand, Lexi gulped a mouthful of saliva for some reason.


    Currently, Ethan Lu was also wearing a traditional ancient outfit¡ª just like Lexi''s. Since he was being ignored by her, Ethan Lu pretended that he was fine and still kept his bright smile on his face.


    When director Arnold Shen cued everyone to get ready, all artists and production staff prepared for the second before thest scene of the day.


    "ACTION!" With that said note, the camera started rolling as everyone attentively watched them.


    The scene was in the middle of a fierce group battle as Rika and Elliot Gong were ambushed. Because the two of them were now an important figure in the nation, their enemies didn''t underestimate them and sent arge group of mercenaries.


    As Xue Yingyue, Rika''s character fiercely fought; Elliot Gong as Long Yutao didn''tg behind. However, since the enemies came prepared, they seem they are endless as they surrounded the two¡ª leaving them zero escape route.


    "Xiao Yue, I''ll distract them and you escape." Elliot Gong as Long Yutao whispered. They had been in this brawl for quite some time and even though they were elite fighters, the enemies before them were endless. Hence, he decided for Rika''s character as Xue Yingyue to escape. After all, he knew that Xue Yingyue was their real target¡ª he wouldn''t let them.


    "No! I can''t leave you!"


    "Hahaha! Do you think we can let her escape?" One of the men who seemed to be their leader and the most troublesome of all sneered.


    Just then, Chang''e who was as ignorant as ever came from behind and tapped one of the man''s shoulder, she asked; "I beg your pardon, have you seen my husband?"


    "Huh?" Turning to see who was asking such a question in the middle of the deadly situation, the man''s brows creased seeing a woman who was wearing ancient clothing with a puzzled look.


    Since they were ouws that trespassed the nation from the other border, even innocent people¡ª women or child must be killed if they saw them. Furthermore, with the current urrence, the man was rmed and without a word, heunched a shed attack with his long sword which Chang''e swiftly dodge as she jumped backward.


    "You fiend whose face was drawn by an inexperienced artist!" With that ridiculous insult, Chang''e raised her hand as a violent wind that was as sharp as a real sword made the man cough up blood and the rest of the hoodlums were thrown back.


    This sudden turn of events snapped Xue Yingyue, Long Yutao, and the rest to turn their head to the other unit group that was wiped out. When the thick dust slowly vanished, there, they saw a beautiful woman whose ancient clothing was fluttering in the air with a scornful expression stered across her face.


    "I was only looking for my Hou Yi¡ª how dare you raise your weapon on me!" Chang''s growled in disgust. Raising her gaze, she saw Long Yutao and Xue Yingyue panting with bruises on their faces while being surrounded by arge group of ck-uniformed men.


    "Chang''e¡­" Xue Yingyue muttered as she could not believe that she''d see her again. On the other hand, Long Yutao''s eyes widened upon seeing the friend that suddenly vanished out of nowhere.


    "You¡­"


    "It was you two, have you seen my husband?" d to see the two humans that she made acquaintance with, Chang''e smiled as she slowly made her way towards them while using the unconscious men as her stepping stone.


    "What are you doing? Get her!" Agitated at what happened, the man who was giving orders earlier shouted. It wasn''t enough for him to discern what happened and the threat Chang''e had shown raised their hostility.


    "Kill her and these two!" He added before they attacked them all at once.

 Chapter 178 Ethan as Changses white rabbi

    <h4>Chapter 178 Ethan as Chang''se''s white rabbi</h4>


    As the whole groupunched their attack, Xue Yingyue, and Long Yutao was more worried at Chang''e. Despite whatever trick she did to defeat a whole unit of their enemies, they could not help but be uneased. After all, this was their fight and they could not let an innocent person be involved.


    "Chang''e!" Xue Yingyue shouted before dodging a bullet that was fired at her and blocked the sword that next assaulted her.


    "That wom¡ª" Long Yutao was unable to finish his sentence as he was attacked as well. In his mind, he needed to talk with this woman after disappearing without a word. Although he must not care about her as they only knew each other for a brief moment, s, she still hadn''t rified herst statement before she disappeared without a trace.


    Regardless of their establishing anxiety, both were unable to do anything to help her in an instant. Just then, the group that was attacking Chang''e was pushed back by a strong wind before they flew in every direction.


    This halted the enemies from besieging Xue Yingyue and Long Yutao as they were briefly distracted by anotherndslide winning from the woman. Taking up this chance, Xue Yingyue and Long Yutao went on offense mode and defeated the enemies surrounding them¡ª reducing the enemies half their numbers.


    "You! Get that woman first! I will capture Xue Yingyue myse¡ª" Even before the man could finish his sentence, Chang''e appeared in front of him and swiftly held him by the neck. Even though the man was obviously bigger in size, Chang''e lifted him up without exerting any effort.


    "Who will you kill?" She scorned and after a second, she snapped the man''s neck before he could even answer her. Her action sent fear to the enemy as the man she just killed was the strongest among them. Hence, their morale was also crushed. On the other hand, Xue Yingyue and Long Yutao gaped their eyes in disbelief.


    Unaware of the impact she had caused them, Chang''e raised her hand and without further ado, she shed the air and sent the remaining enemies flying. It all happened in a fraction of five seconds that everyone could not grasp what urred.


    Thest thing they knew was a woman who shone as bright as the moon in the night staring emotionlessly at them before their vision went ck.


    Scanning the area with tons of unconscious body on the ground, Chang''e heaved a sigh of relief. She then strode towards Xue Yingyue and Long Yutao who were staring at her in a daze.


    "It''s been a while," Chang''e greeted with a smile¡ª unaware of the shock she had caused the two.


    "You... " Long Yutao murmured in disbelief.


    "Me?" Tilting her head on the side, Chang''e repeated in confusion.


    "Thank God, you were fine!" Suddenly, Xue Yingyue jumped in and hugged her in relieve. After herst encounter with Chang''e, just like with Long Yutao, she went on her own way without a word. Hence, she was relieved to know that she was fine and still looking for her husband.


    "I knew this was gonna happen¡­" Out of nowhere, a man''s voice was heard followed by a loud resonating bang.


    The time seemed to slow down as Long Yutao and Xue Yingyue watched Chang''e who suddenly appeared in front of Long Yutao. Both of them didn''t know where the bullet went until Chang''e turned her back against them to face the man whose face hid in the darkness.


    "Scram!" Even without raising her hand, a harsh strong wind stormed towards the man which he dodged by the skin of his teeth.


    "Tch," The man grinded his teeth before he retreated and disappear into the shadows.


    Chang''e watched the man retreat but due to the striking pain she inflicted, Chang''e didn''te after him. The next second, she felt that she started to weaken as the strength of her knees gradually deteriorate until they gave way.


    "Chang''e!" The first to react was Xue Yingyue but the first person to rush to her was Long Yutao.


    "Hey!" Catching before she tumbles down, Long Yutao panicked. His hand that was supporting her back was tainted by a thick crimson red liquid that made him slightly tremble.


    Shaking her lightly, he looked at her now pale face that was slowly draining with life force. "Hey, don''t you die on me!"


    By this time, Xue Yingyue already called for reinforcement and help from their headquarters. However, seeing how fast the blood that wasing out from Chang''e, she instantly asked Long Yutao to give pressure on her wound.


    "Hou Yi¡­" Chang''e slowly blinked as her eyesnded on Long Yutao''s panicking semnce. For some reason, she was seeing her husband as he was yelling yet, she could not hear his words clearly.


    Although she was a deity, Chang''e had lingered longer in this world. Hence, her body began to be mortal. Furthermore, she was shot in a vital part that would instantly kill a normal human.


    "I''m so d I found you¡­" She murmured as Chang''e used her remaining strength to reach Long Yutao''s face, but before she could do so, her energy fell short which made her hand slowly copse.


    Long Yutao choked as he caught her falling hand. Tears started to form on the corner of his eyes as he stared down at her drained profile. He didn''t know why, but his heart seemed like it was being clenched by someone. He didn''t have any deep emotion with this woman, however, his heart seemed he knew her for a long time.


    Tightening his grasp on her hand, Long Yutao hung his head low while clenching his teeth. His heart was experiencing unimaginable pain. It was as if he was losing someone important to him.


    "Hey¡­ you haven''t found your husband. I¡­ I''m not Hou Yi, hey wake up¡­"


    Suddenly, a light glowed on Chang''e side. Both Xue Yingyue and Long Yutao''s attention were caught as they looked at the light that was growing bigger by the second.


    Soon, all Long Yutao and Xue Yingyue could do was squint their eyes as the light suddenly shed at their eyes making thempletely shut their eyes.


    There, Chang''e''s white rabbit turned into a beautiful man in a white as snow ancient clothing. The man''s pained gaze was fixed on her paleplexion that made his brows slightly creased.


    Squatting down, he slowly got her out from Long Yutao''s embrace as he carried her in his arms. When Long Yutao felt her weight lightened, he opened his eyes.


    As his eyes recovered from the blinding light earlier, a man was already carrying Chang''e in his embrace and without a word, he turned his back against them and started walking.


    Long Yutao and Xue Yingyue were rendered speechless with the man that suddenly appeared out of nowhere and immediately disappeared with Chang''e.


    *****


    Ethan Lu as her rabbit that transformed into his human form carried her in some unknown high mountain where the light of the moon directly shone on them.


    "Chang''e¡­" His voice was filled with nothing but pain. He had been herpanion all these years, yet, Chang''e''s love towards Hou Yi was infinite that she even descended from her pce just to look for him.


    Ethan Lu softly traced her temple down to her chin using the tip of his fingers. She was dying¡­ her life force was being drained faster than it should. Still, the man didn''t do anything magical.


    He just held her into his embrace as he began singing in a soft, low tone;


    "Believe in my unwavering sincerity


    A thousand years of wait, you have my promise


    No matter how much winter has passed


    I will never let you go~" As he sang, white, small lights particles emanated from the man as his energy slowly transferred to her.


    "Believe me, I chose to wait


    No matter how tough it is, there is no hiding


    Only your gentleness can save me from


    The eternal coldness~" The man continued to sing as he held her as if she was the warmest ce he could ever be. Despite the fact that his life was being reduced, he was d that herplexion started to be better again. He could feel that her life force was slowlying back.


    "Love is the only beautiful legend that never changes in our hearts¡­" Upon finishing the song, the beautiful man slowly turned back to being a white rabbit as Chang''e''splexion turned back to normal. The wound on her back disappeared without a trace and she continued to sleep in peace.


    None wouldn''t understand what kind of love the rabbit has for Chang''e but one thing was for sure¡ª he sincerely valued hispanion''s life more than his own.


    "Cuuut!" Snapping to reality, Arnold Shen shouted over the microphone with absolute satisfaction.

 Chapter 179 Ism so proud of her...

    <h4>Chapter 179 I''sm so proud of her...</h4>


    The whole crew was in tears as they could feel the lyrics with so many feelings in it. Moreover, how Ethan Lu sang and delivered it, they were beyond touch by the unrequited love of the rabbit to Chang''e as it was too noble.


    "Tch¡­ even in the movie, he''s going all out with his public disy of affection." Grumbling beside Rika, Elliot Gong dissed as he could not believe that Ethan Lu had gone this extreme to impress Lexi.


    "Shut up, boo hoo~! How can he be so perfect? Chang''e should abandon Long Yutao!" Wiping her tears on the corner of her eyes, Rika expressed the overwhelming feelings she felt from the scene.


    "Stop destroying my ship!" After she wiped her tears, Rika vented her frustration to the innocent Elliot Gong who was just doing his best in portraying Long Yutao''s character. She pinched his shoulder and mildly pped them as she continued to use him of interfering with her ship.


    Meanwhile, Ethan Lu walked towards Lexi with a smile. Lending his hand out, he helped her stand up from wherever sheid earlier.


    "Thanks," Forcing a smile, Lexi awkwardly send her appreciation.


    "Sorry aboutst night," Since she was ignoring him for a whole day, Ethan Lu took advantage of the fact that they were in the middle of the set as everyone started doing what they needed to do.


    "Uh¡­ it''s fine. Forget about it." Slightly shaking her head sideways, Lexi murmured.


    "It''s not fine¡­" Upon hearing her response, Ethan Lu frowned. He resumed, "I will understand if you get mad at me, punch me, kick me, or curse me¡ª it''s fine, but don''t ignore me¡­ please?"


    "Ethan, I am alright, okay? And, I am not ignoring you because of that." Rolling her eyes, Lexi heavily sighed.


    Indeed, surprisingly enough, Lexi wasn''t entirely mad about what he did. However, her heart was uncontrobly racingst night until she fell asleep for god knows howte. Hence, she tried to remain distant for the day since every time she sees him, her heart started to beat faster and reminded her about his heated soft lips touching her skin.


    "Huh?" Confused, Ethan Lu was puzzled if he should believe her or not. After all, he certainly believed that what happenedst night traumatized her. Hence, he already gave Lyrick Jiang the shock of his life that he would be working on the temple while he cleanses his immoral soul.


    Just then, the assistant director approached them saying Arnold Shen wanted to talk with them. After receiving the message, Ethan Lu and Lexi agreed and followed the assistant director¡ª pausing their conversation.


    ***


    "Uh¡­ " Rubbing his chin, Arnold Shen was conflicted about where this story was going.


    First, they made some twists in the story with the ending of Long Yutao and Chang''e due to their chemistry. However, after the scene with Ethan Lu, even the writers were struggling as Lexi and Ethan Lu''s chemistry was great as well. What''s more? The effect of the scene actually gave Long Yutao in a bad situation¡ª hence, the dilemma.


    "Hehe, Director Shen, can I have a minute?" Guessing what he wanted to discuss, Ethan Lu smiled.


    When both Ethan Lu and Arnold Shen were a little farther from them, Ethan Lu started talking while Arnold Shen lent him an ear.


    "You know Director Shen, I don''t want to make things harder for you just because I''m your investor. But, I have another request. Will you hear me out?"


    Arnold Shen scrutinized Ethan Lu''s rxed front before he sighed and nodded.


    "Will you cut off my face with all the scene with Chang''e?" Without further ado, Ethan Lu requested. Actually, back when he asked for a cameo, he never intended to reveal his face. He just wanted to experience working with Lexi and at the very least, let the whole world feel she was being loved by him.


    After all, he never actually need to show his face¡ª just one song is enough. Moreover, hemended Arnold Shen as he had done a good job with the cameo script because Ethan Lu would actually request for him to sing for her or even just a touching song that she would hear.


    "Huh?! You¡ª Young Master Lu, is that fine with you?" Slightly surprised, Arnold Shen asked again to confirm that he heard him right. He intended to ask Ethan Lu if it was fine to make him faceless in this scene since it was the easiest way for Chang''e and Long Yutao not to destroy their ending.


    After all, how Ethan Lu portrayed the human rabbit: his facial expression when she held her, his gestures, and even how he sang the song¡ª one would be a robot if they didn''t have the ''feels''. Therefore, cutting his face and only showing glimpses of his lips, eyes, and his back would be enough.


    "Hmmm, also, thank you for the opportunity, Director Shen." Courtly bowing his head, Ethan Lu sincerely thanked from the bottom of his heart.


    Seeing his kind gesture, Arnold Shen smiled as he bowed back. This was the reason why even though he doesn''t usually ask his artists or even an investor like him regarding the storyline¡ª Ethan Lu was an exception. He was a humble young man that doesn''t think highly of himself despite shelling out money in this movie.


    After exchanging endless kind words, Arnold Shen prepared for thest scene of the day. But before he goes, he asked him: "If you don''t mind me asking, Mr. Lu¡ª do you perhaps like Miss Yang?"


    Ethan Lu smiled, "I don''t." His gaze then shifted to Lexi who was busy consoling Rika, with a tender gaze, he added; "I love her."


    His response made Arnold Shen smile as he slightly bowed his head. "I wish you the best¡ª for you and Miss Yang." He said before he left.


    ****


    Since Lexi''s role was an important and interesting character, her screen time has added. Hence, she has to stay for thest scene together with Rika, Elliot and other main characters that were relevant in the story.


    Meanwhile, Ethan Lu watched them from the distance as his eyes never left Lexi. He didn''t pay attention to the scene they were doing but his instincts told him that it will be a hit. After intently watching her, no matter how he knew Lexi, but the Lexi he was looking at right now was an entirely different person.


    He would be lying if he said he didn''t want to strangle Elliot Gong whenever his hand touches her or any physical contact they made. He had been counting the times in every physical contact as he counted them as Elliot Gong''s debt.


    Regardless of the fact that he was being drowned with vinegar, Ethan Lu remained rxed and didn''t throw a huge fit. After all, he recalled that this was Lexi''s one of her bucket list; to work with Arnold Shen.


    It still surprised him that he would have this kind of vast understanding towards her. He was known to be a short-tempered guy, yet, when ites to her, everything was understandable.


    "I''m so proud of her¡­" He whispered with a subtle smile.


    Until now, he could not believe that the Lexi he deeply loves had gone through horrible things. When he met her, she already hit rock bottom and was willing to kneel and swallow her pride.


    But now, she was slowly standing up and little by little, moving forward from the past. Thus, he felt honored to witness her growth. Forget about the time when she would ept his love, for him, seeing herself getting together again was also an achievement fulfilled.

 Chapter 180 Family Outing

    <h4>Chapter 180 Family Outing</h4>


    Four months had passed since the filming of Taming Hearts began. Two weeks ago, they finally wrapped up and they were only waiting for the premiere night.


    "So, what now?" Turning her head to her side, Churu inquired to Lexi who was busy sewing another dress for her.


    "Hmm?" Without turning her head, Lexi hummed a questioning tune to Churu''s sudden inquiry.


    "I mean since the filming of taming hearts ended and you don''t take projects even if your name is well, mildly cleared¡ª what''s your n?" Touching up her facial mask, Churu uttered in a matter of factly tone.


    In the past two weeks, Lexi had been idling around their house. If she would not help minor things in the Yang Company, she would be watching aedy show or sewing clothes for her and making a facial mask. Therefore, after observing her for two weeks, Churu must ask what was her n now? Help Abigail Fan in the agency?


    "Actually¡­ I''ve been thinking of starting a business." cing down the cute costume she made herself for Churu, Lexi shifted her gaze to the cute dumpling as if she was very productive by the way she talks.


    "Business? What business~?"


    "I want to start a skincare line." Looking at Churu and the facial mask on her face that she personally concocted, she grinned.


    Lexi had been thinking about what she wanted to do after aplishing taming hearts. However, because of how hectic their schedule with the film with all the changes and location problems¡ª she never had the time to give much thought about it.


    But,st week, while she was refilling the facial mask that Churu loved so much, Lexi thought: ''if a talking dumpling that came from whatever world like this, maybe, just maybe I can make money out of it?''


    "Skincare~?!" Churu''s eyes lit up. In her mind, the business would be a whole warehouse filled with facial masks so she wouldn''t run out.


    "Hmmm, I still have to do more research and attend seminars about this field. Don''t worry, Sissy¡ª you won''t run out of facial masks again." Chuckling, Lexi briefly exined. Churu might not know it but Lexi had already enrolled in different seminars and sses to know more about the business she wanted to venture.


    After all, even though she has the capital but thepetition was tough¡ª she needed more knowledge about it. Moreover, in retrospect, Lexi actually wished to be a dermatologist back then. However, due to her engagement to Morris Liu, she set that aside and studied business management.


    But now that Lexi only needed was to think about herself and what kind of career she desired¡ª Lexi might not be a dermatologist or specialist but, thinking about having a skincare line, it actually made her heart raced in excitement.


    "Amazing¡­~" Staring at Lexi in awe, Churu had envisioned her space bag to be filled with facial masks she could take when she goes back to where she came from.


    "Hmmm, just thinking about it is amazing but, after our family outing, I have to hustle to make this work." Despite knowing the struggle she would face in building a business on her own¡ª without the help of the Yang family; Lexi wanted to prove to herself that she could do something by herself.


    "Oh oh~! Lexi, let me see my swimsuit~!" Reminded of their vacation grande, Churu''s excitement escted quickly.


    Lexi happily graced the excited dumpling with the swimsuits she prepared for her and even a small wide brim summer straw sun hat. She made sure that Churu''s swimsuits and outfit would match hers since they were sisters for life.


    *****


    The next day¡­


    Just like what Frederick Yang prepared, the whole family of three flew to an ind where they could unwind.


    The resort they checked in was a huge private resort and hotel that was screaming with extravagance. Not only that, but the ambiance was so soothing and rxing and the view was to die for. In other words, it was a perfect ce for them to ease their stress.


    Lexi was mildly surprised that his father found this ce despite his busy schedule. Walking up to Frederick Yang, she linked her arms around his, "Dad, how did you find this ce?" Lexi smiled sweetly but to his father''s perspective, she was examining him.


    Lillian Yang softly chuckled seeing that her daughter was instigating his father about the ce because Lillian Yang already knew the answer.


    Clearing his throat, Frederick Yang looked away from Lexi''s keen eyes as he answered, "From a friend¡ª yes, a friend of mine rmended this ce."


    "Really, Dad?" Smiling, Lexi had this ''are you about that, father dear?'' expression stered across her face.


    Just then, a private chopper descended to the open area from the distance to where they stood. For some reason, Lexi''s attention was caught. Soon, she saw a man in a white long sleeve blouse that was tucked to his elbows, it has a deep v-neck cut that revealed his honed chest, matched with a daring color of dark orange for a spring summer-like shorts. He had a straw boater hat on his head and sunsses covering his eyes.


    Repeating her words, Lexi sweetly turned her head back to her father who''s lies were revealed immediately. "Really, Dad? Whose friend?"


    "Oh, dear, we were already caught." Jumping in, Lillian Yang giggled upon seeing Ethan Lu who was now leisurely walking his way to them.


    "Mom! You''re also in this?" Dismayed, Lexi was in disbelief that her parents invited Ethan Lu into their family outing. It was not like she was mad about it, but still, wasn''t this a family outing just for the three of them? Therefore, how could she spend time with her parents if she would be flirting with Ethan Lu?


    Indeed, some time ago, Lexi started flirting back with him as her way to make him run away from her. After all, up until now, she hasn''t forgotten the feelings of his kisses. s, after Ethan Lu runs away, he would alwayse back and the cycle repeats.


    Soon, Ethan Lu reached them and with a bright smile, he greeted! "Woah! Uncle, Auntie, Lexi, you''re also here? What a surprise!"


    "Yes, Ethan. We are also here." Rolling her eyes, Lexi shook her head as Ethan Lu''s lies were too obvious as his expression told her everything she needed to know.


    "Auntie~! Hi Uncle~!" As usual, Ethan Lu excitedly greeted Lillian Yang and after a bow, he gave Frederick Yang a knowing grin. He added in between his giggles, "Are we busted?" Hisst remarks made Lillian Yang heartily chuckle while Frederick Yang bit his tongue to stop hisughter.


    "Gosh¡­" At this point, Lexi wondered if who was her parent''s real child because certainly, how they root for Ethan Lu was like how parents support their own child. Nheless, she could not do anything about it now since he was already here.


    "Oh ho, Sissy~! I hope I find cute guys here~!" On the other hand, Churu who already knew thising could not be bothered as she began her hunt for her prospective date. Surely, this gave Lexi an extreme headache as her only ally has her own hidden agenda.


    ''I think this won''t be as rxing as I thought it would turn out¡­'' Lexi thought inwardly as she unenthusiastically watched Churu''s wiggling bum while flying away from her and then to her parents that was heartily giggling with Ethan Lu.

 Chapter 181 Too much skin

    <h4>Chapter 181 Too much skin</h4>


    Lexi watched her parents being taken away by Ethan Lu as he shows them around as if the ce was his. Since they treated him with his same enthusiasm, Lexi let the family of three wander around while she would go on her own adventure.


    Shaking her head, Lexi heavily sighed before she turned her back towards the opposite side where they headed. "Whatever¡­"


    As Lexi roamed around the huge resort, her thoughts about Ethan and ''his'' parents were thrown at the back of her mind as her astonishment to the establishment was fabulous! Although she was raised with luxury, Lexi knew that this ce was on a different level. Besides, being in this ce doesn''t only require money but also connections to the whole club.


    Obviously, there are also socialite guests, however, their numbers were insufficient to make the whole establishment crowded.


    Aside from the resort''s top-notch amenities, Lexi''sst destination was the beachside. Peering at the horizon while the slight violent wind brushed passed her, a subtle smile formed on the side of her lips.


    After a tiring four months of filming Taming Hearts, Lexi appreciated the ce even more as her body and mind needed this break. Although she mostly idled around the Yang Mansion to rest, this ce was just different and serene. The location was just too fascinating that she swore she wanted to go back again someday.


    "He''s really dependent¡­" She muttered with a subtle smile. Despite knowing that it should be expected from him that Ethan Lu was an expert in this field as well, still, it still amused her every time.


    Since she had all the time in the world, Lexi leisurely went back to her hotel room to prepare herself for a swim.


    ****


    Meanwhile, Ethan Lu happily toured the Yang parents. Since Ethan Lu had been here many times, he knew this ce''s map like it was written at the back of his hand.


    "This is a private jacuzzi for lovers¡ª quality time, Mom, Dad?" Comfortably addressing them as his inws, Ethan Lu widely grinned as he showed a private jacuzzi space for lovers. Winking at Frederick Yang, Lillian Yang chuckled as Ethan Lu cast his husband a knowing look.


    "This is a good ce, indeed." Clearing his throat, Frederick Yang diverted the subject as heplimented the establishment he rmended. As expected, Ethan Lu didn''t disappoint him as it was a perfect ce for them to spend their family time privately.


    Away from the city, from stress, and other major concerns for a while and just rx. Moreover, Frederick Yang couldn''t date his wife more often after everything that had happened. Hence, he definitely liked the idea.


    Since they had been walking around for quite some time now, the Yang parents excused themselves from Ethan Lu as they needed to take a rest. After saying their appreciation for his effort, they went in their own separate ways.


    When Ethan Lu watched her parents enter the elevator before it closed, he tipped his sunsses a little upward with a smug grin stered across his face.


    "Now, where is my lovely future wife?" He muttered as he excitedly searched for the person who held his heart.


    Since Frederick and Lillian Yang needed to rest for a bit, they didn''t finish the tour which means, Ethan Lu only needed to look for her in the areas where they didn''t visit.


    Looking for her to the infinity pool area, Ethan Lu only saw a few guests in their bikinis that were either taking photos or swimming. There were also some other dudes that were chatting quietly with other girls. If it was before, his flirtatious nature would be ignited seeing such gorgeousdies¡ª foreigners and not. He was probably one of those guys that were hunting for their prey.


    However, now that his heart belongs to someone, he didn''t give them a second look as his interest wasn''t piqued. If only his friend could witness this: Ethan Lu deliberately missing his chance to flirt and have someone to y with¡ª they would think that the world was ending.


    Nevertheless, he would be lying if he said he didn''t find those women attractive. It was just that, he had fallen head over heels to Lexi that in his eyes, none wouldpare to her beauty and allure. After all, he had somewhat caught a glimpse of her unclothed body.


    Upon recalling that incident, Ethan Lu suddenly halted in his tracks and stood frozen like a fool. That''s right, he had seen her naked body¡ª even though it was dark, his perverted eyes could still remember her drool-worthy curves.


    "*gulp*" Having such thoughts in the middle of the day, Ethan Lu swallowed a mouthful of spittle before he profusely shook his head to get that memory off of his mind.


    "Haist! Immoral, immoral me! Remember, I haven''t forgiven you for what I did to her." Through his gritted teeth, Ethan Lu lectured himself for the time when he mildly crossing the line¡ª taking advantage of her hand that made her semi ignore him for a whole month.


    As he lectured himself while walking to wherever he could find her, Ethan Lu unconsciously headed to the beachside. On the entrance, he was still talking to himself inwardly, a woman''s voice reached his ears.


    "Ethan? Ethan Lu?!"


    Turning his attention to the source of the voice, Ethan Lu meekly smiled seeing a very familiar woman. "Loreen!" He greeted.


    The woman who was confidently wearing a ck two-piece bikini with a ck cover-up that highlighted her as white as a sheet of paper skin. s, Ethan Lu''s didn''t dare travel his eyes on her exposed skin as he focused on the woman''s face.


    His reason? It was not because he would lust over her but to him, he wouldn''t like another man looking at Lexi''s tempting body if she was wearing like this.


    "Oh my gosh¡­! It''s good to see you again!" The woman named Loreen gracefully walked towards Ethan Lu to give him a hug, but in the end, Ethan Lu took a step back as he raised both of his hands for a high five¡ª which slightly startled the woman.


    "Hehe, nice to see you too, Loreen!" Awkwardly chuckling, Ethan Lu feigned ignorance from the narrowed, investigative eyes of the woman.


    "Ha¡­ hmmm, now, I am doubting if the man''s in front of me is the Ethan Lu that I know." Slowly nodding her head, Loreen peered at him from head to toe and from toe to head.


    "Haha, don''t say something like... that." Ethan Lu''s sentence was interrupted midway after he caught someone''s figure on the corner of his eye.


    Since his radar to Lexi was too strong, he instantly knew who was that figure. But, the moment he turned to see her, a sudden slow, sexy music seemingly rang inside his head and everything went in slow motion.


    Unhurriedly tipping down his sunsses¡ª to get a clearer vision, Ethan Lu''s heart raced as he gulped another mouthful of saliva. Even though the weather wasn''t that hot, for some reason, it started to get heated while watching Lexi not far away from his standpoint.


    Currently, Lexi was drenched as she came out from the shore wearing only a two-piecece-up ruffled bikini top, matched with a high waist, dark green bottom.


    She was akin to a model walking for amercial shoot for a bikini brand as her wet hair, wless skin, and perfect curves were just too pleasing to his eye.


    ''Holy heaven¡­'' Ethan Lu whispered inwardly as his gaze captured every detail of her whole being. It was as if he was engraving them to his mind so he would not forget them forever.


    Everything went back to normal when Lexi turned her gaze to his direction. Arching her brows upon shifting her gaze to the seductive woman on his side, she scoffed before she turned her back on him and reposed to one of the beach lounge chairs.


    "!!!!" Gasping in disbelief, Ethan Lu clearly saw the scornful look she gave him despite the slight distance.


    "Huh? Who are you looking at?" Scanning the area, Loreen followed his gaze but to no avail, she saw no one.


    "Loreen, nice seeing you but I have to go. See you around!" With that said note, Ethan Lu hastily took immediate strides to Lexi''s direction¡ª afraid she misunderstood him.


    Also, he wanted to have a serious talk with her about something that was truly troubled him to the maximum degree. "Tch, too much skin¡­ too much skin."


    On the other hand, Loreen innocently tilted her head to the side before she muttered with a shrug, "alright," and went inside the establishment.


    *****


    Meanwhile, Churu who was leisurely sitting somewhere above. She rubbed her chin as a smile slowly formed on the side of her lips.


    "Hehe, this seems interesting¡­ Lexi jelly jelly¡ª Ethan jelly jelly, hihi~" If only Lexi heard her, she''d surely reduced her facial mask sheets.

 Chapter 182 She wasnst jealous

    <h4>Chapter 182 She wasn''st jealous</h4>


    When he was near her reposing figure on the meticulously made lounge chair¡ª that was under the shade of the huge umbre, Ethan Lu stopped in his tracks as he mildly pped his cheek and sandwiched them by his hands to get himself together.


    "Miss Lexi Yang!" After a few ps, Ethan Lu stumped his steps towards her. Stopping on her side, Ethan Lu could not help his eyes but scan her exposed with droplets of seawater on her skin.


    After a gulp, Ethan Lu suddenly copsed on his knees with both of his hands up in the air. "My baby love, whatever you saw is not what you think it is."


    As expected, Lexi didn''t respond as her eyes remained closed while her left knee was scrunched up. "I swear to heaven and to all deities that Loreen is not important. I am not flirting or anything of the sort." Sounding like a guilty boyfriend, Ethan Lu rified in one go.


    "Hmmm¡­ I don''t mind, really. You shouldn''t leave your friend alone¡ª she might get lonely." Despite sounding benevolent and indifferent, Lexi''s words were like sharp daggers of a triggered girlfriend. Still, she didn''t open her eyes to see Ethan Lu who gasped being brutally misunderstood.


    "Urghh! Please love love, hear your servant out¡­" Pleading desperately, Ethan Lu panicked as he didn''t know what was on her mind.


    Granting that Lexi didn''t mind his long list of exes, however, it still bugged him about this horrible past. Therefore, Ethan Lu kept his distance from any woman so that Lexi wouldn''t misunderstand him from flirting with them. But, for the love of Christ, she had to see him with a beauty like Loreen.


    "Mhmmm," Humming a tune, Lexi let him exin whatever reasonable rationale he has to be that close to a woman. She wasn''t jealous, really, she was just concerned about him¡­ or that was what she kept saying inside her head.


    Still, despite convincing herself with her own lie, Lexi felt like pinching his ear while slightly twisting it for some reason.


    Clearing his throat, Ethan Lu slowly lowered his hands that were held high, but he put them back up in the air when she said, "Keep them up there,"


    "Alright! Loreen, that woman earlier was a business partner before in my smallpany..."


    "Mhmm¡­"


    "Love, baby, your majesty, don''t judge yet, alright? As I was saying, even though I was a flirt back then, I don''t mess with my business affiliates, alright? I kept our rtionship professional and clean¡ª she can attest to that! Also, she might be a hugger¡ª"


    "Mhmm, a hugger." Repeating that she could use against himter, Lexi interrupted him midway as she could not help not to.


    This only made Ethan Lu ghastly expression turned even worse. Anyhow, he must salvage himself and clean his name to her. "Yes! She was raised in a western country and she''s really friendly! But, her husband is my good friend!"


    With hisst remarks, Lexi slowly opened her eyes before she unhurriedly turned her head on her right to see his distress expression. "She has a husband, you say?"


    "Yes! They even invited me to their weddingst year! He''s probably somewhere here as well!" Seeing a sliver of hope, Ethan Lu profusely nodded his head. Lexi scrutinized his countenance first before she uttered,


    "Put your hand down." Lexi then sat and leaned her back against the lounge chair as she slightly shook her head.


    Seeing that he was half absolved and half not, Ethan Lu gulped a mouthful of saliva as she was punishing him by unting her honed tummy, wless fair legs, her lean shoulders, and enticing corbones. This heavenly scene almost made his nose bleed and just swoon over her. However, Ethan Lu was just there, kneeling as he awaits her verdict.


    "Love¡­ w- will you cover-up, please?" Mustering all his courage, Ethan Lu stammered. No matter how he adored being showered with her boundless sexiness, the bottom line was, he didn''t like other men to see too much of her skin.


    "Cover-up?" Arching her brows, Lexi narrowed her eyes to Ethan Lu who looked away from her. Yet, seeing how red the tips of his ears were, the corner of her lips curled into a smirk.


    Lexi then pivoted her position to face him while her feet touched the sand beside him. Slowly leaning forward, she asked in a whisper, "Why?"


    Even with the distance between him and Lexi, he felt her feverish breath touched the side of his neck, which made him stiffened in an instant. Trying to respond to her, but to no avail, his words were stuck on his throat.


    "I-- I¡­"


    Seeing him like this, Lexi bit her lower lip to suppressed her chuckles. Yet, in the end, she could not hold it in. "Pftt--!"


    When Ethan Lu first heard her giggles before her loudughs, he frowned. He already knew she was teasing him, but what could he do? Every time she does this, he just falls for her even more.


    Covering his face with his huge palms, he thought while blushing,: ''So cute¡­''


    After some time, Ethan Lu unhurriedly uncovered his face as he looked up to her. She was staring at him with an entertained countenance while her chin was supported by the back of her hand that was resting on her now covered legs.


    "Love, do you like revealing clothes?" Frowning helplessly, Ethan Lu honestly inquired. He resumed, "I know everything you wear¡ª I might see them all revealing but, even if I don''t want others to have a glimpse of even the tiniest of your skin, I don''t want to restrain you from being confident with your body, I canpromise."


    "Hmm?" Raising her brows, Lexi anticipated on how would hepromise. She wasn''t surprised that he bluntly blurted out that he found whatever she wears revealing because of Churu.


    "I can fight." Smiling, Ethan Lu simply spouted his resolve. His words wereplex but reassuring. He meant to say that Lexi could wear whatever she wanted because he could fight¡ª might not physically but he now has power.


    Hearing his response, Lexi chuckled as she never heard someone telling her those, or rather, in retrospect, everything Ethan said¡ª he uttered them with an extreme conviction that they sounded different.


    "Hey, I heard there was a good hot spring here, want toe?" Diverting their subject as she didn''t have any response to it, Lexi softly invited.


    Although she sounded like she was giving him a sign, Lexi wanted him to rx as well. After all, since he was already here and he had been pulling all-nighters to finish a project, Lexi thought he needed a break as well.


    "Love, stop teasing me¡­ I might misunderstand." Frowning, Ethan Lu perceived it as another challenge for his self-control.


    Well, no one could me him as the hot spring she was talking about was a very private ce. Thus, being there with her would be exceptionally challenging.


    "Please, don''t. But, Mr. Lu, aren''t we here to unwind? You also deserve to loosen up a little." Still, with a subtle smile, Lexi reasoned out.


    ****


    Churu watched the two and eavesdrop on their conversation. Upon hearing Lexi''s invitation, a satisfied smile formed on the side of her lips.


    To her, it was just a matter of time before Lexi would ept him as she already reached 90/100 allure points based on the system status. Thus, Churu knew that sooner orter, her mission would bepleted.


    After all, after this task: ept Mr. Main task¡ª there would be only one more task and after that, she must bid her farewell. The reason why she was slowly reducing her presence around Lexi.


    "This is frustrating¡­" Churu whispered before she flew far away from Lexi and Ethan.

 Chapter 183 Steamy hot spring?

    <h4>Chapter 183 Steamy hot spring?</h4>


    Hourster, Lexi and Ethan Lu headed to the hot spring area. Since the ce had some quite distant from the resort and hotel they checked in¡ª they rode the hotel shuttle service for an hour drive.


    As they were being delivered to the ce where Lexi wanted to go, Ethan Lu felt restless as he constantly nced at her from time to time.


    "What is it?" Sensing his sneaky nces, Lexi arched her brows without turning her head to her side. She already changed into a white floral maxi dress and a new set of bikinis underneath, thus, she could not understand why he kept looking at her.


    "Hmmmm¡­" Instead of spilling his words, Ethan Lu hummed as he rubbed his chin as if he was pondering something important.


    "I told you if you don''t want toe, don''t." Rolling her eyes, Lexi slightly shook her head.


    [Short shback]


    Earlier, when she invited Ethan Lu, he neither epted nor rejected it. Instead, he replied: "You and me? Love, are you sure?!"


    His response slightly confusedly her. Based on the attendant that told her about the hot spring, it doesn''t there seemed to be a problem. However, Ethan Lu''s reaction seemed they were about to face a great hurdle.


    "Why? Is it dangerous? Did someone died in there?" Lexi''s first thought was that there must be something in the said area that was hidden to the public.


    "Uh, no. It''s totally safe there¡­" Waving his hands sideways, Ethan Lu answered.


    ''...but I''m certain it would be dangerous for me.'' He murmured inside his head.


    Heaving a sigh of relief, Lexi smiled. "Then, there''s nothing to worry about."


    "W-wait, baby, love, can we not¡ª"


    "You don''t want to?" Furrowing her fleek brows, she tilted her head to the side. To her eyes, Ethan Lu seemed conflicted with the idea. Hence, she proposed, "Then¡­ we, I mean, if you don''t want to, I''ll just go myself."


    She almost blurted out if he was ufortable with it, then they shouldn''t go. However, for her own selfish reasons, Lexi didn''t want to halt her desire to check out the ce just because he didn''t want to.


    "I''ll go!" Seeing how determined she was, Ethan Lu uttered in an instant¡ª shrugging what was bugging him. It was not that he didn''t like the idea, however, she had been seducing him since earlier and he had been restraining himself from losing his mind. Thus, if she teased him there, god forbid him from doing anything crazy.


    "Are you sure?" Arching her right brow, Lexi thrust her chin a little forward as she wasn''t convinced about his unsteady front. Nheless, they still head together.


    [Present time]


    "How can I miss the chance." Murmuring, Ethan Lu smugly grinned. Although he was conflicted about the idea as the ce was to dies for, however, he had already warned her. Thus, his hands were cleaned.


    Lexi only cast him a quick side nce as she could notprehend Ethan Lu''s unusual behavior. Despite that, she didn''t give much thought about it as he was always like this¡ª weird.


    Soon, the hotel''s shuttle slowly came into a full stop indicating that they arrived at their destination. Lexi creased her brows seeing that they stopped in front of a long stairway of stones going up. Turning her head to Ethan Lu, Lexi frowned.


    "Is this why you''re reluctant? We''d sweat before reaching the ce?"


    "Hehe, nope. The person up there is weird." Forcing a smile, Ethan Lu shook his head sideways. He then asked as he raised his hand pointing at the stone stairs, "Are we still going or not?"


    Heavily puffing out, Lexi mildly shrugged her shoulders. "Thank God, my ts arefortable."


    "Alright," Raising his brows, Ethan Lu grinned as he followed her.


    For some reason, Lexi felt that Ethan Lu didn''t appear not to like the idea unlike his behavior earlier¡­ rather, she felt that there was something odd going on in his mind. However, knowing Ethan Lu, he wouldn''t harm her anyway. Moreover, she trusted him. Hence, she brushed off her thoughts the moment they came in mind.


    As they walked up the stairs with discretion¡ª Lexi''s lead while Ethan Lu watched her back, she almost slipped as her footwear was slightly slippery on the stones. Thanks to his reflexes and Lexi''s petite figure, Ethan Lu caught her by his arms.


    Worried, he asked: "Careful,"


    "Uh, thanks." Surprised, Lexi heedlessly nodded her head. Apparently, what happened was too fast out of the blue, hence, she barely held on the stone railings.


    Ethan Lu delicately helped her get her bnce before he muttered, "I mean, be reckless and you might fall for me¡ª no worries, I''ll catch you."


    "This is not the time for your cheesy lines." Letting out a faint scoff, Lexi mildly shook her head as her racing heart due to her mini heart attack reduced a little.


    "Hehe, that wasn''t meant to be a joke, alright?" Grinning, Ethan Lu responded before they resumed going to their destination.


    The atmosphere between them became light as they bantered about that one cheesy line Ethan Lu threw at her. Regardless, it made Lexi''s heart stabilized from her unexpected slip.


    Soon, their unforeseen ''hiking'' ended as they reached the top. There, looking at a small and simple establishment, Lexi''s brows creased. To her, unlike the grand resort with stunning amenities, this spot was itsplete opposite. She didn''t see anything special about it aside from the long, tiring stairway to get there.


    Lexi expected that after that tiring experience, she would be weed by another astounding ce¡ª not a simple and old fashioned abode. Nevertheless, Lexi didn''t mind at all as she really wanted to try the hot spring.


    "No wonder the guests don''t bother," Lexi muttered. After all, everyone she saw back in the resort were evidently elite among elites and they wouldn''t exhaust themselves just to have a spring in a simple inn. Well, in retrospect, Lexi would not even bat an eye as well as there were hot spring ces that were much better than the ce before her eyes.


    "Uh, yeah¡­ I''m still surprised you were entice to go here." Nodding in agreement, Ethan Lu stared at the front small establishment before a smile formed on the side of his lips.


    "Let''s go? You won''t back out after all that trouble, right?" With that said note, Lexi nodded with a ''whatever'' expression stered across her face.


    As they entered the ce, they were weed by a few staff that, as usual, Ethan Lu knew very well.


    "Young Master Lu, it''s nice seeing you again!" A man in histe 40''s greeted Ethan Lu after a bow.


    "Nice seeing you, boss!" Slightly bowing in return, Ethan Lu gestured a salute with arge grin.


    ''He can really win the award of Mr. Congeniality.'' She thought inwardly as everyone that Ethan Lu meets, he had a very close rtionship with them. Understandable as he had a very likeable personality.


    "Girlfriend?" With a knowing grin, the man leaned closer to Ethan Lu as he whispered while ncing at Lexi who was meekly smiling at them.


    "Soon," Winking, Ethan Lu muttered with arge grin. "Anyway, Boss Chard, this is my beloved Lexi Yang¡ª Love, this is Mr. Richard Si; the owner of this ce¡­ the whole ce." Raising his brows, Ethan Lu referred to the whole resort and hotel including this hot spring spot.


    Upon hearing the simple man''s name, Lexi''s eyes unnoticeably dted before she put up a business smile. Slightly bowing her head, Lexi greeted, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Si."


    "Nice to meet you too, Miss Yang. Hmm, so I suppose you''re here for a steamy hot spring?" Grinning from ear to ear, Richard Si assumed.


    For some reason, Lexi had a sudden premonition based on his expression. Still, she shrugged it off, "Yes,"


    "Okay! Let me guide the both of you," More enthusiastic than the two, Richard Si heartily offered as he guided the two to the changing area and informed them the rules of the hot spring.

 Chapter 184 The Lotuss confession

    <h4>Chapter 184 The Lotus''s confession</h4>


    When Richard Si exined everything and left the two, Lexi forced a smile on her lip as she turned her gaze to Ethan Lu''s feigning innocent front. Although she was smiling, it was evident on her face that she was displeased at some point.


    "What?" Pretending not to know the meaning of her gaze, Ethan Lu looked at her innocently.


    "No secure partitions, really?" Trying to control her brewing anger, Lexi sweetly smiled at him.


    "Baby¡­" Slowly covering his chest, Ethan Lu warily looked at her as if he was trying to protect his innocence.


    "Ethan Lu¡­" with a warning tone, Lexi had the urge to bite him. Why was he acting that he was worried that she would take advantage of him?


    "Love, calm down. There''s a partition for women and men section alright? Just not, you know¡­ secure¡ª but at least, there is, that''s what important, right?" Carefully uttering his words, Ethan Lu implied that there was nothing to worry about. Scrutinizing her profile, he heavily sighed before he added, "If you don''t approve then, we can always go back to the hotel."


    "Tsk," Clicking her tongue in annoyance, Lexi red at him before she began taking strides towards the changing area. Brushing passed at him, she warned firmly.


    "No peeking." Lexi then resumed on her strides¡ª leaving him.


    "Hehe, I should tell that to you." Ethan Lu murmured as he giggled. This time, he was certain that he would get her attention.


    "Time to unt my manliness~" He giggled as he went on the men''s locker room.


    ****


    After taking off her clothes, Lexi wrapped her body with a towel without anything underneath. She put her hair into a bun and took off any essories she had on and ced them inside the locker.


    "He''s really confusing me¡­" Thinking about Ethan Lu''s gentleman persona and now, this¡­ Lexi could not discern if he agreed because she urged him to or because he really liked the idea of bathing with an unreliable partition between them.


    Going inside the spring, apparently, the only thing that separated them was a clumsily arranged bamboos. However, she could see the person and what he was doing on the other side without exerting much effort. Regardless of this fact, Lexi still agreed because she trusted Ethan Lu. After all, he never took advantage of her and even if he did now, she''d really beat him to a pulp with no way she wouldplete the task.


    Fortunately, she saw Ethan Lu chatting with Richard Si earlier, hence, she came first into this incredible hot spring first. Indeed, aside from the flimsy bamboo partition that she could not understand why Richard Si didn''t bother to get it fixed¡ª still, the view was incredible.


    With the help of the hot water, Lexi didn''t mind the slightly cold breeze that was touching her face. After bathing herself, she hurriedly headed to the steaming spring while taking off her towel¡ª hot spring rules: one mustpletely naked as Richard Si followed the Japanese Onsen''s etiquette. Well, Lexi already had that experience back when she was traveling hence, she truly understood this fact.


    She peered at the view of the ind and Lexi calmed down. Truly, she didn''t regret going there despite the hassle of reaching this ce. Moreover, even though the establishment''s front was simple, the interior especially where she was currently at was superb; which reminded her of the saying: One must not judge the book by its cover.


    ''This is rxing¡­'' Lexi thought inwardly as she leaned her back and indulge at the mesmerizing view while her tensed muscle gradually rxed. Surely, one would not know if their hard work was worth it or not if they didn''t try¡ª that was her sudden realization.


    After some time of tranquility, Lexi was startled when she heard the door from the other side opened. Subconsciously, she turned her head to see the person who came in. That very instant, the person she was seeing through the huge gap of the flimsy partition was Ethan Lu.


    There was a small towel around his waist to cover his private area, yet, seeing him almost naked for the first time, Lexi''s eyes traveled to his perfectly sculptured chest, down to his honed six-pack abs. Lexi was momentarily stunned as her gaze was fixed on him. Since she never had such naughty thoughts about herself and Ethan, Lexi didn''t expect him to have such great shape.


    Lexi didn''t notice that she was intently watching him as he poured himself with normal water and quickly bathe himself before he strode towards the other side of this muscle-rxing spring. Before Ethan Lu could jump in the spring, he raised his gaze to meet the mischievousdy who was watching him.


    The corner of his lips curled into a smirk while droplets of water dripped down from the tip of his hair that almost reach his ear which made him look enchanting and seductive than ever. "Love, I''m taking this off¡­" slowly loosening the towel that barely hanging on his V-line, he bewitchingly teased.


    Upon hearing him and witnessing what he was about to do, Lexi instantly looked away as the tip of her ear flushed. She could hear her heart race which made her breathe frantically as the atmosphere felt heated even more.


    ''What am I doing? Lexi Yang! I am ashamed of you¡ª you''re not a pervert, never!'' Reprimanding herself inwardly, Lexi wanted to p herself as Ethan Lu would surely use this to tease her; maybe not now but in the future¡­ or so she thought as the man on the other side of the useless partition was grinning from ear to ear.


    "Hehe, I actually don''t mind gracing you with¡ª"


    "Shut up!"


    "Haha! Kidding," Bursting outughing despite being shushed down, Ethan Lu unconvincingly spouted his words in between hisughs. His smile was priceless as he had been secretly observing her the moment he entered thus, he was beyond delighted to see her face slowly flushed as she heedlessly watched him.


    "Tsk," Clicking her tongue, Lexi red at him before she hastily returned her gaze to the wonderful view to forget the view that she adored earlier.


    ''This view is much better, yes, better. I am Lexi Yang, not a talking dumpling, alright? That''s right.'' Inside Lexi''s mind, she could not rx just like earlier as Ethan''s abs, the droplet of water dripping from the tip of his hair, his lean v-line kept on shing before her eyes. Therefore, to conceal the rednessplexion that was slowly building on her face, Lexi soaked half of her face as she didn''t dare turn her head anywhere else.


    ****


    After some silence, Ethan Lu didn''t tease her further as he didn''t want to overdo it. After all, he could bring this up in the future when she was officially his. Ethan Lu peered at the view as the sun was about to set.


    "How nice¡­" He mumbled that was audible enough for thedy on the other side of the partition to hear.


    "Hmmm," Mildly recovering, Lexi hummed a tune as a response. After that, another moment of silence enveloped between them yet, it was not awkward at all. But rather, it was still rxing andforting.


    "Love, let this be our second official date." Proposing out of nowhere, Ethan Lu had a subtle smile on the corner of his lips. He didn''t notice that it has been four months since their first official date as both of them had a busy schedule. Despite that, he would always drop by at the Yang mansion or to the Taming Heart''s set to spend some time with her.


    "You mean now?" Furrowing her brows, Lexi didn''t have anything against the idea as the interval of their dates was actually too long.


    "Hmm, now." Slowly nodding his head even though she wasn''t looking, Ethan Lu hummed. Since the things in the Lu family was getting serious by the day, he knew that he must tell her the critical things about him.


    "Love¡­ do you want to meet my family?"


    Lexi pursed her lips on a thin line as she had the urge to look at him by his question. However, even though his body was hiding under the spring, she didn''t for her safety.


    "If you asked me, I don''t want you to meet them just yet." After a minute of no response from her, Ethan Lu bitterly said his opinion. He added after a beat,


    "You see, our family is very chaotic especially now that I came into the picture¡ª all who wanted to be the next family head were alling after me¡­ I don''t want them to disturb your peace¡ª those people are really troublesome to deal with." He bitterly uttered as he felt ashamed. After all, her parents wee him with warm opened arms and even let him tag along in their family outing.


    However, to him, he actually didn''t mind introducing her now orter. But, if he was to choose, he would rather introduce her if he had full control over the Lu Family. In that case, the people who would bother Lexi would be reduced which he could easily keep an eye on.


    "Ethan¡­" As Lexi attentively listened to his statements, she already got the gist where he wasing from. She wasn''t dumb, not to know those obvious things. Considering that Ethan Lu had always y around all these years then suddenly, he came back to their family¡ª reiming what''s rightfully his that he had given up in the past.


    However, that was not her major concern at the moment; meeting his family, entangling herself with their family drama, and the conclusion if she stepped her foot inside the Lu family household... she wasn''t ready yet.


    "I¡­ I think I''m starting to like you¡ª I mean, my heart sometimes raced like crazy with you around. I was pissed seeing you conversing with another woman, I don''t know. Maybe, it is safe to say I like you, not as a friend but I see you as a man."

 Chapter 185 Should I break this crappy partition?

    <h4>Chapter 185 Should I break this crappy partition?</h4>


    Each and every word that escaped her mouth, her heart pounded louder yet, it didn''t bring her any pain¡ª instead, it brought her little more confidence.


    "I know these signs, I do. No one made me feel I am safe to be myself except you¡­ maybe I already like you¡ª it''s crazy. After being in love for years to someone, I feel like my heart is jumping too fast to another man." Confident, yet, her tone was low as memories of the past shed before her eyes.


    She had love Morris Liu to the deepest part of her heart. Hence, she found it ridiculous to love someone else this fast. After all, it had only been half a year since their engagement was called off and her demise.


    Regardless, she knew, even if she denied her heart¡ª Lexi knew Ethan Lu already upied a special ce in her heart. She didn''t want this man to change, she would give her utmost understanding, and she was willing to be his strongest support.


    However, that was her problem; how can she be a good support if she knew very well that she incapable as of the moment? After all, she was considered as a starter in life: meeting new people, gaining true friends along the way and trying to achieve something for herself.


    "You treated me with great value, considered me in everything you do, making me feel safe more than anywhere in the world¡­ Ethan, I never thought that there will be another man that will make me feel this way¡ª an infamous yboy to top it all off." Letting out a faint scoff, Lexi recalled how naughty and provocative he was before¡ªthat irked her to the core.


    The guy that tried to flirt with her with his winks, with his bewitching smile and his natural flirtatious nature¡ª who would have thought that¡­ this man has hidden gantry inside? Indeed, just like this ce, Ethan Lu was more than with his dashing looks and a tainted reputation.


    Setting aside his long list of exes, just like he said, he was just a scum¡ª not part of the lowest of the low; which was utterly silly. Still, to her, whatever reasons behind why he dated too many girls in the past, it didn''t matter anymore. What was important to her is the present and how this thing between them would work.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu''s heart stopped beating and produced a long tline sound as he received her words in slow motion. Was he hearing what he was hearing? She like him?


    For a moment, Ethan Lu was unable to move as he sat there while looking at the mesmerizing view with eyes open wide. He held his breath and only breathes every two seconds, afraid that he would miss even one word from her.


    "A-are y-you confessing to me?" With great effort, Ethan Lu stuttered revealing his shocked, overwhelming happiness and more emotions that were bursting out in his heart all at once.


    "Isn''t obvious?" Rolling her eyes, Lexi subconsciously turned her head to see Ethan Lu''s bbergasted front through the huge gap of the partition. Fortunately, only his buffed chest was revealed that wasn''t enough to distract her.


    Turning her gaze back to the setting sun, she continued in a matter of factly tone. "Yes, I am confessing to you, alright? It might not be as beautiful and touching like yours but I am trying to express what I feel for you."


    With that said note, something snapped inside his head as a myriad of thoughts came rushing inside his mind. The peace in his mind suddenly turned chaotic as ''I''m getting married'' hovered in his senses. If Lexi was epting him now, then, he would marry her right then and there.


    After all, there was a small chapel nearby, her parents were also here to attend their wedding, and they could treat this family outing as their first honeymoon destination. Thoughts like these immediately struck Ethan Lu and slowly, he turned his head to the partition.


    For a moment, he wanted to break the partition that separated them in one blow to see what she looks like and listen to her confession face to face. He wanted to witness this lovely words that were escaping her mouth.


    "Uhh¡­ this is unfair¡ª should I break this crappy partition?" Impatient, Ethan Lu murmured that still reached Lexi''s ear.


    "Don''t!" Whether he was kidding or not, Lexi aggressively halted him as she wasn''t finished yet. Moreover, they were still naked for Pete''s sake!


    "Ahh!! This is unfair, love! I want to see your face while you''re saying these words!" Feeling dejected, Ethan Lu grumbled in dismay.


    Heavily sighing, Lexi slightly shook her head. Part of her knew he wouldin. However, the reasons why she decided to say these things to him: one was because he opened up about the Lu family, and two, he could not see her¡ª perfect timing for confessing.


    "So, should we prepare for our wedding?" Frowning, Ethan Lu didn''t go round in circles as he went into the whole bottom line.


    "No." Without a second''s hesitation, Lexi responded. Indeed, whatever feelings she has for him that was building up firmly in her heart¡ª as she said, she wasn''t ready.


    "Ethan, I am not rejecting you but, I am not fully epting you. I know this is selfish and you might not understand, but there''s a lot of things going on in me and I don''t want to be unfair tomit in a half-hearted love. I want topletely love myself first before loving you¡­ and marrying you." ncing down, Lexi said in one go.


    Indeed, this was the main reason why Lexi denied her feelings for as long as she could remember. Granting that Ethan Lu might be the right person for her¡ª based on the system. However, was she the right person for him now? With her current state of mind and status?


    Lexi didn''t want to just take if she was going to enter in a rtionship. Although she was used to giving in the past¡ª making efforts and such, s, she could not take too much from Ethan Lu without returning something with the same sincerity.


    Despite that he wasn''t asking for anything in return and reassured her that he''d make her notice him until she does¡ª Lexi had her own philosophy on things.


    "Good grief..." After some time, Ethan Lu heaved a sigh of relief. His response slightly confused Lexi as she didn''t expect this from him. At least, she predicted that he''d be disappointed at some point, but being relieved? Never.


    "I''m d to know I''m making progress¡­" He gently murmured with a tender smile on the side of his lips. His gaze softened as he looked at the awe-inspiring sunset.


    "Love, just knowing your resolve equates to the same happiness of being able to love you freely. Don''t worry, as you try to find yourself, I will just be on your side holding a shlight." Sounding sincere as ever, Ethan Lu didn''t mind her half approval.


    What was important to him was that Lexi was seeing his effort as a man. Actually, part of him already expected this from her. Though they were overwhelmed by his silly thoughts of marriage hence, his mind was momentarily distraught. But now, after calming himself down, Ethan Lu could finally heave a sigh of relief.


    Besides, knowing Lexi, if she would ept him just like that¡ª Ethan Lu would be bothered; not that he didn''t want her, but he was afraid that she would regret marrying him on a whim.


    After all, Ethan Lu never underestimated the word marriage. His heart wouldn''t be able to handle it if she told him the words she regretted marrying him.


    Upon hearing his response, Lexi''s eyes softened as a subtle smile formed on the side of her lips. How could she not like this man if every decision she made, he would unquestionably support and understand her? Thus, she wanted to beplete to love him just as much as he loves her.


    "Sorry..."


    "Hmm? Why?"


    "... for being such a mess," Still spending another beautiful sunset with him, her heart lightened knowing that he was just on the other side of the partition.


    "Aren''t we both? Still, you''re the most beautiful mess." Chuckling at her silly reason, Ethan Lu didn''t let this opportunity slide and ced his cheesy lines. On the other hand, she also let out a faint chuckle as she mildly shook her head.


    "Ethan, if you ever get tired of this¡­ I"


    "Now, I am disappointed." Frowning, Ethan Lu interrupted her midway as he already knew what she was about to say. He added, "First of all, I might get tired along the way but a simple break will suffice. So, Miss Yang, don''t ask me to stop pursuing you because I am chasing after my wife¡ª my lifetime partner, alright? How can I give that up?" If only he could sneak his head through the huge gap of the partition, he would scold her as he could not believe whatever she was about to say.


    "Uh, alright¡­" Nearly rendered speechless, Lexi could only raise her brows as she nodded her head. This time, she admitted internally that she would never beat Ethan Lu for his natural heart fluttering words.


    "Aiya¡­ this is still unfair." Rxing his back, Ethan Lunguidlyined with a bright smile and a content heart.


    ****


    [At the ind''s hotel where the yang parents at.]


    "Dear, it seems our daughter and Ethan haven''t returned." Worried, Lillian Yang furrowed her brows after touching up for her dinner date with her husband.


    "Hmm, that''s fine¡ª she''s with Ethan, there''s nothing to worry about." Confident, Frederick Yang buttoned his shirt cuffs. Looking at his beautiful wife that has a timeless beauty in his eyes, he strode to her back and help her put her ne.


    "You really like him, don''t you?" Chuckling, Lillian Yang watched her husband through the vanity mirror. Seeing the subtle smile on the corner of his lips, she added through her giggles. "He''s just like you back then."


    "Haha, he''s much humble¡­ that kid," Frederick Yang let out a gleeful chuckle as he was reminded of his prime years while wooing his wife.


    ****


    Meanwhile¡­


    Churu was looking at the system''s status report and Lexi''s 95/100 allure points were exhibiting before her eyes. Unlike her excuse to Lexi about her exciting manhunt, Churu didn''t find anyone attractive as they didn''t have the same dangerous level of Wren Tanaka or Chris Yu.


    "Her progress was much sooner than I expected¡­" She murmured. Although she was happy that Lexi would finally meet her happily ever after, part of her was disappointed that she would part ways with the second human she grew fond of.


    "Well, I think I have to pack more facial masks and date men even though they wouldn''t be at par with my hubby¡­" Forcing a meek smile on her adorable face, s, her eyes depicted her sadness. Letting out a heavy exhale, she looked up to the sky full of thousand stars. "I hate you,"

 Chapter 186 Kiss

    <h4>Chapter 186 Kiss</h4>


    Ethan Lu and Lexi spent their time talking about random things until the sun goes down. Of course, Ethan Lu never missed the chance to drop his cheesy romantic lines that nearly made Lexi cringe at times. Overall, it was a great experience as both felt their muscles rxed and their minds at peace.


    "Alright, I''ll go first." Since Lexi didn''t want to get out of the water first, Ethan Lu nodded as he didn''t mind whether she peeked at his naked body or not.


    Without further ado, he stood¡ª revealing everything with confidence. However, no matter how he unted his great shape, Lexi didn''t give him a second nce. Hence, he exited the spring with a dejected aura and a gloomy frown.


    When Lexi heard the door from the other side opened then closed, she heaved a sigh of relief. Turning her head and trying to confirm if Ethan Lu vacated¡ª Lexi once again sighed in relief by seeing that he was gone.


    "Now¡­ how should I face him after everything that I said?" Biting her lower lips, Lexi clicked her tongue as she closed her eyes.


    This was the first time she confessed to a man. Granting that she devoted her life to Morris Liu, Lexi actually never said such heartfelt words and received such outstanding answers. Therefore, after confessing her feelings to him for the first time, her great dilemma now was: how would she face Ethan Lu?


    After all, it was indeed unfair to him that she admitted that she liked him through a partition as if she was confessing her sins to a priest. Moreover, knowing Ethan Lu he''d teased her or humor her about it.


    Having such a headache after being at peace¡ª Lexi could only sigh before she got out of the spring and do what she needed to do before exiting the bathing area.


    However, the moment Lexi slid open the wooden door, her eyes widened seeing Ethan Lu standing outside it.


    Fortunately, he was still in his sanity as he covered himself with a thick bathrobe¡ª and not a mere towel. Her brows creased seeing that Ethan Lu was just standing in front of the bath entrance with his eyes closed.


    "Gosh¡­ you almost gave me a heart attack." Patting her chest a little, Lexi red at his innocent yet dashing countenance with a touch of seductiveness. Surely, Ethan Lu''s front was undeniably exceptional as he looked more matured¡ª just don''t let him open his mouth and smile like a fool to save this image.


    "Love, hmm, I am just curious; are we semi-lovers now? Or what?" Tilting his head as he sensed that she was staring at him, he asked. Ethan Lu didn''t dare open his eyes as freeing them was akin to torturing himself.


    However, since he was bothered about this question not being answered, Ethan Lu was confused. If Lexi likes him but she doesn''t ept him because epting him means marrying him then, why won''t they follow the usual route? Courtship, in a rtionship then marriage?


    "Uh¡­" Arching her brows, Lexi stared at his inquiring front with an unreadable gaze. Indeed, what are they now? Still the same? Since she confessed to him, their rtionship development was rather confusing.


    But, thinking back, Lexi''s mouth opened as her thoughts slid from it.


    "Does it really matter?" After some time, Lexi slightly looked down as she pondered on her words. "Yes, we shared mutual feelings but, do we really need abel with what we currently have?"


    Slowly opening his eyes, Ethan Lu''s gaze instantlynded on her slightly looking down the head. His pair of tantalizing eyes melted as he quickly guessed what she meant. With her past with Morris Liu, although she was known to be his future wife and the future Madam Lu¡ª that status only gave her pain.


    "You''re right¡­ it doesn''t," Slowly walking forward, Ethan Lu wrapped his arms around her small framed as he rested his chin on her lean shoulder¡ª not caring if they were only wearing a piece of bathrobes even though he had been restraining himself to do this since earlier.


    "This is not illegal, right?" Referring to hugging her, Ethan Lu lowly inquired. Although whatever''s between them was quite confusing¡ª right now, what''s important to him was Lexi likes him.


    Lexi momentarily stiffened feeling his heated warmth transferred immediately to her. It took her half a minute before rxing her tense shoulders and rest her whole being to his embrace.


    "Hmm, it''s not."


    "Bahh, just when I thought we''re getting married." Again, sharing hisints to her like a child that didn''t get the candy he wants, Ethan Lu softly tightened his grip.


    "Thank you¡­" Raising her hands, she wrapped her arms around his waist. Lexi didn''t mind if they seemed to be a newlywed couple that was sharing a warm hug in their bathrobes.


    Unbeknownst to them, Richard Si came into the scene and seeing them hugging lovingly¡ª he snickered and carefully walked back as a mischievous smile hid behind the hand that was covering it.


    Ethan Lu unintentionally sniffed her fresh scent and part of him was aroused by it. Thus, he reluctantly let her go with a meek smile. "Keep an arm''s length away from me¡­" He frowned.


    "Huh?" Puzzled by his sudden words that she never thought she would hear from him, Lexi slightly tilted her head to the side.


    "...it''s dangerous¡ª I might not hold myself back and kiss you for real to my heart''s content." Still frowning, Ethan Lu didn''t know how to exin his words to her without indicating to her what the perverted beast inside him wanted right now.


    After all, the fact that she has nothing underneath her bathrobe never left his mind and hugging her for a brief minute had cost him a lot of self-control.


    "Tss, nobel but..." Finding him silly, Lexi rolled her eyes before she took a step forward and without thinking about anything, she listened to what her heart desired. She then marginally tiptoed and ced her soft pink lips to his right cheeks¡ª giving him a peck.


    "I still like you." Lexi bit her lower lip to suppress herughter seeing he froze in an instant with a shocked expression all over his face. Taking a step back, she smiled as she scrutinized the building up redness on his face and ear.


    Slowly raising his gaze to meet hers, Ethan Lu blinked numerous times as he processed what she did to him. After a second, his mind snapped and his eyes darkened. "I told you it''s dangerous¡­"


    Taking a step forward, he added, "Now, I want more¡­" With that said low growl, his hands instant cupped her cheeks and he unhesitantly ced his lips to her tender ones.


    Lexi''s eyes dted when his lips dominated hers as her hands automatically held on the back of his hands that was cupping her cheeks.


    ''You¡­'' After a second, Lexi''s shoulder rxed as her eyes slowly shut¡ª surrendering to the gentleness and passion of his kiss.

 Chapter 187 Kill him

    <h4>Chapter 187 Kill him</h4>


    At the same time in an abandoned deste factory away from the City. Chris Yu and Morris Liu along with several men from the other three vehicles exited their cars. There were two other mobiles parked outside: one was a ck sedan car and the other was a small car truck.


    Chris Yu nced at the ominous, lifeless surroundings before he shook his head and followed the iceman in a suit from behind.


    "Now, I feel like a true mob, not a retired agent." Chris Yu murmured sensing the dreaded atmosphere. The ce was quiet and spooky at the same time. Even an experienced agent like him felt a cold shudder ran down his spine as they got closer to the old establishment entrance. The rest of their bodyguards surveyed the outside to make sure that no one would interrupt the people inside.


    When Morris Liu and Chris Yu entered the obscure establishment, only the faint golden ray of light of the sun through the broken windows above was its source of light. The two immediately spotted several men scattered inside and three figures in the middle.


    There, one man was sitting on the dusty floor with blood tainting his spot. He wasn''t tied nor was he restrained, but he wasn''t attempting to escape and stayed still to where he was.


    In front of him, a woman wearing a cute pink dress sat on a wooden chair with her legs crossed. She looked innocent and dolled up as if she was on a date. However, she was truly contradicting the deadly aura with her harmless front.


    The other man that was standing behind her never moved from his firm stand. He nced at Morris Liu and Chris Yu yet, it was as if their existence was insignificant to him as he only looked at them for a second before shifting it back to the man on the floor.


    Suddenly, Wren Tanaka''s voice broke the pressing silence when Morris Liu and Chris Yu was several steps away from the man on the floor.


    "Mr. Liu! Mr. Yu! Wee to the party!" As usual, he sounded friendly as he approached them. He came out from the shade on the side wearing a trendy business suit and his arms open wide.


    "First, I would like to apologize for the dy as a certain someone forgot about the deal. To show my sincerity, we would let you witness Kong Shuren''s death!" Unlike his friendly tone, Wren Tanaka''s words with hisrge grin was vicious enough to scare someone.


    "Hah, I knew it. This bastard will betray me in the end." Through his bloodied, remaining teeth, Kong Shuren growled in mockery.


    Morris Liu emotionlessly nced down at him. It has been months since he made the deal with Seraphina Yue. s, it was only been executed now. Regardless, Morris Liu didn''t mind the short wait as he knew it would be worth it if this man died. Moreover, witnessing his death was the most reassuring proof.


    "I am never been your ally in the first ce." As cold as the winter''s harsh breeze, Morris Liu tly responded.


    "Heh, this guy is really troublesome. Well, He won''t monopolize this country if he''s not-- I''d be disappointed." Seraphina Yue who was beautifully dolled up chimed in as she cheerfully shrugged her shoulders. She raised her gaze to meet the cold pair of eyes of Morris Liu before she smiled.


    "Right, Mr. Liu?"


    "Huh, you b*tch¡­" Kong Shuren lowly snarled as he red daggers at this barbie with a rotten soul. He didn''t know how did Morris Liu gathered these people but after seeing Wren Tanaka-- he didn''t need to ask.


    "What did you say?!" On the other side, Tito took gigantic strides towards Kong Shuren as he cracked his knuckles. It was evident that he was displeased with his addressed towards a woman.


    "Chill, cutest. Please don''t disgrace your cute little hands with this deadman. They are too pretty for that." Looking surprised, Seraphina Yue raised her hand as she gestured the intimidating Tito to calm down which was clearly effective as Tito ceased on his steps.


    "If I were him, I''d say all insults I can before dying." Another man who wasnguidly sitting on the side near Wren Tanaka snickered.


    Chris Yu observed their banter which made his brows twitch a little. Based on his experienced, he knew that these people weren''t normal nor are they all moral. Therefore, despite theiridback look, his hostility kept on rising by the second. Furthermore, capturing the evasive Kong Shuren proved their power in the underworld. s, the question in his mind was: what crime family are they under to have such confidence?


    After all, no matter where he looked at it, it would be impossible for Seraphina Yue to be their true big boss. Ultimately, the Yue International Enterprise was doing good through the years and even after their investigations, the saidpany was clean from any illegal activities. Hence, it was surprising that she was involved in this¡­ but why?


    "Mr. Yu, may I ask? If I give this man to you, will you kill him?" Out of nowhere, Seraphina Yue spoke again as she directly stared at Chris Yu which made him looked back at her unreadable gaze.


    "Initially, I will surrender him to the government." He honestly responded. It was part of his deal with Morris Liu that if they find enough evidence and knew his hideout-- they would take him to the police even if the Liu Empire would be put at risk. However, since he became a good friend with Morris Liu, his resolve also changed.


    "But now, it is best to silence himpletely." Chris Yu added as a glint shed across his eyes.


    Upon hearing hisst statement, Seraphina Yue smirked as she was satisfied with his response. "Good. I thought you''ve grown dumb having a peaceful life¡ªRex,"


    The man standing behind her named Rex wordlessly nodded his head before he strode towards Chris Yu''s direction. Handing out a gun, he emotionlessly offered it to him. Chris Yu and Morris Liu nced down at the handgun on Rex''s hand which made them a little confused.


    "You see Mr. Liu and Mr. Yu, I admire your resolve because if you surrender this Wiseman to the police, he''ll regain his freedom the next hour and... he''lle after you and of course, after me. So, to prove that we''re on the same scheme-- isn''t it better to be partners in crime as well?" Seraphina Yue watched the tip of her ten fingers touched each other as she uttered her scheming words. She didn''t go around in circles as she bluntly revealed that she didn''t trust them.


    "Tch, even if you kill me, do you think every one of you will get away, huh?!" Kong Shuren dissed as he traveled his taunting gaze to Seraphina Yue then to Morris Liu. By the next second, Kong Shuren was shut after receiving a paramount kick from Morris Liu.


    "Hoho! That''s unexpected." The man sitting near Wren whistled as he was entertained on the violent response from Morris Liu. After all, none of them expected him to have such aggressive action as he remained mute since earlier.


    "Impressive. So, who will kill him? You or Agent Y?" Pleased, Seraphina Yue sweetly smiled as she tilted her head to the side while altering her gaze from Morris Liu to Chris Yu.


    "Bas...tard! Do you think you can get away with this if you kill me?! If I died, my men will automatically kill you and your beloved Lexi Yang." Slowly losing his sanity, Kong Shuren threatened as he heartilyughed that resounded in the whole abandoned factory.


    His statement made the two freeze as their eyes dted in shock. "What?"


    "Smart move, Kong boy." Unlike Morris Liu and Chris Yu''s reaction, Seraphina Yue nodded in amusement. However, the next second, a vicious smirk formed on the side of her lips.


    "Kill him."


    "Wait--!" For the first time, panicked crept out from Morris Liu''s expression. "Don''t¡­ kill him just yet."


    "Hahahaha!" Upon seeing the huge change on the icy man''s tone, Kong Shuren let out another loudugh until he coughed and spat blood due to the beatings he inflicted earlier.


    "Kong Shuren, have you heard about Luciano?" Slowly standing up, Seraphina Yue took unhurried strides towards Kong Shuren. The moment Kong Shuren heard the name Luciano, he looked at her with extreme confusion as his coughs subsided.


    She then squatted down with a vicious smirk of a murderer. "Tell Satan, the person who delivered you to hell is Big Daddy." She dawdled and in a fraction of a millisecond, the side of his neck was pierced by a small dagger before his lifeless body copsed on the floor.


    "No need to taint your hands, Bambina." Aside from her team, Chris Yu and Morris Liu didn''t know what happened as Chris Yu subconsciously traced where the dagger came from.


    There, he saw a petite man whose steps were as light as a feather and his delicate facial features screamed one word: death.


    Letting out a heavy sigh, Seraphina Yue shook her head and let things slide as it is. Standing up, she turned to face Morris Liu who was staring at Kong Shuren''s soulless body.


    "You kill him now and your problems in the future will be reduced¡­ but if you didn''t, he''lle after you to the ends of the world. Mr. Liu never hesitates to kill your enemy or else¡­ you won''t just die but everyone you care about will perish as well. That is thew you got yourself into¡ª put your life on the line or die with everyone." Giving him a piece of her thoughts, Seraphina Yue then started taking strides towards the exit of the old factory¡ª leaving the two for the cleanup.


    Just as she was at the exit, her steps halted and without turning her head, she spoke. "Anyway, congrats on getting your freedom back! Leon will lend you a hand to quench his boredom." With that said note, Seraphina Yue exited the establishment followed by herckeys.


    As they left the two, Wren Tanaka approached her with a frown. "Boss, is it okay to leave those two after knowing your secret? Also, why are you helping them anyway? Aren''t you busy?"


    "Who knows¡­"


    ****


    When her group left, Morris Liu never turned his gaze anywhere else and fixed it to Kong Shuren''s dead body.


    "Chris, call Ethan now and send all our men to secure the Yang family''s safety."


    "What? What about you?"


    "I killed her once... I will never let her die again because of me¡ª not again." Morris Liu already knew the words Seraphina Yue uttered. He understood thatpletely. However, he didn''t like the gamble if Lexi''s life was at stake.


    Still, his reluctance to take a risk once failed him, miserably. Therefore, he decided to put his life at stake instead of entangling her again with this mess.


    -END OF VOLUME 1-

 Chapter 188 Ism not sorry

    <h4>Chapter 188 I''sm not sorry</h4>


    "But¡­ I like you," Ethan Lu''s heart beat faster and faster as he watched her take a step forward with her pursed lips. She then slightly tiptoed and made a light peck on his cheeks¡ª it was light yet, it sent incredible tremors to every nerve on his body.


    Lexi back away with a satisfied smile and a flicker of lovely emotion twinkled on her eyes. They were so beautiful that it left his mind in a distraught state and his eyes darkened.


    "Now, I want more¡­" By instinct, he took an enormous step forward and both his hand instantly cupped her cheeks¡ª stilled her head to what wasing at her.


    In a fraction of second, his lipsnded on her soft, sweet ones. He could feel her grip on the back of his hand tightened before she eased¡ª giving her silent consent¡ª he snapped.


    Ethan Lu slightly opened his eyes and witnessed how she slowly closed her pair of pretty eyes. ''Don''t¡­'' Part of him knew what he was doing was crazily insane, skipping his courtship to a more intimate stage. However, while arguing with himself, catching a glimpse of herpliance overpowered all his senses and made him resigned to his most inner desire¡ª HER.


    Moving his lips, he guided her lips to wee his tongue that was slowly plunging inside her confectionary factory. It intertwined with her tongue that sent sparks within them¡ª melting their hearts with their body heat temperature gradually rising.


    ''So¡­ sweet,'' The sweetness of her lips overwhelmed his racing heart and the scent of her heavy breathing wafted through his nostrils that undoubtedly aroused him.


    His right hand from her left cheek tenderly brushed her back and halted around her small waist; while his left hand gently caressed her jawline down to her neck then to her nape. He stroked the strand of hair dangling from her slightly messy bun.


    Pulling her closer, Ethan Lu shunned the world''s existence as his only thought right now was Lexi¡ª her tender lips following his lead, her feverish breath, her love.


    Ethan Lu slightly bit her bottom lip that she always bites before gently licking them as if coaxing it.


    "Mhmm¡­" The minor pain from the aggression of his lips made her produce a pleasant faint moan. He was gentle and rough at the same time yet, Lexi could only feel his intense feelings in their kiss.


    Lexi knew they shouldn''t be doing this, however, every lick¡­ bites¡­ every kiss he did tickle something inside her. It was as if Ethan Lu shooked a part of her that she never discovered before¡ª an inner desire that remained peaceful in her 24 years of existence.


    Her hand involuntary wrapped around his neck as she let go of thest rope of restraint she was holding on. Was this love? Or her newfound lust? A spur of the moment? Lexi was uncertain but, if it was him, she was willing to amodate his kiss.


    She was inexperienced but with his guidance, Lexi was able to keep up. The harmonious sounds of their moist lips touching, moving in sync together were music to his ears. Ethan Lu thought if this was one of his dreams, he didn''t want to wake up just yet.


    "Love¡­" Managing a single word under his breath, Ethan Lu parted from her lips as he nibbled on her jaw down to her slender, graceful neck, and then to her corbones-- leaving traces of his love.


    His sudden jumped of conquering his territory made her slightly flinched. His heated breath lolled on her skin that sent unknown shivers inside her. Lexi felt she was being bewitched all of a sudden by this particr activity as she subconsciously stretched her neck giving him easy ess.


    "Ethan¡­ wai--" Her subconscious mind suddenly told her that they were still on the corridor and anytime, Richard Si mighte. Hence, Lexi felt rmed with that thought. However, even before she could finish her sentence, Ethan Lu''s lips returned to her lips¡ª making the rest of the sentence lost inside her mouth.


    "Mhmm--!" Letting out a protesting moan, Lexi mildly tapped his shoulder to stop him. s, there wasn''t a sign of him ceasing.


    In between their short breaks to breathe, Lexi muttered along with her panting, "Mr. Si¡­ he''ll see--" Still, even though Lexi finally managed to convey her concern, Ethan Lu resumed on devouring her lips as if he could not hear anything nor could he bother even if the world was crumbling.


    In retrospect, Lexi never saw him lose control this much that it slightly frightened her. The Ethan Lu that was adorable in his own way, the goofy guy that throws cheesy lines every time he has a chance has instantly turned into a man with cravings.


    Although his kisses contained longing, gentleness, and warmth¡­ Lexi was slightly surprised how could he look more¡­ enchanting under this state.


    Just as Lexi was in a trance, Ethan Lu suddenly lifted her waist like she weighs nothing and carried her back in the hot spring without breaking the kiss. Lexi didn''t know what happened and thest thing she heard was the sliding door was shut closed.


    This time, Lexi''s heart beat faster and louder which sent red rm signals inside her mind on what he was doing. Trying to push him a little, Lexi was surprised that she didn''t need to exert effort as their lips parted. Yet, instead ofpletely being apart from her, Ethan Lu rested his forehead to hers.


    "Ethan¡­ what--"


    "I''m not sorry¡­" In between his heavy breathing, Ethan Lu whispered before he tightly bit his lower lip. "I also have my limits, love¡ª don''t push me again¡­ I could barely stop myself from going further."


    Lexi gulped a mouthful of saliva sensing the great restraint in his hoarse voice. Well, she wasn''t really teasing him as she could never use her lips to taunt him. She just didn''t expect that it would escte it to this. After all, Ethan Lu had been well-behaved that she almost forgot that he was still a man-- a grown man who''s used to have tons of women on his side. Yet, here he was¡­ with her, trying to be a gentleman most of the time and ever since he confessed to her, she never heard such news again.


    "I-- I''m not sorry either." Slowly nodding her head while her eyes looked down, Lexi mimicked his words as she didn''t regret being kissed and kissing back. She''s a grown woman who knew this simple decision making and she fully understood that being a little more intimate with him-- that''s where their rtionship stands.


    "Mhmm, you shouldn''t be... that would hurt." Faintly chuckling, Ethan Lu considerately pulled her by the shoulder and hugged her. At this point, despite the surging waves of emotion inside him, he could not be bothered anymore. All he wanted was to share the happiness within him that he could not express in words.


    Knowing that she didn''t regret or she approved of taking a step forward to their ubeled rtionship-- his concerned about it reduced because right now, he knew that she was his girl, his woman, the love of his life, and his future wife. Most importantly,ing this far to her heart-- their unexpected long kiss somehow reassured him that not having abel didn''t matter; as long as she likes him and will eventually love him, hopefully.


    "Lexi, I love you¡­ let''s get married when you''re ready¡­ okay?"


    "Hmm¡­" Humming a tune, Lexi wrapped her arms around his waist as a subtle smile formed on the corners of her lips. Part of her, Lexi knew that she would eventually love this man wholeheartedly that she''d marry him in the end. The only question was: when? Regardless, as long as he would be patient, they would get there eventually.

 Chapter 189 How can I not love you?

    <h4>Chapter 189 How can I not love you?</h4>


    "What?" Lexi''s eyes dted as she nearly gasped in disbelief after hearing Richard Si''s statement.


    "Hehe, Boss Chard, don''t be like that-- you''re kidding right?" Awkwardlyughing, Ethan Lu mildly elbowed the old man''s side hoping he was joking.


    "Unfortunately, Young Master Lu and Miss Yang, I am not. Hahaha!" Unlike their shocked expressions, Richard Si heartilyughed as if the news was a good one. "Apparently, my telephone is out of order and the shuttle returned to the hotel so I can''t contact them. Don''t worry, you can stay tonight or walk back to the resort-- your choice, though it will take at least two to three hours before you reach the hotel if you walk and the road is rather dark."


    Lexi and Ethan Lu closed their eyes and took a deep breath then heavily exhaled. They already tried their phones but to no avail, Lexi had no signal and Ethan Lu''s phone died. Therefore, both of them were rendered speechless by this sudden turn of events.


    "Why the long faces? Don''t worry, your stay here is not any worse than the hotel-- have you eaten dinner? Why don''t you join me instead?" As benevolent as he may sound, Richard Si grinned from ear to ear as he invited them to dinner. Now that he mentioned dinner, both of them were suddenly reminded that they hadn''t had supper and their stomach started to grumble.


    Looking at Richard Si''s weing smile, Lexi and Ethan Lu helplessly nodded in agreement. Upon seeing their approval, Richard Si let out another joyousughter before he gestured them to follow his lead.


    Elbowing Ethan Lu as they followed Richard Si from behind, Lexi arched her brows as she interrogated, "You''re not part of this scheme, right?" Lexi wasn''t dumb enough to buy this lie because of the fact that Richard Si was the owner of the grandiose hotel and resort. Who knows if he owned the whole ind? Therefore, it was impossible that his security would be this lousy.


    "What? Of course not." Whispering in dismay, Ethan Lu denied without batting an eye. He also knew that this was all part of his friend''s ploy. s, he has nothing to do with it as he wasn''t looking for a death wish. After all, he barely managed to cool his heating body after a cold shower once again. Hence, spending a night with Lexi-- Ethan Lu was afraid that he wouldmit a sin.


    Lexi scrutinized his expression and seeing that he seemed believable, Lexi rolled her eyes as she averted her gaze to Richard Si''s back with a heavy sigh. From her knowledge when Richard Si toured them inside, there were only three bedrooms: one was Richard Si that they didn''t enter, one was for unexpected guests or as what Richard Si said, and the other one was a room full of different supplies¡ª in other words, used as a stockroom.


    Hence, that only meant that Lexi and Ethan Lu would have to spend a night in one room. If this was before, before their intense kiss, Lexi wouldn''t mind. However, putting them in one room when their hormones barely stabilized wasn''t a good idea. Still, would they choose to walk in the dark for hours instead?


    *****


    As the dinner goes by, Ethan Lu and Lexi gradually epted that they were stuck there until the next morning. Thus, they decided to just enjoy the meal with the cheerful old man.


    "Young Master Lu, would you mind doing me a favor?" In the middle of their dinner, Richard Si looked at Ethan Lu with an anticipating expression stered across his face. Despite their huge age gap, Ethan Lu and Richard Si interacted was as if they were at the same age.


    Regardless, there was still respect in their interactions which made Lexi adored Ethan Lu''s charms to everyone. She also came to know that the yacht where they first dated was originally owned by Richard Si before he sold it to Ethan Lu.


    "Hmm?" Squinting his eyes, Ethan Lu suddenly became wary of this out of the blue request. He didn''t conceal his doubtful eyes as he peered at the bright smile on Richard Si.


    "Well, you know my office right? Will you get us some drinks to enjoy this night?" Normally, Richard Si would not ask something like this to his guests. However, for his own reasons, and knowing Ethan Lu wouldn''t mind, he requested.


    Ethan Lu examined Richard Si''s wrinkled old front before he sighed in defeat. "Alright¡­ don''t me me if I identally get the most expensive ones." Shrugging his shoulders, Ethan Lu stood from his seat and dragged his heavy feet towards the exit of the dining area.


    Since he trusted this old friend of his, he knew that Lexi would be fine with him. Still, before he left, Ethan Lu looked at Lexi and said reassuringly, "I''ll be back in a minute."


    Lexi nodded as a response before he left the two of them. Briefly raising her brows as she awkwardly smiled at Richard Si, Lexi uttered. "I hope we''re not bothering you so much, Mr. Si."


    "Haha! Of course not! I should actually thank the both of you for visiting me-- it''s so sad being alone, heh." Richard Si waved his hands off still bearing his jovial smile.


    Pursing her lips, Lexi was tempted to pry why was he alone but, she stopped herself as she didn''t want to be insensitive. Moreover, even though Richard Si seemed to be a happy-go-lucky guy, Lexi understood that he wasn''t as simple as he disyed to be.


    "You know Miss Yang, Ethan and I had a deal before; he''s only allowed to have a vacation here alone-- everything on the house. But, if ever he brings a girl with him here, I will only acknowledge her as his wife if not, friends over." Richard Si turned off his cheerfulness as he calmed down a little as if reminiscing a good memory in the past.


    ''Friends over?'' Lexi thought as the first thought that processed in her mind was Richard Si''s usage of the term in his age. In spite of that, she decided not to say anything and only stared at Richard Si who was sitting at the head seat. Although she was intrigued why would they have such a deal as if Ethan Lu needed his blessings¡ª she would rather ask Ethan Lu about it.


    "When I received a call from him weeks ago, to be honest, I was surprised when I heard that he wanted to bring the woman who captured his heart and her family on this ind. At first, no offense, but I thought he was just infatuated to his current girlfriend-- you know him. But, after seeing you and how he looked at you¡­ there''s no need for a scolding. Hahaha!"


    Lexi let out an awkward and shy chuckle at the same time while Richard Si heartilyughed. She would be lying if she said she wasn''t moved by this unspoken deal that Ethan Lu never said before and knowing that Richard Si was expecting them, Lexi appreciated Ethan even more.


    "Now, Miss Yang, if you don''t mind me asking, what do you feel about my dear friend Ethan, hmm?" cing his elbows on the edge of the table, he held his hand together as he rested his chin on the back of his hand-- attentively waiting for her answer.


    Lexi didn''t answer immediately as she nced at her te before shifting it back to Richard Si''s anticipating front. Meekly smiling, she spoke. "Actually, I also asked that to myself-- what exactly do I feel for him? I asked that almost every day but I get no response."


    Richard Si knitted his brows yet, he didn''t utter a word as he let her continue.


    "Liking, loving someone is easier for me when it was already programmed that I''d have to marry a certain man since childhood. But, discovering what I feel for another man, that''s new. He takes care of me, respects me, supports me, considered my feelings more than his own, making me feel I have value-- it sometimes frightens me, ironic right?" Recalling all encounters she had with him, Lexi let out a brief chuckle as she could still not believe that the man who would make her feel special was the person she would never have expected even in her wildest dreams.


    "Part of me knows that I like him or maybe, I am slowly falling in love with him."


    "Then what''s stopping you? Can''t you just get married? We have a little chapel here in case you didn''t know." Slightly tilting his head on the side, Richard Si looked at her with interest because in his perspective, her smile and the emotions flickered in her eyes were undoubtedly genuine feelings she had for Ethan Lu. Even without hearing another word from her, he knew that what her heart felt was genuine but hesitant.


    "Because he gives so much and I wanted to return his feelings wholeheartedly-- not only a small piece of my heart-- that would be unfair to him."


    Richard Si smiled in content upon hearing her sincere resolve. "Hehe, well, you are both adults, you would figure it out." Raising both his hands in defeat, Richard Si didn''t press the matter as the woman proved something that he was looking for. Therefore, he knew that he didn''t need to say more things as he already got the gist of Lexi''s personality.


    Unbeknownst to them, Ethan Lu was leaning against the wall and heard their conversation. Biting his bottom lip to suppressed his bright smile, he muttered. "This woman¡­ jeez, how can I not love you?"

 Chapter 190 Lexis not so fun fac

    <h4>Chapter 190 Lexi''s not so fun fac</h4>


    "Hahaha! And then, I remember when this brat challenged me in a booze challenge-- he was so confident but in the end-- pfft-! Hahaha! He threw up like he was coughing his intestines!" Richard Si''s voice resonated throughout the whole establishment as he recalled a funny encounter with Ethan Lu while he loudly tapped the surface of the table. His face flushed as he drank a considerable amount of wine.


    Lexi and Ethan Lu had their own sses of wine and both of themughed along with Richard Si. After their dinner, the three of them bond over their drinks¡ª a couple of drinks. They shared funny stories-- the majority of the conversation was about Ethan Lu and his misadventures.


    Ethan Lu didn''t mind though as he was in a good mood and remained a good sport even if Richard Si and Lexi dissed him upfront.


    "Hehe, you must admit though, you also got drunk that time¡ª still my win since the bet is to make you drunk." Tilting his ss of wine while slightly shrugging his shoulder, Ethan Lu responded to Richard Si in a matter of factly tone.


    "Aya! Indeed, I was surprised back then that he could drink like a veteran!" Nodding in agreement, Richard Si acknowledged without a second hesitation. Lexi grinned as she listened to these two.


    Throughout their drinking session, Lexi realized that Ethan Lu has always been like a devil may care type of guy even with this type of businessmen like Richard Si. Also, despite having no support or whatsoever with the Lu family, he managed to start something for himself; which wasmendable.


    It was also revealed that one of the people who helped Ethan Lu in his trying times and trusted his business instinct was Richard Si and Morris Liu. Hence, after hustling for several months, Ethan Lu was back on track and regained his luxurious lifestyle.


    Still, Ethan Lu kept on getting broke as he would spend all his money on things he wanted and not necessarily needed: for example the yacht which he told Lexi about.


    "Well, I used to party all night but I don''t know now-- I feel a little dizzy after a couple of wine." In a joking manner, Ethan Lu pretended he was getting dizzy as he swung his upper body sideways.


    "You don''t party anymore?" Arching her fleek brows, Lexi smirked as her gaze looked at the swinging figure of Ethan Lu.


    "Hoho! How much money you have in the bank? Better than zero?" Snickering, Richard Si turned his head to Ethan Lu''s direction.


    "Nah, I''m too busy pursuing my wife and saving money for our future¡ª I can''t even count." Raising his gaze, Ethan Lu looked at the giddy, wrinkled pair of eyes of Richard Si before he shifted it to Lexi and he winked.


    "Haha! Great! So, does that mean you don''t spend all your savings buying shy cars and the sort anymore?"


    "Bingo." Grinning back to Richard Si''s slightly tipsy posture, Ethan Lu raised his ss for a toast. Lexi and Richard Si chuckled as both of them slightly raised their sses before drinking their own liquor.


    *****


    "A baby made in this ce-- hic!" Richard Si murmured before he was knocked out due to the amount of liquor he consumed.


    "There you go-- phew!" Ethan Lu let out a heavy exhaled as he ced both of his hands on his waist. Staring at Richard Si''s snoring figure, he could not help but shook his head. Apparently, Richard Si could not hold his liquor just like before and Ethan Lu had to carry him to his room.


    "He didn''t have any assistant here? Seriously?" Altering her gaze from Ethan Lu to the lying figure of Richard Si with her arms crossed under her chest, Lexi inquired in disbelief.


    "Unfortunately, no, he doesn''t have one. They were all in the hotel because he likes to maintain his peace." Letting out another heavy sigh, Ethan Lu bent down as he moved Richard Si''s body so he could sleep on his side-- preventing him from choking in his sleep.


    "You two are pretty close, huh?" Watching how he took care of Richard Si and carefully tucked him in, Lexi subtly smiled. Not only he showed kindness to her but also to everyone he cares about. Even Elliot Gong who he always bickered with-- it was evident that their friendship was stronger than it looked like.


    "Mhmm, he''s more than a friend to me. To me, he''s a father that I never had." After securing Richard Si''s back with a pillow as support, Ethan Lu turned to face Lexi who was standing at the door.


    Walking to her direction, he stopped in front of her with a smile. "He''s special to me but you''re the most special of all-- let''s sleep?"


    Lexi scrutinized his slightly flushed smiling face. His invitation to sleep made her brows twitched as he sounded as if a husband hinting his wife to do something she didn''t want to think about.


    "Ethan, whatever you have in mind, erase it." Pointing her index finger at him, Lexi warned. Seeing him nod, she rolled her eyes as she turned to leave the room. Ethan Lu grinned from ear to ear as he closed the door after checking at Richard Si for thest time.


    When they reached the small guest room, Lexi unhesitantly entered without a care in the world and scanned the room once again. Seeing the one bed that was enough for two, one bedside table and nothing else inside the room, Lexi heavily sighed.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu did the same. Earlier, he was excited to sleep in the same room with her, s, now that they were there, he realized he wasn''t ready to share a room with her for the sake of both of them.


    "I''ll sleep outside." He proposed as he turned to see Lexi on his side. Lexi turned to see him in a questioning look stered across her face.


    "Outside? Where?" Raising her brows, although the ce has a proper and decent interior, Lexi didn''t see a ce where Ethan Lu could sleep properly. His only choices were the small locker room, dining area, and kitchen-- he could only choose which was not the worst one. After all, the ce was rather small in size despite the great view it offered them.


    "The locker room or the dining area-- I don''t know, love." Shrugging his shoulders, he already nned to consume all wine from Richard Si''s room so he could sleep anywhere but here.


    "Is this about me? I don''t mind sharing a room for the night, really." Lexi''s intention was pure as she and Ethan Lu were both adults. Therefore, even though they had a few drinks, she trusted that both of them would behave respectively. After all, they were both still sobered.


    "Love, I am sober but the effect of the alcohol still runs through me right now-- don''t trust me too much." With that said note, a loud knock on his head struck him. "Ah!" Rubbing the part where she smacked him, Ethan Lu frowned with puppy eyes.


    Lexi raised the fist she used with a forced smile on her lips. "You want another one?"


    "Love! That hurts!" Comining about this injustice, Ethan Lu stomped his feet like a child. Yet, Lexi only responded with a fake smile with a dted, warning eyes.


    Thus, in the end, Ethan Lu shared the same room with her albeit not on the same bed. Heid on the floor beside the bed using the extraforter as his bed. The room was being lighted by bedsidemp only, hence, the room was rather obscure.


    Both of them stared at the dim ceiling as neither of them uttered a word since earlier. Though they weren''t sleeping side by side, for some reason, the atmosphere turned a little awkward as Lexi and Ethan Lu strongly feel each other''s strong presence.


    "Fun Fact: I never shared a room with a guy-- this is first." Since she could not sleep and the atmosphere between them has started to make her feel awkward, Lexi mimicked Churu and blurted out a ridiculous fun fact.

 Chapter 191 Churus resolve

    <h4>Chapter 191 Churu''s resolve</h4>


    "The first?" Her voice was soft and as the faint chuckle escaped from her mouth, Ethan Lu felt his heart skip a beat. Also, what does she mean this was her first time spending a night with a man? Does that mean Morris Liu and Lexi never¡­?


    Those thoughts that hovered in his mind made his eyes sparkled like a beautiful milky way. "You mean first-- you and brother Mo¡­" Ethan Lu heedlessly blurted out and before he could finish his sentence, he bit his lower lip because somehow, he didn''t want to mention his friend to her.


    "Mhmm¡­" For some reason, Lexi didn''t feel awkward hearing Morris Liu''s name or indirectly telling him that she was a virgin at 24 years old. Maybe because he was too honest with her with no filter that it was contagious. Moreover, with Churu always being bold and talked about herck of sex life immuned her.


    Slowly, a huge grin formed on the side of his lips as an overwhelming joy enveloped in his heart. Although he never thought about it before, whether she was a virgin or not, he didn''t matter. Still, Ethan Lu was more relieved that no man had touched her. In spite that she had been engaged with Morris Liu for a long time.


    Raising his hand and extended it that passed to the bed''s surface, he muttered. "Can you hold me?"


    Lexi turned to see the extended hand that was waiting to be held. She rolled on the side of the bed and without a second hesitation, Lexi caught his cold yet it still able sent warmth to her heart.


    "Ethan?"


    "Hmm?" Raising his brows even if she could not see him, Ethan Lu hummed as he yed with her slender hand.


    "Nothing," Smiling subtly, Lexi let him fiddle with her hand and threw the thoughts she wanted to say at the back of her mind. After some time of heartwarming silence, her eyes gradually turned heavy until she fell asleep.


    After several minutes, Ethan Lu unhurriedly supported himself by his elbow before he sat straight. Looking at her, his eyes softened as he smiled at her peaceful sleeping face. He then stood and sat on the edge of the bed while his gaze was fixed on her.


    Traveling his eyes to the untucked nket on her waist, Ethan Lu heavily sighed. "Aren''t you afraid I''d take advantage of you?" sounding helpless, Ethan Lu mildly shook his head as he started to properly tucked her in.


    After securing that she was covered by a nket, he stared at her again. His hand involuntarily moved and lightly brushed the little strand of hair on her face behind her ear.


    "I love you, Lexi Yang." As sincere as he could sound, Ethan Lu muttered.


    Call him romantic, hopelessly in love or a fool, Ethan Lu could not careless as he only wanted to shower her with love and affection. He wanted to take care of her, love her unconditionally, kiss her, make love with her, make her the mother of his children¡ª and he could not wait for that time toe.


    He had always thought that he would never love someone so deeply but now, he had fallen so much deeper than he expected and continued falling for her every single day.


    "Please¡­ don''t fall for someone else, again." With that said note, Ethan Lu slowly ced a kiss on her forehead.


    *****


    Days had passed in a blink of an eye and it was already thest day of their family outing. After that night in the hot spring, Ethan and Lexi acted just like before or rather, they were a little intimate with each other. Of course, this slight change was noticed with the Yang parents but they chose not to mention it as they only spected inside their mind.


    "Sissy, how was your manhunt?" Shifting her gaze to Churu who was sitting on top of her head through the vanity mirror, Lexi inquired. It had been days and Lexi could barely have a glimpse of this adorable dumpling¡ª sometimes, she would be gone for a day to god knows where.


    "*sigh* Sadly, I can only bath and sleep with a not-so-good looking man¡ª how I wish you invited Elliot or Wren or Chris." Sighing heavily, Churu shook her head in dismay.


    Lexi''s brows creased upon hearing Chris Yu''s name. She knew the man as she met all of Morris Liu''s friends except Ethan Lu as he was somewhere in the world collecting girls here and there. However, ever since Churu came into this world, Lexi hadn''t seen Chris Yu or Kevin Woo. Hence, how did Churu knew about Chris Yu?


    "Chris? Chris Yu? Sissy, how did you know him?"


    Realizing her slipped of words, Churu bit her tongue as she gulped a mouthful of saliva. She was so disappointed with all the guys in this ce, thus, she identally blurted out the name of guys she liked. s, Lexi didn''t know that she attended Morris Liu and Wren Tanaka''s meeting where she met Chris Yu.


    "Uhh¡­" Thinking of any eptable reason not to expose herself, but to no avail, she could only lie. Looking away, Churu whistled. "Saw him in the Liu Office before."


    "You''re lying, Sissy. Tell me how did you know Chris Yu?" Lexi instantly saw through her lie as it was as clear as the day. She knew that Churu might leave important details behind, but she never told an untruth.


    "Err¡­ Alright, I attended the meeting between Wren and Morris¡ª he was there." Sighing heavily, Churu felt helpless and told the truth. Surely, she hadn''t mastered the art of lying as she wasn''t created for that.


    "You did what?" Staring at her through the mirror, Lexi was in disbelief upon hearing her reason. Recalling the date of the meeting she personally arranged, Lexi realized that it was also the day Churu asked her for a day off.


    "B- but why? Why would you do that?" Lexi added as she was puzzled at Churu''s thought process.


    "It''s not important, really! I am just curious and wanted to be with my hubby Wren." This time, Churu looked more natural as she was indeed curious about Morris Liu and spending more time with Wren Tanaka was also a treat to her.


    Lexi narrowed her eyes as she observed Churu''s expression. Seeing that she seemed she was saying the truth, she heavily exhaled. "That''s all?"


    "Yes! Also, the meeting was a sess!" Grinning widely, Churu was relieved that Lexi didn''t press about the matter anymore. Hence, she slightly diverted her attention to this news.


    "That''s good¡­" Slowly nodding her head, Lexi resumed on fixing her make up as her parents arranged a dinner with them and Ethan Lu.


    Churu carefully watched Lexi and the thought of Morris Liu shed in her head. "Hmm, you don''t have any intention of getting together with Morris again, right?"


    Lexi''s hand halted upon hearing Churu''s sudden question. In retrospect, Churu hated Morris Liu to the core that she could not even mention his name. However, now she was saying something that she would rathermand not asked.


    "What''s with this question all of a sudden?" Arching her brows, Lexi raised her gaze as she put down the brush she was holding.


    "Curious, maybe?" Shrugging her shoulders, Churu indifferently answered. After all, she could not rest assured with Lexi''s decision until Lexi fulfill the system''s task.


    "I am starting to think that you are hiding something from me, tsk." Lexi shook her as she clicked her tongue in annoyance and resumed on dolling herself.


    "Eh? I am just curious you know. Quick, what''s your answer?" Flying and stopping in front of her, Churu serious inquired.


    "No,"


    "Even if he said he had his reasons for doing what he did?" Tilting her head on the side, Churu attentively anticipated at her response.


    "Alright, what are you trying to do Churu?" Slightly annoyed at Churu''s unusual questions, Lexi arched her brows as she leaned her back against the chair she was sitting on.


    "Just answer me¡ª I am curious."


    "Reasons like he had a mistress while being engaged with me? I tried to understand that before but now, no way. Me and Morris? Never." Rolling her eyes, Lexi didn''t want to recall those times where she tried to mend the unfixable.


    Just then, a light knock from outside of her hotel room was heard. "Also, I can''t do that to him." Tilting her head directing to the door, Lexi referred to the man outside who never hurt her and remained true to her.


    "That''s good then. I will stay here or maybe spend another night with the guy staying under your room." Churu murmured as she watched Lexi stood from her seat wearing an elegant champagne dress; looking ssy and sophisticated as ever.


    "Alright, bye~" Lexi waved her hands without giving thest dumpling ast nce before she opened the door and was weed by the dashing man named Ethan Lu wearing a formal suit.


    Churu saw them linked arms with both of them bearing a satisfied smile before the door closed.


    "Lexi¡­ you''re still affected, aren''t you?" Churu murmured as a concerned expression stered across her face. For some reason, even though Lexi reassured her and she witnessed her relieved when she ended whatever Lexi had with Morris Liu, Churu was bothered by how smooth sailing Ethan and Lexi''s rtionship. It was as if it was the calm before the storm.


    "I can''t let the history repeat itself..." Churu muttered in a low determined growl as she looked up. Her gaze seemed to pass the ceiling as she scoffed mockingly. "...you hear me, old hag?!"

 Chapter 192 The problem of having no labels

    <h4>Chapter 192 The problem of having nobels</h4>


    Two days had passed since they got home from their ind trip and Lexi was back to reality.


    Inside her room, Lexi was scrolling on the web and clicking the tabs on the sites that would broaden her knowledge about the career she wanted to take-- she fixated all her attention in reading and taking down notes; when her phone on the side of herptop suddenly rang and vibrated that snapped her senses back.


    Reaching for her phone, Lexi saw it was Rika''s personal contact number hence, she immediately answered it. "Yes?"


    "Bestie~! How are you?" When the line connected, Rika merrily greeted at the same time as Lexi answered.


    "Uh¡­ good." Stretching her back, Lexi massaged her shoulder as she leaned her back against the desk chair. She resumed, "You? How''s the promotion?"


    "Tiring, you know how tiring it is. Smiling all day with Gael-- So, how are you and Mr. Darcy''s status?" Rika unenthusiastically responded before she had a change of tone when she asked about the status of the ship she was protecting. She added teasingly,


    "Did you guys did something, you know romantic while on the trip?"


    Lexi didn''t respond immediately as she continued to massage her shoulder. Biting her bottom lip, she was once again reminded of the intense kissed she and Ethan Lu shared. Up until today, she could still feel the texture of his lips and how he tasted.


    "Oh ho, Lexi Yang, what is this silence all about? Don''t tell me you did the deed?" On the line, Rika mischievouslyughed as her imagination run wild.


    "No, of course not. It''s¡­ it''s just a kiss-- a long one."


    "A kiss? Really? So, does this mean you''re officially together?" Slightly disappointed that they didn''t go that far and her chance of being a bridesmaid seemed it was not going to happen anytime soon, still, Rika was d about this progress.


    "Uh, no?" Raising her brows, Lexi mildly shook her head even if Rika could not see her.


    "Huh? What do you mean ''no?''" Confused, Rika stopped whatever she was doing as she attentively listened to her friend''s rification.


    "We¡­ don''t have any rtionshipbel." Massaging her temple, Lexi briefly exined. She added after a beat, "I think whatever we have right now, I am satisfied with it."


    "What? Nobel? Bestie, is this your idea?" Sounding dismayed, Lexi could imagine Rika''s expression by the tone of her voice.


    "No way! Did Ethan Lu agree? Like seriously? Are you trying to kill the guy? How can he torture himself like this?" After receiving a hummed as an answer from Lexi, Rika uttered her disappointed statements in one go; which puzzled the inexperienced Lexi Yang.


    "Why do you sound like I made a mortal sin?" Arching her brows again, Lexi asked as she has zero clues on Rika''s concerns.


    "It is! It is a mortal sin between a guy and a girl with mutual feelings, okay? Just think that, alright, you two like each other and Mr. Darcy incarnate didn''t mind. But, what if another person came into the picture? Do you have the right to feel jealous? To get mad if, in the first ce, you''re not his girlfriend? Well, that might not happen to you knowing Ethan Lu but, these silent killer emotions will get to him if someone tries to flirt with you!"


    Lexi listened to Rika''s reasoning which made a little sense if she thought about it deeper. However, Lexi wasn''t the type of person who could anyone to flirt with, hence, she wasn''t worried about that.


    Also, she trusted Ethan Lu and uphold the words and emotions he bore for her. Thus, Lexi knew that even if someone tries to get closer to him, he''d ward them off¡ª if he didn''t and resigned to temptations then, there''s nothing she could do.


    "That''s not going to happen," Chuckling after considering her personality and Ethan Lu, Lexi reassured her friend on the line who was more affected with their ubeled status than the both of them.


    "Urgh! Bestie, I am telling you this so you won''t have any problems like that in the future-- being in a rtionship than having nobels at all won''t hurt right?" Heavily sighing her frustrations, Rika helplessly muttered.


    "Committing to a rtionship without giving your all would hurt the other party. Don''t worry, me and Ethan will eventually get there-- remember? My yes means wedding?" In a matter of factly tone, Lexi raised her brows as if waiting for Rika to process her words.


    "Ah¡­ right. But, don''t make me say I told you so." Still disappointed, Rika let out another heavy sigh as she foresaw her ship''s problem in the future.


    Brushing off her concerns, Rika diverted their topic to the real reason why she called. "Anyway, the premiere night of ising and I heard you''d walk the red carpet with Eli?"


    "Mhmm, I''ve heard but it''s not yet finalized-- you know, my name just got cleared. Walking with Eli on the premiere night might cause everything to resurface." Sighing heavily, Lexi was reminded with this headache as Arnold Shen requested Lexi and Elliot Gong to arrive together at the premiere night of the movie Taming Hearts.


    Of course, Lexi knew what he was thinking as it was obvious. However, even if it was for the sake of publicity and make the movie to be more talk about, s, Abigail Fan waspletely against it as it might affect her reputation again. Nevertheless, Lexi was fine with or without an escort.


    "Well, I don''t want to bother with it for now. When are you free?" Shrugging off the matter, Lexi meekly smiled as she wanted to treat her friend as she really worked hard promoting their movie while she was on a vacation.


    ****


    Ethan Lu stopped spinning the pen in his hand as he raised his sharpened gaze to meet Lyrick Jiang''s eyes behind his thin-framed eyess.


    "What did he say?" Furrowing his brows, he tly asked as his eyes narrowed.


    "CEO Liu personally made an urgent business appointment with you tonight." Repeating his report, Lyrick Jiang slightly shook his head as Morris Liu only made a brief call and remained his words short and precise as usual.


    In retrospect, Morris Liu could call his boss if he needed anything-- same with Ethan Lu.


    ''Was their misunderstanding hasn''t cleared yet?'' Lyrick Jiang thought inwardly as he assumed everything was settled since Morris Liu didn''t cut off his boss'' from their joint business projects.


    "I see¡­ well, clear my schedule for the night." Nodding in understanding, Ethan Lumanded.


    Several reasons hovered in his mind why Morris Liu suddenly made a meeting with him. Regardless, whether it was good or bad news, it didn''t matter. Furthermore, he also wanted to talk with Morris Liu regarding what happened in theirst encounter with each other. After all, they had been brothers for a long time.

 Chapter 193 I miss you

    <h4>Chapter 193 I miss you</h4>


    Upon agreeing with Morris Liu''s request and Lyrick Jiang moved all important meetings of his boss much earlier than scheduled, Ethan Lu hustled the whole day traveling back and forth for site visits and essential meetings with different business affiliates.


    After hisst meeting, he was now on his way to hisst destination¡ª meeting his dearest friend Morris Liu. For some reason, Ethan Lu was quite restless with this abrupt meeting as he had a hunched that it wasn''t just a business meeting as what he told him to be. He didn''t know why but his instinct tells him it wasn''t a good idea.


    However, no matter how his gut feelings tried to stop him, Ethan Lu could not just back out as this meeting was professionally arranged and ghosting Morris Liu was not a good business etiquette.


    "Young Master, are you alright?" ncing through the rear mirror, Lyrick Jiang tly inquired as his boss seemed he was unusually quiet and was lost in his thoughts.


    "Hmm, where''s the location again? At Chris''s club?" Ethan Lu deflected Lyrick Jiang''s inquiry as he didn''t turn his gaze to his assistant. Instead, he looked at the mirror and watched the road where they were heading as he asked.


    "Yes, Young Master." Slightly nodding his head, Lyrick Jiang returned his eyes on the road. Since Ethan Lu purposely diverted their conversation, he didn''t probe anymore as he directly answered his inquiry.


    "Right¡­" Slowly nodding his head in understanding, Ethan Lu meekly responded¡ª ending their conversation.


    Ethan Lu slid out his smartphone from inside his suit pocket as he still has at least twenty minutes of free time before they could reach their destination. Therefore, he decided to call his energy booster as he hadn''t heard from her the whole day.


    Speed dialing Lexi''s contact number, Ethan Lu ced the phone in his ear and listened to the rings until it was picked up. When the line connected, Ethan Lu subtly smiled when he heard her beautiful voice. That very instant, he wanted tomand his assistant to make a u-turn and just go to her instead.


    "Hey¡­ done with work?" Lexi softly asked as she halted from choosing which outfit she should wear inside her walk-in closet. Ever since they came home from the ind, she would often exchange a few messages with him periodically as he was pretty busy. Still, Ethan Lu would still make a call every once in a while just to check on her despite his tight schedule.


    "Not yet, on my way to myst meeting for the day." Although Ethan Lu tried to conceal his exhaustion, Lexi immediately discerned hisck of energy.


    "Uh, it''ste¡­ have you eaten dinner?" ncing at her wristwatch and seeing that it was 8 in the evening, Lexi''s brows creased as her voice was filled with concern. Ethan Lu had been very transparent with her and even sent her a copy of his schedule which was packed whichpletely concerned her. Fortunately, his assistant was decent and scheduled time for him to have a meal. Still, she was worried that Ethan Lu had been neglecting his health.


    "Nope, but I had a bite earlier, though it''s not as sweet as you¡­" Sensing her obvious concern, Ethan Lu lowly replied and to wash her worries away, he deliberately teased her. Unbeknownst to him, not only did he affect Lexi but also Lyrick Jiang whose ears kept twitching.


    ''Young master, please hide your vulgarity.'' He pleaded inwardly yet, he chose to keep his thoughts to himself as he focused on the road and pretended that he could not hear his boss cheesiness.


    "Ethan." Trying to remain calm, Lexi dawdled in a warning tone. "Don''t try to distract me¡ª eat." Lexi shook her head as she pinched the bridge of her nose.


    "Haha," Ethan Lu chuckled, "Alright, alright, I will." Conceding in defeat, he softly swore so she would not get worried again.


    "So, what''s mydy doing?" Hearing her heavily sighed on the line, Ethan Lu inquired. To his knowledge, Lexi was busy doing research as she would attend short sses and seminars in a few weeks after the premiere night of the movie shest worked on.


    "Preparing to meet Rika-- a night out." In a matter of factly tone, Lexi resumed on her mix and match outfits as she was going to have a night out with Rika as the woman was dying to party. Despite not being a fan of loud parties, Lexi didn''t mind because it has been ages since shest went out with a friend.


    "I see¡­ where?" Slowly nodding his head, Ethan Lu furrowed his brows in interest. Although he trusted Rika as she already swore her loyalty to him and made an oath to protect Lexi in his stead whenever he''s not around. Still, Ethan didn''t want to lower his guard. After all, his future wife was so gorgeous not to attract other men''s attention.


    "River Lounge." Without a second''s reticence, Lexi responded indifferently. "Don''t try to follow us. Just rest because..." Halting midway, Lexi picked up a fitted dress and put it in front of her as she looked at herself in the huge mirror. "Tomorrow is another busy day."


    "Hah, so, it''s just you and Rika?" Nodding slowly even though Lexi could not see his action, he still did yet, he could not convince anyone from following her advice.


    "No, Eli, Gael, and Sophie-- the leads from the movie."


    "Oh¡­ alright," Upon hearing Elliot Gong''s name, Ethan Lu devilishly smiled as he stretched his free hand and tensely closed them causing them to produce a faint cracking sound.


    ''Eli, Eli... wait till I collect your debt.'' He uttered inwardly to his innocent friend who was oblivious about this debt Ethan Lu was talking about.


    Lexi and Ethan Lu proceeded to catch up within twenty minutes that seemed shorter with having each other talking on the line. Not only Ethan Lu shared his boring schedule and how he wore his business smile all day long-- Lexi also enthusiastically shared some new knowledge she gained while researching.


    "Young Master, we''ve arrived." Lyrick Jiang who aside from Lexi heard all cheesy lines his boss threw with every chance he could grab, tly reported.


    "Oh?" ncing at the ce from the back passenger seat, Ethan Lu nodded as he heavily sighed. "Love, we''ve arrived at myst stop." Reluctantly bidding his temporary farewell, he frowned.


    "Okay, good luck! I also need to prepare." Lexi smiled as she cheered him on to hisst meeting.


    "Mhmm..." Humming a tune, Ethan Lu didn''t want to hang up as his restlessness from earlier resurfaced. "Love?"


    "Yes?"


    "Nothing, I just miss you." His voice turned sullen. For some reason, Ethan Lu had a strong urge to embrace her and would not let her go.


    "Haha," Letting out a muffled chuckle, Lexi shook her head as it has only been days since they came back from their vacation and yet, he sounded as if he hasn''t seen her in ages. "I''ll hang up, else you''ll gette."


    "Hmm," With that said note, Lexi did hang up. Ethan Lu let out another heavy sigh and looked at his phone. Being reminded about something, Ethan Luposed a short yet precise message to a certain some.

 Chapter 194 He knew I love her

    <h4>Chapter 194 He knew I love her</h4>


    When Ethan Lu pressed the send button, the trivial tension enveloping in his heart slightly lightened as he vented his uneasiness to his dear friend: Elliot Gong.


    Putting back the phone inside his suit pocket, Ethan Lu unhurriedly departed the car. His assistant, Lyrick Jiang was already waiting for him outside the vehicle with his everposed demeanor.


    "Young Master,"


    Just like any typical nightclubs, it hasser and spotlights with shy colors, several sports cars parked outside, and a crowd¡ª male and females formed on a line to the main entrance.


    "You can just wait here or have fun inside¡ª I''ll go alone." ncing at the booming establishment that was owned by Chris Yu, Ethan Lu muttered as he slid his hand inside his pocket before he strode to the other entrance for authorized personnel only.


    Lyrick Jiang bowed his head as he tranted his boss''s words to ''this is a private and personal matter, don''t interrupt us if not necessary''. Since he didn''t send him away, Lyrick Jiang decided to wait inside the car as he would rather enjoy this peace and rest instead of listening to the blood-raising noises inside.


    *****


    Since the guard outside the private entrance recognized Ethan Lu and he was told beforehand regarding an important meeting from his boss; Chris Yu, the guard let the man enter after a polite bow.


    From then on, Ethan Lu was guided by the establishment''s manager as they were expecting him. This treatment wasn''t new to Ethan Lu as he had always been treated as a VVIP. However, with every step he seized, the distance from where Morris Liu was waiting decreased that made him a little more restless.


    The heart-thumping music that pressured his heart to beat in sync slowly fades. Soon, they arrived at the most ironically silent area inside the club; Chris Yu''s humble office.


    The manager lightly knocked on the door, "Sir, Young Master Lu had arrived." He then turned to face Ethan Lu before he courtly smiled and bowed once again.


    The manager didn''t wait for the people inside his boss'' office to give permission as he left Ethan Lu after he delivered his report.


    Ethan Lu briefly nced at the retreating figure of the establishment''s manager as he simply shook his head, "Chris has been training his employees to be creepy." He murmured as he recalled that Chris Yu had an odd contagious habit to make people weird¡ª just like him.


    Shrugging his shoulders, Ethan Lu reached for the door handle and without exerting much effort, he opened the door and entered. The moment Ethan Lu got a clear view of thevish and enormous Spanish interior design office sh home of his friend¡ª there, Morris Liu together with Chris Yu had a solemn expression stered across their face.


    As Ethan Lu took a step forward and closed the door, he immediately sensed the dreaded atmosphere shrouding every corner of the grandiose room which made him furrowed his brows.


    "Err, what''s up?" Breaking the stifling silence, both men finally turned their attention to Ethan Lu''s direction without any enthusiasm.


    Chris Yu only tilted his head, directing to the couch across him, gesturing him to take a seat. On the other hand, Morris Liu who sat on the head seat, with his ever stoic expression, he fixed his cold and domineering gaze to him which baffled Ethan Lu even more.


    "Did you two kill someone? Because that would make me think with your expression." Awkwardly breaking the ice, Ethan Lu humored as he strode towards the long couch¡ª across Chris Yu and on Morris Liu''s left side.


    When he finally perched at the seat, Ethan Lu''s grin froze upon hearing Morris Liu''s cold-blooded response.


    "I did." Morris Liu gave him a side nce and witnessed how Ethan Lu turned his surprised countenance to him. He clenched his jaw as his hand slightly trembled as if he was reminded about something unpleasant.


    "Haha, Brother Mo, are you still mad at me? That joke almost got me, haha!" Ethan Lu inelegantlyughed as he shook his head. However, as he chuckled, his eyes altered from Morris Liu''s inexpressive front to Chris Yu''s unusual serious attitude. They neitherughed or showed any sign of pranking him which stopped him from snickering.


    Gulping a mouthful of saliva, Ethan Lu cleared his throat and licked his lips that seemed to dry up the instant he saw theirplexion. "What? Did you¡­ brother Mo? You¡­?" Although he wanted to keep it straight, Ethan Lu could not continue his questions as he narrowed his eyes in confusion.


    He could not wrap it around his head about his friend "killing" someone; not to mention, that friend he was talking about was Morris Liu. Therefore, even if he didn''t fully buy this ''killing someone'' ploy as he still hoped that they were pranking him¡ª Ethan Lu''s heart began to pound louder and louder.


    "We tried to contact you for days but we can''t. I asked Lyrick and that''s when he told me you''re on vacation." Suddenly, Chris Yu tly spoke as he raised his gaze to meet his.


    "No one knows where the hell did you go¡­" Grinding his teeth, Chris Yu was relieved that they came back safe and sound yet, he was totally pissed how Ethan Lu utilized to hide his whereabouts from anyone. What if something happened? After all, the next day when Kong Shuren died, someone already tried to assassinate Morris Liu.


    "Whatever both of you are ying, I''m out. I don''t believe any of this and this is not a funny joke." Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Ethan Lu red at them as he was growing impatient with thisme none sense. Just when he stood up, Morris Liu''s snowy, raw voice reached him which made him sat back again.


    "Lexi¡­ she''s in danger."


    "What?" Knitting his brows in disbelief, Ethan Lu looked at Morris Liu who still had no change of emotions across his face. "What did you say?"


    "Someone, I mean, there are people who are trying to kill her¡­ and her family." Fixing his distant gaze to him, Morris Liu didn''t go around in circles as he dived into the bottom line.


    Ethan Lu loosened his tie as Morris Liu''s words processed in his mind. Did he hear him right? There are people trying to harm Lexi? No matter how fast his thoughts were, Morris Liu''s words just didn''t make sense.


    "People? Kill who? Lexi? The whole Yang family? Why?" Repeating the keywords that engraved in his mind, Ethan Lu scoffed as he was nearly rendered speechless.


    ''Does this have anything to do with my family?''


    "My fault." Vaguely responding, Morris Liu''s fist that was already trembling tightened even more, whitening his knuckles. "I killed someone and that person left a kill order to eliminate me and everyone I care for if he died." Since he knew he could not reveal Wren Tanaka and Seraphina Yue''s involvement in this as they were more terrifying than Kong Shuren, Morris Liu imed thetter''s death.


    Slowly closing his eyes and tilting his head back while he massaged the bridge of his nose. Tremendous waves of different awful emotions came rushing inside Ethan Lu¡ª which made him let out a deep, long exhale. At this point, he didn''t know what to feel anymore with this explosive bombs dropped in front of him without any short notice.


    Even the fact that Morris Liu killed someone¡ª it was utterly unbelievable. He knew him since childhood, hence, he could not picture this man whom he admired and respected with his insightful business instinct taking someone else''s life.


    Granting that Ethan Lu was raised to such a survival environment such as family traditions and absurd rules, he never thought of killing someone¡ª crippling maybe, but he''s a strong believer that no one was above thew.


    After some silence, Ethan Lu opened his eyes, they were as sharp and piercing like a dagger, as he turned his gaze to Morris Liu. He quickly scrutinized his sitting figure and had a glimpse of his tightened fist. "Why? Why did they drag them into your mess? They are certainly not the people you cared nor they are precious to you. Why not your Mia Chen? Why Lexi?!"


    His voice was stern as Ethan Lu suppressed the overwhelming rage enveloping his heart. He didn''t care anymore to know whoever he messed with or what crime did he do. However, his main concern was, why would they drag Lexi and her parents into this? After all, what Morris Liu did to them was enough proof to prove that they were valueless in his eyes.


    "Because he knew¡­ he had always known that I love her."

 Chapter 195 You said what? Love her?

    <h4>Chapter 195 You said what? Love her?</h4>


    "He knew all along¡­ huh, how foolish of me to think that hurting her, recing her with Mia, constantly put pressure on Uncle Fred would make him let them go¡ª he didn''t¡­ until hisst breath, he won." Morris Liu''s brows slightly creased as the pain he neglected for a long time resurfaced.


    At first, he was convinced that Kong Shuren bought his facade after proving that they had nothing to do with him and pretended to be his loyal puppet for almost 6 years. However, just before the said man died by the hands of one of Seraphina Yue''s me¡ª Morris Liu realized that all these years, he was only fooling himself and destroyed his beloved in the process.


    "Ha¡­ hahaha!" Ethan Lu started with a scoffed before it turned into a loud, hystericalugh which made Chris Yu furrowed his brows while Morris Liu seemed he expected this reaction from him.


    "You said what? Love her? Haha!" Hurt... confused... insulted¡­ rage... Ethan Lu hid his true feelings in a pretense of a loudugh.


    The information about Lexi and her family being in danger already rmed and confused him. Not to mention, Morris Liu''s sudden confession of killing someone hence, thisst statement he dropped¡ª how could he absorb everything in one go? Morris Liu love Lexi? Is he joking?


    "Ethan¡­ seriously? Lexi of all people?" Displeased, Chris Yu sternlymented as he perceived hisughs were nothing but a wordless insult. At first, he was baffled as to why would Morris Liu needed to contact Ethan Lu after knowing that Lexi was in danger. After all, he had no recollection of seeing Lexi being entangled with Ethan Lu and vice versa.


    Therefore, after questioning Morris Liu, he came to know that his friend, Ethan Lu was pursuing Lexi which shocked him to the core. The news almost helped him stay awake throughout the night as he needed to safeguard Morris Liu when Kong Shuren was killed.


    Regardless, now that everything wasid on the table, Chris Yu was neither siding with Morris Liu nor Ethan Lu. All he wanted to do was for them tomunicate well in the serious matter and set their love interest aside-- though he sounded biased at one point.


    "Haha, how dare you..." Sneering, Ethan Lu''s gaze seemed he was strangling Morris Liu inside his mind. "You dare say you love her after everything? You destroyed her yet, you''re saying you love her? F*ck¡ª!" Ethan Lu could not continue his words as he grinded his teeth and began to seethe with anger.


    "No one expected what happened to her, alright? Brother Mo tried to send her back to Country Y but she refused! He broke the engagement but she refused¡ª always! Also, that''s not the point here!" Pissed by Ethan Lu''s mocking words, though they were the truth, however, there were always two sides to the story and the whole truth half a year ago wasn''t known to him.


    Chris Yu knew Morris Liu too well after spending time with him for thest six years. He was well versed that he would me himself for what happened to Lexi and he would never defend himself even before Ethan Lu.


    He also knew Ethan Lu who had certainly received a huge blow just with this glimpse of their reality. Chris Yu might not know the whole story of how Ethan and Lexi became a thing, but what he was certain was that he had admired Morris Liu like a big brother. Thus, revealing the truth to him¡ª their friendship would never be the same again.


    "Shut up, Chris!" Retorting back to Chris Yu, none of his words passed through him as he returned his threatening eyes to Morris Liu''s unchangeable expression which irked him even more. "Can''t you talk? Aren''t you going to defend yourself? Exin it until I understand because no matter how I rationalize it¡ª I can''t! Kong Shuren, that man-- I heard about him, how the hell did you work with that kind of person?"


    "I didn''t work with him-- I worked for him¡­" Examining the stunned countenance of Ethan Lu, Morris Liu tly resumed as if the story he was about to say was not his own. "Even before I inherit the Liu Empire, my uncle had been the puppet of the real owner of ourpany. We covered up his illegal activities and he used Liu Empire as the front of his contraband business. In other words, being the family head of the Liu family was to rece his previous shield to a new one so, if ever the authorities get involved, I will take all the me and he would continue with his life."


    "The reason why I came into the picture." Giving more rification to Ethan Lu, Chris Yu flinty chimed in. "Six years ago, Morris Liu hired a retired agent which is me by the way to catch the guy. But, the shreds of evidence we gathered weren''t enough to make him rot in jail because he was more careful than anyone can expect. So, we took our time because one wrong careless move, brother Mo will die along with the Yang family. We settled to be discreet because, in six years, the sum of the very few meetings he had been in contact with brother Mo will give us enough proof to catch him."


    "What?" Ethan Lu tried to absorb all their words no matter how ridiculous they were. However, if he opened his mind about it, they outrageously made sense. "Six years? So, half a year before the said time span, Lexi returned?" Since he undoubtedly remembered the day Morris Liu was dered as the new chief executive officer of the Liu Empire, Ethan Lu urately guessed and got the gist of what happened afterward which made his heart clench.


    "She was supposed to return after six years, that is our ultimatum is six years." Morris Liu rified, still bearing his icy tone.


    "Then what about Mia? Does she know? Or just another casualty to this whole circus?" At this point, Ethan Lu seemed his whole energy was drained because the more words they uttered, the clearer the chaotic situation Morris Liu had.


    "Nah, Mia and brother Mo were just ident because Lexi caught a message from her which is actually me trying to tease him using her phone." Shaking his head in disbelief, Chris Yu recalled a supposedly harmless prank that led to such unforeseen destruction and pain.

 Chapter 196 We Ride or Die

    <h4>Chapter 196 We Ride or Die</h4>


    "This is ridiculous." In a low tone, Ethan Lu could hardly believe everything. "So, you used that excuse instead-- Morris Liu having an affair to confuse Kong Shuren and push her away from this mess-- hitting two birds with one stone, is that it?"


    Ethan Lu nced at Morris Liu then to Chris Yu and without hearing their confirmation, he already knew the answer by the looks of their expression. He would be lying if he said that he didn''t hope to unhear all this data as he had mixed emotions acknowledging this side of the story.


    Massaging his as his head slowly hurt, Ethan Lu asked. "Why are you telling me all this? Ah, right¡­. I asked for it." Letting out a faint scornful chuckle, he slowly nodded his head.


    "If you said you love her, you should have known that she would understand right?" Pain, unbearable pain stuck Ethan Lu straight to the heart as he bitterly muttered his words. In his perspective, Lexi deserved none of these heartaches nor did he thought that Morris Liu wished this unforeseen truth to happen. Hence, this brief realization clenched his heart and any moment it would explode.


    "That is why I never told her about it. Ethan, knowing something you shouldn''t, was enough to put your life in danger. That is not the life I want for her."


    "The life you want for her¡­ right," Still nodding his head, Ethan Lu sniggered. "But, have you ever consider the life she wanted?"


    "Ethan, would you rather let her know everything even though it will cause her life or would you rather drive her away to save her from your chaotic world?" As inclement as he delivered his words, Morris Liu inquired. Though in his case, he chose thetter not expecting the consequences, s, those were the only choices he had back then.


    "Either way, your ways proved that they were impractical." Tired of all the bulls*hits, Ethan Lu sarcastically pointed out the obvious. He was done hearing this stuff as he had enough.


    Slowly standing up, Ethan Lu raised his finger and opened his mouth, but the words didn''t escape from his mouth. Nodding then shaking his head, Ethan Lu wordlessly altered his gaze from Morris Liu to Chris Yu before he let out another scoff and turned his back against them¡ª leaving.


    Just as he reached the door, Ethan Lu''s steps came into a full stop as he finally spoke, giving his honest opinion about Morris Liu''s narrow choice. "That kind of decision, that''s not for me to decide because she always deserved to know the truth... and then, we decide if we ride or die."


    Indeed, Ethan Lu would always include Lexi with his decisions especially if it''s as huge as this one. Never in his mind struck him that he has to keep a secret from her as he had been practicing a transparent rtionship with her¡ª maybe, stall it for a while but he knew that whatever critical information he had, he would eventually let her know.


    Just when Ethan Lu slightly opened the door, his hand froze as Morris Liu''s counter-question was one of the things he would wish to avoid being asked. " I ever intended to tell all these things to you but, since you''ve been following her around and formed a good rtionship with her-- May I know what''s your rtionship with her? Or rather, what are you to her? Lover? Friend? Perhaps, admirer?"


    That very instant, Ethan Lu had the urge to go back to Morris Liu and punch him endlessly until he could not utter a word. However, he only tightened his grip on the door handle as he clenched his teeth behind his cheeks.


    "You don''t deserve to know."


    "Then, you won''t mind if I tell her about this?" Staring at Ethan Lu''s broad back, Morris Liu deliberately taunted with his own selfish reason. On the other hand, Chris Yu furrowed his brows as he raised his gaze and looked at Morris Liu''s side stoic profile.


    "Do as you wish," After keeping his heart at bay with great effort, Ethan Lu left Chris Yu''s office sh home with horrifying fiery eyes. Surely, thest questions Morris Liu spouted got through him really hard that in contrast with his answer, his heart tells him otherwise.


    What is he to her? Does it really matter? They like each other, right? That''s what''s important, even if they have nobels and he didn''t have any right to im her¡­ indeed, he had no right to get mad at Morris Liu or to any man who wanted to get close to her because he was just one of the many guys who had an inkling to Lexi.


    When Ethan Lu reached his car, Lyrick Jiang immediately headed out to greet him. s, sensing another zing aura emanating from his boss, he gulped.


    "Young Master,"


    "I will go alone," without stopping in his tracks, Ethan Lu passed by Lyrick Jiang and entered the driver''s seat. He didn''t even give his assistant a chance to ask or say anything as he sped away without any reserved.


    "Just what happened inside?" Lyrick Jiang murmured in curiosity as this was the first time Ethan Lu left him without short notice or not dropping him back to thepany. After all, even if his boss was sometimes yful, he had been a very considerate guy. Therefore, his curiosity about the discussion he had with Morris Liu grew stronger.


    *****


    Pouring himself a ss of rum, Chris Yu inquired without averting his eyes on the ss. "Brother Mo, are you sure he got the gist of this meeting? Our conversation was diverted too much that we didn''t discuss protecting the Yang family."


    "He would that''s why he didn''t ask about it." Still looking at the shut entrance, Morris Liu nkly responded as he somehow sees Ethan Lu in a new, matured light.


    "Then, why did you say those things to him?" Putting down the bottle of liquor, Chris Yu grabbed the ss and leaned his back against the couch. "You don''t mean it, right?"


    "I don''t¡­. But perhaps, I do."

 Chapter 197 Set the place on fire

    <h4>Chapter 197 Set the ce on fire</h4>


    When Lexi arrived at the River Lounge Bar where they would hang out; Rika, Elliot Gong, Gael, and other casts of the movie Taming Hearts were already there¡ª partying. With the duration of their filming, Lexi did not only befriended Rika and Elliot but also, the other leads from the said movie.


    To her knowledge, they came from promoting the movie and Rika, the ever promotor into this encouraged them to ease their stress by partying. After all, when they wrapped up the filming, everyone only had a few days rest before they started promoting the movie. Especially, now that there was another movie that was also directed by a promising director just like Arnold Shen. Therefore, everyone was tensed since both directors had been a toughpetitor of each other all these years.


    "Best--!" Seeing the fine, confidentdy on her red, bullseye maxi dress that has a slimline silhouette with a cowl through the neckline and back, thin strap, and arge slit up to her upper right leg¡ª disying every curve of her body and too much skin; not to mention, her cleavage made Rika bulge her eyes.


    Lexi''s hair was arranged into a loose bun that has a few strands of hair dangling down. Still, it was not enough to cover her slender, work of art neck. She strode towards the long table where Rika and a few other colleagues perched.


    Scanning their faces that have their eyes locked on her, Lexi raised her brows as she was slightly confused with their odd stare.


    "Umm, hello?" Awkwardly snapping them back despite the loud music bombing the whole ce, it was somewhat effective as Rika reacted first and weed her with arms spread wide.


    "Bestie?! Gosh! Are you trying to set the ce on fire?!" Although Rika was wearing a ck bodycon dress that made her an eye-candy¡ª Lexi set the standard on a different level with her demeanor and how she carried the revealing dress with pride and dignity.


    "Huh?" Puzzled at her friend''s exaggeration, Lexi quickly nced down at her outfit before returning them back to Rika''s maizing eyes. "Do I look weird?" She asked. She could not understand why Rika was surprised as the entertainment industry was filled with gorgeous, sexydies.


    In retrospect, ever since Lexi became friends with Rika, she always wore conservative dresses just because she''s in the mood to wear so. However, that didn''t mean she doesn''t wear a revealing dress as well. After all, Lexi was a huge fan of different fashion and would wear a different one based on her mood.


    "Don''t worry, Mr. Darcy, I will protect your darling." Murmuring, Rika''s determination reached its zenith knowing Ethan Lu wasn''t around and his wifey was on the loose.


    "Haha," Chuckling at how adorable her friend was acting, thinking about Ethan Lu at this time¡ª she was in awe of her loyalty. "Such a lucky guy to have support like you."


    "Huh! How I wish Mr. Main Task is here~!" Churu who was invisible to everyone but to Leximented. She was also wearing a matching dress like Lexi''s with redce gloves added to her elegance. She then flew towards Elliot Gong and sat on his broad shoulder.


    "Lexi! Woah! Now I regret not including you to the promotion." Arnold Shen approached the two gorgeousdies with a dejected look stered across his face. However, the sound of his voice contained insincerity as he knew that Lexi''s absence to the promotion would add curiosity to the audience.


    "Hehe, Director Shen," Lexi slightly bowed her head with a smile as she knew that Arnold Shen didn''t mean what he said because she fully understood his cause.


    "Take a seat, youdies should sit first." Back to his cheerfulness, Arnold Shen didn''t dwell on his so-called regrets as he gestured them to take a seat.


    "How''s everyone?" Greeting them, Lexi slightly bowed her head to the people around the table. Just as she asked about their well being, a petite, tall man in a loose v-neck ck blouse stood and bowed his head across her.


    "Miss Yang, good to see you doing well." Gael Ho, the main male lead of the movie Taming Hearts greeted as he offered his hand. However, just as Lexi was about to ept his hand for an odd handshake, Elliot Gong beside Gael reached for her hand first.


    "Lexi! Haha! Good to see you!" Awkwardlyughing as if he was the happiest person to see her, Elliot Gong greeted. Turning to Gael Ho''s on his side, he grinned and whispered to him. "I handshake her for you. Thank meter."


    Lexi arched her brows to Elliot Gong''s unusual acting yet, she shrugged it off and she only smiled. Elliot Gong then courteously gestured them to take their seat like a good attendant which made Rika looked at him suspiciously.


    When every one of them was on their respective seats, they''ve talked about random things and as usual, shared some goodughs with each other. More tens of minutes had passed, and few of the cast decided to run wild and danced on the dance floor.


    Therefore, only a few were left on the table: Lexi, Rika, Elliot Gong, Gael, and Arnold Shen enjoying their drinks.


    "Miss Yang, how have you been?" Smiling gently, Gael Ho''s handsome face turned to Lexi as he started a conversation with her.


    "I''m doing well, thank you. The promotion must have been tiring, I''m sorry for being absent." Lexi had already sensed that Gael Ho treated her quite different from usual. However, she didn''t mind his sudden friendliness¡ª as long as he would not harass her or would keep his distance, Lexi would keep her cool and civilly talked to him.


    "It is tiring, but it''s good that you get to rest. Don''t worry, we don''t mind." Gael Ho smiled, revealing his cute dimples that his fans were dying to have a closer look.


    "Yes! We don''t really mind doing all thebor because Lexi deserved to rest!" Chiming in, Elliot Gong patted his chest with pride.


    Still keeping her smile, yet, her brows could not her but twitch when Lexi shot the proud Elliot Gong a nce. ''Am I the only one that thinks he''s acting really weird?''


    "Nope, he is weird today." Shaking her head as she stared at Elliot Gong, Churu noted in a matter of factly tone. She already guessed why he was acting like this as it was too obvious that he was deliberately sabotaging Gael Ho''s advances.


    "Bestie, let''s dance!" Suddenly, Rika stood from her seat beside Lexi and without her consent, she dragged Lexi''s hand.


    ****


    When Lexi and Rika left the table, Elliot Gong red at Gael Ho who was also looking at him in confusion.


    "Do you like Miss Yang?" Picking up a cocktail drink, Gael Ho raised his brows as he inquired. He wasn''t dense enough not to sense that Elliot Gong was guarding Lexi as if a protective boyfriend.


    "Nonsense! I''m paying a huge debt which I didn''t know I had in the first ce!" Retorting back with dismay, Elliot Gong growled at his colleague as he just received a friendly message which sounded like a death threat earlier.


    "Dear, you''re doing a good job¡ª here''s a kiss as a reward!" Churu smiled brightly as she presumed that this was the reason behind his action. Hence, with that said note, she showered Elliot Gong with kisses.


    On the other hand, Gael Ho only nodded his head as he continued to savor his drink while looking at Lexi and Rika having fun on the dance floor.

 Chapter 198 Here...

    <h4>Chapter 198 Here...</h4>


    Meanwhile¡­


    Ethan Lu recklessly drove around the city. He didn''t have any destination nor did he thought of having one. The emotions rampaging inside his heart was too overwhelming that he didn''t know what to feel anymore.


    "I love her¡­"


    "What are you to her?"


    "You don''t mind me telling her this¡­?"


    These words kept on repeating over and over again inside his mind that made him step on the elerator even harder¡ª reaching the maximum speed of his vehicle.


    He didn''t care about the loud honks outside as he overtook other cars on the road. He couldn''t care less as Morris Liu''s words rang much louder.


    The way Morris Liu uttered his sentiments... there wasn''t any difference with how Ethan Lu says those words to the same girl he was pertaining. If Ethan Lu heard it from someone else, he would not be threatened. However, it was delivered by Morris Liu; Lexi''s first love, the man that she loved that she was willing to surrender everything, even her own life.


    Therefore, how could he keep himself calm? His brain worked in wonder as he recapped the pieces of information he amassed from their tense meeting.


    First, Morris Liu did those horrible things to Lexi to divert the attention of the man named Kong Shuren; an underworld boss who was, in fact, the real owner of the Liu Empire.


    Second, because of Lexi''s stubbornness, his friend had to take extreme measures to push her away. However, he didn''t expect that Lexi wouldmit suicide in the end.


    Lastly, now that Kong Shuren was gone and Morris Liu was still preupied dealing with thest will of that said man¡ª then what would happen next? After he was done and he finally regained his freedom? What would be his next move? Pursue Lexi?


    Ethan Lu''s unwillingly turned paranoid with the thought of Morris Liuing into the picture, again. Maybe he was being selfish, but he didn''t want him to breeze right in Lexi''s life again because of the ''ifs'' and ''buts''.


    In spite that Ethan Lu acknowledged and respected that Lexi had her own decision of who she was willing to ept in her life and not, s, the fear of the possibility that she might waver and choose Morris Liu in the end after knowing his real reason TERRIFIED him.


    Ethan Lu loves her so much that he was afraid to lose her. However, no matter how pissed he was at his friend¡ª Ethan Lu could not just throw away the years he has been friends with Morris Liu. After all, he treated him as his own big brother and what happened to him and Lexi¡ª his heart ached for them while his mind was justifying that he shouldn''t.


    "Damn it!" He cursed loudly as he pounded on the steering wheel with great force. By doing this, his car suddenly turned, almost crashing into another vehicle. He heard a wild honk from outside yet, he didn''t care as Ethan Lu only sped away.


    After a long drive circling around the city, Ethan Lu found himself parked in front of the club Lexi went. It has almost the same exterior just like Chris Yu''s nightclub.


    "Damn you, Morris Liu." He cursed under his breath while still clutching on the steering wheel.


    If this was before, he would shamelessly without any reserved show himself to her. But now, for some reason, even if his heart yearned for her, part of his stopped him¡ª afraid that he would tell everything to her.


    One of the many reasons why Ethan Lu was too frustrated about the matter was because he wanted to be a hundred percent honest to her. However, even if he still wanted to do that¡ª tell her that Morris Liu had this huge dilemma and he loved her, then, what will happen to him?


    It was not that Ethan Lu didn''t trust her, but he''s too terrified to lose her. He''s afraid of these uncertainties because, in the first ce, he was just the guy that she started to like. Hence, how could hepete with the man she loved all her life?


    "Damn¡­" Suddenly, as he continued to curse, his voice choked. Whether it was from anger or pain, his eyes felt it was stung by something. His hand gripping the steering wheel slightly trembled and his shoulder shuddered.


    "Damn¡­" With every passing second, Ethan Lu''s breathing turned heavy as his heart pounded loudly to the extent that it''s painful.


    Just then, he felt his phone vibrated from inside his suit pocket which snapped him from his muddled, conflicted world. The phone kept vibrating that made him check who it was.


    Upon having a glimpse of Lexi''s contact name: My Heart, Ethan Lu was once again struck with an invisible knife piercing his heart.


    Without further ado, Ethan Lu swiped to see what she sent him and to his surprise, Lexi sent several photos of herself with Rika and other group photos including Elliot Gong who stayed far away from Lexi while head locking a man.


    As he scanned each photo, his eyes softened and all the crazy thoughts enveloping his mind slowly vanished. After thest image, Lexi sent another message to him saying:


    "How was the meeting? Did you eat already?"


    Ethan Lu started topose a short message saying: "Mhmm¡­ want me to give you a ride home?" His thumb hovered over the send button before he sent his reply.


    Just a few seconds after he sent his message, his phone suddenly rang with Lexi''s contact name on the screen.


    Answering his phone, Ethan Lu softly hummed, afraid that she would detect his cracked voice. "Hmm?" He could hear the loud music from the background and heard indistinct chatters.


    "Ah, wait." Were her first words. Ethan Lu patiently did as instructed as the loud background music on the line slowly fades away and only her light breathing was heard. "Okay, finally some peace." she murmured.


    Ethan Lu''s love radar immediately turned on as he caught a beautiful figure that shone among the rest that was akin to the moon that gives light to the darkness of the night. Lowering his head to get a clear view of the woman, the corner of his lips curled upward. s, as his eyes scanned her clothes, his brows furrowed as Lexi looked extra seductive wearing a red revealing dress.


    "So, did you, uhmm¡­" Scratching her temple by her index finger, Lexi inquired but, she sounded as if she forgot what she was about to ask.


    "Are you drunk?" With twitching brows, Ethan Lu had a hunch that Lexi probably had a few drinks as her face was slightly flushed. However, since she was standing not too close to where his car was parked, he could not confirm his spections. But now, after hearing her voice much clearer, Ethan Lu was certain.


    "No, of course not!" Lying without batting an eye, Lexi responded as a mischievous grin stered across her face. Unbeknownst to her, Ethan Lu was watching her mischief that made him shook his head as a subtle smile formed on the side of his lips.


    "Hehe, kidding. I had several hard drinks and I only found an excuse to let me off the hook." Coming clean, Lexi admitted after a minute. "By the way, did you eat dinner?"


    "Hmm, not yet¡­ will you eat dinner with me?" Locking his gaze on her, Ethan Lu watched her pondered from his position and expected her refusal. After all, he was just trying his luck,¡ª whether she epted it or not, he would be fine. But of course, if she epted it, he would be really d as he needed herpany after the shocking truth he stumbled upon.


    "Err¡­ sure." Just when Lexi agreed, Ethan Lu exited the car from the driver''s seat and took hurried strides towards her standpoint. "I will bid my goodnight with Rika and Director Shen¡ª where are you by the way?"


    Just as Lexi inquired his whereabouts so she could calcte the time when he arrives, she felt a muscr arm snaked around her waist from behind and his chin resting on her left shoulder, "Here..."


    "Omo~! Mr. Main Task, where did you appear from?" Slightly surprised, Churu didn''t notice Ethan Lu dted her eyes as she could not believe that she didn''t smell his presence beforehand.

 Chapter 199 Finally home

    <h4>Chapter 199 Finally home</h4>


    When his arm circled around her waist, Lexi immediately turned vignt. s, right after a second, just when she as about to turn and back away from the man behind her, Ethan Lu''s familiar citrusy scent with an aquatic vibe tickled her nose.


    Only Ethan Lu could smell so refreshing like this to her hence, she stopped and let him embraced her from behind. He then rested his chin on her shoulder saying in a low note, "Here¡­"


    "... finally home." He added.


    Upon hearing hisst remarks, Lexi chuckled as she tilted her head back and leaned it to the side of his head that was on her shoulder. Just when she opened her mouth, Lexi abruptly closed it upon hearing a harsh noise of clothes shaking off in the air and the next moment, Lexi''s front was covered by a zer suit.


    "My home''s windows and doors were all open¡ª must cover it." Unlike his gentle voice earlier, Ethan Lu''s face had this distress expression stered across his face. God knows how shocked he was as he got a closer look at Lexi''s fine figure and how she confidently carried her dress.


    Ethan Lu almost fainted even before he could reach her standpoint. Fortunately, his determination to hide the drool-worthy figure of hers triumph in the end.


    In the past, Ethan Lu would not mind gracing his eyes looking at other girls who would wear much shorter, revealing clothes because it was normal for women to unt their money maintaining such wlessness. However, now that he had a woman whom he loved dearly¡ª Ethan Lu could not share this eye candy for others to admire¡ª only him should and could adore every detail of her beauty and body.


    "Gosh¡­" Lexi heartily chuckled at his overprotectiveness just wearing such clothes. Also, how he referred to her as his home and how he uttered his displeasure towards her attire rting in a way as if she was a house. nevertheless, Lexi found his rare possessiveness rather cute. After all, Ethan Lu never forbid her on her choice of clothing.


    "Love, I was kidding when I said to be confident with your body." Still had his eyes mildly dted and a slightly paleplexion, Ethan Lu profusely shook his head.


    In his mind, Lexi had been partying since earlier, then that only meant that tons of eyes had glued their gazes on her¡ª uneptable! Although Lexi sent him photos earlier, Ethan Lu overlooked her seductive attire as he was struggling internally after knowing Morris Liu''s side of the story. But now, he was utterly bbergasted upon a closer look at her.


    "Hahaha!" This time, Lexi could no longer suppress herughter as she slowly turned around to see the horrified expression on his dashing yet exhausted profile. Slightly thrusting her chin upward, Lexi raised her brows as a mischievous grin formed on the side of her lips.


    "What''s with your face? Don''t tell me you don''t like it?"


    Ethan Lu nced down at Lexi with his whole body unable to move. She coquettishly looked at him as if she was taunting him. Didn''t they talk about it the other day? He had already made it clear to her that he had his limits yet, here she was again, seducing him with her overly... oh god, he didn''t even want to look at it again as he was afraid that he''d lose control.


    "Uh¡­ I love it, but that means everyone liked it as well¡ª where is Elliot?" Frowning, Ethan Lu let out a heavy sigh as he envisioned all the stares and wild imagination Lexi triggered. Therefore, aside from Lexi, Ethan Lu asked for Elliot Gong''s whereabouts.


    "Eli had been acting weird, you have anything to do with it?" Arching her brows, Lexi finally had the strong conviction that it was Ethan Lu''s doing why he was akin to a protective father.


    "Hmm? Is he?" Ethan Lu could finally regain his mobility as he fixed his zer suit on her shoulders. Raising his gaze to meet her pair of pretty nut-brown eyes, Ethan Lu briefly brought up his brows as if he didn''t have any clue on what she was referring to.


    "Tss, whatever. Let me go back inside to say goodbye to everyone." Still grinning, Lexi slightly shook her head as she didn''t press on the matter anymore. Slightly pushing him away, Lexi slowly turned her back on him but, sensing that Ethan Lu was about to follow her, Lexi raised her hand with her index finger erecting, gesturing him to stop or stay still.


    "I''ll be back, wait for me okay?" With that said note, Lexi grinned for thest time in satisfaction seeing that he obeyed. She then went back inside the establishment with his zer suit with her.


    Ethan Lu furrowed his brows in confusion as he watched her return inside the establishment. Slipping his hand in his pocket, he heavily sighed.


    "What should I do?" He murmured as the thought of Morris Liu shed across his mind again. Although the sight of Lexi distracted him for a moment, Ethan Lu was still struggling inside him if he should tell her about it or should just keep it to himself for a while.


    "Hmm?" Tilting her head to the side, Churu''s forehead creased as she scrutinized the glint of pained emotion in his eyes. "Mr. Main Task, why are you crying?" Although there were no tears flowing down on his eyes, Churu sensed that his heart was hurt to the point of screaming internally.


    "Damn brother Mo¡­ what a selfish bastard." Running his fingers through his hair, Ethan Lu muttered as he turned to get and ready his ride. He didn''t want to think about it anymore as he shrugged the matter on the back of his mind for now. Maybe, when his stomach was full, he could think properly.


    "What? Mr. Main Task, what did that Morris told you?!" Slightly panicking, Churu bellowed on his side but to no avail, Ethan Lu could not hear her demands for an answer.


    "That guy! That iceberg trying to get in the way again! I''ll teach him a lesson!" Slowly showing her small muscle, Churu took off her redce gloves as if she was going to an all-out war. Without asking for Lexi''s permission, the little dumpling then disappeared without a trace.

 Chapter 200 I have eyes everywhere

    <h4>Chapter 200 I have eyes everywhere</h4>


    "Oi, Eli spill the beans." When Lexi excused herself to make a call, Rika immediately sat beside Elliot Gong bearing an investigative eye as if one wrong word from him, she''ll give him her verdict.


    "What beans?!" ring at the beautiful Rika''s instigating front, Elliot Gong grumbled in disbelief. From his point of view, he was just preventing Gael and others get too close to Lexi¡ª nothing too special. It was not like he was trying to monopolize Lexi all for himself.


    "Hah! Elliot Gong, have you seen yourself how you act like an overprotective boyfriend to my bestie? Exin now and make sure it''s reasonable or else¡­" Rika arched her brow as she gestured a slitting throat as a warning, "... you dead."


    "Protective boyfriend? Can you be more creative and think I am just protecting a friend or big brother?" Dismayed at her usations, Elliot Gong shook his head as he fiddled inside his pocket. When he found his phone, Elliot Gong tapped it a few times before showing it to Rika.


    Rika narrowed her eyes as she held her head back a little to get a clearer view of the message on Elliot Gong''s phone. After slowly blinking twice, Rika finally read the content of the message from Ethan Lu. It says;


    [ 58 times¡­ that''s how many times you touched my love¡ª excluding the days I am not around. I will send you the official receipt tomorrow including interest. Fret not, you can reduce your debt by preventing some fly trying tond on my beautiful flower... I have eyes everywhere.


    PS. I am back to our Lu family just so you know. ]


    When Rika was done reading the message, Elliot Gong cleared his throat and retrieve his phone. To him, he would not put much thought into the first half of his message. However, Ethan Lu''sst note was his creative way of telling him "I am back to the Lu family and one word from me¡ª say goodbye to your career."


    "Realized where I stand now?" Frowning, Elliot Gong heavily sighed as he could not believe he was experiencing such a predicament. Why does Ethan Lu making things hard for him? For f*ck''s sake, he was just doing his job! Hence, there''s no need for him to stress him over those trivial things.


    "Hay¡­ I wish I have someone like him¡ª cute and lowkey possessive at the same time." Rika who could not rte to Elliot Gong''s dilemma murmured in awe. Surely, she did somehow expect that Ethan Lu must have nicely asked a favor to his friend, the reason why Elliot Gong was doing such a thing. Yet, she didn''t expect that Ethan Lu would actually have such an efficient way to threaten his friend which was effective.


    "Hey, can you at least side with me this time? Didn''t you say you''re president of some kind of boat? Why am I doing all the work?" Looking at her with a ''protect who'' expression while bearing a mocking tone, Elliot Gong scoffed as Rika only did was drag Lexi here and there and didn''t actually prevent Gael from approaching them.


    "For your information, I have been protecting her from you! Also, aren''t you afraid someone will think you two are lovers? I have to divert all that alright?" In a matter of factly tone, Rika rolled her eyes as she slightly turned her head pointing at how close they seemed. Indeed, since she had been in the entertainment industry for a long time, Rika knew that what Elliot Gong was doing could be misunderstood with a short clip or just one photo.


    Hence, to save Lexi some ck, even if a rumor about Lexi and Elliot Gong surface, they wouldn''t get any hard evidence as she also looked intimate and pretty close with everyone.


    "Huh, that''s impossible¡­" Unconvinced, Elliot Gong shook his head. He was barely persuaded that his chemistry with Lexi was that great¡ª same to her. Moreover, he was friends with Morris Liu and that fact alone was enough to be the excuse that he was just good friends with Lexi.


    Just then, Lexi came back wearing arger zer suit. "Director, Rika, I have to go first." without going around in circles, Lexi immediately bowed her head with a smile. She was neither hastening her actions nor was she slowing down. But what they are certain was that she was determined to call it a night. Therefore, how could they not understand?


    "See? He''s already here. Oh f*ck! Where the hell is he?" Seeing that Lexi was wearing a man''s suit, Elliot Gong turned vignt and cautiously looked around.


    "Tsk, you look stupid." Rika hissed seeing the fear across Elliot Gong''s face. She then stood up and made her way to Lexi''s gorgeous front.


    "Bestie, is Ethan Lu outside?" As Lexi picked up her purse, Rika went a little closer to her and whispered. Well, by the looks of it, even if Lexi wouldn''t respond to her, she already knew her answer.


    "Mhmm¡­" Nodding while humming a tuned, Lexi bowed once again to the very few around the table. She didn''t notice Gael''s unreadable gaze as she was preupied with Rika and her series of questions.


    *****


    When Lexi was on her way out of the establishment, Rika was still following her.


    "Bestie, listen." Rika mused and halted from her steps.


    Lexi stopped as she turned to face Rika behind her. Since Rika came to know that she was going out with Ethan Lu tonight, the talk of their ubeled rtionship resurfaced again which made Rika nagged her like a good ol'' mother inw.


    "At least, be his official lover to give him assurance¡ª having insecurities in a rtionship is bound to doom, I''m telling you." Crossing her arms under her breast, Rika looked at Lexi with resolve as she shared her personal experience.


    "Rika, I told you were good and happy."


    "Then what''s wrong with having abel? Besides, mutual understanding is the most unclear rtionship of all. It''s either you''ll get hurt or Ethan Lu in the end. Bestie, you are digging this beautiful love a grave, you know that? Didn''t you see Gael? What if Mr. Darcy will see his action? Don''t you think he''ll be cool with it? No! But what can he do since you both are not in a rtionship." Rika prattled in one go as she felt frustrated. If this was other people, she would not bother. However, she was really fond of Lexi and how innocent she was in terms of rtionships. Moreover, she already heard what happened to her failed engagement with Morris Liu, hence, Rika only wished the best for this tough yet stubborn woman who had gone through a lot.


    Lexi chuckled seeing how frustrated Rika at something she shouldn''t. For some reason, she was moved to see the sincerity of the woman in front of her. Therefore, without thinking too much, Lexi leaned forward and gave her a warm hug.


    "Thank you¡­ Don''t worry, I will reconsider." Lexi whispered as she briefly tightened her embrace before she let her go. "Don''t drink too much." she reminded. Rika frowned yet she still nodded before Lexi finally left her after a reassuring smile.


    "Hayy¡­" Rika could only let out a heavy sigh as she watched Lexi''s back until she left the establishment. "I hope they just get married." She murmured as she pondered deeply on how to be a bridesmaid sooner.

 Chapter 201 Lexis advances

    <h4>Chapter 201 Lexi''s advances</h4>


    Ethan Lu was resting his head on the driver''s seat headrest. He was once again in the pit of his overthinking mind and he didn''t notice that Lexi approached his car. He only snapped when Lexi entered the front passenger seat.


    Turning to see her on the side, Ethan Lu forced a smile on his lips. "Sorry, I didn''t notice you¡ª I should have waited outside." Referring that he should have opened the door for her like always, he apologized which made her smile gently.


    "It''s not like I don''t have a hand." She humored as Lexi guessed what''s on his mind. Buckling herself up, Lexi removed the zer suit first and ced it on herp.


    "Love¡­" Feeling helpless, Ethan Lu called out under his breath yet, he only shook his head as he fixed his seatbelt. "Ready? Where do you want to eat?"


    "Anywhere with you." Grabbing the zer suit, Lexi covered her exposed cleavage as she muttered her response as if her answer was normal. s, it was not!


    Her reply almost made Ethan Lu jolt from his seat as he looked at her with disbelief eyes and a narrowly opened mouth. Did she just said she''s fine everywhere if she''s with him?! Like really?


    When Lexi nced at Ethan Lu who wasn''t starting the car''s engine, she arched her brows seeing his abnormal reaction. "What?"


    "Baby, d- don''t drink again." Trying to rpose his already muddled mind, Ethan Lu stuttered as he wasn''t used to hearing her throwing such lines to him. He then clumsily started the car''s engine with the best he could do.


    Lexi watched his clumsiness took over and chuckled. Well, although she was telling the truth, it was still fun to make him taste his own medicine. As the car finally moved, Lexi held her hand out which made Ethan Lu furrowed his brows when he caught a glimpse of what she was doing.


    "Uhh, what are you doing?" ncing at her hand from time to time, Ethan Lu''s entire focus regarding Morris Liu and the threat of his presence slowly set aside.


    "Waiting for your hand." As serious as she could sound, Lexi pursed her lips as she watched his reaction from her advances one after another.


    "Oh my god¡­" Slightly horrified, Ethan Lu lowly mumbled as his heart began to beat faster than usual. Was she trying to give him a heart attack? First, saying cheesy words and now initiating a holding hand? What was she up to?


    "Please tell me how much did you drink?" Disbelief about Lexi, Ethan Lu inquired in bewilderment as his hand reached out for her hand while his dted eyes focused on the road.


    "Not too much¡ª why? You don''t like it?" Chuckling, Lexi could no longer hold back herughter as she tightened her grip that was holding his hand before loosening it. For some reason, she was in the mood to y around with him. After all, she wasn''t that stiffed before. It was just that she could only be like this to the people that had a special space in her heart.


    "I do like it! But, I''m not used to it." Feeling her slender hand, Ethan Lu responded in a matter of factly tone as he bit his lower lip to prevent himself from smiling like a fool; despite that, his cheeks were already blushing.


    "Well, be use to it from hereon." Audibly replying, Lexi chuckled as she shook her head and repositioned her body so she couldfortably watch his side profile while driving. That instant, seeing that she was staring at him, he gritted his teeth to make his jaw a bit more apparent.


    ''Shoot! Did I shave earlier?'' Getting a bit more self-conscious, Ethan Lu''s mind asked himself as he wondered if he looked just fine. After all, he was too busy these days and his stressful encounter with his friends earlier¡ª he felt that he aged overnight. Yes, he was indeed overthinking as he didn''t want to turn her off even though he had already done it so many times without him knowing.


    They traveled like that for half an hour as Ethan Lu was undecided about where to take her. In the end, without him knowing, Ethan Lu arrived at his own private vi. He swore in the name of gods that he didn''t purposely take her in his home as Ethan Lu only realized where they stopped when he nced outside.


    On the other hand, since Lexi already went in his ce, she already knew where he was taking her. However, she didn''t ask questions as she already told him: anywhere was fine if she''s with him. Therefore, she could not careless wherever he wanted¡ª as long as they could eat together and catch up.


    "Oh, I''m sorry, I was spacing out, I didn''t ¡ª" Just as Ethan Lu apologized about being distracted, Lexi interrupted him midway while unbuckling her seat.


    "It''s fine. At least you can rest afterward." Turning to him with a smile, Lexi raised her brows showing that she wasn''t objecting at his choice of ce.


    Upon seeing this, Ethan Lu was dumbstruck as he could slowly nod in understanding. Surely, he was quite baffled at why Lexi was being a little too extra today which was actually terrifying and ttering at the same time. Regardless, Ethan Lu exhaled as he started to unbuckle his seat and went outside.


    Jogging his way to the passenger seat, Ethan Lu assisted Lexi from going out like a real gentleman. Fortunately, his scolding inwardly made his mind started to function a bit and acted by instinct.


    *****


    Lexi looked at the refrigerator and her brows slowly creased. Behind her, Ethan Lu scratched his temple as he realized that his huge refrigerator had nothing but bottles of water and a few ingredients. Aside from that, there was actually nothing inside this expensive storage.


    "If Mom finds out about this, she''ll surely fill this for you." Turning behind her, Lexi arched her brows and she crossed her arms under her breast. Indeed, knowing her mother, she would surely nag Ethan Lu just like what she had done to her back when she was abroad when she heard that Lexi was barely eating. One of the reasons she started pigging out as her mother spoiled her too extensively.


    "Uh¡­ I forgot I have no decent food here¡ª let''s drive somewhere¡ª" Sounding embarrassed, Ethan Lu wanted to dig a hole to where he was standing because not only he exposed that he wasn''t eating at his own home, he dared bring her here knowing he had nothing to offer.


    "Tsk," Clicking her tongue in annoyance to interrupt his suggestion, Lexi returned her attention back to the fridge before grabbing some ingredients they could use. "I''ll see what I can prepare with this¡ª here."


    "Err, love we can just eat somewhere¡ª"


    "Shut up, Mr. Lu and just help me if you still want to eat." Shushing him, Lexi handed out some eggs and green onions that she could use to prepare some decent food.


    "Oh, okay¡­?" Briefly raising his brows, Ethan Lu immediately nodded and acted as a good sous chef to his sexy chef.

 Chapter 202 Mother Churu

    <h4>Chapter 202 Mother Churu</h4>


    Meanwhile¡­


    Morris Liu arrived at the silent home that he rarely dwelled in as he was only reminded of the remnants of Lexi. He headed straight to the kitchen counter and without further ado, he grabbed a bottle of wine and poured it to the wine ss until it was half-filled.


    Thest time he was in his own house, Morris Liu had an encounter with an apparition that talked to him until he fell asleep. Although it was silly, however, the very reason why he went home was that he needed someone to talk to him¡ª even if it was the blunt imaginary friend.


    "Well, well, well, Oi Morris Liu! When I told you to do what you initially want, I didn''t mean that you should go back to Lexi''s life!" Like a mother that witnessed her child going homete, Churu stumped her foot on the surface of the small table on the living area while her hand was crossed on her bby belly.


    Watching Morris Liu''s icy front heading to the head sofa, Churu grinded her teeth as if she was asking him to exin. But to no avail, Morris Liu could not see her, unlike the previous time. Therefore, Churu looked up and her gaze passed through the ceiling, "Hey! I need to talk to this guy! What are you doing when I need to set this guy straight?!"


    She fumed as she suddenly felt irritated because she wanted to talk with Morris Liu for a bit to give him a piece of her thought and stopped him from whatever he was thinking. However, the ''old hag'' she always cursed seemed she stopped experimenting on the system as it was quiet these days.


    "Damnit! Just when I wanted to curse this guy! Grr!" Slumping her bum on top of the small table, Churu scornfully watched Morris Liu drink whatever emotions he was under right now away.


    "Say, did you informed Mr. Main Task about your dilemma? Why why why? Are you really nning to win Lexi back? Hah! Don''t dream! Want me to snap your neck huh?" Despite that Morris Liu could not hear her, Churu could not contain her surging anger as she could not let that happen. After all, Lexi was still on her moving on process and Ethan Lu had been a great support. However, the little dumpling was afraid that her host might waver in the end. After all, the system didn''t mandate her to love just Ethan Lu.


    The system only stood as a guide to the right person for her and whether she followed it or not, that would be Lexi''s choice. Also, having this blessing called love system that God only came up for fun¡ª it was a once in a million opportunity that not every day, there''s a person being blessed by it.


    On the other hand, Morris Liu remained silent as he emptied the wine ss and filled it again then repeat the cycle. Inside him, he hoped that the ghost dumpling would appear so he could talk to her about something. However, he knew that it was only his wishful thinking. Hence, as he drowned himself with alcohol, memories of Lexi shed before his mncholic eyes.


    shback, Six years ago


    .


    .


    .


    Two weeks had passed when Lexi came back from country Y. Ever since then, Lexi didn''t visit him again after he stood her up on the supposed date that she arranged two weeks ago.


    Still, Lexi always updated him about her activities along with her good mornings and sweet reminder to take care of his health.


    Staring nkly at her another sweet message telling him that she knew he was busy and saw his schedule thus, she wasn''t dropping by and bothering him. However, knowing that he had two days break after three days, Lexi was inviting him to take a vacation with her.


    Without replying to her request, Morris Liu held his phone tightly before he threw it on the wall with great force. The suddenmotion inside his office made his assistant rushed her way inside.


    "Sir!" Assistant Lin called out as her gaze traveled to the broken vase and some of the small furniture on the floor along with Morris Liu''s phone.


    "Get out!" Venting his frustration to his concerned assistant, Morris Liu growled that startled Assistant Lin before she instantly bowed her head and left the room after spouting her apologies.


    Panting for air as he could feel his heart tightened, Morris Liu grinded his teeth as he knew that despite ignoring and hurting her for that¡ª she still pretended that it was fine. "Lexi¡­" He mumbled through his gritted teeth.


    Just two weeks ago, when the news that Lexi returned and she dropped by on his office, he received a call from the damnable Kong Shuren that night. The man congratted him for being reunited with his beloved fiancee and as usual, he left him a good threat as his ender. Therefore, Morris Liu''s situation turned messier as Kong Shuren ensured him that he''d ''protect'' them if ever they get involved with their business and promised that they''d keep their mouth shut¡ª just like him.


    "Kong Shuren¡­" He muttered as a dangerous glint shed across his eyes.


    Morris Liu''s eyes thennded on his cracked phone on the floor before he strode towards it and picked it up. Fortunately, it was still working despite the screen having several cracks. Without a second''s hesitation, he speed-dialed Lexi''s number.


    cing it in front of his ear, Morris Liu waited for the line to connect. It only took one ring when Lexi immediately picked up the call.


    "Brother Mo?" Her voice had a touch of relieved and her gentleness immediately seeped through the other end. However, instead of being moved, her voice was akin to a dagger that pierced Morris Liu''s heart.


    ''Why? How can you still sound so loving even after being ignored?'' He grumbled inwardly as a piece of his heart fell off again.


    "Let''s meet at 8 pm at Hao''s restaurant." With that said note, Morris Liu hung up without waiting for her to say anything. He could not wait a little longer. The more she hangs around him, the more Kong Shuren would eye on her. Hence, he must prevent that from happening before it''s toote.


    Pressing the button that connected to his secretary''s desk, Morris Liumanded. "Clear my schedule after 17:00. Also, book a ne ticket to Country Y."


    "Yes, Sir." Assistant Lin sternly responded. Her voice sounded she hasn''t coped with her boss''s sudden aggressiveness. Still, she was able to respond as a professional and executed the orders afterward.


    Upon giving his orders, Morris Liu weakly sat on his executive chair as he heavily sighed. "Right, I should just tell her about it and make her return to country y. Just six months¡­ six more months and we''re done." He mumbled as he made a decision.


    He could not bear it anymore. He didn''t want to hurt her anymore. Therefore, he should tell her and send her back to Country Y. In that way, she could stay away from this mess until everything was settled.


    Unbeknownst to him, just when he decided toe clean and let her know about his n, Kong Shuren also had a n in his mind which almost made him insane.

 Chapter 203 Lets break up

    <h4>Chapter 203 Let''s break up</h4>


    At Hao''s restaurant¡­


    Morris Liu arrived at exactly eight in the evening. As expected, Lexi arrived much earlier and was waiting for him in one of the VIP rooms in the fancy restaurant.


    As he entered, Lexi was already there wearing a tube ck, fitted dress with a red zer suit ced on her shoulder. Her hair was tied in a low loose bun disying her jaw and slender neck. When she heard him entered, she turned to see him and a content smile formed on the side of his lips.


    Standing up, Lexi''s eyes sparkled with love and without further ado, she rushed her way towards him¡ª wrapping her arms around him. "I missed you,"


    Her action, of course, made Morris Liu stiffened as his hand slowly attempted to return her warmth. However, just as his hand was about tond on her back, he stopped. Instead, his hand went to her shoulder and slowly pushed her away.


    "Lexi¡­" He lowly muttered. Seeing the distress expression shed across her face, his brows slowly creased. He wanted to hug her as well, however, not after she agreed to return to Country Y.


    "Oh, you''re probably tired¡ª let''s take a seat first." Forcing a smile on her lips, Lexi let him go as she turned around and awkwardly gestured him to take a seat. It was evident that she was hurt once again seeing that he was distancing himself, but she couldn''t care less and deluded herself that he was just tired.


    Just as Lexi took a step forward to her seat, Morris Liu grabbed her slender hand which made her halt. "Lexi, I''m sorry." Perhaps it was his endless guilt or he was tired seeing that she was getting hurt with everything he does, Morris Liu could no longer hold back.


    Lexi bit her lower lips upon hearing his apologies. That very instant, the terrifying feeling of entirely losing him slowly vanished. Turning around, the corner of her eyes molded tears as her heart softened. "You''re such a bully."


    Seeing that she was finally revealing her emotions, his eyes softened and slowly pulled her to his embrace. "Sorry¡­"


    Lexi let him transfer his warmth to her as she wiped the little tears on the corner of her eyes. She didn''t mind the past week that she felt heartbroken without hearing from him because just one word from him, all her heartaches would vanish in an instant.


    After coaxing her for a while, Lexi and Morris Liu finally took their respective seats. As usual, Lexi enthusiastically shared her life in Country Y. She also unted her capabilities as she exined that she finished her sses due to her high grades and advanced knowledge on certain sses that made her passed each exam through hard work and countless sleepless nights. Overall, she had fun despite going through such tough times.


    Meanwhile, Morris Liu listened to her every story as his gentle eyes locked on her. In his mind, he should have done this before to save both of them some ck. However, he knew that he could not reverse the time. Therefore, he could only prevent her from hurting here onwards.


    "Lexi¡­"


    "Hmm?" Raising her clear eyes across her, Lexi hummed a merry tune as a satisfied smile formed on the side of her lips. God knows how happy she was because her beloved returned to his original self¡ª cold and aloof to others but to her, he would patiently listen to her stories with interest.


    "I have something to tell you¡­ I need you to return to Country Y."


    Lexi blinked numerous times as she absorbed his words for several seconds. Scrutinizing his front, he didn''t show displeasure nor he seemed he was mad at her. Instead, Morris Liu appeared he was asking for a favor which she didn''t mind fulfilling if he told her the reason.


    "Lexi, I need you to stay in Country Y for another six months because--" Just as Morris Liu was about to exin the details to her, his phone suddenly rang which interrupted him midway. He wanted to ignore the call, however, when he saw Chris Yu''s contact number on the screen, he excused himself and answered the call.


    "Brother Mo, did you say you''re in Hao''s restaurant with Lexi?" The moment the line connected, Chris Yu''s panicked voice came through which instinctively rmed Morris Liu.


    "Why?"


    "The ce was surrounded by Kong Shuren''s men and I saw the manager from the restaurant walked with one of them. Brother, be careful of what you say to her¡ª he might be listening." Without faltering, Chris Yu firmly warned.


    "..." Without responding, Morris Liu ended the call as his heart sank. He was certain that if he told her about his predicament, Lexi would understand. However, if Kong Shuren was listening right now and found out that Lexi knew something, that would be a different story. That man... he would surely drag her in this pit of bloodshed¡ª not just her but the whole Yang family.


    "Brother Mo?" Slightly tilting her head to the side, Lexi raised her brows, waiting for the exnation of why he needed her to return to country y.


    Meeting her inquiring eyes, Morris Liu''s words were stuck on his throat as overwhelming emotions came rushing in his heart. He could only stare at her like a fool because one wrong word from him, her life would change forever¡ª just like his.


    "Why do you want me to go back to the country y?" Repeating his words on her own question, Lexi probed as Morris Liu seemed to act differently after the call. She would be lying if she said she wasn''t curious about what it was about. Was there''s a problem in the Liu Empire? Does he need to abruptly leave?


    "If there''s a problem with thepany, you can leave¡ª I don''t mind."


    "Let''s break up." Out of nowhere, Morris Liu proposed tly. In his perspective, Kong Shuren was purposely filling him with dread and he realized that the man wanted him to cut her off his life. He wanted him to experience an agonizing misery and bend by using her as his shield. This short encounter, Morris Liu realized that he shouldpletely let her go.


    "What?" Slightly taken aback, Lexi chuckled afterward as she took it as a joke. s, seeing that Morris Liu''s expression darkened, she swallowed a mouthful of saliva.


    "I want you to return to Country Y because I-- I want to break off the engagement. You can move on much faster if you stay far away from me." Through his gritted teeth, Morris Liu tried his hardest to sound nk as if he bore no emotion.


    "What are you¡­ no," Mildly shaking her head, Lexi assisted herself to stand up despite losing her strength to stand up straight. Breaking off the engagement? Those were thest words she wanted to hear from him. Even when she came back, Lexi was more relieved not hearing from him instead of hearing these very words. Hence, she wanted to pretend that she heard nothing.


    "Lexi!"


    "No! Brother Mo, I didn''t hear you¡ª I didn''t hear anything, I should go home. I forgot I have to do something." Hastening her pace, Lexi clumsily grabbed her purse and rigidly prepared herself to leave.


    "Lexi, liste--"


    "No! I am not going to listen to nonsense! I don''t know what''s the phone call all about but, I am not going to break our engagement." Staying adamant, Lexi bellowed as she clutched her small pursed before she strode towards the exit. Just as she reached the door, Lexi halted in her tracks. "You are not breaking the engagement with me and don''t you ever think talking to my father about it¡ª I''d die." With that said note, Lexi left the unnecessary threat that she''d never known she would do in the end.

 Chapter 204 Baby Jesus

    <h4>Chapter 204 Baby Jesus</h4>


    In the midst of his shback, Morris Liu didn''t realize that he almost consumed the whole bottle of wine which made him a little dizzy. His vision began to blur and his mind started spinning.


    Closing his eyes several times, when he opened them once again, a white, small figure was sitting at the small table while looking at him. Narrowing his eyes, Morris Liu''s blurred vision slightly got clearer and Churu was looking at him with an irked expression stered across her face.


    "You''re here¡­" The corners of his lips slightly curled upward seeing that the small dumpling that he wanted to have a chat with had appeared.


    "Uh-huh, I''ve been here since the beginning of the earth, alright?!" Letting her sarcasm out, Churu looked at him with contempt as he finally saw him.


    In her perspective, Churu has another theory in her mind why he saw herst time. Therefore, she stayed a little longer until he almost consumed the whole bottle of wine in silence.


    Hearing her sarcasm, Morris Liu let out a faint chuckle which slightly surprised Churu as she never saw him smile nor did she ever heard himugh. Thus, she was slightly shocked to see his face brightened up a little.


    "Oi, why are youughing?"


    "I don''t know," Subtly smirking, Morris Liu responded as he was again talking with an apparition his mind created or what he believed all this time.


    "Crazy! Morris crazy jerk!" Sticking her tongue out, Churu would not miss this opportunity to diss him as she was irked at him right now. Flying in front of him, she ced both her hands on her waist as she aggressively stated.


    "Also, what are you thinking when I said pursue what you initially want? What I said back then doesn''t mean you, winning her back, gets?"


    Morris Liu didn''t respond immediately as he tried to touch her with his index finger. s, before he could do so, Churu flew back and dodged him. "Oi, keep your hands off me! Want me to bite off your finger huh?!"


    Hearing another adorable threat from her, Morris Liu chuckled as he raised his hand as if conceding his defeat. "I am not trying to do that and please don''t¡­ I don''t want my finger off."


    "Oh? You don''t? Then, why am I not convinced, eh?!" Raising her nonexistent brows, Churu probed. "Also, what game are you ying with Ethan Lu?"


    "Hmm? You know him?" Slightly raising his brows, Morris Liu unhurriedly blinked his eyes as he didn''t put any much thought at her words¡ª thinking that she knew because he originally created her in his subconscious mind.


    "Err, because I know you? Did you know I''m the baby Jesus?" Lying while looking away from him, Churu hated telling an untruth as she was bad at it. Fortunately, she was talking to a drunk man and not Lexi. Thus, she could not care less knowing he''d buy her lie.


    "Huh," Letting out another faint chuckle, Morris Liu''s gaze locked on her guilty front. He was entirely amused at how vivid the ghost dumpling because she could hold up a conversation with him.


    "I am not that shameless topete with him but¡­ if he can''t handle me then, they can''t handle the Lu family." With a subtle smile, Morris Liu tried his luck as he attempted to poke the little dumpling once again.


    ****


    "Woah¡­ you can cook?" Looking at the simple presentation but mouth-watering scent of the food she prepared for him, Ethan Lu fell in love with her thousand times all over again.


    "Duh? Do you think my mom doesn''t teach me with her inkling to cook?" Rolling her eyes, Lexi automatically ced a dish on his te without both of them noticing.


    "Uh right. That would be odd if Mom is good at cooking while her daughter is not." Mumbling his opinions, Ethan Lu nodded before he nned to serve her. However, when his eyesnded on his te, it was already full and Lexi was already serving herself.


    Raising his disbelief eyes, Ethan Lu blinked. He blinked more than once until he lost count because in his eyes right now, Lexi was akin to a wife serving her husband! Her HUSBAND¡ª which is him! That silly thought made Ethan Lu smile like a fool as he covered his lips with his palm.


    Furrowing her brows at the blushing grown man, Lexi''s under-eye twitched. "What are you doing?"


    "Baby~" Still blushing, Ethan Lu slightly shook his head like a flushed little girl in front of his crush. "Why are you acting like a wife?"


    "Tss, wife? From what I think, I am more like your mother¡ª now, eat." Rolling her eyes while shaking her head, Lexi restrained herughter as she could not believe that this man was acting like this. Never in her wildest imagination that Ethan Lu, this yboy had this side of him which was unexpectedly adorable despite its silliness.


    "Yes, mama!" Grinning from ear to ear, Ethan Lu affirmed as he started gobbling up the food she prepared for him. Even though it wasn''t as good as Mother Yang''s cooking, in his sense of taste, it was still the best dish in the world that could defeat even the top chefs across the globe.


    Throughout their short meal, Ethan Luplimented every dish she cooked¡ª even the simple omelet was worshiped by him. On the other hand, Lexi''s ego grew bigger as she watched him enjoy her cooking that even a third-grader could prepare.


    Still, she thought that her mother must have been too moved while watching him enjoy her cooking because Ethan Lu was too expressive¡ª unlike Lexi and Frederick Yang.


    After Lexi ate thest piece of the dish on her te, she raised her gaze because Ethan Lu was intently watching her. Since he was like an eating machine earlier, he finished eating up while Lexi only consumed half on her te.


    "Why are you staring at me like that?" Arching her brows, for some reason, Lexi''s instinct tells her that something was amiss yet, he was holding back to tell her.


    "Nothing, I''m just d." Meekly smiling, Ethan Lu slightly shook his head. After watching her for quite some time now, Ethan Lu would be lying if he said that he wasn''t hesitating to tell her about Morris Liu''s predicament. However, just the thought that she should have known because she had all the right to know the truth, Ethan Lu needed to tell her despite his fears of losing her.


    "Uhmm¡­" Clearing throat as he mustered his courage and energy, Ethan Lu lowered his head. "Myst meeting¡­ the person that I met was brother Mo."


    Slowly, Ethan Lu raised his gaze to see her expression. He expected to see a shock or at least a change of her expression, s, Lexi only looked at him nkly as she listened to him.


    "I see¡­" Cupping her cheek with one hand, Lexi examined every change of his expression as she asked.


    "Hmm? You won''t ask what we discussed?" Knitting his brows, Ethan Lu was slightly surprised that Lexi showed no interest despite telling her about Morris Liu¡ª her ex-lover!


    "It''s a business meeting¡ª why would I?" Raising her brows and responding in a matter of factly tone, Lexi shrugged as she had no reason to ask. Moreover, she could not understand why must he tell her about it. After all, whatever happened between Morris Liu and her, Lexi understood that Ethan Lu had been friends with him since childhood. Therefore, why would she dare ask him not to hang out with his friends? She wasn''t that petty.


    "No, love. It''s not just a business meeting but about you and why--" Distress, Ethan Lu was prepared toe clean and put his trust in their rtionship. Yet, Lexi seemed she didn''t care which relieved and bothered him at the same time. But, before he could finish his sentence, Lexi suddenly stood from her seat.


    Staring at the woman across him, he locked his gaze on her as she made her way around the dining table and stopped behind him. Wrapping her arms around his neck as she lowered her head on his side, she whispered.


    "Ethan, what happened between me and him¡ª that''s all in the past. If he wanted to exin something to me, he should be the one to tell me not you¡­" In her mind, she finally realized what had been bugging him since earlier.


    She already felt it, but she could not pinpoint what she had been sensing. But now, upon hearing a bit of information from him, Lexi understood what it was¡ª fear and insecurity.


    "Also, are you trying to sabotage us? Our rtionship?"

 Chapter 205 Thats how I am

    <h4>Chapter 205 That''s how I am</h4>


    Ethan Lu stiffened as Lexi wrapped her arms around his neck and soon sent mild electric shock waves to every nerve of his system. Her breath touched his jaw and it immediately wafted his nostrils that made his heart go ''bathump'' bathump'' like crazy! Yes! Slowly, Ethan Lu was starting to go insane even before Lexi whispered her words.


    "Ethan, what happened between me and him¡ª that''s all in the past. If he wanted to exin something to me, he should be the one to tell me not you¡­" Although Lexi''s intention was pure, however, her actions showed otherwise because Ethan Lu barely got the gist of what she was implying due to her initiation. He had nearly had a heart attack earlier with her advances hence, why must she needed to take it to the next level?!


    "Also, are you trying to sabotage us? Our rtionship?" A yful smile formed on the side of her lips with herst remarks. When Lexi told her friend, Rika that she would reconsider it, she actually didn''t mean that she would think about it now. However, seeing him like this¡ª Lexi knew that she wasn''t deciding on a whim but taking a calcted risk. After all, he''s worth the shot.


    Meanwhile, Ethan Lu''s mind short-circuited before it was fixed and then repeat the cycle.


    ''Rtionship? Like a real rtionship¡ª lovers? Also, is she really hugging me¡­?'' Questions like these filled his mind as his hand slowly raised to touch the soft arms that were wrapped around the neck. That very instant his hand made contact with her arms, Ethan Lu''s already dted eye widened even more.


    "You-- you mean¡­ you, uhmm, I mean¡­--" Due to overwhelming emotions of relieved, shocked, gratefulness and many more¡ª Ethan Lu stuttered and sounded like a fool as always.


    God knows he quite abhorred himself when he could not get himself together before Lexi. He knew he must have looked like a buffoon or sounded like a clown every time. However, what could he do? It was not like he was purposely doing it¡ª it justes out naturally¡ª it was as if she had this magical ability that caused him to stutter and make his heart flutter every single time.


    "Haha," Chuckling, Lexi slowly loosened her embrace and eventually let him go. She then moved and sat on a chair next to him with her pair of but-brown eyes locked on his constant change of countenance. "Rika had been nagging me about this ubelled rtionship¡ª Ethan¡­ do you know why I didn''t give us abel?"


    Lexi leaned her side on the edge of the dining table as she supported her chin on the back of her hand. Still looking at him, Lexi was unaware that Ethan Lu had heard her conversation with Richard Si as shees clean with him. "Ethan, does having abel that important? I mean, even if a person is in an official rtionship¡­ even married ones too¡ª if he wanted to cheat, he will."


    Lexi contemted her words as she tried to avoid putting so much self-insertion as she focused on how she unbiased sees and understood things. Meanwhile, Ethan Lu slowly, like a rusted robot¡ª turned his head to see her gorgeous front staring gently at him.


    Just one nce¡ªone nce, and his heart skipped a beat as Lexi''s gaze was too loving that his heartpletely feltpletely secured for the first time. He peered at her without a word and attentively listened to her point of view.


    "So, that''s why I never really put much thought about the title because what''s important is, you and I, we know what kind of rtionship we have but¡­ Rika was right¡ª havingbels won''t hurt as well." Subtly smiling, Lexi slowly fluttered her eyelids as she observed every change of his expressions.


    "Lexi¡­" Unhurriedly sliding his hand over the surface of the table to reach for her free hand, Ethan Lu without faltering soon held her hand as he mildly rubbed his thumb on the back of her hand.


    "I don''t really mind, but I don''t know¡­" Heavily sighing, Ethan Lu was moved that Lexi was willing topromise. However, for some reason, he felt that instead of pushing her to the most important goals she wanted, she was being held back because of some petty insecurities of his.


    "Ethan, I don''t doubt your sincerity and your efforts that made me feel like I have something special. But when Mr. Si asked me why I''m not epting you just yet¡ª well, I guess it''s because what you showed me was too real to ept without being real as well." Lexi never broke her eye contact with him as she gave him a piece of her thoughts. She wanted to remain adamant of giving her heart in a good condition; which she could not do at the moment. Still, for his peace of mind, she reassured.


    Initially, Lexi wanted to love him just as much as he loved her. However, with thisbel issue always resurfacing and Rika''s words slightly got through her¡ª Lexi thought maybe just for the sake of everyone''s peace, she might as well consider having an official boyfriend¡ª although she already considered him as her lover.


    "Love¡­" Meekly smiling, Ethan Lu''s confidence gradually returned to him as he listened to her. He was utterly moved that she was willing to give him the reassurance that he needed. However, as he listened to her insight regarding this matter he came to a decision.


    Indeed, was having abel could stop your partner from hooking up with others? Was it enough to make one stay with you? Of course not, but still, it gives a person a small piece of right to get jealous, be upset, or what other people experience with rtionships.


    "I don''t know what to say¡ª thank you¡­" Sounding gentle, Ethan Lu muttered his words as a bitter smile formed on the side of his lips because of the sudden realization he had and the fact he doubted her. "And, I¡ª I''m sorry¡­ yeah, I''m sorry for doubting you. When I had a talk with Brother Mo, I was too threatened that I actually thought of avoiding you for the time being¡­"


    This time, Lexi arched her brows upon hearing the word ''avoid''. She wasn''t interested in what discussion he had with Morris Liu, however, now that Ethan Lu was dropping hints like this¡ª she was curious.


    Nevertheless, she would rather hear it from Morris Liu himself and not oblige Ethan Lu. After all, Ethan Lu only came into the picture after her situation with Morris Liu. Therefore, he shouldn''t worry himself with this matter she had with Morris Liu.


    "And--" The rest of Ethan Lu''s words was put on a halt when Lexi swiftly leaned forward and owned his lips with her own ord! After a second, Lexi drew her head back as she mildly bit her lower lip.


    "Shh¡­" She shushed as Ethan Lu started to panic and tattled about how he failed her sounding he wronged the whole world and was repenting and reflecting on his foolishness and so on. She knew where this was going, hence, to make him stop, Lexi chose the easiest road to shut him up and put a brake on his seemingly mental breakdown.


    "Ethan, what we have¡­ us, I value it, I do. They can think we are friends, gym buddies, lovers¡ª whatever they call it. But for me, you''re the only man I wanted to kiss today and all endless tomorrows." With that said note, the side of her lips curled into a reassuring smile. "I can''t be intimate with others¡­ even if it''s Morris. Nothing and no one can make me waver¡ª that''s how I am."


    Indeed, one of the reasons why Lexi remained by Morris Liu''s side even after knowing Mia Chen was because she would not waver and have second thoughts. When she set her mind and heart into something or someone, she wouldn''t just give up without fighting for it. But if she backed away and say she''s done, then that only means she''s really done.


    That is why after being revived by the system, although she still had lingering feelings for Morris Liu, she didn''t beg him to return to her. Even though her heart was being pierced before his cold eyes yet still craving for his love¡ª she didn''t because she must give her broken heart some ck.

 Chapter 206 So, he’s faking it.

    <h4>Chapter 206 So, he¡¯s faking it.</h4>


    Upon seeing his ssic stunned expression, Lexi bit her lower lip that was curled into a huge smile before she immediately stood from her seat and left him rooted on the chair while giggling. Well, she needed to give the man some space to process what they had talked about¡ª especially thest part.


    To her, that''s her way to say that she considered him as her lover. Well, they had this level of intimacy and she wouldn''t get close to others not unless she cared for them. Therefore, initiating something like a kiss¡ª only one man had experienced this side of her which she dedicated her heart to and knew her depths.


    When Lexi left, Ethan Lu remained mind-boggled for as long as he could remember. The time that she initiated a kiss on his cheeks already snapped his rationale and made him craved for more. But now, she leveled up and left a peck on his LIPS¡ª not on his cheeks or jaw or elsewhere but on his LIPS! Moreover, her ''erotic'' confession! Well, at least for him it was erotic.


    Thus, how could he keep his sane intact with all of these?


    Slowly turning his head to where she headed, Ethan Lu blinked numerous times. Did she leave knowing what she had done? She purposely did it not for his sake but to her, didn''t she? Still, how could she teased him like that and stopped just as she started¡ª she should have continued, he wouldn''t mind!


    "Cunning¡­" He murmured in disbelief for leaving him hanging.


    After a second, Ethan Lu inhaled and exhaled heavily as he garnered his energy and then he shouted, "Lexi Yang!" through his gritted teeth as he had the urge to follow her and ask for more. However, he held in his chair as if he was holding on to his life because he didn''t want to do something immoral.


    Hearing her full name being called, Lexi chuckled and mildly shook her head while on her way upstairs¡ª to his room. She had already imagined Ethan Lu restraining himself to follow her and shower her with what he called overwhelming emotions.


    "He must stay there for a while." She mumbled in between her chuckles as she entered the mix of gray, ck and white-colored room. This was the first time she saw his surprisingly tidy room.


    Scanning the somewhat spacious room that had few furniture thatplemented the color of the room, Lexi briefly raised her brows before she intruded. Actually, aside from his kitchen and living area, Lexi hasn''t toured around in his ce. Therefore, she headed to the door that looked like a wood closet s, when she opened it, what weed her was an aristocratic bathroom.


    "hmm?" Arching her brows, Lexi slowly closed it again before she headed to the sliding door near it that she had mistaken as a bathroom entrance. Upon opening it, Lexi rolled her eyes as Ethan Lu''s personality was definitely weird¡ª making a closet-looking door for his bathroom and a frosted sliding door for his walking-in closet. Nevertheless, it didn''t make him less attractive.


    Entering the huge walk-in closet that was filled with branded, men''s luxury clothing, essories and a variety of footwear¡ª shy and ssy, she muttered. "This man is surely extravagant."


    Normally, Lexi wouldn''t just roam around in someone else''s house. But, after seeing his almost empty fridge, she wanted to check if he was doing fine just by himself by checking his house. For some reason, she felt like a worried mother for her son''s well-being that made her somehow understood her Lillian Yang.


    "At the very least, he doesn''t neglect his hygiene."


    Lexi looked through this room, she wasn''t surprised to see all these costly items because Ethan Lu was indeed a real big spender and he admitted it. She headed to the casual clothes section that separated from the formal ones. She then grabbed the first thing she touched¡ª a gray shirt and a ck pajama pants.


    After she achieved her agenda, Lexi without looking back exited the  men''s boutique closet. Just as she went back to the bedroom, Lexi nearly jolted when she heard Ethan Lu''s voice inside.


    "What are you doing?" Furrowing his brows, Ethan Lu was already sitting on the edge of his king-sized bed that had a gray nket and a ck headboard.


    "Gosh¡­" Mildly patting her exposed cleavage, Lexi red at him as if her gentleness earlier was just a figment of one''s imagination. "Borrowing clothes to change."


    She expected that he wouldn''t recover immediately after hearing all her words and her kiss but she thought wrong as Ethan Lu seemed he was back to normal. "I''ll stay for the night."


    "Oh¡­ eh?!?!" Nodding in understanding, Ethan Lu''s calmness broke the next millisecond upon processing thest part.


    For a moment, he didn''t believe that he heard her right. "Love, did you say what I heard you dered?"


    ''So, he''s faking it.'' She thought inwardly seeing his usual reaction.


    "Uh-huh..." Slowly nodding, Lexi raised her right brow as she looked at him with a ''yes you did'' expression.


    Ethan Lu gasped in disbelief and he didn''t try to conceal his shock as he looked back at her. In his unstable mind, he just wanted to pretend that he was normal so he could spend time with her before he would drive her home. s, she actually nned to stay for the night that never in his mind he expected.


    "Whatever, Ethan. Be used to it because your girlfriend is like this." Slightly shaking her head, Lexi rolled her eyes as she headed to the closet-looking door leading to the bathroom. She didn''t pay attention to him again as she entered the bathroom to freshen herself up.


    Staring at the bathroom door like a fool, Ethan Lu''s eyes widened upon hearing the shower.


    "She''s serious¡­" He whispered before he jolted from his position and sprinted outside his own room as if he was in danger¡­ and then came back and went straight away to his walk-in closet.


    He grabbed a few training clothes and running shoes before he went out of the clothing area then to his room to the living area as fast as he could. It wasn''t that he disliked that she would be staying for the night but, it was too sudden his heart panicked!


    "I must take a run for a while, " He mumbled while nodding, convincing himself that it would help his senses stabilize. When he fully convinced himself, he changed into a casual shirt, training shorts and running shoes inside the guest room.


    *****


    When Lexi was done showering and had a change of clothes: from the seductive dress to arge shirt and long pajama pants¡ªthat needed to be folded on its hem because of its length¡ª Lexi exited from the bathroom while drying her hair with a towel.


    For some reason, although she expected that the house would be quiet having the two of them, however, it sounded unusually quiet which made her brows creased.


    "Ethan?" Calling him out, Lexi went out of the room and looked down just to see an uninhabited living room from the mezzanine.


    "Where did he gone off?" She murmured before she went downstairs to check where did he runoff. Lexi wasn''t like this but for some reason, she felt bothered.


    Just as Lexi arrived at the living area, a figure was caught on the side of her eyes before she turned to see who it was.

 Chapter 207 Louis Lu

    <h4>Chapter 207 Louis Lu</h4>


    When she turned her head to see the figure that came from the kitchen with a ss of water on his hand, Lexi scanned him from head to toe causing her brows to arch. There, a man that seemed taller than Ethan Lu by a few centimeters, his pair of brown, thin almond eyes behind his gold fine metal eyess waszy. He scrutinized he just like what she was doing. He was wearing a creased free formal suit and his hair was brush on the side making him depict a young decent politician.


    They stayed staring at one another for over a minute before Lexi finally spoke. "You are?"


    The man didn''t respond immediately as he slightly tilted his head on the side as if he could not understand why he was being questioned by her. When he slowly opened his mouth, the man closed it again and smiled instead.


    "Ethan''s friend?" Seeing that he stopped his words even before he could answer, Lexi pried further. If this was her own home, she had already asked him to leave. However, since it was Ethan Lu''s home and she didn''t know all his friends, she remained polite despite questioning the man before her.


    "No," Without a second hesitation, the man denied with his deep, calm voice which made Lexi furrowed her brows. Her vignce heightened yet her front was calm like a stillke.


    The man stared at her for a while and receiving no response from her, his brows mildly knitted as if her reaction was far from what he expected.


    "Are you mad?" Out of nowhere, the man asked out of curiosity yet she didn''t have a change of expression as if she heard nothing. Lexi then turned her back against him and strode towards one of the sofas in the living area and perched on the long couch.


    Well, since the man wouldn''t answer her questions, then, she wouldn''t be kind to treat him polite or rude. Besides, this was Ethan Lu''s home and she wouldn''t just kick him out without the house owner''s permission. After all, there was a lot of possibility with his rtion with Ethan Lu because he managed to get in the vi without a sign of forceful entry.


    As Lexi sat on the living area and wondered where Ethan Lu went tote at night, the man wordlessly sat across her and gently ced down the ss of water on the small table in the middle of the set of sofas. Unhurriedly leaning his back against the couch, his natural noble demeanor was disyed with every little move he made.


    He stared at her as if studying her and trying to read her. However, Lexi didn''t show any difort as she raised her gaze and peered at him¡ª having a battle of stare. None of them looked away as if their minds had this same mentality that if one looked away, he or she will lose; which both didn''t want inwardly due to theirpetitiveness.


    Ten minutes had passed and both were still staring at each other without a word that was actually a little weird. s, both Lexi and the man seemed they couldn''t care less as none of them gave a slight clue of what they were thinking at the moment.


    After a minute, the corner of her lips curled into a slight smirk which made the man subtly smirk as well. Their first change of expression revealed as if they had finally caught each other''s inner thought which was an entire bluff.


    Just then, both of them heard the house entrance opened yet, neither of them turned to see the person who entered the house. When Ethan Lu set his foot inside the living area and sensed the foreboding atmosphere before seeing the two people having a staringpetition, his eyes dted.


    "Lou?" His first words snapped both of them and at the same time, Lexi and Louis turned their attention on Ethan Lu who was sweating and seemed he ran several miles. Ethan Lu then shifted his gaze on Lexi''s bare yet pretty face that made his heart melt in an instant.


    "Love," He strode towards them and stood behind her. He didn''t dare get too close with her as he was sticky and his clothes were soaked with sweat.


    Looking at the man across them, Ethan Lu smiled. "Lou, this is Lexi Yang, my future wife. Love, that is my cousin Louis Lu."


    "Lou, I didn''t know you''re back." Lexi and Louis Lu slightly bowed their heads as Ethan Lu introduced them to each other.


    Louis Lu meekly smiled at Ethan Lu before saying, "I had a project here and will be staying in the country for a while."


    "Oh, that''s great! Wait, let me freshen up. Love, will you apany my cousin for a minute?" Sweetly asking for a favor to his beloved, Lexi looked up at him before nodding with a reassuring smile. Ethan Lu then sprinted upstairs as he didn''t waste a second.


    When he left, the living area was enveloped by another stifling silence as Lexi and Louis Lu didn''t have a word to say to each other. It was as if knowing the fact that Ethan Lu had a lover that he took home and Louis Lu was his cousin didn''t trigger an interest to them.


    Surely, both Louis Lu and Lexi had some kind of simrities on how to treat people and remained silent as they wait for the bright Ethan Lu who was innocent and not at the same time. It didn''t take long when Ethan Lu came back wearing a casual t-shirt and pajama pants. His hair was still wet as he had a small towel over his head.


    He wasn''t surprised that he was weed with a quiet Lexi and Louis Lu as he was well versed by their personality. Hence, he didn''t actually expect that they''d normally get along just like normal people do.


    "Hi love love~" Ethan Lu sweetly greeted as he sat beside Lexi and ced his left arm on the head railing of the sofa. He winked at her and smiled revealing his even white teeth. Surely, his workout earlier enormously helped him stabilize his mind and set his ns for herter. He then turned his head to see Louis Lu across him bearing a friendly smile.


    "Bro, did you eat? We can order some food¡ª my fridge is empty." Upon ncing at the ss of water on the table, Ethan Lu heavily sighed as he had no snacks to offer. Well, he didn''t expect he would have a visitor at this hour and bringing Lexi in his ce was unintentional after all.


    "No need to bother, thank you." Politely, Louis Lu responded as a slight reassuring smile formed on his lips. Lexi observed him and she didn''t have any intention of concealing it which Louis Lu noticed as well.


    For some reason, she was bothered by the man''s presence as he was neither cold nor warm¡ª her instinct tells her that he was more than what he portrayed to be which rmed her. After all, these types of people were unpredictable and one wouldn''t know their true nature and who they really are if they didn''t want to reveal it.


    "Ethan, I came here to ask you if I can stay at your ce for a while¡ª I don''t want to stay in a hotel, it''s expensive." Without further ado, Louis Lu directly asked his cousin stating his honest reasoning.

 Chapter 208 Househusband

    <h4>Chapter 208 Househusband</h4>


    "Sure! It''s not like you''re a stranger." Ethan Lu agreed without reluctance as he already expected that Louis Lu would ask that the first time he saw that he was there. Moreover, he''s the only family member he was quite fond of as he was like a big brother to him with their two years difference.


    Upon hearing that he agreed, Lexi''s brows arched yet she didn''t say a word as this was his home and he could wee anyone he wanted to wee. Still, she was neither pleased nor dissatisfied about it, but she would keep an eye on this man to know if he was Ethan Lu''s friend or foe.


    "I told you, man, you are always wee here since you''re a cheapskate." Clicking his tongue as he chuckled, Ethan Lu humored being reminded of how tight-fisted Louis Lu in terms of money.


    He''s theplete opposite of him as Ethan Lu often drained his bank ount buying stuff he wanted even if he didn''t entirely need them. On the other hand, Louis Lu would only spend his money on things he needed and would rather invest them in businesses.


    To Ethan Lu''s perspective, his cousin Louis Lu was the perfect candidate to be the next head of the Lu family. However, since he was not a direct grandson of Edward Lu but his brother, Ethan Lu was still the chosen heir to be the next head of the Lu family. Regardless, Louis Lu didn''t say a word as if he had known that all along and established his ownpany overseas several years ago. Truly, he was an admirable man in Ethan Lu''s eyes¡ª whether it was his insight, his personality, and all his qualities.


    "Haha," Chuckling back in a deep muscr tone, Louis Lu slightly shook his head as he indirectly admitted that he was indeed a cheapskate. Meanwhile, Lexi couldn''t rte as she was wary with the man. She knew that Louis Lu knew she was observing him yet, he pretended that she wasn''t.


    "Anyway, I never heard that you had a fiancee." After sharing a fewughs, Louis Lu changed their subject as he finally shifted his gaze to Lexi. This time, his eyes were sharp as if he was daring her and showed no restraint of concealing it. Surprisingly enough, Lexi was unfazed with this sudden change of demeanor that only made her smirk.


    ''So he''s also wary of me.'' She thought inwardly. Lexi was d that she had that impact on him so he knew that Ethan Lu had also support like her. After all, Ethan Lu was too kind and she was afraid that this man would betray him¡­ or so she thought.


    "Hehe, well, I actually don''t mind having a wife right now if Lexi would say yes¡­" Smiling brightly, Ethan Lu, as usual, uttered his most desired at the moment in a friendly tone. He added still bearing his bright smile, "... also, please refrain from looking at my heart like that¡ª I don''t like it."


    With that said remarks, Lexi''s brows twitched as she turned her head on the side. She didn''t expect him to say such bold words while having a smile that was barely genuine. Since Lexi hadn''t witnessed Ethan Lu''s ways on how he dealt with the Lu family and only saw the bright side of him, she was surprised to see him like this for the first time.


    In retrospect, although Ethan Lu would always say that his family was a bunch of troublesome people, she was clueless about how Ethan Lu transformed into a different man before those cunning men. Moreover, the way he interacted with people he introduced to her was all light and carefree. Hence, who was this smiling man next to her whom she could barely recognize?


    "Heh, sorry. I was just trying to know what''s on her mind¡ª she''s feisty." Chuckling as he averted his gaze from her to Ethan Lu, Louis Lu meekly smiled.


    "Hehe, you don''t have to brother." Still smiling, Ethan Lu remained adamant as he honestly put a stop on whatever Louis Lu had in mind.


    Watching his demeanor slightly changed, Lexi got more and more drawn to him. She had already admired Ethan Lu by his carefree nature and seeing this side of him, she was fascinated.


    ''He also had this side of him, I see...'' With that thought in mind, her unaware tensed shoulders rxed as she secretly heaved a sigh of relief.


    Although he showed no sign of being hostile towards his cousin, seeing that he knew when to draw the line reassured her that Ethan Lu wasn''t as gullible as he acted whenever he''s around her and his friends.


    *****


    After several minutes, Ethan Lu assisted his cousin in the only guest room inside his vi. Since he lives alone and seemed he never had a n on inviting people over his house, Ethan Lu only had two rooms for sleeping¡ª the guestroom and the master''s bedroom.


    Aside from that, all rooms were rather gaming rooms where he had some arcade machines and the other one is his study where he does his take-home documents from work. Therefore, Lexi agreed to share a room with him even though he didn''t propose it.


    Inside his enormous bedroom, Ethan Lu grabbed a new nket and a pillow and ced them on the long couch inside. Since Lexi expected him to do this, she sat on the single sofa and watched him arranged his ce to sleep.


    "Ethan, what do you think about your cousin Lou?" As she watched him finish, Lexi inquired as Ethan Lu sat on the long couch.


    "Hmm? He''s a brother to me¡ª well, a difficult one." Nonchntly shrugging his shoulders, Ethan Lu honestly responded. "Although I admire him and think that he''s more deserving to be the family head instead of me¡ª I can''t let personal feelings get in my business."


    "Ohhh¡­" Nodding in amazement, Lexi didn''t expect hisst remarks.


    "Hehe, you don''t like him, don''t you?" Grinning, Ethan Lu asked yet, he sounded as if he was stating facts which were indeed true.


    Although he seemed he wasn''t paying attention to Lexi, however, he only needed one nced and Ethan Lu would understand her every gesture. He instantly recognized the familiar aura she had always borne in their early stages of being acquaintance before they became friends. Hence, it was easy to know that Lexi was wary of Louis Lu which was understandable in his opinion.


    "Well, I have trust issues and I don''t trust those types of people." Without sugarcoating her words, Lexi also shrugged as she leaned her back on the couch.


    "Hehe, baby, you''ll be a terrifying businesswoman¡ª can you just support me and be a house husband instead?" Widening his grin, he humored her. He knew that Lexi had been in the business industry for a long time before shifting to the entertainment industry because of Mia Chen. Thus, thismon instinct for a business person was expected from her.


    "Can you even cook?" Rolling her eyes, Lexi sassed as Ethan Lu only knew how to cook noodles¡ª his specialty just like he imed.


    "I can learn¡­" With that said note, he unhurriedly stood from his seat and took slow strides towards her. When he was in front of her, he ced both his hand on the single sofa''s armrest and bent down until his face was one palm length away from hers.


    "Also, I can make you excitedlye home." Suddenly, a controversial glint shed across his eyes and a smirk formed on the side of his lips.

 Chapter 209 Love and Lust combined.

    <h4>Chapter 209 Love and Lustbined.</h4>


    Lexi attempted to bury the back of her head on the backrest of the sofa but to no avail, it only added a centimeter distance between them. She was caught off guard by his sudden change of behavior hence, it made her swallow a mouthful of saliva and momentarily rposed her mind.


    "Dear, didn''t I warned you about my limits? Aren''t you afraid I''d do something that you wouldn''t like?" Slowly, in a deep low tone, Ethan Lu whispered while marginally raising his right brow.


    "Like what?" She intrigued. Fortunately, she got a hold of herself and managed to stay calm after several seconds.


    "Like, this¡­" Using his fingertips, Ethan Lu traced her shoulder down to her hand on the armrest before gently lifting it up and ce a soft, arousing kiss on the back of her hand.


    "And this," This time, he ced a peck on her wrist and on her arms then skipped to her shoulder. Every light kisses he made including her shoulder part that only touched the shirt and not directly on her skin still sent shivers on every part of her body.


    "Also this¡­" While gently putting her hand down, Ethan Lu kissed her left cheek then continued to do his activity on her jaw then to her neck.


    Lexi felt his breath started to heat up, the same as hers. She was taking heavy breaths whenever his moist lips touched her skin as if her body was involuntarily reacting to him.


    Ethan Lu then moved on her other cheek and did the same sequence of slow kisses producing faint smooch sound. When he was done, he slightly retracted his head and stared at her already flushed face. The proud front she usually bore was still there but with the blush on her cheeks, she appeared extra adorable and seductive at the same time.


    "I told you, you wouldn''t like it when I tease seriously¡­" After these words escaped from his mouth, Ethan Lu leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers.


    It was a soft peck and then seemingly dissatisfied with it, he leaned forward and did it again. He showered her thin lips with soft pecks for as many as he could remember before it settled there for a deep long one.


    Once again, their lips were locked together and their tongues danced concurrently in constant motion. With every second, their already heavy breaths turned heavier as their body temperature gradually rose.


    Unconsciously, Lexi''s hands raised, smoothly wrapping on his neck and her arms rested on his shoulders. Her light touches sent sparks and butterflies in his stomach that made him, once again act on instinct.


    Initially, Ethan Lu just wanted to tease her for her cruelty earlier and for giving him mini heart attacks with her advances. However, after kissing her several times in different areas, he couldn''t stop¡ª or rather, he didn''t want to just yet. After all, she was now his lover.


    Parting his lips from hers and in one swift move, Lexi''s light body was on his arms and he strode towards the bed. Upon seeing where he was carrying her, she pursed lips but said nothing.


    For some reason, instead of thinking where this would end, Lexi focused to steady her breathing as she knew he wouldn''t stop just yet.


    Ethan Lu then tenderlyid her down on the bed as if she was the most fragile thing in the world. As he sessfullyid her on the bed while he was on top of her¡ª being supported by his hand on her side. Ethan Lu stared at her flushed natural fierce front and appreciate every detail of her facial features.


    Raising his other hand, he stroked the few strands of hair on her cheek and gently tucked it behind her ear. He then wordlessly caressed her jaw by the back of his index finger as his eyes turned even darker.


    "Love¡­" Through his hoarse, deep voice that came out naturally, his eyes screamed with overwhelming desire¡ª both love and lust.


    He knew his limits of how far he could go. However, with their disposition right now, he might cross the line and explore the depths of her body¡ª her naked body.


    "... please resist and say stop." Lowly pleading, his pair of inked eyes gazed down on her nut-brown ones. "I lust for your body clothed or bare, but I desire your heart more than anything."


    Upon hearing hisst remarks, a subtle smile formed on the corner of her lips as she stared at his breaking resistance. His unruly hair, his eyes that spoke a thousand words, and his honest lips¡ª she appreciated it more.


    In retrospect, Lexi did preserve his chastity for her wedding night with Morris Lou. However, that didn''t mean she wouldn''t surrender her body to him if he asked her to even before that. After all, she had given her heart to him and her body was just another bonus. Therefore, even though she wanted to fully heal her heart with time¡ª Lexi knew that her heart would eventually be upied by this man before her.


    Then, was giving her body first a losing gamble?


    "Alright..." Lexi whispered that made Ethan Lu slightly creased his brows as he was relieved and disappointed at the same time.


    After a beat, Lexi leaned forward and initiated a kiss that made him faintly groaned in pleasure. Without further ado, Ethan Lu turned aggressive as he pressed his lips against her¡ª deepening the kiss.


    She''s turning him mad.


    She should have said stop when he asked her to yet, she defied and did theplete opposite. Thus, there was no turning back¡ª he couldn''t back down anymore.


    His hand immediately slid inside the shirt she was wearing and stroked her bareback upward. To his surprise that made his groin hardened even more was, she wasn''t wearing an undergarment. He only needed to travel a little to the front and he could be able to feel her unsecured breast with his hand.


    "Love, " As their kiss intensified with tons of biting and sucking, Ethan Lu lowly growled in between their kisses.


    "Ahh, sh*t¡­" He meekly cursed as the desire of making love with her gradually took over him. Ethan Lu nibbled on her neck while his hand on her back tenderly traveled to her front and without a pause, he cupped her right breast that perfectly fitted his hand.


    "Mhmm¡­" Lexi let out a soft moan as for the first time, her body was being invaded by a man¡ª by Ethan Lu and it felt exclusively arousing. His palm was warm as he gently fondled on her breast and then caressed her nipple by his thumb.


    After a second, Ethan Lu slid his knee in between her legs as he stopped from nibbling on her neck and sat on his knees. Since the room was brightly lit, Lexi could clearly see his luscious front that was asking for more.


    After a second, Ethan Lu removed his shirt and revealed his honed chest and abs. He unhesitantly tossed his shirt on the side of the bed before owning her lips once more. As he does so, his hand held on the hem of her shirt and slowly going upward¡ª exposing her toned tummy.


    Knowing that he was removing her shirt without breaking the kiss, Lexi snaked her arms around his neck and as if on cue, he slightly lifted his upper body by a hand along with her without breaking the kiss and slowly removed her top.

 Chapter 210 Love, yousre we

    <h4>Chapter 210 Love, you''sre we</h4>


    [WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS MATURED CONTENT THAT MIGHT CAUSE DISCOMFORT TO OTHERS. IT IS STRONGLY NOT RECOMMENDABLE TO AGE 17 AND BELOW, READ WITH CAUTION.]


    Slowly but surely, Ethan Lu smoothly took off her shirt after parting from her lips. His heartbeat was so loud it was deafening. Their breaths were heavy due to their intense kissing episode. Their eyes met for a second before Ethan Lu haltingly traveled his gaze downward; from her eyes to her neck, corbones then down to her firm breast.


    Seeing half of her bare body, he mildly bit his lower lip. He wanted to appreciate the mesmerizing view for a while as he remained in his position. Meanwhile, Lexi''s breathing was heavier as the man before her was thoroughly observing her naked upper body with interest, lust, and desire.


    For some reason, she felt a little self-conscious being stared at like that despite knowing that there''s nothing to be shy about. Still, despite being confident with her body, Lexi had the urge to cover her exposed being.


    "I can''t believe this is happening¡­" through a whisper of astonishment, Ethan Lu raised his gaze that immediately caught her pair of beautiful eyes. His left arm then raised and his fingertips traced her shoulder to her corbone and slowly to the middle of her cleavage.


    It felt so surreal. He didn''t expect this to happen¡ª not today. However, right now, he was staring at this luscious delicacy and was able to touch it. Perhaps it was the feeling they had at the moment that every physical contact was arousing that made both of them sensitive in a pleasurable way.


    Suddenly, Ethan Lu swiftly moved his gentle hand and aggressively cupped her right breast that made her gasp. Since the room was brightly lit, they could see everything: facial expressions, every little detail of their beautiful, healthy bodies and their every move.


    "Can we turn off the lights?" After some time, Lexi pursed her lips as Ethan Lu never made a move and just stared at her with appreciation. However, upon hearing her request, a sadistic smirk formed on the side of his lips that slightly surprised her.


    To her, the longer they go further, the more Ethan Lu turned into a different man. It was as if his bubbly persona was hidden somewhere deep within him and only this grown aroused man remained. Somehow, someway, she actually found it pleasing as well because the bubbly Ethan Lu would surely faint with a nosebleed going this far.


    "Sorry, Love. We can but I wanted to see you clearly." Slowly leaning forward, Ethan Lu slightly bent down and without further ado, he licked her upper left breast that made her shudder from the electric touch of his tongue..


    ''Sweet¡­'' Despite that, she smelled like him from using his bath soap¡ª her taste and fragrance still had a huge difference than his. It was as if she magically turned a man''s scent into a seductive scent.


    Once again, he licked and kissed further until he reached her pink erect nipples. With a low growl, Ethan Lu sucked her nipple.


    "Mhmm¡­" Running her hand through his unruly, silky hair¡ª her toes curled as if an addicting drug ran through her whole system. Her head felt lightheaded and her perverted subconscious mind screamed: ''I want you!''


    Meanwhile, as Ethan Lu''s other hand freely circled around her other nipple before he clipped it in between his index and middle finger. His thumb then mildly pressed on it and in a circr motion while he yed with it with care.


    "Ethan¡­" Softly calling out his name, Lexi involuntarily tilted her head back and her upper body curved closer to him.


    Just then, Ethan Lu shifted his mouth to her other breast and immediately sucked on it before his tongue mischievously caressed the tip of her pink nipple. This time, his other free hand didn''t fondle on her freed breast as it stroked her bareback and slowly down to her butt. Squeezing it tightly, another soft gasp escaped her mouth.


    Leaving a love mark on her upper breast, Ethan Lu panted as he raised his head and moved once again to her neck then up to her jaw and nibbled on her earlobe. "Baby, I want you." He whispered as his lower body leaned closer to hers and a hard as steel shaft beneath his pajama pants poked her inner thigh.


    "Ethan¡­" Stroking his perfectly sculptured back, their bodies leaned closer to lessen the tiny space between them.


    Her voice, her tone, and how she whispered his name turned him crazier every time it was uttered from her sweet lips. His desire to make love to her right then and there was too strong that even if his mind told him to stop¡ª he couldn''t.


    His hand then reached the garter of her pajama pants and unhurriedly slid it down. It first revealed her lower abdomen then a little bit more, before his very eyes, he had seen her little to no pubic area.


    As he slowly und herst piece of clothes, Lexi bit her lower lip. ''We will do it'' she thought inwardly. Of course, part of her had a slight fright as this would be her first time in her twenty-four years of existence to do this deed. Hence, her hand on his shoulder tightened.


    Sensing her nervousness, Ethan Lu halted from taking off her pajama as he raised his gaze to meet hers. Gently smiling, he leaned down and ced a soft reassuring peck on her left eye. "I''ll be gentle¡­"


    He then continued to ce light feather kisses on her cheek then on the tip of her pointy nose. Meanwhile, as he pressed his lips against her once again, his other hand resumed to wear down thest defense cloth she had.


    With his guidance, Lexi bent her knees and obediently let him undress her. It only took a long one minute before the pajama pants left her other foot¡ª now she''s fully naked.


    As Ethan Lu was about to part from her lips, Lexi stilled him so he wouldn''t be able to see her cherry blossom. Her breast was already one thing and her little flower down there¡ª that''s entirely a different case. Odd, indeed. However, she was admittingly feeling shy about being explored for the first time.


    "Love--" In between their intense deep french kiss, Ethan Luined as he already guessed what she was trying to do locking his head to her. "I want to see--"


    "No, I''m shy." Without a second hesitation, Lexi admitted which made him chuckle in an instant.


    "You''re so cute¡­" Mildly biting her lower lips, Ethan Lu caressed her lips with his tongue and lips as his sneaky hands tickled downwards.


    Soon, his middle finger reached her flower and smoothly touched it. She slightly jolted upon feeling his heated touch yet immensely aroused as well. Ethan Lu then guided her hands to hisst cover as if asking her to take it off for him. By instinct, Lexi did it while indulging with their lips moving in a constant motion and tongues intertwined.


    She has a sweet vor while his saliva tasted minty. Nevertheless, both enjoyed what they were tasting as neither of them wanted to break free. She didn''t how, but with his help, he was also naked¡ª revealing his erected soldier ready to infiltrate her base.


    Leaning his lower abdomen forward, her slightly wet flower as if it was watered made him subtly smile before he whispered. "Love, you''re wet."

 Chapter 211 I want you

    <h4>Chapter 211 I want you</h4>


    [WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS MATURED CONTENT THAT MIGHT CAUSE DISCOMFORT TO OTHERS. IT IS STRONGLY NOT RECOMMENDABLE TO AGE 17 AND BELOW, READ WITH CAUTION.]


    His words were embarrassing at some point, however, right now, it sounded stimting while a hard thing positioned on her entrance. His palm gently caressed her legs on his side.


    Preparing her for the pain that was about to rip her flesh apart, Ethan Lu ced soft kisses on her lips before deepening it while his other hand fondled her breast and nipple.


    "ahh¡­" The sensational ecstasy filling her mind made her body quiver. She was well-informed that sex was essential to a person''s life. s, she never really thought that it was truly addicting even before the real act.


    He made her want to crave more¡ª awakening a lustful desire she never had before.


    Ethan Lu took his time to prepare her for the main event. As he does so, he relinquished himself with this sweet delicacyid on his te. The tip of his erection shed a nip amount of precum begging to fill her with his girth and warmth.


    ''Not yet,'' He argued inwardly. Although he was yearning to enter her sweet abode, he didn''t want to hurry. He wanted to make it a more memorable moment than it already was. Besides, he has all night to taste every part of her hence, he was taking his time.


    Reaching for her hand, he guided her to his crying brother asking for her to coax it. "Pleasefort him¡­" whispering as he gasped for air, Ethan Lu assisted her to wrap her slender hand around his exposed erection.


    At first touch, Lexi''s hand flinched as if she was scalded by the hotness of his hardness.


    "It''s fine, it''s fine¡­" Reassuring her, Ethan Lu moved his lips from hers to her earlobe and nibbled on it. Once again, guiding her hand back to his cock and did the same pattern. This time, she managed to hold a man''s firm and hot jewel for the first time. His hand taught her to slowly move it up and down before he let her do it alone.


    She didn''t have the slightest clue about what she should do and followed her instinct¡ª explore this enormous mountain. Her thumb instinctive rubbed its tip, smearing the juices on his head.


    "mhmm¡­!" Letting out a low growl, Ethan Lu was tickled yet stimted at the same time. He didn''t expect anything from her as he was well-versed that it should be her first time.


    However, her instinct was too quick to guess what his body desired. Indeed, she was naturally good in everything¡ª whatever it was whether seducing him without even trying or torturing him to ask more of her.


    "You''re mine¡ª just mine..." Through his gritted teeth, Ethan Lu strongly whispered as a possessive side of him wanted to monopolize her. After having a taste of her, he couldn''t and wouldn''t share it with others.


    Lexi was too lightheaded as if she took a strong drug. Yet, she still heard him growl his affirmation that made her heart flutter. "I''m yours¡­" she whispered back.


    Unbeknownst to her, her response caused an incredible impact on him that nearly made Ethan Lu lose his mind.


    In one swift move, his hand arrived at her soaked cherry. His middle finger gently caressed her clitoris which made her gasp inside his mouth.


    "Ethan¡­" Disconnecting from his lips that was mildly swollen due to their deep long kiss, Lexi focused on the feelings of his finger lulling on her unexplored flower.


    "... I want you." She muffledly begged. What he was doing to her made her thirst for more. Her honeypot moaned for him to dip on in.


    "I want you too, love¡­" Gently smiling and nipped on her lower lip traveling downwards, Ethan Lu muttered.


    "But, not yet." He added as his lips and tongue sucked on her breast again then drifted down after giving her hickeys on the invaded area. Lexi gasped with every nip, lick, and kiss that he does.


    She wanted to stop him from going down, s, the more he goes down, the more sensitive and phenomenal she felt. Hence, in the end, she submitted to her body''s desire.


    Kissing her lower abdomen, Ethan Lu detoured onto her legs as he ignored her soaking slit. God¡­ just having a glimpse of her baby freshed cherry, his twin down there felt like exploding. He wanted to go straight to it and have a taste of her love juices meant for him.


    However, he also desired to explore every detail of her bare body¡ª head to toe. It was as if he was enjoying the different taste on different areas of her body.


    Running the apex of his nose on her inner thigh, he smacked her wless leg by his lips causing her to slightly flinch once again. He then gently bit it as if he was a vampire wanting to suck her blood before licking the spot where he bit.


    He then proceeded down until he reached her toes and kissed her forefoot. He didn''t care where his lips touched, because he loved every part of her. Ethan Lu then repeated the cycle on her other leg and left love marks here and there.


    When he ced a soft kiss on her other forefoot, Ethan Lu sat on his knees as he gazed at her bare body with his marks. Lexi was staring at him with her crimson red face, heavily breathing and teary eyed.


    If she felt abashed earlier, at this moment, she couldn''t be bothered as she was eagerly waiting for his next move. In her eyes, he appeared extra hot with his messy hair, darkened eyes, the subtle smirk on his lips matched with a refined body.


    Perhaps it was because of the fact that she was induced with their forey that she felt unashamed peering at a nude Ethan Lu and being intently stared at back.


    She saw him crawl towards her spread legs that made her slightly nervous as he went closer and closer to her. Unconsciously, her foot slightly slid her body back on the mattress out of instinct.


    s, before she could go further away from him, Ethan Lu caught both her legs with a smirk, "Toote to run away, Love." He then mildly pulled her legs to him and his head bent down¡ª towards her honeypot.


    Before he could proceed with what he wanted to do, Ethan Lu guaranteed as he briefly raised his gaze back on her and smirked. "Don''t worry, you''ll enjoy it."


    With that said note, Ethan Lu came closer to her fresh flower and licked her slit. Just one lick from his slick tongue made her hyperventte. Her legs felt vulnerable as he seconded at licking her precious cherry before he sucked on it.


    "Oh, God¡­" Shocked on the extraordinary sensation that his miraculous tongue could do to transmit mild electric shocks on her nerves, Lexi could not help her words that escaped her mouth. Her hand subconsciously ran through his hair and then clutched onto his hair as if that were the only thing in this world holding her from floating away.


    She could feel his tongue that yfully swirled with her clitoris before gently licking it and mildly sucking her overflowing juices. It went on and on for God knows how long yet, both of them weren''t bored.


    After he had his fill, Ethan Lu finally stopped massaging herdy parts. Sitting on his knees and licking the leftover juices on his finger while the corner of his lips were slightly curled upward, his tantalizing eyesnded on her firm breasts that went up and down due to her heavy breathing¡ªhe smiled in satisfaction¡ª then he shifted his gaze to her eyes.


    Without a word, Ethan Lu crawled his way to her until his huge rod poked her lower abdomen while he was nibbling on her neck once again.


    Pausing for a while as he moved his head in front of her, Ethan Lu whispered as their eager eyes met. "It will be painful from the start, I promise I will be as gentle as I can, love¡­"


    Without a seconds hesitation, Lexi slowly nodded her head. Upon seeing her permission, Ethan Lu ced his erection onto her entrance.

 Chapter 212 Cherry Popped

    <h4>Chapter 212 Cherry Popped</h4>


    [WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS MATURED CONTENT THAT MIGHT CAUSE DISCOMFORT TO OTHERS. IT IS STRONGLY NOT RECOMMENDABLE TO AGE 17 AND BELOW, READ WITH CAUTION.]


    Lexi held tightly onto his broad shoulders as she felt his hard rode into contact with her entrance. After a beat, Ethan Lu slowly thrust forward that made her unintentionally bury her nails into his skin as a soft cry escaped her lips.


    "Ahh¡­"


    Sensing that the first attempt brought her pain, Ethan Lu ced soft kisses on her sweating forehead and then her lips. "Love¡­" he murmured as his brows mildly creased.


    For some reason, even though he deeply desired to continue, however, seeing her even wince once somehow made him pause and think if he should proceed.


    "I want¡­ you¡ª I can take it." Seeing the reluctancee across his eyes, Lexi blurted out. They had gone this far and stopping right now¡ª wasn''t that a little toote to decide? After practically kissing, licking, and sucking almost every part of her, he dared to indirectly propose to stop?!


    "Baby¡­ I want you too¡­" Hearing her resolve, Ethan Lu gently smiled as he kissed her again and shoved his shaft forward¡ª trying to break her tight entrance.


    "Ahhh¡­" Feeling his hardness slowly ripping her flesh, her nails dug deeper into his sweating back. With every thrust he did, she could feel her doors being broken down by a battering ram.


    The tip of his cock slowly goes deeper as both of their breathing became heavier. Despite the striking pain of her flesh ripping off, she was soothed by his gentle kisses and his hand caressing her body.


    After several attempts, Lexi finally felt a pleasurable pain as Ethan Lu sessfully invaded her insides. She could feel his girth wlessly adjust her hole to fit its size. Both of them let out a moan as their building momentum intensified.


    "shit¡­" He softly cursed as he could feel her tightness and the warmth of her insides around his mast that tempted him to roughly ram inside her. However, he didn''t want to cause her pain. Moreover, he was making love with the woman of his life, his first love, and his world. Hence, he didn''t want this to be just in sex that could only satiate his lust¡ª but passionate lovemaking.


    Slowly moving after a brief pause, Ethan Lu tenderly observed her expression to know if he was being rough. Seeing the contented front of his love, he continued his ministrations as each thrust brought out the sweetest of moans from her lips. Each and every one of her sounds enticed him further.


    ''This is how it feels¡­'' When he began moving in and out, Lexi could still feel the pain yet, it was a pain that was desperately urging her for more.


    She could feel him up to her abdomen as he moved slowly like a grandpa. Earlier, she doubted if his cock could even fit inside her but miraculously enough, it was just enough to fill her with warmth. Her mind swirled with so many emotions it only drove her further and further into a sweet abyss. Each and every movement locked itself into her mind, breaking down thest barriers she held that kept her love for him at bay. If he could see her thoughts right now he might die from shock.


    He thrusted slowly¡­ Once¡­ Twice¡­ Thrice¡­until both of them lost count. The more he entered and exited, the more the sensations built up making Ethan Lu finally quicken his pace seeing that Lexi wasn''t in pain anymore as her body caught up with his rhythm.


    "I love you¡­" In between his heavy breathing, Ethan Lu whispered and without waiting for her response, he owned her lips as their bodies pranced in the same tempo. His right hand cupped her bouncing orb and squeezed it lightly.


    Their exercise caused them to sweat but it wasn''t a hindrance as they were too overwhelmed with their lovemaking.


    "Ahh!" Suddenly, feeling that he went deeper, Lexi let out a loud cry in his mouth which made him slow down a little.


    Ethan Lu then parted from her lips for them to have a quick break and gasped for air. He rested his head on the crook of her neck. She could feel his hot breaths brushed her ear which was also enticing. Meanwhile, Lexi wrapped her arms around her sweating shoulder as she deemed his hammering.


    Just then, as they were in the middle of their passionate lovemaking, they heard a loud knocking outside his room that made Lexi snapped from her La La Land.


    "Someone''s outside!" She panicked as Lexi caught up with her breathing and tapped his shoulder. However, Ethan Lu was too busy nipping on her corbones and showed no sign of stopping.


    "Ethan..."


    "Don''t care¡ª we''re busy." He growled before continuing his act of tasting her salty sweat yet sweetest skin. His soldier also never faltered from squeezing his way in and out as her soft, hot insides massaged his erection.


    For a second, Lexi nced at the door that was still producing knocks from the outside. Yet, she chose to ignore it as well as Ethan Lu''s sudden aggressiveness brought her back to their passionate world.


    The knockings came to a stop after several minutes as both Ethan Lu and Lexi were trapped in their own addicting drug. They kissed with their tongues and touched each other''s physique without reserve. Both acted on instinct and their shyness wore off.


    After God knows how long, Ethan Lu whispered. "Love, I''ming." He slowed down his pace as he didn''t want to finish just yet. However, he had been holding for it for a long period, therefore, he didn''t know if he could hold the intense built-up of tension any longer.


    On the other hand, Lexi''s mind was in aplete distraught mess as her whole body felt weak before she convulsed as she reached her orgasm.


    "ahh¡­" Hugging him tightly, Lexi felt the rim of her popped cherry sped around his firm rod. After a second, she felt him throb inside her¡ª filling her insides with love juices as he reached his climax.


    He stayed inside her as he copsed on top of her with little support from his elbow. Ethan Lu rested his forehead to hers as he wafted her heavy breaths.


    After a while, Ethan Lu bit his lower lip as a bright smile gradually stered on his face. "I love you." He hoarsely uttered as he pecked on her numb lips.


    "I¡­" Still rposing her mind, Lexi stuttered as she gasped for air. s, before she could utter her words, Ethan Lu gently kissed her again.


    "Don''t force yourself¡ª knowing that I love you is enough for now. I will wait until you say those three words to me." Despite his disappointment after everything that happened, Ethan Lu knew that she was just falling for him but not as deep as his love. Hence, he wouldn''t ask for more as she already gave too much to him.


    Lexi gently smiled as she hugged him even more tightly despite their sticky bodies. "I love you." She whispered as exhaustion struck her really hard.

 Chapter 213 What a decesive woman

    <h4>Chapter 213 What a decesive woman</h4>


    Ethan Lu froze upon hearing her confession. He was unable to move for a second as he thoroughly processed her words. s, just when he fully absorbed herst remarks, Lexi was already going into a deep slumber while he was still inside her!


    "Love," Mildly shaking her, Ethan Lu wanted to hear it once again. However, she just went off into slumbend just like that without any consideration to him.


    Letting out a heavy sigh, Ethan Lu chuckled as he looked at her gorgeous face that was still flushed from his new favorite exercise. Slowly sliding out his still hard cock, he copsed on her side.


    Repositioning himself onto his side to watch her sleeping figure for a while, a gentle and loving smile stered on his lips. He brushed the strand of hair on her face and tucked it behind her ear.


    Up until now, he could not believe that he made love with her. It felt so surreal as he thought it was just one of his fantasies. Hence, to prove that everything urred, he pinched his cheek and winced as he unreservedly inflicted some pain to snap himself awake just in case he was dreaming.


    s, even after doing that, Lexi was still there, lying with her naked body. For some reason, he felt his eyes sting as a little salt liquid began to form on his eyes.


    "Jeez¡­" He muttered with a smile. He added, "What a decisive woman I have."


    Ethan Lu felt like crying from joy and gratefulness as Lexi was lying next to him. He just loved her too deeply without even realizing it, at how intense his feelings for her were. At first, he only expected a fifty percent chance to be with her but now she''s really with him.


    Therefore, how could he contain these overwhelming emotions? He wanted to shout, jump and even announce to the world that she was his. However, instead of doing that, his eyes started to well up which was very unsightly for him. Regardless, his heart was too moved with the reality of their rtionship and he could not ask for more.


    "I love you¡­ I love you¡­." He repeated those three words that despite not giving justice to convey his intense love for her, that even these words could not even be on par on how deep he loves her. Regardless, it was the only words he could say along with his light soft kisses.


    After some time, Ethan Lu finally got up and strode towards the bathroom. It only took him several minutes before he came back to her with a small tub half-filled with water and a small towel.


    He then wiped her sticky body that she didn''t bother to clean due to her excessive fatigue. Well, he didn''t mind as he still had enough energy to do it for her. When he wiped every inch of her body, Ethan Lu then tucked her in with a thick nket because he didn''t want to disturb her sleep while dressing her up.


    Moreover, his perverted side triumphed and wanted to sleep with her naked body and share their natural warmth with each other. When Lexi turned to her side as if she was d about the warmth of the nket, Ethan Lu smiled in satisfaction before he went to freshen himself up.


    Thirty minutes had passed and Ethan Lu just came out from the shower wearing a bathrobe with a small towel on top of his drenched hair. His body temperature took too long to cool down and his brother down there was still wide awake as if waiting for round two. s, even if he also wanted to second that, Lexi was already asleep. Furthermore, he was reminded that she had a few drinks before he picked her up.


    Therefore, he struggled alone battling and subduing his greedy inner beast. Well, they still have tomorrow and days ahead so there''s no need to rush things; it was her first time after all.


    Just as he was about to enter the walk-in closet, Ethan Lu heard a faint knock from outside. Furrowing his brows, he recalled that in the middle of the passionate lovemaking, someone almost broke their mood.


    His eyes squinted as Ethan Lu didn''t enter the walk-in closet and headed to the door after he turned off the lights and left the dim lights on. He nced at Lexi and seeing that she was still wrapped with the nket, Ethan Lu opened the door with a frown.


    The moment he saw his cousin Louis Lu, he indifferently looked at him still bearing his displeased front. "What?"


    Louis Lu briefly scanned him. In an instant, Louis Lu spotted a small scratch on the side of his neck that was very evident with his fairplexion. Raising his gaze on the displeased Ethan Lu, he responded.


    "You had a visitor."


    "Huh?" Knitting his brows, Ethan Lu slightly tilted his head to the side as he didn''t expect any visitor. Well, that was also his first thought when he saw his cousin inside his house. "Why do people keep on dropping by? Don''t they sleep?"


    Although Ethan Lu hasn''t checked the current time, he estimated that it must have been around past midnight because he knew what time he picked Lexi up.


    "Who?"


    "I don''t know, I sent him away." Louis Lu shrugged his shoulder as he nkly replied.


    "Eh?! Then, why are you here?"


    "Your assistant also came by. He didn''t tell me why but he said to tell you that you needed to pick up his calls¡ª it''s important." Louis Lu then brought out a smartphone and handed it to him.


    "Ohh¡­" Nodding in understanding, Ethan Lu forgot that he gave an order to Lyrick Jiang earlier before he picked up his girlfriend.


    "Alright, thanks Lou. Sorry for bothering you." Smiling, Ethan Lu apologized as he snatched the phone in his cousin''s hand. Yet, his apologies didn''t affect his cousin as he didn''t have any change of expression and only shrugged before he turned his back against him.


    When he closed the door, Ethan Lu immediately speed-dialed Lyrick Jiang''s contact number because his assistant wouldn''t personally drop by if it wasn''t important.


    Even before the first ring could finish, the call was immediately picked up and the line connected.


    "Young Master¡ª!" Ethan Lu put away his phone as the deafening voice of his assistant weed him. After a beat when the man on the other end calmed down, Ethan Lu ced his phone again in front of his ear.


    "What is it?"


    "We received a few reports that five suspicious men were surrounding your house earlier. Fortunately, your guards got a hold of them even before they could infiltrate your vi."


    "Where are they?" Ethan Lu''s eyes immediately darkened upon hearing this report. It was the first time that he received such bold news as his family members wouldn''t strike this soon. Still, Ethan Lu didn''t single out that option.


    "Young Master, that''s why I called because those men chose to take their own life even before they could be questioned." With thatst remark, a dreaded silence dawned on the line for a good one minute.


    "I see¡­ ask our contact in the military if they have records of them." Ethan Lu responded and cut the line short. ncing at Lexi''s back from his position, his heart suddenly felt uneasy. It was as if his instinct was certain that those people¡ª their intention was not him but her.

 Chapter 214 Ism pregnan

    <h4>Chapter 214 I''sm pregnan</h4>


    The next day¡­


    Even before Lexi could open her eyes, her whole lower body felt sore that made her let out a protesting groan. "Hmm-!"


    "Morning..." Suddenly, Ethan Lu''s hoarse voice and muscr arm wrapped around her bare waist. He slightly pulled her to his embrace while his eyes were still closed. This was the best morning that he always dreamt about since falling in love with her. He never knew that mornings could be exciting if the person he dearly loved was the first person he could greet and embrace.


    While Ethan Lu was recalling all the fantasies he had in the past, Lexi, on the other hand instantly stiffened as all the memories aboutst night came rushing inside her mind. Indeed, she really did it with him¡ª she''s not a virgin anymore!


    For some reason, Lexi found it hard to face the man hugging her from behind as her whole face had a crimson redplexion early in the morning. After a beat, she realized that his hands were touching her bare skin. Thus, in a slow, almost robotic manner, Lexi checked her body beneath the thick nket.


    Seeing her naked body, her eyes dted as she realized that she fell asleep after that intense lovemaking with him. Regardless, although she clearly remembered that she perspiredst night, she felt tacky free as if she bathed before going to bed. God knows that Lexi could not sleep if she didn''t freshen herself up.


    However, due to extreme fatigue of their unprecedented cherry popping act and having a few drinks at the party, Lexi fell to a deep slumber. Hence, did she slept walk after falling asleep? Impossible, right? Then, did Ethan bathe her?


    Her train of thought was quite ridiculous as she thought of such a thing instead of the fact that she surrendered her body to Ethan Lu and her aching bottom. Suddenly, her mind buzzed as she realized one thing¡ª he had no protection and came inside her!


    "Oh my god!" Abruptly sitting up, Lexi screamed so loud that she woke Ethan Lu from his happy thoughts. The thick nket immediately slid down on her waist and the chilled breeze in the room kissed her bare top good morning. Regardless, she ignored all that as she briskly turned and red at the oblivious man that was rubbing his weary eyes.


    "Love, is this how you do your morning prayers?" Languidly asking, Ethan Lu supported himself by his elbow as his other hand reached for her. Since he was tiredst night and had to work until dawn to free his schedule for the day, hence, he was pretty much half awake and asleep at the same time.


    s, even before his hand could touch her arm, Lexi pped the back of his hand. "Ethan, you--" Lexi grinded her teeth as she realized his schemest night. After all, he must have known that unloading inside might impregnate her.


    Well, although she didn''t want to entirely me him about it but the fact that bearing a child right before she fixed herself shook her to the core! Therefore, instead of reflecting on herself and act mature, Lexi somewhat wanted to vent her irresponsible action to him just because she could.


    "I what? Love, let''s sleep more¡­" Frowning, Ethan Lu lowly pleaded as he opened his arms gesturing her to return to his embrace and cuddle again.


    "Ethan, did you intentionally, umm¡­" Lexi halted as she pondered what term should she use that wouldn''t sound a little indecent but to no avail, she could not think properly as she was lost for words.


    "Hmm?" Knitting his brows as his frown never drifted away, Ethan Lu patiently waited for her question that made her scream early in the morning. Yet, she seemed she was struggling to continue as her lips trembled.


    "Love, what is it?"


    "I think I''m pregnant." Shifting her question to a horrifying statement, Lexi let out a heavy scoff as her usuallyposed cunning mind ran wild. She imagined herself with a baby bump and the horror of giving birth. Although she never mind having a kid at her age, still, she needed some preparation before conceiving a child.


    "Haha," Upon hearing her too advanced concern, Ethan Lu could not help but chuckle. Well, that was what he wanted after all. He knew it was selfish of him and he could not use his intense desire to have her as a wife as an excuse.


    Ethan Lu then crawled to her as he snuggled on herp while wrapping his arms around her waist. He muttered, "I''ll be responsible then."


    Fortunately, Lexi was in a trance as she didn''t retaliate with his warm snuggle. He then stroked her nude back and felt that it was gradually turning cold that forced Ethan Lu to sit up and grabbed the hem of the nket then ced it on her shoulders.


    Peering at her terrified front, Ethan Lu cupped both her cheeks to snap her out of wherever her mind was wandering. "Love, let''s not think about that for now, okay? Although it will greatly disappoint me if you''re not pregnant with my child."


    "Ethan!"


    "Shh--" Shushing her by cing a soft loving peck on her lips, Ethan Lu parted from her lips before he could lose control and nibble on it. "I know it''s selfish of me and I can''t say words that could wash your worries away but¡­" he paused as his gaze scanned her displeased front.


    "... I will never let you down including the little sprout that we''re unsure if it was nted or not. I''ll take responsibility for what happenedst night and our days ahead¡ª I will protect you and love you until myst breath."


    As Lexi listened to his sentiments, she pursed her lips as she literally had nothing to say anymore. He was too matured in serious matters despite being goofy all the time. Moreover, he was right. It was too early to be paranoid if she was pregnant or not. At the very least, she should focus on her career and work really hard to establish the business she wanted to build not just for her future but for her child¡ª which she was unsure of.


    Heaving a heavy sigh, Lexi rolled her eyes as she mildly shook her head.


    "Let''s sleep more, okay?" Seeing that she calmed down, Ethan Lu tenderly smiled as he guided her back to bed and back to cuddling.


    "I feel sick," Lexi softlyined as Ethan Lu covered her bareback¡ª sounding like a pampered princessining to her hero.

 Chapter 215 Baby clothes!

    <h4>Chapter 215 Baby clothes!</h4>


    Meanwhile¡­


    At the Yang Family Mansion, Lillian Yang was preparing a morning tea and breakfast for her family with a light mood. After she prepared everything, she finally had the time to check her emails and anything important on her mobile phone.


    The very instant she opened her phone, Ethan Lu''s messagetest night immediately caught her eye. Although she often exchanged messages with her future son-inw, Lillian Yang was still giddy to check what Ethan Lu''s news was that he had for her.


    As she tapped to check the message, Lillian Yang with eyes full of interest read the content of the message that made her eyes slowly widen. It says:


    "Good Evening, Mom! I wanted to call but knowing it''ste and Mom and Dad were probably asleep, I will leave this message instead.


    Mom, Lexi will not be able to go home, she fell asleep. Don''t worry, Mom. I got her *angel emoticon* I will drive her home tomorrow *angel emoticon*"


    Lillian Yang read the content of the message over and over again. She knew that Lexi went outst night with her new friend Rika and a few colleagues from her recent movie. However, she didn''t know that Lexi didn''t go homest night and slept at Ethan Lu''s ce?


    Although this wasn''t the first time that she would stay a night with him¡ª after the incident happened back on the ind¡ª it was shocking that her daughter would willingly stay at Ethan Lu''s ce.


    Just then, Lillian Yang snapped from her stupor as she received an iing call from Ethan Lu early in the morning. Without a second hesitation, Lillian Yang pressed the green button on her phone which connected her to the line.


    "Ethan?" Slightly knitting her brows, Lillian Yang was somehow, seemed she was looking forward to whatever news Ethan Lu had for her.


    "Good morning, Mom¡­" Sounding distressed, Ethan Lu greeted. "Mom, I think Lexi will have to stay in my ce because she was having a fever¡ª I don''t know why. I called my friend doctor to check on her¡ª he''s on his way."


    "Ohh¡­" Instead of panicking, Lillian Yang let out an understanding ''o'' sound as if it was¡­ normal. "It''s okay, that''s normal. I will tell your Dad about it. Don''t worry."


    "Thanks, Mom *sigh* I wanted to personally drop by but no one else will be here to look after Lexi." Frowning, Ethan Lu felt it was improper to tell them the news over the phone as it was their daughter they are talking about.


    Moreover, he told them that he would drive her to the Yang Mansion hence, this sudden fever Lexi was having changed all the ns he had in the first ce.


    "Thank''s it''s fine, Ethan. You both are grown-ups so there''s no need to worry." As usual, Lillian Yang''s tone was motherly and soothing.


    She talked to him on the line for a couple more minutes before Ethan Lu excused himself as the doctor that will check on Lexi would arrive at any moment. After she put down her phone, Frederick Yang, already wearing a formal business suit arrived in the dining area.


    Seeing the expression of his wife while holding her phone under her chin, his brows furrowed. He was well-versed with his wife, thus, Frederick Yang inferred that Lillian Yang was pondering some serious matters.


    "Dear, what are you thinking about with such an expression? Also, what time did Lexie homest night?" As Frederick Yang slowly perched on the head seat, he scanned the healthy dishes that his wife prepared.


    "She didn''t." Upon hearing the voice of her husband, Lillian Yang snapped from her trance and turned to see her husband. Striding towards him, she helped serve him with dishes and tea.


    "She didn''t? Where did she spent the night then?" Knitting his brows even more, Frederick Yang probed further. He wasn''t mad or anything of the sort as he trusted Lexi and she did move out once to figure out her life. Therefore, going home is not his main concern but where did she stay and with whom?


    "Dear, I think we should visit the temple and ask for a blessing." Looking at her husband with eyes full of resolve, Lillian Yang dered which tossed her husband into confusion.


    "Huh?"


    "Our daughter spent the night at Ethan''s ce and now she''s running a fever." In a knowing tone, Lillian Yang raised her brows as she let her husband absorb her news.


    When her words were properly processed, slowly, Frederick Yang raised his gaze to meet the ''you know what I''m saying'' expression stered across his wife''s face.


    After a beat, both Yang parents excitedly uttered a word in unison. "Baby clothes!"


    *****


    When Lillian Yang hang up the call, Ethan Lu let out another heavy sigh. When Lexi told him she felt a little sick, he thought she was just trying to be cute which was truly effective even without her trying.


    However, after thirty minutes of snuggling under the sheets with her still und body and him without a shirt, Ethan Lu felt that Lexi''s body temperature abnormally rose up to a higher than the normal temperature that rmed and instantly woke him up.


    Upon seeing her flushed face and sweating forehead, Ethan Lu panicked as he didn''t know what to do for a moment before he decided to call his assistant to send his trusted doctor to his home¡ª which was executed immediately.


    He then lowered the air conditioner temperature and wiped Lexi who was sweating as if she was inside a sauna. After wiping her down and slightly cooling her body heat, Ethan Lu went out from his room, then went to the kitchen to get her something to drink. As he does so, he was reminded to contact the Yang parents with the situation.


    "You just indirectly told them that something happened between you twost night." Leaning his side on the jamb of the kitchen entrance, Louis Lu indifferentlymented with a mug of coffee in his hand.


    "Huh?" Snapping from his stupor, Ethan Lu furrowed his brows as his gazended to hisnguid cousin who was wearing a casual sweater and pants.


    "They say women often experience a fever after their first night¡ª so you practically told her parents that you slept with their daughter." Louis Lu rified which made Ethan Lu''s eyes dted and a shocked countenance took over his whole front.


    Seeing his reaction, Louis Lu''s eyes briefly darkened before it went back to normal. "It will pass after a day or two¡ª try not to touch her within those days." He uttered before Louis Lu stood straight and left his distraught cousin, Ethan Lu standing there to contemte over the situation.


    Since his cousin''s statement about indirectly admitting to the Yang parents that he touched their daughter, Ethan Lu didn''t notice the slight change on Louis Lu''s front.


    "It''s normal... mom said..." He murmured as he finally realized Lillian Yang''s seemingly knowing word facade asforting ones.


    "What should I do¡­?" He murmured as Ethan Lu didn''t know how to face her parents. Although he wasn''t ashamed of sleeping with Lexi, s, premarital sex¡ª would her parents be that understanding? Would they see him as an opportunist? What if they treated him differently in theing days?


    These thoughts hovered in his mind that made his mind a little more restless than it already was. Surely, the thought of her parents being hostile towards him never struck his mindst night before submitting to his inner desires.

 Chapter 216 Otome Love System: COMPLETED!

    <h4>Chapter 216 Otome Love System: COMPLETED!</h4>


    "Oy Morris Liu, wake up and get drunk again! I need someone to talk to!" Stomping on Morris Liu''s sleeping face, Churu attempted to wake him up but to no avail, she knew that no matter how much she shouted at him¡ª he wouldn''t hear her unless he drank a whole bottle of wine.


    "Dang¡­ I''m so sad." Copsing her bum on the side of Morris Liu''s peaceful sleeping face, Churu muttered with a heavy sigh.


    Last night, while she was having a one on one interview with Morris Liu to understand his train of thoughts, Churu received a notification about Lexipleting her task.


    [short shback aboutst night]


    "Hey, Mr. Bad Judgement, what do you think about LexiXEthan ship? I know you don''t approve but I will appreciate it if you answer me with honesty." Sounding like a professional reporter, Churu only needed her cameraman, cards, and a proper seat to start a talk show on her own.


    "Haha," Staring at the serious dumpling sitting on top of the small table in front of him, Morris Liu could not help but chuckle. In his eyes, although she was just an apparition, he surprisingly thought that she''s the bestpany and could confide what''s inside his mind without being afraid that she might use it against him. Moreover, she was too vivid as if she had her own train of thoughts which made him think that she''s a lost spirit¡ª a dumpling spirit that experienced injustice.


    "Well, I don''t think what I think even matters but since you''re asking me¡ª I think no man deserves her."


    "Hmm¡­ hey! Don''t start saying romantic things I will drag you to hell and personally torture you there. As if you don''t know, I am like a manager there¡ª next to Lucy and every other lovable soul will be treated with love by my whip!" In a boastful and threatening tone, Churu scoffed as she warned him to refrain from sounding hopelessly romantic.


    Nheless, her statement only made the usually cold man chuckle as he imagined a dumpling torturing a humans soul. Surely, he had never seen nor talked to someone who''s as creatively silly as her.


    "Aiya, aiya, when you die, you''ll understand." Slightly shaking her head, Churu sighed as she didn''t know if she should be happy or not as she seemed like a liar running her mouth without anyone believing her or even bing displeased. Nevertheless, at the very least, she has someone to pester as she was preparing her departure in the future.


    Just then, a notification sound rang inside her mind that snapped her attention about the system''s report.


    [ CONGRATULATIONS! You havepleted the otome love system! We wish the host the best happy ending with your Mr. Right!


    These are yourst rewards forpleting the task:


    -The system guide''s stay would extended for a week to bid your goodbyes.


    -The system guide''sst wish would be granted.


    Again, CONGRATULATIONS! ]


    Churu read the system''s report for as many times as she could and every time, her eyes dted and her pupils constricted. "What¡­?"


    She muttered in disbelief. In her knowledge, the system should have thest task of the host marrying Mr. Main Task. However, why did the report state that the system waspleted?


    She should have known beforehand if there would be a major change on the system such as this. Yet, she wasn''t informed! Therefore, it really caught her off guard and her heart imaginably sank.


    She was just preparing for her departure by lessening her time with Lexi. Moreover, she was sure that Lexi wouldn''t ept Ethan Lu just yet hence, what just happened?


    Did they get marriedst night? That''s impossible as Churu should have received a notification of epting Mr. Main Task''spletion then disyed thest task¡ª which she didn''t!


    After some time, Churu immediately flew upward; passing through the ceiling and roof, leaving the silent Morris Liu that was delving into his own pool of thoughts with herst remarks. She flew higher and higher as if to lessen the still vast gap of the people watching her.


    "Hey! What do you mean Lexipleted the task?! There should be onest task right? What happened?!? Talk to me!" Churu agitatedly rattled in dismay.


    "Are you really ying a trick on me?! Exin!!" s, no matter how she shouted at the top of her lungs, no one answered back.


    She was akin to a howling wolf under the gleam of the lonesome moon but in a high pitch minion tone. Still, despite her cuteness overload, the mncholy that came across her eyes were too evident¡ª theplete contrast of her small, adorable figure.


    "You¡­ you''re really cruel." Biting her lower lip as hard as she could, Churu mumbled after swallowing her other irrelevant words.


    She stayed floating on the same spot with her head hung low. She was unable to shed tears, still, Churu had this familiar striking pain piercing the deep wound on her heart from a thousands of years ago.


    Although she must be happy as this time, her mission waspleted and Lexi would have her happy ending¡ª but why did she felt otherwise?


    Moreover, she should be celebrating as her reward after this job was the only desire she had ever wanted. Yet, at this moment, after getting close to her lifelong wish, why wasn''t she jubnt about it?


    Why?


    Perhaps, it was because of her time in this world, with her host, and how for the first time she was treated as a vulnerable entity¡­ or maybe because her lifetime wish changed overtime?


    Perhaps, the answer was both.


    Churu, at this time, finally realized that no matter how she reduced her time with Lexi¡ª she was never ready to leave her. After all, her host always worried her to the core.


    Despite that it barely disyed on her, but Churu genuinely cared about Lexi. Sometimes, she even imagined seeing her happily getting married and bing her bridesmaid¡ª Silly, indeed.


    Someone like her hoping to witness such scene¡ª ridiculous.


    "Well, at the very least, she would instantly forget about me and wouldn''t dwell on the pain. Yes, that''s important! Also, Mr. Main Task would take care of her! Yes! Right?!" Forcing a bright smile on her pale chubby face, Churu tried so hard to sound happy yet, her eyes depicted an endless sorrow of losing someone¡­ forever.


    [Present Time]


    "You know, for some reason, I understand you. Sometimes, it''s better to let go of someone and wish for their happiness without you in the picture." Churu murmured. Even though she tried to cheer herself upst night, but up until now, the strong solitary emotion kepting back stronger¡ª making her sulk.


    Turning to see Morris Liu''s face, Churu heavily sighed. Apparently, when she came backst night, Morris Liu already dozed off. Therefore, despite trying to wake him up all night by beating him up, he didn''t and her assault had no effect on him.


    "Promise me that you won''t intervene with their rtionship and hold onto your words okay? Stay on the sidelines! If you ever dare, you''ll see! I will really torture you when you arrive at my turf!" Her tone was low at first and then it escted to threat as she warned him for thest time.


    Well, this would be herst visit to him as she would rather stick like glue to Lexi for the following days¡ª even if she was with Ethan Lu! She would never give her privacy for the time being.

 Chapter 217 I need to know the truth

    <h4>Chapter 217 I need to know the truth</h4>


    "She will feel better in a few days. Just remember to make her drink the medicine I prescribe to her on time." A man in his early 30''s wearing a civilian suit, looking noble and decent, speaking and acting as a doctor turned to Ethan Lu. He''s a little taller than Ethan Lu, his hooded eyes were as dark as ck ink and his narrow nose added to his manly charms.


    "Alright¡­ thanks, man." Heaving a sigh of relief, Ethan Lu''s worried heart slightly felt relieved seeing that Lexi''splexion turned a bit better after his good friend Doctor Oliver Peng put her on a drip.


    "Man, I thought someone was dying with the way your assistant called me in a hurry." Shaking his head, Oliver Peng muttered. God knows he rushed his way to Ethan Lu''s private vi as this good friend of his rarely sought for medical assistance; unless, he has a serious wound.


    "Well, I will always sound like that even if she''s only having a headache." Shrugging without turning his gaze away from her, Ethan Lu nonchntly responded which made the corner of Oliver Peng''s brows twitch.


    Staring at Ethan Lu''s side profile in disbelief, somehow, he could not recognize this man staring lovingly and worriedly to the woman who just got out from her controversial scandals.


    Indeed, Oliver Peng had the shock of his life when he saw the woman he needed to treat. After all, Lexi was a famous rising star for quite some time before those ridiculous articles came out. Although those ambiguous articles were all cleared¡ª one could still not forget her loud name in an instant.


    Moreover, she was a true beauty that men like him would never forget even with just taking a nce at her. Regardless, how the hell did Ethan Lu and Lexi Yang be an item? Since when?!?


    "Anyway, refrain from tiring her as my findings states that her health was rather low¡ª she''s unhealthy in other words." Uttering his other reminder, Oliver Peng snapped from his daze and rposed his usually calm mind.


    "Alright¡­" The reminders from the doctor went on and on for quite some time before Oliver Peng bid his farewell and left some spare medicines he had on him.


    When he left, Ethan Lu called his ever reliable assistant Lyrick Jiang to buy the medicine that Oliver Peng prescribed her which his assistant immediately executed.


    After his brief call, Ethan Lu strode to the side of the bed and sat next to Lexi. Scanning her sleeping figure, he heaved a heavy sigh.


    "You''re really worrying me." He lowly uttered. Ethan Lu was already worried about her safety with those dangerous mening after her and now, knowing that Lexi''s health wasn''t as strong as he reckoned¡ª his concern for her slowly was reaching its zenith.


    Just as he felt her temperature by cing his palm on her forehead, his phone on the side vibrated that made him nced at it. Upon seeing Chris Yu''s contact name, Ethan Lu didn''t hurry as he slowly brushed a nickel strand of hair on Lexi''s face.


    Staring at her for several seconds until he was satisfied, Ethan Lu stood up grabbing his phone with him. As he exited the room, his vibrating phone stopped. He didn''t go elsewhere and directly went to his study room on the other side of his vi.


    As soon as he entered the study room, Ethan Lu called back Chris Yu. It only took one ring before the line connected.


    "Did you find out anything?" Without going into circles, Ethan Lu inquired. Although he had Lyrick Jiang reach out to their contact in the government, he still felt restless and thought that Chris Yu might have a stronger connection to the special forces since he was an agent, to begin with.


    "uh yeah¡­ they were infamous criminals from some underworld organization¡ª we both know who''s folk they were under." Sounding rxed as usual, Chris Yu responded as he flipped the pages of the pile of documents on his desk.


    "But, the thing is, each of them vanished from some time ago as if they all died¡ª even our intel could not garner any sightings on them in recent times that''s why it will take time to calcte how many people received Kong Shuren''sst order. His organization was quiterge. The only thing we can be thankful for is that they seemed to have an internal dilemma of who would be their next family head."


    Ethan Lu patiently listened to Chris Yu''s assertions. However, the more he listened to him, the more questions hovered on his mind. "Chris¡­ howe you recklessly killed the man knowing hisrge brigade and vast connections?"


    Since their discussion,st night was entirely sidetracked to Lexi and why Morris Liu did what he had done, Ethan Lu overlooked this fact. But now, after receiving reports of the horrendous mass suicide from the men that attempted to break into his house before they turned them in to the police, he knew he needed to know more.


    After all, it was Lexi and her family''s safety on the line. Therefore, he needed to know the whole truth without leaving a single detail behind. In that way, he would know how to ensnare them to his trap.


    "I need to know the truth¡ª no more lies¡ª I hate it." He firmly added as an unreadable glint shed across his eyes.


    "Eh¡­" Struggling, Chris Yu contemted his words as one wrong word, Ethan Lu would be dragged into a more horrible mess than they already obliged onto him.


    "Okay, Me and Brother Mo, we somehow killed the man but not from our own hands okay? Brother Mo believed in thew that''s why I''m here. Then, somewhere along the line, we got ourselves entangled with the worst guys and they made a deal. So yeah, Kong Shuren died and we cleaned up the mess."


    "Who are they?" Probing further, Ethan Lu knitted his brows as he never thought that his friends would get more entangled with more dangerous people than their real problem. Well, it was not like he was judging them as Morris Liu was pushed into a corner. In fact, if he put himself in his shoes, Ethan Lu also didn''t know what he''d do if he was put into such a predicament.


    After all, Morris Liu had nothing but a valueless title all this time.


    "Man, believe me I can''t tell you because if I do, you''d be dragged into even deeper sh*t than you''re already in." Letting out a heavy exhale, Chris Yu shook his head. Up until now, his skin could still not help but crawl being reminded of the gaze of the man that killed Kong Shuren in cold blood.


    He was grateful that he was never assigned to missions like infiltrate Luciano''s base as all agents who did those missions ended with a horrible death that only a piece of their skin or limbs would be sent back to them. Daringly warning them to stay out with their business which irked the secret international government forces even more. s, no matter what they''d do, Luciano Familia was a formidable and merciless group.


    Of course, when Chris Yu heard Seraphina Yue, the word Luciano and his alias as Big Daddy¡ª he was utterly mind blown that left him unable to move for a while. Although her statements were vague, he got the gist and spected on his own.


    "Are you sure they won''t stab our backs?"


    "Yes, I am certain." Firmly reassuring Ethan Lu, Chris Yu nodded even though the man on the other end of the line couldn''t see him.


    "I can only guarantee Lexi''s and her parent''s safety."


    "Got it." With that said response from him, Ethan Lu hung up on Chris Yu.


    "I guess that''s enough information¡­ no need to tell him that Luciano''s man ran amok and went on a killing spree." Chris Yu murmured as he read the hair raising reports on the screen of hisptop on the government ssified site.


    What he said regarding Kong Shuren''s men having an internal dilemma wasn''t the full truth nor it was a lie. They were indeed having some issues as they were slowly being hunted down one after another by one man. Although the reports didn''t specify who was it, Chris Yu was certain that it was that man who silenced Kong Shuren.

 Chapter 218 Bad Dream?

    <h4>Chapter 218 Bad Dream?</h4>


    Two dayster¡­


    "Ethan, will you get me a ss of water, please?" Sounding weak and sweet at the same time, Lexi shamelessly demanded Ethan Lu who was busy skimming through a document on the couch inside the room. He has tons of filesid on the small table and aptop. Lexi watched his unsmiling side profile while she was still lying on therge bed.


    The moment he heard her, Ethan Lu turned to her direction. Gently smiling, he put down whatever he was doing, no matter how important it was as he stood up and ordingly strode towards the bed. Sitting on the side of the bed, Ethan Lu gently checked her forehead and was relieved that her fever had gone down.


    "Love, refrain from moving too much, alright?" Although Ethan Lu was engaged with the work that he took home for thest three days, he could still see her move around the bed via his peripheral vision.


    "Mhmm¡­" Obedient like a cute little puppy, Lexi slightly nodded her head that made his heart flutter to an unimaginable degree. Ethan Lu softly stroked her face before getting up and went out to get her a ss of water.


    "Wow¡­ where''s the Lexi that I know and who is this impostor?" Rolling her eyes as she witnessed Lexi''s sweet act, Churu''s sarcasm overflowed as she could not recognize this woman next to her.


    When he was out, Lexi abruptly sat up as if her weakness earlier were nothing but an act. "Sissy, where have you been?!" In actuality, Lexi already felt better since yesterday night. Thus, she knew that Churu just showed up now.


    She would be lying if Lexi said she never thought about Churu in her absence. Moreover, while she was high in fever, she had a terrifying dream about the little dumpling dying. Reasons why she was agitated that Churu went missing in action for days¡­ or rather, Churu seemed as if she has different priorities as she would rather go on a date than apany her.


    "I was here¡ª on the roof." Pointing her tiny index finger upward, Churu honestly responded. Well, after she nagged the oblivious Morris Liu not to be shameless and hold onto his words that he would stay out of being an iceberg on this ship, Churu channeled to her host''s location¡ª bringing her to Ethan Lu''s vi.


    Churu was stunned that she arrived at the familiar ce, yet she recovered immediately as Lexi epted Ethan Lu and them being together early in the morning shouldn''t surprise her. She then checked on her host and seeing that she fell ill, Churu decided to stay on top of the roof and monitor her every so often.


    Arching her brows, Lexi scrutinized Churu''s front for a second to confirm if she was lying or not. Upon her brief inspection and knowing that Churu could not lie, Lexi heaved a sigh of relief.


    "Can you lessen following the dangerous guys?!" In spite of being filled with relief, Lexi sassed as she reprimanded the little dumpling sitting on the side of the enormous bed. "I''m your host and you should stick with me, ALWAYS!"


    "Woah, chill~ Ethan might hear you~!" Startled by her sudden scolding, Churu raised both her hands to calm her down. Well, she had nned to stick with her with the remaining days she had left anyway.


    "Just promise that you will always stay with me, okay?" Letting out a deep exhale, Lexi locked her eyes on the small cute white figure.


    "Alright! But, there''s no need for scolding."


    "I had a bad dream, okay? Coincidentally, you were not around or rather, you''re on the roof so can you me me for getting worried?" Displeased as she recalled Churu vanishing, Lexi frowned as she tried to brush off that nightmare.


    "Eh? It''s just a dream, don''t take it seriously." Giggling, Churu cheered the frustrated Lexi whose hair was messy as if it wasn''t brushed for days.


    "How can I not if it''s you dying on me." Unappeased, Lexi grumbled as the pain of seeing the perishing Churu was too vivid.


    Just then, she heard Ethan Lu''s voice outside vaguely saying something to Louis Lu that made her instantlyy back on the bed and cover herself with the thin nket as she pretended that she didn''t move a muscle while he was gone.


    Since Lexi''s attention diverted on Ethan Lu who entered the room with a tray of peeled fruits and a ss of water, she didn''t witness the change in Churu''s countenance. The little dumpling remained unmoving for several seconds after hearing the dream that frustrated her host.


    Ethan Lu ced the tray that has her healthy snacks before sitting on the edge of the bed. "Let me help you sit up." Tilting his head to the side, Ethan Lu became more caring and gentle as if Lexi was inflicted with an incurable disease.


    "No need¡ª it''s not like I''m paralyzed." Subtly smiling, Lexi mildly shook her head sideways as she supported herself to sit up by her elbow and leaned her back against the headboard.


    "Thank you," She meekly smiled as Ethan Lu handed her the food tray with a bowl of fresh fruits and a ss of water.


    ncing at Churu who was back to normal, Lexi faintly sighed once again as she had no words to tell her. In her mind, Churu was right. It was just a bad dream and it was impossible to happen, right?


    Besides, how could someone like Churu die? Although she''s a fallen angel, she wouldn''t just leave the world right? Also, do angels, demons and whatever deity she was talking about, could they even die?


    ''Sissy, don''t go anywhere alright?'' While Lexi picked up a piece of peeled apple, she telepathically uttered without turning her gaze to her.


    "Hehe, you think too much~!" Heartilyughing, there wasn''t a sign of Churu being guilty as she hid her emotions very well.


    ''I am telling you, don''t go anywhere anymore without telling me beforehand.'' Pressing on the matter so Churu wouldn''t forget, Lexi''s heart felt restless without knowing any concrete reason why.


    All she knew was that, with or without having such tragic dreams, Lexi didn''t want to lose Churu; the first person or rather, a so-called demon that oddly enough believed in her despite being brutally honest.


    Overall, even though Lexi gained some new friends and epted Ethan Lu on her own ord and not because the system told her so; no one could rece or take away Churu''s special throne in her heart.


    This time, Churu didn''t answer and only smiled back. She could not pledge a promise as she knew she could never fulfill it. To her, it might be a little selfish that she wanted to keep her nearing departure a secret.


    However, at least, in that case, Lexi wouldn''t have to feel bad for the next few days until it was her time to say goodbye. Knowing Lexi, she might be a little bitchy sometimes, but God knows she has a soft spot that could trigger her vulnerable cry baby persona.


    Churu didn''t want that. She wanted to give her some ck and only make her cry for a moment before Churupletely left this world bringing all the memories she had shared with Lexi¡ª her one and only friend through and through.

 Chapter 219 Number One Fan

    <h4>Chapter 219 Number One Fan</h4>


    Days had passed and finally, it was the day of the premiere of the movie Lexi and the whole talented, hard-working individuals had worked on for months.


    Lexi stayed at Ethan Lu''s ce for a total of four days and within those four days, he treated her as if she was a newborn baby, that alone actually slightly annoyed and moved her at the same time. He forbid her to move around and stay in bed afraid that her fever woulde back. He obstructed his work every thirty minutes to check on her and that alone made it so that he had to work overtime. Hence, Lexi got tired of being a pampered, useless princess.


    Although she liked being spoiled, Lexi argued with her subconscious mind regarding her fakery and shamelessness while she clearly knew that Ethan Lu was buried with business-rted work. Yet, she still depended on him with her meals, snacks and even her bath! How shameless!


    In the end, her independent personality won over her shamelessness and decided to get up from being a bedridden young woman.


    "So, Eli will be your escort?" Looking at Lexi through the whole body mirror inside her walk-in closet, Churu inquired as she also tried each dress Lexi made for her to wear for tonight.


    Well, even though no one could see her, she still wanted to doll up just because she could. Also, she didn''t need others'' approval to make herself look good¡ª even if it was the absolute One.


    "No, I will walk alone¡ª no escort," Lexi stated as she altered two dresses that Abigail Fan sent her for tonight''s event. One was a ck, off the shoulder neckline, mermaid gown while the other one was a gold sequins trumpet, mermaid floor-length and long scoop neck, short sleeve and backless. However, part of her was dissatisfied with these gorgeous dresses.


    If it was before, Lexi would undoubtedly wear any of these two without a second thought. But now, after being away from the limelight andying low after her scandal¡ª Lexi was quite nervous to face such crowd again. Hence, the dilemma to give them a good impression.


    "Don''t be nervous, you don''t have to care about everything that people say¡ª the movie will be your voice. It will showcase your talent that will make everyone speechless, trust me!" Sensing her anxious heart, Churu raised her gaze and the corner of her mouth curled into a reassuring smile.


    Looking back at Churu through the mirror who was also holding a dress in front of her, Lexi''s eyes softened. Her racing heart slowed down and eventually returned to its normal beat. "Sissy, you sound nicertely¡ª did you do something wrong?" Lexi humored as she yfully narrowed her eyes.


    "I''m always nice~ and prettier~!"


    "Thatst part didn''t have any connections with you being nice." Shaking her head, Lexi teased with a giggle. Just then, a light knock came that made Lexi turned her head to the entrance of her walk-in closet.


    "Young Miss, Young Master Lu sent these for you." One of their maids brought a bouquet of red roses and arge box. She courtly intruded inside and ced the stuff that Ethan Lu sent her to the two-seater pink couch inside.


    "Thank you," Lexi slightly nodded and the maid politely bowed as well before she left without a word. Lexi then carefully hung the gowns before she went to see Ethan Lu''s gifts for her.


    Picking up the bouquet of fresh red mixed with white roses, Lexi bit her lower lip to restrain herself from smiling like a fool. Seeing a small card in it, she immediately read its short content. It says:


    "Congrattions, My Love <>


    From your number 1 fan,


    Ethan Lu "


    "Tch~," The curl on her lips marginally widened as Ethan Lu''s short yet effectively encouraging words instantly embraced her heart and filled it with warmth.


    "Such a sweet fan I have." She softly whispered before she sniffed the flowers in her hand. Lexi then shifted her gaze towards the white box and her brows raised. Slowly, she took slow strides towards it and put down the roses beside it.


    Opening her lover''s other gift, she hummed a questioning tone as her eyes wereid on the in wine red, modern qipao cheongsam dress. Clipping the shoulder des part, she raised it and revealed its length and itsce details.


    The moment Lexi saw its whole picture, Lexi instantly fell in love with it and that very second, she decided what to wear for tonight''s event. The dress was simple and elegant. Aside from its little details, it could not be on par with the grace of the two gowns that Abigail Fan sent her. However, the one that Ethan Lu sent her though seemingly reserved, the wide slit daringly contrasted the demureness of the upper part of the dress.


    Just like Lexi and the role she portrayed, Chang''e, they both were modest and daring at the same time. Moreover, Ethan Lu might have thought about her role and picked up a modernized traditional dress for their premiere night.


    "Ethan Lu is indeed a keeper." Scanning the in-looking dress, Churumented as her eyes gleamed. Unlike the two gorgeous dresses that Lexi gravitated on which is which, those two would either make her look coquettish or timid that didn''t match her personality. Hence, imagining Lexi with this new option, Churu could visualize Lexi wearing it and could stretch this austere dress in its maximum potential.


    "He is." Agreeing, Lexi chuckled as she could not believe that Ethan Lu would still bother to look for a dress for her tonight¡ª she loved it! Suddenly, another small card was caught from the corner of her eyes inside the box where the dress came from.


    Lexi carefully held onto the dress and strode towards the pink couch where the box was ced. Reading its content, her already smiling lips reach from ear to ear. It says:


    "Thought you might need an additional option for tonight''s event *wink*


    From your lover,


    Ethan Lu


    "This guy really¡­" Lexi let out another faint giggle as she read the content of the card again. The indescribable happiness he gave her was nothing she could have ever dreamed for.

 Chapter 220 A reliable fan

    <h4>Chapter 220 A reliable fan</h4>


    Churu''s eyes gleamed as she thoroughly scanned Lexi from head to toe. She had visualized Lexi wearing the dress that Ethan Lu sent her. Yet, she could not help but gape her mouth as her pair of round eyes shimmered, enthralled by the modern goddess before her.


    "Pretty¡­" Apliment escaped her mouth as she watched Lexi''s lips curl up into a subtle smirk.


    "I know, thanks. I didn''t spend hours preparing for nothing." Shrugging, Lexi winked at the cute dumpling; who was also wearing a red ruby dress made by her. She had a cute red ribbon on the side of her head and the same colored gloves that reached her smooth elbow.


    When Lexi decided to wear the modern qipao dress that was both reserved and daring at the same time. Churu also decided to wear something with the same hue. In that case, they seemed as if they are twinning¡ª even if no one could see Churu.


    "Will Ethan Lu attend the premiere night?" After she snapped from adoring Lexi''s beauty, Churu tilted her head to the side as she asked.


    She hasn''t heard anything from her host about Ethan Lu attending the event and she didn''t ask about it as she already assumed Ethan Lu would surely attend. However, when Lexi received a phone call from her manager earlier, Churu was intrigued as their conversation was about Abigail Fan picking up Lexi, not Ethan Lu.


    "Unfortunately, he can''t make it." Checking her makeup in the vanity mirror for thest time, Lexi nonchntly responded.


    "But he said he''ll try to attend the after-party¡ª though, for me, it''s not needed because he''s already buried with work." Lexi added in a matter of fact tone.


    Indeed, Ethan Lu proposed that he would escort her tonight. However, after knowing that he would have to move back his schedule again for her, Lexi brutally refused.


    She could still remember his puppy eyes as if the whole world treated him unfairly. Still, Lexi was adamant that he could only attend if he finished his work earlier than scheduled.


    Apparently, Ethan Lu forgot to mention that he was one of the biggest investors of the movie that''s why he was granted a cameo. Moreover, Lexi didn''t ask as she already assumed that he must have used his flowery words again to get in.


    "Oh¡­" Slowly nodding in understanding, Churu didn''t say anything in return. Just then, the maid that brought Ethan Lu''s gifts earlier, intruded in the walk-in closet after a knock.


    "Young Miss, Manager Fan is downstairs." The maid courtly announced as she bowed.


    "Alright, I''ll be there in a moment." ncing through the mirror, Lexi raised her brows and responded that made the maid politely bow again before she left.


    "Let''s go, Madam Chu." Averting her eyes to Churu on the side, Lexi smirked and slowly nodded in satisfaction seeing the dolled up dumpling.


    *****


    Abigail Fan was sipping the tea that the ever kind Lillian Yang served. Its soothing aroma gently massaged her stressed muscles and every sip felt like her soul was being cleansed.


    "Manager Fan, I appreciate you for reaching out to my dear daughter¡ª she did give you a hard time in the past and I was unable to apologize as her mother." Softly delivering her utterance, Lillian Yang slightly bowed her head as she expressed her gratitude and remorse to the woman across her.


    Seeing this, Abigail Fan panicked as she clumsily put down the cup of tea on top of the small table separating her from Mother Yang. Waving both her hands sideways¡ª gesturing that it was nothing with a sheepish smile on her lips, Abigail Fan staggered.


    "Madam Yang, hehe, there''s no need to apologize. That''s the least I can do to my artist, in fact, I should be the one who should be ashamed and apologize for being unable to protect my artist."


    "I know you must have done your best to settle the matter." Chuckling, Lillian Yangforting words tried to indirectly pat Abigail Fan on the head that made the manager bashfully smile.


    Lillian Yang and Abigail Fan only interacted a few times when Lexi was still active in her acting career. The very reason why, despite that Lillian Yang had this friendly and thoughtful demeanor and was still unable to get to know her daughter''s manager, was because Lexi frequently made her run errands for her like a little assistant. Therefore, Abigail Fan rarely met Lillian Yang.


    "Hehe, Madam Yang, you''re too kind." Still sounding timid, Abigail Fan awkwardly tittered. Just then, a tall, refined figure was caught in the corner of her eyes which made her slowly turn to see the seemingly tempting being.


    Onto thest step of the staircase, Abigail Fan unhurriedly fluttered her shortshes to get a clear picture of Lexi. Her eyes haltingly meandered from Lexi''s head to her ck heels.


    She was wearing neither of the sponsored luxury brands that she painstakingly persuaded to support her artist. Still, instead of feeling disappointed, the new image Lexi disyed with her modern qipao wine red dress perfectly suited her personality.


    "Stunning" Under her breath, Abigail Fan could only muster a word to express her astonishment.


    "Dear, you''re so pretty." Satisfied and proud of her daughter, Lillian Yang walked to meet her daughter halfway to greet her.


    "Mom," Lexi''s smile reached from ear to ear as she heard her mother''s praise. "Thanks to your genes." she added with a giggle.


    "Oh dear, " Heartily chuckling back, Lillian Yang assisted her daughter to the long couch where she sat earlier. On the other hand, Abigail Fan abruptly stood up from her seat as arge grin came across her lips.


    "Sister Lexi, you look perfect!" Excitedly announcing herpliment, Abigail Fan stated.


    "Well, thanks Manager Fan."


    Lexi and Abigail Fan apanied Lillian Yang for several minutes before they excused themselves so they could arrive on time.


    Inside the van, Abigail Fan constantly nced at Lexi with eyes filled with curiosity. Although Lexi had a room full of different stunning dresses, the one she was wearing was something that Lexi wouldn''t purchase even if she has loads of money.


    "Hmm?" Arching her right brow as she sensed her manager''s constant stare, Lexi hummed a questioning tune as she cast her a side nce.


    "Uhm¡­ I am amazed that you already nned what kind of image you wanted on youreback." She lowly muttered.


    "I didn''t but a certain fan has." Slightly shaking her head as she recalled Ethan Lu''s sweet cards, a subtle smile formed on the side of her lips; which piqued Abigail Fan''s interest.


    "A fan?"


    "Hmm," Lexi only hummed in response, unwilling to exin further who it was as Lexi didn''t feel like she had to mention that she''s in a rtionship. It was not that she wanted to keep it a secret but Lexi knew that her manager would fuss about it. Hence, to save herself some trouble before attending the event, Lexi didn''t mention Ethan Lu.


    Abigail Fan clearly understood herst reply, therefore, she swallowed down her series of questions and restrained her imagination from going wild. After all, knowing Lexi''s personality, she would frankly answer her question at the right time.


    "That''s a very reliable fan." She murmured before silence enveloped inside their ride.

 Chapter 221 Wot?

    <h4>Chapter 221 Wot?</h4>


    As they journeyed to one of the biggest malls in City Y, it was sealed with calming quietness. While Lexi was preupied with exchanging messages with Ethan Lu, Abigail Fan, on the other hand was reading updates about the event and post with a hashtag #TamingHearts.


    Since the main cast were all popr and loved by the masses of the nation, it''s premiere night top the charts of the hottest and most trending topics on the inte. There were also realtime updates from hardcore fans that came to the premiere night to support their idols.


    As Abigail Fan scrolled down, she found numerous articles regarding the movie that were published even before the premiere night started. Each title was enticing such as:


    The Goddess Rika Song aplished another blockbuster film!


    The Nation''s Heartthrob Gael Zhang and his newfound chemistry with Rika Song.


    The hottest star Elliot Gong being a second male lead for the first time!


    And


    The controversial pairing of Lexi Yang and Elliot Gong.


    Upon skimming through these articles, Abigail Fan let out a heavy sigh. Although Lexi''s name was cleared now, there are still those people that don''t approve of this pairing as they treated Elliot Going as an untainted saint.


    Fortunately, Lexi''s fans before that, felt remorseful after she was proven innocent¡ª they fiercely defended her from Elliot Gong''s crazy fans. Hence, ironically enough, it made the movie even more resounding and gave curiosity to the masses.


    "Manager Fan, we''re here." The driver set down the partition and snapped Abigail Fan from her frustration.


    Upon hearing the information, Abigail Fan and Lexi nced at the tinted window and indeed, they were already on the car''sne as they waited for Lexi''s turn to own the red carpet.


    "Manager Fan, are you alright?" Arching her brows, Lexi inquired as she noticed the anxiousness starting to creep out of her manager.


    "Uh, yes! This is nothing, haha!" Waving her hand off, Abigail Fan awkwardlyughed that immediately showed that it wasn''t nothing as she imed it was.


    "Are you sure? You can tell me." At this time, Lexipletely turned her head to her side and she knitted her brows, waiting for Abigail Fan toe clean.


    Perhaps it was because she got used to Ethan Lu''s honesty that Lexi was unappeased when someone close to her was hiding something from her¡ªwhatever it was.


    "Yes~! Tell her and be honest!" Churu who was sitting on Lexi''sp like a princess chimed in and she nodded in agreement.


    "Err..." Scratching her temple by the tip of her index finger, Abigail Fan contemted her words so she would not be misunderstood.


    "I am just nervous as your manager with whatever oue we will receive tomorrow¡ª you know, you and Eli, his crazy devotees. I''m just nervous about that¡ª that''s all." Letting out a heavy sigh, Abigail Fan would be lying if she told her that Lexi''s first project after her many months of hiatus worried her.


    After all, this would be her starting base for her next step. Thus, she was anxious if, after this night, Lexi''s poprity would soar again or would she be cyberbullied again.


    "Haha," Lexi softly chuckled as she scrutinized Abigail Fan''s distressed countenance and simple dilemma. "Sister Abi, as I said, I agreed with this project because of Director Shen. Whether I make a good impression or not, I actually don''t need to please and get everyone''s approval¡ª but of course, it would be better if I don''t receive too much hate in the end." Curving her lips to a reassuring smile, Lexi stated in a matter of fact tone as she raised her brows.


    "As for the agency, I will continue to fund it while you vouch for talents because after this¡­ I n to stay out of the entertainment industry and find what career my heart belongs to."


    Abigail Fan gulped as she intently peered at Lexi''s determined yet calm eyes. She had this peaceful vibe that Abigail Fan had never seen before.


    She already knew that Lexi didn''t n to pursue her acting career. However, she was still hoping that Lexi would change her mind if ever her poprity soared again.


    "Alright¡­ I guess there''s nothing that can change your mind." Heavily sighing once again, Abigail Fan murmured in disappointment. "I found a few newbie artists that I had seen potential in. Also, thankfully, that agency didn''t chase after us after you ended the contract and they stopped interfering with us."


    "They did?" Raising her right brow, Lexi was mildly surprised about herst remarks. All this time, she knew that Abigail Fan must have been having a rough time to gain resources again. Yet, it seemed that it wasn''t as hard as before but it wasn''t easy as well.


    "Yes. The Liu Empire said a few good words for us so that''s what happened." Abigail Fan identally blurted out. As she realized what she had said, she covered her mouth as her eyes widened.


    She didn''t want to keep the matter a secret but for some reason, she decided not to mention it to Lexi because of her history with the Liu Empire CEO, Morris Liu¡ª her former fiance.


    Upon hearing this, Lexi''s brows furrowed. ''Was this because of the meeting I arranged with Wren Tanaka? Wait, Ethan said something about Brother Mo¡ª now, I wonder what it was.'' She thought inwardly.


    No matter how Lexi contemted about it, she deliberately ended whatever rtionship she had with Morris Liu. Hence, why would he bother to help Abigail Fan? After all, just one word from Morris Liu, those below him would instantly follow and agree with him.


    "What do you mean?" Overwhelmed by her curiosity, Lexi could not help but ask since she could not guess what happened.


    " I didn''t mean to keep it a secret but you know, I thought that you didn''t want to hear Mr. L¡ª His name¡ª" Frantic, Abigail Fan started exining her side of the story so Lexi would not get the wrong idea.


    "I don''t mind, it''s understandable but, why would he do that? I mean, I know he wouldn''t personally do it¡ª did you beg for his help?"


    "Of course not! I am shocked myself! Remember the time I sent you that information about an endorsement? I had a meeting with the director of the clothing apparel and he identally mentioned that the Liu Empire said a few good words about you." Still panicking, Abigail Fan simplified her exnation in a short yet precise summary of what happened months ago.


    "Since then, that agency stopped pressuring me and my contacts and everything went smooth sailing after that." Catching her breath, Abigail Fan added.


    "Is that so?" Still puzzled, Lexi didn''t press on the matter after ncing out the window and it would be her turn soon. Still, the other side of her brain worked wonders as she quickly pondered about it.


    Meanwhile, Churu was ring daggers at Abigail Fan for triggering Lexi''s curiosity about Morris Liu. If she wasn''t being discreet, she would have shut her mouth to stop it from running. However, if she did that, Lexi would be more intrigued. Hence, the little dumpling could only curse the woman to stay single for the next five years inwardly.


    "Well, if he''s so willing to help then, why would we refuse? Make sure your artists are well prepared because we''ll make use of his words to its full extent." Lexi''sst remarks made Churu and Abigail Fan looked at her in a daze.


    Abigail Fan: "Huh?!"


    Churu: "wot?"

 Chapter 222 Taming Hearts premiere nigh

    <h4>Chapter 222 Taming Heart''s premiere nigh</h4>


    Seeing their stupid stare, Lexi was not bothered as she retouched her makeup, since she didn''t have her own m team or rather, she didn''t ask for it even though Abigail Fan proposed to send a whole team to help her doll up.


    Granted that Lexi was curious about Morris Liu''s action, she didn''t overlook the fact that the Liu Empire said a few good words hence, she must take advantage of it while it''s fresh.


    After retouching her makeup, Lexi nced down on herp where Churu was looking up at her with an ''O'' shaped lips. She then shifted her gaze to her side where Abigail Fan had the same expression as the little dumpling that made Lexi roll her eyes.


    "Stop looking at me like that, this is business¡ª nothing personal." With those short remarks, the van slowly moved forward and stopped when the van''s side sliding door was in front of the red carpet.


    "Snap out of it¡ª it''s my turn." Lexi snapped her fingers in front of Abigail Fan that effectively brought her back to reality.


    *****


    Several minutes before Lexi arrived, Rika with her escort Gael Zhang and Director Arnold Shen walked the red carpet. She was linking arms with them: Arnold Shen on her right while Gael Zhang on her left.


    Undoubtedly, with her champagne, sparkling mermaid gown, long sleeve with a neckline cor that embossed her sexy curves and only revealed her corbones, yet, it could only tease the bystander on what''s hidden beneath it.


    The three posed before the countless shing lights of the camera while screams and shouts rung out from the fan''s section.


    "Miss Rika, Miss Rika! Please look here!" One photographer giddily shouted still rapping incessantly on the click button of his camera.


    "Kyaah~! Gael my love~!! So handsome~!"


    "My Goddess Rika!!"


    "Waah~! They really look good together~! I shippp!"


    Simr screams of fans were heard along with the resounding click of the cameras at them. As usual, Rika excitedly waved her hands to her fans as she unlinked her arms from Gael.


    On the other hand, Gael Zhang cooly smiled, revealing his even white teeth that made his fans go nuts! He modestly waved his hands to the screaming fans before the three of them headed to the host that was currently announcing, andplimenting the three of them. He was also in charge to interview them at the end of the red carpet.


    "Director Shen, since this was yourst movie to direct before retiring, how was your experience throughout the months of filming and what do you feel about it?" Sounding amused yet professional at the same time, the host discreetly asked.


    "Well, I must say it was one of the most memorable movies I had worked on with all of the talented artists that gave their best to vividly portray their characters. I can say that I feel emotional and fulfilled with it." Smiling from ear to ear, Arnold Shen answered the question given with all his honesty. The host nodded in understanding as he asked a few more questions before moving onto Rika.


    "Miss Rika, I see you''re as dazzling as ever!" The host casually praised Rika that made her chuckle and everyone near them. "What are the things to look forward to from the movie Taming Hearts?"


    "Well, actually, when I read the script, I said that instant ''I will audition in this movie¡ª any role is fine just to be a part of it.'' that''s how great this movie is." Rika smoothly promoted with a dazzling smile on her glossy lips.


    "Woah! Indeed, I must agree because when I watched the trailer, it was truly a masterpiece of Director Shen." The host professionally agreed and exchanged good words with Rika Song regarding the movie and then moved on to Gael.


    "Mr. Gael Zhang¡ª" Just as the host uttered Gael Zhang''s name over the microphone, he was interrupted when the fans screaming intensified.


    Unconsciously, the host, Rika, Arnold Shen, and Gael Zhang turned to see the cause of the uproar. There, at the other end of the red carpet, a ck van that Elliot Gong always used to arrived in before Elliot Gong himself hitched out from the vehicle¡ª causing a very boisterousmotion.


    Elliot Gong''s crazy fans tried to get a closer look at him which made the marshal present raise their guards afraid that it would be a disaster if not prevented.


    "Kyah! Eli! Eli!"


    "Brother Eli!!!"


    "Mr. Elliot Gong please look here!" Again, a sequence of wails from the journalists and Elliot Gong''s terrifying fans filled the air. It was as if his presence alone made them forget about Rika and Gael Zhang.


    "He''s such a diva." Murmuring that was audible only for the three to hear, Rika dissed. Still, her smiling pretty front didn''t change. On the other hand, Gael Zhang''s countenance didn''t have a slight change as he remainedposed and undisturbed.


    Meanwhile, Arnold Shen was more satisfied because having Elliot Gong in his cast was one of the strongest points to promote the movie with his poprity. He didn''t mind Rika''s diss as he already knew their frenemy rtionship.


    Upon hearing Rika''s unreserved insult, the host awkwardly smiled as he didn''t see thating. After all, Rika''s image was the type that depicted her big heart as she allowed a small percent of her ie to go to charity. She was also known as a humble person even after gaining riches. Nevertheless, the hostposed his momentarily distraught mind to continue the interview.


    "As I was saying, Mr. Gael Zhang, what can you say about working with the beautiful Miss Rika Song?"


    "Since it was my first time working with Miss Song, I was really anxious at first. But, she did guide me very well and it was much easier to work with her around¡ª she''s a great actress to work with, yeah." Smile still intact, Gael Zhang responded casually.


    "Hehe, Mr. Zhang many were asking after the trailer was revealed, a love team between you and Miss Song was created¡ªare you willing to film another movie with Miss Song if ever?"


    "Haha! Of course, I am! That''s Rika Song¡ª who wouldn''t want that?" The interview didn''tst long as the three of them entered the theater after a few more questions and promotions of the movie.


    This time, Elliot Gong was done posing and making his fans faint from his killer smile and winks. As he reached the other end of the carpet, he was weed by the host of the night. The hostplimented him from head to toe and mentioned his recent awards and everything before he proceeded to interview him.


    "Mr. Elliot Gong, since this was the first movie that you''re not the male lead, what can you say about your experience?"


    "It was fun and a refreshing experience. Although I have already worked with some of the cast and Director Shen in the past¡ª still, that''s probably the best part; working a masterpiece with friends." Without leaving his smile, Elliot Gong cooly responded.


    "Hehe, there had been a heated discussion online about your pairing with Miss Yang¡ª what do you think about it?"


    Just as the host delivered his question, a white van slowly approached the red carpet entrance, unlike Elliot Gong''s entrance, this time, Lexi''s arrival momentarily silenced the crowd and made others pause from clicking their cameras.

 Chapter 223 EliXi

    <h4>Chapter 223 EliXi</h4>


    Ironically, even though the crowd didn''t go cray cray just like when Elliot Gong arrived, he still subconsciously turned his head towards the other end of the red carpet without responding to the host''s question.


    On the other point of the carpet, Lexi was assisted out from the white van¡ª wearing a red wine modernized cheongsam qipao dress that had a slit that reached her wless fair upper leg. Her hair was elegantly tied in a low bun and aside from her red lips, her makeup was too light¡ª one would think she was wearing no makeup at all.


    Upon seeing the modern yet traditional woman standing tall after shepletely exited the vehicle, an approving smile formed on the side of Elliot Gong''s lips. Now, he understood why there was a sudden quietness when she arrived¡ª Lexi was just elegantly stunning!


    Of course, as a friend, Elliot Gong felt proud at first until he realized that Ethan Lu wasn''t around and Gael Zhang would surely hit on her if he had the chance. That sudden awareness made his heart filled with terror yet, his front seemed he was just rendered speechless by Lexi''s beauty.


    After a beat, the world seemed it was unmuted as the cameras resumed to sh as the crowd started to murmur theirments about Lexi.


    "I never thought that she''s actually very pretty."


    "Huh? That''s Lexi Yang? Why does she look like a goddess?!"


    "Omg! Is Elliot Gong blushing while looking at her! Omg! What is this?!" With this onement from a so-called fan, others around her altered their gaze from Elliot Gong who just snapped from his foreboding nightmare and then to Lexi who has a meek smile on her red lips. After doing it several times and catching Elliot Gong who was seemingly ncing in Lexi''s direction, part of them was¡­ romantically excited.


    "SHIP!"


    *****


    "Hehe, I''m sorry, what''s the question again?" Politely apologizing to the bewitched host, Elliot Gong was tempted to strangle him and snap him back to warn him that she''s taken and his career depended on being his fly swatter. After all, his dear friend and also Lexi''s admirer¡ª or what he thought he still was¡ª was a hypocrite disguising himself as an understanding and benevolent man.


    However, just before he could arrive earlier, the ever retentive Ethan Lu never forgot to oblige him to be Lexi''s repent. Recalling the super short message: "You know what to do. *angel emoticon*", Elliot Gong felt a chill run down his spine.


    In retrospect, Ethan Lu wasn''t as pushy as this or rather, he never was. But now, Ethan Lu gained a skill to intimidate him and how to tame him to follow his orders¡ª which was more shocking than the fact that he was being overly sensitive and possessive. Nevertheless, since Lexi and Elliot Gong somehow became friends during their filming¡ª he didn''t mind filtering the men that coulde close to her... but definitely not Gael Zhang.


    "There has been a heated discussion online about your pairing with Miss Yang¡ª what do you think about it?" The host politely repeated the question after he collected his thoughts subsequently being awestruck with Lexi.


    "Ohh¡­ hahaha," Thanks to his years of acting experience, Elliot Gong easily concealed his miff with that matter and disyed as if he was ttered. "Well, Me and Lexi became really good friends during our filming¡ª that''s what''s important at the moment and she''s really an understanding person even I am shocked myself." Elliot Gong answered briefly which the host didn''t press the matter any longer.


    Meanwhile, as Lexi posed to every angle she could, she could only hear indistinct noises as her thumping heart was enough to deafen her. Calm, serene, and modest on the surface but from the inside? She was utterly high-strung.


    Lexi didn''t really felt nervous until now that she was faced with the shing lights from the cameras and before these many pairs of eyes¡ª as if she was standing naked before them. After a while, she proceeded to the end of the red carpet and Lexi was weed by a polite host.


    Up close, the host was positively fascinated by her beauty despite wearing little to no makeup. Although he had a glimpse of her before her scandal broke out, for some reason, she looked more matured and gorgeous now; it was as if she took extra care with herself. Singling out the fact that she might just be happy and content.


    "Miss Lexi Yang! One of the most talked about personalities¡­" The host went on and on with his endless sugar-coated words to praise Lexi as he professionally dodged her recent scandal for a moment, but in the end, the host still linked his question to the recent downturn of her career.


    "... Miss Yang, everyone was surprised about your participation in the movie, Taming Hearts¡ª what urged you to audition for the role of Chang''e despite the on-going rumors at that time?"


    Lexi didn''t immediately respond as she slowly nodded her head in understanding and meekly smiled. "Knowing it was Director Arnold Shen''sst movie to direct, I couldn''t let it pass without trying despite all the odds against me." Lexi knew that something like this woulde up as this was showbiz. Therefore, she prepared some answers inside her head beforehand.


    "I see¡­ What do you think about your pairing with Mr. Eli Gong?"


    "Eli had always been a good colleague even back then with our previous projects together. But we became good friends during filming Taming Hearts so, about our pairing in the movie¡ª it was pretty fun and challenging at the same time." Lexi contemted her words and gave half of the truth and half insincerity about the fun part. Well, although she indeed worked with Elliot Gong before, none of those projects saw their chemistry not until Arnold Shen dared to pair them and revised their script.


    "I see¡­ onest question: now that the rumors about you were cleared, do you have a word to those people who judged you and what can you say to the people who spread those false rumors?" This time, the question wasn''t on the host cards but his personal question. Well, he could not be med. After all, Lexi remained silent when her scandal was still hot¡ª no rity or defense¡ª just pure silence on her side even until it was cleared. But now that she finally showed up in front of the public, the host could not help but take the risk for this juicy gossip.


    Lexi chuckled, "I had always believed that the truth will always prevail. What''s important is that everyone including me learned our lesson and it will make us have better judgment in the future." After keeping silent for the whole time, Lexi still gave her piece of thought about the matter as she nearly forgot all the hate she received online because she was showered with love in real life¡ª with family, newfound friends and from her boyfriend.


    After Lexi answered all of the following questions about the movie and encouraged everyone to watch this masterpiece¡ª she entered the theater and the following cast took turns on the red carpet.


    Unbeknownst to her and all the cast of the said movie, theizens were going crazy and the hashtag EliXLexi, EliXi tandem, and many Lexi and Elliot Gong''s namebinations bombarded different social media tforms.


    There were stolen pictures of Elliot Gong brightly smiling towards Lexi''s direction that could be misunderstood in many ways. s, instead of criticism, enthusiastic fans were somewhat mind-boggled by their great chemistry¡ª instantly shipping them together.


    That very instant, the clip of Elliot Gong and Lexi Yang from the trailer of the movie went viral. Surely, while everyone was busy on the current premiere night, the online world was also busy shipping Lexi Yang and Elliot Going, Rika Song and Gael Zhang, little numbers of Elliot Gong and Gael Zhang shippers.


    It was one of the busiest nights online as more and more people joined the chaotic shipping and uploading pictures of the said cast here and there¡ª intriguing the people who watched the trailer to watch the whole movie itself.

 Chapter 224 Movie

    <h4>Chapter 224 Movie</h4>


    "Bestie~!! Oh my god!" The moment Rika Song saw Lexi, she glided to her with an excited grin and she scrutinized Lexi from head to toe.


    "Gosh! How can you do this to me? Making me look like a backdrop even with all this makeup on me?" After their cheeks met, Rika frowned as she peered at her simple attire yet, it didn''t make her less noticeable.


    "I''m envious!"


    "Rika, if only you know how stunning you look tonight¡ª you won''t say that." Giggling back, Lexi coaxed her envious friend who was instantly persuaded with that.


    "Well, were besties after all so we should look beautiful together, right?" Grinning brightly, Rika winked as she gestured to Lexi for them to take their respective seats in the front row.


    Along the way, Lexi bowed and greeted the people present before the movie could even begin. She exchanged pleasantries along with other cast and Director Arnold Shen. Soon, before the movie would start rolling, Lexi sat where her name was ced¡ª next to Elliot Gong on her left.


    However, her brows raised as the seat on her right side was vacant with only a nametag "investor", nothing more. Despite that, she thought there was a mishap of the arrangement of their seats, Lexi didn''t dwell on it as Churu sat on the unupied seat instead.


    "Hehe, maybe they know I need my own seat so they left this one empty¡ª I am an investor after all," Churu uttered as shefortably sat next to Lexi.


    *****


    When the movie started rolling, the whole theater room fell into a peaceful silence as every one attentively watched the film. The setting of the movie was a modern fantasy with a little bit of sci-fi that instantly revealed with the drone shot as an opening.


    The first scene was Rika Song wearing a white in dress looking up to the bright sky in the middle of the ins with a bittersweet smile on her lips. Unlike her gorgeous look tonight, she looked innocent and pure on therge screen. As she uttered her words, there was a sudden change in the atmosphere and the blinking sun slowly collided with darkness¡ª


    *BAAAM!*


    Unaware, Xue Yingyue was still mesmerized at the scene above that she was oblivious of the woman silently appearing behind her: it was Chang''e, Lexi''s character.


    The first half of the movie, after Xue Yingyue had a brief encounter with the silly and odd Chang''e¡ª it was focused on her, entering the biggest city and her journey to be a well-known government body¡ª fighting for her nation in the brewing war with the opposing nation.


    As she became one of the elitew bodies and soon the first female general leading hundreds of thousands of military forces¡ª she became pals with Long Yutao, Elliot Gong''s character. However, on one of her missions to infiltrate the enemy''s base, she was put in a difficult situation with Gael Zhang''s character, Xie Jing Xing who was the son of the president and also the general of the rival country that led her to disguise herself as an innocent civilian.


    Xie Jing Xing was ruthless, cold, and cunning or that''s what he disyed to be. Unlike Xue Yingyue who fairly attained her position with her genius mind and strategic capabilities¡ª Xie Jing Xing, on the other hand, reached his current position with a strong conviction that only he knew with the help of being the son of the leader of the nation.


    Unbeknownst to Xue Yingyue, the more she interacted with Xie Jing Xing, her loathing towards the man reduced as she came to know him better and slowly unraveled a mindblowing scheme as to why these two nations turned at odds.


    Meanwhile, as Xue Yingyue was trapped in a predicament inside the enemy territory, Elliot Gong''s character, Long Yutao did the best he could to rescue his beloved. As he does so, he was identally entangled with Lexi''s character, Chang''e, while she was out looking for her husband.


    Due to some circumstances, Chang''e became more and more entangled with Long Yutao as he introduced her to modern food and stuff¡ª riding along with her silliness.


    Unaware of his growing fondness to the weird Chang''e, Long Yutao found himself one day looking for the strange woman that disappeared without a trace after the bombing incident.


    A lot had happened while Xue Yingyue was hanging around with Xie Jing Xing, Long Yutao desperately tried finding a way to contact Xue Yingyue, while Chang''e leisurely was looking for her husband Houyi.


    It took a year for Xue Yingyue to get herself out from the shackles of the affair she developed with Xie Jing Xing. One long year before shepletely unraveled the truth, however, her secret was also found out by Xie Jing Xing. Fortunately, Long Yutao was able to contact her a few days prior and hence, by force, he rescued the unwilling Xue Yingyue.


    As the story goes on, Churu''s facial expression had an unreadable countenance as she was too focused on the film rolling. She snapped when the scene about Chang''e being shot and her white rabbit turned into a man and sang a song for her. The face of the man wasn''t seen and only glimpses of his lips, hands, and back were shown. Still, the audience could feel his eternal love that made them shed a tear.


    This time, though Churu was unable to well up, her heart waspletely pierced by the scene. She wasn''t around when this scene was filmed but, she knew that it was Ethan Lu.


    Why does he have such strong emotions?


    Why?


    It was just a scene showing his unrequited love, yet, why did Churu feel a much deeper pain? Why did it appear to her that he wasn''t just ying his role as the white rabbit but he''s the white rabbit all along?


    Churu''s heart pounded¡­ louder and louder as her heart bled each time. Was it because of the scene? Or something more? No one knows but herself.


    Meanwhile, the rest of the audience wiped their tears with that one scene of the white rabbit and Chang''e. Some felt sorry for the white rabbit and yet, as the story goes on, it was told that part of Houyi resided inside Long Yutao¡ª Chang''e''s soulmate, a match made in heaven.


    It was an emotional ending for both of them as Chang''e and Long Yutao had a sweet moment yet tragic ending. In the end, to save Long Yutao once again, Chang''e had to use the full extent of her powers to revive him in exchange for her mortal life.


    And after years, Long Yutao would always look up at the moon, offering her favorite chicken nuggets instead of moon cakes with their miracle child. While Xue Yingyue and Xie Jing Xing cleared their misunderstanding and together uncovered the real perpetrator that put wedges between the two nations. The war was put on aplete halt and both nations became strong allies.


    When the movie ended and the lights turned on, the audience one after another stood up and slowly pped their hands¡ª giving it a standing ovation. It is indeed another masterpiece. It was moving, intriguing, and heart-wrenching at the same time.


    The corner of Lexi''s lips curled into a smile as the end product was indeed good. Even to her, she didn''t know that the oue was even greater than she expected. Hence, she felt honored to be a part of this movie.


    Turning her head to her left where Churu perched, her brows raised seeing an expression she never had seen before.


    ''Sissy, are you alright? Are you crying?'' Inside her mind, Lexi softly inquired that reached the teary-eyed dumpling. She was utterly puzzled as she knew that Churu was unable to shed a tear orpletely pity other people aside from her. Therefore, why would she feel moved about the movie? Did it give that much impact?


    "I am¡­" Churu lowly responded as she hung her head low. After a beat, Churu immediately collected her thoughts as she raised her head again with a bright smile.


    "I am alright!! Lexi, I am so proud of you!" Churu flew to Lexi''s cheek and hugged her tightly.


    Relieved, Lexi shrugged the uneasiness that her heart felt and smiled, giving her the benefit of the doubt. Carrying the stickied dumpling on her face, Lexi stood from her seat and weed all the praises along with the cast.


    Through the years of her entire acting career, Lexi hadn''t felt this aplished with her previous projects. Which was why she felt excited to give Ethan Lu a call to share this moment with him even through a call.


    Unbeknownst to Lexi, in spite of the happiness and fulfillment she was currently at, she would face an unexpected heart wrecking painter that night.

 Chapter 225 After Party

    <h4>Chapter 225 After Party</h4>


    [Imperial Grand Pavilion]


    When the movie ended, Lexi and the others headed to the after-party which would be held at a private grand pavilion at City Y.


    While everyone was busy and Lexi finally got time to breathe¡ª she headed towards the bar counter on the side to enjoy her leisure time. Just as she was sipping her ss of sweet champagne, the familiar deep voice of Gael Zhang caressed her ears.


    "You did great¡ª that scene felt really vivid." Smiling, Gael Zhang smoothly perched on the stool beside her. His gaze slowly scrutinized her pretty side profile and an unreadable glint shed across his pair of galvanic eyes.


    Casting him a side nce, Lexi meekly smiled as her gaze nced at the distance between them. Seeing that he was three times farther by a palm length, she raised her gaze to meet the intent stare of her colleague with ease.


    "Thanks," She softly responded, unwilling to continue the conversation with him. Lexi wasn''t a bumpkin not to pick up the hints from Gael Zhang''s obvious interest towards her.


    If this was before, Lexi would have insulted him from head to toe including his family lineage.


    However, she already swore to be the big girl and act more mature¡ª as long as they wouldn''t invade the personal space she made for herself, she''s cool with it.


    "He''s interested in you~?" Raising her nonexistent brows, Churu''s forehead creased as she locked her eyes onto Gael Zhang''s not-so-bad facial features.


    "Can''t these people stay away and let you and Ethan Lu live in peace?" Steam escaped her small nostrils as she adorably puffed. Just when she thought she had settled the matter with Morris Liu¡ª there''s another fly lurking around her host which annoyed her to a great extent.


    ''Calm down, Sissy. As long as he doesn''t cross the line, I''ll be lenient.'' Calming the overly sensitive dumpling, Lexi elegantly swirled her ss of champagne as she responded telepathically.


    "How can I? Where''s your hubby? He should be here to see what I''m seeing!" Unappeased, Churu grumbled in a higher pitch. Perhaps it was because of the movie or the effect it is meant to ry that got through her. Hence, Churu''s mood was a little on the edge.


    "By the way, you look great with your choice of clothes¡ª very much in contrast with your previous image." Unbothered by Lexi''s distant tone, Gael Zhang sipped a bit of wine and then tilted his head to the side.


    Since all the reporters were outside and only the important people were around, Gael Zhang felt at ease interacting with her without thinking of a scandal breaking out. Moreover, he was interested in Lexi even before they worked in Taming Hearts. He just didn''t approach her before because of the fact that she was engaged with the CEO of the Liu Empire.


    "All credits to the person who sent me this dress¡­" Raising her brows with a slight smirk, Lexi responded.


    "Ohh¡­" Slowly nodding his head in understanding, Gael Zhang tapped his finger on the counter as he refrained from asking who it was. Meanwhile, just as Lexi thought he would heedlessly question who was the person out of curiosity, her right brow arched because Gael Zhang didn''t.


    "It''s good you have reliable people around."


    "Hehe, what are you two scheming?" Just then, Elliot Gong appeared out of nowhere as he leaned on the edge of the bar counter, near Lexi''s left side without seating on the empty stool next to her.


    Tilting his head a little bit more to see Gael Zhang next to her right, Elliot Gong grinned as his eyes marginally widened.


    "Brother Gael, I think Director Shen was looking for you¡ª introducing you to someone I heard."


    Upon hearing Elliot Gong''s news, Lexi''s brows twitched as his intention was obvious¡ª he was shooing him away.


    "Great my one-night stand man, Eli! Shoo him away from my Sissy!" Nodding in agreement, Churumented as she flew and sat on Elliot Gong''s shoulder. She then patted his cheeks as she cheered him on to scoot the irritable man that wanted to jump inside her ship.


    "Is that so? Well, see you around then Miss Yang." Surprisingly gentle, Gael Zhang sipped another ample amount of wine before he assisted himself to stand up. Turning to face Lexi who was still sitting, Gael Zhang smiled.


    "Anyway, you really look enticing tonight." He remarked before leaving the two with a smirk.


    "He¡ª" Grinding his teeth, Elliot Gong muttered under his breath as he closed his eyes and calmed himself down.


    "Haha, " Chuckling at Elliot Gong''s reaction that was more irked than her, Lexi mildly shook her head sideways. "Did Ethan tell you to guard me again?"


    "Guard you? More like threatened me to be your fly swatter!" Frustrated, Elliot Gong slid his phone out and immediately showed his dear friend, Ethan Lu''s short message.


    Lexi only nced at the phone screen and a subtle smile formed on the side of her lips. "He just said you know what to do¡ª how can that angel emoticon consider to be a threat?" Since there wasn''t a conversation before that single message, Lexi didn''t read Ethan Lu''s previous mail to him.


    Regardless, Lexi was certain that it was just like what Elliot Gong said; it was more like a threat. Still, she pretended not to know and didn''t mind this simple gesture that made her feel Ethan Lu was just around the corner. Moreover, it saved her the trouble of personally repelling pests.


    "Argh! This girl! Don''t allow him to brainwash you, okay? Ethan is my friend but he''s not as kind as you thought he was! Damn it! I should not have deleted his first message to me back then." Double frustrated, Elliot Gong looked at Lexi with aplete dismal eye as she was obviously covering for Ethan Lu.


    If only he didn''t erase his conversation with Ethan Lu, he would have shown it to Lexi. s, whenever he sees Ethan Lu''s name in his messages, a cold chill runs down his spine which made him entirely delete them in the end.


    "Wait! Are you also part of his ploy? I never remembered telling you about this¡­" Suddenly, Elliot Gong gasped as a sudden realization struck him.


    "Can''t you tell? Duh?" Rolling her eyes, Churu could not help her sarcasm from leaking out as if she shamelessly forgot that she harassed Elliot Gong without him knowing until now and treated him as if she did nothing wrong.


    "I am not but well, since it works to my advantage¡ª why would I decline?" Nonchntly shrugging her shoulders, the curve on her lips slightly stretched before she sipped her champagne.


    "Dang¡­ I should ept an international project to keep my distance before you two can be lovers. I need to save myself from the drama." Elliot Gong clicked his tongue as he murmured.


    "But we''ve been officially together for days now." In a matter of fact tone, Lexi uttered without reserve that was akin to a gigantic rock cast upon Elliot Gong''s head.


    "Ehh?!? Too soon?!?"


    "What too soon?" Just as Elliot Gong expressed his shock, Rika''s investigative tone approached them from behind with her brows raised and a ss of wine in her hand. She took the seat where Gael Zhang perched earlier and she altered her gaze from Lexi''s smirking lips to Elliot Gong''s horrified front.


    "Thank the heavens no one would see your face or else, I can foretell it going viral online." Staring at Elliot Gong''s face for a second, Rika smoothly dissed seeing the alluring superstar doing some weird expression. Well, he''s human after all.


    "Bestie~ why are you hiding here~?" After she sassed at Elliot Gong, Rika sweetly inquired to her dear best friend as if she was an angel.


    "I wanted to enjoy and observe for a while." Lexi gently replied. Since she already shook hands and mingled with familiar people in the industry and some investors of the movie, Lexi decided to rest for a while since it would be a long night.


    Furthermore, she didn''t want to steal the spotlight from Rika and all the leading main leads. After all, she already knew the people around from the entertainment and business industry. If only she didn''t forget her phone inside the van¡ª Lexi would have called Ethan Lu since earlier.


    "Hey, for real?" Still couldn''t move on about Lexi and Ethan Lu being officially together, Elliot Gong leaned closer and lowered his voice while he scanned around. "You and Ethan are officially together?"

 Chapter 226 Truth or Dare?

    <h4>Chapter 226 Truth or Dare?</h4>


    "Wait¡ª what?!" Upon hearing Elliot Gong''s audible whisper that was able to enter Rika''s busybody ear radar, her eyes dted by the news.


    Due to her excitement, Rika lightly mmed her palm on the surface of the bar counter as she abruptly stood and slid closer to Lexi''s side¡ª snatching her hand and sped them in between hers.


    "B- Bestie! Is that true?!? Why didn''t you mention it to me?!"


    "Uh-huh, when did you two became official?" Seconding Rika, Elliot Gong probed further with intrigue and disbelief at the same time.


    To his understanding, Lexi and his friend Ethan Lu wouldn''t be in an official rtionship just yet. After all, Lexi just came out from her engagement drama with his other friend Morris Liu. Therefore, despite the weirdness of Ethan Lu suddenly having an inkling to her¡ª Elliot Gong was so sure that she wouldn''t ept him just yet! But what just happened?


    ''Is Ethan''s spell that strong?'' He thought inwardly.


    "Mhmm¡­ The night when we went out from days ago." Slowly nodding, Lexi nced at Elliot Gong''s stupefied front before she shifted it to her right where Rika stood, beaming her eyes on her.


    "That night? What? Really~? Oh my gosh! I should throw a party as the president of this ship!" Delighted, Rika''s eyes sparkled as a triumphant fervor enveloped around her heart.


    "President what?! Oi, since when did you dethroned me as the president? I don''t remember!" The moment Churu heard Rika''s ims, the edge of her eyes twitched as dark lines shown on her forehead. However, no matter how loud she bellowed and violently grab Rika''s hair, it was all for naught.


    "I mean you''re right¡­ There''s nothing wrong with putting abel in our current rtionship." Indifferently shrugging, Lexi briefly rified that made Elliot Gong''s face distort in his own reasoning while Rika grinned brightly.


    "That''s it! This calls for a double celebration! Mr. Bartender¡ª!" Rika strongly patted her palm against the counter as her wild soul slowly took over and she wanted to party for the sess of their premiere night and Lexi having a boyfriend. Hence, she called over the bartender to serve the small circle of three some fun drinks.


    *****


    Soon, one after another, attendees of the said after party bid their farewell¡ª leaving a few close staff, Arnold Shen, and a few of the cast including Rika, Lexi, Elliot Gong, and Gael Zhang.


    Since the group reduced to a few people and shared a few drinks, Rika''s slightly tipsy mind came up with another grand idea.


    "My beloved colleagues, benevolent investors, since we''re left here to enjoy the rest of the night, why don''t we y a game to spice things up?" Rika was grinning from ear to ear yet, she still looked extra seductive with her flushed cheeks, long curledshes, and half-closed eyes.


    "Haha! Rika, she''s at it again!" Cracking up by another proposal Rika came up with again, Arnold Shen cackled. He was evidently drunk as heughed with no reserve and even vehemently patted the back of his assistant who''s beside him.


    "What game?" Narrowing his eyes, Elliot Gong cautiously asked as he had a bad feeling about it.


    "I don''t mind ying games¡ª Miss Yang, are you joining?" Gael Zhang raised his gaze that immediatelynded to Lexi who was sitting beside Rika¡ªwho was now standing tall with both her knuckles on her waist.


    "Of course my bestie is in¡ª look away Gael, don''t look at her like that¡ª it''s creepy." Since the people present were the trusted ones, Rika removed all her guise and bluntly scoffed at Gael Zhang¡ª the supposed love of her life as Xue Yingyue; which was aplete opposite in real life. Lexi, on the other hand, chuckled at Rika''s sassiness.


    Fortunately, everyone took it as a joke because Rika was always like that to people she was close with. Unbeknownst to them, she was also like that to people she didn''t like. Hence, it was hard to discern which is which at times.


    "Okay! Since everyone agreed¡ª let''s y truth or dare!" Even without getting everyone''s response, Rika already dered as if the momentary silence she gave them was only for formality and she would drag them into the game anyway.


    "Wow¡­ she''s really pushy." In slight awe and dismay, Churu murmured as she watched Rika y as the host of the party. Surprisingly enough, despite having a few drinks, the alluring woman managed to make others follow her demands¡ª excluding some important people that went to a separate table with Arnold Shen.


    With this, Rika became more dauntless than she already was because the few people that remained around the table are the closer friends¡ª approximately twelve people including the leads of Taming Hearts.


    Soon, the game started as Rika ced a bottle in the middle of the table and immediately spun it. Everyone around the table somehow put all their attention towards the spinning bottle as it slowed down and soon stopped in front of Elliot Gong.


    "Hah! Eli, Truth or Dare?" Slowly pping her hands, Rika heartily inquired yet she sounded as if she was taunting him with whatever he would pick, he wouldn''t get away from her mischief.


    Swallowing a mouthful of saliva, Elliot Gong scratched the back of his head before he chose which of the two was the least destructive. "Truth."


    "Booo!" Churu and Rika booed him at the same time that made Lexi pursed her lips on a thin line¡ª suppressing herughter from bursting out.


    Truly, probably, one of the reasons why Lexi grew fond of Rika much sooner than she thought was because she has some simrities with the white dumpling.


    Which led her to wonder, what does Churu look like in her angel or demon form? Would she be able to see Churu''s other form or would she remain as a baby dumpling forever?


    As Lexi wandered into her own thoughts, Rika pondered on her question for a moment before she asked;


    "If you had to choose between dating someone ugly who was good in bed or dating someone hot who was bad in bed, which would you choose?"


    Her question nearly made Elliot Gong choke to death as he just had a sip of wine. Patting his chest as his face turned into a crimson red, Elliot Gong coughed loudly as he gasped for air.


    On the other hand, Lexi covered her lips as a muffledugh escaped her mouth, while the rest around the table burst intoughter as they turned to Elliot Gong, waiting for his response.


    "What the heck is that question?" ring daggers at Rika''s mischievous grin, Elliot Gong sassed.


    "Just answer or if you want it to change into a dare¡ª we don''t mind, really."


    "Tsk," Clicking his tongue, Elliot Gong ground his teeth as Rika knew that he rarely entangled himself with girls or rather disclosed his type of women. Moreover, he always says in public that he looked at a person''s heart and not on the outer appearance which was aplete hoax.


    "Thetter, okay? Teaching her how to be good in bed is easier than fixing a face." The other half of Elliot Gong''s words came as a murmur that only the people near him heard it: including Lexi who suddenly thought of a certain someone when she heard the word ''bed.''


    ''Having a taste of love making sure can make your mind go wild sometimes.'' Sighing, Lexi could not help butment on what she needs to say inside her mind. For some reason, she felt weird having unnecessary vulgar thoughts just hearing Elliot Gong''s statement.


    "Oh ho~" Laughing, Rika cast Elliot Gong a knowing look as if telling him ''so your ims of not looking at a person''s appearance is not true, you fake'' expression. "Your turn," Rika added without vocalizing her inner thoughts.


    Elliot Gong shook his head as he moved closer to the bottle and spun it. Just like earlier, everyone''s eyes were locked on the spinning bottle until it stopped to Gael Zhang¡ª and together, they raised their gaze to the person that the bottle was pointing at.


    Elliot Gong uninterestedly shot Gael Zhang a stare waiting for the answer to the obvious question.


    "Dare."


    "Go outside and try to summon the rain." Elliot Gong''s half-heartedly dared causing the people around the table to burst outughing again, even Gael Zhangughed even though it didn''t reach his eyes.

 Chapter 227 Gaels dare to Lexi

    <h4>Chapter 227 Gael''s dare to Lexi</h4>


    "Why don''t we double dare that, Eli?" Smiling, Gael Zhang called for a double dare that implied he and the person who dared him must do it together. "I think with both of us, we can channel the rain here." He humored.


    "And videos of you together summoning the rain would be all over the news the next day!" Grinning, Rika Song uttered in a matter of fact tone. Although she wanted to see that happen, she somehow liked both guys as friends.


    "*sigh* Scratch that, I''m kidding. Wait, Let me think¡­" Sighing heavily, Elliot Gong pondered as he thought of another dare that could rece the first one. As he contemted on his dare, Elliot Gong also reflected on his life choices and why did he evenply with this crazy Rika Song''s demands¡­ right, it was because Lexi joined and he the mighty repent must protect her.


    "Until the next two rounds, talk super loud, like nobody can hear you."


    "Okay!" Immediately, Gael Zhang executed the dare as he responded in a higher tone as if no one could hear him no matter how loud his pitch was.


    "Good, hehe. Keep it that way." Smugly chuckling, Elliot Gong somehow felt amused by this game. How he wished he could y this game with Ethan Lu and dare him to stop pestering him from being Lexi''s shield.


    "My turn now!" Gael Zhang announced which made the rest let out a chuckle as he was literally shouting. Fortunately, it was only them who could witness and hear this ridiculousness.


    Just as he dered his turn, Gael Zhang spun the bottle without any force. It only spun a fewps before it stopped at one of their colleagues. The game went on and on with all the embarrassing truth questions and ridiculous dares. There were also times some of them got penalties from notpleting the dare or telling an obvious lie. Hence, as penalties, they were forced to drink twice as much wine as usual.


    Most of the penalties were dawned to Rika who enjoyed drinking more than telling the truth or doing a dare, especially if it was from Elliot Gong who had been waiting for an opportunity to get back at her.


    At this point, it was Gael Zhang''s turn to spin the bottle and ask truth or dare to whomever the bottle points at. Since they had been ying this game, none of them realized that they''d been ying for more than an hour and already had a few drinks.


    The bottle slowly stopped and finally, Gael Zhang''s most awaited time finally came; the bottle stopped and pointed at Lexi. Although Lexi had been asked several times since she always chose truth¡ª Gael Zhang never had a chance to ask her any questions.


    "It''s Miss Yang again!"


    "Hehe, Miss Yang, choose dare this time to spice things up!


    "Yes yes! Choose dare this time"


    "Nonsense! She can choose whatever she likes!" Displeased by the crowds pleas, Elliot Gong sassed as if he was Lexi''s mother. Turning to Lexi''s giggling figure, Elliot Gong reassured.


    "Don''t give in to peer pressure¡ª choose truth!"


    "Uh, Eli? Aren''t you pressuring her as well?" Rolling her eyes, the corner of Churu''s lips twitched. It was obvious that Elliot Gong was preventing Lexi from doing some crazy dares just like the rest of them¡ª afraid about his career and life if Ethan Lu knew about it.


    "Sorry, Eli. I choose dare." Giving Elliot Gong''s ugly countenance a sorry stare, Lexi giggled as she chose dare this time.


    "!!!" Rendered speechless yet, his mind turned chaotic, Elliot Gong gasped in disbelief. He was akin to a guardian angel looking at her life decision.


    "Yeeey! That''s what we''re talking about!"


    "Bestie~! You''re doing a dare?" Widening her eyes, Rika pulled Lexi''s arm to her. "That''s fine if the person asking you to do it is me or anyone here but not Gael." Under her breath, Rika Song shot a disgusted re at the mischievous smirk on the corner of Gael Zhang''s lips.


    Granted that she somehow liked Gael Zhang as a friend because he was quite cool to hang out with, s, she didn''t like the way he looked at her bestie. Hence, she was hostile in this kind of situation.


    "I will listen to the dare first and if I know I can''t do it, I will take the penalty." Giggling, Lexi was slightly tipsy but she was still in her right mind. She just wanted to liven up the mood and try something aside from answering each question.


    "I am telling on you to Ethan Lu!" Displeased as well, Churu humphed as she crossed her arms across her bby belly.


    "Hehe, Sissy, I know what I''m doing." Unconsciously, Lexi loudly reassured Churu who fixed her bum on herp. Fortunately, Rika thought she was talking to her thus, she didn''t give much thought about it and she only heaved a heavy sigh.


    "Hmm," Pretending to contemte his thoughts, Gael Zhang hummed for a while as he mildly rubbed his chin.


    "What a fake." Rika Song dissed the fakery of Gael Zhang who obviously knew his dare to Lexi yet, pretending that he was having a hard time thinking about it.


    ''You and I will be in trouble if anything happens you know.'' Gesturing Rika Song, Elliot Gong slowly mouthed his words without a noise for her to understand his message.


    "Okay! Miss Yang, here''s my dare for you. Walk over to anyone in this ce and say ''you look hot'' in the most seductive tone." Upon delivering his words, a bright grin came across Gael Zhang''s lips that made others cringe and hyped up at the same time.


    "I knew it this guy is a creep!" Abruptly standing up, Churu pointed her fingers to Gael Zhang as she fumed. "How dare this scoundrel!"


    "Isn''t that a little overboard?" Knitting her brows, Rika Song''s lively mood instantly went sullen as she was irked by the dare.


    "Alright, time to pour our dear Lexi some wine¡ª this will be a penalty." Keeping his cool intact, Elliot Gong snatched the bottle of wine and immediately poured Lexi''s ss until it was half-filled.


    "Eh? It''s a harmless dare¡ª it''s not like I asked her to make out with anyone here, right Miss Yang?" Gael Zhang feigned innocent as he implied that they had been asking others questions that were only for adults since earlier and telling someone he''s hot wasn''t that a big deal.


    Well, he knew it was probably a big deal to Lexi but for some reason, he was inclined to hear her say such words in a seductive tone¡ª even if it''s not to him. Surely, just like what Churu said, Gael Zhang had very odd kinks.


    "Yes, we''re all adults here and I don''t see a problem with that as well." One of the women around the table slowly nodded her head as she agreed with Gael Zhang''s statements. After all, he has a point.


    "That''s right, it''s not like its a big deal." Chuckling, Lexi''s reaction wasn''t something near displeased nor was she irked. Instead, she was chill as if she didn''t really mind which she really didn''t.


    "Such a good sport." Gael Zhang meekly muttered with arge grin stered across his lips.


    Lexi slowly stood from her seat after she sipped a generous amount of wine that instantly rendered Elliot Gong speechless while Rika was in aplete trance.


    ''Oy¡­ our careers¡­'' The two could only speak inside their minds as it short-circuited, pulling back their tongue leaving them unable to utter a word. Well, Elliot Gong was certain about kissing his source of ie goodbye. On the other hand, Rika was certain that members of the LexiThan supporters would gang up on her.


    Regardless, these emotions were too strong that it left them immobilized like a crippled, illiterate ancient people.


    Aside from those frozen two, the rest of the people around the table followed Lexi taking slow strides towards Gael Zhang by their gaze. Some anticipated if Lexi would audaciously choose him as he was the only person she mostly interacted with on the line. Moreover, he was as good-looking as Elliot Gong. Their only difference was Elliot Gong had this bad boy aura and style while Gael Zhang was the gentle and angelic type.


    Lexi made sure to lock her pair of eyes to Gael Zhang as an unreadable smirk revealed on the side of her red tinted lips.

 Chapter 228 You look hot, I missed you.

    <h4>Chapter 228 You look hot, I missed you.</h4>


    Time seemed to stop as Lexi went closer and closer to Gael Zhang''s seat. In their eyes and how she interpreted it, Lexi was going for Gael Zhang for sure. Meanwhile, Elliot Gong and Rika Song seemed they lost their intellect because they could only gape their mouth as their eyes dted seeing Lexi''s provoking side profile.


    ''Nuuu¡­ stop¡­'' These helpless words were the only words that their distraught, instantly sobered mind could recollect as the doom of their career was nearing every step Lexi took.


    On the other hand, Gael Zhang pushed back his chair as a smug grin formed on the side of his lips. Turning his head to Lexi''s iing figure, part of him was certain that her aim was him. He briefly raised his brows before he lowered them¡ª giving her a knowing stare.


    Well, Lexi was too damn hot and alluring not to feel a little honored. After all, if ever she did the dare to him, then, even if it was only a dare, that could also be perceived that she was interested in him. Therefore, in this modern day and age, Gael Zhang wouldn''t mind going a bit further after this with her. Surely, his mind was fast toprehend and run wild with the aftermath with Lexi.


    Just as Lexi was on his side, a light scoffed escaped her red lips before she resumed to take strides¡ª passing him by.


    Everyone there was slightly puzzled as Lexi proceeded to take slow strides and passed even thest person at the table. Their gaze followed her and there, a little bit farther from their table was Arnold Shen conversing with the very dashing Ethan Lu.


    By the looks of it, Ethan Lu had been there for quite some time and was having a private discussion with Arnold Shen on the side while the other investors we''re having a good time enjoying themselves. Since every one of them were too focused on their fun game, they were unaware of what''s happening in their surroundings¡ª especially the people that were out of their radius.


    When Lexi came closer to Arnold Shen and Ethan Lu who were privately discussing something, she looked behind to see everyone from their table intently watch her. Upon seeing this, her smirk widened even more.


    "Director Shen, Young Master Lu, " As she modestly approached the two, her words immediately caught their attention as they turned their heads to her direction.


    Ethan Lu''s eyes narrowed seeing that his beloved girlfriend had her cheeks slightly flushed. Still, since she could walk straight with her four inches heels, he only sighed without a word.


    "Miss Yang! Hehe, I see you guys were having fun there." As usual, Arnold Shen was as lively as ever as he greeted Lexi.


    "We are, I almost didn''t notice Young Master Lu." For a second, Lexi''s brows raised as she shot Arnold Shen a knowing look before she shifted them to the frowning Ethan Lu.


    Lexi offered her hands to him that made Ethan Lu furrowed his brows by her sudden gesture. "Young Master Lu, it''s nice seeing you here. Too bad, you didn''t get to watch the film earlier."


    Meekly smiling and was unappeased by something, Ethan Lu graciously epted her formal handshake. "Too bad, indeed. But, I managed to keep updated online." With that said remark, Ethan Lu nced at the people at the table she was mingling with and his cold eyes directlynded on his dear precious friend Elliot Gong.


    This brief stare somehow made Elliot Gong swallowed a mouthful of saliva as he felt the dangers in his gaze. ''What did I do this time?!'' He thought inwardly.


    Just as he heaved a sigh of relief as Lexi''s slyness nearly gave him a heart attack for a moment. Yet, now, Ethan Lu seemed he was about to kill him. Well, although it seemed like a normal, idental nce to others¡ª Elliot Gong had been friends with him! Hence, he understood that simple gaze that was actually a fiery re in disguise.


    "Anyway¡­" Slyly smiling, Lexi tightened her grip on his hand as she took a step forward. Leaning a bit closer to his side, she whispered. "You look hot¡ª I missed you."


    Those six simple words that were delivered in the most seductive tone, Ethan Lu''s face gradually turned pink as his soldier down there woke up from his slumber. His throat suddenly turned dry as if he was thirsty¡­ thirsty for her. Surely, Ethan Lu''s perverted self was turned on and was tempted to drag her away from this ce so they could have some babe time.


    ''This woman¡­ is she testing my sanity again?'' Ethan thought inwardly.


    "Careful, my demons might manifest on my hands and go somewhere else." Whispering back, Ethan Lu didn''t mind to flirt back as his lover was truly stunning with the dress he personally picked for her.


    As everyone saw Ethan Lu''s reaction and whispering back that made Lexi giggle, a wide grin formed on their lips excluding the gloomy Elliot Gong and irked Gael Zhang. Around the table, one after another spouted theirments.


    "Hehe, Miss Yang is indeed audacious. Who would have thought she would really do it¡ª to Young Master Lu at that."


    "Hehe, wait, I smell something between Miss Yang and Young Master Lu. After all, he asked for a cameo and became her white rabbit."


    "We can''t me Miss Yang, she''s really pretty after all¡ª No offense, Miss Rika."


    It went on and on until Lexi came back to the table and left Ethan Lu and Arnold Shen to interact with the other important personality. Normally, everyone would share the same table. s, the people Arnold Shen was connected with were all decent and don''t approve of some malicious acts. Therefore, to prevent some ambiguous articles, he decided to have a separate table and let the stars to their own devices to have fun.


    When Lexi sat in her original seat beside Rika, she winked at her friend as she was evidently displeased for making her worry.


    "Why didn''t you tell me Mr. Darcy is here?" Rika grumbled through a whisper that only Lexi could hear.


    "Sorry, I didn''t know either¡ª just the radar of the girlfriend when I epted the dare."


    "Hey, what''s up with that guy ring at me like that?" Just as Lexi could sit on her chair, Elliot Gong stood from his seat and sprinted behind Lexi''s chair toin and ask for her magical protection from his omen.


    "You think too much, Eli." Lexi chuckled as she didn''t notice Ethan Lu''s dubious gaze to Elliot Gong earlier.


    Meanwhile, Gael Zhang remained quiet as he felt humiliated despite people not mentioning it. He felt humiliated for himself as Lexi purposely made him believe that her target was him. Still, he managed to keep his cool and? pretend to enjoy the night with them. The game truth or dare also ended after Lexi and they only enjoyed their drinks after that.


    *****


    One after another, each bid their farewell. Lexi shared a few tight hugs with Rika before Elliot Gong was forced to drag her away to send her to the vehicle that was waiting for her. Lexi and Ethan Lu separated their ways and silently agreed to meet in his car.


    Although no words were exchanged between them, it was as if an automatic instinct after their gaze briefly met. Also, Lexi had to stay for a while with Rika earlier, therefore, she went out a littlete.


    Just as Lexi was on her way to the parking lot, Gael Zhang was leaning on the wall in the corridor. Seeing his slightly drunken state, Lexi slowed down as she looked around and saw no one.


    Still, despite the sudden restlessness inside her heart, Lexi decided to move forward. In her mind, she just needed to ignore Gael Zhang and if he tried something funny, he would feel her wrath. After all, although she swore to keep her cool, she would snap if he tried to harass her. She would have to introduce him to the old Lexi Yang and why she faced numerouswsuits before.


    When Lexi was about three steps from Gael Zhang, he turned his lowered head to her direction before he scoffed and blocked her way.


    "Lexi Yang¡­" Gael Zhang muttered as he raised his gaze to meet her sharp ones. "You purposely tried to humiliate me, didn''t you?"


    "Excuse me? I don''t remember humiliating you, Mr. Zhang." Arching her brows, Lexi''s tone wasn''t as friendly as before as she found nothing to be friendly about before this man.


    "Oy! Get out of the way before I make you!" Annoyed, Churu sensed the dark aura emanating from him as she flew in front of Lexi and her stance was as if she was protecting her.


    ''Sissy, out of my way. I will let him know the Lexi Yang he never met.'' Without ncing at Churu, Lexi''s pair of nut-brown eyes spiked directly at Gael Zhang with a poker face.

 Chapter 229 I canst let it pass, sorry.

    <h4>Chapter 229 I can''st let it pass, sorry.</h4>


    Churu knitted her brows upon receiving Lexi''s word. Turning her head behind her, Churu scrutinized Lexi''s poker yet cold freezing eyes. She had known all of Lexi''s misconduct before she became her system''s guide. However, Churu hasn''t witnessed it with her own eyes. Therefore, seeing this Lexi before her, something within her sparked¡ª it was more or less the same attraction she had with danger.


    "Ohh, okay¡­" Nodding in understanding, Churu flew on the side as her eyes were sparkling with excitement. Although she knew she shouldn''t be excited as Lexi might be put in danger, s, her emotions right now were overflowing. At least, for once, she could see this side of Lexi before she departs.


    "Huh, you don''t have to deny it. Acting all clean yet chase a man like a dog." Sneering, Gael Zhang unfiltered his words as he insulted her upfront. Yet, Lexi remained unfazed as she already admitted that mistake.


    "Tsk tsk¡­ we don''t have toplicate things you know. We can always talk about this privately." Gael Zhang scoffed as he took a step forward to her¡ª reducing the gap between them. He sounded benevolent yet his words could also be perceived as a warning saying e with me so we won''t have any problem.''


    Lexi quickly nced down when he took a step forward and didn''t step back. "Mr. Zhang, aren''t we talking in private now? Also, please don''t take another step forward¡ª I don''t like it when someone uninvited crosses my personal space."


    Lexi observed Gael Zhang''s drowsy yet malicious eyes that she had never seen him bore before. Surely, he did consume a lot more drinks earlier while pretending and concealing his displeasure about earlier. Therefore, his natural behavior was slowly revealing itself which didn''t surprise Lexi. After all, she had expected this much behavior from someone like him.


    "What will you do then?" Raising his brows, Gael Zhang smirked as he took another step forward. At this rate, Lexi eventually had a sniff of his scent as he reeked in alcohol.


    ''Did he shower with wine?'' Lexi looked at him from head to toe in disdain as she could not believe he really dared to take another step forward to her. What more? She got a whiff of his unpleasant odor that wasn''t evenparable to Ethan Lu''s sweats!


    When Gael Zhang raised his left arm and attempted to reach her, Lexi swiftly pped it with great force. That very instant, Gael Zhang felt a striking pain on the back of his tossed hand¡ª making it numb and throbb at the same time.


    "What the¡ª what''s wrong with you?!" ring daggers at her while gritting his teeth, Gael Zhang retrieved his pulsating hand and massaged it using his other hand. After a second, Gael Zhang took arge step as he raised his hand, taking an offense.


    At the same time, Lexi also took a step forward and without further ado, she ced both her palm on his shoulder¡ª the other hand still holding her purse and then lifted her knee¡ª directlynding on his precious jewel.


    Time stopped for Gael Zhang as the national anthem of the birds rang inside his head. His knees slowly grumbled together and bit by bit his strength and his soul escaped from his whole being. For a man, it was the most painful experience as that area was off-limits and one of their weakest points.


    Soon, Gael Zhang curbed into a ball on the carpeted floor while holding his fallenrade. On the other hand, Lexi felt no remorse as she coldly watched the man agonized on the floor.


    She knew that hitting a man''s precious jewel was one of the most painful assaults a man could receive, hence, she always aimed for that part while they are off guard to shut up someone she didn''t like or to anyone who tried to harass her. Moreover, despite that she already recognized her past actions, she would not allow someone like Gael Zhang to use it to belittle her and think that it was her weakness.


    "Mr. Zhang, we could be great friends if not for what you said and tried to do." Still unsatisfied with what she had done, Lexi stepped her right heel on the back of his head and put pressure on it. Now, Gael Zhang was in a position as if kowtowing to her while still holding on to the thing in between his thigh.


    "Be thankful that my patience improved or else, my stiletto would have long been dug into your head. But, for the sake of our short friendship and colleagues, I will let this slide. Keep your distance away from me and never approach me if not necessary¡ª I only warn once." Lexi slightly twisted her stiletto while watching the force she used before she retracted it from his head.


    "I hope I made myself very clear to you." With thosest remarks, Lexi proceeded to continue her strides without anyone blocking her¡ª leaving Gael Zhang with that same position. Unbeknownst to her, aside from the excruciating pain on his groin, Gael Zhang was more turned on by her feistiness. Now, the urge to tame this woman slowly grew in his twisted kinks.


    "Wow~! Lexi admit it, you almost caused him to bleed didn''t you?" Fangirling, Churu flew onto Lexi''s side as she looked at her with glittering eyes. At some point, Churu smelled the violence seeping from Lexi''s being as if she would turn really aggressive before the scent faded in an instant.


    ''I told you, Sissy. I faced tons ofwsuits because of my violent ways¡ª why do you think my parents assumed I hurt Ethan before?'' Rolling her eyes, Lexi slightly shook her head as aplex smirk formed on the side of her lips. Well, as much as she wanted to avoid these kind of circumstances, people like Che Diayu and Gael Zhang just wouldn''t keep their craziness within them and drag her with it¡ª not knowing she could be really crazy in an obnoxious degree.


    "I should really hold my temper much longer¡­" Lexi murmured as she exited the establishment to its parking space. To her surprise, Lexi slightly jolted when she saw Ethan Lu in the side of her eyes.


    Stopping in her tracks as she turned on the side, there, Ethan Lu was leaning on the wall with an unreadable front on his face while staring at her as if examining her.


    "You''re here?" Raising her brows, Lexi''s voice panicked. In her mind, Ethan Lu might or might not have witnessed what she had done to Gael Zhang. Her mind worked triple time more than usual and knowing that Ethan Lu didn''t go inside and confront Gael Zhang, she was somewhat relieved with the thought that he must have not have seen it since he was just there;nguidly waiting with his phone on his hand.


    "Yeah, I thought you were taking too long so I wanted to check if Rika kidnapped you or not." Slowly nodding, Ethan Lu briefly exined with a t tone.


    Just then, the screen of his phone lit up¡ª revealing an iing call with a contact name: Assistant Jiang. Ethan Lu remained quiet as he unhurriedly answered his vibrating phone while Lexi''s brows furrowed by the unusual aura Ethan Lu emanated.


    "Mhmm¡­" Ethan Lu hummed a tune as he nodded to whatever Lyrick Jiang was saying on the other end of the line. After several seconds of listening, Ethan Lu raised his gaze to her before he uttered, "Arrange me an appointment to that agency first thing in the morning¡ª I want to personally handle it."


    Ethan Lu ended the short call after hisst statement that made Lexi quite puzzled. He then straightened his stance and slid his phone and hand inside his pocket while locking eyes with her beautiful pair of eyes.


    "I saw what happened¡ª I was about toe to the scene but seeing you already handled him, I decided not to." As usual, Ethan Lu came clean as he honestly summarized his side of the story. God knows he almost lost control the instant he had a glimpse of the person Gael Zhang was blocking.


    However, everything happened so fast that even before he could sprint towards them, Lexi already struck him. Therefore, Ethan Lu decided to retreat upon seeing the glint that shed across Lexi''s eyes when she stepped her foot on the back of Gael Zhang''s head. Regardless, he was still unhappy and dissatisfied.


    "Still¡­" Ethan Lu''s eyes turned darker as he drew closer to her. Stopping in front of her, his eyes wandered onto the details of her work of art facial features as he gently tapped the apex of her pointy nose by his index finger. "I can''t let it pass, sorry. He crossed my bottomline¡ª I can''t be that kind." Although his gaze had a touch of gentleness, it also bore vileness at the same time.

 Chapter 230 Lets do it here

    <h4>Chapter 230 Let''s do it here</h4>


    Lexi swallowed hard seeing the slight smirk on the side of his lips. She had seen his dangerous side, s, that dangerous man was the beast she had met on the night they had shared together. Thus, it was entirely different from the man before her very eyes¡ª even her, she felt a cold chill run down her spine as Lexi imagined what kind of n he had for Gael Zhang.


    "*sigh* My Love is too gorgeous¡ª I just want to lock you away to a ce where no one could see or get close to you but, you''re too stunning that I can''t hide that beauty from the world to see you shine." Letting out a heavy sigh, Ethan Lu had this dilemma for quite some time as he had the urge to be a selfish bastard and hide her. However, at the same time, he desired for her to shine in the career she wanted to take and all the freedom in the world. Surely, being head over heels with her made him sh with his own thoughts.


    "Pfft-!" Chuckling, Lexi pursed her lips seeing that he was distressed with thisplicated dilemma. Snaking her arms around his neck, Lexi muttered, "Still, they can only watch from a distance while you can touch me." With that said note, Lexi leaned closer as she pressed her lips against his downturned ones.


    Feeling her moist lips, Ethan Lu dly weed her initiation as his hand instantly wrapped around her waist¡ª not caring if anyone could spot them. Lexi parted her lips from his before it could deepen even more.


    "Later," A sly grin came across her lips that made Ethan Lu feel impatient as his lips were tainted a faint red hue from her lipstick.


    "If only I''d known you''d be this cruel tonight, I should have let Lyrick drive us home." Letting out another heavy sigh, Ethan Lu was unsatisfied with their brief kiss. Well, he was always insatiable when ites to her and turned greedy to have more of her.


    "Home?" Raising her brows, Lexi slightly tilted her head while her fingers yed with the tip of his hair.


    "Hmm? After that ''you look hot¡ª I missed you'' and that kiss just now, not to mention what you''re doing with my hair¡ª did you really think you''re going home tonight?" Innocent as he may sound, a mischievous glint shed across his deuce eyes as arge grin was stered on his lips.


    Lexi unconsciously bit her lower lip as she locked eyes with him. After a second, both of them had this knowing smile that only the two of them could understand. Meanwhile, Churu facepalmed as both of them were obviously flirting with just their sticky gaze at each other.


    ''Hay¡­ watching a live show is not fun.'' She murmured inwardly as Churu decided not to wait for them and went ahead to Ethan Lu''s car. ''I should ask her first to set a telenov for me and turn it to full volume so I won''t hear their moans.'' She added as Churu already knew that Lexi''s cherry was already popped by Ethan Lu.


    Fortunately, she wasn''t there to witness it as Lexi would surely be distracted and wouldn''t give in. Well, at the very least, her audience from above hopefully enjoyed their first night together as they were somehow holy and perverted at the same time for enjoying such scenes.


    "Now I wonder if I became popr as well¡­"


    *****


    "Love, why did you tell Mom you''ll spend the night with Rika?" Furrowing his brows, Ethan Lu inquired without turning his eyes away from the road.


    "They are too supportive about this rtionship¡ª we need thrill." Lexi giggled that made him chuckle as well.


    Ethan Lu offered his hand to her which Lexi graced with her slender hands¡ª they instantly filled the gap in between their fingers as if it was meant for each other to fill it.


    As Ethan Lu drove their way to his home, he habitually ced kisses on the back of her hand that made her heart flutter every time. Surely, he was too sweet not to feel intoxicated with his gentle touch.


    Although their trip to his home was enveloped with nothing but good calmness, both were satisfied having each other''spany. No words were needed, as long as they have each other¡ª nothing could rattle them.


    When his car arrived at his ce, Lexi unblucked her seatbelt. Just as she removed her sealbelt, Ethan Lu''s figure drew closer to her an in an instant, he stole her lips.


    "Mhmm!" Caught of guard, Lexi let out a protesting moan yet he didn''t stop and proceeded to sneak his tongue inside her sweet factory.


    With his sudden aggression, Lexi gradually closed her eyes as she returned his kiss by meeting his tongue halfway. Slowly, the passenger seat she was sitting on reclined with them deepening the kiss.


    The car was still on and the air conditioner was still cramming inside their vehicle yet, the atmosphere steamed as their bodies eventually heated up with every passing second. The smooching sound they produced resounded inside the car.


    His hand caressed her exposed leg from her dress slit that made her slightly jolt from his light touch. It slowly went upward as his breath turned heavier. He had been resisting since earlier and Ethan Lu could not wait any longer.


    "Hmm-!" When Lexi felt his hand reached her thigh, she protested and lightly pped his hand. With that, Ethan Lu parted from her lips as he frowned as if a displeased brat that got his sweet candy taken away from him.


    "Were already here, let''s continue inside." Under her breath, Lexi raised her brows as she slightly tilted her head to the side¡ª gesturing him that they should go inside then continue.


    "It''s too far..." Still frowning, Ethan Lu shook his head sideways as heined. Well, it wasn''t that far and they only needed to take a few steps, however, his patience and resistance reached its limit.


    "Let''s do it here." With that said note, Ethan Lu leaned forward again and pressed his lips against hers. Lexi patted his shoulder yet, there wasn''t a sign of stopping. Instead, Ethan Lu turned more aggressive yet cautious at the same time¡ª silently telling her he made up his mind.


    In between their short breaks, Lexi gasped for air and muttered. "Such an impatient guy,"


    "Only for you, love." A smirk came across his lips before dominating her lips again.? His sneaky hands cupped her right breast. Sadly, he could not feel them as her qipao dress was quite thick and his palm mostly felt the details of the dress.


    For a brief moment, he had the urge to rip her dress apart so that it would stop from interfering with his ns. Just then, both snapped from their ecstasy when a light knock from outside resounded. They paused from their kissing session as they subconsciously turned their gaze and looked who it was.


    There, a Louis Lu was just standing on the side. He wasn''t even checking what''s going on inside as if he already guessed what they were doing and continued to knock a few times. By the looks of it, he just arrived as he was wearing a formal business suit and carrying a small briefcase in his other hand.


    "Tsk, now I regret letting him stay over." Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Ethan Lu''s brows knitted before giving Lexi a light peck on the lips and returned to his seat.


    "Your cousin is the only character who always interrupts the atmosphere¡ª do you think he likes you? Is he gay?" Humoring him, Lexi chuckled as she fixed her disheveled dress that Ethan Lu had pushed upward revealing more of her legs.


    "Wait for me," Ethan Lu nced at her side before he loosened his tie and then hitched out from the car. When he was out, he instantly red at his cousin over the car''s roof who was standing in front of the passenger seat.


    "I forgot the passcode¡ª I can''t enter." Nonchntly shrugging, Louis Lu as he exined his reason.


    "Tsk, its just one number that continues ¡ª zero. How can you forget that? Damn it!" Still unappeased, Ethan Lu grumbled.


    "Alright, thanks." Slightly bowing his head, Louis Lu went on his way inside the vi without another word being uttered.


    "Tsk, what a weird cousin I have." Ethan Lu clicked his tongue once again before he jogged to the front passenger seat door and helped Lexi to exit the car like a gentleman without a motive.

 Chapter 231 I kick where it hurts

    <h4>Chapter 231 I kick where it hurts</h4>


    When Lexi and Ethan Lu entered the vi, Louis Lu was busy skimming through a document on the couch in the living area. There were a few documents neatly arranged on the small table in the middle of the set of sofas, a ssful of water on the other side, and aptop.


    Surprisingly enough, he had prepared his set up in a fraction of minutes as Lexi and Ethan Lu flirted for a while before they decided to go inside. Well, Ethan Lu tried to salvage the broken atmosphere caused by his cousin which worked.


    "Don''t mind me." Louis Lu muttered sensing the gaze of the two who just entered the residence.


    "Hah! Lou, stay like that and don''t disturb us once again!" Pointing his finger at him, Ethan Lu warned.


    "Shh," Lexi shot Ethan Lu a shushing eye as she lightly tugged the hem of his zer suit. Is he indirectly telling him: ''Lou, we were about to make love so don''t disturb our sexy time.''


    "I won''t¡­ unless someonees looking for you again." Raising his gaze, Louis Lu nkly uttered as he nonchntly shrugged his shoulders.


    Upon hearing those unconvincing words, Ethan Lu only clicked his tongue as he shook his head sideways. When he turned to the beauty beside him, Ethan Lu''s irked persona instantly transformed into a lover boy.


    "My Love, shall we rest for a bit?" Gesturing her towards the stairs, Ethan Lu''s lips curled into an excited grin¡ª disying his even white, small teeth. Lexi rolled her eyes before a faint chuckle slipped out from her lips. She then started taking slow strides towards the master''s bedroom followed by Ethan Lu from behind.


    As they made their way upstairs, Louis Lu raised his gaze once again and stared at their retreating backs. No one knew what he had in mind at that time before he averted his gaze and focused on the document he was working on. Still, it was evident that he could not focus as much as he wanted to and the area of the document he was holding slightly creased.


    "Oi, you smell suspicious¡ª what are you up to?" Churu narrowed her eyes as she didn''t bother to follow the two knowing what they would do and observed him. Instead, she flew and sat on top of Louis Lu''sptop.


    Although Lexi had recently stayed at this ce for a few days due to her fever, Churu didn''t wander around. Hence, she didn''t get the chance to see this man. Moreover, Louis Lu spent his entire day outside with business meetings and site visits, he only goes backte at night. This was probably his first time going home earlier than usual.


    As Churu thoroughly observed Louis Lu, she decided to get close to him and sniffed all over him. After getting a whiff of his odorless scent, Churu''s superficial brows knitted together.


    "Am I being too sensitive because I''m leaving?" She muttered as she could neither smell danger or goodness from him. Was it because her senses had been declining? Regardless, she felt restless for some unknown reason.


    "Whatever, I am keeping an eye on you, Lulu!" Churu flew back as she gestured and eye for an eye to Louis Lu which he continued to do what he was doing. "These people, really¡­ Just when I thought that Morris guy is already troublesome to deal with."


    ****


    When Lexi and Ethan Lu arrived at the master''s bedroom, Ethan Lu suddenly dragged her towards the enormous bathroom with caution. As they entered the grandiose bathroom that Lexi secretly adored owning, Ethan Lu turned to face her. His gaze traveled from her head to her toes that made her brows furrowed and tilted her head to the side.


    "Hmm?" She hummed a questioning tune because Ethan Lu didn''t utter a word as he scanned her as if she was butt naked.


    "Tsk," After several seconds, Ethan Lu only clicked his tongue as if annoyed at something he recalled. "I will bathe you¡ª I meant with you as well."


    "Ethan, that was awkward." Rolling her eyes, Lexi was expecting something steamy before he would propose this. She expected this much as Lexi wouldn''t allow them to go straight naked to bed without even freshening up.


    After all, they came from an event and recalled how he kissed every part of her until he was slightly satisfied¡ª Lexi knew she should be prepared. However, he just bluntly said those words as if it was more of a chore than him being aroused by the idea. Therefore, Lexi was being petty and her mood gradually reduced.


    "*sigh* That," Letting out a heavy sigh, Ethan Lu suddenly pointed at her knee she used to hurt Gael Zhang. "It should be cleansed¡ª I will personally sanitize it so no remnant from that lowly man would remain." He frowned as the brief memory of when Lexi assaulted Gael Zhang shed in his head.


    Ethan Lu already had this thought in mind earlier while waiting for Lexi to exit the establishment. However, that n slightly drifted away when Lexi started flirting with him. But now, when they''re on their way in his room and he had a glimpse of her wless leg and knee, his anger toward the man resurfaced¡ª even the fact that he wanted to scrub her knee that she used to strike Gael Zhang because it still touched his private part.


    "Pfft-!" Upon hearing the cause of his sullen mood, Lexi covered her mouth as she suppressed her chuckles. "I already ned that¡ª you don''t know how long I bath after assaulting a man." she briefly exined which made the corners of his eyes twitch.


    "You mean this wasn''t the first?"


    "I kick where it hurts." Nonchntly shrugging, Lexi raised her brows and disyed an innocent look that didn''t appear that much with her matured, sharp facial features. "Didn''t I mention before that I faced tons ofwsuits before? That''s because of that and what I did afterward to vent my anger, so¡­"


    At first, Lexi didn''t want to let him see that side of her despite mentioning it like it was nothing. After all, telling a story was easy to understand but in reality, if he saw it before his eyes, Lexi was afraid that he would have second thoughts about her. s, after pondering about it through their journey in his vi, Lexi decided to face whatever he would think of her.


    Ethan Lu only frowned and heavily exhaled before he took a step forward and pulled her to his embrace. "How can you be so kind? How dare they make you exert effort to the extent of injuring your knees? My poor baby¡­"


    "Uh, Ethan¡­? It''s the other way around¡ª it''s them who were hurt." Surprised by his sudden sympathy which she actually didn''t need¡­ or so she thought.


    "What? They forced you to assault their juniors¡ª how can they traumatize you like that?" Still embracing her as he stroked Lexi''s head, Ethan Lu gently coaxed her.


    He didn''t mind how vile she could be, as he already loved everything about her¡ª her perfect ws and the goodness she has. Moreover, he recalled that he also had the taste of her knee strike back then, therefore, he believed that wasn''t enough for a man not to like her.


    Ethan Lu was fortunate that Lexi was drunk as hell at that time and couldn''t use her full stregth. Still, it tormented him.


    "Don''t worry, you have me now. I won''t let them get away with it." Slowly pushing her, Ethan Lu subtly smiled as his eyes locked on her pretty ones. With that said remarks, his hand slowly cupped her cheek and leaned forward for a kiss. Lexi smiled as she closed her eyes, weing his loving lips and the moving warmth he emitted.


    Indeed, she has him now. Hence, her heart felt so reassured that it nearly melted. How could he be so understanding and biased towards her? He was just too perfect for her that her day wouldn''t bepleted without talking to him.


    Until now, Lexi could not believe that Ethan Lu was the person who would help her heal and be one of her strongest supporters of moving forward. He never judged her previous actions nor her misconducts that were obviously unjustifiable. Surely, the best urrence or people are the ones she never expected to be in her life.


    She was grateful that she got to meet these wonderful people especially him, Ethan Lu that made her feel her heart had never been broken.

 Chapter 232 Am I really unfair?

    <h4>Chapter 232 Am I really unfair?</h4>


    [WARNING: THIS CHAPTER MIGHT CAUSE A LITTLE DISCOMFORT TO OTHERS. IT IS STRONGLY NOT RECOMMENDED FOR AGE UNDER 17 AND BELOW. PLEASE PROCEED WITH CAUTION.]


    Ethan Lu wasn''t as aggressive unlike when they were inside the car. He was more gentle this time as if to wash away whatever trauma she had that she never had in the first ce. Still, he wanted to make her feel secure and loved¡ª whoever touched her, he would not let them off easily.


    His usually sneaky hand didn''t heedlessly wander just like it used to as it remained to cup her cheek while his other hand caressed her arm and then intertwined with her soft hands. This time, lust wasn''t the emotion he gave off but overflowing love and care he had for her.


    To him, she was the most precious, strong yet conquerable person he has in his heart. Although Ethan Lu trusted and was well-versed that Lexi was capable enough to protect herself, he still wanted to be her shield. Whether she was in the wrong or right, he would stand on her side.


    Biased, he may admit but, that''s just him¡ª that''s his love for her. After all, Lexi was a reasonable person and wouldn''t go to the extreme in her deeds without a reason. Therefore, Ethan Lu would never judge her without hearing her side of the story.


    After a good three minute kiss, Ethan Lu reluctantly parted from her soft lips. Her lipstick was slightly smudged on the side but, it only made her extra enticing as if asking him to clean it up for her.


    "Love, you can always rely on me, hmm?" His eyes were loving, it sparkled faintly as a sudden dejection came across them.


    "Thank you¡­" Gently smiling, her long curledshes unhurriedly fluttered before Lexi took a slow step forward and left a peck on his thin lips. "Thank you for being there for me," With that said note, Lexi pressed her lips against his and then she leaned back.


    "Thank you for supporting me," Again, Lexi ced another feather-like peck on his lips¡ª repeating the cycle.


    "Thank you for understanding me, for choosing me, for epting who I am without asking too much in return¡­" Lexi did the kiss, part then utter her thanks again and again that made his heart fill with an overwhelming tide called love.


    "Lastly, thank you for showering me with love¡ª I am beyond grateful to meet and have someone like you." With thosest remarks, Lexi leaned forward again, and this time, her kiss never left his lips and settled there.


    She moved her lips and guided him to wee her just like what he usually does. Her hand that was on his hand slowly let go as they slowly wrapped around his neck. As soon as her hand sessfully snaked around him, her upper body leaned closer¡ª lessening the tiny space between them.


    Odd, she was telling these words while they were inside the bathroom and were both wearing formal party attire. Nevertheless, it wasn''t less moving even if they were in a more romantic ce.


    Ethan Lu''s hand swaddled around her waist as he returned her loving kiss and his tongue danced with hers. He then pulled her even closer by her waist while his other hand searched for the zipper of her dress in the back. As soon as he found it, Ethan Lu slowly unzipped it¡ª revealing her smooth, heated bareback.


    The dress slowly slid down and only her undergarments were left. Meanwhile, Lexi helped him remove his navy blue zer suit and then unbuttoned his same hued vest and then his white suit shirt without breaking the kiss.


    "Tsk, there are too many buttons." Slightly annoyed, Lexi grumbled as she unbuttoned thest button. Herint made him chuckle and tenderly bit her lower lip.


    "Impatient, my not so innocent baby." Using the apex of his nose, Ethan Lu caressed her neckline and got a whiffed of her one of a kind scent. "I like it¡­" With that said note, Ethan Lu licked her corbone that instantly sent shivers throughout her every nerve¡ª igniting a much deeper desire inside her.


    Instinctively, Lexi tilted her head back as she felt him while biting her lower lip. "Mhmm¡­" A soft moan escaped her mouth as his tongue tickled her neck that was pleasurable at the same time. By the next second, Lexi felt his hand stroked her slim waist and then massaged her back before it reached her bra.


    Without further ado, she felt him undo her bra¡ª freeing her firm breasts. Ethan Lu didn''t fully remove it immediately as he only slid his left hand inside and cupped her right, round boob. Slowly, he fondled it as his thumb yed with her aroused nipple.


    "Wait¡­" Touching his broad shoulders, Lexi halted him from going further as they needed to shower first. She was reminded that she still had been sweating earlier and Ethan Lu had started to suck on her neck with his tongue. s, as usual, Ethan Lu would never consider an interruption as his mind was already in cloud nine.


    "Ethan," Reluctantly, Lexi used a little force to push him away. The moment Ethan Lu was disrupted, he frowned as he raised his gaze to meet hers. Regardless, his hand never parted from her breast even though it stopped from its activity.


    "Shower!" Her face was flushed by their heated kiss and from Ethan Lu''s arousing touches. However, PRIORITIES! She just told herself to prepare her body for an intense night with him, hence, it would be better to be worry-free.


    "Booo," Booing her with unsmiling lips and puppy eyes, Ethan Lu unenergeticallyined. Yet, no matter how thirsty he was for her or how against he was with the interruption, Ethan Lu stillplied as he undressed his clothes¡ª walking topless before he set the tub to fill.


    ****


    When the tub was half-filled, Lexi was already wearing a bathrobe while Ethan Lu impatiently watched it to be filled and check its temperature to be sure if it was correct. He then poured in some musk bubble soap that instantly lingered across every corner of the enormous bathroom.


    "I bought one for myself at home." Nodding in satisfaction, Lexi uttered as she watched Ethan Lu soak his hand in the tub before he turned to her direction.


    "Come here," In a low tone, Ethan Lu still felt his groin throbbed as it had been asking to be unleashed. However, Ethan Lu didn''t listen to his junior''s pleas, afraid that if he did, he wouldn''t be able to verify the water temperature. Furthermore, as he did so, a great idea hovered in his mind¡ª a steamy bath with her.


    Lexi slyly bit her lip with her eyes smiling before she went ahead and adhered to his request¡ª going to him. When she was in front of him, Ethan Lu hugged her waist. "Love, don''t interrupt me this time, please."


    "Well¡­ we''ll know." In a teasing tone, Lexi responded. Just as she replied, Ethan Lu was already pulling the strap of her bathrobe before it waspletely untangled. Without a word, his hand gently brushed her leg upward to her squishy butt.


    "Hehe, let me rephrase¡ª I can''t let you, sorry." Unlike his lethargic persona moments ago, Ethan Lu raised his gaze and a mischievous grin was stered across his lips. As he bit his lower lip, at the same time, he squeezed her butt that made her slightly jolt.


    "Ethan¡­ that''s unfair," Lexi gazed down at him with a raised brows, "Let''s make use of that tub." Slightly tilting her head towards the bathtub, Lexi winked as she neither felt shy nor resisting. After all, Ethan Lu had already touched and kissed every part of her, hence, she didn''t find any reason to be shy about anything¡ª even if she walked naked around him.


    Soon, both of them were in the tub and Lexi kept the displeased beast opposite her. Her foot was fixed on his perfectly muscr chest while she was leisurely leaning on the tub with a yful grin.


    "Love, you''re the one who''s unfair!" Protesting, Ethan Lu decided to reach for the foot that was on his chest and massaged her forefoot. Just when he was about to kiss her when he joined her in the tub, Lexi stopped his lips by her finger and then her foot pushed him on the other side¡ª opposite her.


    "Me?" Her brows arched and slowly, the foot on his chest teasingly slid down to his abs and then to his thigh¡ª avoiding the hard shaft that poked her earlier.


    Lexi then retracted her foot and then slowly crawled towards him with a seductive grin. "Am I really unfair?"

 Chapter 233 Have a taste

    <h4>Chapter 233 Have a taste</h4>


    [WARNING: THIS CHAPTER MIGHT CAUSE DISCOMFORT TO OTHERS. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED AGE 17 AND BELOW. READ WITH CAUTION.]


    Biting her lower lip, the corner of her lips subtly curled as a glint shed across her pair of nut brown eyes. Leaning a little forward, just when her lips were about to touch his, she diverted her direction and gently bit his earlobe instead.


    "Hah¡­" Ethan Lu moaned when her tongue touched his ear for a light lick. Her voice was slightly hoarse and sounded extra seductive. Her sudden naughtiness made his toes curl as his already hardened shaft cried and a drop of precum released itself.


    Lexi then did what she had learned from him as she nibbled on his earlobe down to the outline of his jaw to the side of his neck. When Ethan Lu raised his hand to stroked her nude back, Lexi smoothly stopped and pinned it on the side.


    "Tsk tsk, not so fast¡­" Clicking her tongue as she leaned back, Lexi teased him that made him faintly scoff.


    "Sexy and naughty¡­ when did you practice?" Narrowing his brows, Ethan Lu humored as he tried to bite her but to no avail, Lexi drew her head back at the same time.


    "I learned a thing or two from my first time¡­" Raising her brows as Lexi boasted, she felt satisfied seeing his dark eyes as if a beast was being restrained by thick shackles. Since the first time they had done it, Ethan Lu was mostly the one who had seen her reactions and expressions. After all, her mind at that time was muddled and only felt the sensation of his sneaky tongue and the ins and outs of hisrge shaft hammering inside her.


    Therefore, now that her shyness was enormously reduced, Lexi wanted to y a bit and see what kind of impact could she do to him if she''s the one initiating the forey.


    "Stay there," She softly warned as Lexi crawled once again to him and her lips owned his slightly gaped mouth. Ethan Lu pressed his lips against her as he restrained his hands down¡ª letting her be the lead.


    Meanwhile, under the bubble water, her gentle palms massaged the side of his muscr legs that made his already erected cock swell even more. Thanks to the soap, their bodies were both slippery as Lexi proceeded up to his V-line, then his honed abs and then to his perfectly sculpted chest. Feeling every curve, tickling his senses relentlessly, sometimes with a gentle touch, sometimes not.


    As she did so, Lexi slowly positioned herself on hisp¡ª feeling his circumcised bird between them¡ª poking her t tummy. She then wrapped her arms around his neck as their kiss deepened involving sucking, biting and kissing.


    This time, Ethan Lu''s hand could not resist any longer as it snaked around her waist and his other hand on her back. "Sorry,I can''t hold back anymore." He muttered upon parting from her lips and immediately nibbled on her upper breast where she had yet to get any soap on it.


    "Mhmm¡­" Gasping, Lexi felt more sensitive as her steamy body turned hotter as if an erupting volcano was inside her. She felt his hand squeeze her perky bottom as his other hand stroked her arm and then guided it to his mad soldier.


    Upon touching the helmet of his second head, by instinct, Lexi grasped her hand around his mast, doing a slow up and down motion.


    "Urgh¡­" He groaned in pleasure as Lexi was doing a good job stimting his phallus that its veins popped even more. Without thinking and submitting to pleasure, Ethan Lu cupped both her breast and fondled them¡ª nipping her corbones.


    He then used a little force to lift her firm breast and sucked on her right pink nipple. Just as his tongue strongly licked her nipple, he instantly retracted it with a sour expression.


    "Sweet yet bitter," He grumbled as he felt like Eve having a bite of the forbidden fruit of knowledge. Although Lexi tasted so sweet, however, half of her body was covered with bubble soap that he deliberately avoided with his kisses. Ethan Lu just got carried away as he wanted to intrude inside her while indulging himself with her bare breasts and her body as a whole.


    "Pfft¡ª!" When she heard his adorableint, Lexi faintly chuckled. She didn''t find it abrupt to the extent of killing the mood as his thirsty, displeased front was so damn attractive she could not help but kiss him.


    "Don''t get poisoned." Lexi lightly kissed the tip of his nose before it moved back to his lips¡ª tasting and changing the bitter taste of the little bit of soap with her saliva.


    As Lexi quenched his displeasure moments ago, Ethan Lu''s other hand reached for the switch¡ª turning on the shower that instantly drenched them from above. He then reluctantly broke their intense kissed and both gasped for air.


    His gaze slowly traveled to the details of her facial features as there was water dripping down on her face to her shoulder and rinsing the soap residue off of her upper breast. "I love you,"


    "I love you too." A smile formed on the side of her lips as Ethan Lu suddenly sounded sweet in the middle of their passionate forey. Still, she responded with a seconds hesitation before she slowly stood and sat on the extension of the tub¡ª revealing her soaked body.


    Just like her, Ethan Lu stood directly under the showering water. Lending out his hand to her, Ethan Lu gestured her to take his hand and stand which she did as she stood before him¡ªshowcasing her body in all its glory.


    Under the sprinkling water, Ethan Lu tenderly pulled her and his lips instantly caught hers¡ª taking her tongue and some water from the shower. The warm water from the shower desperately neutralizing their body heat, s, their temperature continued to rise with every passing second.


    Ethan Lu brushed her sexy back, down to her butt, squeezing both her cheeks before his other hand traveled a little deeper¡ª reaching for her flower. Although she was literally dripping wet from water, he felt the little sticky liquid of her love nectar.


    "Ethan¡­¡ª" Just as Lexi softly called his name out, she gasped as that made her slightly jolt as Ethan Lu suddenly inserted his finger inside her.


    To calm her down, he pulled his lips away from her and directly headed to her right breast¡ª licking the tip of her nipple by the edge of his tongue and then aggressively sucked it.


    "Ah¡­" The movements inside her and the tongue on her breast made her mind short circuit for a moment. The sensation was overwhelmingly arousing as the urge for his hard erection inside her slowly but surely became intense.


    Pulling his finger out, Ethan Lu also stopped nibbling on her other nipple as he locked eyes with her. Lexi could feel her cheeks heat up with his sticky gaze and watched him lick the finger she assumed he used to invade her territory.


    "Does it taste¡­ good?" Since he wasn''t saying a word, Lexi pursed her lips and wondered as she watched him enjoy himself tasting her love juices.


    "Mhmm¡­ I won''t share it with you, sorry." Deep and dark, Ethan Lu selfishly responded as he licked thest sweet residue on his finger.


    "Eww, no thanks."


    "Kidding¡­ have a taste." A smirk came across his lips and a fast glint shed through his inked, bewitching eyes. Without further ado, he added before owning her lips once again.


    "!!!" Lexi''s eyes dted as her hands involuntarily stopped on his shoulder. He wasn''t being gentle as Ethan Lu was akin to apletely different pervert. Even so, after a few twirls of his tongue inside her mouth, Lexi finally closed her eyes as he held back and turned a little more gentle.

 Chapter 234 I love you, Ethan.

    <h4>Chapter 234 I love you, Ethan.</h4>


    [WARNING: THIS CHAPTER MIGHT CAUSE DISCOMFORT TO OTHERS. IT IS STRONGLY NOT RECOMMENDED FOR AGE UNDER 17 AND BELOW. PLEASE READ WITH CAUTION.]


    They were showering while sharing a passionate kiss. However, why does she feel like she was profusely sweating at the same time? With just a single touch of his fingertips, her sensitive body felt more feverish. It sent a familiar feeling to her belly just like what she felt on their first time.


    His hand brushed all over her body that Lexi was unsure if there was a part of her that he hadn''t touched with his hand yet. Even so, she didn''t dislike it. Rather, she loved every touch from him¡ª sexually arousing or just pure yet a sweet caress.


    Just like what she had in mind before¡ª if it was him, Ethan Lu, she would willingly give her all. Just to this man, she had once again wanted to love as deeply as she could. Ever since she had surrendered her body to him, an emotion that she sealed before was released and her feelings for him grew clearer.


    Lexi was so stuck up and felt pressured about not returning the same love that he was giving her. However, when she stopped and thought about it¡ª Ethan Lu never pressured her to love him back as soon as possible.


    Granted that his love for her was too extreme and sweet s, he was doing it of his own volition and never required anything in return. Yes, he was hoping for her to love him back but he never forced her. Ethan Lu was just showcasing his love for her and how does this man named Ethan Lu pursue his love.


    Therefore, upon recalling all her encounters with him, Lexi''s heart was filled with nothing but warmth.


    "I love you."


    "I love you..." Out of breath, their lips slightly parted to gasp for air and his forehead rested against hers. Making sure to take in her smell, touch, and taste. Anything and everything about her.


    To Ethan Lu''s surprise, just as he said those three loving words, Lexi also muttered those same words at the same time. In retrospect, he was always the one who would say those words but now, she did.


    To others, they might take those words as a sweet, short message to ry their love for someone. But to him, it meant more than anything in this world¡ª making his already liquified heart melt even more¡ª vaporizing it into gas.


    Snaking his hand around her waist, Ethan Lu buried his head on her refined shoulder. Water dripped down directly on his back as Lexi returned the embrace of this grown man that was acting like a precious child. God knows how adorable he was as he was turning this aura of his on and off as fast as he blinked his eyes.


    "How can you sound so sweet in the middle of our forey? Making me blush, jeez¡­" Muffledlyining that didn''t sound like it, Ethan Lu mumbled.


    "What?" Chuckling, Lexi feigned innocent as her arms remained resting on his shoulders and her hands rested down to his back.


    "Say it again," Still his head on her shoulder, Ethan Lu softly demanded which she gracefully abided.


    "Ethan, I love you." With that said remarks, Ethan Lu ced a delicate kiss on the side of her neck. Despite the slight sshing water saturating them, Lexi could feel the natural moistness of his soft lips touching her skin, even his piping hot breath caressing her neck¡ª she could feel him.


    "Again, please." Feeble yet deep, Ethan Lu requested again as her voice with those words¡ª they are music to his ears with a sexy tune.


    "I love you¡­" Lexi audibly said it over and over again as Ethan Lu slowly devoured her neck as if it was his fuel. Soon, his hands were mobilized again and freely roamed around her back and squishy bottom. Slowly caressing every inch of skin he could reach at that moment.


    On the other hand, Lexi also instinctively traced the curves of his refined muscles on his back¡ª admiring them inside her mind. Her breast squeezed against his chest, slowly moving along with their slight movements.


    Slowly, Ethan Lu''s lips traveled down, leaving slight reddish marks on every part it touched¡ª adding colors to this masterpiece of a body.


    "Ah¡­" Letting out a moan, Lexi slowly closed her eyes as she felt his gentle yet aggressive sucking on her skin. He went lower and lower cing her hand in his hair.


    Running her hand through his damp hair, she slightly sped her hand, lightly tugging the strands she grabbed as his tongue met her sensitive clitoris. Yet, after he licked it once, Ethan Lu left her dripping front bottom untouched¡ª saving the best for thest with a grin seeing how many juices escaped from her.


    Taking a few bubbles in the tub, Ethan Lu washed her clean knee that she used to attack Gael Zhang. Well, he never forgot his main objective why they were inside the bathroom in the first ce.


    "Uh¡­ what are you doing?" Slightly displeased, Lexi pouted as the sensational phenomena abruptly stopped in a teasing way¡ª leaving her hanging and craving for more.


    "Priorities." Without looking up, Ethan Lu lowly exined as he rubbed his palms on her knee until it foamed.


    "This is annoying," Rolling her eyes, Lexi clicked her tongue in annoyance as she felt impatient. Was he purposely teasing her so she would beg him? Was this one of his ploys? If so, then it was soo working as Lexi felt she needed to release her built up tension inside her.


    "Stop and let''s continue..." Biting her lower lip, Lexi was grateful that it was only him that could hear her slightly desperate plea.


    "Hmm?" Pretending not to hear her resounding whisper, a devious grin formed on the side of his lips¡ª anticipating to hear her desires for him¡ª only to him.


    "Stop cleaning my knee and let''s get dirty." Being a little creative, Lexi''s brows arched as she examined his back hoping to see a slight reaction from him.


    As soon as Ethan Lu received her humor, his grin widened as his hand that was busy rubbing her knee stopped. Looking up to see her face past her exposed breast, Ethan Lu smacked her inner thigh without looking away.


    "As you please," With that said note, Ethan Lu slowly stood up, then sat on the extended edge of the tub. Leisurely cing his palms on its surface while his enormous erection stood proud, a sly smirk stered on his lips.


    Slightly nodding his head, his hand slowly reached for her hand and guided the displeased Lexi with all his interruptions through the course of their forey¡ª forgetting she had done it as well.


    "Don''t get mad¡­ I''m just teasing you, my Love." Kissing the back of her hand, Ethan Lu raised his gaze as he cutely coaxed yet, the hunger in his eyes was still very much evident.


    Pouting, her head leaned down and instantly enveloped on his lips. Her hands moved and cupped his jaw, stilling it to lock her lips with his. Lexi then ced her knees on the surface of the extension of the tub and sat on hisp¡ª not inserting his mast inside her. Yet still, she moved her body slightly across the shaft, teasing it every so gently.


    As their saliva mixed inside their mouth, tongues twirling in a harmonious rhythm, her nipples kissing his muscr chest and her lips producing soft smooching sound¡ª Lexi''s left hand stroked his biceps then to his lower back and then moved to his bare phallus.


    Her hand sped around its huge girth that could miraculously fit her soaking hole, slowly moving it in an up and down motion, every now again adding a slight twist of her hands. Her fingertips constantly rubbed the tip of his helmet¡ª sending Ethan to heaven.


    "Lexi¡­" Inside her mouth, Ethan Lu let out a low moan as he had the urge to flip her and wee himself inside her. "... I want you."


    "I know¡­" Satisfied, Lexi grinned as she continued to nibble on his lips and her grip slightly tightened by instinct, constantly moving it up and down, massaging the ''V'' below his circumcised head.


    "Ahh¡­ baby," Feeling an arousing tickle that travelled through his every nerve, Ethan Lu''s palms stroked her legs up to her firm buns. He lifted her up and guided her entrance to his hard manhood without breaking the kiss.


    "Mhmm¡­" Slowly but surely, Lexi held on his solid rod as she weed his head on her entrance. There was still a slight pain as her vulva stretched to its girth. Still, it was the pain that she would want to feel every single time.


    When half of the tip of his head was properly positioned, Lexi let go of his shaft as she slowly felt his manhood sliding inside her with her body stretching back.


    Meanwhile, Ethan Lu took this advantage as his hand secured her waist while the other cupped her breast. He sucked it, elongating her nipple by his tongue as he slowly felt her soft interiors grasp his erection.

 Chapter 235 The battle of I Love Yous

    <h4>Chapter 235 The battle of I Love You''s</h4>


    [WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS MATURE CONTENT. IT MIGHT CAUSE DISCOMFORT TO OTHERS. IT IS STRONGLY NOT RECOMMENDED TO AGE 17 AND BELOW. PROCEED WITH CAUTION]


    "Ahh¡­" Both Lexi and Ethan Lu''s lips gaped open as a soft moan escaped their mouths. She could feel his manhood satisfiably filling her¡ª poking the walls inside her lower abdomen.


    Meanwhile, Ethan Lu could feel her juicybia lips kiss the outline of his phallus and then her interior muscles massaging his mast¡ª she was so tight just like their first time. With her slow up and down motion, going in and out, while her hips slowly shifted in a rocking motion, he felt he was getting closer to heaven. She was just too heavenly that heaven blessed him to have.


    "Love¡­" He lowly growled as his hand settled on her butt cheeks, feeling it move in a slow manner that aroused him even more.


    Lexi didn''t know when she gained this skill of hers. She wasn''t a good dancer yet right now, she was engrossed into this soundless rhythm ringing inside her head¡ª making her move with every beat.


    By the next second, her body shuddered as Ethan Lu licked the sensitive underside of her breasts. Even so, Lexi didn''t stop moving her hips or rather, she couldn''t stop the pleasure she was in right now.


    His mouth shifted from one breast to another and his tongue flicked her nipple teasingly before sucking the excessive thick saliva on her skin. Retracting his head and tilting it a little further away, Ethan Lu could see her boobs swirl as they bounced, her face flushed, the pair of fierce yet teary nut-brown eyes directly looking at him, her damp hair sticking to her skin, her glowing wless skin with the droplets of water drizzled on her¡ª raising the art of excitation to a whole different level.


    Until this moment, even if it was already their second time doing it¡ª it still felt so surreal. The woman before him with her naked body in all its glory, weing him inside her, it may be odd to have this kind of thought in the middle of their intimate lovemaking but, he could not help but admire this sexy side of her.


    Damn... he just loved her, every part of her and just Lexi Yang as a whole.


    "Ahh...!" Just as Ethan Lu watched her with adoration by his weary, dark eyes¡ª satisfying herself with his manhood, Lexi slightly scratched his back that instantly reddened as her toes curled and her body shook, making her arc her back further as she was reaching her orgasm. She could feel her inner muscles spasmed¡ª contracting around his enormous pir as thick liquid dripped from her flower releasing the built-up tension inside her in the most gratifying way.


    Lexi''s head slowly copsed on his neck as she gasped for air. Her back was slowly moving along with her heavy breathing. His hand stroked her back while the other hand gently patting her head.


    "Good?" Grinning, Ethan Lu teasingly asked the exhausted Lexi.


    "Mhmm¡­" Ignoring his teasing tone, Lexi hummed a soft tune while slightly nodding her head. Well, it felt really good although it was tiring as she exerted effort this time.


    "I love you¡ª you''re only mine." Happy, Ethan Lu once again dered as he ced a soft peck on her shoulder that slightly tickled her. He continuously kissed her shoulder going to her neck that surprised Lexi.


    "Wait, aren''t you--" Suddenly, Lexi''s little energy fueled her as she lightly pushed Ethan Lu and peered him with her eyes a little dted. s, just before she could finish her sentence, she was interrupted midway as he spoke with a devious grin and a sly glint shed across his deep dark eyes¡ª finishing her sentence and humored her that made her swallow a mouthful of saliva.


    "Done? Baby girl, so naive." With that said note, Ethan Lu winked at her still bearing arge grin on his lip. "But, I will continueter. Let''s finish bathing first, you might catch a cold."


    "O-- okay¡­?" Lexi''s mind was slightly distraught as she could not believe her ears. He wasn''t done yet? He had been going in and out for god knows how long before she reached her climax. All this time, she thought he came first as he paused from molesting her body and watched her have her fill. However, he actually didn''t reach his climax yet?


    "Don''t get mad, my love. I''ve been holding it back so you won''t wake up saying you''re pregnant." Vaguely exining his side, Ethan Lu once again kissed her lips and reluctantly pulled away, afraid that he could not hold back any longer and resume devouring her right there and then.


    With his help, Lexi managed to stand up, unmounting from his hard muscle inside her. Both of them then enjoyed a nice bubble bath sharing teasing kisses and a few goodughs as Ethan Lu thoroughly sanitized both her knees. After that, when both of them were out of the tub, Ethan Lu helped her with her new bathrobe while his bathrobe was properly tied before he swiftly carried her in his arms.


    Instinctively, Lexi wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her in a bridal position. Looking at him with surprised eyes, Lexi witnessed the side of his lips curled upward before he turned his head to her.


    "Now, it''s my turn." With that said note, Ethan Lu didn''t wait for his words to process in her mind as he immediately caught her lips once again. Lexi slightly flinched with his impatience because his tongue started to move even before her mind could function. It took her three seconds to get the gist of what''s happening before Lexi closed her eyes¡ª submitting to him.


    As they locked lips, Ethan Lu slowly strode his way out of the grandiose bathroom and before they knew it, he was gentlyying her down on the bed. Slowly, his hand pulled the flimsy knotted sash that soon revealed her nudity. Without breaking their deep kiss, Ethan Lu cupped her breast, tenderly fondled it, brushing her again erecting nipple.


    "Mhmm¡­" Upon feeling his hand on her once again, Lexi could not help but let out a permissive moan. It then slowly moved down, tracing her curves with his palm and then touched her honeypot¡ª as if checking if it was soaked enough to slid his swelling cock inside.


    To both their surprise, Lexi was too sensitive and just a quick fondling of her breast and exchanging sweet tongue kisses, it was enough to arouse and make her wet.


    Ethan Lu gently bit her lower lip, "Love, you''re really sensitive¡ª I love it." Without further ado, Ethan Lu devoured her lips once again as he positioned his hard rod on her entrance.


    Slowly, he lightly knocked on the door to heaven calledbia lips before he intruded, stretching her hymen to fit his girth. "Sh*t¡­" Ethan Lu could not help but lowly cursed feeling her soft inside once again. He had been controlling himself so much since earlier, hence, he had the urge to endlessly hammed her insides to his heart''s content.


    However, he could not be that rough to her as he wanted to make love with her not have sex with her. Hence, despite the strong temptation, Ethan Lu started slowly but surely until she was soaked enough to hasten his pace. Soon, both their bodies danced with every beat of his thrust.


    Her hand ran through his unruly, damp hair as Lexi moaned relentlessly¡ª softly calling his name. This only caused another phenomenal arousal in him as Ethan Lu''s rigid rod thrust faster and faster. Several secondster when Lexi reached her orgasm again and her inside grasped around his shaft¡ª Ethan Lu neared his climax.


    This time, he pulled his manhood out of her and continued to stimte it before it erupted on her lower abdomen. His semen sprinkled on her as Ethan Lu leaned down for a kiss. When thest drop of thick fluid trickled down, he copsed on her side¡ª sweating from his night activity.


    Both panted as they gasp for air. Despite their steamy bath scene, Ethan Lusted longer than she expected that Lexi herself felt tired from all the thrusting. Nevertheless, she enjoyed their intimate time together.


    "I don''t want it to end just yet¡ª I came too early." Under his breath, Ethan Lu murmured as he looked at the ceiling. Disappointment and fulfillment lingered in his voice as he didn''t want to reach his climax just yet. After all, the pleasure and love at the same time were too overwhelming in a way that he wished he could do it all night without a pause.


    "Pfft--" Chuckling, Lexi slightly shook her head at his remarks. "Don''t you want me to get up tomorrow?"


    "Hehe," Ethan Lu mischievously giggled. After resting for a while, he then stood up and fetched a tissue and wipes to wipe the semen on her toned tummy.


    After cleaning her up, both did their respective activities, dressing intofortable nightwear with Lexi borrowing his shirt and pajamas again. Although Ethan Lu managed to purchase the same brand she uses so whenever she was staying over, her lotion, skincare, and underwear¡ª Ethan Lu liked seeing her wear his clothes.


    When Lexi was done putting some cream on her face, she headed to the bed where he was intently watching her with an adoring gaze. Ethan Lu was leaning his back against the bed''s headboard as his gaze followed the approaching Lexi until she jumped on the mattress and snuck herself under the nket


    Laying next to him, Lexi immediately snuggled to him like a spoiled baby wanting more attention and love. Of course, seeing her acting sweet and cute, his hand automatically rested on top of her head and stroked her hair.


    "Love me." Lexi muffledly requested as she slightly shook her shoulders¡ª still hugging his lean waist.


    "Aiya, this baby¡­" Grinning, Ethan Lu slowly slid down andid next to her. His arms as her pillow as he turned to the side to face her and returned her embrace.


    "I love you." cing a peck on her forehead, a content grin stered across his lips. He loved their passionate love making but he also loved this simple yet heart fulfilling gesture.


    "I love you too." Returning his kiss, Lexi mimicked him as she leaned forward and kissed the apex of his nose.


    "No, I love you more." Not conceding, Ethan Lu''s smile reached from ear to ear as he kissed her forehead once again.


    "No, I love you even more." Again, Lexi giggled as she didn''t back down and kissed his chin this time. Their battle of ''I love you''s'' continued and became more and more creative¡ª involving the sun, the moon, the stars, and even the whole gxy with kisses every time.


    They only stopped when Ethan Lu said that she was turning him on and he was getting horny that might lead to another round; which actually happened once again¡ª leading them to sleep naked in the end with a content heart and in each other''s embrace.

 Chapter 236 I am happy— I am crying

    <h4>Chapter 236 I am happy¡ª I am crying</h4>


    In the middle of the night, for some reason, Lexi woke up as she felt her throat was dry. Although the temperature inside the master''s bedroom was chilly, Lexi was somehow sweating. Raising her gaze to see the sleeping face of Ethan Lu, a subtle smile formed on the side of her lips. Her hand slowly raised and traced his facial features: from his eyebrows to the bridge of his nose and then to his thin lips.


    His face was well-made as it suited him the best¡ª he was too pretty. No wonder he easily became a ''yboy'' as women would really throw themselves at him with his charming smile. Maybe it was because she likes him now, that Lexi appreciated his looks and his personality even more.


    Even so, Lexi was d that Ethan Lu was more than what meets the eye. Behind his yboy facade, Ethan Lu was gentle, lovable, understanding, and faithful. He let go of the title of being a casanova and gave up thepany of many gorgeous girls¡ª choosing to be by her side and ept all her crap.


    Until now, she didn''t know why he had chosen her¡ª not in her best state at that. Yet, it wasn''t that she wasining but she could not help but wonder. After all, she had the initial motive of why she let him in her life in the first ce because of the system. However, she could not thank the system enough for her second chance in life to give her the best she did not fathom to happen.


    Who would have thought that after giving up her life¡ª a flying dumpling would say the most ridiculous thing after death¡ª congrattions! After that, she introduced her to the system and the task she must do.


    At first, Lexi never thought that she''d grow so attached to the system''s guide and how it led her to this man with her odd and mischievous way of doing things. Nheless, she was grateful that she didn''t die back then. Hence, she swore to live to the fullest with this second chance in life¡ª no matter how tough things would be that she''d face in the future, Lexi was certain that she would persevere. After all, she realized that the people behind her were the strong support she could not imagine having: Her parents, her newfound friends, Ethan Lu, andstly, the being that knew her inside out, Churu.


    "What a thought at this hour¡­" Lightly chuckling, Lexi shook her head as she found herself having such a wonderful realization at this hour. Normally, whenever she woke up untimely, her mind was always nk until she goes back to sleep.


    "Speaking of Churu¡­ I wonder what she was doing, she didn''t show up since earlier." Murmuring, Lexi carefully slid out from Ethan Lu''s embrace, afraid to wake him up. After she sessfully got onto the other side of the bed, Lexi was about to grab the ss of water Ethan Lu left on the bedside table but to her luck, it was already empty as they exercised a few more rounds before they went to sleep.


    "Ugh¡­" Letting out a frustrated grumble, Lexi was forced to cautiously get out of bed and fetch herself a ss of water downstairs.


    The moment she stood up on the side of the bed, her body shuddered as the chilly inbound breeze brushed on her back. Since she was ratherzy, Lexi only picked up the clothes near her reach¡ª a bathrobe.


    Giving Ethan Lu ast nce, Lexi went out bringing the empty ss of water with her. Fortunately, the ce had dim lights and hence, she could still see her way towards the kitchen where the fridge resided. She got another ss of water and returned the one she brought with her cing it on the kitchen counter.


    After Lexi replenished her throat, she let out a soft ''ahh,'' as she felt a little better. Refilling her ss before cing the pitcher back in the fridge, she took her time this time as she headed back to the master''s bedroom. s, just as Lexi was in the living area, a small being gleaming under the dim light caught her eyes that made her tracks halt.


    Turning to see Churu sitting alone on top of the small table, her brows knitted seeing that Churu was faintly glowing. Churu''s back looked mncholic and distant that Lexi felt a pang in her heart that pricked it.


    "Sissy?" Softly calling her, Lexi carefully made her steps towards her. When she reached near her and was standing in front of the small table, Lexi leaned her head to the side to see get a glimpse of Churu''s side. However, before she could take a proper peek, Lexi stopped when she heard Churu speak.


    "Lexi, can I ask for a favor?"


    "Huh?" Confused, Lexi''s brows knitted even more by the sudden request Churu was asking. Even so, she patiently waited for her to speak her request.


    "Can you not use your reward forpleting the task on me?"


    "You mean the one wish I have?" Frowning, Lexi heavily exhaled with a displeased look on her face. Well, after having the best people around her: friends, family, and a lover¡ª Lexi already nned to use that wish for Churu to stay until the end. After all, Lexi had already concluded that Churu would leave her once the system task waspleted'' which she would not allow to happen.


    "Yes, that one." This time, Churu turned around and mustered all her courage to face her host.


    To Lexi''s surprise, there was a tear in the corner of Churu''s eyes that she had never seen before. That instant, Lexi''s heart uncontrobly pounded as she crouched down to meet Churu''s eye level.


    "Sissy, what''s happening? Why are you crying and why--" Upon a closer look, Lexi could not finish her sentence as her words choked in her throat. Hence, she could only finish her statement inside her mind.


    ''Why¡­ why do you seem to fade¡­?''


    "Because I am happy¡ª I am crying." Seeing that Lexi''s eyes started to create a river of liquid on her eyes, Churu sweetly smiled. "Lexi, I''m sorry but I have a secret I have to tell you." Swallowing down a mouthful of saliva, the corner of Churu''s lips trembled.


    "There was another reason why I epted this job as your guide, it''s because¡­ I really want to see you again, Tora. Even if we cannot be friends again, even if you wouldn''t treat me well¡ª I always wanted to know how were you doing even though you''ve be a small part of Lexi." As Churu uttered her words, her high-pitch voice cracked and a tear slowly stained her white, glowing cheeks. Her eyes deep within Lexi as if she was talking to another person inside her soul¡ª the person she failed in the past


    "Churu, what are you saying? Stop saying nonsense¡ª why are you glowing and¡­ fading?" Hurt and confused, Lexi desperately tried to grab Churu but the moment she did, her heart sank as her hands went through her¡ª like an untouchable air. Lexi blinked a couple of times as she attempted to have a grasp of the little dumpling but still, she couldn''t.


    "No, no, no, Churu stop ying these tricks¡ª I can''t touch you." Her voice was frantic as Lexi helplessly tried tough that didn''t sound joyous. Rather, that was herst straw to convince herself that Churu was only pranking her.


    "Lexi, that''s useless. You muted the system so you didn''t know that youpleted all the tasks. So, it''s just about time to leave..." Smiling yet still tears were welling up, Churu was moved to see that Lexi was as unready as her. However, despite that her departure came much earlier than expected¡ª Churu already epted her fate.

 Chapter 237 Then, thats my wish...

    <h4>Chapter 237 Then, that''s my wish...</h4>


    Upon hearing herst remarks, Lexi bit her trembling lower lip as hard as she could. Droplets of tears started to fall from her eyes one after another. She could feel her heart thump in a painful way as saliva choked her throat.


    "No, you can''t... " Were the only words that escaped her mouth as Lexi once again attempted to hold her. Yet, every failed attempt broke her heart. She was still in front of her, the adorable, cheerful dumpling but why¡­ why was her heart aching as if she lost her already?


    "No, no, you can''t¡ª you can''t, Churu." Despite the striking pain piercing her heart, Lexi didn''t stop from trying to hold her. "Please¡­ why can''t I¡ª don''t do this¡­" Choking, Lexi sobbed as her desperation grew stronger and stronger.


    "Myst wish, yes that''s it! I don''t want you to go¡ª just stay with me forever. I will make you tons of facial masks and gift you all the skincare you ever want! You like them right? I will also make you loads of good dresses, right?! Sissy, quick unmute the system so I can make myst wish! You can''t leave me." Recalling her sliver of hope, Lexi sped her hands together as her eyes slightly brightened while she proposed all the things that Churu loved in this world.


    "You can''t¡­"


    "Churu! This is my wish and stop saying nonsense! Just do what I tell you, okay?" Furious, Lexi gritted her teeth as she felt like smacking this dumpling''s little head by her stubbornness. Even so, Lexi was more hurt that Churu was saying this stuff to her.


    Doesn''t she want to stay with her just like what Lexi desired? Did she grow tired of her drama and hence she didn''t want to stay longer? Were the memories they shared together, their happy giggles, their not so fun facts, the scrubbing each other''s back while bathing sessions, and most importantly, the heartwarming hugs they exchanged¡ª did Churu not value them?


    "Sissy, can you just stay and let''s just live happily together? Have you grown tired of me?" With this said note, Lexi covered her mouth as a muffled sob was released as an overwhelming void marked itself on her heart¡ª leaving it empty and lonely.


    "Lexi, Morris Liu is dying at this moment¡ª it''s all over the news. Use your wish to help him live¡ª you still love him right?" Slowly flying in front of her, Churu rubbed the back of her hand that was on the surface of the table. s, although it seemed she was touching her, Churu could not feel the warmth of her host''s hand and if she pushed her hand a little more¡ª it will pass through like a spirit that she originally was.


    "Your love for him might not be just like it is for Ethan Lu, but, I know¡­ you still love him as a big brother." Raising her welling gaze, Churu gently smiled as she finally understood Lexi''s faithful heart.


    "One way or another, whether it is today or the next few decades, we will have to bid our farewell. Lexi, you will grow old and eventually leave this world but I won''t. Also, I will be alone and lonely if I have to witness you die again¡ª I might end upmitting a crime again." Pursing her white lips, Churu leaned her cheeks on the back of her hand hoping to feel her for thest time. s, this situation was truly cruel to her as Churu felt her soul slowly fade and lighten.


    "So, please, let me be selfish and save me from going through all that¡ª use your wish as myst wish as well." Tears dripped down on Churu''s eyes that passed through Lexi''s hand.


    Lexi did not respond as the hand she used to cover her mouth gently lowered¡ª attempting to pat the dumpling''s back. But the moment she did, Lexi sobbed even more as her shoulders trembled because she could only pretend to pat her back.


    "Is that... what you really want?" In between her hups, Lexi''s heart clenched¡ª stopping her heartbeat for a second. "Can you just ask God not to let you go and stay with me? Can''t you... do that?"


    "Mhmm, I can''t." Churu''s voice sounded weak and muffled. Her glow grew dim as she slowly turning transparent. Seeing this, Lexi''s back uncontrobly trembled as she bit her lower lip even harder¡ª suppressing her hysterical cries.


    "Then¡ª" Choking, Lexi hung her head low as she seemed like she could not bring herself from saying her wish. Why must she have to choose between Morris Liu''s life and Churu? Why does herst wish feel so painful it breaks her heart?


    "Then, that''s my wish¡­" As she said these words, an unimaginable pain pierced her heart. Upon hearing this, the side of Churu''s lips subtly curled upward and with a weak snap of her finger, the system disyed to her head and in front of Lexi saying: "The Host''s Last Wish Fulfilled!"


    Still, both of them didn''t pay attention to it as Lexi cried her heart out while Churu''s consciousness slowly faded and felt weaker with every passing second.


    "Churu, I love you." Lexi closed her eyes¡ª making a pool of liquid behind her eyelids. She mustered all her energy to say the words she hasn''t told Churu.


    "If I had a little sister¡ª I always wished it was you."


    "I''m d to hear that as well¡­" The rest of Churu''s sentence was hardly audible as she slowly waned.


    "No, no, no, please¡­" Seeing this, Lexi pat Churu''s disappearing body. s, her hand onlynded on the back of her hand¡ª making her bawl her eyes out even more as her hups constantly intervened with her breathing.


    "You can''t, Sissy¡­" Lexi continuously and desperately tried to hold onto her until Churu vanished¡ª leaving bits of tiny glowing particles as her remnants and Lexi with an untouchable void in her heart.


    "Churu..." Lexi wanted to scream her heart out, be hysterical yet, she only cried while covering her mouth under the dim light of the living area. Her eyes began to blur when a light hand patted her back.


    Lexi didn''t bother to turn around as she continued to cry. The happiness that filled her heart earlier was drastically turned into pain. How could this happen? Just when she feltplete and content¡ª one important person left her. Was this the necessary bargain of her happiness? Sadness in the end?


    If so, why would the Absolute One make her happy if He wanted her to suffer in the end? Was He ying with her? Was He entertained with all this? Just WHY?


    "It hurts¡­" Lexi audibly muttered in between her hups and excessive cries. Pulling her knees to her chest, Lexi buried her face on her knees as she continued to sob.


    Louis Lu continued to pat her shaking back without a word. He was neither too close or too far from her¡ª just enough to lightly pat her back. He let her cry until she could no longer shed another tear and only her hups were left¡ª resounding across the living area.


    Since the guest room was closer to the living area and he always slept with his other eye conscious, he heard the muffled cries from the living area. There, he saw her talking and crying like a delusional person. However, instead of thinking Lexi had gone mad¡ª her cries were too real and seeped her pain along with it. Hence, he set aside his curiosity and patted her back seeing her slowly breakdown.


    Louis Lu then looked up as he heard the master''s bedroom opened. Therefore, he stopped patting her back and soundlessly stood, leaving the seemingly tired Lexi who unconsciously fell asleep on her knees. He didn''t make a sound as Louis Lu headed to the kitchen preventing Ethan Lu from seeing him so he wouldn''t get the wrong idea. Still, Louis Lu nced at Lexi''s small frame before hepletely left her.

 Chapter 238 Did you perhaps... know?

    <h4>Chapter 238 Did you perhaps... know?</h4>


    Minutes ago¡­


    Ethan Lu was deep in his sleep¡ª dreaming a very nice scene of Lexi and their kids running around in some garden. Seeing this, Ethan Lu was about to give her a back hug in his dream


    However, when he did in real life, his brows knitted sensing an empty space beside him.


    Slowly, his eyes opened and Lexi wasn''t there. "Love?" Through his hoarse throat, Ethan Lu deeply called yet, no one answered.


    He rubbed his weary eyes as he sat up. Scanning the room, the space under the bathroom door wasn''t showing a light nor was the walk-in closet.


    Ethan Lu remained in his position for another minute, waiting for Lexi to show up but she didn''t. Hence, despite the tired muscles and still weak knees from their intense love making earlier, Ethan Lu got out of bed and got dressed to check where Lexi had gone.


    The moment he opened the master''s bedroom door, an indistinct and faint noise downstairs instantly reached his ears. Taking one step out of the room, Ethan Lu''s senses heightened as his focus was on the sound until the muffled cries stopped. Still, before the cries stopped, Ethan Lu managed to distinguish that it was Lexi.


    Therefore, without further ado, Ethan Lu sprinted downstairs just to see Lexi hugging her knees while her head was buried on her knees as well. The instant he saw her small frame, his tracks came into a full halt.


    For some reason, the aura around the living area was too gloomy that even he felt mncholic. Seeing her back, Ethan Lu felt something prick his heart without knowing the reason why.


    He slowly took very light¡ª as light as a feather steps to Lexi before he squatted down.


    "Hey¡­ Love¡­?" Softly calling out, Ethan Lu ced his hand on her back. "What are you doing here?" His voice was filled with concern as peeked on her side.


    Ethan Lu didn''t know why but right now, he could feel a hand clenching his heart¡ª tightly. Even without seeing her face, his hand on her back slightly trembled as he could vividly feel the depressing aura she was emitting.


    "Don''t go¡­" Faintly, Lexi murmured before her body slowly fell on the side. Fortunately, Ethan Lu was there to catch her or else, she wouldnd on the carpeted floor.


    Gazing down, under the dim yellowish lights of the living area, Ethan Lu saw a tear fall from her closed eyes that traveled to the bridge of her nose.


    "Love¡­ why are you crying¡­?" Seeing just a tear drop from her eye, an unbearable pang struck his heart once more. Slightly shaking her, it appeared that Lexi cried herself to sleep.


    "It''s okay, now¡­ I''m here, my love." Ethan Lu didn''t know what happened to her which made him more anxious. Was she having a panic attack? A mental breakdown? After all, Lexi was still coping from her mental health with the help of Doctor Xu¡ª the Yang family''s trusted family doctor.


    Still, his heart hurt to witness that Lexi was going through something like this when she''s alone. After all, she was a strong, independent woman that wouldn''t easily tell her crap to others and keep it to herself. Therefore, he wanted her to get better and rece all the heartaches she had with his overflowing love.


    Kissing the top of her head, Ethan Lu secured her petite figure in his embrace and stood, carrying her light body. He looked down at her and ced another soft kiss on her head that was on his chest before he started taking strides back to his bedroom.


    Heid her down on the soft mattress and tucked her in. Ethan Lu didn''t immediatelyy down beside her as he peered at her swollen eyelids and her red lips that it seemed she bit as hard as she could.


    Tracing her delicate yet sharp facial features, Ethan Lu gently stroked the strands of hair on her face to the side. He then lightly wiped the leftover tears on her soaked eyshes until they were dry.


    "Lexi¡­ were you this sad before¡­?" His brows creased even more as his jaw tightened.


    Just then, he snapped from his mncholic trance as he heard a vibrating phone on the surface of the bedside table. Turning to the bedsides direction, Ethan Lu''s eyesnded on his phone screen that was shingly lighting up while vibrating by an iing call.


    He sprawled his arms toward his phone and his brows furrowed seeing Chris Yu''s contact name on the screen. s, even before he could answer it, the call ended¡ª showing numerous missed call from his friends.


    "Hmm? Are they partying?" Inside his mind, if only Chris Yu left a missed call, he would have thought that it would be important. However, Elliot Gong and even his always busy friend Kevin Woo left a few missed calls that made him specte that they were partying and wanted to invite him over. Therefore, Ethan Lu didn''t want to bother to call them back and sleep beside his crying queen.


    s, just as he was about to return the phone back to the bedside table, it rang again¡ª Chris Yu was calling again!


    ''Why was he calling again?'' This time, instead of feeling annoyed, part of him felt rmed.


    Hence, Ethan Lu nced at Lexi and quickly skimmed if she was securely tucked in. After he was convinced, Ethan Lu went out to the balcony from his room and answered the iing call.


    "Do you know what time is it?"


    "I don''t care! Do you know what happened?! Where the hell are you? Is she with you? Damn!" Agitated, Chris Yu started to grumble his words as if Ethan Lu had owed a huge debt to him.


    "Hey, why are you asking if Lexi was with me? What happened?" Furrowing his brows, Ethan Lu subconsciously nced back and looked at Lexi''s sleeping back through the ss sliding door.


    "Damn¡­ can you answer your phone next time when I call so many times? I thought something happened to you as well. Tsk shit!" Chris Yu kicked the air as he almost died from nervousness while trying to reach his friend.


    Currently, Chris Yu was at the end of the corridor from the surgery room of the hospital. Some of his friends: Kevin Woo and Elliot Gong were sitting and waiting near the surgery room and none of them were speaking.


    By the looks of it, the two of them rushed their way there as Kevin Woo was wearing a trendy formal wear as if he was at a party when the news reached him while Elliot Gong was only wearing a in sweater and a face mask, covering half of his face.


    On the other hand, Chris Yu had blood smeared all over him and even his hands, there were remnants of dried blood that he overlooked to wash.


    If not for the fact that he needed to guard Morris Liu to prevent an assant to sabotage the surgery that the doctors were performing right now¡ª he would have bolted to Ethan Lu''s private vi.


    Thus, Chris Yu only left a voicemail to Ethan Lu''s assistant, Lyrick Jiang but to no avail, he never heard anything back from his assistant. Hence, to make his heart at ease, he asked his other two friends to alternately reach Ethan Lu.


    "Something happened to me as well? Chris¡­ what happened?" Ethan Lu''s voice deepened as his eyes darkened. His grip around his phone slightly tightened as he prepared himself to hear the unsightly news he assumed he would hear.


    "Tsk, Brother Mo was ambushed on his way to a meeting and was shot many times¡ª shit! He is currently being operated on at Jin Medical but the chances¡ª" Chris Yu aggressively ruffled his hair as he ground his teeth. He could not bear to ry what the doctors told them earlier as it pained him.


    Ethan Lu felt his heart sink the moment he heard the news. He already assumed that something dire happened but still, his heart wasn''t prepared for it. He nced back at Lexi once again and his jaw tightened.


    ''Did you perhaps... know?'' Suddenly, this thought hovered in his head because it was too coincidental. But, he didn''t want to conclude just yet and he decided to ask her tomorrow.


    "Send me what hospital he is in¡ª I will send my men to guard the area." With that said note, Ethan Lu abruptly ended the call before he turned to face the room and stared at her back through the ss sliding door.


    No one knew what he had in mind for a brief moment before Ethan Lu slightly shook his head and dialed Lyrick Jiang''s private phone¡ª giving his orders which was executed without a seconds dy.

 Chapter 239 He’s fine now... Isnst that what’s important?

    <h4>Chapter 239 He¡¯s fine now... Isn''st that what¡¯s important?</h4>


    The next morning¡­


    Lexi woke up next to Ethan Lu. The instant she saw his beautiful side profile, her gaze softened. However, no matter how she was relieved to see him early in the morning, her heart felt heavy.


    "Mhmm¡­" Turning to his side, his hand came to life and instantly wrapped around her, pulling her closer to his warm embrace.


    "...morning." He softly greeted with his eyes still closed. His hand stroked her back as ifforting her.


    "Mhmm, goodmorning." Trying to throw the heavy emotion on the back of her mind, Lexi snuggled in his chest like a clingy kitten. Lexi''s unexpected response made Ethan Lu creased his brows as his lids slowly opened; the hands that was rubbing on her back came into a pause.


    "How are you feeling?"


    "Sleepy¡ª" Just when Lexi subtly smile, memories fromst night came rushing inside her head that made her abruptly stop.


    In her memory, she woke upst night feeling her dry throat and went to the kitchen to salivate her throat. And then, when she came back¡­ everything seemed vague and thest thing she knew was that she was crying her heart out, a light hand patting her back which she assumed was Ethan Lu before she fell asleep.


    "What¡­" Confused, Lexi could only mutter one word as her head throbbed the more she thought about the reason why she was cryingst night.


    Suddenly, her world seemed to stop as another piece of information went inside her head. "Brother Mo," Lexi lightly pushed Ethan Lu away as her eyes gaped open, her hand balled into a fist on his chest and trembled.


    Ethan Lu emotionlessly stared at her shocked expression as she raised her gaze to meet his.


    "He is in the hospital."


    "What? What happened to him?" Still confused on how she knew that Morris Liu''s life was in critical condition¡ª Lexi didn''t dwell on it because what''s important was the fact that Morris Liu was dying.


    "He was shot." nkly giving her the information he receivedst night, Ethan Lu didn''t let her go and only stared at her bewildered front.


    "What? How¡ª why?!" Trying to process the shocking words as immediately as she could, Lexi locked eyes with his unreadable pair of eyes. Since it was the news she didn''t expect early in the morning, Lexi was quite dumbfounded by the news. Hence, she was rather reckless with her response without considering what would he feel.


    "He''s fine now¡­ isn''t that what''s important?" Call him petty for having ridiculous thoughts that almost made him stay awake through the night. However, the possibility that the reason why Lexi bawled her eyes out until she fell asleepst night was because of another man. Moreover, herst murmurs while she was asleep ''don''t go¡­'' kept ringing in his head.


    Ethan Lu condemned himself many timesst night. After all, Morris Liu was his friend that was akin to a brother¡ª no matter what disagreement they had¡ª Morris Liu would forever be his ally. However, right now, his growing jealousy towards the man was slowly uniting and getting stronger.


    He knew that she would still be concerned for him, he understood that she would get worried¡ª they had history together even before their tragic ending happened. Still, he was only a human. He could not help but feel displeased as his lover was crying because of another man. Why must she shed a tear for him again?


    Ethan Lu''s mind was muddled with thoughts that he chose not to speak.


    "He''s alright¡­?" Scrutinizing his front, Lexi''s heart felt a little relieved. Regardless, she wanted to ascertain the truth to ease her worried heart.


    Well, although the shock she had made her undoubtedly worried¡ª Lexi was certain it wasn''t the reason why she was crying a riverst night. Still, she would think about what happenedst night and why does she feel empty? As if she was missing something really important.


    "Mhmm¡­ Miraculously, the surgery was a sess." Slightly nodding his head, Ethan Lu didn''t have much change in his stoic face, not letting the thoughts inside his mind go out.


    "I see¡­ I''m relieved." Heaving a sigh of relief, the tension on her face softened as she squeezed herself back into him. Herst remarks and action made Ethan Lu stiffen for a second as he expected her to ask him to go to the hospital.


    s, she didn''t. Instead, her face rxed and cuddled with him as if he was her safe haven. That very instant, his clenched jaw loosened up and the thousands of words inside his mind was immediately reced with peace.


    ''Silly me¡­'' Scoffing inside his head, Ethan Lu felt ashamed for having such enviousness. Perhaps it was theck of sleep that made him a little grumpy and made his imagination run wild early in the morning.


    "Sorry, " As Ethan Lu returned her warmth, he murmured¡ª sounding sorry for being petty.


    "Hmm?"


    "For a moment, I was jealous of him¡ª sorry." Burying his face on her neck, he got a whiff of the sweet scent of her silky hair.


    "Huh?" Frowning, Lexi didn''t retract her head away from him. "Why were you jealous?"


    "You''re cryingst night, because of another man." This time, Ethan Lu drew away from her neck and slightly leaned back to meet her confused eyes.


    "Love, I don''t like to see you cry¡ª I never intend to make you cry so, I can''t let others make you shed a tear¡ª I can''t forgive them." Unlike his nk expression earlier, Ethan Lu''s expression this time was filled with fear.


    "Okay?" Slightly raising his brows, Ethan Lu patiently waited for her agreement.


    "Alright, sorry to make you jealous but he''s not the reason why I was cryingst night¡ª I actually don''t know the reason but I''m certain it wasn''t him." Subtly smiling, Lexi understood where he wasing from. However, no matter how unbelievable her exnation was¡ª she would not even believe it if they exchanged ces but, what should she say? After all, that was the truth.


    "I see¡­" Moving closer again, back to her embrace, Ethan Lu didn''t press on the matter anymore. Just like Lexi, her reasoning was not enough to convince him. s, his overflowing love for her was enough to convince himself.


    To him, it didn''t matter whether she was telling the truth or lying just to make him feel better. What''s important to him was Lexi. Ethan Lu would believe anything she''d say and treat them as nothing but truths. If she was telling a fact then that''s a relief to him but if not, then he''ll pretend that it was the truth.


    He knew he was a lost cause, that even if she would lie even after getting caught, Ethan Lu was willing to turn a blind eye¡ª that''s how powerless he was to her.


    "Let''s drop by in the hospitalter?" Diverting their subject, Ethan Lu lowly invited her to visit his number one love rival. Well, if Lexi wanted to visit him, then, why would he take that away from her? After all, before they became lovers, Morris Liu had been a good friend to her and to him.


    "Let''s do that¡ª I''m sure Mom and Dad would be there as well." Nodding her head, Lexi closed her eyes as hugging him made her heavy heart a little lighter.


    She appreciated him for not pressing about the matter and acted mature while trusting her unbelievable words. Indeed, she was lucky to have someone as understanding and lovable like Ethan Lu¡ª she could not ask for a better partner.


    "I love you." Before going to sleep, Lexi ced thest lock of security on his slightly unstable heart with those three simple words.


    "I love you more." Gently smiling, his tense shoulders rxed even more as both of them cuddled for half an hour before preparing for the day.


    To Ethan Lu, she doesn''t revolve around his world anymore as she became his world. All the lingering worries he hadpletely vanished away as he ced all his faith and trust in her and their rtionship. Whether it was Morris Liu or the Lu family, he wouldn''t let anyone take his heart, his lover, his future wife, and his world from him.


    He didn''t even feel guilty for being lovey-dovey with her while his beloved friend was in the hospital¡ª recovering. Call him selfish and a traitor, but Ethan Lu had turned selfish to have enjoyed this leisure memory with her.

 Chapter 240 Ethan’s different perspective

    <h4>Chapter 240 Ethan¡¯s different perspective</h4>


    Just like they had nned, Ethan Lu and Lexi drove towards the main branch of Jin Medical Group where Morris Liu was transferredst night to recover. However, the entrance of the said establishment was filled with reporters that seemed like they camped outside of the building just to get their scoop.


    Well, the news was all over the news now as Morris Liu, the CEO of Liu Empire was shot¡ª arising some spections and public interest especially in the businessworld. Not to mention, the always peaceful city of country Y that was known for its tight security and low crime rate. Therefore, an important figure of the economy being ambushed rmed thew officials¡ª making things moreplicated.


    "These people¡­ jeez! Can''t they give him some ck? Brother Mo was shot for f*ck''s sake!" Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Ethan Lu grumbled upon seeing numerous reporters almost blocking their car to enter the prestigious hospital.


    Fortunately, the Jin Medical Group foreseen thising, thus, the reporters could only wait outside of the driveway of the establishment with guards securing the entrance. Still, it was hard to enter without people taking a peek at who were the people inside the car. Luckily, Ethan Lu''s car was tinted and was hard to see the people inside.


    "They''re just doing their jobs¡ª let''s enter via the hospital''s backdoor." Slightly shaking her head, Lexi remembered how these reporters hounded her when her scandal broke out. It was still a miracle that she managed to get home back then to ensue her suicide attempt.


    These people were always like this; they don''t care what the involved parties feelings and squeeze whatever information they could to share to the world.


    "Tsk," Ethan Lu only clicked his tongue once again but said no words again. After great effort, their car finally passed through the crowd and after entering the hospital''s establishment, their short drive was smooth sailing.


    Just as instructed, Ethan Lu didn''t stop at the main entrance of the hospital but headed straight away to the parking space. Since this hospital was reliable to its patients and their visitor''s privacy¡ª Lexi and Ethan Lu were at ease.


    Unbuckling his seatbelt before helping with hers, Ethan Lu gently reached for her hand that made her turn her head to him.


    "He''ll be fine." In his most sincere tone, Ethan Lu reassured Lexi. Despite his jealousy earlier this morning, Ethan Lu wanted her not to worry so much. After all, Morris Liu was now in a state of aa that made him anxious as well.


    Lexi subtly smiled knowing what he desires and fears. She slightly nodded her head as she ced her other hand on top of his hand. "I know¡­ he will wake up."


    She was thankful that Ethan Lu''s understanding grew more vast. Lexi was certain that he was just as worried as her¡ª they were brothers after all.


    Just then, Ethan Lu''s phone vibrated inside his pocket suit that snapped him back to reality.


    "I will go first¡ª answer the call, it might be important." Smiling, Lexi instructed as Ethan Lu moved all of his morning schedule forter. Hence, she knew that Ethan Lu must tend to them. Also, she''s certain that there wouldn''t be any problem inside the establishment.


    "Alright¡­ I will follow you after this call." Reluctantly nodding in agreement, Ethan Lu slightly frowned as he wanted to escort her to Morris Liu''s room. s, when he saw who was calling, he should answer it.


    "Okay, see youter." Seeing the reluctance in his eyes, Lexi leaned forward and ced a soft peck on his thin lips.


    "Don''t open the door for me¡ª I can manage." With that said note, Lexi giggled guessing what''s inside his mind. ncing at his frowning front for thest time, Lexi shook her head with the corner of her lips curled upwards.


    When Lexi left the car, his gaze followed her figure as it walked until she reached the back entrance to the hospital. He didn''t answer the iing call just yet until Lexi entered the establishment and he could no longer see her.


    His phone stopped vibrating, leaving a missed call notification on his phone. Without further ado, Ethan Lu returned the call of Lyrick Jiang. Even before the sound rings, the call was instantly answered¡ª connecting immediately on the line.


    "Young Master, I got the reports¡ª only a few people involved in the shooting were caught by Mr. Yu''s men¡ª the rest got away." Firm and serious, Lyrick Jiang didn''t go through unnecessary pleasantries and reported right away.


    "So, did you find the rest?" Tapping on his steering wheel, Ethan Lu''s aura gradually changed and a dangerous aura glint shed across his eyes.


    "Yes. Just like what young master concluded¡ª a few people attempted to give Mr. Liu the final blow. But, due to tight security, the very few people left decided to retreat. Our team followed them and found their hideout. Currently, everyone was being held inside their quarters by our team." Lyrick Jiang serially reported the detailed summary ofst night''s event.


    Still, although Ethan Lu''s insight was urate, something inside him felt their n went without any problems. Hence, he could not help but overthink.


    "Send me the location. Make sure none of them will be able to take their own life. I will surrender them to Chris¡ª let the authorities handle it."


    "Yes, young master." With that said remarks, Ethan Lu ended the call and speed-dialed Chris Yu''s personal number to ry his news. After all, he didn''t want to talk about it personally especially with every important person that he cared about would be around them.


    "Chris, are you still inside?"


    "Yeah¡­" Chris Yu''s voicecked energy as he stayed up all nightst night guarding Morris Liu.


    "You should rest¡ª I will send you the location of their hideout¡ª Lyrick found them. Send your friends to restrain them for interrogations." His voice was nk as he ryed his message. Ethan Lu just didn''t want his anger towards Kong Shuren''s men to overwhelm him. He could not do that or else, he might give out orders he would regret in the future. Also, he needed to keep his head clear under any circumstances.


    "Aye, thanks." Heaving a sigh of relief, Chris Yu was d that Ethan Lu''s position at this moment had been a great help. At least, he could finally be at ease and get some sleep now.


    "Chris¡­" After some time, Ethan Lu didn''t ended the call and remained silent for a minute.


    "Oh?" Raising his brows, Chris Yu thought for a second that Ethan Lu hung up already. His mind wasn''t properly working hence, his awareness depleted enormously¡ª only the automatic program to watch suspicious people around the floor was imnted on his mind right now.


    "Prevent them from dragging the Liu Empire''s name into all of the illegal activities of Kong Shuren or even say he knew Kong Shuren all this time¡ª that''s my only request from you." Without further ado, Ethan Lu demanded as he leaned his back against the driver''s seat; His fingers still tapping the steering wheel with a consistent motion as he remained calm.


    "Huh? But that''s impossible¡ª brother Mo already knew that''s inevitable especially if there''s a proper investigation." Surprised, Chris Yu knitted his brows by Ethan Lu''s unexpected request. He''s a businessman, isn''t he? Thus, Ethan Lu should have known that what he was asking would be difficult.


    "I don''t care¡ª I trust you with this one. Also, I only want to know how many more people are after brother Mo and Lexi from those people. I hope your friends can do that at least." With that, Ethan Lu unhesitantly ended the call¡ª not giving his friend Chris Yu to retort back.


    "What aplicated situation¡­" Letting out a heavy sigh, Ethan Lu tilted his head back to rest his slightly throbbing head.


    In his perspective as a friend, he could not let Morris Liu get more problems when he wakes up. It would be better to keep his secret to them and not let the world to know it. If he remained tight-lipped about it, then, even if the authorities would conduct an investigation, Ethan Lu could orchestrate a diversion.


    Secondly, as a business partner, having the Liu Empire going down, it would affect the Lu family and his own smallpany one way or another. Hence, he would not let that happen¡ª a businessman owing a debt way to return the favor Morris Liu give him in Ethan Lu''s lowest time of his life.


    Lastly, as Lexi''s lover, he could not let her worry so much. Ethan Lu would be lying if he said he wasn''t bothered about the fact that Lexi would find out the truth. However, he trusted that she would remain by his side and not waver. Regardless, if it would worry her then, he''ll do his best not to let that happen.


    At the end of the day, Ethan Lu might break severalws by hiding the truth. Still, it would be a win-win situation for both of them. As long as they would know how many more people are after Lexi and Morris Liu¡ª it would be easier for him to track them all down.

 Chapter 241 From Annabelle to Barbie

    <h4>Chapter 241 From Annabelle to Barbie</h4>


    Since Lexi was told which floor Morris Liu''s private room was, Lexi didn''t go to ask at the nurse''s station and directly headed to the lift going up. Well, since Morris Liu was an important business figure, his room was the second to the highest floor because the top floor was the Jin Family''s exclusive family floor¡ª where their rtives and families who had close ties with them were admitted.


    Just as Lexi was waiting for the elevator to open up, someone stood beside her. She cast the person on her side a nce and they stared at her longer than she expected. There, a woman wearing a cute pink dress, her wavy hair was dyed in lc with ck roots, she had this cute clip in her hair¡ª she looked cute and harmless. But, that wasn''t the case as Lexi felt she looked familiar.


    ''Where have I seen her?'' Lexi thought inwardly as she recalled her vague memories that had some glitches and confusing memories in some events. Unaware, Lexi was now intently staring at the woman beside her which made the girl turned her head to her.


    Seraphina Yue then brightly smiled recognizing her in an instant. "Nice to see you again, pretty girl~"


    Upon hearing her address, Lexi snapped from her brief trance and shifted her slightly distraught gaze directly to the jet ck eyes looking back at her. Her pair of eyes were akin to the ck hole, beautiful yet strong. Despite her innocent, harmless front, Lexi felt intimidated for the first time.


    Why? She looked like a pampered princess but why did she feel so pressured? Also, why does her instinct tell her that she should be wary around her? Who told her that?


    "Remember me?" Pointing at herself, Seraphina Yue grinned as she cutely tilted her head to the side. Her almond eyes smiled that made it into a thin line.


    "I guess prettier girls can easily forget girls who are less pretty. Anyway, myst name is Yue, Seraphina Yue. You''ve attended my eventst time." Calm and sweet, Seraphina Yue handed her hand for a handshake.


    Upon hearing her name, Lexi''s brows slightly twitched. Right, that''s why she looked so familiar¡­ she was wearing a too outdated formal attire, huge frame myopia sses and her hair was neatly tied in a low bun that was theplete opposite of what she was looks right now. She appeared like a strict auntie back then but now she looked like a doll¡ª from annabelle to barbie.


    "My apologies, Miss Yue." Meekly smiling, Lexi slightly bowed her head as she reached for her hand for a handshake. Well, she was somehow grateful to this woman especially to Wren Tanaka as they helped her one way or another.


    "Hehe, you''re too formal¡ª Sera is fine." As they retracted both their hands, Seraphina Yue waved her hands off as she preferred being called by her first name by Lexi instead of being too formal.


    *Ding!*


    Just then, the elevator door opened revealing no one inside. Therefore, the twodies headed inside. Lexi pressed the button on her destination floor while Seraphina pressed the floor higher by a floor to Lexi''s destination.


    "I''m here to visit my grandpa you see." Without being asked, Seraphina exined why she was at the hospital. She added, "You must be here because of Morris?"


    Lexi slightly arched her brows as she didn''t expect the cutedy having connections with Morris Liu. After all, Morris Liu didn''t show up in the Yue Events¡ª not certain if he''s invited or just didn''t attend. Regardless, if she was addressing him by his first name, then that only means they knew each other right?


    "Yes, I am." Lexi modestly nodded her head with a meek smile. Probably because she seemed friendly, she ignored the red rms ringing inside her head.


    "Yikes," Murmuring, Seraphina Yue scrunched her nose hearing Lexi''s obvious agenda foring in this ce. Her remarks, fortunately, didn''t reach Lexi that made her only produce an inquiring hummed.


    "hmm?"


    "Hehe, I see¡ª I just thought I should visit him as well while I''m here but oh well, he might have a heart attack."


    Lexi''s brows furrowed heart the woman''sst words. ''Heart attack? Why?'' she thought inwardly. Lexi didn''t want to questioned about her rtionship with Morris Liu as it was normal for people like them¡ª businessmen like them be an acquaintance. However, in retrospect, Lexi could not recall Morris Liu being friendly with his prospective business partners. Hence, she was rather curious about what kind of woman she was.


    "Mr. Liu would surely appreciate his friends visiting him." In her own creative way, Lexi didn''t forget to input the word ''friends'' to confirm if she was friends woth Morris Liu.


    "Is that so?" Seraphina Yue only smiled back but said nothing afterward. Lexi thought that she would strike another conversation again but throughout the other half of their ride inside the elevator lift, Seraphina Yue didn''t utter a single word.


    Just when Lexi was two floors away from her destination, she slightly flinched when the woman next to her spoke again.


    "Err¡­ Morris Liu is a nice guy, you know." Out of nowhere, Seraphina Yue said while scratching her cheeks. Her suddenpliments to him made Lexi turned her head to her and her eyes were expectant to hear more hints.


    "Hehe, I mean, you should take care of him as well, you know. I always thought if I had someone like him back then, maybe my life wouldn''t be as much of a headache as it is right now." Seraphina Yue shot Lexi a nce and a genuine smile formed on her lips, offering her the most honest smile one could ever give to a person.


    "You''re lucky, I''m envious."


    *DING!*


    Lexi was confused and lost by Seraphina Yue''s words. s, just as she opened her mouth to inquire what she was talking about, the elevator produced a sound indicating that she have arrived, before it slowly opened.


    "Bye~" Seraphina Yue waved her hand and halted whatever question she had imnted on the woman.


    "Oh¡­ nice meeting you again, Sera." ncing outside, Lexi saw Chris Yu standing nkly outside the elevator before she politely bowed her head to the woman. She set her curiosity down and didn''t probe on the matter anymore. Well, maybe Morris Liu and Seraphina Yue were really friends for her to say such things.


    Just as Lexi took three steps forward going out of the lift, she heard Seraphina Yue speak some warning again. "Also, be careful¡­"


    Lexi turned her head back and slightly bowed her head. "I will, thank you." she then hitched out of the elevator and brushed past Chris Yu who seemed distraught just by standing outside.


    "You need sleep." Lexi whispered without pausing with her tracks and gave her advice to the distressed look of Chris Yu.


    When she left, Seraphina Yue added. "...with the Lu family. Youing in or you n to guard the elevator like a fool?" Seraphina Yue shifted her eyes from where Lexi went to the unmoving figure of Chris Yu and frowned.


    "uh, yes." Chris Yu cleared his throat as he snapped from his stupor before going inside. Since he was shocked to see her here, Chris Yu forgot that the lift would have to go one more floor above before going down.


    "Don''t worry, this ce is the safest ce in this city¡ª my grandpa is here." Sensing the hostility emanating from the man, unlike her friendly gestures towards Lexi, Seraphina Yue turned nonchnt yet more intimidating.


    "I see¡­" Chris Yu didn''t bother to make eye contact with her and just raised his gaze on the numbers above the door panel.


    "thank you." without any thought in mind, Chris Yu heedlessly thanked her as this seemingly harmless princess indirectly helped them once again. Moreover, the ruckus they made to wreak havoc on the internal affairs of the Kong Shuren organization benefited them greatly.


    "Don''t thank me." With this said note, Seraphina Yue transformed into a bubblydy once again and skipped her steps out of the elevator. When she was out, she turned around and mouthed something that made Chris Yu knit his brows.


    Seraphina Yue continued to skip her way leaving Chris Yu in an ocean of question marks. What did she meant by that? He wasn''t surprised that she knew a thing or two about Lexi and Ethan Lu''s love affair. However, why would she mouth such things?


    "I should tell him¡­" He murmured because no matter how hard Chris Yu thought about it¡ª it just doesn''t make sense. Well, what she mouthed was as unclear as a fog but still, Chris Yu decided to tell his friend about it.


    This is something he could not decide and keep inside him. Hence, he should be more vignt and give his friend a heads up on what they should watch out for. After all, Seraphina Yue wouldn''t lie about such thing or what he wanted to believe¡ª she had no time for that kind of thing.


    "Jeez¡­ one after another!" Running his hand through his hair, Chris Yu ruffled his already messy hair as he slid his other hand to reach for his phone in his pocket.

 Chapter 242 Then, why are you here?

    <h4>Chapter 242 Then, why are you here?</h4>


    Lexi slowly took her strides to Morris Liu''s room. When she made a turn to the right, there, Morris Liu''s few friends: Elliot Going and Kevin Woo just went out from the room along with a few doctors and nurses. Both of them were heavily sighing which made her swallow a mouthful of saliva. They were conversing with the medical personnel that she was certain was about Morris Liu''s condition.


    For some reason, when Lexi took another step forward, they were heavy as if there was a huge metal ball chain clung around her ankles. Her hand balled into a fist as Lexi mustered her courage to drag her feet towards them.


    A few steps away from them, the head doctor tapped Elliot Gong''s shoulder as if to give him the courage and faith in the situation. They then bowed and the two aristocrats also bowed their heads in return before the group of medical staff left¡ª brushing past Lexi.


    "I see, you''vee." When Elliot Gong turned his head to the group of retreating medical professionals, he instantly saw Lexi standing there staring back at them. Hence, he slightly thrust his chin forward as he lowly greeted Lexi.


    "What? Why are you here?" As usual, Kevin Woo''s expression distorted upon seeing Lexi. Well, aside from Chris Yu, Elliot Gong, and now Ethan Lu, Kevin Woo was super outdated of what happened within thesest few months.


    He was busy partying and getting in trouble¡ª just like the old Ethan Lu. Hence, he was left in the dark on what happened. If it wasn''t for the fact that Morris Liu was in critical condition, he would probably be wasted from partying all night. Well, he still felt awful from theck of sleep as he only got a little sleepst night and headed into the hospital the moment he woke up.


    "How''s brother Mo?" Ignoring the hostility from Kevin Woo, Lexi stared at Elliot Gong with hopeful eyes to receive good news.


    "He still hasn''t woken up. The doctors said it was normal for him to rest for the next few days but still, damn¡­" Shaking his head, Elliot Gong let out another heavy sigh.


    Just like Chris Yu, Elliot Gong stayed in the hospital to watch over Morris Liu. God knows he cancelled all of his schedules for the next few days just to be there as his brother was more important than his job. Moreover, he was shot for f*ck''s sake and none of the Liu family had visited him until now. Hence, Morris Liu only had them to take care of him.


    "Wait¡ª why are you telling her this? Did you forget what she had done to Mia and brother Mo?" Grumpy, Kevin Woo sassed as he red daggers at Lexi. Surely, he could not remember all the insults he had received from Lexi''s sharp tongue. Also, her past deeds for bullying Mia Chen; the woman of his friend whom he also befriended.


    "Lexi Yang, if you''re so concerned with brother Mo, don''t show you face to him again."


    "Kevin!" Upon hearing the ear splitting warninging from his friend, Elliot Gong apprehended as his hand curled into a fist. His heavy eyes suddenly dted and his pupils constricted¡ª ring daggers to Kevin Woo.


    "What? I am just telling her to give brother Mo some peace!" Not backing down, Kevin Woo was more displeased as Elliot Gong was clearly siding with Lexi which was quite unusual.


    In retrospect, although Elliot Gong never badmouthed Lexi behind her back, however, he has never been this aggressive while defending her uneptable ways.


    "Ah, right! You two are now friends¡ª I wonder if the rumors are true." Sneering, Kevin Woo scoffed in disbelief. Ofcourse, although he was busy doing his business, Kevin Woo was surrounded with filthy rich socialites¡ª even well-known celebrities. Therefore, the hottest topic circting around online about Elliot Gong and Lexi immediately reached him.


    At first, he found it silly and impossible. However, now that Elliot Gong was adamantly standing by her side¡ª how could he not think otherwise?


    Just then, the door where of Morris Liu''s room slowly creaked open¡ª catching the attention of the three but not enough to break the tension around them. There, Mia Chen with her delicate facial features, her eyes swollen and herplexion was pale, scanned the three of them. Her gaze momentarily paused to Lexi and her modest expression slightly changed before she spoke.


    "I heard amotion¡ª what''s going on?" Her voice was tranquil that was akin to a clear morning sky. Worried and with a confused expression stered across her face, she innocently raised her brows waiting for one of them to answer.


    "Don''t worry, Mia. I won''t let this person cause trouble again." Reassuring Mia, Kevin Woo cast another piercing re to Lexi who kept her poker face as if she was unaffected to whatever blunder he was saying; which agitated him even more.


    "Kevin, shut up now." t and emotionless, Elliot Gong grit his teeth as he returned the same dissatisfaction nce that Kevin Woo was disying. How could he forget that Kevin Woo knew nothing?


    s, Elliot Gong was being discreet not to let his displeasure overwhelm him as he tends to say stupid things when he''s offended. Furthermore, he sees Lexi as his friend now and not just Ethan Lu''s lover. Hence, no matter what, he would defend her. It just so happened that Mia Chen was there and he must keep his mouth shut¡ª unless, Chris Yu was there.


    Mia Chen slowly strode forward and gently slid closed the door behind her. Meekly smiling, Mia Chen turned her head to Lexi''s natural sharp upturned eyes before she shifted her gaze to the side where Kevin Woo stood.


    "Brother Kevin, it''s fine. Anyone who Brother Mo held dear can visit him any time." Sounding like an understanding deity, Mia Chen slightly nodded her head as she stared at the displeased Kevin Woo.


    "Then why are you here?" From the distance, everyone heard Ethan Lu''s t voice which made the four of them turned their heads to the source of the voice.


    Ethan Lu slid his hand inside pocket as his tracks didn''t falter. His face bore no emotion as he directly stared at Mia Chen''s pretentious front while he went closer and closer to them.


    Stopping beside Lexi, Ethan Lu nced at her unfazed side profile before turning his gaze back to Elliot Gong and then to the frowning Kevin Woo before he looked at Mia Chen. He repeated, "Anyone who brother Mo held dear is allowed to visit him, then, why are you here?"


    "Oy, Ethan, what are you bbing now? Also, where were youst night huh? Don''t tell me you''re with a hoe¡ª bro, don''t forget our code: bros before hoes." Grumbling, Kevin Woo lowly bellowed as he was displeased that Ethan Lu could not be reachedst night. Hence, he spected immediately that Ethan Lu must be with a girlst night.


    "Oy! Can''t you just shut up?!" Shocked, Elliot Gong nearly gasped hearing Kevin Woo''s words. It made his eyes dted even more as he looked at his friend with extreme dismay. He altered his widened eyes to Kevin Woo and then to Lexi before itnded to Ethan Lu whose eyes turned dark as if he was strangling Kevin Woo inside his head.


    "Kevin Woo¡­" After keeping her silence all this time, Lexi finally broke her silence as her cold, piercing voice run down their spine. "If you really want peace, listen to your friend and stop running your mouth. You''re too loud."


    If Ethan Lu had not appeared just then, Lexi would remain quiet and pretend that he doesn''t exist. However, after sensing Ethan Lu''s dark aura hearing Kevin Woo''sst remarks, she knew she must bother with it as she hadn''t felt this intimidating aura from Ethan Lu before.


    Sure, she was taken aback by how Ethan Lu warned Louis Lu. Still, it was like a friendly notepared to what he was emanating right now.


    "Why do I feel like you guys are ganging up on me?" Unaware of how he offended his buddy, Ethan Lu, Kevin Woo traveled his gaze to Elliot Gong, Lexi and then to Ethan Lu.


    The moment he saw Ethan Lu''s deadly gaze that he had never seen before, Kevin Woo unconsciously swallowed his other words and pursed his lips. That brief moment, he heard his subconscious mindmand him to shut up for some unknown reason.


    On the other hand, Mia Chen balled her hand into a fist and trembled as Ethan Lu''s words got through to her. Regardless, she managed topose her mind and remained a calm front as she stayed with her seemingly kind nature.


    "We shouldn''t be like this¡ª you can go inside. I will stay outside for a while."


    "I will let this slide, just this once." Ethan Lu emotionlessly warned which every single one of them felt a slight fear as if Ethan Lu would murder him if he didn''t.


    Turning to Lexi''s side, unlike his dreaded gaze to Kevin Woo and Mia Chen, Ethan Lu''s eyes slightly softened the instant itnded to Lexi.


    "Love, shall we?"


    Lexi gently smiled at him and slightly nodded, "Mhmm," with that said note, the two of them left the other two dumbfounded. Lexi didn''t notice the unreadable stare Ethan Lu shot at Mia Chen which made her clenched her jaw.


    Elliot Gong only shook his head seeing Kevin Woo''s jaw nearly dropped to the tiled floor. "Jeez¡­" He muttered before going inside, following the two lovebirds.


    On the other hand, Mia Chen nced at Kevin Woo''s shocked front as if he could not believe what he had just witnessed. Thest stare Ethan Lu gave him, he didn''t utter a word but Mia Chen clearly understood the message behind his eyes: ''Don''t touch my bottomline.''

 Chapter 243 Mia Chen

    <h4>Chapter 243 Mia Chen</h4>


    When Lexi and Ethan Lu entered the hospital room, they were weed by a small lobby that seemed to be a small room for visitors to rest. There was a set of sofas around a small table, minimalist furniture, and a transparent ss wall where they could see Morris Liu.


    Despite the partition, the machine that monitored the heartbeat and vitals of theatose Morris Liu could be heard in the monitoring area inside the room. Lexi took slow strides and stopped in front of the transparent ss wall.


    Her gaze didn''t wander around and immediatelynded on Morris Liu. There were numerous apparatus'' injected into him and an oxygen support machine for his breathing. The cold, intimidating man that only speaks whenever it''s necessary was sleeping vulnerably¡ª like a prince taking a break from his chaotic kingdom.


    Although Lexi felt bad and was bewildered on why there was someone using such a vicious attempt towards the man, only pity and worry enveloped around her heart. Well, maybe there was a little prick in her heart seeing him in his current state. How could there not be? She had loved him once, that couldn''t be erased so easily.


    "Why would they do this to him?" Lexi let out a low whisper without looking away from the patient inside.


    "..." On Lexi''s side, Ethan Lu traveled his gaze to his dear friend and had the same thought as Lexi¡ª Morris Liu being vulnerable and verifying that he is a human being after all. Upon hearing her confused words, although he knew what to say to her, Ethan Lu chose to remain quiet.


    On the other hand, Elliot Gong closed the door behind them and stood beside Ethan Lu. The matter earlier, he had set them all aside as Elliot Gong stared at Morris Liu''s lying figure. He had been staring at him every once in a while sincest night but until now, Elliot Gong could not help but heavily sigh.


    "I also wonder why¡­" Elliot Gong lowly responded letting out another heavy sigh.


    Granted that Elliot Gong knew about Morris Liu''s reasons why he did what he did to Lexi, s, he didn''t know about Kong Shuren or what happened all those months ago. All he knew was that Morris Liu was in a tight position but had no boration from his friend as to why. As a friend, he could only respect the decision of his friend and trusted that he had a reasonable reason why he had chosen to push Lexi away from him.


    Therefore, the reason why he was so against Ethan Lu pursuing Lexi, if not for the fact that Elliot Gong was worried that Ethan Lu would make another stupid skit and hurt Lexi in the end¡ª which will lead to Morris Liu having a tough conflict with his other friend Ethan Lu, Elliot Gong would not even try to befriend Lexi.


    However, after seeing Ethan Lu and Lexi''s interaction, and how his friend changed from being a yboy to Mr. Faithful Romantico¡ª Elliot Gong could only believe that he was sincere. Even so, Lexi also changed and her usual divaness lessened, treating him as a friend which was quite shocking as Lexi was actually fun to hang out with; she''s also trusted for keeping secrets. Hence, Elliot Gong treated her as his friend without thinking that his friend was having an interest in her but it doesn''t matter as he sees her as an individual friend alone.


    "He''ll receive the justice he deserves." Without turning his eyes away from Morris Liu, Ethan Lu lowly affirmed. Knowing what happened was one thing and seeing him in person¡ª Ethan Lu clenched his jaw as part of him was irked.


    Granted that he told Chris Yu that he couldn''t care less and only wanted to know how many people are left that wereing after Lexi¡ª this only reaffirmed Ethan Lu''s resolve to track each and every one of them down, afraid that the next time, he would be looking at Lexi in this kind of situation¡ª which he will never let happen.


    "Mhmm¡­" Slowly humming a convinced tune, Lexi lightly nodded her head in agreement. She was certain that this matter wouldn''t slide just like that.


    *****


    Lexi and Ethan Lu stayed inside the room for quite some time before deciding to bid their farewell. Of course, through the course of their visit, Mia Chen remained outside with Kevin Woo who was staring into nothingness¡ª nearly not even blinking if possible.


    When Ethan Lu and Lexi left without giving the two outside any importance, Elliot Gong sent them off until they were outside the room so he could enlighten the traumatized Kevin Woo. Elliot Gong watched the two lovebirds turn to the left and when he could no longer see their shadows, he turned his head and red at Kevin Woo.


    Taking huge stomps towards his friend, Elliot Gong thrusted his chin a little forward and scoffed. "Huh! You kept running your mouth without knowing what happened with your friends these past few months, tch!"


    Upon hearing Elliot Gong''s spiteful words, Kevin Woo snapped from his daze. Raising his gaze, he jolted from his seat and stood tall in front of his friend. "What''s going on here? Did¡ª Why is that idiot with that woman?!" Slightly stuttering, Kevin Woo grumbled in dismay.


    Before him earlier, he heard his party buddy, Ethan Lu call Lexi¡ª of all people¡ª Lexi Yang as ''Love''! Not just that, they entered the room linking arms and exited the room with Ethan Lu holding her hand. What''s the meaning of that?!


    Sure, he knew Ethan Lu was a yboy and had a different woman with him every week but what the friggin hell happened to get him to target Lexi Yang? Brother code what?! Moreover, Elliot Gong knew about it and didn''t even share this gossip with him! He was just one call away and still, none of them bothered to give him a heads up?


    "Hah!" Scoffing once again seeing Kevin Woo nearly having a mental breakdown, Elliot Gong shook his head before his gaze shifted to Mia Chen who was calmly sitting on the side.


    "Let''s talk there." Elliot Gong halted whatever words he wanted to have with Mia Chen. Instead, he dragged Kevin Woo as far away from Morris Liu''s room as possible so they could have a private talk and he could enlighten his foolish friend.


    Meanwhile, Mia Chen discreetly watched the two go further and further away from her until she could no longer see them. Shifting her gaze to the door of Morris Liu''s private hospital room, she slowly stood up from her seat and unhurriedly entered the room.


    Inside the room, she could only hear the machine beat rhythmically that was rather painful to hear. She strode closer to the transparent ss wall and her hand slowly raised and settled on the ss that separated her and the man that was in the middle of a silent life and death struggle.


    ''Brother Mo¡­ what am I to you¡­?'' She softly inquired inwardly. When Ethan Lu told her ''Then why are you here?'' She already asked that very question to herself when she was in front of this establishment.


    Her contract with Morris Liu had long ended¡ª giving her a nk cheque for her to fill in the end. However, until now, she hasn''t made use of that cheque because that wasn''t the thing she wanted.


    Mia Chen, the person who came into the picture six years ago with one motive: Kong Shuren''s rtionship to the Liu Empire. While doing thexest disguise of having a small-time upation of being a frence actress¡ª she bumped into Morris Liu with Chris Yu.


    The rest of what happened afterward was all unforeseen events; thest thing she knew, she was entangled and was treated with all of the information about the Liu Empire and Kong Shuren without breaking a sweat forpleting her mission.


    s, the night when she was about to make her exit from this story, for the first time, Morris Liu personally called her¡ª giving her a deal she could not refuse: Money¡ª a hefty amount of money.


    He would provide her wealth, afortable lifestyle, and a peaceful life unlike her current job on one condition: pretend to be as his little lover. Without a second''s hesitation, she agreed with a money sign disyed in her eyes.


    However, who would have thought that as she yed pretend as a fragile woman being protected from the vicious fiancee of her so-called lover, Mia Chen unconsciously fell in love with him. She didn''t fall in love with Morris Liu being cold and controlling but the side of him whenever he was alone¡ª swimming in his own thoughts that only he could dive in.


    She liked him with his unbending resolution to protect the people he cared about. His determination and mncholy it gave her were too strong¡­ she wanted to end it. Hence, as Lexi relentlessly bullied her in broad daylight, she secretly schemed in the dark and orchestrated Lexi''s downfall¡ª not caring if Morris Liu would despise her or not.


    The only thing she miscalcted was that Lexi attempted tomit suicide. Someone who always acted as righteous and mighty actually tried to end her life. Hence, Morris Liu never let her off¡ª secretly stopping her projects, freezing her ounts, and treating her as if she were air whenever she''s around. Well, she saw thating before she executed her n anyway.


    But still¡­ even though she didn''t have any reason to be there and her role was fulfilled, Mia Chen was there, staring at the weak figure lying with life support attached to him. There are numerous reasons to hate him as well but her heart ached seeing him like that.


    She could use the nk cheque he tossed to her face and live the life she always wanted,pletely leaving the life of a mercenary. But she didn''t or rather, she couldn''t.


    "For thest time¡­ I will at least give Chris the support he needs until you wake up." Mia Chen murmured as the corner of her lips forcefully curled upward and something seemed to prick her eyes making it sweaty.


    "Until then¡­ I will be your caring lover in front of everyone and your shield in the shadows¡ª just this once, I will be your hired mercenary and you''ll be my client¡ª pro bono."

 Chapter 244 What a pervert!

    <h4>Chapter 244 What a pervert!</h4>


    "What was that about?" Without buckling her seatbelt, Lexi abruptly turned to the driver''s seat where Ethan Lu had just entered inside the car.


    "Huh?" Raising his gaze to meet the investigative pair of brown eyes, Ethan Lu raised his brows before they knitted together.


    "What you said to Mia Chen¡ª why would you say that?" Of course, Lexi didn''t let that pass. She just chose to finish their visit as peaceful as possible and then wanted to sit him down to talk privately.


    "What I said back there?" Recalling his words to Mia Chen, Ethan Lu was reminded that his words wouldn''t make sense to others aside from Mia Chen. Hence, he bit his tongue for letting his anger show to that woman and his dissatisfaction with his friend Kevin Woo got the better of him.


    Ethan Lu''s mind worked double time toe up with the most understandable reasoning he coulde up in an instant. "Ahh¡­"


    "What?" Slightly tilting her head to the side, Lexi arched her brows as she waited for a good logical reason why Ethan Lu would treat Morris Liu''s current girlfriend like that. Well, it was not like Lexi was affected by that fact but still, she was curious as Ethan Lu wouldn''t say such harsh words without any reasonable substance.


    "They broke up¡ª I don''t know the reason but I don''t appreciate the fact that she was acting as if she had all the rights to who should and shouldn''t visit brother Mo." Nonchntly shrugging, Ethan Lu gave her a half truth and half lie on his exnation.


    Indeed, he didn''t like that Mia Chen was being maniptive and using his gullible friend Kevin Woo to speak for her. Also, seeing her calm and gentle as if she didn''t know that she hurt Lexi one way or another in the past truly infuriated him.


    After all, Ethan Lu had always criticized Morris Liu inside his mind for choosing a woman who had no decent family background over his original fiancee who has everything. That was back then, when there was no Lexi Yang in his life and he was just an unimportant character doing his own thing. That was his mindset before he knew what love really was¡ª before he had a taste of love.


    Therefore, there wasn''t any strong impression for him to be attached to Mia Chen. He just remained civil with her in the past because he believed that Morris Liu held her dear. Moreover, now that he knew the whole truth, Ethan Lu had no reasoning as to why he should be friendly to someone who was used as a tool to destroy someone else''s life.


    "What?" Scrunching her nose up, Lexi momentarily widened her eyes by the news. "They broke up? Weird." She then rested her back against the front passenger seat with an ugly expression on her face as she thought about Morris Liu and Mia Chen breaking up.


    "What? What are you thinking right now?" Narrowing his eyes, Ethan Lu peered at Lexi as if to distinguish what''s going on inside her mind. It wasn''t that he was thinking that Lexi was having second thoughts about their rtionship and nned to get back together with Morris Liu. But still, he was curious to know her thoughts about the ''break up'' even though there wasn''t any Morris Liu and Mia Chen in the first ce.


    "*sigh* I just thought that my actions back then were all for naught and even made their love stronger." Letting out a heavy sigh, Lexi slightly shook her head as she thought for a second that maybe, her being an obstacle in the seemingly perfect love story of a prince and amoner somehow made their love for each other stronger.


    Turning her head to Ethan Lu whose eyes were squinted as he intently examined his expression, a sly smirk formed on the side of her lips. "What? Did you think I would be happy?"


    Lexi moved her body so she could easily lean forward a little to him, she humored. "Why? Did you think I would think of going back to my ex? Don''t you want me anymore?"


    "Love, do you want to do it here?" Grinning, Ethan Lu felt a sudden heat hearing herst remarks.


    "What a pervert!" Drawing her head away from this maniac, Lexi nced at him with dismay. She was expecting another cheesy line he had in store in his repertoire of chivalry yet, instead of a heartwarming note, Ethan Lu actually chose a perverted response.


    "Hehe, kidding. I know you love me¡­" Chuckling, Ethan Lu grinned from ear to ear, revealing his small white teeth. "...but what can I do? You''re seducing me."


    "Seducing you? When?!"


    "Right now¡ª every time I see you, hear you, or touch you." Simultaneously raising his eyebrows up and down, Ethan Lu cast her a knowing look. Well, in his eyes, Lexi was always und as it was the most beautiful clothes she could ever wear. Slowly, his hand sneakily reached for her legs that was mercilessly pped away.


    "Ethan Lu, stop." Rolling her eyes, Lexi buckled her seatbelt letting her boyfriend burst out intoughter. "You can''t postpone your meetings anymore and I need to prepare for my sses tomorrow." In a matter of fact tone, Lexi turned to the driver''s seat again.


    Well, now that the premiere night was done and her job as one of the main cast of the movie Taming Hearts was done, Lexi''s first step to her chosen career was about to start.


    "Yea, yes, this guy needs to work hard to give thisdy here afortable married life." Ethan Lu''s grin widened even more as he winked at the gorgeousdy perched in the front passenger seat.


    ''Do that and propose to me, duh?'' Lexi was about to utter those words loudly s, she stopped herself and only gave Ethan Lu a faint giggle. Well, although she was certain that she''d say a capital ''yes'' when he did, Lexi wanted to have a stable career as well.


    Granted that the Yang Company was now stable and was operating smoothing just like before, however, Lexi wanted to be a capable woman that wouldn''t be revered as Ethan Lu''s wife. She wanted to establish her name in the business industry as a businesswoman not a troublesome white lotus in the entertainment industry.


    Maybe, she was just like that. Even before when she was Morris Liu''s fiancee, she always wanted to be a strong pir of support to her future husband. The only difference this time was that Lexi was doing this mainly for herself.


    As Ethan Lu started the car''s engine, he started maneuvering the car in silence as he focused on the road. Their n was to drop Lexi at home and Ethan Lu would head to the agency that handled Gael Zhang¡ª Lexi didn''t know this.


    Half of their journey, with their hands wrapped around each other, Ethan Lu raised her hand once again and ced a soft peck on the back of her fair hand. "Love, why don''t you move into my ce?"


    "Huh?" His sudden deration made Lexi avert her eyes from the road and look at Ethan Lu''s side profile with eyes filled with question marks.


    "I mean, you will be busier in the next few months¡ª building your own empire and I know I will have to work as hard as you are so whether we like it or not, our time together will be reduced." Quickly ncing at Lexi before returning his gaze on the road, Ethan Lu briefly exined his sudden worries as he decelerated his speed a little.


    "Uh¡­" Processing his words, Ethan Lu had a point. Moreover, the sses she would attend and a few seminars would be held at a prestigious school near his ce. Hence, if she traveled back and forth to the Yang Mansion, Lexi would have to spend more time on the road.


    But, if she moved to Ethan Lu''s ce, it would at least reduce her travel time by half. Still, she has to give her parents a heads up about this abrupt change of n. Also, there was one problem, Louis Lu¡ª she was hostile towards the man for some reason.


    "Don''t worry about Lou¡ª He''ll have to move out if you agree." Guessing her worries, Ethan Lu reassured her without turning his gaze away from the road.


    Unbeknownst to her, Ethan Lu was already nning to hasten his n to take over the whole Lu family and propose to her; and this time around, he''ll have to be more aggressive to seed with his n. Furthermore, it was best to keep her close to secure her safety because there were still peopleing after her life. Ethan Lu could tell her about all this but still, why would he let her live in fear if he could prevent it from happening?


    "Hmm, I''ll let Mom and Dad know first." Nodding her head, Lexi agreed to live with him for the next few months.


    "Baby love, we will let them know." Grinning, they were on their way to the Yang Mansion, weren''t they? Hence, he nned to discuss this with her parents aside from his n of giving Frederick Yang a talk about the truth of what was going on.


    Also, Ethan Lu understood that he could keep Lexi in the dark but with respect to Frederick Yang, her father, Ethan Lu had already decided to detail everything to him so her father would know what''s lurking around them and around his daughter.


    "Gosh¡­ I wonder what their reaction will be like." Shaking her head for this sudden agreement, Lexi envisioned her parents'' reaction when they told them she''d be living under the same roof with Ethan Lu. Surely, she could imagine their jaw-dropping just like when a daughter tells their parents she''s pregnant.


    "Hehe, they will be happy." Mischievously giggling, Ethan Lu responded as he ced another kiss on the back of her hand.

 Chapter 245 Little spaceman

    <h4>Chapter 245 Little spaceman</h4>


    Meanwhile at the Yang Mansion, both Frederick Yang and Lillian Yang''s gaze constantly met every once in a while. There was this distressing atmosphere circting around the whole area of the gnt living area.


    How did they end up like this?


    Earlier, both Yang parents rushed their way to the Jin Medical Hospital the moment they heard the news about Morris Liu. They arrived and left before Lexi and Ethan Lu had arrived, hence, their paths didn''t meet.


    After that, since Frederick Yang had more free time and his meetings were all pushed back untilter this day, both of these old love birds decided to shop¡ª at Lillian Yang''s persistence as she felt she needed more things.


    Both of them were satisfied with both their eyes twinkling in awe as they checked their purchases the moment they went home. However, just as they were enjoying going through each paper bags, Frederick Yang and Lillian Yang were struck with a dilemma that led them to their brief argument.


    "Honey, I think we''re too advanced for this¡­" Heavily sighing, Frederick Yang slightly shook his head and ced down the small paper bag he personally bought that he was about to reveal what''s inside.


    "Advanced? Honey, let me see what''s inside that paper bag?" Arching her brows, Lillian Yang''s gentleness reduced tremendously as she looked at her husband with a displeased look.


    "*sigh* No, I think we''re good for today," Once again, Frederick Yang let out a heavy sigh as he refused to reveal that''s inside the small paper bag on hisp. He added, "Also, Lexi might arrive at any moment, she can''t see this just yet."


    "No, Fred. You have to be honest and show me what''s inside. We already talked about it and we agreed that all of the baby stuff should be gender neutral since we still don''t know what gender it is. " Lillian Yang scoffed as if she could not believe that her husband still did what he wanted. They were married for nearly three decades hence, she already guessed what''s inside the paper bag¡ª a baby boy''s outfit!


    "Honey, sorry. I just thought it looked cute and it was begging me to buy it! What can I do?" Frederivk Yang softly reasoned out as he slowly slid his hand inside the paper bag and unhurriedly raised his hand revealing a cute and small spaceman costume from Toy Story.


    "See? Imagine our little angel with this one." Frederick Yang peered the baby costume and imagined his grandchild wearing this. Just with that thought, his heart melted and disregarded whatever displeased his wife.


    "Oh my god, Fred¡­ that''s so cute," The instant Lillian Yangid her eyes on the adorable costume, just like her husband, her heart melted, her gaze softened, and all of her other nerves felt excited to see their little angel. Now, she understood her husband as to why he chose to listen to his heart. Well, it''s not like he was the only one.


    "Hehe, our little spaceman." Slightly shaking the costume that was clipped in between his thumb and index finger on the shoulder des, Frederick Yang cutely spoke with a baby tone. Hearing her excited husband, Lillian Yang chuckled as she felt content with this unannounced news.


    Just as the atmosphere around the living area was changed from gloom to a brighter aura, and the Yang parents were chuckling in glee, they didn''t notice Lexi and Ethan Lu entering the scene.


    "Mo¡ª" Just as Lexi was about to greet her beloved parents, her words choked on her throat as she gasped.


    In the living area, her parents were perched on their usual spots¡ª giggling. However, what caught Lexi''s eyes was the numerous paper bags on the floor. By the looks of it, her parents went on a shopping spree¡ª it was just like how she shopped in the past as if there''s no tomorrow.


    Still, if she saw the usual luxury clothes or handbags brand on the paper bags, Lexi wouldn''t be this shaken to the core. However, the huge and cute brand pasted outside the paper bags was a famous baby brand! Therefore, how could she not react just like what she was currently doing?


    The moment Frederick Yang and Lillian Yang heard their daughter''s voice, both stiffened and their gleefulughs came to a full stop. Slowly, as slow as the rusting of robots, they turned their heads to the direction of the entrance.


    There, Lexi stood with her eyes dted, her lips in an ''O'' shape dumbfounded, and her body unmoving. Her gaze altered from her parent''s surprised front as if they were caught red-handed with a crime then to the countless shopping bags on the floor. The more Lexi looked at the paper bags and when her gazended on the baby costume that her father was holding, she was entirely rendered speechless.


    Behind her, Ethan Lu leaned his head to the side to peek at what''s going on. His gaze first reached his future inws before he lowered his eyes and saw the things that shocked Lexi. The moment he saw the baby brand on the shopping bags, the corner of his lips curled up from ear to ear, unable to suppress his bright smile and the possible thoughts running through his mind at this moment.


    "Goodmorning Mom and Dad~!" Breaking the trio of Yang''s silence, Ethan Lu waved his hand that snapped the three of them out of their thoughts.


    Just then, the moment Lexi snapped and got a hold of herself, she didn''t turn to her boyfriend''s side and immediately dashed towards the living area.


    "Mom, Dad, what''s the meaning of this? Why¡ª why is there so much baby stuff here?!" Lexi reached the first small paper bag that was hiding somewhere behind her mother''s back and grabbed the pink small dress inside¡ª showing it to everyone present.


    When Frederick Yang saw the baby girl''s dress, his first instinct was to question his wife. "Honey, didn''t you say gender neutral? Why was there a baby girl''s dress?"


    "Honey, I''m sorry! I¡ª just like you, I fell in love with it just look how pretty it is!" Panicking, Lillian Yang staggeringly exined her side for her secret purchase.


    "Ha?" Being ignored by her parents, Lexi''s distress gauge slowly reached its peak. She waspletely lost for a moment as she could not understand why her parents were hoarding baby equipment and clothes.


    She wouldn''t react like this if it''s only one or two as she could think that they would gift expecting parents that they''re friends with. However, they purchased too much¡ª to calcte it all, they must have spent more than tens of thousands.


    Just what is this, panic buying?! Even if the whole world was ending, no man in his rational mind would hoard baby clothes. Hence, upon a short contemtion, Lexi gasped once again as she thought about one thing: her parents think that she''s pre.. pregnant?!


    "Hahaha!" Ethan Lu slowly followed Lexi from behind and after slightly bowing his head, he had a closer look at the baby dress Lexi was holding and then some baby bottles on one of the paper bags that made him heartily chuckle.


    Picking up one of the paper bags and as he slid out a pair of small baby socks, Ethan Lu''s grin was priceless because inside him, an emotion that he could never exin enveloped in his heart.


    "Cute, aren''t they?" Turning to Lexi, Ethan Lu waved the pair of small socks to her before he averted his gaze to his weing and prepared future inws.


    "Cheer up, love." He added before turning to face mother and father Yang.


    "Mom, Dad, everything looks nice, thank you." Polite and sincere, Ethan Lu gave his utmost gratefulness for her parents by slightly bowing his head once again.


    He was totally moved that her parents were as supportive as ever¡ª even if Lexi would be pregnant out of wedlock. They were the most open and understanding inws he could ever wish for in this world. Therefore, how could Ethan Lu not return the same love and respect they have towards him?


    Also, although it was still unsure if Lexi was pregnant or not because it''s just been a week since they had done it the first time, Ethan Lu appreciated this enthusiasm as he also secretly envisioned as if Lexi had indeed gotten pregnant from their unintentional first time.


    s, if not, he would not take it to heart and would respect it if Lexi didn''t want to carry a child just yet. Regardless, both options doesn''t worry him as he was ready with whatever the future holds because he was already blessed to be part of this family.

 Chapter 246 Who are you...?

    <h4>Chapter 246 Who are you...?</h4>


    When all the baby stuff was all cleared by the maids, Lexi and Ethan Lu sat beside each other, Frederick Yang on the head seat still had the baby costume on hisp, and Lillian Yang across her daughter and future son-inw.


    Lexi still had this displeased frown on her lips as she altered her gloomy gaze from her mother to her father with her arms crossed.


    "I really can''t believe you two, Mom, Dad. How can you buy so much baby stuff¡ª I haven''t even said anything. How can you be so sure that Ethan and I¡ª" Like a scolding mother sitting her children down, Lexi grumbled s, just when she was about to say that Ethan and her did the deed, Lexi abruptly stopped.


    "Lexi, don''t be like that. We were just preparing, right honey?" Justifying their actions, Lillian Yang exined and then turned to her husband for back up. Upon seeing the deadly re from his wife, Frederick Yang lightly coughed and cleared his throat.


    "Yes, your mother is right. We were just thinking that you''re already in the right age to start a family of your own and if that happens, we just want to be prepared." Doing a good job, Lillian Yang smiled and averted her soft gaze back across to her daughter.


    "See? We just want to be prepared." Once again, Lillian Yang repeated to affirm their reason behind their shopping spree of baby equipment and clothes.


    "Anyway, since that''s already settled, baby, did the both of you visit Morris?" Lillian Yang smoothly diverted their discussion and didn''t let Lexi retort from their unconvincing reasonings. Hence, she asked. Lillian Yang wasn''t being inconsiderate of Ethan Lu for asking such a question as she believed that Ethan Lu was mature enough to understand.


    The actual question was, if Lexi indeed grew up a little and had moved forward just like she had imed. It was also a good opportunity to test if Lexi should lessen her therapy just like she requested from them weeks ago.


    "Yes, Mom. We dropped by there before I drove Lexi home." Ethan Lu gently responded with a smile that made the yang parents nod in satisfaction. Just like they expected, Ethan Lu was kind enough not to let the past be a hindrance in their rtionship and was still concerned with Morris Liu, as he was still his friend.


    They knew that Ethan Lu was friends with Morris Liu as he admitted it before in one of his visits. He also told them he was ashamed for what his friend caused them and apologized. Therefore, both Frederick and Lillian Yang admired Ethan Lu''s honesty and sincerity, not just for their daughter but his respect towards them.


    Also, they were somehow moved because finally, someone actually bothered to apologize for what Morris Liu did to their daughter even though it didn''t personally came from his mouth. Still, they appreciated Ethan Lu''s thoughts and for giving them ease for that matter.


    "That''s good to hear then," Nodding lightly, Lillian Yang gently responded before reaching for a cup of tea on the small table.


    "Actually, Mom, Dad, I am here because I want to tell you something." Clearing his throat, Ethan Lu straightened his posture as he ced both his palms on top of her palm.


    "Lexi''s pregnant?" Out of nowhere, Lillian Yang immediately asked as she stopped herself from taking a sip of her tea. In her mind, this sentence, normally, was the first sentence being uttered before the ''I am pregnant'' part.


    "Mom!" In disbelief, Lexi bellowed as she could not believe her mother having such ridiculousness!


    "Hehe, no, Mom but Lexi and I decided that she would move into my ce." Ethan Lu slightly chuckled and didn''t go in circles as he bluntly dived to the main topic.


    Upon hearing Ethan Lu''s short and clear exnation, a momentary silence was dawned on the whole living area. Neither of them talked for a while as Lillian and Frederick Yang processed this sudden decision. On the other hand, Lexi already gave up from talking as she was still embarrassed and actually nervous once again thinking if she was pregnant or not. Meanwhile, Ethan Lu gave them a moment to absorb his news.


    "Dear, did you really agreed to this?" After getting a clearprehension of Ethan Lu''s words, Lillian Yang directly stared at Lexi with an unreadable thought beneath her pair of eyes.


    "Mhmm, we calcted my travel time from here to my ss and it would be a hassle, so if I live temporarily at Ethan''s, my travel time will be reduced by half." Nonchntly shrugging, Lexi exined yet, her mood hadn''t changed one bit.


    Since her parents were too excited to have grandchildren, Lexi already guessed that they would dly understand the idea. They might even personally pack her things and drive her to Ethan Lu''s ce.


    "Is that so?" Solemnly nodded in understanding, Frederick Yang''s expression turned stern as if he was contemting whether or not he should let his daughter live under the same roof with a man.


    "Right¡­ we haven''t considered this before." Just like Father Yang, Lillian Yang modestly rubbed her chin as she also pondered about Lexi''s exnation.


    Seeing the pretentious act of her parents, Lexi''s face almost literally distorted. Why do they act as if they were considering the wellness of the world? She knew her parents and seeing them doing this, Lexi was certain that they were just stalling so they wouldn''t look like as if they were irresponsible parents before agreeing without a second thought.


    "Oh gosh¡­" Rolling her eyes, Lexi let out a heavy exhale as she massaged her temple. Just as she leaned her back against the soft backrest of the sofa, her brows arched hearing Ethan Lu''s voice.


    "Dad, can you spare me a minute to talk?" Meekly smiling, Ethan Lu seriously peered at Frederick Yang which made the other party furrowed his brows. Frederick Yang scrutinized Ethan Lu''s unusual formality and sensed an aura he had never showed before.


    Slowly nodding his head, Frederick Yang responded. "Sure,e to my study." With that said note, Ethan Lu and Frederick Yang left the living area and headed to his study room.


    On the other hand, when Lexi heard Ethan Lu wanted to privately talk to her father, she didn''t give much thought about it as she assumed that Ethan Lu would just convince her already convinced father for her to move into his ce. Therefore, after staring at her mother for a while, Lexi excused herself to prepare her things so she would not leave anything behindter when Ethan Lu pick her up.


    When Lexi arrived at her room, she stopped the moment she stepped her foot inside as a sudden loneliness struck her. She scanned her room and for some reason, her room felt empty.


    Her hand unconsciously clenched her chest as her breathing turned ragged and her vision started to cloud.


    "Why¡­?" She whispered as Lexi knew this familiar pain¡ª it was the same pain she felt that night. Out of the blue, why does her heart ache so much?


    What was it that her mind doesn''t know but her heart remembered and wept?


    Lexi tried to stabilize her breathing as she convinced herself that it was probably a panic attack. She dragged her feet no matter how heavy they were and headed to her walk-in closet.


    She slowly but surely prepared the clothes she needed¡ª emptying almost half of her closet. Since Lexi managed to preupy herself and her pace hastened a little bit, she was about to get thest batch of essories she would want to bring.


    However, just when Lexi was about to get the box of essories, something in the corner caught her eyes. For some reason, Lexi ced the box of essories on top of the vanity mirror on the side and headed to the thing that seemed to beg her to notice.


    Squatting down, Lexi dragged the things that were under the shoe corner. When she saw it was a small sewing machine, some sewing materials, and her old clothes and new fabric, Lexi knitted her brows.


    "Huh¡­? Why were these things here again?" Confused, Lexi recalled her memories and fragments of memories of her, happily making small dresses but... the reason why, she didn''t know.


    Lexi, one after another checked her sewing kit. There were old clothes that she scissored and butchered as if she never valued them. As she checked her favorite dress that was mercilessly butchered, Lexi noticed her sketchbook. Thus, she put down the dress and picked up the sketchbook.


    Flipping it open, Lexi''s brows creased even more reading the first page of the sketchbook. It says: "To the prettiest little madam <>


    Lexi swallowed a mouthful of saliva as her heart yearned the moment she read those words. Still, she continued to flip each page and by the next second, her vision started to blur and tears uncontrobly fell down, staining her cheeks and dropping onto the sketchbook.


    On the page Lexi had stopped, a hand drawn beautiful dress that was supposed to be her masterpiece and had a model of an adorable dumpling with small hands and feet.


    She didn''t know what got into her to have such a muse but, for some reason, her heart throbbed as if it was screaming ''I miss you''.


    "Who are you¡­?" In between her hups, her hands traced the drawing as she wiped her tears as if she was subconsciously afraid that the drawing would be messed up by her tears.

 Chapter 247 My words are my bond

    <h4>Chapter 247 My words are my bond</h4>


    "I see¡­ So that''s what happened." Frederick Yang connected his hands to fill the gaps in between his fingers, his elbows on top of the surface of his study desk with a solemn expression stered his face.


    "Lexi only knows that I asked her to move in for convenience purposes but, I didn''t mention anything about a shadow brigadeing after her life." As solemn and firm just like Frederick Yang, Ethan Lu rified further.


    Moments ago, when both men reached Frederick Yang''s study room, Ethan Lu didn''t go around in circles and hit the bottom line that instant with an opening "Dad, about brother Mo..." and the rest of the story afterward, leading them to the momentary silence that hung in the air now.


    "Ethan, why did you tell me all of this¡ª I might just lock my daughter here for her safety. How can you guarantee that if I decided to entrust my daughter''s life to you is the right choice?" Raising his sharp gaze, the bubbly grandfather persona was gone as Frederick Yang ced this discussion in his top priorities.


    If heprehended correctly, not only their lives might be on the line but Lexi as well. They had seen Morris Liu''s current state now and letting Lexi wander wherever she wanted would be riskier than ever. Hence, Frederick Yang was having second thoughts about entrusting Lexi''s safety to Ethan Lu. After all, this is not a child''s y anymore¡ª it''s their life on the line.


    "Dad, I told you this because I know you have the right to know more. And, I love Lexi just as much as how desperate I am to live so if I want to protect her, I must keep her close to me. However, moving into your mansion might cause more trouble in the future with my Lu family." As precise as possible, Ethan Lu exined without looking away from Frederick Yang''s intimidating gaze.


    Both men stared at one another for a good three minutes without a word. They had their own thoughts running inside their minds as they considered the pros and cons of this setup.


    "Alright..." After considering what he should consider, Frederick Yang let out a heavy sigh as he slightly shook his head. "You don''t have to worry about me and Lily. I can guard what''s ours at least¡ª it seems like Kong Shuren is a troublesomed."


    From Frederick Yang''s perspective, entrusting Lexi''s life to Ethan Lu would be better with the guy''s vast resources and unknown power he has over the Lu family. If he has been protecting Lexi''s life all this time, yet, Lexi''s life was still going smoothly and peacefully while Morris Liu is lying on the hospital bed, only meant that Ethan Lu was doing a good job securing his daughter.


    Of course, Frederick Yang must admit that deep within him, a slight ache of a needle pricked his heart for having limited power to single-handedly protect his family. However, pride is the least important issue about the matter, if it would be for the betterment of his daughter''s life, then he shall push his pride aside this time.


    "Ethan, prove to me that this risk I am about to take is not a decision I will regret my whole life.... please, son, I am begging you."


    Ethan Lu never dared to look away from Frederick Yang''s determined and helpless gaze. Nodding his head once, Ethan Lu shared the same resolution to reassure his father''s heart to be at ease.


    "My words are my bond, Dad. I will reassure you that your daughter will retain her normal life without the slightest fear and continue to pursue her career. Thank you for trusting me on this one, Dad. I owe you one big time."


    "No, I am the one in debt to you." Letting out a short chuckle, Frederick Yang could not help but mildly shake his head sideways.


    How could Ethan Lu sound as if an adoptive father reassuring the biological father that he would give his daughter a better life? How silly could this man be?


    Regardless, Frederick Yang was moved that Ethan Lu regarded this as the same importance as his... or maybe, he treated this matter with a greater priority than Frederick Yang thought.


    "So, you will pick her upter?"


    "Yes, after work."


    "Alright... that''s settled then." Frederick Yang nodded his head in agreement.


    They still conversed about extra precautions and Ethan Lu offered to give them a hand to watch over his inws but was rejected by Frederick Yang. As long as their daughter was safe, Frederick Yang and Lillian Yang would be more at ease. Ethan Lu understood the dignity behind his father-inw and hence respected it by not pressing on the matter anymore.


    ****


    After his long conversation with Frederick Yang, Ethan Lu bid his farewell with his future-inws and Lexi was now following behind him to be sent off.? However, Lexi remained silent as she followed behind him as if her mind was wandering somewhere else.


    When they reached Ethan Lu''s car, he turned around to face Lexi. Although Lexi was quiet, she was still subconsciously alert enough to notice her surroundings.


    Raising her gaze, Lexi was met by a narrowed pair of eyes, examining her thoroughly¡ª inside and out.


    "Why?" Knitting her brows, Lexi tried her hardest to conceal the emptiness she felt while inside her room. She also put on makeup to conceal and hide any traces of the crying she had done earlier, hence, she was ufortable being scrutinized by Ethan Lu like this.


    "Are you sad, my love?" Tilting his head to the side, a worried expression stered across his face. He might not have guessed the fact that Lexi cried but his heart could feel the sadness within her silence.


    "Sad? Why would I be sad?" Professionally chuckling, thanks to her acting history, Lexi sounded natural which could have fooled anyone... but him.


    "Come here..." Sprawling his arms to her, Ethan Lu gently pulled her into his embrace giving her the warmest hug he could offer. "You know you can always rely on me, right? I will appreciate it if for once, you would be vulnerable and depend on me more." Ethan Lu softly whispered as he ced a soft kiss on the top of her head and sniffed the refreshing scent of her soft hair.


    "Thank you..." Upon hearing hisforting words, her heart gradually warmed up as her arms snaked around his waist.


    The pain in her heart that she was currently experiencing reduced but not to the extent of filling up the void that she made only for someone she didn''t know of whom it was. Regardless, Lexi felt much better the longer his warmth enveloped her whole existence.


    Again, the thought of having this man with her¡ª she felt thankful. No matter what reason it was that had gotten into her back then to approach this guy, Lexi was grateful that she stepped out of herfort zone. Leading her to the best man she could ask for.


    "I''ll see youter?" Slowly, the two lovebirds parted after sharing a long hug and Lexi inquired with a delicate tone.


    "Yup, I''ll pick you upter." Meekly smiling, Ethan Lu poked the apex of her nose as he responded. His eyes traveled across her gorgeous front and his smile turned into a frown.


    "I hope the day ends quickly¡ª I don''t want to go." He lowlyined as he wanted to spend more time with her and reschedule all his meetings for tomorrow. Also, he knew that something was wrong with her but, Ethan Lu didn''t want to probe further since Lexi seemed as if she didn''t want to talk about it right at this moment.


    "Tch, this guy..." Clicking her tongue, the corners of her lips curled seeing him acting cute with his adorable puppy eyes.


    "Go now... you have to work and I have to prepare my stuff so it will be ready to move in with you." Lexi held him in her arms and without exerting much effort, she dragged the reluctant baby Ethan Lu towards the front of the driver''s seat.


    "Fine." In aining tone, Ethan Lu let out a heavy exhale as he hitched inside the car. s, even before starting the car''s engine, Ethan Lu rolled down the window and peeked his head out.


    "Kiss!" He demanded as he puckered his lips out. To his dismay, Lexi only grinned as she mischievously stepped back.


    "Later, bye." She said while waving her hand.


    "Not fair!" Frowning, Ethan Luined at his heartless girlfriend who wouldn''t grace his lips with hers even for a second. Well, if it wasn''t for the fact that Lexi would live at his ce, Ethan Lu would throw a tantrum like the little cry baby he was.


    "Lexi Yang,ters baby~!" Upon feeling a little better with positivity, Ethan Lu simultaneously raised his brows in an up and down motion, mischievously giving her a knowing look.


    Seeing Lexi rolled her eyes, Ethan Lu chuckled before starting the engine of his vehicle and slowly left the Yang manor.

 Chapter 248 They are my friends...

    <h4>Chapter 248 They are my friends...</h4>


    As Ethan Lu drove himself to his appointment for the day, silence soon went along with the chillness of the inbound breeze of the air conditioner. He didn''t avert his gaze away from the road yet, whatever emotions he showed to the Yang family¡ª the remnants of it slowly dissipated.


    It was as if every passing meter, Mr. lover boy slowly hid in the deepest pit of his heart and only a nk masquerade remained. Pictures of Lexi''s smirks, Frederick Yang''s dignified front, and Lillian Yang''s gentle giggles shed across his head which made his face more stoic than ever.


    He had no family to protect aside from them. After all, his biological family and immediate family members weren''t deserving of any affections. If any, the emotion he had towards them was wariness.


    "Not good..." Ethan Lu nkly murmured as he recalled his progress inside the Lu family.


    Granted that he had been gaining power and supporters, he also had the authority to mobilize some men of the Lu family under his order, Ethan Lu was still dissatisfied. He needed more power and broader connections to secure his spot.


    He still felt bothered by the fact that Morris Liu was now lying on a hospital bed because some people were after him. Hence, he was quite paranoid about Lexi''s safety and her family''s well being.


    It wasn''t that he was insincere when he told Frederick Yang about keeping Lexi safe. However, he could not help but feel restless unless his other Lu family members stopped from troubling him and it will only happen if he became the family head.


    Just as Ethan Lu was deep in his thoughts and was nning what steps he should make to the Lu Family, he was snapped back to reality when his phone rang. Without turning his gaze away from the road, his hand slipped inside his suit pocket and retrieved his phone.


    Getting a glimpse of his assistant, Lyrick Jiang''s name on the screen, Ethan Lu reached for the wireless bluetooth from the inside door handle and then ced it on his ear. After a few swift presses of buttons, the call reconnected through the wireless earpiece.


    "Young Master, Mr. Yu''s colleagues have arrived." Short and precise, Lyrick Jiang sternly reported.


    "Alright¡ª nothing funny happened?"


    "One tried to break free and go on a killing spree but with our elite men''s presence, he was restrained again. Nothing happened after that." Without a second''s hesitation, Lyrick Jiang reported their mishap as his boss only cared about the end result¡ª whatever happens in the process, if its a job well done at the end of the day¡ª that''s what''s important to Ethan Lu.


    "Good. How about Chris? Not there?"


    "He was..." Lyrick Jiang turned around and saw a car approaching. Since the te number of the car was Chris Yu''s, he resumed. "Mr. Yu just arrived as well."


    "Alright, I''ll see youter." With those said remarks, Ethan Lu was about to hang up but halted when he heard Lyrick Jiang stopped him.


    "Wait¡ª Young Master, Mr. Yu seems as if he wants to talk to you." Lyrick Jiang watched Chris Yu frantically hitched out from the driver''s seat and shouted: "Don''t hang up!" Hence, he halted his boss from cutting the line short despite his confusion the reason why Chris Yu would rather talk to Ethan Lu via his phone instead of personally calling him.


    "Pass him the phone," Confused and curious at the same time, Ethan Lumanded. He waited for a minute before Chris Yu''s voice was heard on the other end of the line.


    "Eey!" Chris Yu greeted, sounding a little refreshed after taking a short nap and hot shower before going into the ce where the criminals were held. "Why didn''t I bump into you earlier, eh?"


    "What do you want?" Decelerating his speed, Ethan Lu subconsciously turned attentive as he anticipated whatever Chris Yu''s intention was as to why he wanted to talk to him. After all, they already discussed whatever should be discussed earlier that morning. Hence, he was certain that Chris Yu wouldn''t just want to greet him.


    "Err," Scratching the back of his head, Chris Yu looked up in the sky and scrunched his face up due to the blinding brightness before he asked. "Are you perhaps friends with the Yue Enterprise?"


    "Yue Enterprise?" Furrowing his brows, Ethan Lu tried to specte why Chris Yu asked this out of the blue but no matter how he concluded about it within a short span of a few seconds, he was in a dead-end. Thus, Ethan Lu responded honestly. "Well, I was invited when the new chairwoman took over thepany but I can''t say we''re friends¡ª Mr. Tanaka, maybe."


    "I mean the Lu and Yue family¡ª they didn''t have any ties before?" Chris Yu probed further without giving any hints on what''s going on in his mind.


    "I don''t think so. I have met all of the close families that had ties with us¡ª why are you asking this by the way?" Slightly annoyed, Ethan Lu had grown more suspicious by these questions about the two families.


    "Nothing, I am just interested in the chairwoman and I thought I should ask you to say a few good words about me."


    "Damn..." Upon hearing the petty reasoning that Chris Yu made it sound so suspenseful, Ethan Lu''s under-eye twitched as he could not help but curse.


    "I am not doing that¡ª I''m busy." Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Ethan Lu was about to hang up in urgency but was once again halted with Chris Yu''s interruption.


    "Wait¡ª!"


    "What?!"


    "Err," Contemting what to say, Chris Yu carefully chose his words as he wouldn''t want to cause trouble with any vague remarks that even he could not understand.


    After all, when he gave the information that Seraphina Yue was involved in this, his friend''s life would be in great danger as the said woman gestured him a hush gesture with her index finger on her lips¡ª cing him in a tight position.


    "I heard there''s and auction on the east side of the city¡ª are you participating?"


    "Damn Chris! Don''t ask such nonsense! Didn''t you check? Lou is participating¡ª why would I even wee him to my home just to fight him over a small piece ofnd?" Agitated, Ethan Lu unhesitatingly cut the line short and stepped his foot on the pedal¡ª speeding away. He could not believe Chris Yu was dying him to his appointment for such nonsense.


    Meanwhile, when the line ended, Chris Yu''s brows knitted together as he slowly put the phone down.


    "Lou..." Chris Yu whispered that only he could hear. Of course, with his short free time earlier, he searched Ethan Lu''s cousin Louis Lu. To his surprise, he was weed by the said man''s achievements and his well-establishedpany he led singlehandedly.


    He also stumbled upon information about the auction and Louis Lu''spany joining. However, the reason he asked about it was that the auction would be held in a month and he was curious if Louis Lu was still overseas or in this city¡ª coincidentally when everything happened.


    "Uh, this doesn''t sound good." Chris Yu tapped his foot a few times as he mildly shook his head sideways. For some reason, his hunch left him feeling terrified with the thought of Louis Lu having any involvement in this.


    Indeed, Chris Yu might fully take this as pure coincidence as he could not rely on spection and hunches. However, he must warn Ethan Lu about his cousin who was apparently living inside his own home.


    When Chris Yu was about to heedlessly dash back to his car, Lyrick Jiang''s t voice snapped him back.


    "Mr. Yu?"


    "Uh?"


    "My phone." Thrusting his chin to Chris Yu''s hand where he held his phone, Lyrick Jiang raised his brows.


    "Oh, right, thanks." Handing the phone back, Chris Yu asked. "By the way, why does Louis Lu insist on staying in Ethan''s ce?"


    "Huh?" Confused, Lyrick Jiang stared at Chris Yu for a while before emotionlessly answering him. "Because Sir Louis Lu is a cheapskate¡ª that''s what the Young Master''s words were."


    Lyrick Jiang properly addressed Louis Lu ording to the Lu family rules as they could only address the young master and master to Ethan Lu and Edward Lu since the heir was already named. The rest of the members, they were either called elders, directors and other terms based on the said rules.


    "Hah, what ame excuse." Disbelief, Chris Yu could not fathom that Ethan Lu believed that kind of reasoning unless it was the truth.


    "Well, since Ethan''s pissed at me and would surely not answer my calls¡ª can you please ry a message for me?" Smiling, Chris Yu raised his brows and waited for Lyrick Jiang to nod his head once.


    "Can you please tell him these exact words: keep an eye on that guy."


    "Sir Louis Lu?"


    "Yes!" Chris Yu ced his hand on Lyrick Jiang''s shoulder as his gaze went through the thin lenses of the assistant''s transparent sses.


    ****


    [What happened on the elevator earlier that day]


    When Seraphina Yue skipped herself out of the elevator, she stopped in her tracks and turned to Chris Yu.


    "Edward and Louis Lu¡ª they are my... friends." Seraphina mouthed.


    cing her finger in front of her lips that were curled into a smirk she witnessed Chris Yu being tossed in a pool of question marks. She then resumed on her way with the addition of her sentence inwardly.


    ''But, I call all fes as friends¡ª even the ones I sent to hell, heh.'' Seraphina Yue''s smile brightened even more for leaving a simple riddle that Chris Yu must solve.

 Chapter 249 Mother knows bes

    <h4>Chapter 249 Mother knows bes</h4>


    When Ethan Lu''s car slowly went further away from her sight until it turned into a dot, Lexi headed inside and saw her mother, Lillian Yang staring at the dress she bought for her so-called "grandchild". There were also baby bottles that Lillian Yang purposely didn''t let the maids keep in the guest room where all the baby stuff was hidden.


    Rolling her eyes and shaking her head, Lexi slowly resumed her on her path but instead of going back to her room, Lexi went to the opposite side of the sofa across her mother. She watched her mother examine the cute dress in her hand with glittering eyes as if she was envisioning something that Lexi hadn''t thought of before.


    Lillian Yang was busy in her Lnd and since they were already busted, she didn''t bother to conceal her sparkling excitement. She was aware that Lexi was perched across her and was watching her with a poker face. However, Lilian Yang didn''t immediately turn her head to her daughter as she wanted to stare at the dress for a bit longer.


    "Mom, are you really that happy? I mean, how could you and dad conclude that there''s an iing baby?" Letting out a heavy sigh, Lexi''s gaze never looked away from her mother. Her secret cries earlier in her room helped her vent her frustrations and dismay hence, Lexi was much calmer this time.


    "Oh, dear," Gently putting down the dress to herp, Lillian Yang slowly turned her head across her as she raised her gaze. Smiling like a nation''s mother''s heartwarming caress, she added in a soft tone. "Can you me us? We were blessed to only have a daughter after so many years of trying. So, the thought of having an addition to our family¡ª how can I and your dad stay still?"


    "But¡­ I just don''t want you to be disappointed and sad." Slightly frowning, her shoulders moved down a bit as she leaned her back on the backrest of the elegant-looking couch.


    Indeed, this was one of Lexi''s worries when she caught the scene earlier. Although she was shocked at first and was dismayed at the fact that her parents already thought that she was sleeping with Ethan Lu, the question: ''what if she won''t get pregnant? Wouldn''t that destroy the happiness that her parents had right now?'' hovered on her head and topped all of her other emotions.


    After all, she was told that she was a miracle baby after so many years of her parents trying. Moreover, Lexi had witnessed how her mother secretly cried with her previous miscarriages. Hence, she was worried to see their happiness being crushed if their expectations weren''t met.


    "Lexi," Seeing the gloomy front of her daughter and unbending worry, Lillian Yang subtly smiled before she stood from her seat and slowly, she strode around the small table in the middle of the set of sofas. Lillian Yang perched beside her daughter and reached for her hand before holding them with both of her gentle hands.


    "We already thought about that but we still decided to go shopping for these things because it makes us happy and prepared if that''s the case. However, if not, well, your dad and I will be fine. We can gift them to our friend''s grandchildren."


    Lexi only traveled her gaze to her mother''s reassuring smile before she heavily exhaled. "I still can''t believe you two are fine about me getting pregnant out of wedlock."


    "Dear, what time are you living in? It''s the 21st century¡ª I think that''s normal nowadays, premarital sex."


    "Mom!" She absolutely couldn''t believe her mother''sst remarks, Lexi''s brows uncontrobly twitched in disbelief.


    "Gosh..." Lexi shook her head as her mother was akin to the holy mama mary. Swear and vulgar words were thest thing one should expecting out from her mouth as Lillian Yang was pretty meek and reserved.


    Granted that Lexi was well-versed that her parents were pretty open and understanding, she had never once had a conversation with her mother about her sex life¡ª what more, her parents'' sex life, as that was thest thing Lexi wanted to know. Therefore, just like her disturbing shock when she saw the pieces of baby equipment and outfits, Lexi was as equally as shocked just now.


    Seeing the gradual change in her daughter''s beautiful expression to an ugly one, Lillian Yang heartily chuckled. Her lovelyughs soon soothed the whole living area and resonated across each corner. "Oh dear, I never thought I can tease you like this." Lillian Yang uttered in between her giggles.


    "Also, I trust Ethan¡ª do you know what he said when he confessed to us that he liked you?" Lillian Yang added as she tried to suppress the rest of her giggles. Lexi didn''t answer back as she only stared at her mother with a vignt gaze.


    Well, how could she know? Although Lexi knew that Ethan Lu came to her house the moment he returned after his soul-searching skit¡ª Lexi didn''t ask the details as she was rather busy at that time with Taming Hearts and nearly forgot about it.


    "When Ethan came here that day, he looked so nervous I thought he was feeling unwell. Then, when he finally got the right amount of courage, he bravely announced that he likes you¡­ in front of me and your dad¡ª it was a silly scene, I will never forget it." As Lillian Yang recalled the day Ethan Lu dared to sit them down and say that he came there as Lexi''s suitor, not her friend.


    "Dear, when I heard him say that, I told myself ''wow, this child.''" Lillian Yang lightly shook her head still bearing her gentle smile. "And then, he said he really likes you to the degree that he''s willing to marry you, so his confession turned into something I never expected¡ª Ethan, he, in the most sincere way he could, asked us for our blessing to marry you, funny right? But, hearing him say that he not only wanted you to be his lover but also his wife¡ª I felt it."


    Lexi shortly pursed her lips hearing this story that sounded so familiar. Well, Ethan Lu always did tell her that he was pursuing her with an intention to marry her. Still, hearing that Ethan Lu did not only verbalized it to her but to her parents, she was utterly moved.


    "So I know, even if you''d get pregnant out of wedlock, Ethan will take responsibility¡ª he is the only man aside from your father that I can entrust my daughter with." Lillian Yang ended with a sweet smile that rendered her daughter speechless.


    Although her daughter has been long engaged with Morris Liu in the past, Lillian Yang had always been against it at first. However, with the young Morris Liu showing genuine care and concern with how he helped Lexi get back on her feet again after that kidnapping incident, she finally agreed to it.


    Still, the difference she felt between Ethan Lu and Morris Liu was like heaven and earth. Lillian Yang, never once had the slightest doubt about Ethan Lu''s intentions that he had towards her daughter. She never knew why but her motherly instincts told her she could trust him.


    After all, Ethan Lu has always been sincere since day one and that personality never waned until now. Rather, as he became morefortable around the Yang couple, Ethan Lu turned more and more genuine.


    It was still a mystery to them how this man could be so humble despite his family status. Which led them to a question: was the news that Ethan Lu was a rebellious child, just mere hearsay?


    Regardless, if Ethan Lu epted their daughter along with her ws then, they wouldn''t mind Ethan Lu''s past as well. What''s important to them was that the Ethan Lu they fortunately met is a nice, reliable person.


    "Thanks, Mom." Meekly smiling back, Lexi tightened her grip on her mother''s hand that was tenderly holding hers. "Thanks for letting me know and your advice back then." Referring to the advice that Lillian Yang had told her to open her heart to him and give Ethan Lu a chance¡ª she was grateful that she had said those words to her. If not, perhaps, Lexi would still be denying her feelings and there would be no Lexi and Ethan Lu right now.


    "Mother knows best, dear." Chuckling, Lillian Yang mildly rubbing the back of Lexi''s hand with a contented smile. She added, "I am just d that you''d return to us¡ª my sweet loving daughter."


    "I will visit when I don''t have ss." Diverting the subject, Lexi uttered and her mother only responded with a nod.


    Both the mother and daughter duo then checked out the baby stuff together. Lexi apanied her enthusiastic mother and left a fewments on their choice of clothes and asked a few questions about what the purpose was for the other tools which Lillian Yang dly answered.


    Soon, Frederick Yang also joined them as he canceled all his appointments that day to spend the rest of the day with his family. He also boasted about his baby spaceman outfit and the baby boy toys that he had kept hidden all along.


    That day, the whole Yang mansion gleamed withughter and ease with the family of three catching up on business matters and Lexi''s newfound knowledge on the business line of her choice.

 Chapter 250 My curiosity is killing me!

    <h4>Chapter 250 My curiosity is killing me!</h4>


    Later that night...


    "Uh, yeah, that''s the n¡ª don''t worry, I got you a decent room that you''ll like to stay in for the rest of your stay in the country." Looking through the car window from the back passenger seat, Ethan Lu uttered with his phone in front of his ear.


    "I see, thank you. I will pack my stuff then." As t and nk as it may sound, Louis Lu responded from the other end of the line.


    "Alright, I''ll see youter." Suddenly, an unreadable glint shed across Ethan Lu''s eyes that none would understand what it meant. With that said note, he cut the line short.


    "Lyrick, are you positive about what Chris said?" Slowly putting down his phone, Ethan Lu still didn''t look away from the side of the road as he asked his assistant, Lyrick Jiang who perched on the front passenger seat.


    "Yes, Young Master. Mr. Yu said to keep an eye on Sir Louis Lu and said don''t ask why¡ª it''s just his hunch." Slightly turning his head to his boss on the backseat, Lyrick Jiang affirmed.


    Although he asked Chris Yu for an boration, it was evident that no matter how much he press on the matter, Chris Yu wouldn''t give any more details. Hence, Lyrick Jiang could only respect the other party and remain silent.


    Well, since Lyrick Jiang was Ethan Lu''s most trusted guy, the fact that Chris Yu wasn''t just a mere business owner but a retired agent. Also, about the circus that happened in the Liu Empire, that information was also fed to him from his boss.


    Of course, he was shocked at first but since it wasn''t his business and he only cared whether his young master was safe or not, Lyrick Jiang didn''t dwell on it. Therefore, if Chris Yu warned them about Louis Lu, then, he was considered a threat that he, himself aside from Ethan Lu had to keep a better eye on the said person¡ª no matter if he''s a Lu family member or not.


    "I see... it''s probably a piece of ssified information. At least, he gave me a heads up¡ª a constion for bothering me earlier." Ethan Lu slowly nodded his head in understanding. For some reason, Ethan Lu was rather calm upon hearing the news which was quite unusually usual.


    "Anyway, wake me up when we arrived at the Yang Residence." Leaning his head back, Ethan Lu reminded as he closed his eyes.


    Lyrick Jiang only nodded without a word and the driver retained his speed as he drove towards the said destination. Both men were unaware as to why their boss was heading towards the ce as he didn''t inform them of the reason. Unbeknownst to them, they will receive the shock of their life in an hour.


    ****


    As they approached the huge gate of the said mansion, the guards automatically opened the gates seeing the familiar car of Ethan Lu¡ª their future boss. Thus, the car smoothly entered the mansion''s driveway and stopped several steps away from the residence''s entrance.


    "Master, we''ve arrived." This time, Lyrick Jiang slightly tugged Ethan Lu''s knee for him to wake up. It was his third time calling his master''s name but his boss appeared to be extra exhausted. Hence, in this final attempt to wake him up, Lyrick Jiang decided to tug his knee.


    "Hmm?" Knitting his brows, Ethan Lu slowly opened his eyes until they were half-open. Looking through the window, he saw the familiar house of his beloved girlfriend.


    "Ahh... wait for me here." Ethan Lu massaged the bridge of his nose as he tried to get up. Surely, between hisck of sleep, as well as their intense nighttime exercisest night, along with his tiring meetings all took a toll on him¡ª making him a little groggy with a slight headache.


    He then unhurriedly departed from the car, while dusting off the little creases on his business suit before he entered the manor without knocking as if it was his own home.


    From inside the car, Lyrick Jiang and the quiet driver subconsciously watched their boss leisurely head to the house. Upon seeing their boss enter the ce just like that, both unconsciously turned their heads to each other with the same questioning gaze.


    "Red, any guess why he is here?" Breaking their awkward silence, Lyrick Jiang inquired, hoping to get a good answer from the driver whom he addressed as Red.


    Jarred Guo, a 29 year-old-man had just recently been assigned to be Ethan Lu''s bodyguard and driver. He had a monolid pair of ck eyes, a small narrow nose, prominent cheekbones, and a symmetrical face. He was slim yet muscr and despite his age, he looked a little younger than his age. Nheless, he didn''t look less decent-looking than Lyrick Jiang nor was he on par with Ethan Lu''s charm. Still, with his appearance, it was certain that getting girls wasn''t a problem for him.


    "Meeting? An ambiguous one, maybe?" Nonchntly shrugging his shoulders with both of his hands over the steering wheel, Jarred Guo responded. He cast Lyrick Jiang a disdainful gaze as if telling him ''you are the assistant, why are you asking me?''.


    "With the Yang''s? Do you think it''s about what happened to Mr. Liu?" Lyrick Jiang ignored the spiteful gaze from his colleague as he rubbed his chin, pondering if his guess was correct.


    If he remembered correctly, the yang''s had close ties with the Liu family in the past. Hence, the possibility that the reason their boss was there was because of that.


    However, there was still something that bugged him: why was their boss keeping it a secret to them? After all, Ethan Lu already informed them about everything regarding the matter including Chris Yu''s secret. Hence, it just doesn''t make sense.


    "Why not ask the boss when hees back to quench your thirst for gossip?" In a matter of fact tone, Jarred Guo lightly scoffed as he could not take seeing his colleagues hypocrisy.


    Lyrick Jiang had always imposed himself as the perfect secretary. Well, he was somehow close to that as whatever order their boss gave, it was always properly executed using his brains. However, there''s a catch¡ª Lyrick Jiang was a busybody.


    He might not show it to Ethan Lu but to his close friends and colleagues such as them, he would have bugged them with his spections; especially when it was a time like this when they need to wait for their employer.


    "Mhmm..." Still ignoring Jarred Guo''s not so thrilling suggestion, Lyrick Jiang continued to rub his chin. He only needed a long beard and a mustache to depict a wise sage while contemting how to make the world better.


    After a second, Lyrick Jiang''s hand stopped rubbing his chin as his eyes dted with the sudden conclusion that struck his mind. Slowly turning his head to the driver''s seat, his lips gaped a little which made Jarred Guo unconsciously draw his head back seeing the ugly expression stered across his colleagues front.


    "Mr. Yang had a da¡ª daughter, ri¡ª right?" Stuttering, Lyrick Jiang asked just for validation.


    "I don''t know!"


    "Then, do you think the woman Young Master¡ª No, that''s impossible. Haha!" Interrupting his own train of thoughts, Lyrick Jiangughed at his silly conclusion but after a second, his awkwardugh came into a full stop.


    "Is it?"


    "Are you even listening to me?" Dismayed to the core, Jarred Guo red at him in extreme disgust as Lyrick Jiang was treating him like a wall and ignored his responses. "Why don''t you ask Nico since he was always being fed with dog food?"


    "He''s mute about it!" Letting out a heavy exhale, god knows how many times Lyrick Jiang attempted to get a clue due to his curiosity about the mystery woman Ethan Lu was protecting and also, his secret heroine for straightening the life of this troublesome young master.


    However, no matter how many hints he dropped, Ethan Lu''s shadow, Nico Ma never allowed any information to slip. Therefore, he felt even more frustrated.


    If only Lyrick Jiang could remember the time Ethan Lu assaulted Morris Liu, he could easily piece everything together. s, that vital memory was already buried deep within his mind as it urred months ago. Moreover, a lot had happened during those months in the Lu family.


    "Aish! My curiosity is killing me!"


    "Your curiosity will indeed kill you." In a diss, Jarred Guo decided to breathe some fresh air as it seemed their boss would take a while. Hence, without a second''s hesitation, he left the crazy nerd inside the car to save his ear from his crap.


    ****


    After an hour or two, someone finally came out from the entrance of the Yang Mansion. At this time, Jarred Guo and Lyrick Jiang were both outside the car, patiently waiting for their dearest young master.


    Seeing a male servant followed by two more female servants, both men furrowed their brows when their gazended on the luggage they were carrying. The three people headed towards their direction and the two only watched theme closer and closer to them.


    "Bye, Mom, Dad!" Just then, a woman''s cheery yet cold voice reached their ears despite the distance, that made the two widen their eyes immediately.


    They slowly turned their gaze from the servants to the front door. There, they spotted their boss, guiding a gorgeous woman that was only wearing a pair of simple pajamas¡ª their jaws dropped.

 Chapter 251 Ahh... this koala

    <h4>Chapter 251 Ahh... this ko</h4>


    If their jaw could just literally drop, then, Lyrick Jiang and Jarred Guo''s jaw already crashed onto the concrete ground. Both could not hide their shock as they soundlessly gasped at the scene before them unfolding¡ª holding their breath for a while.


    Both men watched their boss and the woman who was wearing her nighties as if she was going straight to her bed. They were sweet¡ª super sweet to the extent that both men could see tiny red ants following their trail.


    As the two lovebirds seemed as if they were just having ate-night walk in the park, Ethan Lu''s supposedly perfect subordinates could not help but speak under their breath.


    "Woah... Now, I understand why the boss kept her hidden." Jarred Guo was in awe as Lexi wasn''t wearing any decoration on her face nor does she have any essories. She was just in simple pajamas with her hair set loose¡ª letting its volume bounce and smoothly follow her every move.


    "The real boss...?" With the same tone and volume, Lyrick Jiang ignored his young master as his gaze locked in Lexi''s direction. After a second, he corrected. "No, a miraculous deity."


    Of course, Lyrick Jiang had considered his theory of his young master having a rtionship with the Yang''s young mistress. Hence, for someone who was as much of a busybody as him, Lyrick Jiang used their waiting time, not thinking about spections but, doing research about the Yang family¡ª especially Lexi Yang.


    He had gathered information about Lexi and Morris Liu''s engagements, the said woman''s ambiguous scandals, and many more that someone wouldn''t be proud of. Upon reading about the article between Lexi and Morris Liu, Lyrick Jiang was reminded of the fight incident that had happened months ago with Ethan Lu and Morris Liu.


    However, Lyrick Jiang didn''t immediately conclude that it was about a woman because there are still many reasons why his young master could have turned so aggressive at that time. Still, he didn''t single out that fact among the many theories that could have caused such a scene.


    Nevertheless, although Lyrick Jiang already saw Lexi Yang''s photos, he was quite shocked as she looked more ethereal in person. Also, the fact that he worshipped a faceless woman secretly for his young master''s progress¡ª she didn''t disappoint him!


    "You look tired," Lexi, linking arms with her charming escort by the name of? Ethan Lu, slightly frowning as she lightly tilted the side of her head to the front while staring at him. Their steps were leisurely slow but did not falter even once until Ethan Lu paused in his tracks to face her.


    "I am..." Pouting like a little spoiled child garnering for sympathy, Ethan Lu smoothly buried his face to her shoulder while his arms sneakily wrapped around her slender waist. "Because my girl is being too mean to me¡ª not giving me an energy kiss." Indeed, Ethan Lu hasn''t moved on from the unkindly act that Lexi refused to kiss him goodbye earlier that morning.


    "So, you''re holding a grudge on me?" Slowly sneaking her arms around his upper-back, the corner of her lips curled into a mischievous grin.


    "I do, I do! I need somepensation!" Stillining, Ethan Lu slightly shook his shoulders as if feeling her petite arms around him wasn''t enough¡ª he''s greedy.


    The next second, Lexi marginally lifted her right foot and shifted it on top of his shiny formal shoes¡ª same with her other foot, fixedly setting them on top of his shoe. Her grip on his back tightened along with her faint giggle.


    "There, there. Let me cling on you like a ko." Humoring him, Lexi remained in her position.


    "Ahh... this ko..." By this time, Ethan Lu snapped from his awful acting as he chuckled from her silliness. Tenderly tightening his grip around her waist to secure her, Ethan Lu took a slow step forward with her foot on top of his shoe, and then his other foot¡ª taking slow strides while she clung to him like a sloth.


    Regardless of the added weight, Ethan Lu didn''tin and took this into his advantage to flirt with her along the way. As the two of them took their time reaching Ethan Lu''s car, his two loyal subordinates watched them and could not help the corner of their eyes from twitching.


    The Yang servants were already done putting the luggage in the trunk with Jarred Guo''s assistance and already went back inside the manor. However, their boss and their futuredy boss hadn''t reached them yet.


    For Pete''s sake! From the Yang Mansion''s entrance door, given the distance to the car, it would only take less than a minute to reach if they would only walk normally! Yet, Ethan Lu and Lexi were taking forever! Not to mention, tossing dog food all over the ce!


    "This is too much." Shaking his head in dismay as he grit his teeth, Jarred Guo managed to look away as the two approaching them were too much to watch. "I can''t believe Nico survived watching them like this all the time. Poor guy, maybe that''s why he''s been so grumpy."


    "Do you think they will take another hour to reach us?" Slightly leaning on the side, Lyrick Jiang inquired. Although he wasn''t against meeting his heroine for the first time, s, both of them were taking too much time just to reach their standpoint. Probably, even a person who was crawling would surpass them at this rate. Hence, no matter how long their patience, if they are being fed with dog food their rope of forbearance was running much too thin as well.


    "Beats me. Take a nap first¡ª I''ll wake you up when they''re close." Letting out a heavy exhale, Jarred Guo humored at his hypocrite colleague.


    "As if I can take that advice." Clicking his tongue, Lyrick Jiang kept his stoic front as his boss and his heroine wereing closer.


    Soon, after a few minutes, ten to be precise¡ª after their hearty giggles and recklessughs that resonated across the whole yang mansion''s driveway, Lexi and Ethan Lu finally reached their destination.


    Meanwhile, the two felt they were the ones who got tired instead of their boss because Lexi remained clinging to their boss until they reached their standpoint.


    "Now, you''re more tired." Grinning from ear to ear, Lexi bit her lower lip to suppress the urgingughs that were attempting to escape from her mouth. Well, she purposely did what she did as she enjoyed teasing him and also, for the sake of having a rest for tonight. After all, their lust and love for each other always triumphed in the end.


    "Hey..." Shaking his head sideways, Ethan Lu lightly chuckled before turning his attention back to his subordinates. "Anyways, I haven''t properly introduced you to these guys. This is Lyrick, my assistant and Red, driver."


    Lexi meekly smiled as she returned the two a slight yet polite bow. If it was before, she would have been surprised as to why Ethan Lu would even bother to introduce her to his employees as if he was introducing her to his friends or family. However, Lexi got used to Ethan Lu''s temperament and the fact that difference status in life or age wasn''t very important to him if he considered a person as his friend.


    "Nice meeting you," Lexi modestly greeted as she altered her gaze from Jarred Guo to Lyrick Jiang.


    "It''s an honor to finally meet you in person, Miss Yang." Thanks to years of being the perfect assistant, Lyrick Jiang managed topose himself and sound professional despite his nervousness meeting his heroine.


    Still, Lyrick Jiang''s mind was going on an all-out speech that he didn''t dare to speak aloud while his soul was kowtowing.


    ''Also Miss Yang, I haven''t thanked you for lending your hand in helping my dear young master to get himself back on track¡ª my sincerest gratitude. I remember back in the day, out of ten meetings, the young master would only attend one or maybe three at max. Then, he would party all night until morning with his friend Mr. Woo. So, just so you know my goddess, all of the me for those responsibilities that were neglected were all pushed onto me! To me! God knows how much I had suffered back then. But, thanks to you, I was saved in the darkest days of my life...'' Lyrick Jiang went on and on as he wept his sufferings internally.


    "Lyrick?... Rick!" Furrowing his brows, Ethan Lu snapped at his assistant. He narrowed his eyes as he peered at Lyrick Jiang who was just staring at Lexi like a fool.


    "Uh, yes young master?"


    "Let''s go," Ignoring whatever hovered in his mind, Ethan Lu raised his brows and spoke in a matter of fact tone. With a nod, Jarred Guo and Lyrick Jiang hitched into the car while Ethan Lu assisted hisdy inside the back passenger seat.


    As she was being assisted inside with care, Lexi raised her brows and inquired with a giggle. "Please tell me you''re not jealous of your secretary?"


    "Of course, I''m not that petty." Without a second''s hesitation, Ethan Lu denied without batting an eye.


    "Oh¡­ okay, that''s good then." Heaving a sigh in relief, Lexi subtly smiled and nodded before entering the back passenger seat, followed shortly by Ethan Lu.

 Chapter 252 Having a crush on my girlfriend?

    <h4>Chapter 252 Having a crush on my girlfriend?</h4>


    On their way back to Ethan Lu''s vi, Jarred Guo and Lyrick Jiang had already steeled their hearts and prepared for whatever public disy of affection that would take ce behind them. But, to their surprise, Lexi and their young master, Ethan Lu, only flirted at first until Lexi fell asleep on their boss''p.


    Ethan Lu caressed her head as he watched her side profile¡ª facing the front. Well, they were just teasing earlier and Lexi was just snuggling to him that made his heart filled with contentment. s, maybe because she was tired, and got a little dizzy while the car was moving, Lexi decided to sleep with her head was on hisp. Her legs were bent to fit on the whole seat. Fortunately, she was already in her pajamas so she was morefortable.


    "Boop," Poking her cheek once, Ethan Lu checked if Lexi was awake or not. "Love?" He added in a whisper yet, Lexi remained sleeping with her breathing in a constant rhythm.


    Nodding in understanding, Ethan Lu kept petting her head while his other hand slid inside his pocket suit. After getting his phone, Ethan Lu only tapped it a few times before cing it in front of his ear.


    Meanwhile, while Jarred Guo has his full attention on the road, Lyrick Jiang''s mind was wandering somewhere else. As the inside of the car slowly delved into silence, Lyrick Jiang jolted from his seat.


    The sudden vibration from his suit pocket was enough to snap him out of his daze. Fortunately, he was securely buckled up or else, he would have slipped out of the seat.


    Without further ado, Lyrick Jiang fiddled his hand inside his suit pocket as he exchanged a gaze with Jarred Guo''s disdainful eyes as if telling him to snap out of it. Upon seeing the contact name ''Young Master'' on the phone''s screen, Lyrick Jiang furrowed his brows.


    Slowly, Lyrick Jiang pressed the red button and answered the call with a confused heart. Ethan Lu was only behind him, wasn''t it? Why was he calling him then? Was he afraid to wake Lexi up?


    s, just as the line connected, Ethan Lu ended the call without a word¡ª making his assistant feel a little restless. Creepy. In the next second, Lyrick Jiang received a short message from his master.


    "Having a crush on my girlfriend?"


    Upon reading the message, Lyrick Jiang gasped as he instantly turned behind. There, Ethan Lu was gently petting Lexi''s head yet, his gaze was already anticipating Lyrick Jiang''s which is what really happened right at that moment.


    Ethan Lu raised his brows with aplex smirk the moment his gaze met his. He then ced his forefinger in front of his curled lips, gesturing him not to make a sound.


    Seeing the devious smirk on the corner of his boss''s lips, Lyrick Jiang swallowed a mouthful of saliva.


    Didn''t his young master say earlier that ''he''s not petty?''


    Of course, Lexi and Ethan Lu''s conversation was able to reach them but still, Lyrick Jiang was confident that what his master said was the truth and nothing but the truth. After all, even though Ethan Lu was a well-known yboy, he had entrusted some women for Lyrick Jiang to drive home orpensate them for their breakup. Hence, he never paid attention to the short conversation they had earlier because his boss has never been jealous!


    Clearing his throat, Lyrick Jiang retrieved his gaze and returned to sit properly on the front passenger seat. He dragged a long inhale and then exhaled a heavy one before he started typing on his phone.


    On the other hand, Jarred Guo shot his colleague a nce and then to the rear mirror where he could see the sinister smirk of their boss. He could not help but slightly shake his head as he somehow pitied Lyrick Jiang.


    ''Poor guy... he should''ve known not to stare for too long to someone who was taken¡ª now he was misunderstood. Tsk tsk tsk,'' Jarred Guo thought inwardly and refocused his attention back to the road.


    [No, Young Master. I was just surprised to finally meet the woman that Young Master had been protecting.] Lyrick Jiang contemted with precise calctions that Ethan Lu could not find a hole in his excuse. To be fair, he was telling the truth as he would never have an inkling towards his master''s woman.


    [Just messing with you.] On the back seat, Ethan Lu soundlessly chuckled as he witnessed how his alwaysposed assistant''s expression changed into dismay which rarely happens. Hence, it was more than enough to keep him awake with that thought until they reached their destination.


    ****


    Finally, their journey finally came to an end as they reached Ethan Lu''s ce. The moment they had arrived, Jarred Guo and Lyrick Jiang automatically went to the trunk to carry Lexi''s luggage and brought them inside their boss''s ce. Meanwhile, Lexi woke up when she felt that Ethan Lu was moving her¡ª trying to carry her. s, she refused to be carried as she already troubled her boyfriend.


    As the two entered the vi, Ethan Lu noticed Louis Lu''s car parked on the side yet, he retained his expression as he walked with Lexi while holding her hand.


    The moment they entered the ce, Ethan Lu immediately caught Louis Lu''s figure. He was sitting on the longer couch while watching business news with half-filled bottle of water on top of the small table. When Louis Lu heard the noises, he turned his head towards the entrance and saw Jarred Guo and Lyrick Jiang intrude with luggage on them.


    After a while, as the two employees ced the huge luggage beside the stairs, in his peripheral vision, Louis Lu caught his cousin and Lexi''s figure out of the corner of his eye. Slowly turning his head back to the entrance, Louis Lu''s gaze altered from Ethan Lu and then to Lexi without any change of expression.


    "Young Master, that''s everything that Miss Yang brought." Clearing his throat once again, Lyrick Jiang turned to Ethan Lu using his stoic facade. He didn''t dare give Louis Lu a nce as Lyrick Jiang was well-aware of the said man''s skills.


    It was said that when someone looked at him eye-to-eye, Louis Lu would somehow read that person''s mind. Of course, Lyrick Jiang doesn''t fully believe in it but since it was proven by others: for example, some Lu family members, then, Lyrick Jiang couldn''t find any reason not to avoid that possibility. After all, he was hostile towards the man as he poses a threat to them.


    "Alright, you don''t have to pick me up tomorrow. Thanks, guys." Nodding in understanding, Ethan Lu responded to Lyrick Jiang and then to Jarred Guo which made them nod in submission and bow to the two before leaving the ce.


    "Baby, will you wait for me upstairs?" When his assistant and driver left, Ethan Lu turned to face the still sleepy Lexi.


    "Mhmm," Lexi only nodded in agreement as her weary gaze briefly moved to the side to Louis Lu''s direction. "I''ll fix my stuff tomorrow¡ª I''ll rest first," Lexi added before she jogged her way upstairs.


    Ethan Lu watched Lexi take a small bag that was resting on top of her luggage before she headed to the master''s bedroom. Ethan Lu made sure that Lexi entered their room before he decided to turn his attention to Louis Lu who remained silent in the living area. He took slow strides and perched across his cousin''s position.


    "Lou¡­" As Ethan Lu sat, he ced his elbows on top of his knees and raised his gaze to meet Louis Lu''s unreadable front.


    "If you were asking why I am still here, well, you said ''see youter'', so I figured it would be impolite not to say my thanks and goodbye to my temporaryndlord¡ª so, I waited here." Without a pause, Louis Lu nkly exined his honest reasons why he was there even though he already packed his stuff and it was already in his car.


    "I know you''ll do that¡ª that''s why I said it." Nodding his head, Ethan Lu''s pair of dark eyes scrutinized his cousin''s front as if he was reading him like an open book.


    "Is that so?" Raising his eyebrows and shrugging his shoulders, Louis Lu didn''t sound offended or anything of the sort as he knew that his cousin knew him so well. "Why?" Still, just like Ethan Lu, Louis Lu was also well-versed with his cousin''s antics.


    "Are you involved in brother Mo''s ident¡­?" Ethan Lu didn''t dare avert his eyes from his cousin as he attentively waited for his response.


    "Yes."

 Chapter 253 But I donst like you either

    <h4>Chapter 253 But I don''st like you either</h4>


    Without batting an eye, Louis Lu looked at him straight in the eye and answered as nk, emotionless as ever. "Yes."


    Upon hearing his cousin''s blunt response, Ethan Lu heavily exhaled as he slowly rubbed his palms on his face. After three seconds, Ethan Lu raised his gaze once again and met Louis Lu''s unfazed front.


    "No, let me rephrase: Are you the one who did that to brother Mo? I mean, did you tried to kill him." Low yet clear, Ethan Lu nced at the second floor out of being cautious before he returned them to Louis Lu who was silently contemting whether to answer or not.


    Of course, the moment Ethan Lu received Chris Yu''s warning, part of him already concluded this much¡ª Louis Lu being involved with Morris Liu''s recent incident because of his time in the country coincided with Kong Shuren''s death. Hence, knowing his cousin whom he trusted despite their borderline in the Lu family power struggle, Ethan Lu and Louis Lu had always remained transparent with each other.


    "No, I keep my hands clean¡ª you know that."


    "Did you ask someone to do it for you? Lou, I don''t have time to be ying words with you." Furrowing his brows, Ethan Lu scoffed as Louis Lu was always like this. One should be precise and attentive whenever they were talking to this man before him or else, they would think that he was a liar.


    After all, Louis Lu was always like this, like a genie that needed aplete, exact wish or question for it to be granted or answered truthfully. That is why Ethan Lu must ask all the questions possible to clear his suspicions towards Louis Lu. He was not to be med though as Louis Lu would never bother to exin his side of the story the reason why he was always misunderstood through the years.


    "ying games? I am not¡ª I am merely answering your questions. If you''re so curious, you should have said: Can you please exin your involvement with Morris Liu''s shooting incident? If you said that, I would have probably finished my exnation by now and perhaps, I would already be on my way to the hotel that you booked for me." In a matter of fact tone, Louis Lu crossed his legs one over the other and leaned his back against the sofa''s backrest as he peered at Ethan Lu as if his cousin had turned weird.


    Seeing Ethan Lu exhaled a heavy scoff as if he had already figured that out, Louis Lu mildly shook his head before he indifferently resumed. "Well, back when I arrived here, I was told that your ce was rather lively at night¡ª I wasn''t talking about your activities with your lover up there but your security surrounding the ce. So, I was curious and I found out a thing or two: about our always entertaining family and the Liu Empire¡ª it was amusing by the way."


    "What did you exactly do, Lou?" Toneless words escaped Ethan Lu''s mouth as his deadpan gaze examined every little change of his cousin''s gesture and expression. It was as if nothing could escape from his pair of eyes and one wrong move or gesture from Louis Lu, he would find out.


    "I sold his schedule." Without any reserve, Louis Lu responded along with the blinking of his eyes. "No, actually, I purposely dropped it and someone picked it up." Correcting himself, Louis Lu borated on how he ended up giving that information away by seemingly dropping the piece of notepad unintentionally.


    "You did what? How¡ª why?" Knitting his brows together, he leaned his head forward, grit his teeth, and asked in an almost whisper, afraid that Lexi would hear them. Ethan Lu''s mind worked double-time as he processed theplex answer from his cousin. Sold Morris Liu''s schedule? Just how did he do that? More importantly, why would he do such a thing? After all, if Louis Lu sold Morris Liu''s schedule, the only possible conclusion to it was: he leaked Morris Liu''s schedule to his enemies and hence, the ambush.


    But WHY? That is the biggest question hovering inside his head as Ethan Lu could not wrap his head around what had gotten into his cousin to entangle himself with such a problem. In retrospect, his cousin was the most indifferent and wise person he had ever met. Thus, Ethan Lu was utterly shocked.


    "You''re wee." Slightly tilting his head to the side, Louis Lu marginally raised his brows as he received the undelivered thanks of his cousin. He added, "Why you asked? Would you rather me give hers instead?"


    Upon hearing Louis Lu''s remarks, Ethan Lu''s words were stuck in his throat as he could not utter a single word.


    "Mhmm, that''s right, Kong Shuren was a good friend of mine¡ª he helped me one way or another. So, I knew that his hidden soldiers were after Morris Liu and¡­" Louis Lu stopped as he only raised his brows as if telling his cousin across him that the person''s name he would drop was obvious hence, he didn''t need to mention.


    "It just so happened that I found out, or rather, you introduced me to your girlfriend that I knew was on that shortlist. So, I had to choose between your beloved and Mr. Liu¡ª watching you weep wouldn''t be so amusing to watch." Indeed, one of the reasons aside from his main reason was, Louis Lu knew that his troublesome cousin was friends with Morris Liu.


    Therefore, instead of waiting for the auction week of the said property he had his eyes on, Louis Lu decided to flee much earlier to check Ethan Lu''s well-being. However, that fateful night aside the obvious danger, he was also introduced to Lexi¡ª his cousin''s lover. Therefore, leading him to an easy decision because Morris Liu was the lesser of two evils when it came to? any type of importance for him.


    "Lou¡­" When Ethan Lu finally calmed himself down, he closed his eyes and slowly reopened them once again. "Didn''t I tell you to keep your business as clean as possible? Now, you''re telling me you''re friends with Kong Shuren?"


    "Late friend."


    "Lou!" Agitated at Louis Lu''s nonchnce, one way or another, Louis Lu was the person to me as to why Morris Liu was lying on a hospital bed with life support. But, on the other hand, Ethan Lu could not fully me his cousin. Regardless, he was displeased that Louis Lu, of all people, would be entangled in this dilemma.


    "Ethan, one thing." Erecting his forefinger, Louis Lu said. "I am not friends with Mr. Liu and I don''t care whatever happens to him. But¡­" Pausing, Louis Lu turned his gaze from behind his cousin and saw Lexi slowly going down. Fortunately, he watched his tone and was certain that all his words woulde as indistinct chatter with his distance from Lexi.


    "But, I don''t like you either." Without turning his eyes away from the approaching Lexi, Louis Lu directly announced this and that made her brows arch while Ethan Lu followed where his cousin''s gazey.


    Lexi only scoffed and strode until she reached Ethan Lu''s behind. "The feeling is mutual." In a matter of fact tone, Lexi sassed as if she was unaffected by Louis Lu''s sudden deration of dislike. Well, just as she said, the feeling was mutual.


    "I''m out. At least I got to say that to her personally." Grinning at receiving the same dislike from Lexi, Louis Lu straightened his posture and prepared himself to leave. Since Ethan Lu remained in his position, Louis Lu only shrugged as he gave Lexi thest indifferent nce before leaving without a word.


    Meanwhile, Lexi lowered her head to Ethan Lu''s side and saw no sign of him sending his cousin off. Slightly shaking her head sideways, Lexi muttered. "Love? You can stay here, I will send Lou out, okay?"

 Chapter 254 Weird... like always

    <h4>Chapter 254 Weird... like always</h4>


    Without waiting for Ethan Lu''s response, Lexi ced a soft peck on his cheek before skipping outside the vi¡ª leaving Ethan Lu with knitted brows.


    ''Send him out?'' He thought inwardly that made his mind slightly perplexed for a while. He looked at the direction where Lexi went, "Hey, youngdy¡ª" but the door was already shut closed even before he could finish his sentence.


    "That''s odd." He mumbled as Ethan Lu contemted whether to follow his future wifey or let her talk to Louis Lu since it seemed she wanted to talk to him. After pondering for a while, Ethan Lu decided not to follow suit as he knew Louis Lu wouldn''t harm her. Moreover, his shadow was surely on-guard. Thus, Ethan Lu decided to respect Lexi''s privacy and set a timer for her to talk to his cousin. Well, at least, if they were taking too long, he had an exact excuse for how long they had been conversing.


    "Is five minutes a little long? Tch, whatever." He mumbled setting the timer on his phone and then jumped out from the sofa and headed to the house''s entrance but he didn''tpletely go out. He just remained there, walking back and forth while waiting for the timer to ring.


    ****


    "Hey¡ª wait!" As Lexi jogged her way to catch up with Louis Lu, she called out which caught his attention. He stopped in his tracks as Louis Lu turned to look behind him. There, Lexi stood several steps away from him. Tilting his head to the side, Louis Lu waited for whatever she wanted to say.


    "It was you, wasn''t it?" Slowly taking a few more steps forward, Lexi slightly raised her brows as she asked, seeking for an honest reply.


    "Hmm?" Knitting his brows, Louis Lu was puzzled at her vague questions.


    "That night... the first person whoforted me that night was you, right?" Scrutinizing his front, Lexi unconscionably swallowed an ample amount of saliva as she patiently waited to see if it rang a bell to him.


    Well, although her memories were rather cloudy and was hard for her to understand, there are some parts that she remembered; for example, the pats on her back that night she broke down without knowing the reason. Still, Lexi was curious if Louis Lu heard anything that night that might help her to know the cause of the untouchable void in her heart.


    "And what if it''s me?" Arching his brows, Louis Lu inquired without breaking his stare with her. It was evident that his interest was piqued as he never expected her to remember. After all, from what he heard, Lexi was also unaware of the cause of why she broke down.


    "Are you here to ask me why Iforted you? Don''t feel moved though." Louis Lu added and mildly shook his head sideways as he concluded her next inquiry, but to his dismay, Lexi only rolled her eyes as she clicked her tongue in annoyance.


    "I am not but I owe you a thank you for that¡ª thanks. Well, back to my initial intention, did you perhaps hear me that night? I know it might sound crazy, but it''s actually slowly turning me mad that I am forgetting something... vital." As Lexi goes on with her sentiments, her voice turned more distressed as this matter resurfaced again.


    No matter how hard Lexi tried to forget or throw it into the deepest part of the back of her mind, she just could not let it be. She knew, inside her recuperating heart, she was missing something or someone. Her heart was certain that it was something even more important than what she thought it was, which was silently stressing her to another degree.


    "Sissy," Staring at Lexi''s exasperated front, Louis Lu emotionlessly muttered which made her raise her head and stared back at him.


    "That''s what I heard, you said something, ''Sissy, don''t go,'' like that." Louis Lu rified, hoping that it would help her a bit but to no avail, Lexi remained silent as those words kept on repeating on her mind.


    "I see..." Slowly nodding in understanding, Lexi meekly smiled. "Thanks, it means a lot." Unlike her insincere appreciation earlier, this time, Lexi was more candid as she expressed her gratitude.


    Granted that hearing what she said that night still didn''t ring a bell in her head, still, her heart felt closer to her lost memories. Therefore, she appreciated Louis Lu for giving her empathy despite his disapproval towards her.


    "I still don''t like you though." Nodding once, Louis Lu''s ''wee, no problem'' made her pursed her lips on a thin line to suppress the threatening chuckles urging to escape her mouth.


    ''I guess the Lu family is filled with a weird bunch-- or not.'' She thought inwardly as she already noticed Louis Lu''s peculiarities, especially now that she had a short conversation with him. Nheless, Lexi realized that the guy wasn''t as unlikable as she initially thought. Still, there was a line she had set just for any cases that Louis Lu was alsoing after her boyfriend.


    "Don''t worry about it-- no one here is getting the wrong idea. As I said, the feeling is mutual." Nonchntly shrugging her shoulders, Lexi didn''t allow the yearning that her heart desired as she modestly chuckled.


    Louis Lu didn''t respond any more as he resumed to go to his car. He didn''t even give Lexi a second nce as he hitched onto his vehicle and started revving up its engine.


    On the other hand, as Lexi watched the sedan start moving, she unhurriedly made her way back to where her lover was. After all, he was probably waiting in anxiousness. Indeed, Lexi guessed that much from Ethan Lu as he would say and act things but scheme and make excuses at the same time.


    Just thinking about it, a subtle smile formed on the side of her lips. ''Thank God, I have him... He makes things a little bit better for me, more tolerable.''


    Meanwhile, inside the ck sedan, Louis Lu nced on the rearview mirror where he had a glimpse of Lexi''s back as she headed inside the vi. "Weird... like always."

 Chapter 255 Did you just call me babe?

    <h4>Chapter 255 Did you just call me babe?</h4>


    When Lexi opened the door, at the same time, Ethan Lu was also about to open the door as his timer reached its end. The moment their eyes met, Lexi chuckled as she saw thising and she was right!


    "Uh... my radar told me I needed to open the door for mydy¡ª I''m a gentleman." Awkwardly chuckling, Ethan Lu made an excuse which wasn''t convincing at all. Yet, he didn''t mind as he already knew by the looks of it that Lexi already figured out what''s in his mind.


    "Okay... I believe you." Nodding, Lexi went along with his ploy as it wasn''t something she should be mad about. Rather, she found it a little cute that this boyfriend was too easy to read and predict most of the time.


    As Ethan Lu closed the door, Lexi was already inside and nonchntly strode towards the living area. He looked at her small back and a bitter glint shed across his eyes before he silently followed behind her.


    He wanted to ask why she suddenly had the courtesy to send Louis Lu off¡ª not because he was jealous or anything of the sort¡ª Ethan Lu was worried that Louis Lu unnecessarily run his mouth. After all, the guy was too honest for his own good and wouldn''t care if he was misunderstood or not.


    "Don''t worry, I only rified to your cousin that I don''t like him either." Sensing his unusual silence, Lexi turned around and smiled.


    Lexi knew that Ethan Lu wanted to practice an honest rtionship¡ª no secrets but, if she said her real reason why she sent Louis Lu off, it might or might not put a small wedge between cousins.


    Well, would it benefit them if she told him that before Ethan Lu arrived that night, Louis Lu was already thereforting her without a word¡ª what would Ethan Lu feel about it then? Hence, to save the three of them some trouble and prevent putting an unnecessary jealousy seed that might lead to a misunderstanding, Lexi decided not to tell him.


    After all, Lexi was certain that she wouldn''t approach Louis Lu unless she absolutely had to. Moreover, now that she would be living with Ethan Lu, that doesn''t matter anymore right? What''s important were the uing days ahead.


    "I know," Meekly smiling, Ethan Lu took two immediate strides to her and swiftly pulled her to his embrace. Resting his chin on her shoulder, Ethan Lu once again wrapped his arms around her slender waist.


    "Did you think I''d get jealous over Lou?" He lowly added with a questioning tone.


    "Of course not, you''re not that petty." Chuckling, Lexi humored as she snaked her arms around his broad shoulders. She slightly jumped and by the next second, her legs were wrapped around him¡ª taking the sloth persona to a different level unlike earlier.


    "Carry me, my prince~" In the cutest tone she could speak, Lexi sounded as if she was a princess needing to be rescued.


    "Ayt¡ª my princess, don''t worry I will save you~" Going along with their role ying, Ethan Lu responded as he secured his arms around her and carried her upstairs.


    Both of themughed heartily as they exchanged dialogues that didn''t make sense as if there''s a bystander around. Nevertheless, the two of them could not be bothered as if they are the only two people in the world.


    As they arrived inside the master''s bedroom, Lexi still clung onto him. Their naughty dialogues andughs along their way was swiftly reced by a smooching sound as Ethan Lu and Lexi silently submitted to their growing body heat just when they were outside the room.


    His hands roamed freely around her as Ethan Lu could walk around his own house even if he was blindfolded. Hence, he relied on his instinct to deliver the sexy sloth clinging around him, while dominating her with his mouth, to bed.


    Soon, Lexi felt the soft mattress against her back as Ethan Lu carefullyid her down without breaking the kiss. The instant she was positioned, Ethan Lu''s lips finally parted away from her and moved to her jaw and then to her neck¡ª cing soft, weightless kisses on her skin.


    Meanwhile, his sneaky hand slid inside her loose pajama blouse and slowly traced her side curves from her waist up to the side of her breast and then cupped her firm boobs.


    "Got cha." He mumbly teased as Ethan Lu bit a small area of her neck and slightly licked it.


    "Uh, wait..." Feeling that his hand cupped her mountain and began fondling it in a slow indulging motion, Lexi stopped him by cing her hand on his chest to lightly push him.


    "Aren''t you tired?" Raising her brows as Ethan Lu was now on top of her¡ª staring straight at her pair of natural sharp eyes, Lexi inquired in an exasperated tone.


    "I am," Instead of frowning like he usually would when he was interrupted in the middle of eating his dessert, Ethan Lu subtly smiled. He ced a soft peck on her lips before he removed his hand from her lovely orb and sat beside her. Lexi also supported herself by her elbow and turned her slightly flushed face next to her.


    Ethan Lu shot her a nce and smirked, "I know you need to rest since you''ll be preparing for your seminars soon."


    "Ohh..." Slightly nodding her head, Lexi was neither appeased nor displeased. Well, a small part of her was disappointed that Ethan Lu didn''t n to go all the way but the other part of her was relieved that she could focus on her uing ns.


    "But, if you like then we can¡ª"


    "Ethan, freshen up so we can rest." Abruptly interrupting his obvious humor, Lexi thrust her chin to the direction of the bathroom while raising her brows upward and downward.


    "En..." Chuckling, he mildly shook his head because unlike Lexi who''s ready to go to bed, Ethan Lu on the other hand was still in his business attire. Hence, he wasn''t really nning to go further tonight.


    As Ethan Lu dragged himself towards the bathroom, he took off his zer suit jacket on his way, of which he tossed to the long sofa inside the room, he was also unbuttoning his inner suit where she could see his honed upper body.


    "Ethan!" Laughing at the beautiful stripper she could take home at any time, Lexi still called out to this one of a kind specimen with a warning look from her dted eyes.


    "What?" Squinting his eyes, Ethan Lu grinned from ear to ear as he slowly took off his inner sleeve¡ª feasting her eyes with his perfect physique. "You don''t like it?"


    "I do appreciate your body babe but go shower¡ª I don''t want you to catch a cold." Rolling her eyes, Lexi slightly shook her head with a faint chuckle along with her sentence.


    "Did you just call me babe?!" Widening his eyes and if possible his ears, Ethan Lu blinked numerous times as he just realized that Lexi also addressed him with an endearment earlier which he overlooked since he was preupied with Louis Lu''s involvement in Morris Liu''s incident. However, now that she called him ''babe'', he was able to recall her endearment earlier as well.

 Chapter 256 Our baby is not a dwarf.

    <h4>Chapter 256 Our baby is not a dwarf.</h4>


    "Uh... yes...?" Arching her brows, Lexi slowly responded as she peered back at the shocked sexy specimen distance away from her.


    "Babe and Love?" Repeating the endearment she used, Ethan Lu ced his hands on the side of hips¡ª confident with his topless body being stared at.


    "Did I sound weird?" Instead of other questions, Lexi furrowed her brows as she repeated those words inside her mind.


    In retrospect, Lexi hadn''t addressed him by any endearment before despite the fact that he had been calling her ''love, dear, baby, and etc'' even when they were not officially together. Therefore, Lexi was trying to mimic him and tried to sound sweet. s, did she overdo it that it had sounded weird?


    "Tsk tsk." Clicking his tongue while shaking his head, Ethan Li raised his hand, bent his elbow and slightly pointed his finger to her.


    "You stay there youngdy. You''ve seduced me enough." With that said note, Ethan Lu dered before he sprint towards the bathroom to ready himself for just one round.


    Lexi was rendered speechless upon hearing hisst remarks. Seduced him enough? Did she sound seductive then or was he just looking for an excuse for his perverseness?


    "Hah, whatever." Shaking her head sideways, Lexi decided to hop out of bed and get some of her luggage from downstairs so she could lessen her chores for tomorrow.


    ****


    After half an hour, Lexi arranged some of her clothes inside Ethan Lu''s walk-in closet. Fortunately, there was a section that was emptied that she didn''t know as to when that happened hence, Lexi ced her clothes there. She also finished cing some of her skincare along with the ones that Ethan Lu bought for her before she abandoned the walk-in closet.


    At the same time, Ethan Lu finally finished bathing and exited the bathroom wearing only a bathrobe with a small towel over his damp head. Turning his head to her direction, he tilted his head to the side with an innocent countenance.


    "What is that?"


    "Hmm?" Raising both her brows, Lexi look down as she scrutinized herself as if she somehow dirtied herself which was impossible. Thus, she raised her gaze again to meet his.


    "That one on the sofa." Plucking his lips forward, Ethan Lu pointed at the box he saw on the long couch. If he remembered correctly, Lexi was only bringing two huge luggage pieces and a few small bags for her essories and her daily necessities. Thus, he didn''t remember a box with her unless she put it inside one of those big luggage pieces.


    "Ahh, that..." Nodding in understanding, Lexi meekly smiled as she strode towards the box that he inquired about. Picking it up, Lexi carried it towards the bed and sat on the mattress with it.


    "It is something I want to finish." She added as Lexi began lifting the upper part revealing a sewing equipment items, a few fabrics, and the sketchbook where she designed everything.


    Ethan Lu dried his damp hair using the small towel as he strode towards her and perched on the edge of the bed. Staring at the inside of the box, his brows knitted in curiosity.


    "Baby clothes? But, they are still too little¡ª our daughter won''t be a dwarf love." Ethan Lu picked up a small half finished dress andmented. Although he was once again amused that his beloved dearest sunshine had this hobby, Ethan Lu was appalled as to why would she make a dress so small that only a tiny teddy bear could fit in it¡ª even his whole fist could barely fit in it.


    "Haha," Chuckling about hisment, Lexi took the sketchbook and opened it to thest page where she drew her muse and her masterpiece before showing it to him. "It''s not baby clothes¡ª it''s for her."


    Ethan Lu examined her beautiful sketch. However, although the dress looks cute, the model was rather adorably weird. "A dumpling?" He asked with his one brow raised.


    "I know it''s silly and I don''t know what''s gotten into me or why I used a dumpling with tiny hands and feet to be my muse, but..." Gently smiling, Lexi let out a faint exhale as she retrieved the sketchbook for her to look at it again. While her gaze traveled along with the details of the bright smile of the dumpling, her heart softened yet, it also slightly clenched.


    "... my heart knows it is something I need to finish¡ª I also want to finish this masterpiece I will make for this dumpling." Lexi continued with a soft tone.


    Ethan Lu witnessed the change on her countenance and how her voice softened with a slight disappointment lingering in it. Pursing his lips, he adjusted his seat as faced her. "You need an assistant? Can I apply for the position, my beautiful designer?"


    Lexi raised her gaze and met his that was trying to cheer her up by humoring her which made her smile a little. "You''re hired then." And with that said note, instead of sharing a steamy night Ethan Lu had prepared, the two of them began working on the small dress.


    ****


    "Urgh... why is this so hard?" Exasperated, Ethan Lu closed his eyes as he heavily put down the needle and thread that he had been trying to put inside the needle.


    "I told you I can do it." Shaking her head sideways, Lexi faintly chuckled as she watched the guyin and nearly give up. Well, she only asked him to prepare what she needed next after sewing the part she was working on.


    "Nope, you continue and don''t mind me. I will finish it when you''re done!" Drawing the two damnable tools that wouldn''t cooperate with him to his chest, Ethan Lu refused to back down which made her chuckle once again that had sounded so insulting to his small ego.


    "Whatever, dude."


    "Dude? It''s dear or love or my forever¡ª don''t dude me, eh? That''s not motivating at all." In a matter of fact tone, Ethan Lu rolled his eyes as he resumed on cing the thread inside the tiny needle hole.


    "If I did I am afraid a certain someone will use me of seducing him." Nonchntly shrugging her shoulders, Lexi continued to do what she was doing and rebutted which shut him up quite effectively.


    "Makes sense." Ethan Lu muttered while putting the tip of the thread inside his mouth, Ethan Lu nced at her to check if she was looking at what he was doing. Seeing that she was busy, Ethan Lu attempted to try his luck again with the help of the secret trick he had seen in the movies when he was a child.


    After one attempt, this time, the damp tip of the thread sessfully went inside the tiny needle hole which gave him a surging triumphant feeling. "Yes!"


    His sudden cheers made Lexi flinched and unconsciously turned her surprised gaze to him that made her prick her finger. "Aw!"


    "Oh, baby¡ª what happened?" The moment he heard her, Ethan Lu instantly spun his neck and looked in her direction. Upon seeing a drop of blood on the tip of her forefinger, his eyes dted and his pupils constricted¡ª tossing the needle and thread he was holding to the side without a care.


    "You shouted so loud¡ª I was surprised." ring at the oblivious culprit, Lexi rolled her eyes but she wasn''t entirely irked at him.


    "Sorry, sorry, my fault. I won''t do it again my love¡ª let me see," Profusely taking all the me in a gentle tone, Ethan Lu took her not-so-injured finger with care and put it inside his mouth to suck the blood.


    "*sigh* Now I wonder if I can be immature sometimes and pick a fight for no reason to be spoiled." Lexi mumbled. She only looked at him and heaved a heavy sigh. How could she get mad at him if he''s like this, always?


    "Huh?" Raising his head a little to meet her eyes, still her finger was inside his mouth, Ethan Lu only hummed a confused tune.


    "Nothing. I am just bbing stuff. " Feigning innocence, Lexi sweetly smiled at her fakery. Well, while what she said was indeed true, however, she was already being pampered like a goddess and she only uttered that half-heartedly.


    "Am I not spoiling mydy enough?" Stilling her finger between his teeth¡ª barely biting it, he asked. His hand thenmenced and slowly sneaked itself onto her leg going upwards.


    "Stop. We have to finish what needs to be done or else, I wouldn''t be able to get this done when my sses start the day after tomorrow." Lexi pped the sneaky hand trying to get it''s way, which made him frown.


    "Alright..." Ethan Lu frowned as he retrieved his hands after this attempted failure and checked on her finger that he sucked once more.


    They continued to preupy themselves sewing a garment that both of them wouldn''t use. However, seeing that Lexi was satisfied, Ethan Lu felt the same contentedness or rather, he was more content just seeing her happy¡ª even though it wasn''t a steamy night that they shared together still, it made him happy.

 Chapter 257 Being cheesy early in the morning

    <h4>Chapter 257 Being cheesy early in the morning</h4>


    "Stop staring." ncing on her side, to the head seat on the rectangr dining table, Lexi slightly shook her head sideways as she forked another piece of small carrot that was sliced into a small cube.


    "No, I won''t, I have to because you''ll be pretty busy after this. When will I have the chance to gaze at your gorgeous face then?" Still cupping both of his cheeks while staring at the beautiful scenery called Lexi Yang, Ethan Lu refused as he lightly shook his head.


    It was the second day since Lexi moved into his ce and hence, this day should be the start of her seminars and sses for her n to establish a skincare business. Within those two nights she has been there, both didn''t get the chance to have any steamy exercises because they had to finish the small dress¡ª keeping them up until they passed out.


    "Am I the only one who''s going to be busy? Besides, it''s not like I won''t being home here afterward." Rolling her eyes, Lexi arched her brow as she looked at him with a nd expression. Still, Ethan Lu silently refused as he engraved her perfectly made facial features into his mind that was only befitting to someone like her.


    "Oh, by the way, my car arrived this morning so you don''t have to drop me off." Being reminded of something not entirely crucial, Lexi ignored the lover boy that was beaming with pink petals with a speck of imaginary pink powder dust floating all around him.


    Upon receiving her news, Ethan Lu frowned as a dismayed expression shed across his face. "Huh?!"


    "Mhmm, you heard me right. You''ve been pushing all your schedules back and I can''t let you ruin your career for me." Still bearing her poker face countenance, Lexi uttered in a matter of fact tone.


    Maybe she was exaggerating on thest part but Ethan Lu had been pushing his work back further than it''s usual schedule by apanying her in the morning. Therefore, Lexi didn''t want to burden him even though Ethan Lu would be the most unlikely to have treated it as a burden.


    Regardless, she''s a capable woman who could drive herself to wherever she needed to be without a driver. Moreover, she appreciated the fact that Ethan Lu wanted to pamper her, however, she could not just rely on him all of the time as she needed to do something for herself.


    "I''m not ruining my career..." Pouted like a sad child, Ethan Lu lowered his head and stared at his empty te that he had eaten much faster than normal so he could focus on indulging himself in watching her.


    "No, Mister. That trick won''t work on me." Referring to his gloomy, pitiful act, Lexi shook her head. Although she said those words, Lexi would be lying if she said it didn''t affect her even the slightest bit. After all, seeing him act like a neglected kitten, her soft spot for him was being tugged harshly. Still, she has to put on a facade or else, Ethan Lu would continue to neglect his obligations.


    "But, all my appointments in the morning are not as important as you." He added after a heavy sigh.


    "I know because I''ll choke you to death if you think they are more important than me. Still, you shouldn''t neglect them." Lexi nonchntly shrugged her shoulders as she humored him¡ª shamelessly admitting and threatening him that she should be the most important for him. Well, although she wanted him to be a responsible adult, Lexi was selfish enough not to let him have something more important than her.


    "Love, you''re really confusing to me sometimes." Slightly shaking his head sideways, Ethan Lu could not rebut anymore as he could note up with any more excuses. Still, he was amused that Lexi was bing bolder and bolder with each passing day that they were together.


    Ethan Lu raised his gaze and watched Lexi finish her breakfast with a mischievous smile on the corner of his lips. "Love?"


    "Mhmm?" Without looking in his direction, Lexi hummed a tune as she continued to fork pieces of food on her te.


    "Are you thinking about me 24/7?" Ethan Lu slightly tilted his head to the side as he anticipated her response.


    Well, no matter how hard it is, Ethan Lu must admit that if it wasn''t for him being insecure about not having abel and the fact that she would be snatched away from him¡ª Lexi wouldn''t enter this rtionship. After all, just like she said she wanted to fix herself before giving her all to him hence she''d marry him if that ever happens.


    However, there had been tons of twists and turns that made their initial promise to go on an unexpected route. Nheless, it''s not like it went in a bad direction but still, Ethan Lu wanted to marry her whenever she was ready.


    "Hmm?" Furrowing her brows with his sudden question, Lexi ate thest piece of green peas on her te as she slowly turned her confused front to him.


    "I don''t think so," After a while, as Lexi studied his anticipating front, she bluntly responded as she reached for a ss of water and wiped her lips.


    "Eh?!"


    "Now that I get to see you on a daily basis¡ª I don''t have to think about you, you know." Lexi raised her brows together as she shot him a knowing look which made his face twitched.


    ''Seeing me on a daily basis¡ª what? Does asking her to live with me reduce that 24/7 thing? Damn...'' Rendered speechless on the outside, his thoughts grumbled inwardly as he really hadn''t thought about it before.


    "But, although that is true, I still get thoughts like: I am happy to be with you, you''re one of the blessings I had never expected to happen, and thank the heavens for sending you to me." The corner of her lips slightly curled into a gentle smile as Lexi found it a little cringy to utter such cheesy lines early in the morning. After all, she wasn''t this verbal to him before but as an energy booster, Lexi did it with a genuine heart.


    Slowly, Ethan Lu ced both his palms on his blushing cheeks as he bit his lower lip from grinning like a fool. "Ishh~ how can you make me blush so early in the morning~ silly Lexi~"


    "Tch, you''re the silly one." Giggling upon seeing him like a cute little high school girl after receiving the confession of her crush, Lexi''s smile widened, revealing the pearly whites of her teeth.


    After exchanging more sweet lines with each other, Lexi and Ethan Lu cleaned the table, washing the dishes, just like any other newlywed couple as they didn''t have a helper to clean up... or rather, Ethan Lu forgot he has one that would clean his house twice a week.


    Unbeknownst to Lexi, she would witness the shock of her life that would tempt her to wring the neck of the love of her life after a week of her stay in this seemingly peaceful abode. But until then, Ethan Lu was safe for overlooking this fact that he would also drag his innocent assistant Lyrick Jiang and even the uninvolved driver, Jarred Guo to the wrath of the queen.

 Chapter 258 The glimpse of the pas

    <h4>Chapter 258 The glimpse of the pas</h4>


    One year ago...


    When Morris Liu arrived at his home at eight in the evening, an aromatic scent immediately caressed his nostrils¡ª inciting a silent grumbling sound in his stomach as if it was protesting. Furrowing his brows, he wordlessly took off his shoes and changed into house slippers before he headed towards the kitchen.


    There, just as he arrived at the usual empty kitchen, Lexi was already preparing some dishes to eat. His eyes studied her small back, her hair was tied up in a high bun, revealing her graceful neck in in sight. An apron clung onto her neck as she smoothly transferred food from one of the bowls to a frying pan on the stove.


    By the looks of it, she hadn''t noticed his presence as she was preupied with cooking and a contented smile stered on the corner of her lips. Morris Liu just watched her with an endearing gaze as a thought briefly hovered in his mind that he instantly threw out in that instant as well.


    ''I''ll never be excited toe home if you''re not here to wee me back...''


    "What are you doing?" After he tossed his real, loving thoughts into the back of his head, Morris Liu''s icy, chilling voice resounded across every corner of the kitchen.


    Upon hearing his voice, despite its nkness and piercingly cold tone, her meek smile only reduced by a millimeter before she turned around to face him.


    "You''re home? Wait, I''m almost done cooking this¡ª I heard you''ve been pretty busytely and I''m sure you''ve been neglecting your health so I decided to cook for you." Lexi spoke as she turned off the stove and transferred the saut¨¦ed veggies to a porcin bowl and then ced it in a tray along with the other dishes.


    "Let''s eat?" After she sessfully delivered a tray of food to the dining table, Lexi raised her gaze as she faced him¡ª forcing a bright smile despite her anxiousness from his intent, indistinguishable gaze.


    "Didn''t I tell you we''re done?" Morris Liu clenched his jaw as he uttered his harsh words that hurt the two of them through his gritted teeth.


    "No, we haven''t eaten yet so we''re not done." Feigning to be the stupidest person living on earth, Lexi responded as she pretended not to understand what he meant. "Brother Mo, can we just eat dinner in peace¡ª I''m starving. I will leave after I made sure you''ve eaten, I promise."


    "God, Lexi..." Heaving a heavy sigh, Morris Liu pinched the bridge of his nose in distress. Lexi had been so behaved in the past days and wouldn''t bother him after he said he wanted to break off their engagement. However, what exactly has gotten into her again, that she suddenly showed up to his ce and prepared him a dinner?


    "Please, I am just worried. I will leave after this." Lexi remained adamant and ignored the mncholic feeling of the distance between them. The feeling of her beloved going further and further away to the extent that he seemed as if he was already beyond the reach of her love now.


    Morris Liu only shot her a distressed nce before he shook his head and without a word, he perched at the head seat, that action had made her smile a little. Therefore, the two of them started eating in silence while Lexi served him properly just like how a wife served her husband.


    She had remained silent and didn''t bother to give him any space. After all, she believed that he was just under a lot of pressure, so that''s why he was so harsh on her. However, after sneaking into his office and checking his schedule for whatever reason, Lexi saw his hectic schedule and that he nearly doesn''t have any time to enjoy a meal. Hence, she decided to try her luck and the passcode of his house was still her birthday which tugged her heart in relief.


    With snippets of her in his life, no matter how harsh he treated her, Lexi was content knowing that she still had a spot on his heart¡ª even just a tiny bit. ncing at his stoic profile, her gaze softened. To her, they don''t need to exchange words as she was d that she got the chance to eat a meal with him.


    Just like that, the meal ended in a lukewarm quietness. Neither of them talked nor tried to strike up a conversation until they had left the dishes in the sink for his cleaner to clean the next day.


    ****


    "I''ll have to go home¡ª you don''t have to send me outside, I can manage, just rest, okay?" As they departed from the kitchen, Lexi lowly spoke to him, trying to sound cheery to keep their peace as an ending. She knew very well that Morris Lou wouldn''t offer that but still, to make it less painful, Lexi, as per usual had pretended that he cared.


    "Wait," Seeing her taking immediate strides away from him without giving him a nce, Morris Liu muttered. Of course, Lexi habitually stopped in her tracks just like what he told her¡ª like an obedient pet.


    "Wait here for a bit," With that said note, Morris Liu strode the other way towards the stairs, leaving her confused.


    "Okay...?" Following his figure by her gaze, Lexi blinked several times before she heaved a sigh neither relief nor of dismay but a sigh that she just needed to let out.


    As Lexi waited for him in the living area, she constantly gazed up as Morris Liu was rather taking a rather long time up there. Suddenly, she slightly flinched and turned towards the direction that broke her tranquility. There, a phone she assumed as Morris Liu''s spare phone vibrated on the surface of the bar counter, causing a buzzing sound that seemed to p in front of her ears.


    Lexi darted her gaze from upstairs to the vibrating phone a few times. Just when she thought that the caller finally gave up, it vibrated again that annoyed her.


    "Brother Mo...?" Resisting the urge to check the phone as she respected his privacy or rather, part of her was afraid about something, Lexi softly called out but to no avail, she received no response.


    That''s the time she finally had enough and abruptly stood up from her seat and hurriedly headed to the bar counter. Just as she picked up the phone, the vibration it was producing stopped.

 Chapter 259 The glimpse of the past II

    <h4>Chapter 259 The glimpse of the past II</h4>


    "Gosh..." Biting her lower lip, Lexi mumbled. She didn''t have the intention to answer the call honestly, but the noise it was producing was adding to her anxiousness while waiting for him.


    Just then, the phone''s screen suddenly lit up along with the faint notification sound. Instinctively, her pair of eyes shifted to the screen and saw something that made her stiffen in an instant. It says:


    [From: Miss Chen


    It''s me, see you tonight


    Lexi just nkly stared at it for the longest time. Even when the screen turned ck again, she could no longer avert her eyes anywhere else as her mind went into aplete daze while her heart was slowly being mped so much that it seemed to have had spikes tossed into it.


    ''Miss Chen...? Tonight...?'' She was rendered speechless as words that had built up on her throat¡ª slowly began choking her¡­ as it got tighter and tighter until her breathing turned into heavy, arduous and arrhythmic that it had made it hard for her to breathe.


    Lexi could not discern the overwhelming emotions surging like a tidal wave inside her whole being. Hence, she didn''t notice that Morris Liu was back with some documents and a small box.


    "Lexi..." He lowly called out seeing her in a daze before his eyes caught the spare phone he usually left at home.


    Upon catching what''s in her hand, Morris Liu''s eyes darkened as he strode towards her and violently turned her to face him¡ª which effectively snapped her back to reality.


    "A¡ª Uh¡ª I¡ª your phone!" Stuttering as she was having a tough time producing words or even a single coherent thought at this point, Lexi, who was in a panic-stricken state, pushed her hand to him that was holding the smartphone.


    "Sorry, it kept on ringing but I didn''t answer¡ª I just wanted it to stop, here. I should go." Trying to sound normal before she wouldpletely break down in front of him, Lexi hurriedly reached for his free hand and ced the phone in it.


    Without another word, she walked in a rapid manner causing her to stagger in her steps as she grabbed her handbag and coat. ''No, no, no... not in front of him.'' She repeated over and over again inside her head.


    However, just as she was half sprinting on her way out, Morris Liu pressed the phone''s lock button that revealed the misleading message. His hand instantly tightened as if attempting to crush the phone into tiny pieces.


    "Lexi." However, no matter how painful it is for their rtionship, Morris Liu decided to lead her on and make her believe whatever she wanted to believe.


    "About¡ª"


    "No, it''s fine. I know she''s just a friend no need to worry that I will misunderstand haha!" She paused for a moment and without turning to face him, Lexi forced her lips to smile despite the phenomena that had been happening around her which was slowly breaking heart, she then resumed attempting to leave before she broke down.


    His eyes darkened and in just a few huge steps, Morris Liu reached the rushing woman and grabbed her arm to stop her. "Listen to me!"


    "I am not! Ll!" Lexi profusely shook her head sideways as she continuously made loud noises to prevent herself from hearing whatever that woulde out from his mouth.


    "Lexi! This we have to stop¡ª I like someone else!" Through his gritted teeth, the first person who got hurt by saying such words that would surely break her heart into pieces was him¡ª pulverizing his already powdered heart. Still, she was getting too stubborn and it drives him mad with Kong Shuren watching his every move and every word he utters.


    Upon hearing his loud announcement that was akin to a resounding p, Lexi stopped. Not just her nonsensical chants but her world stopped. The pain that was on her arms caused by his tight grip, she couldn''t even feel it anymore as the angst in her heart was enough to numb her.


    "You what? Like someone else?" Knitting her brows, Lexi repeated his words with great effort. The moment he answered "yes" with a guilty look stered across his face, her heart split in half... no, into tiny particles that were minced even further afterward.


    "Let''s break the engagement¡ª I can''t continue with it. I love Mia."


    ''I love you but we can''t continue it or else I mightpletely lose you.'' At the same time as he had uttered those three words, Morris Liu uttered theplete opposite of what he spatted verbally within his mind. However, in the next moment, Morris Liu never expected what she did after thest wordnded.


    *PAK!*


    A loud, resonating p approached his cheek that had made his head toss violently to the side. The p was so hard that the sound bounced across the whole ce. Slowly, he returned his gaze onto her now wrathful front.


    "You dare to say to me to break our engagement because of her? Huh..." Lexi scoffed as torment, dismay, and rage gradually chopped the pieces of her heart even further. Maybe this was her way of crying at this moment, it was hard to really tell.


    "Cheater..." She mumbled, locking her resentful eyes on him. "I won''t let a cheater be happy. Keep that woman hidden¡ª far away from my sight. I won''t break the engagement and let you two live happily ever after. You don''t deserve it." With that said note, Lexi strongly pulled away her arm from him letting out another scoff.


    As she turned her back against him and took a step forward, she paused and said, "I will forever make her the mistress and make you miserable for the rest of your life for marrying the person you don''t love." Lexi vindicated before resuming in her stride with great determination to not fall apart.


    God knows that no matter how fierce Lexi was when she left him, the moment she arrived at her car, she was screaming, bawling her heart out, all the while driving crazily fast without a care for her life.


    *****


    Mia Chen watched the group of medical staff that rushed towards Morris Liu''s lying figure through the transparent ss. Unending worry engulfed her heart seeing them doing everything they could to stabilize his irregr vitals.


    "What''s happening?" Just then, Chris Yu''s voice rang behind her as his pair of eyes darted to her back and then to Morris Liu''s withering figure.


    "No, no, please..." Mia Chen mumbled worriedly as she ignored Chris Yu and never took her gaze away from Morris Liu.


    "Hey," Sensing her panic, Chris Yu ced his hand on her shoulder to make her turn to face him. "He will be alright, yes..." He too was anxious as Morris Liu had been peaceful for the past three months but all of a sudden, his vitals went down from a normal range which rmed his attending doctors and nurses. Still, he didn''t want to think any negative thoughts as he believed he would survive this crisis like always.


    "I saw his finger move earlier but why is he¡ª" Mia Chen heedlessly clutched her trembling fist on his shirt as tears formed on the side of her eyes.


    "It''s okay, it''s okay," Pulling her to him, Chris Yu embraced her to calm her shaking being. "He''ll be fine." He hushed her as he turned towards Morris Liu''s direction again.


    Soon, the doctors stopped whatever measures they were doing as the patient''s vitals returned to normal and within the next several seconds, Morris Liu''s eyes slowly opened.


    "L¡ªLe...xi..." Those were his first words despite the venttor on him and how dry his throat was at that moment causing a burning sensation. He mouthed her name before submitting to the darkness that he had been surrounded by in thest three months.

 Chapter 260 Baby Granny

    <h4>Chapter 260 Baby Granny</h4>


    Lexi knitted her already creased brows by the indistinct snickering from the corner of thergeb. She stopped pouring droplets of alguronic acid on the product she was experimenting on and slightly took a nce at the group ofdies, wearing their own white coats, hais, and all of the proper attire inside theb¡ª same as hers.


    Seeing that they seemed to be gossiping about something while ncing at her from time to time, somehow, Lexi wasn''t offended as she let out a faint chuckle and mildly shook her head sideways.


    She then continued to gently squeeze the small container and drop a few more of the said extract with caution afraid that she would pour more than needed.


    "Are we visiting thebter?" Beside her, a deep voice of a man¡ª the only man in their ss inquired without looking in her direction as he closed the cap of a small container that he poured on his product.


    "Mhmm... it should be done by now." Humming a soft tune, Lexi drew away from the small round container and closed the tiny bottle of the extract she added on her product.


    Lexi then turned her chair to her left, where the young man, who was almost the same age as her, he had dark clean-cut hair simr to the color of his eyes protected by thin sses. His pointy nose, naturally longshes that women would love to have, full thick brows,? oval lips, and a delicate jaw could make him a fresh young model. Overall, he doesn''t look ugly or normal¡ª just the right facial features for someone as knowledgeable as him.


    "Nic, look." Lexi slid the small round container to him for him to see the one she made. "I will call that, hmm..." Seeing that Nico Zhuang picked up the sample she made for their exhibit in a few days, Lexi pondered on the name of her baby.


    "Don''t give him a weird name, please." Without giving her a nce, Nico Zhuang put the small container near his nose to get a whiff of the cream she made.


    Just the vani scent of it that gave off a faint sweetness of a baby¡ª not redolent or nd¡ª just the right light scent for a strong cream, Nico Zhuang nodded in approval. "Not bad."


    "Should I call it baby granny?" Ignoring the praise from the top student in their ss, Lexi grinned as she announced her nickname to her product. "Well, the product aims to firm wrinkles¡ª it''s an anti-aging cream so the baby part. Also, it''s not a he but a she." Referring to the part when Nico Zhuang said ''not give him a weird name''.


    "I will submit this along with mine before we visit theb." Ignoring her banter and whatever thought he had in mind with another nickname she gave to her product, Nico Zhuang decided to divert their conversation and started to close the lid of the small container of hers.


    "Alright." Lexi raised her brows and smiled as she watched the man pack his things as he took her products with him.


    In the past three months, Lexi had busied herself in studying to formte skincare products while researching about the said industry. While she was attending these sses and different seminars, Lexi noticed that Nico Zhuang took the same sses as her.


    Even though no matter how hard it is for her to believe that this was all mere coincidence, however, Nico Zhuang never approached her or even tried to interact with her. If not for the fact that the two of them were paired in one of the projects two months ago, they wouldn''t talk to each other.


    Nevertheless, the oue of that project made her gain a new friend who was knowledgeable on things and had different theories aboutbining each ingredient to make the product more effective¡ª leading her to a question: "Why is he studying in this industry?"


    His answer? It was quite silly: "I have nothing to do since I''m smart and learned many things all at once."


    Lexi knew he just humored her as they were pretty close ssmates but oh well, he was indeed smart and that made her look at him in awe.


    As she recalled the encounters she had with Nico Zhuang, she was snapped back to reality when she heard the opening greetings of all bad b*tches she had met in the past.


    "Well, well, well, our young Miss Yang seemed to be super close with Mr. Zhuang¡ª I wonder if all the products she made were all thanks to Mr. Zhuang?" One of thedies that were snickering in the corner earlier, along with three of herckeys behind her approached Lexi when Nico Zhuang left theb.


    "Mhmm..." Slowly, Lexi turned around to see the leader of these young misses sneering at her.


    Of course, in the past three months, Lexi wasn''t as lucky as she thought because for some reason, this woman and herckeys had been picking on her. At first, she tolerated it as they only threw shades at her here and there.


    Moreover, they didn''t try to sabotage her projects and made it quite peaceful for her otherwise. After all, Lexi couldn''t waste a second on them as she sees them as pretty dolls with no value. Hence, why would she have to lower herself and give disgrace to the bad b*tch hiding within her?


    "What if he did? Jealous?" Grinning an oddly bright grin on her face, Lexi, despite the fact? that she was being lenient, she still likes to tease them every once in a while to vent her stress over her hectic schedule.


    "Hah!" Ste Du scoffed in disgust as Lexi would always retort back like this¡ª shameless and provocative. However, since her precious family name was on her back, she didn''t dare to go to the extreme and Lexi wasn''t retaliating from her taunting hence, she could find no reason to fully bully her.


    "Miss Du, don''t waste your time trying to bully me, will you?" A smirk formed on the side of Lexi''s lips as she unhurriedly stood in front of the gorgeous doll before her. Her gaze scanned each and every face of thedies that had made her eyes smile and mildly shook her head.


    "Bully? That''s a big word Miss Yang¡ª don''t use me like that." Chuckling like a little pampered lolita, Ste Du responded as she feigned innocence.


    Lexi didn''t respond any more as she looked at her with disdain. She''s already shameless but this woman is the same as her.


    ''How childish,'' She thought inwardly as these girls always tried to intimidate her every so often. They should have given up the first two weeks of failing to bully her. Moreover, it was not hard to guess Ste Du''s reason as she started picking on her when Nico Zhuang and Lexi became good pals.


    Well, Lexi doesn''t care about their opinion as she won''t stop being friends with people she likes just because someone is jealous. Furthermore, she was in a secure rtionship that she doesn''t have the time to fight over a man¡ª she had enough of that in the past and was blessed to have a better one that never gave her a reason to feel insecure.


    "Whatever, Miss Du. Please find a better reason as to why you don''t like me. Being hated because of a man you have a crush on is too middle school." Lexi meekly smiled as her gaze locked with Ste Du who was gritting her teeth beneath her cheeks. After she spat herst remarks, Lexi began taking strides forward, brushing past the group. She raised her brows when Ste Du''sckey wasn''t going to the side and was blocking her way.


    "Excuse me," She raised her brows while her eyes looked down on the reserved shorty with her sharp pair of eyes that made the woman swallow a mouthful of saliva and step aside.


    "Thank you." Satisfied, Lexi offered her a sweet smile before leaving theb in a good mood. Unbeknownst to her, Ste Du watched her retreating figure with her nails dug deep to her palms and teeth clenched as a glint shed across the youngdy''s eyes.

 Chapter 261 Lady boss, please behave!

    <h4>Chapter 261 Lady boss, please behave!</h4>


    When Lexi left theb with a bright aura beaming around her, she slightly flinched the moment she stepped out of theb. There, Nico Zhuang was leaning on the side as if he was waiting for her.


    Lexi looked down and saw that he was still carrying their samples and seemed as if he didn''t submit them yet, which made her brows furrow. s, just when Lexi was about to inquire as to why he was there, Nico Zhuang spoke first.


    "You don''t usually go that far." Referring to the fact that Lexi uttered more words than usual to Ste Du''s group that might trigger something inside the unreasonable miss.


    "Well, our ss will bepleted after thest exhibit of our products so, I just thought to tease her as a gift." Nonchntly shrugging her shoulders, Lexi grinned mischievously that made the ever worried Nico Zhuang shake his head and he heaved a heavy sigh.


    Unbeknownst to her, Nico Zhuang has his own reason behind his sigh.


    ''Lady boss, please behave or the Master will kill me.'' Nico Zhuang let out another heavy sigh. Her journey had been running smoothly mainly because no one could make her bother with other things or people aside from her products.


    However, now that they were already near their certifications, Lexi upgraded her mischief and took notice of Ste Du''s nonsense.


    "Anyway, why didn''t you submit them yet? Shall we submit then together?" Brushing their discussion to the side, Lexi diverted the subject with an important one.


    "Uh..." Gazing down at the two small tubs, Nico Zhuang pondered what excuse he shoulde up with. After a beat, he raised his gaze to meet her natural sharp eyes. "I thought I forgot something and only realized it''s in my pocket when I had arrived here."


    Nico Zhuang could not even convince himself with hisme excuse, however, he knew she would buy it. After all, he had imnted this personality to everyone so he wouldn''t look weird when he gave such a lie.


    "Tss... so clumsy for a smart guy like you." Lexi clicked her tongue and slightly shook her head upon hearing his excuse. Just as what Nico Zhuang said, Lexi didn''t doubt him as he was always this clumsy ever since she met him. Hence, this was always a normal urrence that others might think Nico Zhuang was just a weirdd.


    After that, Lexi and Nico Zhuang headed to their respective lockers to have a change of clothes before they submitted their products to another department to get it examined and approved.


    ****


    "Nico, I haven''t asked this before but, don''t you have a car?" As Lexi buckled up her seat, she turned her head to the front passenger seat where herckey perchedfortably.


    He had been hitching a ride with her whenever he could, especially when they had to go to a certain ce because while they were ssmates, Nico Zhuang also applied to be her assistant to thepany she wanted to establish.


    As usual, his reasoning was silly: "I need a job." It was an unconvincing excuse but with his skills, he would be a great help for him to be on her side. Therefore, she allowed him to tag along wherever she goes.


    Still, the fact that Nico Zhuang could afford to attend such sses as her, would need a load of money to shell out. Thus, Lexi was confused with this weird fellow as he seemed as if he was raised with a decent family with considerable wealth.


    Even so, Lexi scratched the possibility that he might like her as Nico Zhuang never gave that kind of interest and she was actuallyfortable with him around as if his presence felt familiar¡ª like she had known him for a while or rather, his presence had been around her all this while.


    "I do but you can drive¡ª saves me from exhausting myself and money." Leaningfortably against the backrest of the leather interior seat, Nico Zhang shamelessly responded. Although that was indeed true, his task was to keep her secure and keeping her closer was the best way to execute that.


    "*sigh* I can''t believe my chemist will be like this." Lexi only breathed a heavy sigh as she shook her head once again. She then decided to start the car''s engine and sped away towards their destination.


    ****


    Soon, her car reaches a certain building not too far away from the main city of country X. Lexi slowed down as she parked her car in the parking space of the establishment.


    Upon turning off the car''s engine, Nico Zhuang fiddled with his seatbelt and without a word, he hitched out and scanned the surroundings. Seeing that no suspicious being lingering around, he turned and looked at her over the car''s roof.


    "What?" Arching her brows as she locked her car by pressing the button on her key, she asked as Nico Zhuang had this unreadable countenance.


    "Uhm... will your boyfriend also drop by today?"


    "Ohh, I''m not sure. He said he will try to drop by since he has a meeting nearby. Why? Afraid of him?" Smirking by his sudden inquiry, Lexi humored as Nico Zhuang and Ethan Lu met a few times when Ethan Lu was visiting her while she was doing projects with Nico Zhuang and a few dinners.


    However, even though Ethan Lu had been the same, for some unknown reason, Nico Zhuang was unusually quieter whenever he was around.


    "Of course not¡ª just curious." Nico Zhuang profusely shook his head as he denied without batting an eye. "Let''s go." With that said note, Nico Zhuang took small strides towards the building while Lexi chuckled at him before following him but ended up brushing past him as his steps were slow and small¡ª as if he was purposely letting her go first so he would follow behind her.


    From the ground floor, both of them headed to the 8th floor of the building. There were builders around finishing some unfinished areas and they had bowed to them when they saw Lexi, then quickly resumed working double time.


    The 8th floor was specifically made to be ab where they could experiment on products that Lexi wanted tounch. Since the whole building was rented out from Lexi''s lifetime savings and the renovations came from her own pocket, it was safe to say that she was the sole owner of thepany that she had registered.


    As they arrived at the said floor, Lexi and Nico Zhuang were then weed by a middle-aged engineer that was expecting their arrival and had a few people with him.


    "Miss Yang!" The moment the engineer saw the two figures approaching, he turned his focus towards their direction and heartily greeted them.


    "Engr. Choi," When Lexi came close to the group of men, she smiled and greeted back. "How was it?" She asked with a glint of excitement that had shed across her pair of nut-brown eyes.


    "Hehe, why don''t you check it out for yourself?" Grinning widely, Engineer Choi giddily boasted as he gestured her towards the direction where theb was located which Lexi agreed to with a nod.


    With Engineer Choi''s lead, Lexi and Nico Zhuang silently followed him from behind along with the rest of the men that were with him earlier. The moment the middle-aged man slowly opened the entrance, Lexi was rendered speechless and in awe of the brightb.

 Chapter 262 You think yousd win?

    <h4>Chapter 262 You think you''sd win?</h4>


    To be honest, theb was just almost the same as it is with every otherb. Aside from the on going finishing touches around the building, this particr area was finished and polished. There was already equipment and materials to use, waiting to be upied.


    Still, even though it appeared to be the same with any other normalb, there was one difference¡ª theb looked like they were inside a huge dumpling¡ª hugging the whole ce as there were unnoticeable little hands and feet from corner to corner. The hands and feet were almost camouged with the clean white hue if not for the slightly pinking outline. Regardless, it was needed for a person to be thoroughly focused to notice that little detail.


    Moreover, the fact that the ce was hers, there was a different kind of aplishment circling around her heart.


    Lexi slowly strode inside theb as her gaze scanned each corner of the room with a contented smile stered on her lips. She could not muster the courage to say a word as she was overwhelmed. In a few days, the whole building wille topletion and after that, this ce would start operating.


    Since Lexi was indeed knowledgeable about how to operate a business, however, her heart desired tounch a product that she personally participated in. Yes, instead of her initial n tounch her own skincare line, Lexi decided to manufacture as well instead of contacting a different manufacturer to customize her product she likes. In that case, all the benefits of her products would also circte to the manufacturer which is also owned by her.


    "This looks great," She mumbled without turning her gaze away from the room. After a beat, she turned around to Engineer Choi who was grinning from ear to ear seeing her satisfied reaction. "Engr. Choi, thank you." With that said note, Lexi slightly bowed her head, grateful for the job well done within the short span of time that it took toplete the list of renovations she gave them.


    "Hehe, I am just d that you''re satisfied with it, Miss Yang. Thank you for trusting me." Giving her the same courtesy, Engr. Choi bowed his head, much lower than hers as she was his savior.


    God knows that Engineer Choi hasn''t had any big projects in recent years due to the disagreement he had in hisst big shot client. Therefore, he was suppressed for a long time as his client was rather influential in the upper-ss society.


    s, just when he thought that he would go bankrupt and wouldn''t be able to sustain the payroll to his workers under him, Lexi waltz into his office bearing a queen''s aura, giving him the biggest break he needed.


    [Short shback: 2 months and 3 weeks ago]


    It was just a normal day for Engr. Choi, a not so busy day that wouldn''t be able to make him stay outside with a site visit as he only had a small house project that would soon reach itspletion.


    "Sir, thest cheque you released has insufficient funds and you were given a penalty again." A man in his early thirties anxiously reported the bad news. Apparently, the cheque was supposed to be divided to each of their contractors but now that his boss''s bank ount has insufficient funds, that means their pay would be dyed as well.


    "Urgh..." Upon hearing the not-so-new-news, Engr. Choi heavily sigh as he massaged his temple in distress. Thepany''s ie has been in a negative from recent years.


    He knew what he should do¡ª fire some of his employees to lessen his expenses. However, how could he do that? They have their own families and every employee had been there for him since day one. Moreover, they neverined even if their paycheck would be dyed as they understood thepany''s situation. Therefore, how could he be like those heartless businessmen that don''t care about their people?


    "Don''t worry about it¡ª transfer some funds from my life savings to fill the amount needed for our workers." As Engr. Choi massaged his temple, he instantly decided to do what he had been always doing¡ª shelling out his own money to give to his people.


    "Yes, Si¡ª" Just as the assistant nodded in obedience, a light knock was heard outside the office.


    ''A walk-in client!'' Those were the very first thoughts of the two distressed men when they heard the knock.


    Immediately, the assistant sprinted to open the door¡ª revealing a goddess in a modern dress that was about to knock again.


    "Good day. I was told that this is Engr. Choi''s office?" The moment Lexi saw the assistant''s stunned front, she meekly smiled as she inquired. After all, there wasn''t a person outside to assist her and only a few employees were there to lead her to the office.


    "Ah, yes! Pleasee in." Snapping from his momentary stupor, the assistant rigidly nodded as he gestured for her toe inside. Just at a nce at her, the assistant immediately recognized her as Chang''e in her role in the top-grossing movie of all time Taming Hearts.


    Lexi nodded her head and intruded inside. By the time she was inside, Engr. Choi was already standing fixing the creases on his suit and weed her as she stepped in.


    "Take a seat, Miss Yang." Of course, since the movie Taming Hearts had be a phenomenal movie, that maybe the entire country had watched, he also recognized her since Chang''e had be one of the most iconic roles.


    Soon, Lexi perched herself at one of the sofas inside the office while Engr. Choi sat at the head seat. On the other hand, the assistant as if on cue immediately prepared them some tea before he lost his mind to ask for an autograph. He purposely used their most expensive tea as not to make a bad impression on her.


    After they were served tea and made their introduction, Engr. Choi had politely inquired of her. "Miss Yang, are you here for a house service?" He assumed that Lexi wanted to build a house of her own, but still, it was shocking that there are even better and more well-known engineers to contract with instead of him, yet Engr. Choi didn''t care about how and why she had chosen him.


    What''s important was he knew that whatever she wanted to get done, it will at least prolong his dyingpany.


    "Haha," Lexi chuckled upon hearing his question. "No, Engr. Choi, I am not here to ask you to build a house for me."


    "Huh?"


    "I am here for a renovation..." With that said note, Lexi slid her hand inside her handbag and picked up a folder which she handed to him.


    Engineer Choi received the folder and checked it''s contents. The moment he saw a picture of an old establishment, his eyes dted while his mind started topute how much money was needed to renovate the ce. Uponing up to an estimate of a few tens of millions, he could not help but gasp and turned to her who was just sitting there smiling humbly.


    "Three months." Lexi didn''t wait for him to recover as she muttered. "I want it done in three months¡ª no extension. If you gave me a satisfying end-product, you won''t have to worry about yourpany''s future projects." Her words were honest and straightforward that were akin to numerous fireworks, firing right before his ear that made him momentarily go into a daze.


    Did she know about hispany''s state? What did she mean he would never have to worry about his future projects?


    "M- Mi¡ª iss.." He stuttered, embarrassing his foolish self for being unable to get himself together. Understandably, this would be the biggest break he would evere across in his career.


    "Well, I must excuse myself first. I will send you the details as I prefer to add them onto it. Please give me the outline as soon as possible¡ª preferably within this week." Lexi didn''t mind him entering into a state of shock, rather she was amused by his genuine reaction which she already had expected.


    ****


    Lexi and Engr. Choi discussed more things in detail: initial estimation, budgets, designs, and so on and so forth when he finally recovered before she left the establishment.


    As soon as Lexi entered her car, she got her phone and speed-dialed Ethan Lu''s number that has a contact name: Big Bao. The first ring wasn''t even finished when the line was picked up and immediately connected soon after.


    "Love you~" Was his first greeting that made her lips bloom into a lovely smile.


    "I am outside Choi''s Builders."


    "Woah... so the bet is on?" He was in awe while he was in the middle of a meeting that made everyone inside therge conference room pause for a moment as the rest of the people inside stared at him with shocked looks, Ethan Lu said without a care to his surroundings.


    "Mhmm, what? You think you''d win?" Smirking, Lexi arched her brows as she humored him.


    "Hehe," Ethan Lu only chuckled as the thought of winning their bet would also be great as Lexi would take his helping hand. However, even if he lost, he wouldn''t mind being squeezed out dry to benefit this cunningdy of his.


    "Huh, you have to say hi to your new project engineer in three months. Bye~ I still have a ss to attend, love you~" Lexi didn''t wait for his response as she hung up the call shortly after she uttered thosest words.


    "I¡ª love you..." Hearing the beeping sound indicating that the line was cut short, Ethan Lu frowned as she did it again¡ª hung up on him. Sensing the odd silence around him, Ethan Lu raised his gaze and saw everyone was looking in his direction.


    "What? Continue." Furrowing his brows, he nkly uttered and that snapped everyone back from their momentary daze as if they were the ones who obstructed the presentation.


    "*Cough* Yes, master."

 Chapter 263 Gold star gossip

    <h4>Chapter 263 Gold star gossip</h4>


    [Present Time]


    "I love it¡ª Nic, what do you think?" Lexi looked around once again before she aimed her question to Nico Zhuang who remained silent since a few minutes ago. After all, he constantly exchanged random discussions with her on their way to the 8th floor.


    "He likes it." Out of nowhere, Ethan Lu''s familiar deep voice resounded across the wholeboratory. Hence, Lexi immediately turned around to where his voice came from.


    At the same time, everyone excluding Nico Zhuang turned towards the entrance of the room where Ethan Lu was unhurriedly making his entrance. He had known that the moment they arrived at theboratory, maybe a minute or two had only passed and Ethan Lu along with his ever-loyal assistant Lyrick Jiang reached the floor. However, they didn''t enter right away and remained outside¡ª Nico Zhuang was very keen and instantly knew it was them with just a nce¡ª hence his abrupt quietness.


    ''No, master. Please don''t look at me like that as if you''re insinuating that I like her and not the ce!'' He wept inwardly as Ethan Lu always bullies him whenever he could.


    On the other hand, The moment Engineer Choiid his eyes on one of the loudest names in the business industry at the moment, his eyes dted double-time as he could not believe the walking ATM... no, a bank not far away from him.


    ''Ethan Lu! No, Master Lu!'' His inner thoughts screamed in panic¡ª the same expression with the rest of his crew present.


    "Hmm..." Ethan Lu slid his hands inside his pocket and slowly scanned the whole room before he slightly nodded in approval. "Not bad."


    "Not bad?" Lexi arched her brows as she crossed her arms under her breast. "Are you sure it''s not BAD?" She emphasized the word ''bad'' as she forced him to admit that it was a clean and sturdily constructed.


    "Heh, kidding, it''s great¡ª no magic happened in the budget, I see." Ethan Lu chuckled upon hearing Lexi sharply picked up on his half-heartedment.


    He then strode to the nearest corner next to the door and ced his palm on the wall. Knocking it lightly, Ethan Lu nodded in approval once again before he turned to the bbergasted Engineer Choi.


    "Good work." Heplimented with a meek smile that sent extravagant emotions to the middle-aged engineer.


    "Master Lu!" Due to the overwhelming emotion of meeting and probably being acquainted to this godly man, Engineer Choi heedlessly called out¡ª loudly which startled everyone aside from Lexi and Ethan Lu.


    "Thank you for thepliment!" With that said note, Engineer Choi made a deep bow. If he could kowtow, he probably would without any heed to his dignity or pride. Understandably, because right now, with this man''s current status, one good word that woulde out from his mouth, meant Engineer Choi''spany would be saved!


    Yes, in this industry, the ones in the top most control of everything¡ª one way or another were all powerful. Just one word from them, they could destroy or save apany''s life, just like that. After all, the ever so lowkey Lu Corporation who has remained at the top, was now soaring even higher¡ª parring to the Han Corporation and surpassed the Liu Empire. This drastic progress of thepany was all thanks to the new CEO of the Lu Corporation¡ª Ethan Lu.


    "Hehe, don''t thank me¡ª I lost a bet because of you." Using his mischief, Ethan Lu grinned which froze the man in ce the moment he had heard him.


    ''He¡ª he lost a bet because of me?'' Ethan Lu''s words were clear yet vague at the same time thus, he was thrown into a pool of confusion¡ª a negative pool at that.


    "Mr. Lu, please stop teasing Engr. Choi." Rolling her eyes upon seeing the slyness behind her man''s grinning lips, Lexi slightly shook her head before heading to one of the counters and took a seat.


    "Nico, why don''t we get started today to prepare for thest project?" Ignoring Ethan Lu and everybody else, Lexi turned to Nico Zhuang''s direction who was extra quiet as if his presence got much smaller than usual.


    ''Madam, why are you dragging me in front of the master?! Do you want me to be skinned alive?!'' Of course, no matter how frustrated his thoughts were inside his mind, Nico Zhuang''s surface remained stoic yet innocent.


    He discreetly nced at Ethan Lu who also nced at him causing their eyes to meet¡ª he swallowed a mouthful of saliva. ''Lady boss, please save me!!'' He pleaded inwardly as he turned to Lexi''s anticipating front depicting that she was oblivious of the threat near him.


    On the other hand, Lyrick Jiang bit his inner lower lip as hard as he could to restrain himself from bursting out into a fit ofughter. Even without a word, Lyrick Jiang knew the struggles of his colleague under their boss''s watch. However, what made it fun for him was that he could not plead for his life as he was restrained to do so in front of Lexi.


    ''Red would die fromughing too much if he saw Nico right now¡ª this is a gold star gossip material.'' Lyrick Jiang thought inwardly.


    "Le¡ª I mean, I have ns tonight so I don''t think I will be avable." Almost calling her by her first name like he usually did, Nico Zhuang restrained himself from calling her that in front of Ethan Lu''s presence as he came up with an excuse.


    "Oh, alright..." Frowning a little in disappointment, Lexi shrugged her shoulders as she stood from her seat. She then turned to the unrecovered Engineer as he was contemting really hard if he had offended Ethan Lu in any way. "Anyway, Engr. Choi, I haven''t seen my office yet, shall we discuss thest details in our contract?"


    "Huh?" When he heard Lexi''s voice but barely got the gist of her sentence, he agreed without thinking too much about it. "Yes!"


    With that said agreement, Lexi began taking a stride with the lead being Engr. Choi¡ª leaving the grumpy Ethan Lu who was given the cold shoulder in front of everyone.


    Lexi and Engr. Choi left the room along with the man''s assistant that only sent them to their destination but remained outside the office that was alsopleted.


    "Why is she ignoring me but not Nico?" Rubbing his chin, Ethan Lu muttered as he shot a nce to Nico Zhuang who was still standing rooted to the floor.


    "Master, please don''t misunderstand. Our future madam probably wanted to preserve her privacy to avoid unnecessary gossip." Trying to save his dearest life that was now hanging on the line, Nico Zhuang rationalized and exined it to him. After all, his boss had turned sour and grumpy because Lexi spent more time with him.


    However, what could he do? It''s not like he asked him to enroll him in thisdy''s sses!


    "I don''t misunderstand, I''m not that petty as per what mydy said, but I might give you an assignment to country M next month. Hehe." A devious grin formed on the side of Ethan Lu''s lips as he spat his remarks.


    "Pfft¡ª!" Lyrick Jiang snorted upon hearing their boss'' humor. He knew that Ethan Lu was just teasing Nico Zhuang but still, the said shadow''splexion paled upon hearing the half-hearted threat.


    ****


    Outside the building: Parking space


    "Aiya, these are the rare moments I am grateful that I am just a mere driver¡ª I can avoid their public disy of affection! Haha!" Jarred Guo heartilyughed as he already foresaw his boss and their futuredy boss being lovey-dovey.

 Chapter 264 Inspiring woman

    <h4>Chapter 264 Inspiring woman</h4>


    "Engr. Choi, are you still with me?" Slightly tilting her head to the side, Lexi marginally raised her brows as the man across her seemed as if his mind was wandering somewhere else.


    "Uh, sorry Miss Yang. I was just a little surprised that I would be able to meet CEO Lu today, hehe." Engineer Choi scratched the back of his head as he awkwardly exined and apologized for hisck of professionalism.


    Well, who wouldn''t lose their mind for a second especially to a low time businessman like him? It was the same as normal fans meeting their idols or amoner meeting the emperor!


    Still, what Ethan Lu said, it bugged him until now to the point that Engr. Choi had mixed emotions of hope and despair at the same time.


    "Engr. Choi, you must know by now that our family is in the same industry as yours¡ª Yang Company?" Slightly nodding in understanding, Lexi leaned her back against the backrest of the single sofa inside the fairly spacious office. After that, she smiled and locked her gaze on him.


    "Uh, yes..." Sounding a little more awkward, Engineer Choi genuinely responded as he also made his research after signing a contract with her.


    Of course, the Yang Company was famous enough especially to the industry that they are in. They are the most sought after and trustedpany for buildingrge infrastructures and buildings. Hence, one of the questions that Engr. Choi never dared to ask was: why would Lexi Yang, the daughter of the Yang Company seek his aid instead of her father?


    "I''m still d that even after knowing that, you never asked me about it." Lexi smiled even more as a memory shed in her mind. "Back then, when I was still very active in ourpany helping my father with thepany affairs I knew of ourpetitors¡ª big or small."


    "Mr. Choi, that was also around the time you encountered the blessed Che family. I was a little interested in your dispute so I read a few articles about you and yourpany mainly because I wanted to entertain myself for a while¡ª my apologies for being entertained with your misfortune." As she apologized, Lexi''s voice gradually turned meek and sincere.


    Indeed, just like what she admitted to in the past, she was never an angel nor was she a devil. It''s just that she doesn''t care about other people''s drama as long as she was not involved and it could entertain her on the sidelines.


    The harsh reality about this world where money rules and wealth equate power and power means influence.


    "But, despite that, I must admit that yourpany and your personal track record was indeedmendable. So, while I was contemting whether to ask my father for this project¡ª I was reminded of Engr. Choi, the man who doesn''t have the hindsight for a good businessman but has a strong will for his people¡ª you have my respect there."


    The corner of Engineer Choi''s lips twitched as he didn''t know if he should be offended or ttered as her flowery words attached some insulting truths within them.


    "I can ask my father to renovate this ce without me shelling out a single dime, but... maybe it''s just my pride but this whole starting a business by myself thing¡ª I literally wanted no financial help from them." Lexi never broke her eye contact with Engineer Choi even if he constantly looked down from time to time.


    Back when her parents found out that she rented the whole building for a few years¡ª thanks to her dearest Ethan Lu¡ª Frederick Yang did every means of persuasion avable for her to ept his help. However, part of her was unwilling, not because she was ungrateful for her father''s benevolent offer but because Lexi knew that she had to spend every dime from her ie from her projects before while she was still an actress and her other source of ie from their agency with Abigail Fan.


    In that case, Lexi could feel how it feels when she has to shell out money to fund the renovations,bor, and everything else. This experience, the anxiousness of seeing her bank bnce decrease, as if someone is just sucking it dry, the worries that the budget might go past the estimation and many more. Regardless, the emotions upon seeing the building slowly transformed into her liking¡ª Lexi would never forget this little aplishment. Therefore, she never regretted refusing her father''s help and Ethan Lu''s.


    "You are an inspiring woman, Miss Yang. You have my full respect. " Engineer Choi watched how Lexi subtly smiled as she went into momentary silence. She might appear perfect yet she would bravely admit her ws¡ª referring to how she enjoyed his crisis with the Che family. Still, he wasn''t offended in any way because that was a normal urrence, especially in the top socialdder. Thus, he was in awe that someone like her, a person who could make a big decision to start from scratch on her own, knowing how tough thepetition was, it was inspiring.


    Lexi only smiled at him as she was ttered by hisst statements. But, she didn''t know what to say that''s why she diverted their topic to a more important one.


    "Anyways, as promised, since I liked the oue of the renovation, I will rmend you somewhere who might need your service." Lexi grinned as she truly wanted to help the man.


    Not because she wanted to show her sincerity forughing in his misfortunes back then but because someone like him, a very honest and softhearted person that would never turn his back on his people was a very rare thing in the world they lived in.


    Engineer Choi proved himself that he was honest enough as he always tries to lessen their cost without lowering the materials they needed. More importantly, he always updated Lexi about it which made her trust him even more. Therefore, Lexi approved of the fact that Engr. Choi could be trusted and cing him on Ethan Lu''s side was a good move as the Lu Corporation could do with missing a few corruption scandals about the material with all their ongoing projects.


    "Miss Yang, I¡ª I¡ª thank you!" Herst remarks made him stutter as he thought Lexi had forgotten her promise three months ago. Although he never really gave much thought about it as he was already content about this project and the profit that salvaged hispany¡ª Engineer Choi waspletely grateful for her.


    "I will never disappoint you with your friends!" He added in a firm affirmation yet, his eyes were tempted to well up due to extreme happiness.


    "Friends? No, actually, you met him downstairs and I already gave him your calling card¡ª you''ll be receiving an emailter... or maybe in a minute." Just as Lexi grinned as she witnessed Engineer Choi''s mouth gape open and his eyes dted, a loud notification sound rang.


    Lexi raised her brows indicating for him to check the email which Engineer Choi instantly did. The moment his phone lit up, an opening email from the Lu Corporation weed his wrinkled eyes.


    Aside from the sender, what caught his eye was the subject which was a contract offer.


    Engr. Choi: "!!!!!"

 Chapter 265 My lady, Ism jealous!

    <h4>Chapter 265 Mydy, I''sm jealous!</h4>


    Engineer Choi, with his uncontroble trembling thumb, swiped to open the email. He hasn''t even read past the first sentence of the content, he nearly had a heart attack as the Lu Corporation was inviting him to partner with them.


    He could not avert his eyes from the screen of his phone as he tried, with his hardest effort, to read the email he received. Meanwhile, Lexi''s eyes softened because there was this feeling circling around her heart while watching the man.


    It was evident that he was grateful for another blessing that came his way. He probably thought that hispany wouldn''t sustain anymore after this and would have to announce bankruptcy in the near future without having a dime on him¡ª due to his stubbornness of not announcing bankruptcy sooner.


    Yet, that was why Lexi chose someone like him. Aside from the fact that he would be a good ally for Ethan Lu, he was a thoughtful and honest person. He never betrayed anyone and remained adamant about his beliefs in his work¡ª the main reason why the Che family suppressed this man was because he didn''t agree about lowering the cost by using substandard materials.


    "M¡ª Miss Yang..." Fighting the tears that were on the verge of falling from his wrinkled eyes, Engineer Choi choked as he mustered words trying to speak his gratitude towards her. s, all he could stutter was her name.


    "Engr. Choi, if you decided to partner with them, I only have one favor to ask you¡ª never betray Ethan Lu." Soft and modest, Lexi uttered yet there was also a firm warning lingering along with her words.


    "Don''t get me wrong, Engr. Choi. This might be a help to you but I am not like you. I don''t do it for charity¡ª I do it because it will also benefit me. So, I hope you won''t fail me in this." Lexi resumed as she bluntly exined her intention without a pause.


    "M¡ªMiss Yang, I swear to the heavens that I will never mess this up with Mr. Lu! Thank you." For some reason, Engr. Choi didn''t feel like he was being used at all as this deal was a win-win situation by both parties. Also, how could he betray someone who would pull him out of the hellhole he was at? He''s not that low.


    "No, thank you." Slightly shaking her head sideways, Lexi smiled as his participation and being the eye in the construction sites under the Lu Corporation would be of great help. After all, Ethan Lu was too busy and wasn''t an expert with the materials so it would be harder for him to keep watch, even Lyrick Jiang, it would be difficult to discern if there''s an anomaly that was happening if ever there was one. Still, adding an eye that was experienced in this stuff would not hurt as well.


    "Miss Yang, I know you''re a very private person but, if I may ask¡ª what''s your rtionship with CEO Lu?" Engr. Choi mustered his courage to ask this was what he was dying to know as to what was her connection with Ethan Lu.


    Based on their interaction earlier, the two seemed pretty close to humor with each other like that. However, it was hard to distinguish if they were mere friends or more than that. After all, it''s hard to specte with just a brief interaction as there are tons of possibilities why Ethan Lu was there and how she managed to rmend him to the said man.


    "Well, you can say he''s a ve now since he has just lost a bet," Lexi smirked as she was reminded about the bet she and Ethan Lu had.


    "Huh?" Upon hearing the word ''bet'', Engr. Choi was once again frozen as he too was reminded about Ethan Lu''sst words towards him. His extreme happiness was instantly mixed with fear, anxiety, and all of the other negative feelings all at once.


    To him, it was as if his head was about to explode by the question left unanswered right now.


    "You don''t have to know the details of the bet but rest assured, it will do you no harm." Chuckling, Lexi sensed the distress that suddenly struck the middle-aged man hence she reassured him.


    "He wouldn''t touch the people I like." She added between her chuckles.


    Soon, there wasn''t anymore discussion between the two as Lexi dismissed Engr. Choi. When he exited Lexi''s future office, Ethan Lu was already outside¡ª waiting for them to finish their talk.


    "Mr. Lu!" Out of habit and shocked as he still could not believe that Ethan Lu himself was just standing right in front of him, Engr. Choi loudly greeted.


    "Hehe, Mr. Choi." Ethan Lu only smiled as he didn''t move from his position¡ª waiting for the man to move aside so he could flirt with the love of his life.


    "I¡ª I mean, I''m sorry you lost your bet." Bowing once again even if it''s not necessary, Engr. Choi apologized as the only information about the bet Lexi rified was that they had bet if her budget was sufficient without affecting the result of the renovation. Therefore, he was moved that Lexi put all her faith in him which he didn''t disappoint her even without knowing about the bet.


    "Hahaha!" Upon hearing the sudden apologies, Ethan Lu burst outughing before tapping the man''s shoulder. "Now, I know why she picked you. Oh dear, how lovely." With that said note, Ethan Lu excused himself and without knocking on the door, he shamelessly intruded with his lips stretched from ear to ear.


    Engr. Choi was rendered speechless and he could only turn to Lyrick Jiang who was on the side. Lyrick Jiang only gave him a nonchnt shrug without a word.


    ''Huh? What was that? Are they really just friends or lovers? I want to know!'' If only Lyrick Jiang could read Engr. Choi''s thoughts, he would dly leave him a few hints to calm his inner busybody self as Jarred Guo was useless as his gossip body.


    ****


    The moment Ethan Lu intruded Lexi''s office that was already finished but not to the extent that it was fully furnished, which one could easily tell with theck of furniture, Lexi was already standing, fixing her bag, ready to depart the office as well.


    "Hehe, mydy," Ethan Lu strode towards her and when he was close, he giggled and then wrapped his arms around her waist¡ª giving her a warm back hug. "Miss you."


    Lexi rolled her eyes as his familiar scent wafted into her nostrils. She turned around to see his pouting front because of her behavior earlier. "Did you?" She humored as her arms wrapped around his neck.


    "You spend too much time with Nico but not with me¡ª I''m jealous!" Still frowning, Ethan Lu protested as if a child was being neglected or was being raised with ack of love which made her heartily chuckle.


    If only the people in the Lu family could see him right now, they would be startled as the reputation Ethan Lu had built inside the Lu Corporation and in his family was theplete opposite of how he acted in front of her. One didn''t need to worry about Lyrick Jiang, Jarred Guo, or Nico Zhuang as their boss''s image was already shattered into pieces by his pettiness.

 Chapter 266 I can predict the future

    <h4>Chapter 266 I can predict the future</h4>


    Lexi smiled as she carefully traveled her gaze onto his dashing facial features despite his cute pouting. Along with every move of her eyes, the side of her lips also curled upward.


    "You always say you''re jealous but you act otherwise." She teased which made his frown grow gloomier.


    "I''m just jealous but not afraid that he could snatch you from me¡ª you''ve fallen head over heels for me you said."


    "Huh? When did I say that?" Arching her brow, Lexi slightly tilted her head to the side as she recalled all their conversations in the past three months in a fraction of seconds. s, she could not remember saying that to him not even once.


    "In the future, hehe. Perhaps,ter or tomorrow? You don''t know." From frowning to grinning mischievously, Ethan Lu humored. "Also, you don''t have to say it¡ª I know it in my heart because I can predict the future." He added shamelessly which made her chuckle while shaking her head.


    "Oh, love..." In between her soft chuckles, Lexi uttered casually. "How can I believe your readings if they are not even urate¡ª hmm?" With that said note, Lexi slightly leaned forward and ced a soft kiss on his thin red lips. She added, "I love you."


    "I am just being humble, I know you''re one of my many fans." It only took one kiss from her to wash away his concealed exhaustion. Not to mention, being with her in a day was more than a treat to Ethan Lu. After all, Lexi and Ethan Lu had been pretty busy since her school started. Also, the very same day she went to school, his grandfather, Edward Lu announced his retirement, cing Ethan Lu as the new head of the family because of the progress he had made in the Lu Corporation in a short amount of time that he had participated in thepany affairs.


    Therefore, Ethan Lu''s workloads tripled in an instant. Not to mention, all the opposing individuals for dering him as the new family head, because for them, his aplishments were not enough of a basis to whether or not if he''s a capable leader or not.


    "Love, are you going to attend to my night?" Referring to his official take over in the whole Lu Corporation, Ethan Lu inquired after they exchanged short kisses to each other while staying in the same intimate position.


    "Why? You don''t want me to?"


    "I do but it''s also the same day of your product showcase." In a matter of fact tone, Ethan Lu reminded her about herst showcase of the products she worked hard on¡ª sacrificing several nights of sleep and hustling in the day.


    In simple terms, her schedule was just as packed as his¡ª Lexi''s workload as well as her managing to attend sses, imply the skills she learned, keeping an eye on this renovation progress, and helping in the agency Abigail Fan and Lexi started.


    "It''s an important day for you¡ª I can''t miss it." Shaking her head, Lexi adamantly affirmed as she already freed her schedule after theirst product showcase. Moreover, the time limit of herst project would only make her a littlete by several minutes.


    "Hehe, won''t that break the hearts of your EliXi fans if they saw us together? I might kiss you in the middle of my speech hehe." Humoring her, Ethan Lu grinned from ear to ear as he hasn''t moved on with all her fans trying to ce her with his dearest friend Elliot Gong.


    Or should he say all his enemies because, despite his busy schedule, Ethan Lu would asionally log in to his dummy ount and vent his stress by trying to wreck the EliXi ship by being a keyboard warrior! God knows his pettiness level reached its peak. Fortunately, he kept it as his secret and swore to keep it to the grave.


    Also, his antics on his Weibo ount were still going on¡ª keeping his mystery girl a mystery. Although Ethan Lu had the strong urge to announce it to the world that Lexi was his, for some reason, when they became officially together, he became selfish as he wanted their memories together all to himself. Besides, the thrill of keeping all the fans that were asking him the identity of his girlfriend was elevating in one way or another.


    "Huh? Then, should I break yours and mine instead?" Fluttering her curledshes at a slow pace, Lexi smirked as she watched his blinding smile that could be on par with the brightness of the sun. The only difference between the two was that she was willing to look at his smile even if it blinds her¡­ indeed, Ethan Lu''s prediction was inurate as she had fallen head over heels with him in just a short time.


    "My bab¡ª" Just as Ethan Lu attempted to kiss her lips because of her oh-so-ttering remarks, a light series of knocks interrupted him before Lyrick Jiang intruded uninvited. The moment Lyrick Jiang caught the two wrapped around each other as if there was limited space in this rather capacious office, he coughed and looked away.


    The instant Lyrick Jiang saw them, Lexi pushed Ethan Lu away and broke free from his embrace. Of course, the person who was irked by the sudden intrusion was Ethan Lu as he ground his teeth and strangled his assistant inside his mind.


    ''Just when we''re about to get to the good part, this guy just had to walk in!'' He grumbled inwardly as Ethan Lu had the idea of baptizing this newly-built office by making a baby in Lexi''s office! However, the mood shattered because of this Lyrick Jiang.


    "Are you here just to quench your gossip fantasy? Speak." Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Ethan Lu nkly muttered with a deadly poker face that only Lyrick Jiang could understand the real meaning behind. Lexi mildly elbowed him as Ethan Lu was once again intimidating his poor assistant. Hence, she looked at him while widening her eyes as if telling him to behave.


    ''Urgh! My job is not easy as well!'' Protesting inwardly, Lyrick Jiang wanted to show how tough his job was and that is wasn''t any better than Nico Zhuang''s who was forced to attend all of thedy''s sses just to monitor their futuredy boss.


    "I''m sorry for interrupting your time together, Master and Madam but I received the news that¡­" Lyrick Jiang rposed himself as he brought himself to look at his boss''s pair of emotionless eyes before he continued. "Mr. Liu regained consciousness."


    The room fell intoplete silence after Lyrick Jiang''s news dropped like a bomb.

 Chapter 267 Intelligence Gathering

    <h4>Chapter 267 Intelligence Gathering</h4>


    When Lexi and Ethan Lu got the gist of the news and recovered, they subconsciously looked at each other as a smile formed on the corner of their lips at the same time. Hence, the three of them rushed to the hospital to visit Morris Liu.


    On the other hand, Nico Zhuang was properly informed by Lexi that she had an urgent matter to attend to and he could rest for the day or go to the arrangements he spoke of¡ª which was a lie. However, aside from Lexi, everyone knew that Nico Zhuang wouldn''t be able to rest as he still needed to catch up to them and guard them in the shadows.


    Soon, Lexi and Ethan Lu along with Jarred Guo and Lyrick Jiang arrived at the Jin Medical Group. As usual, Jarred Guo was left in the car as Ethan Lu and Lexi rushed their steps to reach where Morris Liu was residing in for the past three months. Meanwhile, Lyrick Jiang didn''t follow behind them as he checked if their team had surrounded the area.


    As to why he was too focused on his master''s security was due to the ongoing threats he had because of the fact that he would be ascending the throne in a few days, Hence, to retain the normal schedule on time without any mishap, Lyrick Jiang had been extra vignt. After all, the captain of the elite guards was assigned to look after Lexi.


    "I wonder if our futuredy boss knows about all this fuss." Hitching out from the driver''s seat, Jarred Guo heaved a heavy sigh as he saw Lyrick Jiang ending the line he was on. "Well, all the guards that were tagging along with him all day always ''poof'' when Master was with thedy boss, so, I wonder whether she knows or not."


    "Of course, Master just reassured her that he had it under control but ourdy boss is smart and was cing her own people inside thepany hehe."


    "Oh? Is that the real story or just one of your spections?" Knitting his brows together, Jarred Guo was confused as to how his colleague knew about it since their master would remain private about his rtionship¡­ or not, as Ethan Lu was shameless enough to throw cheesy lines even when they are around.


    "Hehe, my intelligence gathering is top-notch¡ª never underestimate it." Lyrick Jiang''s boastful tone almost made Jarred Guo puke blood. What does he mean by that? Isn''t his intelligence gathering just the gossip he heard or just whatever he concluded? Surely, this assistant wouldn''t have his own love life with this kind of off-habit for a guy.


    ****


    When Lexi and Ethan Lu arrived at the second to the top floor, they didn''t waste a second as they headed to the room where Morris Liu was admitted. From the end of the corridor they turned to, Chris Yu was already outside, sitting on one of the waiting seats with Kevin Woo.


    As the two approached them, Chris Yu was the first to turn his head to Lexi and Ethan Lu''s direction. He nodded as a greeting to them but he didn''t stand from his seat and only let out another heavy sigh.


    "How was he?" Since none of his friends were talking, Ethan Lu was the first to break the building tension that was caused by their quietness.


    "He''s still unconscious, again after waking up twice for a second or two." Letting out another heavy sigh, Chris Yu responded as he nced at the closed door of Morris Liu''s private hospital room.


    "Oh¡­" Slowly nodding in understanding, Ethan Lu replied and subconsciously shifted his gaze towards the shut door. Feeling Lexi''s hand tightening around his hand, he moved his head to her and she smiled as if telling him it was fine.


    In the past three months, Lexi and Ethan Lu at least visited Morris Liu asionally despite their busy schedule. Fortunately, after Ethan Lu warned Kevin Woo, even if Lexi would drop by there and bumped into them, they didn''t stop her from visiting Morris Liu since she would only stay for an hour or two.


    Despite having that on her schedule, Ethan Lu hadn''t had any negative feelings about it as hepletely understood and Morris Liu was still a brother to him¡ª that''s how Ethan Lu valued his brotherhood with him and how he respects Lexi''s maturity for being a good sport and kind regardless of what he had done to her.


    "Love, do you want to see him first?" With a gentle smile, Ethan Lu asked as he wanted to talk with Chris Yu for a bit before going to see Morris Liu. Lexi only nodded in agreement before she let his hand go and took a step towards the room. s, just as she took a step, Kevin Woo''s voice reached them which made her halt on her tracks.


    "Lexi Yang, why¡­?"


    Lexi, Ethan Lu, and Chris Yu subconsciously turned their attention to Kevin Woo who was just sitting beside Chris Yu, his elbows resting on his upper knees and his head hung low. He didn''t return their gaze even though he sensed the inquiring vibe they emanated.


    "Lexi¡ª that was his first word. Why was he calling your name the moment he regained consciousness?" Slowly, Kevin Woo, who was usually jolly while wasted was rather downbeat as he raised his head and instantly locked eyes with Lexi''s confused front.


    "I don''t care if you''re with Ethan now but why are you still sticking with Brother Mo? Are you ying with my friends or what?"


    "Oy, Kevin! Are you crazy?" Upon hearing hisst remarks, Chris Yu pulled his arm to him and whispered in a very distressed voice. He stole a nce at Ethan Lu who''s eyes became darker in an instant.


    "Huh?" Although Lexi was baffled when she heard that Morris Liu''s first word was her name, she was offended on this abrupt insult thrown right at her face. "Mr. Woo, I can tolerate the sight of you but keep your malicious mouth shut because not everyone is as immature as you. Instead, learn how mature people treat their friends despite whatever pain he had caused on others. That is maturity and for the answer to your first question, why don''t you ask him instead when he wakes up¡ª I am not him."


    Lexi''s pair of sharp eyes never once left Kevin Woo''s as she spat her every word. For some reason, she was really irked by his statements causing her to respond with some sense to this thick-skulled Kevin Woo. After a while, Lexi scoffed once again and resumed in her tracks towards the room.


    When she closed the door, Ethan Lu looked down at Kevin Woo. He has no emotion on his front nor was there a glint to know what he has on his mind. Chris Yu caught a glimpse of him and despite the emotionlessly countenance, he felt a cold chill run down his spine.


    "That is not a funny joke. Kevin, didn''t I warn you before?" Cold and dark, danger lurked on his voice as he bent down to Kevin Woo''s eye level. "But, I know a joke that would be funny enough to make you cry and grow up¡ª just wait for it."


    Kevin Woo saw how Ethan Lu''s lips curved into a smirk. It was nothing like before, as if he was apletely different person. Even back then, three months ago, Ethan Lu''s aura wasn''t as intimidating as this. It''s like the man before him had turned into an evil being with no regard for friendship or whatsoever they once had.


    "Chris, let''s talk somewhere else. Don''t do or say anything funny again Kevin." Ethan Lu shot a look at Chris Yu''s stunned front and invited him. s, before he could straighten his posture, he gave Kevin Woo a warning not to interrupt or talk silly with Lexi again or the consequences won''t be a good one.


    ''Since when did he be like this?'' Chris Yu thought as his gaze followed Ethan Lu. Was gaining power something that can really make someone change overnight?


    ''Who are you?'' On the other hand, Kevin Woo was rendered speechless as he could not recognize Ethan Lu just moments ago. He was not like the cold Morris Liu¡ª he was fiery. As if the devil incarnate that had lived in the zing fire of hell since forever¡ª ready to drag anyone to his doonds.


    Kevin Woo abruptly turned his head to their retreating back and by coincidence, Ethan Lu took a nce back before he smirked a scornful smirk. Upon seeing that, Kevin Woo was struck by a realization: Ethan Lu was not the Ethan Lu he once knew anymore.

 Chapter 268 Leave you two alone

    <h4>Chapter 268 Leave you two alone</h4>


    When Lexi entered the room, Mia Chen was already there, watching Morris Liu with love and care. Even just a nce, Lexi could understand her worries as she had someone she loved and would have the same fear if Ethan Lu would be the one lying there.


    As she closed the sliding door, Mia Chen was snapped back from her stupor and instantly turned her head towards Lexi who entered the room. "Oh, it was you." As usual, her voice was soft and gentle, like the soothing waves of the ocean.


    Mia Chen meekly smiled as she expected her today. After all, she was the one who insisted to update Ethan Lu about Morris Liu''s huge progress after three months of being in a deep slumber. "I''ll go outside so you can freely talk to him." She excused herself and began taking small strides out. s, just as she took two steps from her standpoint, she halted when Lexi called her name for the first time.


    "Mia¡­" Lexi stared at her as Mia Chen slowly raised her gaze to meet hers. "When he regains his consciousness, I will leave you two alone." The side of her lips slightly curled upward as Lexi nodded once in reassurance.


    Lexi knew that Mia Chen might just be pretending to understand her visits or just kind. Regardless even if Morris Liu and Mia Chen broke up, she has been beside him in the past three months. Hence, Lexi was convinced that she still loved him unconditionally. Not to mention all of the offenses she did to her in the past.


    Inside Lexi''s mind, maybe the reason why Morris Liu fell for her was that she was really kind and loving. Although she was also kind and loving towards Morris Liu before, however, Lexi''s unending understanding was exclusive only for him.


    Therefore, there was a huge difference between the two. After all, Lexi''s attitude problem might have improved but she wouldn''t be as understanding as Mia Chen if one of Ethan Lu''s exes showed up and regrly visited him if he''s in the same situation as Morris Liu.


    "Also, thank you for letting me visit him."


    "Don''t thank me, you are all his friends." Mia Chen lightly shook her head as she refused to be thanked for something she shouldn''t be credited for. She was there because she wanted to be and they were all of the very few people that visited Morris Liu, Mia Chen knew that they were the only ones Morris Liu wanted to visit him but that wasn''t the case concerning her. Thus, how could she forbid others if Mia Chen was after all the one who was uninvited?


    "I''ll go home today¡ª take your time with him." With that said note, Mia Chen resumed in her tracks and with a meek excuse, she left Lexi inside the room.


    Lexi only watched Mia Chen''s petite and tired figure leave the room with her brows slightly knitted. ''Was saying good things to her hade off as a little awkward?'' She wondered because Lexi had always been mean to her in the past and she never struck up a conversation with her in the past three months. Hence, this was the first time.


    She only shrugged her thoughts off as Lexi made her way towards Morris Liu. Since Morris Liu''s condition was now more stable at this point and they were just waiting for him to wake up the precautions lowered and his visitors are now allowed to get close to him without wearing the proper protective dress.


    Lexi gently smiled as she drew closer to the withering Morris Liu. She moved the lightest stool inside the room and ced it by his bedside before she perched on it. Staring at his side profile, an indistinct sigh escaped her mouth.


    "Brother Mo, I failed to bring you flowers today because we rushed here when we heard about the news." Honestly, Lexi was still feeling a little awkward talking to him like nothing happened between them.


    However, the willingness for him to recover, as if she had a strong connection for his recovery, made all the awkwardness wash away by that strong faith. Also, she was told that people under aatose state could still hear their voices hence, she always bbered about her ns and the progress of her skills in formting skincare products.


    "I bet you''re enjoying your long break¡­ I mean not in a negative way." Lexi scratched her jawline as herst remarks sounded a little weird and could lead to a different meaning. "Anyway, it''s been three months since I started enhancing my skills and ourst product showcase will be held in a few days."


    Lexi stared at his unmoving figure and that had made the smile on her lips slightly lessen. "You know, I am broke but happy. I used to remember you would always scold me because of my spending habits¡ª now I know why. It is easier to spend other people''s hard-earned money but when you spend your own it''s so much different, I would weep with every swipe, issued cheque, and cash I spent." Lexi lightly chuckled as she recalled all those experiences she had.


    "But actually, despite that drama, I learned a lot of things. I learned how to budget my money, allocate allotment to my expenses and live a little simpler. Nheless, it was fun¡ª although I have to see Ethan''s pouting face every time I asked him to split our food expenses and other necessities." Lexi ced her hand on the edge of the bed and as if straightening an imaginary crease, she smiled once again.


    "I haven''t told you yet but I am now living with Ethan¡­ Brother Mo, thank you for everything. I hope when you wake up, you''ll be as happy as me with our partners and remain friends just like before." Lexi could not believe that she was saying this kind of stuff.


    Never in a million years, had she thought that there woulde a day that she would be able to bring herself to say such brave words to him. Still, right now, instead of hate, she was thankful that he pushed her away because if not, she wouldn''t be able to love Ethan Lu or be loved by him.


    Just then, Morris Liu''s forefinger slightly moved. Since Lexi''s gaze was on the edge of the bed, she caught that slight movement and that small reaction made her eyes dte.


    "Brother Mo?" Surprised, Lexi raised her gaze and scrutinize his slowly moving eyelids that soon cracked open.


    In an instant, Lexi pressed a button that could make the medical experts rush their way to the room. She then stood on the side while looking down on Morris Liu.


    His vision was blurred yet he could hear Lexi''s familiar voice call his name out. Thus, with great difficulty, Morris Liu blinked his eyes to get a clearer view. There, Lexi''s image slowly got clearer which made his whole being release a long held anxiety in relief.


    All the events that happened to him were still jumbled yet, there was one thing that was certain: Morris Liu was d that she was unharmed¡­ or at least, in this dream, she wasn''t.


    Raising his weak, dry arm, Morris Liu attempted to reach her with considerable difficulty. But, his desire to touch her, even if it''s just a dream, had finally triumphed.


    At the same time, a cluster of medical staff intruded the room and rushed their way towards the bed. Behind them, Mia Chen, Chris Yu, Kevin Woo, and Ethan Lu followed suit and witnessed the man that was on the brink of death, was now awake and was cupping Lexi''s cheek.

 Chapter 269 Good to see you back, bro.

    <h4>Chapter 269 Good to see you back, bro.</h4>


    "How are you feeling?" Softly, Lexi asked as she scrutinized Morris Liu who had his head on the side to just look at her.


    After the doctors checked his vitals and removed some medical equipment that were connected to Morris Liu¡ª leaving only the important ones intact¡ª they left along with Ethan Lu and Chris Yu as they sent them off.


    Morris Liu only nodded with the little energy he had been able to garner. Never once had he removed his gaze away from her¡ª not even when his other friends were there including Ethan Lu.


    "Thank God, you''re finally awake." Heaving anotherrge sigh in relief, Lexi muttered as the side of her lips mildly curled upward. "Right!" Remembering Mia Chen''s presence, Lexi abruptly turned around to face behind her back where Mia Chen was standing wordlessly.


    "Mia," Lexi marginally raised her brows as she slightly tilted her head to Morris Liu''s direction. Lexi was beyond relieved when Morris Liu regained his consciousness hence, she forgot about the person who was probably the happiest right now¡ª Mia Chen.


    "Uh..." Seeing Lexi''s obvious gesture, Mia Chen felt conflicted as she didn''t know if she should continue her acting as Morris Liu''s lover or not. However, watching how Lexi widened her eyes as if she was growing impatient, Mia Chen nodded once and strode to her side in a slow, nervous manner.


    "Brother Mo..." She muttered as she raised her gaze to see Morris Liu''s awakened state. However, the moment her eyesnded on him¡ª Morris Liu neglected her presence as he only stared at Lexi.


    At the same time, Lexi nced at Mia Chen before looking back to Morris Liu and to her surprise, he was still looking in her direction despite hearing Mia Chen''s voice.


    ''Are his senses still failing?'' She wondered internally as Lexi only smiled at him before tilting her head to the side, instructing him that he must look to the person next to her.


    Just then, the room''s entrance door silently slid open¡ª weing Chris Yu and Ethan Lu back inside as they were done discussing with the doctors concerning Morris Liu. The moment Ethan Luid his eyes on his fragile friend who had a yearning gaze as he looked at his woman¡ª he shifted his gaze to Lexi''s side profile.


    ''Not today.'' He reminded himself not to get jealous inwardly. Although he was very open with his rtionship with Lexi and trusted her, Morris Liu was probably the only person he''s always wary about.


    Yet, right now, he knew he should not feel jealous as he was very well-informed about Morris Liu''s feelings for Lexi. Therefore, it was understandable that he would look at Lexi with a gentle gaze.


    After all, Ethan Lu''s faith in Lexi and their rtionship was stronger than his trivial jealousy.


    "Love!" Catching the two figures who just entered via her peripheral vision, Lexi called Ethan Lu over with a loving smile on her lips. Perhaps, it was the building excitement because Morris Liu''s health was now stable and he was now conscious hence, she sounded a little giddy.


    Ethan Lu could only smile with the same tenderness in his eyes as he nodded in agreement before taking strides towards them. Meanwhile, Chris Yu shot Mia Chen''s back a nce before he shifted it to Lexi and then to Ethan Lu.


    Based on his observation, Lexi and Ethan Lu were genuinely d about Morris Liu. On the other hand, Mia Chen, although he could not see her expression, Chris Yu could tell that aside from relief, there were numerous emotions rushing inside her. Thus, he could only heavily exhale before going to the other side of the bed opposite Lexi.


    "Good to see you back, bro." As Ethan Lu stood beside Lexi, he handed his fist out for a fist bump with a grin stered across his ever dashing front.


    Finally, Morris Liu, in anguid pace shifted his gaze away from Lexi andnded to Ethan Lu. Slightly chuckling, although he hasn''t regained his strength yet, Morris Liu slightly raised his loose fist.


    Ethan Lu stretched his arm a little as to not make him exert more effort than necessary and in a second, their knuckles lightly connected which made the atmosphere around the hospital room begin to brighten a little.


    Seeing this, Lexi''s heart felt moved as her smile could not help but show¡ª making her gorgeous profile turn even more lovely. She was proud of Ethan Lu. Surely, in the past three months, he became more mature and understanding.


    He never forbade her to do what she wanted to do. Instead, he supported her even if it''s against his will¡ª for example Lexi asking him to split their expenses on everything. Therefore, how could she not love him more and more with each passing day that she had spent with him?


    "Hey, what about me, eh?" Chris Yu half-heartedlyined as he was neglected by his friends. "I''m also a part of this sisterhood¡ª group hug,dies!" And to make the atmosphere was even livelier, Chris Yu spread his arms open wide which made everyone chuckle and shake their heads, everyone aside from Mia Chen.


    The four of them shared a goodugh until Morris Liu let out a series of coughs, leading to Ethan Lu sassing Chris Yu who only had good intentions in mind. Nheless, at that moment, all of the painful pasts, troubles, and present concerns vanished as they tried to fill in Morris Liu with the urrences in the past three months.


    Perhaps it was the atmosphere or Mia Chen''splete silence, that they didn''t notice that she was gone... or rather, Lexi was the only one who didn''t notice her leaving.


    To Mia Chen, as she watched Morris Liu interact with his friends,ughing weakly and listened to their banter¡ª she felt out of ce. Indeed, this has always been his life, surrounded by the people he cared about.


    The very few people that he protected when Kong Shuren came into the picture... and she''s not one of them. Granted even though Chris Yu arrived in his life before her, he came with good intentions to be his ally, not like her. Hence, Mia Chen knew that her ending in this story and in his life that was long overdue, must bepleted this time around.


    As Mia Chen silently closed the door, she turned her head to the side. There, Kevin Woo was just sitting there for some reason. Sensing her fragile presence, Kevin Woo also looked in her direction.


    He watched her slowly approach him before she sat beside him. Mia Chen stared at the white wall in front of them while Kevin Woo stared at her side profile.


    "Why are you not joining them?" She asked with her ever soothing tone without giving him a nce.


    "Why did you go out?" Ignoring her inquiry, Kevin Woo questioned with his brows furrowed. Well, he was outside because he was dismayed at his friend, Ethan Lu and he doesn''t want to y pretend that they were both fine in front of Morris Liu. But, what about her?


    "Brother Kevin, I will be leaving."


    "What?"


    "Mhmm... but before that, I wanted to thank you for rooting for me. Out of Brother Mo''s friends, you are the only one who supported us." Recalling all the past events where Kevin Woo strongly supported her and Morris Liu¡ª hating the innocent Lexi for her inability to let his friend go and just be happy for them¡ª Mia Chen gently smiled as she was moved.


    After all, Chris Yu never really supported them as he disrespected her whenever he had the chance. Elliot Gong always gave her the cold shoulder, while Ethan Lu was too busy to care. Hence, the only one who she really grew fond of was Kevin Woo. s, that is because he admired Morris Liu and could only wish for his friend''s happiness; he thought that she was his happiness.


    "But, that is because you don''t know the truth. Brother Kevin, I''m sorry for lying but..." Mia Chen secretly nced to the side and saw the front point of Lexi''s heels that was beginning toe out from the room. Yet, she pretended not to know. "But the truth is, there''s no Morris Liu and I¡ª there''s no US. Everything was just a huge lie to deceive everyone including Lexi... the love of his life. "


    ''This might be the end of my role but, I will be selfish until the end brother Mo, I''m sorry.'' Mia Chen muttered inwardly as she scanned Kevin Woo''s stunned countenance, trying to absorb her confession.

 Chapter 270 What are you talking about?

    <h4>Chapter 270 What are you talking about?</h4>


    "...including Lexi... the love of his life." Lexi''s steps halted and her attempt to call out Mia Chen''s name was now stuck in her throat.


    Moments ago, she finally realized that Mia Chen was missing. Hence, Lexi excused herself with an excuse to go to call someone so as not to disrupt the three.


    However, the moment she exited the room, she heard Mia Chen''s statement that was akin to a loud grenade that was tossed at her.


    ''Deceive everyone? Not real? What are you talking about?'' Questions after questions hovered inside her mind yet, she was unable to speak her mind as she just stood there rooted to the tiled floor.


    "Mia, what are you saying?" Disbelief raged in his mind at her remarks, Kevin Woo scoffed yet even that seemed to be a short chuckle. To him, she was just saying things for whatever reason she has.


    How could that be a lie? Does that mean all of the grand efforts Morris Liu had done was nothing but a circus? No, he wouldn''t believe it.


    "Is this because of Lexi? Did she say something to you again?"


    "No, Lexi... she has always been the one who was misunderstood from the beginning. Brother Mo has always and will always be in love with her¡ª I won''t go into the details, it''s better to ask brother Mo instead." Mia Chen shook her head sideways as she exined her pretentious remarks.


    She knew that Lexi was there, hearing her every word. Still, she revealed a glimpse of the truth for her to find out. Moreover, knowing Kevin Woo, he would surely stir some trouble for her after knowing that both of his friends were wrapped around Lexi''s web.


    Indeed, Mia Chen was a selfish woman. Even until the end, she would do something only to fulfill the happiness of her beloved¡ª not caring if the other party would be troubled or shaken.


    This, as she perceived, was thest gift that Morris Liu would never ept from her. Thus, she forced it in her own sly way.


    "Brother Kevin, sorry for lying to you. I will atone for my sins to everyone by leaving and I won''t show my face again to anyone here." Mia Chen stood from her seat and made a deep bow to show her sincerest apology. Well, she really felt bad for him about her lying to him as he was a good person.


    However, her apologies were not because of that but because she nted something in him that would stir his emotions¡ª leading him to his doom.


    When Mia Chen straightened her posture, she acted as if to flinch like she was surprised seeing Lexi standing several steps away from them as she looked at them with baffled eyes.


    "What... what did you just say?" Stuttering, Lexi heedlessly asked as she never looked away from Mia Chen''s delicate face.


    "Lexi, I¡ª" Showing troubled, Mia Chen seemed to panic but the next second, she caught Chris Yu''s figure behind Lexi as he exited the room.


    "Um... what''s going on?" Oblivious about the matter, Chris Yu broke the tension surrounding the whole floor.


    "Chris, Mia was saying some nonsense. She said she only had a contract with brother Mo to deceive everyone." Without breaking away her stare from Mia Chen, Lexi summarized the reason of her bewilderment.


    The moment Chris Yu received the summarization, his eyes dted in shock. Fortunately, Lexi could not see him as Mia Chen and Kevin Woo saw his gradual change in reaction.


    "What nonsense! Mia, let me drive you home¡ª you haven''t rested for quite some time. Don''t worry about your break up with brother Mo¡ª you two will figure it out once he has recovered." Chris Yu snapped from his stupor as he rposed himself.? That very instant, he came up with a lie.


    Chris Yu stopped beside Lexi and smiled. "You''re right, that''s utter nonsense. Haha! She''s probably tired¡ª why don''t you apany Ethan inside?" He proposed as he tried to stabilize this new problematic development. However, he could not fool anyone, not even himself. After all, the seed of curiosity has been nted by this evil witch named Mia Chen.


    Lexi only nced at him without any emotion or whatsoever. No one knew what she had in mind as Lexi strode back towards the room without a single word said to anyone else.


    When Lexi was gone, Chris Yu''s eyes darkened as he took immediate strides towards Mia Chen. He grabbed Mia Chen''s arm in an unpolished way, tightening his grip despite knowing it was not enough to hurt this toughdy.


    "What are you thinking, huh?! Come with me!" Without further ado, Chris Yu dragged her away but before he could, Kevin Woo grabbed his shoulder after jolting from his seat.


    "What''s going on? What she said¡ª is it true?" Through his gritted teeth, Kevin Woo saw Chris Yu''s reaction. Thus, he wanted to confirm if he was indeed yed in this long-running lie.


    The more he thought about being lied to, Kevin Woo''s grip on Chris Yu''s shoulder tightened.


    "I''m asking you¡ª did all of you know about it but me?"


    "Man, let''s talk next time¡ª you should worry about yourself first because Ethan was not kidding earlier." Chris Yu hissed as his tone drastically changed into a deadpan tune. He harshly pulled his shoulder from his grip before resuming to drag Mia Chen to god knows where.


    ****


    Lexi remained standing close to the door. She remained there, her back against the door as she tried to listen to the conversation outside. However, since the facility was built close to soundproof, she heard nothing.


    "Love?" As she closed her eyes and heavily took deep breaths, Lexi heard Ethan Lu''s gentle voice. Once she opened her eyes, she smiled and perched in the other chair beside Ethan Lu''s. No one could tell that she heard such ridiculous remarks outside as Lexi acted normal around Ethan Lu.


    "Too bad you could not attend my official take over in thepany." Ethan Lu resumed on what he was saying as he heavily sighed.


    "I am proud of you." Morris Liu weakly smiled as he nodded his head in approval before ncing at Lexi who was ncing at him from time to time with a stone-faced front.

 Chapter 271 LQ

    <h4>Chapter 271 LQ</h4>


    Since Ethan Lu had to work for the rest of the day and initially had nned to spend time with Lexi, it turned out as a day apanying Morris Liu until he rested. As soon as he fell asleep, Lexi and Ethan Lu decided to go home since it was near dinner time.


    As they reached the parking space, Ethan Lu stopped in his tracks and turned to face her. "What''s wrong?" He asked because Lexi was unusually silent since earlier.


    "Wrong? Nothing''s wrong but I am confused about one thing¡ª let''s talk when we get home." Cold and emotionless, Lexi responded as she continued to approach Ethan Lu''s vehicle.


    When Lexi arrived, Lyrick Jiang, as usual, opened the back passenger seat for her but to his surprise, Lexi hitched inside like a gust of wild wind.


    ''Woah! Lover''s Quarrel? What happened inside?!'' Lyrick Jiang''s first thought after sensing the unpleasant vibe between his boss anddy boss, his curiosity was about the reason of their argument this time.


    "Shut up." The moment Ethan Lu brushed past his assistant, he warned Lyrick Jiang''s thoughts from getting wild before entering the other door of the back passenger seat.


    ''Huh? But I wasn''t saying anything yet!'' Lyrick Jiang was caught off guard from his master''s advanced warning that made him protest inwardly.


    "Ahh, my head¡ª why am I being dragged into this again?" He lowly mumbled before picking up his phone and sent a message to all his men; indicating they were leaving before hitching inside the front passenger seat and their vehicle sped away.


    *****


    Inside the car, Lexi remained in her seat, leaving a huge gap between her and Ethan Lu. She never once opened her mouth after she warned him not to get close to her.


    s, this tension that was building up inside the car was killing Ethan Lu as he didn''t know what he had done so wrong to the extent of being forbidden to get close to her.


    Not only was Ethan Lu being strangled by this silence as the two at the front constantly swallowed hard because this was the first time they felt this strange aura between them. They always flirted whenever they are with each other hence, seeing their graciousdy boss not talking to their benevolent master was enough of a threat to them.


    ''Oh good Lord, I am just a mere driver now, please let us arrive safely to our destination.'' Jarred Guo prayed inwardly as he constantly nced at the rearview mirror from time to time. He could only see Ethan Lu''s displeased front which made him chant his prayers over and over again.


    ''What did master do to our lifeline? Did he assault Mr. Liu again? Perhaps, an ambiguous text message from one of his ex''s was found out? Ahh!! This is killing me! Please our dear madam, give me some clue!'' On the other hand, Lyrick Jiang''s worries were nothing like Jarred Guo''s. To him, he wasn''t worried if Ethan Lu would vent his frustrations to them as gossip is more important than his life¡ª it''s what was keeping his boring life more colorful after all.


    "I can''t take this silence anymore! Love, what did I do?" Having enough from this unending sorrow called silent treatment, Ethan Lu snapped as he turned to face Lexi.


    If only he could kneel down on a washboard, he would do it that instant even without knowing the reason of her dissatisfaction. If that could lessen her irate emotions, then, he would willing to do it all day!


    "Quiet. Let''s talk at home." Lexi only red at him as she ground her teeth in annoyance. She didn''t want to argue with him outside the house as it was only proper that they should discuss this inside their home. After all, although Lyrick Jiang and Jarred Guo were his close confidants, Lexi didn''t want others to hear them arguing about their personal problems¡ª especially about their rtionship.


    Soon, they had finally reached Ethan Lu''s vi¡ª journeying with the stifling silence along the way. God knows how relieved Jarred Guo was the moment his bosses left the car and headed straight inside the vi as he could finally heave a sigh of relief.


    "Hey, what do you think our boss did to anger the madam?" Of course, Lyrick Jiang''s itchy tongue could finally be set free as he asked his colleagues'' opinion about the drama.


    "I don''t know! Didn''t you hear him earlier? He also didn''t know! *sigh* women..." Jarred Guo shook his head sideways as he let out another heavy sigh.


    "I wonder¡ª"


    "Shut up! I''m leaving! Drive yourself home and ask whoever''s avable¡ª I''m out!" Knowing Lyrick Jiang, he would go on and on with his spections. Therefore, before he could hear another groundless assumption, Jarred Guo exited the car as if escaping the person who would kill him.


    ****


    The moment Lexi entered the house and changed her heels into house slippers, she turned around and started her interrogations. "Did you know about Mia and Brother Mo''s agreement?"


    "Huh?!?" Baffled at what she was implying, Ethan Lu wasn''t able to change his formal shoes into house slippers as he raised his head just to meet her natural sharpness.


    "Is that why you had said to her before that, ''she shouldn''t be there'' because she''s not important to him? Is that it? It''s because there wasn''t anything between them in the first ce and not because they broke up?" Continuing on her irked questions, Lexi watched Ethan Lu''s expression slightly changed which only confirmed the obvious answer.


    "Huh, I can''t believe you." Scoffing in dismay, Lexi shook her head sideways before walking out on him.


    "Wait¡ª love! Let me exin!" Ethan Lu desperately took off his shoes and dashed to follow her like a bolt of lightning.


    Fortunately, his speed was twice as fast as her hurried steps and caught up with her just as she was about to enter their room. "Love, let''s talk." Ethan Lu held on her hand¡ª trembling.


    For some reason, he was once again afraid. His fear was unclear as he was certain Lexi wouldn''t get back together with Morris Liu but, he wanted to fix things before it gets out of hand.


    "Please?" Knitting his brows as fear crept out on his surface, Ethan Lu lowly pleaded that had made her tense shoulders rx a little.

 Chapter 272 Anyone but him

    <h4>Chapter 272 Anyone but him</h4>


    Upon hearing his soft plea, Lexi''s frustration slightly reduced and her heart softened along with her sigh. Turning around, Lexi clicked her tongue before slowly closing her eyes then opened them once again.


    "Inside¡ª let''s talk inside." When her gazended on his guilty front, she uttered. Ethan Lu only nodded in agreement and followed her inside their room.


    As the two of them sat¡ª opposite each other¡ª neither of them talked for the first two minutes. They only stared at each other as if scrutinizing their countenance and what to say.


    After their brief silence, Ethan Lu let out another heavy sigh as he broke the stifling silence. "Baby, love, what did that woman say to you?" Frustration loitering in his tone.


    Although Ethan Lu had the urge to send his men to drag Mia Chen to him, he couldn''t because this misunderstanding was his priority. He could just say that he tried telling her a few months back or just guide her with every detail. However, for some reason, Ethan Lu wanted to make sure what it was exactly that Mia Chen told her.


    "Not to me but to Kevin Woo¡ª I just overheard it." Lexi shortly exined for rification. "She said, there''s no Mia and Morris¡ª that they were just bound by a contract to deceive everyone... including me¡ª his lo¡ª" Just as Lexi was about to repeat the same exact words of Mia Chen, Lexi could not bring herself to repeat that ''love of his life'' part.


    Lexi pinched the bridge of her nose to relieve the slight headache making her brain throb. Although she didn''t see Chris Yu''s expression earlier, Lexi saw how Kevin Woo''s expression changed. Hence, Lexi only acted that she bought their lies.


    However, as she pretend that everything was fine, her mind could not shrug off Mia Chen''s words¡ª leading her to recall the time that she and Ethan Lu became officially together, and then, to the day that they first visited Morris Liu in the hospital.


    The more she thought about it, the more she saw that all of Ethan Lu''s actions finally made sense.


    "Is this the thing you wanted to say to me months ago?" Raising her gaze, Lexi peered at him who was looking down with his arms on his knees.


    "Yes..." In a low, hoarse voice, Ethan Lu responded. He didn''t want to look at her, afraid that the Lexi who looked at him with loving eyes in the past months would change.


    To him, Ethan Lu already spected that Lexi knew everything including Kong Shuren and how Morris Liu was pushed into a corner¡ª unable to move or stop himself from hurting her. Maybe, this was and always has been his fear; Lexi knowing the truth and that she would waver.


    Although he trusted in their strong rtionship, however, right now, however, Ethan Lu could not help but feel the terrifying ''what ifs''. For some reason, he mentally prepared his heart for whatever heartbreaking words she would utter. s, now no matter how he convinced himself not to overthink¡ª he couldn''t stop his mind from working!


    "Since when?" A scoff of disbelief escapes her mouth before her words followed.


    "Uh... the night you and I... the night we became official¡ª yeah, that night..." Answering in the same tone without looking at her, Ethan Lu mustered his courage to respond in the most urate answer he could remember.


    Her heavy scoff and sigh, every single one that escaped her mouth¡ª Ethan Lu could feel her frustrations and disappointment. Understandably, as it was the reason why she attempted suicide in the first ce. Hence, after knowing that the cause that almost led her to her death was nothing but a big lie that she had believed in.


    "Then, why did you have to lie to me as well? You could have told me that there was a reason and just ask brother Mo about it instead of saying they broke up."


    "Huh?" Herst remarks tossed Ethan Lu into a tub of question marks. Therefore, he unconsciously raised his head to see her hurt and disappointed front which pricked his heart.


    "What do you mean?" He asked. Part of him was expecting questions such as: why did they want to deceive everyone? And any questions that begins with a why. But, what she said just now, it was far from what he expected as it was rather vague to him at the moment.


    "You knew everyone was lying to me¡ª I don''t care but you, you can''t do that to me, Ethan. Don''t lie to me... not you too." As Lexi worded her sentence, her voice broke almost choking her.


    She could feel her eyes sweating and then begin to blur her vision¡ª liquid forming on the side of her eyes. She was enraged, dismayed, and disappointed at the same time. She felt yed and cheated... most of all, she felt like a fool for being oblivious about something that everyone knew.


    Therefore, she could not contain her tears that at any second could let loose from her eyes.


    "I don''t care whatever reason he had¡ª I wanted to hear it from him. But, you... don''t lie to me just to divert my attention¡ª at least not you." This time, a tear finally broke free from her resilience, followed by more salty liquid tainting her cheeks.


    "Love..." Seeing her slowly breakdown, appearing fragile and vulnerable, Ethan Lu stood from his seat and headed to her¡ª perching on the armrest while pulling her to his embrace. "I''m sorry, love. Please don''t cry¡ª I won''t do it again. I promise." He hushed as he rubbed her trembling back.


    He could feel her frustrations about being lied to all this time. Even him, when he first stumbled onto the truth about Morris Liu''s real dilemma, a lot of emotions surfaced inside him.


    Aside from the fear of Morris Liu trying to get her back, he too felt dismayed and mad about being yed with the fact of what he thought was real. What more if the involved party knew the truth? Of course, she would feel double the emotions that he felt.


    Not to mention, Ethan Lu concealing the truth to her instead of just telling her that they should just wait for Morris Liu to wake up so he could exin why he had such a cold treatment towards Mia Chen.


    "Shh... I''m sorry, my baby." Kissing the top of her head, he continued to rub her shaking back and let her vent her frustrations.


    "I hate you," In between her hups, Lexi weakly assaulted a light punch to wherever it couldnd.


    "I''m sorry."


    "Don''t lie,"


    "Mhmm... I won''t. I learned my lesson." His eyes softened as he coaxed the little baby crying, soaking and creasing his suit. He didn''t mind whatever she said as he was wrong on that part.


    Well, not just in that but also for thinking that she might waver. s, Lexi proved him wrong once again. Surely, her heart had solely belonged to him and he just needed to not disappoint this love.


    Lexi cried until she felt a little better. The truth is, she was just frustrated that Ethan Lu had to lie to her instead of just saying a blunt truth. After all, she was patient enough to wait for Morris Liu to wake up.


    Moreover, after knowing about Mia Chen and Morris Liu''s contract, Lexi could not help but feel an overwhelming sense of dismay. Hence, she could not take it if Ethan Lu, the person whom she entrusted her heart to, would also deceive her.


    Anyone but him.

 Chapter 273 You like Chu?

    <h4>Chapter 273 You like Chu?</h4>


    When Lexi recovered, Ethan Lu took care of her like a person with a disability and swiftly carried her to the bed.


    "I''ll make dinner for us¡ª rest here for a while okay?" Tucking her in like a child, Ethan Lu said. Lexi only nodded with half of her face covered by the nket.


    She felt spoiled after crying and loved his extra gentleness afterward. Still, Lexi didn''t have the energy to assist him for making dinner as the thousands of thoughts running through her mind burdened her down¡ª sucking all of her energy.


    "I''m sorry for making you cry, I love you." Even after receiving her approval, Ethan Lu didn''t leave her for an instant and remained by her side to stroke her hair.


    "Love you too..." In a meek and faint tone, Lexi replied which made him smile a little. Ethan Lu only kissed the tip of her nose before he reluctantly went to the walk-in closet for a change of clothes and left the room to make them dinner after ncing at her for thest time.


    When he left, Lexi repositioned herself and lied on her back. Staring at the ceiling, all of her ''why''s'' gradually hovered in her mind.


    "Why..." She murmured under her breath. Lexi knew that Morris Liu must have his reasons but what was so bad that he had to push her away and treat her so badly¡ª causing her to lose her mind?


    No matter how curious she was, Lexi''s desire to hear it from the man himself¡ª not Ethan Lu, won over. In that case, she could have peace of mind and closure between the two of them so that they could move forward.


    Still, Lexi tried to analyze all of the urrences that had happened one year ago. Back when she arrived in the country, Morris Liu was adamant to send her back abroad. However, because he never really exined the reason in the beginning, Lexi refused just as firmly as Morris Liu''s determination was to send her away.


    It only made sense to her when she caught the text message from Mia Chen followed by Morris Liu''s confession for having an affair. Therefore, due to her anger, Lexi opposed all of Morris Liu''s wishes just to get back at him.


    The only thing she didn''t do was y around with guys as she could not bring herself to do so. After all, she was crazily in love with him... or perhaps, her pride and ego was stomped on by being surpassed by a nobody. Hence, Lexi bullied Mia Chen to the extent of her abilities¡ª bringing it to the extreme.


    Not just that, she also lowered her value for throwing herself at the man that she thought she could only love. Say it, she did every seduction scheme she could think of to entice him. Yet, with every rejection she received, Lexi''s earnestness grew even more extreme.


    "If he did love me then... how did you cope whenever you hurt me?" She murmured as all of the painful expressions she thought she saw in him in the past finally confirmed that Morris Liu really cared for her and they were not just her hallucinations.


    "What did you feel while lying to me and even more, what did you feel when Imitted suicide... what were your thoughts about it?" She added in a soft tone as her expression slowly changed.


    Was she curious because she still loved him? No. Lexi was hurt that was why the two of them should suffer? Well, she already knew why they didn''t work out as she wouldn''t be able to be with Ethan Lu if not. However, what about him? What about Morris Liu whom now due to everything has lost everything, even his love?


    Lexi knew that even after knowing the details of his reasons, it would never be enough for her feelings for Ethan Lu to waver. But, she was still hesitant to hear it, she was afraid that she wouldn''t even care.


    Suddenly, in the middle of her stupor, she heard the door open which snapped her back to reality and she turned her head towards the direction of the door. There, Ethan Lu unhurriedly closed the door once again before taking strides to the side of the bed.


    As soon as Ethan Lu arrived at the side of the bed, he sat on the edge and looked at her with loving eyes. "Love, I saw this while I was traveling to one of my meetings."


    Ethan Lu slowly revealed the stuff that he was hiding behind him. Lexi slowly moved her gaze to his hand and her eyes slightly lit up.


    What he was holding was a small cute dumpling keychain. It was small enough that it could fit in her grip. It has eyes, smiling lips, small little hands, and feet. Overall, it was cute and looked almost the same as her muse.


    For everyone''s information, Lexi had been obsessed with dumpling images that she even made herboratory to be designed like a dumpling was hugging it. Moreover, she purchased dumpling toys and other merchandise online including plushies, shirts, and even a nket with a bun print on it.


    Upon seeing her lovely reaction, the side of Ethan Lu''s lips curled upward as his gaze softened. Him being a littlete for his meeting earlier felt so worth it because it brightened her mood even just a little.


    "You like Chu?" He asked which made her nod and snatch the keychain from him.


    For some reason, Lexi, out of the blue named the dumpling Chu. She didn''t know the reason as she told him that the idea for the name just came out of nowhere¡ª disregarding all the names Ethan Lu suggested for their non-living pet.


    "Thank you," After poking the cute keychain, Lexi raised her gaze to the pair of eyes staring down at her with love, a subtle smile stered across her lips and thanked him.


    "Anything for you." He nodded once before stroking her head¡ª gently petting her as she focused on staring at the dumpling.


    Ethan Lu just stayed there while watching her poke the bun keychain he bought. He was only snapped back to reality when Lexi asked; "Is the dinner ready?


    "Shoot! I forgot!" Upon being reminded of the food he was preparing that was still being cooked on minimum heat, his eyes dted as Ethan Lu instantly jolted from his seat and sprinted downstairs.


    Lexi could only chuckle with his reaction as she shook her head. "I guess we have to help him to save ourselves from eating the overly cooked dinner." She muttered to the dumpling before she decided to get out of bed and change her clothes before heading downstairs.

 Chapter 274 Love, we are here to come clean.

    <h4>Chapter 274 Love, we are here toe clean.</h4>


    When Lexi arrived in the kitchen, she saw Ethan Lu''s distressed state as he stared at the epic fail of a dinner that he had made. Lexi chuckled upon seeing that he was near the point of cursing all of his ancestors before she decided to approach him.


    Lexi nced at the soggy pasta noodles and then to the burnt, not so white meat. Lexi took a spoon and had a taste of the sauce¡ª it instantly made her face scrunch up by its bitterness, probably because it was overcooked as well.


    "Ugh! This is frustrating!" Ethan Lu grumbled as he turned in Lexi''s direction and witnessed her reaction after eating the food he made.


    "It''s fine. We can cook some more anyway¡ª there''s no need to be frustrated about it." Trying to make him feel better, Lexi proposed as if she wasn''t feeling gloomy at all earlier.


    "Urgh!" Still, despite her pure proposal, Ethan Lu felt like a failure. He had been learning to cook and was doing great at it. However, he actually forgot this responsibility that he had volunteered for, as he was reminded about the keychain. Hence, he fetched from inside his car and headed straight to the bedroom where Lexi was resting earlier.


    He swore that he would just give it to her, but Ethan Lu was too delighted that the keychain did its purpose¡ª leading him to stay longer by her side than he expected. Therefore, all this food for their dinner was spoilt.


    "No, I''ll just ask Lyrick to bring some food here." Ethan Lu shook his head as his assistant could save the day or rather, this night.


    "Hmm? You don''t have to bother him¡ª it''s toote." Knitting her brows, Lexi was baffled as to why Ethan Lu would bother his assistant with this trivial stuff. After all, he never bothered Lyrick Jiang no matter what mishap they had inside their house.


    "Uh, right..." Realizing that she was uninformed about his brief call earlier when he began preparing dinner, Ethan Lu exined. "Lyrick, is already on his way here¡ª I asked him toe because I want to tell you about something."


    Lexi only knitted her brows more as her curiosity intensified. Still, no matter how she asked him about the details, she only got a response from him like this: "I will tell you when they arrive."


    Therefore, Lexi stopped asking him and headed upstairs to take a hot bath and freshen herself up.


    ****


    As soon as Lexi finished bathing and doing her skincare routine, she went downstairs with the thought to wait for their visitors toe. However, just as she was on the stairs, she caught a glimpse of Lyrick Jiang, Ethan Lu, and Nico Zhuang in the living room.


    "Nico?" She muttered in disbelief. Lexi then saw three washboards near them which made her brows creased even more.


    "What''s going on? And why''s Nico here?" Lexi resumed in her tracks and before she could even arrive in the living room, she raised her voice to reach the said figures in the living area.


    The moment the three of them heard her, Lyrick Jiang, Nico Zhuang, and Ethan Lu flinched before they panicked. In an instant, Nico Zhuang grabbed the washboard and prepared it in front of his boss and to Lyrick Jiang before he stood in front of one of the washboards that was meant for him.


    The next second, in sync, the three of them knelt down on the washboard with their hands held high.


    "Love, we are here toe clean." The first who spoke was Ethan Lu who was in the middle¡ª Lyrick Jiang on his right side while Nico Zhuang on his left side.


    Lexi was unable to process the scene before her as what had baffled her in an instant was Nico Zhuang''s presence. She was rendered speechless and could only alter her gaze from her boyfriend, then to his assistant and then to Nico Zhuang.


    She wanted to ask so many questions as she felt lost about the whole ordeal. However, words seemed to be stuck in her throat as she could not utter a single word.


    "I want to tell you about the truth¡ª Nico is one of my men. I sent him to take your sses as well in order to protect you from any harm." Despite the pain that was slowly creeping up on his knees, urging him to stand up for it to stop, Ethan Lu was determined toe clean.


    Indeed, after seeing her cry and hearing her statements about ''everyone could lie to her but not him'', Ethan Lu contacted Lyrick Jiang and asked him to bring Nico Zhuang to his house as soon as possible.


    Of course, he didn''t go into details and only noted that they should bring three washboards before adding a note for a take out food. Hence, without knowing what the reason was for the abrupt call, Lyrick Jiang rushed to the vi and dragged Nico Zhuang with him who was, by the way enjoying his night off from work.


    "What..." Lexi altered her gaze to the three of them until she felt a little dizzy. Massaging her temples. Lexi found it hard to process any more revtions at the moment.


    "Wait¡ª what do you mean Nico is one of your men that was looking after me? Also, why is he also kneeling?" Distressed, Lexi inquired due to Lyrick Jiang, who she could not understand as to why he was also there kneeling¡ª Lexi''s unfocused mind was distracted.


    ''Madam, that was what I have been meaning to ask! Master, why am I kneeling as well?'' Upon hearing Lexi''s question and seeing her point at him, Lyrick Jiang wept inwardly.


    However, he could not speak his mind under his boss''s watch. Hence, Lyrick Jiang could only purse his lips into a thin line as he raised his gaze towards his savior goddess. His expression was screaming: ''my savior goddess, please save me! I am innocent!'' s, the next second upon hearing his master''s response made his heart sank¡ª unable to recover and could only reflect on his life through the years of hardship being an assistant.


    "Because he''s my assistant¡ª my aplice¡ª and an essory to the crime!" Stating his reasoning, Ethan Lu announced which made the other three''s under-eye twitch.

 Chapter 275 Bootlicking sentence

    <h4>Chapter 275 Bootlicking sentence</h4>


    Ethan Lu''s reasoning was like a heavily dropped bomb that nearly deafened the used Lyrick Jiang. None of the three recovered fast enough as they could only turn to him in dismay.


    Lyrick Jiang: "!!!"


    Nico Zhuang: "???"


    Lexi: "..."


    After some time within the dreaded silence that had dawned onto the whole Lu Vi, Lexi finally was able to recover from her boyfriend''s shamelessness for dragging even an innocent assistant in this.


    "An aplice? essory? Ethan Lu, Nico Zhuang keep kneeling!" Her order was louder than a rumbling thunder to Ethan Lu and Nico Zhuang. On the other hand, Lyrick Jiang''s eyes lit up upon hearing that his name wasn''t on the list of the queen''s death list. However, despite the jubtion hailing inside his mind and worshipping Lexi as if she was a real-life deity, Lyrick Jiang remainedposed on the surface.


    ''Bless this goddess, my dear Lord. Let me resign as Master Lu''s assistant and apply to be the Madam''s right-hand man instead!'' He sincerely prayed inwardly while his subconscious self kowtowed thanking the heavens for sending him a savior in the flesh.


    "Lyrick, stand up." Lexi nced at Lyrick Jiang who executed her order faster than the blink of an eye. Lyrick Jiang immediately stayed to the side, almost giggling for this triumphant night as his master failed to bully him under his goddess'' watch.


    ''I should curry more favor from the empress for protection¡ª right, that''s right hehe.'' He snickered inwardly as he nned all of the brownie points he coulde up with to do in the future; that future means starting that very second.


    While Lyrick Jiang was giggling about his grand n to curry favor to his life savior from his master''s clutches, the other two were ring daggers at him. If only res could kill, Lyrick Jiang was probably already dead multiple times in a gruesome way.


    Lexi nced at Ethan Lu and Nico Zhuang''s faces for a second before she took unhurried steps on the couch. Plopping down, Lexi noticed the paper bag that had a restaurant''s mark on it¡ª their take out food!


    For some reason, the moment sheid her eyes on the food, her stomach began to growl¡ª reminding her that she skipped two meals today. Hence, she was hungry. She then slowly sprawled her arms to reach for the small paper bag containing food.


    Lexi deliberately took her time as she checked the food that Ethan Lu''s men brought for them. There were chicken wings, some soup, and some snacks.


    Delighted, Lexi bit her lower lip and grabbed the tupperware of chicken wings before leaning her back against the sofa¡ª positioning herself in the mostfortable manner while watching the two kneeling on the washboard.


    "My love, will you repeat what you just said just now? I don''t seem to understand." Sweet yet vicious, Lexi requested as she took a big bite out of the chicken wing she picked up.


    Ethan Lu watched her leisurely eat while he was being punished. For god''s sake! He hasn''t eaten dinner and only ate a little portion earlier at lunch as he wanted to enjoy a meal with her. However, who would have thought that the dinner he prepared would be ruined and he was unable to eat before these two arrived?


    On another note, Ethan Lu realized that he was also the one who proposed that he should just ask these two to bring them take out food. ''Damn it!''


    "Lyrick, he''s my¡ª"


    "No, not that one. The one before that." Even before he could finish his sentence, Lexi abruptly interrupted while shaking her head sideways. After she spouted her rified demand, she then took another nip from the juicy chicken wings.


    "Nico, is one of my men disguised to protect you." With hisck of energy, Ethan Lu responded as he nced to his side where Nico Zhuang was kneeling and then to the deity watching them suffer.


    "Why?" Letting out a heavy sigh, Lexi confirmed that she didn''t hear wrong. Her ears and eyes weren''t really deceiving her as Nico Zhuang, in the flesh was indeed present.


    "Love, can we stand up so I can exin properly?" Desperate, Ethan Lu used his ultimate skill¡ª the puppy eyes. He showed no regards to his reputation in front of one of his trusted men as his life was more important. Moreover, they had already seen his 180-degree change in personality whenever he was with Lexi. Hence, he could not be careless anymore! He is after all, hungry as well!


    Lexi only stared at him with narrowed eyes as if she was saying: ''how dare you peasant to ask such a thing!''. Nico Zhuang could only cringe at the sight of his master while Lyrick Jiang was already swimming in the fantasy of being pet by his new master named Lexi Yang.


    "Baby, My love, my sun and moon, the brightest star in the night sky, and my world... no, my entire universe, I know I''m wrong for not telling you¡ª that''s why I want to make up my wrong choices right now." One heavy sigh after another heavy sigh, Ethan Lu ced his palms together and slowly rubbed them as he apologized.


    However, although his words effectively wavered the angered empress, the mother of the nation, Ethan Lu''s every word sent goosebumps to his confidants.


    They cringed with every word in that one mere bootlicking sentence. It was so cringe-worthy that even Lyrick Jiang, who was in the middle of envisioning being praised to the heavens by Lexi, was interrupted. Both shot Ethan Lu a disrespectful disdainful nce and thought in unison: ''She won''t buy it''.


    s, just as they thought his words wouldn''t be so magical to reduce their sentence. "Alright, sit over there and exin. This time, Ethan Lu, I am telling you, whatever you say might and can be used against you¡ª I advise you to tell me the truth and nothing but the truth." After a heavy sigh, Lexi surely had a soft spot for Ethan Lu as she could not bear to watch him suffer longer than she expected. Hence, after a nod of agreement, she permitted the two to fill her in on the details without being pained by the washboard.


    Still, her words were d by threats as she warned them with what the police normally say when they capture a criminal.

 Chapter 276 OmO

    <h4>Chapter 276 OmO</h4>


    Upon receiving the decree, Ethan Lu and Nico Zhuang instantly saved their numbing knees from the washboard. Fortunately, aside from doing internal business affairs, Ethan Lu was also being trained for self defense and strengthening his body endurance. Hence, he was able to sit across Lexi without showing even the slightest hint of pain.


    Same goes to Nico Zhuang who was trained to be the most skilled guard among the elite guards of the Lu family. Therefore, a brief time kneeling on the washboard had barely scratched his knees.


    Nico Zhuang then followed his master and perched beside him. He sat as properly as he could with his palms above his knees and disyed full respect and etiquette to their future matriarch.


    "Start¡ª we don''t have all night." Arching her brows, Lexi began to ravish the unfinished chicken wing as if she was just about to watch a thrilling movie.


    Clearing his throat, Ethan Lu''s demeanor was as same as Nico Zhuang and he set aside his hunger. "Err... the thing is..."


    In all honesty, Ethan Lu didn''t know where to start because a lot has happened in the past three months. Hence, he gravitated to where he should begin exining things to her.


    "Am I in danger?" Examining his conflicted front, Lexi decided to ask the most critical point she had been meaning to ask. After all, she hasn''t lost her rationality yet to not be able to understand her lover''s thought process.


    "Yes and no¡ª argh! Love, yes you are¡ª initially. My initial reason why I asked you to live with me is because someone is after your life and I can only be at ease if you are near me, but..." Ethan Lu pinched the space between his brows as he halted from his prattle. "But, though the danger from those people somehow reduced and is nowying low, another one came up¡ª the Lu family."


    "So, I decided that day when Grandpa announced his retirement and giving me some percent of his shares¡ª making me the majority shareholder¡ª I know some family members will use you to go after me. That''s why Nico who was just guarding us around before in the shadows had to attend the same ss as you." With that said note, Ethan Lu frowned upon recalling how low some of his family members could be. Thus, he has to be five steps ahead of them or else, he might implicate Lexi and cause her harm.


    Silence engulfed the whole vi as Lexi remained silent. Her silence neither gave off a furious vibe nor was it easing them in any way. It wasn''t awkward or stifling as they expected.


    It was just pure silence¡ª nothing more nothing less.


    The three subconsciously nced at Lexi who was causing them a lot of difort due to her quietness. Still, even after seeing her deadpan front, none of them guessed what she had in mind.


    After a second, Lexi resumed her actions to pick up another chicken wing as if she had all the leisure in the world, she took a bite and even dared to blush by its heavenly, juicy taste.? Of course, her first reaction shook the three as their own thoughts ran wild.


    Nico Zhuang: ''Lady Boss, did you understand master or should he repeat it again?''


    Lyrick Jiang: ''Boss! That''s right, one must eat to be able to think clearly! My goddess is indeed the best and smartest! Andposed...!'' Lyrick Jiang''s mind continued to spout all of the praises he could like a eunuch in ancient times.


    Ethan Lu: ''uhmm... is it that delicious?''


    "Love? Is there something wrong?" After a while, Ethan Lu scratched his jaw by his forefinger because Lexi didn''t say a word even after she finished eating the piece of meat she had picked up.


    "Wrong? There is¡ª so the reason why you invited me here is because I was in danger and not because you wanted me to be here with you?" Lexi ced the bone of the chicken onto the empty paper bag that was standing up as the trash can.


    "Huh?!?" In unison, the three didn''t know whether tough or cry as Lexi seemed as if she was stuck at the first statement of Ethan Lu!


    OmO


    Why was she picking up on the small details and not the important ones? The three were utterly speechless as her response was thest thing they thought she would say.


    "Does my father know about it?" Ignoring their weird and ugly countenance, Lexi arched her brows.


    In contrast from these three musketeer''s thoughts, Lexi did fully understand the situation. The thing was, part of her expected that something as troublesome as this would eventuallye their way because the Lu family were akin to other royal families¡ª the power struggle was inevitable.


    However, she was reminded that back when Ethan Lu asked for her parents permission for her to live in his ce, Ethan Lu and Frederick Yang had a long discussion inside her father''s study room. Therefore, if back then, Ethan Lu was well-informed that someone was after her life then, it would make sense if Ethan Lu at least informed her parents. After all, keeping her in the dark all this time was bearable and understandable but her father would appreciate this honesty if Ethan Lu was honest to them at least.


    "Yes." Ethan Lu nodded his head as he honestly answered her. Well, Frederick Yang was after all his future father-inw and Ethan Lu constantly updated him about their progress¡ª even the matters in the Lu family.


    Of course, Frederick Yang had been a great help as he sometimes advised him regardingpany affairs and all of the schemes that might take ce. Regardless of the difference in theirpany statuses, Frederick Yang was well-versed in this endless cycle of a power struggle.


    "I see... that''s good to know." Lexi finally yielded and heaved a sigh of relief. "So, Nico is a bodyguard¡ª have you killed someone?" She then turned her attention to Nico Zhuang as she wanted to hear and see him answering.


    "No, I haven''t killed someone as Master strongly believes in thew of justice in the country." As honest as possible, Nico Zhuang firmly responded.


    Well, he hasn''t killed anyone in his lifetime but that doesn''t mean he hadn''t broken a person''s limbs and bones. Not to mention, shot someone without batting an eye. However, he didn''t kill them... he just crippled them before turning them in.


    "So, your real name is Nico? Or it is also a disguise?" Nodding in understanding, Lexi was relieved to know that the person she hired as her assistant didn''t end up as a murderer.


    "It is my name given by Master." Nico Zhuang nodded as he earnestly stared at their future matriarch and her verdict.


    "I see..." Lexi gently nodded her head a few times as she had no other questions remaining in her head.


    Everything was now clear to her¡ª even the people that were after her, Lexi concluded that it has something to do with Morris Liu. Therefore, before she would conclude any further, she would have to confront the man himself after he recuperated.


    "So..." Seeing that Lexi returned back to her normal state, Ethan Lu fiddled with his two index fingers, circling them around each other as he cautiously stared at Lexi.


    "Yes, we are done for today." Before he could finish his sentence, Lexi responded.

 Chapter 277 Why are you annoyed at me again?

    <h4>Chapter 277 Why are you annoyed at me again?</h4>


    Herst remarks were the sign that Lyrick Jiang and Nico Zhuang''s presence were no longer needed anymore. Hence, they dismissed themselves after bidding their farewells.


    "Wait¡ª!"


    However, just as Lexi watched the two''s retreating backs, she spoke¡ª causing them to stop in their tracks and they turned around to look at her with a questioning gaze.


    "Nico, you said you''ve been guarding us from the shadows all this time¡ª then, who''s watching us whenever you have to eat, sleep, and bathe?" Lexi tilted her head to the side as her curiosity about this skilled man grew bigger and bigger just by watching him.


    "Most of the time I bring snacks with me. About sleeping and bathing, there''s a person who has to take my ce during my absence." In a polite manner, Nico Zhuang answered her easy question with full honesty.


    "Oh, I asked wrongly... What I am really thinking is that, after this, after you set your foot outside this ce... will you stay outside to guard the ce?"


    "It''s my day off today, Madam. But if I am on duty, that is what will happen." In the same tone, Nico Zhuang responded her abrupt questions.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu altered his gaze from Lexi to Nico Zhuang, back and forth¡ª a few times. His brows began to knit together as he found Lexi''s inquiry a little bit weird.


    "Love, do you trust him? I mean, can we really trust him?" Suddenly, Lexi turned her head to Ethan Lu''s direction¡ª sitting on the opposite side of the sofa as she pointed at Nico.


    "Ah?" Baffled by her question, he knew that Lexi already figured out the answer, he still responded to her even though that hade off as a boast. "Of course! I wouldn''t ce him next to you if he''s not trusted and skilled."


    "Then, why must he stay outside and not inside the house? Don''t get me wrong, I am not asking him to live with us but the night breeze is so cold and staying inside wouldn''t hurt right? After all, he doesn''t have to disguise himself anymore or rather, there''s no need for him to hide his identity." Lexi replied in a matter of fact tone.


    Ethan Lu peered at her with blinking eyes. Indeed, what she proposed wasn''t a bad idea. Well, Nico Zhuang was meant to stay hidden no matter what before as Lexi didn''t know of his existence. Hence, he had been having a tough time staying out in the cold just so his presence wasn''t detected.


    Meanwhile, aside from Lyrick Jiang who was stunned to hear the benevolent graces of Lexi, the most shocked and in awe was Nico Zhuang. He already thought that after knowing the truth, Lexi''s treatment to him would also change, but he honestly didn''t expect this from her.


    After all, she had been very kind in her own way towards him. Despite his aloofness, Lexi managed to string him along to her ever increasingly ridiculous experiments and weird product naming¡ª changing his initial n of being a nobody and to just guard her with little interactions.


    "What do you think?" Arching her brows, Lexi patiently waited for Ethan Lu''s response.


    "Sure." He finally agreed after a minute of silence before the two resumed in leaving their bosses alone.


    When only the two of them were left, Ethan Lu sneakily moved and in one swift skip, he plopped down beside his beloved dearest baby. "Love, are you still mad at me?" He sweetly asked.


    "No, but, were the people that wereing at me at first, have something to do with what happened to brother Mo? The timeline matched everything." Lexi raised her gaze to the adorable fox who was throwing himself at her.


    "Mhmm..." Humming a tune, Ethan Lu pursed his lips into a thin line and nodded his head once.


    "I see..." With that said note, Lexi picked up another piece of, the now turning cold, chicken wings and took a bite without restraint.


    "Are you really not going to ask me anything?" Frowning, Ethan Lu let out another heavy exhale seeing that Lexi''s interest seemed to not be piqued.


    "I already told you, even if I had concluded one or two scenarios¡ª I still prefer to hear his own version of the truth." Nonchntly shrugging, Lexi paused from her eating as she answered before resuming on filling herself up.


    "Love, can you feed me? I haven''t eaten anything all day¡ª I''m hungry." Envious just watching her eat, as his stomach started to protest and his intestines slightly contracted.


    "No," Lexi only shot him a side nce before coldly rejecting his request. "Eat that, this is mine." She shamelessly and selfishly dered while plucking her lips out to point at the other snacksid on the small table in front of them.? Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    Ethan Lu, somehow, was drawn to her unusual appetite. He already discovered that Lexi has a talent to eat as much as he could; especially on her cheat days. However, she seemed to grow undisciplined regarding her diet nowadays.


    "So cold." Shrugging his thoughts off, Ethan Lu pouted his lips as he reached for the bao on the table and shoved it in whole inside of his mouth. He tried to speak while being stuffed by food but to no avail, Lexi didn''t understand a word and he almost choked to death.


    "Welp!"


    "Gosh! Why are you speaking when your mouth is full?!" Patting his back, Lexi bellowed as she nearly had a heart attack seeing him almost choke. For some reason, even though she was anxious, Lexi was also very irritated that he could be so clumsy sometimes.


    Ethan Lu grabbed the bottle of water Lyrick Jiang brought, probably for himself but since they were busted, he was unable to drink it. As he gulped down a mouthful of water, he gasped for air in relief.


    When he turned to Lexi''s deathly re, Ethan Lu felt like being choked again as she seemed as if she would literally strangle him to death. "Love, I was just saying we should workout together. It''s not that I don''t mind if you gain weight or not, but it''s still good to keep our body healthy and in shape so our minds could work better."


    "Tch," Seemingly not listening to his good intentions, Lexi clicked her tongue in annoyance as she put down her food. "Annoying guy." She muttered before rolling her eyes at him and jumped off of the couch and headed to the kitchen without a word.


    "Huh???" Confused, clueless, and speechless, Ethan Lu''s cloud of thoughts were filled with question marks. What did he do this time?


    "Love! Why are you annoyed at me again?" Since no matter how he gave his thoughts about her abrupt change of mood recently, Ethan Lu would rather ask what he did again.


    She had been very edgytely. Of course, Ethan Lu would always brush it off as he understood that she was just a little stressed at the moment. Also, Lexi was easy to coax with just a few kisses and cuddles¡ªwhich works just fine with him as she always turns sweeter afterward. However, he was worried that she has something going on that she wasn''t telling him.

 Chapter 278 Morning sickness

    <h4>Chapter 278 Morning sickness</h4>


    The next day...


    When Lexi woke up, she turned her head to the side where Ethan Lu alwaysid. However, the side was already empty as he already went to work one hour ago. Of course, before he left earlier, he dilly-dallied beside her as he showered her with a thousand kisses. Still, Lexi was unable to get up as she was too sleepy to send him off.


    "Morning..." Pretending that he was still on her side, Lexi softly murmured.


    Recalling all of the revtionsst night, Lexi could not help but let out a deep sigh. About Morris Liu and Mia Chen, that was the biggest lie she stumbled upon, about Nico Zhuang''s real identity... everything felt like a long nightmare.


    What''s even funnier was that it seemed she was the only one who didn''t know about it. Well, there''s still Kevin Woo who was just as shocked as her.


    "How dare they..." She muttered under her breath.


    It wasn''t hard for her to put the pieces together and guess Morris Liu''s sudden change of heart¡ª from warm to cold. Still, Lexi only felt sad about her past tragic love story. For some reason, she was reminded about someone saying that they were not meant to be together.


    Maybe, that person was right she thought. No, it was not a maybe but that person she could not recall who it was though they were definitely right. After all, Lexi was now happier with her current love life.


    Ethan Lu had been very supportive to her to the extent of offering her financial support so she could stop weeping about her bank''s bnce. Not to mention, Ethan Lu was too understanding about her mood swings and whatever crap she threw at him.


    "Ugh..." Just as she was in the middle of her thoughts and reflections about the current situation, Lexi suddenly felt awful. It was as if her stomach was churning urging her to vomit early in the morning.


    She tried to resist the urge but it was too strong to the point that Lexi instantly jolted from the bed and rushed to the bathroom to vomit. However, unlike her intense puking, nothing disgusting aside from her sticky saliva rushed from her throat.


    After she washed up and gargled, Lexi ced both her palms on the sink and looked at herself. She looked so haggard early in the morning as if she was slowly aging just from that awful experience. The bags under her eyes were evidently dark and her drenched lips were paler than usual.


    She only examined herself and grew more disappointed the longer she looked at herself.


    "Ethan you liar¡ª I look ugly." She murmured as she heaved another heavy sigh. Even she was turned off by the way she looked but Ethan Lu alwaysplimented her like she was the most beautiful being in the whole world.


    Just as Lexi decided to go back to rest and enjoy her vacant morning, she abruptly stopped in her tracks as if something just struck her. Her eyes dted twice the size than normal as herplexion turned even paler¡ª like a white sheet without a sign of blood in her.


    "No... no, no, no¡ª no way!" Lexi slowly shook her head before it escted to a faster pace. She then glided towards the bed and reached for her phone on the bedside table.


    Without further ado, she opened her phone and immediately searched for her calendar app. She had been too busy in the past three months and she entirely forgot her monthly period.


    Lexi searched the date she hadst had her menstruation period. After a few swipes fromst month, her heart shook and pounded louder and faster every month that remained unchecked and missed.


    One month ago... no record.


    Two months ago... still no record.


    Three months ago... there was a record. However, it was only a day of bleeding. Or rather, as far as she could remember, it was only half a day and it was just a small spot of red.


    Lexi stared at her phone screen for a long time in a daze. She didn''t even notice when her phone went ck because her mind wandered somewhere else.


    "No, that''s impossible..." After some time, Lexi slowly shook her head sideways and exited the calendar app. Instead of reading a business article like usual, Lexi went to her phone''s browser and searched: "Signs of Pregnancy."


    It only took a second to disy the thousands of search results. Her thumb trembled, hesitating if she should click the first article or not.


    She was afraid.


    Lexi bit her lower lip as she tightly shut her eyes closed and her thumb tapped the first article that showed on the results. Lexi slowly opened her eyes¡ª halfway¡ª just enough to read all the symptoms.


    "Tender/swollen breast..." The first sign made Lexi cup her breast but was relieved that her breast seemed normal or what she had believed. After all, her nipples might be a little painful at times but she believed that it was normal.


    "Fatigue, sensitivity to smell, food aversion or cravings..." Upon reading these, her expression slightly brightened as she, for all she knew, had not experienced this so far. Hence, her nervousness about being pregnant marginally reduced. However, the next series of symptoms made her heart conflicted.


    "Nausea with or without vomiting, headaches, mood swings, missed period, or just feeling pregnant¡ª Ugh, no, no..." She nearly broke down as half of the signs were correct while the rest, she hadn''t experienced them yet.


    She might have lost her mind as she sat there thinking on if she was pregnant or not with the numbers of signs she experienced or not but to no avail, the count was a draw¡ª a tie.


    "This is impossible... I can''t get pregnant just yet." Grumbling, Lexi tossed her phone on the side leading it to drop to the floor. Yet, she could not even care less as her mind was filled with what if''s.


    Just then, just as Lexi was arguing with herself if she should try a pregnancy test or not for the meantime, her brows creased upon hearing a faint noiseing from downstairs.


    "Huh? Did Ethan came back?" All her thoughts regarding pregnancy was put to the side as Lexi dragged herself out of the room. Little did she know that she would receive the shock of her life¡ª much more shocking than the revtionsst night.

 Chapter 279 Lady Cleaner

    <h4>Chapter 279 Lady Cleaner</h4>


    For some reason, Lexi''s steps turned cautious and light. She tiptoed her way out and closed the door behind her without making a sound.? Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "Ethan?" Slightly raising her brows, Lexi unhurriedly made her way towards the stairs. The closer she drew towards the downstairs area, the more noise that seemed to be a vacuum grew louder and louder.


    "Love? Did you¡ª" When Lexi reached the living area, she was unable to finish her sentence seeing an unfamiliar figure near the dining area. Lexi was too dumbfounded that she remained rooted on the floor.


    There, before her very eyes, a woman with a perfect figure of a sexy model, herrge breasts were akin to an anime figure that has two watermelons on the front. Her bottom wasn''t at all disappointing because it was screaming to be pped and squeeze.


    The unknown woman was only wearing a thin white dress that was being soaked with her sweat¡ª revealing her redce bra and same designed undies. Her ck hair was tied in a high bun while the rest of the strands dangled to her graceful neck.


    Sensing the intent gaze from Lexi, the woman spun her upper body to face the stunned Lexi. Upon seeing her, the woman sweetly smiled.


    "Good afternoon~" She greeted which snapped Lexi back from her stupor.


    "Who are you?" Lexi scanned her from head to toe once again before settling her pair of natural sharp eyes to the woman not far away from her.


    "I am master Lu''s cleaner." Ignoring Lexi''s obviously mind blown reaction, the woman courtly bowed her head as ate greeting.


    "Cleaner..." Murmuring, repeating the woman''s duty, Lexi scoffed as her gaze once again scanned the seductive youngdy.


    In her stay in this ce, Lexi was too busy and always left as early as Ethan Lu. Then, Ethan Lu would always pick her up or they would just meet halfway before going home together.


    Hence, this was the first time Lexi was left at home as her schedule for the day would start after lunch. Ethan Lu knew very well that''s why he let her rest a little longer because Lexi had been grinding for the past three months.


    s, who would have thought that on this fateful day, Lexi would have the strong itch to strangle Ethan Lu right there and then.


    Now, it only made sense to her how the house remained clean despite their busy schedule. She knew that there was a person in charge of cleaning this house, but never in her wildest dreams would she expect that Ethan Lu''s house cleaner would be someone who could be on par to a model!


    "Lady cleaner, don''t go anywhere and stay here for the day." From shock to a ticking time bomb, Lexi ordered. Her voice wasced with a stifling threat that sent a cold shiver running down the beautiful woman''s spine.


    "Uh, yes¡­?" Unaware of her crime, the woman could only nod in understanding and all her seductive demeanor as if she was about to do a forey instantly transformed into an ashamed woman.


    *****


    Inside the spacious conference meeting room in the Lu Corporation, the atmosphere was intense as a heated argument was taking ce.


    "Master, why are we continuing our partnership with the Liu Empire? With all the downturns of thepany, the Liu Empire would not hold any longer and it might implicate our Lu Corporation! They had breached the contract first, so I don''t think that there''s anything that is holding us back from cutting ties with them!" One of Dennis Lu''s avid supporters reasoned out with a strong conviction. His voice rang and resonated across each corner of the enormous room.


    "I must agree on this one, Master. Friendship and business affairs should be separated and have a line in between. I understand that Master is friends with Mr. Liu since childhood but, we haven''t benefited from the Liu Empire in the past three months¡ª rather, it was the Liu Empire that has been clinging to our Lu Corporation to survive these past three months." Backing up his fellow director, Dennis Lu solemnly agreed. Unlike his aggressive approach in the beginning, he was rather calm andposed.


    "Master, please reconsider renewing the contract with the Liu Empire. I know that Master has an impable insight about business but, with Mr. Liu''s condition¡ª I don''t think¡ª" One of Ethan Lu''s uncles, Gerald Huang sided with the opposing parties'' opinion this time as they have a point this time. However, even before he could finish his sentence, Ethan Lu who remained silent while mildly spinning his seat sideways abruptly spoke, interrupting Gerald Huang''s? statements.


    "You don''t think what director Huang?" Raising his head, Ethan Lu''s lips curled upward that didn''t reach his eyes. "Are you perhaps nning to say that you don''t think he will still wake up?"


    Gerald Huang, one of the executive directors of the Lu Corporation and one of the elders in the Lu family cleared his throat upon seeing Ethan Lu''s innocent facade. If only he wasn''t used to his antics, he wouldn''t be able to discern if the master was unappeased or just merely asking.


    "No, Master. I didn''t intend to say that. I am merely stating that even if Mr. Liu would miraculously restore his health today, he wouldn''t be able to manage the Liu Empire. Therefore, I wanted to propose that instead, why don''t we just buy the wholepany and put it under our Lu Corporation." Despite his fear towards Ethan Lu that had been slowly growing to each and every single one of them, Gerald Huang spouted his honest opinion because he was and would always be on the new master''s side.


    "Director Huang," Just as Gerald Huang ended his statement, Ethan Lu softly called out. Yet, the whole room fell into silence as everyone subconsciously swallowed a mouthful of saliva. "I appreciate your genuine concern but, didn''t you think that I hadn''t thought of that?" Ethan Lu mildly raised his brows with a smile stered across his lips.


    "Dear elders, why are you all impatient? Is it because your clock is ticking?" His words sounded gentle and yful but at the same time, insulting to these old geezers who weren''t in his good graces.


    "Sometimes, doing business is like farming¡ª we nt our seed which we call investment money and when its due time, we harvest it. But, we can only harvest a bountiful amount if the crops weren''t gued by pests." Ethan Lu scanned the faces of the few that were around the long table before his smile turned into a smirk.


    "Same as the Liu Empire; we can just breach the contract or buy all the stocks and put it under the Lu Corporation. However, even if we do that, Mr. Liu could start a newpany and with his capabilities and the connections he gained while being the Liu Empire''s head¡ª Morris Liu would surely rise again. So, instead of making a new enemy andpetitor, it is not wise to make him indebted to me instead, right?" Tilting his head to the side, an unreadable glint shed across Ethan Lu''s pair of eyes.


    As everyone listened to his exnation, they could not help but think that Ethan Lu was indeed cunning. He would reap all benefits he could, no ifs and buts, whether they are his friends or not. The memory of how he suppressed the Woo Family days ago was enough to make his enemies move cautiously.


    "We don''t gain anything from the Liu Empire now but, in the future, all the small losses we had to endure now, would return to us ten-fold. So, don''t worry about renewing our contract with the Liu''s¡ª trust me; after all, Morris Liu is now awake and recovering."


    "But¡ª!"


    "Director Bai, let''s not talk about this matter anymore or your tongue will part from you¡ª this applies to everyone else as well." Shifting his gaze to the person who was obviously being the spokesperson of his uncle Dennis Lu, Ethan Lu emanated a bloodthirsty aura while bearing the same smile he had since earlier.


    "Yes, Master."


    "Meeting adjourned." With that said remark, everyone inside the room dispersed under the permission that they were dismissed as the family head would remain inside. Others bore a displeased sneer while leaving while others could only heave a sigh of relief for surviving the long meeting.

 Chapter 280 Ethan Lu, I will skin you alive!

    <h4>Chapter 280 Ethan Lu, I will skin you alive!</h4>


    Ethan Lunguidly leaned his back against thefortable backrest of the executive chair. His gaze moved towards the upied seats and remained quiet, waiting for everyone to leave.


    When thest person left, Ethan Lu traveled his gaze once again. Gerald Huang, Harold Lu, and three other elders from the Lu family remained in their seats. Lyrick Jiang and Jarred Guo were also present, sitting on the side of the room.


    "Master, aren''t we too obvious? That Dennis might be suspicious about this bold meeting." Clearing his throat once again, Gerald Huang inquired. Unlike his opposition earlier, his tone had aplete change.


    "Hehe, elder Huang, aren''t you a little pussy? Hahaha!" Chuckling at his naughty humor, Harold Lu let out a series of coughs afterughing at his own joke.


    "Master, shouldn''t we be a little cautious around director Lu?" One of the elders timidly nced at Ethan Lu''s bored front. To his surprise, the moment he uttered his question, a slight amusement shed across Ethan Lu''s face.


    "Cautious? No, we shouldn''t. I''d like to make him feel a little restless. To the degree that he can no longer sleep at night while wondering about this small tea party of ours, my dear uncle will lead me to his secrets himself. Mistakes always happen when someone is anxious." A devious smirk formed on the side of his lips.


    Actually, Ethan Lu would often gather these men just to chit chat. Yet, he disyed it as if it was some serious meeting to plot out something. Of course, the first person who would be wary of this were the ones who had been doing any form of corruption in thepany.


    While the executive directors were in awe and d that they chose the right side, on the other hand, Jarred Guo and Lyrick Jiang were only a little in awe. Not because they found their master really cunning but the fact that their boss had the ability to transform into an entirely different person whenever he was in the lion''s den¡ª camouging himself as the king of the jungle yet a white rabbit at home.


    ''Wow... I wonder if thedy boss had seen this side of the master.'' Jarred Guo thought inwardly as he peered at his boss''s side profile.


    ''Master, I am sorry but your imagest night will never be forgotten in my mind.'' Sending his sincerest apology telepathically, Lyrick Jiang could never look at his master the same ever again. After all, he already knew who was more powerful¡ª it was Lexi Yang, his goddess and the boss of his boss!


    Just then, Lyrick Jiang felt his phone vibrate from the inside of his suit pocket. Out of habit, Lyrick Jiang slid his hand to check if the email was important. To his shock, the sender was the person he was worshiping day and night¡ª Lexi Yang!


    Without a seconds hesitation, Lyrick Jiang opened the message of his goddess to see if she was hiring him. If that''s the case, Lyrick Jiang would dly receive the whips for resigning as Ethan Lu''s assistant and ept Lexi''s offer.


    However, unlike his daydream, Lyrick Jiang was baffled by the short message. It says:


    [From: Lexi Yang


    Mr. Jiang, I wanted to have a talk with you and Ethan. ASAP. ]


    "Oy, what''s wrong with you?" ncing at Lyrick Jiang who had this funny expression stered across his face, Jarred Guo''s brows knitted in curiosity before he took a peek of the message. Fortunately, he was skilled enough to have a glimpse of the message from theirdy boss.? Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "Is the madam in danger? Call Nico." Suggesting the most befitting move, Jarred Guo calmly shook his head to the side as he thought that his colleague was overreacting again.


    Unbeknownst to him, Lyrick Jiang was only analyzing what tone Lexi just used while sending this message. Was she mad? Was it important? Scratch that, of course, it should be important! But, why was she suddenly asking him to go to their house with his boss? It''s not like she was going to make them kneel again... right?


    ****


    After a tiring day of her days arrangements, Lexi went home while being weed by thedy cleaner. Seeing her properly sitting down in the living area, she nodded in satisfaction before walking towards the said area of the house and perched opposite thedy.


    Behind her, Nico Zhuang''s eyes bulged upon seeing an unfamiliardy. His eyes skimmed her overly exposed skin as if she was there to seduce someone.


    Nico Zhuang had apanied Lexi in broad daylight and imposed as her official assistant. After all, he didn''t need to hide himself anymore hence, he followed her to the renovation site and to her other meetings. Still, Lexi never mentioned about this woman''s presence that seemed as if she has been there for a whole day.


    His gaze altered from the provocativedy to Lexi''s unsmiling side profile. Just one nce and Nico Zhuang could tell that his Master would die tonight!


    ''Master, I appreciate all your help but I apologize I could not help you this time.'' After realizing his master''s doomsday, Nico Zhuang already sent his advance condolences before heading to the kitchen to grab a ss of water for himself and for his new master Lexi.


    Inside his mind, he was still thankful that his master sent him to Lexi as he could get another job as her assistant if ever Ethan Lu would not survive tonight. Also, he was d that he was a mere guard that doesn''t have to meddle with Ethan Lu''s personal affairs.


    "Miss, if I may ask, how long have you been the house owner''s cleaner?" Gently smiling, Lexi could not help but look at the woman''s smooth legs. The more she looked at it, the more she was provoked to caress them to know the texture of her skin.


    Of course, this thought only added to her fury towards Ethan Lu because if Lexi, who was straight, was being tempted to touch the woman, what more if she was a guy?


    "More than half a year ago, Madam." Thedy hung her head low as she could not bear to keep any eye contact from the intimidating woman across her.


    ''Ethan Lu... I will skin you alive!'' She threatened inwardly as Lexi secretly ground her teeth.

 Chapter 281 Master, why donst you propose tonight?

    <h4>Chapter 281 Master, why don''st you propose tonight?</h4>


    "More than half a year ago? I see..." Lexi nodded her head in understanding. She tried hard enough to be gentle so as not to scare the woman, however, no matter how she attempted to conceal her rage, her aura says it all¡ª airing her killing intent around the whole manor.


    "Did you ever interact with the master of this house?" Giving a follow-up question, Lexi decided to interrogate the woman before sending her home, never to return to this ce.


    "No." Still hanging her head low, the woman profusely shook her head sideways as her trembling grip on the hem of her dress tightened.


    "Miss, are you scared of me?" Watching every little move the woman does, Lexi could tell everything with just her bodynguage.


    "No¡ª I mean, a bit."


    "No, you should be. I had been deceived, I don''t know what to do if another person lies to me. Tell me, have you interacted with the house owner or rather, does he know you?" Arching her brows, Lexi ced her right leg over her other leg. Shenguidly tapped her fingers on the armrest as her gaze never left the woman not even once.


    "I am sorry, Madam. I¡ª I am not sure if Mr. Lu remembers me but he onceplimented me while cleaning." Taking the courage to raise her head, the woman immediately hang her head low once again as she felt terrified by Lexi''s prating gaze.


    "While cleaning? Were you wearing something like that?"


    "Yes, this is my uniform given by Mr. Lu''s assistant." Answering her in all honesty, the woman didn''t dare to lie again because part of her knew that if she spoke one untruth, thedy across her¡ª Lexi would bring her demise.


    "Great... really great! Onest question, are you really a cleaner?" Scoffing her extreme disgust, Lexi tried to calm herself down as she preserved her energy to punish the people who should be punished.


    "No, I was an escort before. When I heard about this cleaning job that pays higher than my sry, I applied and got epted."


    At the same time, Nico Zhuang returned from the kitchen and took a step back sensing the dangerous, dark aura emanating from Lexi. He shot Lexi a nce and unconsciously swallowed a mouthful of saliva before he mustered his courage and wordlessly ced the ss of water on the small table separating her and the dazzling woman.


    ''Master, how could you bring disaster to yourself?!'' He wept inwardly as he heard the woman''s answer.


    Nico Zhuang then tiptoed his way out so he could at least give his master a heads-up about his execution. However, just as he took three light steps, his tracks came to a full stop upon hearing Lexi''s scary order.


    "Nico, will you grab two washboards? They are in the storage room. Also, bring some salt and if there''s a rope¡ª please bring them all together."


    ''Washboard? Salt? Rope?!?'' Nico Zhuang, once again, gulped a mouthful of saliva upon hearing Lexi''s order. Regardless, he kept his stoic front and slightly bowed his head in obedience.


    "Also, don''t you even dare to sneak out and tell Ethan or Lyrick¡ª even Red or else..." Lexi nced at Nico, warning him not to fall out from her good graces.


    "Yes, Madam." Without further ado, Nico Zhuang executed the order and searched for the things that were needed to end his master''s life.


    *****


    Meanwhile...


    "I can''t wait to put this around her finger." The oblivious Ethan Lu lovingly stared at the ring inside the small box.


    Currently, he was already heading his way home after a tiring day. Hisst appointment was to pick up this ring that he fiercely fought for in an auction¡ª shelling out hundreds of millions just to get it.


    Still, to him, the money was nothing as it could neverpare to the beauty of his beloved. It is said that this ring was the only one in this world and was crafted by a legendary craftsman whose identity was still unknown.


    The meaning behind this ring was a love that wouldst for eternity. Hence, after his long search for a ring that could fit his feelings for her, he finally found it and it was now in his hands.


    "Say, do you think proposing to her after my official take over¡ª do you think she will say yes?" Ethan Lu didn''t break his gaze away from the simple ring yet, having a thousand meanings into the hard work and heart into it.


    "Master, why don''t you propose tonight?" Turning his head back, Lyrick Jiang had this unsettling feeling that their life was not safe.? He already informed Ethan Lu about the abrupt and vague message yet, he seemed to forget everything because of the ring.


    "Hehe, I can propose tonight but, I want to make it grand and memorable." Chuckling, Ethan Lu mildly shook his head as he perceived that his assistant was just as excited as him.


    God knows that the day he and Lexi became officially together, he had been dying to marry her. But, before he could do that, he knew what needed to be done¡ª him, taking power over the whole Lu Corporation and finding a suitable ring.


    Now that everything would be achieved in just a few days, Ethan Lu could finally have the courage to put a ring on her finger.


    After all, they''ve been living together for quite some time now and already discovered each other''s weird habits and what it would be like living together under the same roof. Moreover, they had shared way too many passionate nights and days.


    It might be ridiculous to others as they had been together for only half a year and yet, he wanted to marry her in an instant. However, Ethan Lu was certain that he would never love another woman as much as he loved his first love¡ª as much as how he loves Lexi Yang, the woman whom, not only captured his heart in the most unexpected of way, but also became his entire world.


    ''But master, I really think you don''t have to make it grand if your life''s on the line.'' For some reason, Lyrick Jiang realized how foolish his boss was as he knew for a fact that there was something wrong when one was being summoned by the queen.

 Chapter 282 Watch even your breathing...

    <h4>Chapter 282 Watch even your breathing...</h4>


    The more they drew closer to their destination, Lyrick Jiang''s restlessness grew stronger and stronger. He could not even sit still because of it. Yet, the person in the back passenger seat was sending uninvited imaginary, glittering pink air.


    Soon, their vehicle reached Ethan Lu''s vi and from the looks of it, the elegant and peaceful house seemed a little different. It was as if it turned haunted overnight that could make someone cower in fear; for example, Lyrick Jiang.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu didn''t sense the difference in the house''s aura as he was in high spirits. The scenarios of proposing to her and hearing her say yes were enough to make him skip his steps in excitement to see his energy booster.


    "Master..." Lyrick Jiang softly called out as he reached his hands to the direction of his master''s skipping figure. But to no avail, he didn''t hear him.


    "Man, I don''t think it would be bad at all. Madam is reasonable and wouldn''t kill master not unless he did something really wrong." Shaking his head sideways, Jarred Guo heavily sighed upon seeing the dramatic Lyrick Jiang.


    "You don''t know because you didn''t kneel on a washboard!" Venting his grievances, Lyrick Jiang red at Jarred Guo on the side. Just then, his eyes lit up and stared at Jarred Guo for a minute.


    "Wh¡ª what are you thinking? Why are you looking at me like that?" A sudden premonition dawned on Jarred Guo seeing that his colleague had the eyes of a deranged person!


    "Hehe, apany me inside. Aren''t we partners? Right right?" Moving his eyebrows up and down, Lyrick Jiang grinned as he forcefully drag Jarred Guo with him.


    By the time Lyrick Jiang and Jarred Guo went inside the manor, they already saw their master kneeling, hisplexion was pale as if he was unable to go further into the house and just broke down the moment he saw the living area.


    Afraid yet curious, Lyrick Jiang and Jarred Guo subconsciously tiptoed. The moment they approached their master¡ª several steps from his behind, Lyrick Jiang''s heart sank along with his weakened knees¡ª giving way and instantly crashed onto the floor. Meanwhile, Jarred Guo''s eyes widened from the shock upon seeing a beautifuldy sitting across Lexi.


    However, what made his eyes bulge was not because of how seductive the otherdy looked but how terrifying Lexi''s aura and the equipment thatid on the small table.


    There were ropes, different knives of all sizes, duck tape and every type of dangerous object one could find around the house!


    "Love..."


    "Madam, I was wrong! Please forgive me just this once!" Just as Ethan Lu finally managed to speak a word, Lyrick Jiang kowtowed and loudly admitted his wrongs and apologized.


    "Don''t be like that..." Chuckling, Lexi modestly covered her lips by the back of her hand. Yet, her voice wasced with killing intent that all of the men present discerned.


    "Your cleaner here will think I am bullying you guys. Why don''t you stand up and let''s chit chat with this miss?" Tilting her head to the side, Lexi suggested, sounding benevolent and understanding.


    "What? Are you going to just kneel there?" Raising her brows, Lexi asked again as a vein popped out on her forehead. With that said remark, Ethan Lu and Lyrick Jiang along with Jarred Guo headed to the living area and scattered around the living area.


    Ethan Lu on the other vacant sofa, Lyrick Jiang standing behind him while Jarred Guo stood next to Nico Zhuang¡ª the farthest ce from the executioner named Lexi Yang.


    "Damn... I shouldn''t have let Rick drag me into this." Jarred Guo cursed in a whisper. He could feel the foreboding danger seeping through his bones, mortifying him to the core.


    "Shut up. Watch even your breathing or else, you''d definitely be drug into their mess." Whispering back, Nico Zhuang shushed him as he was also afraid that he would be drag into these two''s mess.


    "I guess the two of you knew Andy? She has been our cleaner whom I fortunately met today!" sping her hand together, Lexi excitedly broke the silence.


    "Love, let me exin! This is all Rick''s fault! He was the one who hired her!" Betraying his assistant without batting an eye, Ethan Lu red daggers at Lyrick Jiang while grinding his teeth, ready to bite his head off.


    For the record, since he has his busy schedule, Ethan Lu had forgotten about this trivial stuff¡ª the residue of his Casanova life. Furthermore, there was not a day that he stayed all day long inside his house for god knows how long. Hence, he honestly forgot about this woman''s existence.


    "Madam, let me exin! I only hired her because the master said he needed motivation!" Since he had been betrayed, Lyrick Jiang unhesitatingly exined the other side of the story. Still, he didn''t dare look to Ethan Lu''s direction as he knew he would be killed just by meeting his eyes.


    No matter what, he needed to survive for the night. After all, the empress''s wrath was more terrifying than the emperor. Moreover, just one word from Lexi, his crime would be absolved because Ethan Lu only listened to her.


    "Nico, please send Miss Chang out. Thank you, Andy, for staying a little longer." As Lexi ordered Nico Zhuang, she turned to Andy Chang and smiled. The woman only meekly smiled back as she realized that Lexi might be a terrifying person when mad but, she was reasonable. Hence, even after knowing that she would be fired from being a cleaner, Lexi gave her another decent job so she wouldn''t go back being a hostess.


    "No, it''s my pleasure, Miss Yang. Thank you." Courtly bowing her head, heedlessly showing her already exposed cleavage, Andy Chang sent her gratitude towards her new boss.


    Of course, aside from the shameless Jarred Guo who liked the sight, and Nico Zhuang who was immune to this as he failed to have a hard-on, the other two turned their head away to prevent themselves from getting a heavier sentence.


    "Miss Chang, this way please." Gesturing her the way, Nico Zhuang politely guided her out the manor while Andy Chang followed from behind.

 Chapter 283 Do you know your sin?

    <h4>Chapter 283 Do you know your sin?</h4>


    When the two were out, Lexi''s smiling face gradually changed and her concealed killing intent broke free. Her piercing gaze moved from Lyrick Jiang to Ethan Lu. Surely, she was unappeased by this matter as it shook her whole being to the core since earlier.


    What more? The details she squeezed from the woman was enough to irk her to the extreme.


    "To the washboard you two." Stabilizing her breathing and controlling her unpredictable heightened emotions that constantly was in the midst of ying with her head, Lexi closed her eyes as she ordered.


    "Yes, ma''am!" In unison, Ethan Lu and Lyrick Jiang rushed their way on the washboard and without a second hesitation, both of them knelt down in obedience.


    The bystander Jarred Guo could not help his whole face distort a little seeing how his master and Lyrick Jiang cowered in fear. He wasn''t concerned about his master as he knew that his body had been going back to training. s, Lyrick Jiang wasn''t use to any pain.


    Granted that he was Ethan Lu''s trusted right-hand man, however, he fixed his position because of his brain and strategic analysis but in physicalbat¡ª Lyrick Jiang was hopeless. Hence, he hadn''t trained his body to endure such pain. But to Jarred Guo''s surprise, Lyrick Jiang remainedposed as adrenaline was used to survive for the night which was what triumphed more than the pain growing on his knees.


    "Lyrick, you said that you only hired her because this guy needed motivation?" Arching her brows, Lexi repeated Lyrick Jiang''s statements earlier.


    "Yes! The old master wanted Master to affiliate himself to thepany affairs but master said he would only do it if only he would be given beautiful servants around the house¡ª then he might be motivated and change his mind." In all honesty, Lyrick Jiang raised his right hand, showing an L-shape as if he was saying the truth and nothing but the truth. But then again, sweat began to form on his forehead while his back was already producing a river of sweat, soaking his entire back.


    "Love¡ª!" Just as Ethan Lu desperately wanted to defend himself from this traitor that was pushing all the me to him, he was interrupted by Lexi who gestured him to stop.


    "I see... so, where are the beautiful maids then?"


    "They were all fired months ago. I merely overlooked the cleanerdy because our schedule had been pretty hectic." He wasposed and slightly relieved as Lexi was listening to him, Lyrick Jiang regained his little bit of confidence to his just goddess.


    "Alright, you may stand up and take a seat." Nodding in understanding, Lexi thrust her chin towards the other sofa for him to sit on. As instructed, Lyrick Jiang heaved a sigh of relief as she hurriedly stood up from the damnable washboard and perched on the single-seater couch she pointed at.


    "You..."


    "Love, I swear I didn''t know about this! All I know is Rick already changed the cleaner of the house! You know that, we''ve been staying out all day!" After ring at the absolved Lyrick Jiang, Ethan Lu could finally defend himself. Hence, he didn''t waste a second to do so.


    "Ethan, I am not talking to you yet¡ª calm down." Casting the only person kneeling on a washboard a re, Lexi clicked her tongue in annoyance before shifting her gaze back to Lyrick Jiang. "Now, Mr. Jiang, what method do you want to be executed? You can choose." Pointing at the variety of stuff she hadid out on the table, Lexi proposed this question which made Lyrick Jiang''s relieved heart sink in a fraction of second.


    "Madam..." On the verge of crying, Lyrick Jiang called her as if pleading.


    "Do you know your sin?" Lexi gently tapped her fingers on the armrest as she scrutinized the pitiful front of Lyrick Jiang.


    "If a simple task such as this could be overlooked because of your schedule is packed. Lyrick, your job is to secure all of the details and every affair Ethan has¡ª including business-rted affairs and his personal life. How can I trust that you won''t make the same mistake in the future as this is now the world he was moving in to? What if this simple mishap could lead him and every single one of you here to your end? Will you me your tight schedule for it? Will it be worth ming it for? No, right?" In a slow and clear deliverance, Lexi exined to Lyrick Jiang the cause of her displeasure.


    "That is your sin and I will never forgive you if this happened again. Now, choose what weapon I''d use if it ever happened again."


    Hearing her deep exnation, not just Lyrick Jiang was bbergasted but everyone including Nico Zhuang who just entered the living area. The four of them could not utter a single word as they looked at Lexi in awe.


    Her reasoning was entirely different from what they expected. She wasn''t mad because of jealousy or anything of the sort but concerned that this mistake would harm Ethan Lu in the Lu family? Not just that, she understood that if Ethan Lu slipped out from his position, everyone on his side wouldn''t have any better future as well.


    Truly, Lexi was befitting to be their future matriarch as her insight was vast and her understanding was endless. Therefore, at that very moment, their respect towards her grew deeper; wholeheartedly acknowledging her as the one and only matriarch.


    "I apologize for this negligence. I will never make the same mistake again, Madam." Courtly bowing his head, Lyrick Jiang sincerely apologized and truly acknowledged his mistake. "I''d rather be hanged if my negligence would lead master and the rest of my colleagues to danger."


    "Nico, you heard him. If one day, Lyrick Jiang''s negligence would lead every single one of you to harm, will you hang him for me?" Without looking away from Lyrick Jiang, Lexi directed her words towards Nico Zhuang. It might be a wonder to others why her words are rather unreserved and vicious, however, Lexi assumed that the Lu family wasn''t as clean as they appeared on the surface¡ª including all of the people under the family. Therefore, to confirm this assumption in her own way, she tested Nico Zhuang if he would disappoint her or not.


    "Yes." Nico Zhuang nced at Lexi''s side profile before he looked to Lyrick Jiang before he bluntly agreed.


    "Good. You can now leave¡ª Nico, stay out for a while, I still need to talk to Ethan." Nodding in satisfaction, Lexi lightly waved her hand off and dismissed the three which they did as per her instructions.

 Chapter 284 The residue of Old Ethan Lu

    <h4>Chapter 284 The residue of Old Ethan Lu</h4>


    Lexi remained silent the whole time the three evacuated the ce. On the other hand, Ethan Lu also didn''t defend himself anymore as he remained kneeling on the washboard.


    He would be lying he if said he wasn''t amused at Lexi''s reasoning earlier. It was enough for him to go cray cray and fanboy to his lovely genius girlfriend. Hence, knowing that she would be reasonable to him as well, Ethan Lu was relieved that she wasn''t jealous about thedy cleaner earlier.


    As soon as the main door shut close, Lexi''s piercing gaze turned more violent which almost made Ethan Lu jolt from the washboard.


    ''Why did she look even angrier now?'' He wondered in panic inwardly.


    "What a beautiful scenery... two huge smooth mountains, a curvy path towards the bottom of the hills¡ª Ethan Lu, how do I skin you alive?" Repeating thepliment thedy cleaner had reminded her of and reported to her, Lexi ground her teeth.


    God knows how irked she was when she heard those very words. She knew that there was no Lexi and Ethan Lu at that time but still, Lexi found it hard to recover hearing all of that.


    At the same time, Ethan Lu gasped as he somehow heard her as if the old pervert Ethan Lu was talking. After all, he would indeed dirty talk like that in the past but, for pete''s sake! He might talk like that but he would not go further than that. After all, he liked viewing the beautiful sceneries back then¡ª talking about changing girlfriends faster than he changed his clothes.


    "Love, please forgive me! I am in the wrong but I''m a changed person now!" Rubbing his palms together until it made friction, Ethan Lu profusely pleaded for his life.


    "Huh, I am really lost for words towards you." Shaking her head sideways, Lexi scoffed in frustration as her eyes stung¡ª clouding her vision. For some reason, her heart ached even more upon hearing the ''I''m a changed person now'' part. It was the same emotion back when she cried herself to sleep because of unknown reasons.


    "Baby, please! I really am in the wrong and I will never do it again, I swear! I will be struck by lightning if I even think about doing that again!" Desperate for her forgiveness, Ethan Lu continued to rub his palms together.


    s, his actions paused seeing that she began to get emotional again. "Love..." Disregarding his punishment, Ethan Lu slowly stood from his kneeling and strode over to her side.


    "Love, I know the old Ethan Lu is trash and a jerk but, I swear I will never go back to that person. I already have you and you are the only one who''s good enough for me¡ª I don''t need anyone else but you." Creasing his brows together, his gaze softened as he watched her mellow side profile.


    "I know! And I don''t care about how you were in the past¡ª I am just... just frustrated I don''t know why!" Lexi exasperatedly exined as she was indeed furious after hearing those words and envisioned his face while saying it to another woman.


    She knew for a fact that he was probably not in love with her at that time let alone even knew her. Lexi understood... she knew that, and she could understand that simple one, two, three, puzzle. However, her emotions had been ying with her. Hence, she actually felt jealous for thedy cleaner whom he feasted his eyes on while she was cleaning his house.


    Lexi could not help but think about what''s inside that old Ethan Lu''s mind while watching another woman almost und. Not to mention, her looks weren''t so-so and her body was definitely top-notch!


    She felt so petty and immature but what could she do? Her heart already triumphed and trampled all her rational reasonings. These mood swings of hers were growing really uncontroble with every passing day, especially if it was about Ethan Lu who was able to trigger her into madness and also her antidote from going gaga.


    "It''s okay... I understand, I''m sorry." Gently pulling the steaming Lexi into his embrace, Ethan Lu softly took all the me and tenderly stroked her head.


    Since she had been very unpredictable in the past few months, Ethan Lu was used to it and believed that it was all due to pressure and stress for establishing her ownpany. Therefore, having something irrelevant, such as this female cleaner matter pop up, Ethan Lu guessed that it triggered all her emotions all at once.


    Lexi slowly pulled away from him and raised her gaze while her lips curved downwards. She wasn''t crying but just on the verge of crying once again. Still, in his eyes, she was adorably cute.


    "This Ethan Lu¡ª version two point O, only has his eyes to one woman." Gently smiling, he ced a light peck on her lips. "Just you, my Lexi Yang." Once again, he ced another kiss on her lips but this time, he didn''t part and went to a deeper kiss.


    His hand slowly raised and stroked her cheeks, stilling it as he pressed his lips a little bit harder against hers. Ethan Lu would be lying if he said he wasn''t delighted that she was getting jealous.


    Granted that she was being jealous towards thedy cleaner, still, he wanted to thank this day as he finally saw Lexi being jealous. After all, she had been too mature and trustful, giving him all the freedom he could ever want.


    He once asked her why she was so open and understanding, that what if he would be seduced. Her answer? It was these exact same words: "Cheating is always a choice. I realized that in a third party issue, the one to me was the person who''smitted to a rtionship, not the third party. Because, if a person truly loves you, even if he/she was locked in a room full of good looking people¡ª he/she would remain faithful not just loyal. Also, if you wanted to cheat or I wanted to, we could do it any day if we don''t love each other. If we don''t love each other enough."

 Chapter 285 Hehe, did you miss me?

    <h4>Chapter 285 Hehe, did you miss me?</h4>


    Two dayster...


    The day of Lexi''s ssst product showcase finally arrived. Since the school was an international affiliate of a prestigiouspany in the same line, theirst showcase was akin to a tradeshow; having businessmen and women to attend the event and even prospective investors to these new entrepreneurs.


    Since Lexi and Nico were part of one team, they shared the same booth as each of their team members'' final product was disyed upfront.


    Different types of skincare and cosmetics were disyed. Of course, since it was theirst product showcase, each student had the permission to present their own formtions under the same category they picked such as creams, essential oils, serums, facial wash, and many more.


    "Nico, your serum is really good." Trying out the serum by dropping a single drop on the back of her hand, Lexi nodded as she smeared the serum and then sniffed its scent.


    "It''s easy... I just added a rosehip and hyaluronic acid for a better result." Nonchntly shrugging his shoulders, Nico Zhuang actually doesn''t care if he could pass or not. He didn''t even care if someone would offer a partnership or buy his formtions because he was just there because he needed to protect Lexi¡ª nothing more nothing less.


    "Anyway, you''re under the category of facial wash right? I need to wash my hands." Diverting her attention, Nico Zhuang looked for her disy product and picked it up.? Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click  for visiting.


    "You need to wash your hands, seriously?" Casting Nico Zhuang a ''are you insulting me'' expression, Lexi arched her brows. Yet, Nico Zhuang was still able to drop a few drops of facial wash on his palms.


    "Testing." He raised his brows as he made a bubble on his hand. Despite the fact that Lexi and Nico Zhuang had this bodyguard sh ssmate sh teammates rtionship, Nico Zhuang still decided to set aside his bodyguard mode so as to not raise any suspicions around them.


    "Good day to you, guys and girls!" Just then, Ste Du along with herckeys approached their booth with a boastful sneer.


    "I see, Mr. Zhuang is testing the facial wash for hands¡ª pfft! Is it better use for hands instead of the face?" Ignoring the displeased front of Lexi''s other teammates just seeing her presence, Ste Du heartilyughed as she indirectly mocked the product of Lexi. Herckeys behind her also giggled as if what she said was truly funny.


    "Ms. Du, my hands are more important than my face so I only use trusted products since I use it to make my products as well." Nico Zhuang only shook his head sideways as he went inside their booth and rinsed his hands in the sink.


    "Huh," Scoffing her displeasure for Nico Zhuang''s response just to defend her, Ste Du raised her brows as she thrusted her chin up while staring at Lexi who was unbothered since her arrival.


    "Miss Yang, I really admire your skills! Not only are you good and have a good foundation for formting products but also, manipting people to speak for you!" This time, Ste Du''s remarks were unrestrained and rather loud that caught the attention of other people nearby.


    "Huh?" At a loss, Lexi tilted her head to the side as she, for some reason, could not understand Ste Du''s yapping. She heard her speak her nonsense bber earlier yet, Lexi didn''t pay attention to it as she regarded it as a waste of time and to save her brain cells from dying just trying toprehend this unreasonable girl.


    "Huh, whatever!" Oddly enough, Ste Du chose not to pick on Lexi anymore as she was rather in a good mood¡ª waiting for a good showter. "Let''s go,dies! We''ll have a good dealter." Ste Du remarked as she turned her back against the confused group before she headed on her way with herckeys.


    "That Ste Du is indeed a miserable young miss!"


    "Ill-mannered girl, tsk."


    "Tch, just because her family had been in this line of business for a long time¡ª she thinks she''s better than anyone."


    "Don''t worry, Miss Yang. We had tried your product and it''s way better than that unreasonable brat." One after another, Lexi''s group-mates spouted their dissatisfaction towards Ste Du and one meekdy cheered Lexi who was still under a huge question mark on what was happening.


    "Ah? But, I am notpeting with her." Blinking her eyes numerous times, Lexi scanned her groupmate''s faces with a puzzled look stered across her face.


    She could not understand the hype as Lexi has another agenda which was establishing her ownpany and her products to prospect business partners. After all, she could not afford a grandunching anymore as she was low on cash. Hence, this would be the perfect chance to be herunch instead because she knew that investors and businessmen that were interested in the beauty industry would soon fill the venue.


    *****


    [Heavenly realm]


    "No, no, Churu don''t leave me..." Lexi''s desperate pleas were thest words she heard. Even before opening her eyes as her soul returned to her original body, she could feel the torment in her heart... a much graver pain than her everyday angst.


    "Wee back, Alvah... or should I still call you Churu?" A gentle, a thousand times more soothing and harmonizing than Lillian Yang''s gentle voice reached her ear.


    Without opening her eyes, the woman lying on a marble rectangr table slightly raised her scarred hand and slid it in the air a little¡ª opening a space and then slid her hand inside before slowly retracting it with a pack of facial masks.


    Magically, the packaging instantly vanished and only the facial mask itself was left on her much too scarred hand. She then ced it on her face but this time, she didn''t have to cut the mask to fit her small figure like back when she was a dumpling because the facial mask could perfectly fit her human-like facial build.


    "Now it feels better..." She spoke under her breath before slowly opening her eyes to wee the blinding light in this empty white space.


    "How¡ª" Just before the ethereal beauty that no one on earth could par with her blemish-free skin, longshes, fleek brows, pointy nose, blonde curly hair, and a pair of blue orbs, she halted midway due to the sudden assault caused by the violent demon.


    "Hehe, did you miss me?" Lifting the woman by her neck, her long clothing slid down, revealing bigger scars that touched every part of her skin. There seemed to not be any part left untouched as her scars could be seen on every part of her exposed skin including the gaps in between her fingers, her neck, even the tip of her toes were scarred.


    An unfathomable blood desire then shed across Alvah''s pair of silver eyes. Within a second, she snapped the woman''s neck with a devious smirk beneath the facial mask.

 Chapter 286 Beauty Dr

    <h4>Chapter 286 Beauty Dr</h4>


    The venue where the trade show was urring soon, turned out to be a little packed. Media, well-known personalities, even influential businessmen and women arrived one after another, piling into the venue.


    Lexi and her groupmates took turns to exin their products including its benefits and ingredients used. ncing at Nico Zhuang who seemed to be very professional exining his product with one of thedies who appeared to be more interested in him than the product, the corner of her lips curled into a subtle smile.


    ''This guy... how talented.'' She thought inwardly before turning her head towards the only person who was interested in her brand.


    "Beauty Doctor... nice brand." The woman nodded in satisfaction she checked the packaging. Thebination of colors in the packaging was white and nude pink¡ª eye-catching like sweet candy. "Also, the formtion... are you the one who really formted this?" Turning to the elegant Lexi, the woman scrutinized her as she thought she suited more as a business person who would prefer to do the paperwork than formtions.


    "Yes, Miss Tong." Polite and modest, Lexi gently nodded her head once as she nced at the tag name clung around the woman''s neck. It stated under her written name was she was just a guest.


    To everyone''s information, each person inside the huge hall had name tags and what type of visitor they are. They are ssified as investors, media, exhibitors (the people who were showcasing their products such as Lexi.), guests, and so on so forth.


    Each exhibitor prioritized each passerby''s title and would always take notice if its an investor who came there to find a partnership. After all, this event was akin to a head start for each student to make it sessful after their certification. Whether their product would be given a deal or not, just one sessful student who could reap all the benefits in this event would also bring good results to the academy.


    Yet, in Lexi''s mind, whatever title of the person that approached her product, she knew that they were all important people which she could use in any way possible.


    Just as the woman opened her mouth again, that seemed as if she was about to say something, she halted and put down the product. "Alright..." She smiled and with a slight nod, she left¡ª just like that.


    Lexi knitted her brows because the woman seemed to be troubled about something and hastily left just like that. Even so, she didn''t dwell on it as she shrugged her shoulders.


    Just then, Lexi caught a group of seemingly wealthy and influential people in the corner of her eye which made her turn her head towards their direction. There, approximately five people were walking their way with the ever sweet Ste Du.


    She was conversing without breaking the smile on her lips and eyes. By the looks of it, Ste Du seemed to be close to them as her interactions were natural¡ª as if she was the purest living person on earth¡ª an immacte image indeed.


    However, Lexi only nced at Ste Du without interest as her eyes fixed on the man beside her.


    ''Benjamin Shao!'' Lexi blinked her eyes a couple of times as she could not believe that this influential man in the skincare industry was also present. He owned the prestigious Marble Belle brand that skyrocketed in the market in a short amount of time and now one of the trusted leading brands in the market.


    Granted that Lexi was raised while being surrounded by business people, however, this chosen career of hers and meeting one of the sessful businessmen in the same industry made her heart go pitter-patter. Fortunately, despite her fangirling internally, her natural habit to remain calm andposed... elegant and ssy in her demeanor disyed on her surface.


    Just as she watched the group approach, Lexi nearly jolted when Nico Zhuang stood beside her and whisper which snapped her back from her reverie.


    "I think there''s something wrong with your product."


    Upon hearing his low whisper, Lexi knitted her brows as she slowly turned her head towards Nico Zhuang. "What do you mean?"


    Nico Zhuang didn''t respond as he marginally raised his hand to show what it was that he meant what he said. Lexi, with a puzzled look stered across her face, looked down.


    The moment she saw the back of his hand, her eyes widened and her pupils constricted because Nico Zhuang''s hand was slightly reddish. There were red spots as if an allergic reaction.


    "I think I got this from your product," Keeping it low, Nico Zhuang nced around as he slightly leaned forward. He already felt a slight itch when he rinsed his hands off earlier but since it was bearable, he didn''t give much thought about it.


    s, Nico Zhuang noticed the change on his hands'' skin while he was in the middle of presenting his product. Fortunately, the woman seemed to be enchanted by him as she only looked at his face when he handed her hispany''s calling card¡ª which was, by the way, Lexi''spany.


    "What? That''s impossible..." Aware of her surroundings, she spoke under her breath. "Our products were checked and examined before we can showcase them¡ª are you sure you didn''t eat something that you''re allergic to?"


    "I don''t have any allergies. I already felt a slight itch when I rinsed off my hands and now..." Looking directly onto her pair of eyes, Nico Zhuang slightly shook his head as he raised his hands again for her to see.


    "No..." In a low, disbelief tone, Lexi could only mutter a single word. She believed in Nico Zhuang and his words. After all, this guy has no reason to kid with her at this crucial time.


    Moreover, he was skilled and trained. Therefore, he wouldn''t be so careless to eat something he was allergic to¡ª if he has one.


    "This is ridiculous..." Still looking on his hands until he slid them inside his pocket, Lexi remained looking down as she analyzed what could have gone wrong.


    To her, if there''s something wrong with her product, it wouldn''t be approved by theb. She wouldn''t be able to present this product if it could cause this kind of reaction to a person''s skin¡ª any type of skin. Furthermore, she formted it for sensitive skin types, hence, there were only a few reasons why Nico Zhuang had this kind of skin reaction.

 Chapter 287 Lexi, think!

    <h4>Chapter 287 Lexi, think!</h4>


    "Mr. Shao, this is the booth of the most talented students in our ss." Just then, Ste Du, along with Benjamin Shao and three other individuals arrived at Lexi''s booth.


    Ste Du sweetly gestured and pointed at the booth with her palms open wide, acting as the host. Thus, the four people followed the direction of her gesture and smiled back at the group of students from inside and outside of the booth.


    "Mr. Shao," Each and every one slightly bowed their heads in respect towards the man excluding Lexi who was in the midst of shock and analyzing. Since they were all inclined in the industry, they knew all of the big shots in the line of this business they had picked. Therefore, it wasn''t surprising that they knew the man.


    "Ste, are you sure they are the elite group in your ss?" Despite his courteous smile, Benjamin Shao leaned towards Ste Du on his side and whisper. However, his supposed to be low inquiry reached the group, as if he purposely intended them to hear his obvious mockery.


    "Mr. Shao, of course, they are! After all, the head of their group was the second to our ss!" Giggling back seeing the displeased faces of Lexi''s team, Ste Du heartily announced. "Herst name is Yang; Lexi Yang."


    When Lexi heard her name being uttered from a toxic mouth, she finally snapped from her own little world and raised her gaze to see that the group she was admiring earlier have now arrived. s, this time, her eyes didn''t have the time to be in awe about Benjamin Shao''s presence as her gaze stuck to Ste Du''s contemptuous smile.


    ''You... did you do something to my baby?'' Inside her mind, Lexi asked the unaware Ste Du.


    Upon her brief contemtion to analyze what had happened, Lexi came to a conclusion; someone was sabotaging herst showcase!


    Why did shee to only one conclusion? Because Nico Zhuang was trained by the Lu family. That means, as far as she knows, his profile including basic information, his health, diets, and all of the details of his very existence were all written down. Therefore, having allergies should have been detected to prevent some mishap in the middle of the mission due to allergic reactions.


    Second, Lexi made a thorough research aboutbining each ingredient so to not have the ingredients conflict with each other. Furthermore, she made sure to add a little amount of strong ingredients and the rest were all mild additions. So, for Nico Zhuang to have a rapid reaction, someone must have had added something into it!


    After all, if the case was that Nico Zhuang''s skin wasn''tpatible with the product, the result would have been shown after several uses. s, he only used it for a minute before rinsing it off which means a strong chemical was added into it. The question was, who was the culprit?


    "Miss Yang?" Hearing someone calling her name for the nth time, Lexi blinked her eyes as she slowly moved her gaze away from Ste Du''s disdainful gaze.


    "Mr. Shao, wee to our booth. Please feel free to check out our products as something might interest you." Subtly smiling, Lexi gestured her hand as it presents their variety of skincare disy. She didn''t have time to curry favor or copy Ste Du''s antics as Lexi had too much to think about right now.


    Benjamin Shao looked at the uninterested Lexi and the corners of his lips curled into a smirk. In his understanding, although Lexi sounded polite and professional, her words were also an indirect way of telling him, ''stop bbering and look for something that might interest you. If not, then bye''.


    ''What an interesting woman.'' He thought inwardly as he nonchntly shrugged his shoulders and headed to the booth''s disy. Of course, the people following him also checked each product of theirs¡ª even tried a few that obviously piqued their curiosity.


    On the other hand, Ste Du''s hand secretly balled into a fist¡ª digging her long nails into her palms, nearly making it bleed and breaking her nails. This wasn''t what she had nned.


    Benjamin Shao shouldn''t even bat an eye to their product because first impression was important to the said man. That''s why each and everyone in their group spent tons of money and effort regarding their packaging as Ste Du was well-informed that Benjamin Shao would attend the showcase.


    Hence, Ste Du came to check Lexi''s booth to see if it was grander than hers. Fortunately, Lexi''s group didn''t disappoint her as it was rather simple and in.


    ''Huh! Whatever Lexi Yang! Let''s see who has thestugh when Mr. Shao tests your product!'' Upon recalling her back up scheme, Ste Du''s spirit lightened as the side of her lips curled from ear to ear.


    Little did she know, Lexi was discreetly observing her and witnessed every change of her expression. ''Ste Du...'' She muttered inwardly as an unreadable glint shed across her eyes.


    God knows how Lexi wanted to burst out and p Ste Du right there and then. However, thanks to her experience in the past half a year, Lexi could at least manage her temper towards other people; Ethan Lu was an exception as he was her outlet.


    "Beauty Doctor... is this yours Miss Yang?" Staring at the facial wash packaging, Benjamin Shao inquired that interrupted Lexi from her wild thoughts.


    Lexi nced at the spot where the packing and the product itself stood tall. Her heart began to pound as her mind was too preupied with her analysis that she forgot to withdraw her product from the stand.


    "Yes..." Despite the growing anxiousness starting to creep inside her heart, Lexi tried hard enough to sound normal and thought of a way on how to stop him from testing her product without appearing weird and suspicious.


    "Mhmm, I''ve figured." Nodding in acknowledgment, Benjamin Shao nodded his head as he picked up the packaging to check its content.


    "Mr. Shao, Miss Yang was very good at producing effective products and very creative! She had been experimenting to perfect her formtions! Even, I, from the Du family was amazed by her end products!" Chiming in, Ste Du praised Lexi to the heavens to intrigue the man''s curiosity and test the failed product.


    "Really? Then, may I?" Raising his brows in interest, Benjamin Shao''s hand slowly reached to the product that made Lexi broke out in sweat with every passing millisecond. It was as if time itself slowed down as she watched his hand get closer and closer to the damn thing.


    ''Lexi, think! Think! Think!'' She encouraged inwardly as her mind worked at great speed toe up with a n to stop him, all the while watching as his hand got closer and closer...

 Chapter 288 I donst want the Madam to scold me.

    <h4>Chapter 288 I don''st want the Madam to scold me.</h4>


    Just as Benjamin Shao''s hand was about to reach the facial wash, it was snatched away at lightning speed. Nico Zhuang''s hand was too fast, much faster than the blink of an eye as Lexi, Benjamin Shao, and Ste Du blinked their eyes to confirm that it was indeed snatched away by someone.


    "This product might not be on the same brand but it was designed toplement the serum''s active ingredients." Pretending to be innocent, Nico Zhuang continued to converse with one of the guests that approached their booth.


    The three that were stunned by his talent at snatching things, raised their heads to see Nico Zhuang smoothly referring to Lexi''s product to his client. For a second, Benjamin Shao and Ste Du watched the culprit with a nk expression.


    On the other hand, Lexi heaved a sigh of relief as Nico Zhuang saved her by the skin of her teeth. She nced at his hand and they were already covered with white gloves that didn''t seem suspicious at all due to his noble attire.


    ''Thank God Nico is always more reliable than Red and Rick.'' Letting out another faint sigh, Lexi praised the heavens for having a reliable assistant just like Nico Zhuang.


    Rposing herself, Lexi smiled as she straightened her posture and turned her attention to Benjamin Shao¡ªpletely ignoring the troublemaker Ste Du.


    "Mr. Shao, I do indeed like experimenting on mixing a variety of ingredients to get the most effective result I am looking for. But, I am under the facial cleanser category which, I admit that it wasn''t the best end product I had formted." Nice and smooth, Lexi lied without batting an eysh as she took a gamble on whether Benjamin Shao would look down on her with his life experience or would pique his interest instead.


    After all, Lexi had been researching about her futurepetitors and observed, based on each article she had read, what kind of person each of thepany heads were like.


    "Oh? Then, will Miss Yang be so kind to show me your best product so far?" Smiling gently, Benjamin Shao had seen the organic ingredients of the facial cleanser. However, since it was being presented to another guest, he didn''t want to throw a huge fit just because he wasn''t prioritized. Still, he was only interested in the best product that a person would be too proud to present and be the judge of it.


    "Uh, wait..." Snapping from her stupor, Ste Du whispered as her growing excitement suddenly crashed to the ground.


    "Yes, Miss Du? Do you need anything?" Feigning ignorance, Lexi smiled at the muddled Ste Du. She added with the same soft tone. "Miss Du, you seemed to have lots of free time on your hands. I wonder who is selling your product?"


    Just then, just before Ste Du coulde up with an excuse to stay longer and apany her acquaintance Benjamin Shao, another female voice rang out near the side of the booth.


    "My, my, isn''t this Mr. Shao?" Her voice was so loud and seductive that it caught the attention of everyone nearby. The woman took unhurried steps in front of Lexi''s booth with her heels producing click-ck sounds.


    "Miss Ning, I didn''t think I''d see you here." Still bearing his gentle smile, Benjamin Shao greeted.


    Lexi, and the rest who recognized the woman named Aubrey Ning; the rivalpany of Marble Belle that was led by Benjamin Shao, almost dropped their jaws. Benjamin Shao''s attendance in this eventful trade show was already unexpected. However, another big shot from the industry sent another shock to them... excluding Nico Zhuang of course.


    "Oh, Mr. Shao, we really think alike! I never thought you''d attend such an event as well." Though the two seemed to interact in a flowery way, one could sense the animosity between the two. Aubrey Ning then turned to Lexi''s direction and her eyes sparkled which made Lexi''s brows to slightly raise.


    "Miss Yang! I had been looking for your booth¡ª I forgot to ask where your stall was located at!" sping her hand together in excitement, Aubrey Ning resumed her steps and stopped in front of Lexi.


    ''Uh, what''s going on...?'' Puzzled at how did this big shot female CEO, Lexi''s idol who single-handedly established her name andpany from scratch could possibly know her. It wasn''t because she was an actress before right?


    After all, she has been on hiatus from the showbiz industry and her current activities weren''t known to everyone. Therefore, how did Aubrey Ning know that she was in this trade show and said she has been looking for her as if Lexi was the one who invited her in the first ce.


    Of course, Lexi''s groupmates and the nearest booth stalls near theirs were all in awe as the center of their focus was all on Lexi. Even Benjamin Shao was tossed into the ocean of question marks for this abrupt information: Lexi being acquaintances with his arch-enemy in the market.


    Meanwhile, Ste Du nearly choked on the halted words on her throat. She knew Benjamin Shao because of her family influence. However, she had also met this Aubrey Ning and her encounter with her wasn''t a good memory.


    ''This Lexi Yang... did she really invite Aubrey Ning here to be the center of attention?! You surely have too many tricks up your sleeve but I am not done yet!'' Gritting her teeth on the side, Ste Du felt as if she was being left out on the side as everyone was ignoring her because all of their attention was on Benjamin Shao, Aubrey Ning, and Lexi Yang.


    *****


    [Lu Corporation]


    "*sigh* I wonder what my love is doing." Suddenly stopping from his paperwork, Ethan Lu let out a heavy sigh as he was reminded about Lexi''s well-being.


    "Master, Madam is probably showcasing her products." In a matter of fact tone, Lyrick Jiang responded as he served the tea and ced it down on the side of his master''s desk. "Also, Master, please stop using Madam to stall your work¡ª you still have a big eventter."


    "Hey, Lyrick Jiang, I still haven''t forgotten that you betrayed me the other night!" Irked at what he said, Ethan Lu red daggers at his assistant as he recalled the night when both of them were forced to choose what method they would prefer to be killed.


    "I wonder if Miss Ning epted my invitation to drop by in my love''s showcase." Going back to his worried self, Ethan Lu let out another sigh as he reached out for the cup of tea Lyrick Jiang ced down. s, since his mind wandered for a second, he identally touched the hot surface of the tea that made him retract his hand back in one swift move.


    "Aw! Damn it!"


    "Master please be careful. I don''t want the Madam to scold me. Also, the real question about Miss Ning and Madam is if they wille to terms with each other." Sounding helpless seeing that his master could hurt himself just by reaching for his tea, still, Lyrick Jiang was more intrigued by how those two coulde to terms.


    Knowing Aubrey Ning''s personality and his savior the goddess of hope and wisdom, Lyrick Jiang was more willing to watch how Lexi would deal with Aubrey Ning than he anticipated his master''s official take over.

 Chapter 289 Anyway, please ready the washboard later.

    <h4>Chapter 289 Anyway, please ready the washboardter.</h4>


    Ethan Lu nced at Lyrick Jiang as if he was an idiot or braindead with his "real" question. Although Aubrey Ning was indeed sometimes¡­ or rather, had a natural overbearing aura, Ethan Lu would not even hint at the woman about the showcase if he didn''t have something in mind.


    "Does it matter if theye to terms?" Arching his brows, Ethan Lu carefully reached for the cup of tea that was ced on the table and this time, he turned his seventy percent focus on it so he wouldn''t scald himself. "Though, it would also be nice if my bundle of joy could make a deal with her¡ª that''s a win-win situation for everyone."


    "Huh?" Puzzled at the most unexpected response from his master, Lyrick Jiang knitted his brows in confusion. What does Ethan Lu mean by that? Didn''t he hint at Aubrey Ning about the said trade show because he wanted to help Lexi? Surely, Ethan Lu''s response this time was too vague to understand in just a short amount of minutes.


    "Tsk tsk," Clicking his tongue after taking a sip from the soothing tea, Ethan Lu blew the steam freely escaping from the cup. "Did you think my initial agenda was for them toe to terms? Tsk tsk, Rick you really disappoint me." Sounding disappointed, Ethan Lu resumed taking sips of tea.


    "Master, can you please enlighten me? I truly don''t understand. Even when you hinted to Miss Ning to drop by to the event doesn''t make sense to me." Curious to the core, Lyrick Jiang refrained his eyes from sparkling as his curiosity was nowpletely piqued. He wouldn''t be able to sleep unless Ethan Lu would fill him in on the details¡ª he even neglected to notice at how Ethan Lu lovingly addressed Lexi with different endearments.


    "My, my, why would I tell you? Consider this as my revenge for betraying me." He was slightly shaking his head sideways, Ethan Lu heaved a heavy sigh as if he was the one being wronged and appeared as if he was being forced to shut his mouth.


    "But, be thankful that I am a very kind person, so I''ll give you a hint: knowing Miss Ning''s personality, even if I told her about the event, she wouldn''t mindlessly make a deal even if I tell her to¡ª what a prideful woman." Languidly leaning his back against the executive chair, Ethan Lu relished himself as he took a break from his work and enjoyed this cup of tea.


    ''Miss Aubrey Ning¡­ let''s see if you can be useful to me or not. I hope you won''t disappoint me.'' The corners of Ethan Lu''s lips curled upward, revealing a sly smirk. He didn''t mind whether Lexi could make a deal with Aubrey Ning or not¡­ he just wanted Lexi to learn about the biggest turning point in the early stages of her career. Therefore, knowing Lexi, she would understand what he was trying to imply.


    "Anyway, please ready the washboardter." Raising his head to meet the dazed Lyrick Jiang¡ª swimming in his pool of thoughts, Ethan Lu ordered with a satisfied smile on his face. Upon seeing how his master was smiling while asking for his punishment stage to be ready, Lyrick Jiang thought that his master must have turned into a masochist!


    ****


    "Hehe, I must apologize in advance Miss Ning but exhibitor Yang was busy amodating me for a moment. I hope Miss Ning would understand." Unlike his leniency earlier, Benjamin Shao politely spoke¡ª indirectly telling the woman who was oozing with sex appeal to back off first.


    "But, I don''t understand¡ª not one bit at all!" Innocent yet taunting, Aubrey Ning dered as if she was being unjustifiably wronged as she ced her palms with her rather long, red-painted nails on her chest. Although the woman was wearing a fitted business suit, she still looked so alluring and curvy¡ª taking the business attire and making it much sexier than lingerie.


    That instant, the people who could only watch the two bigshots in the skincare industry somehow they saw a bolt of lightning shed between the two. On the other hand, Lexi could not be bothered how and why these two ended up in her group''s booth as her priority was to pull out the tampered facial cleanser.


    ncing at Nico Zhuang, fortunately, he seemed to have the same idea as her as their eyes met before Nico Zhuang nodded in understanding. He didn''t need to hear it from her or even see Lexi mouth her instructions as hepletely understood her top concern at the moment. Thus, without making a noise, Nico Zhuang faded from the crowd bringing the bottle of facial cleanser with him. He also brought out the rest of her facial cleanser in stock as he could not trust that there wasn''t any defect in those stocks as well.


    Lexi discreetly watched Nico Zhuang via her peripheral vision and could only sigh in relief when he was gone to god knows where. The most important thing right now was that the damn thing was now gone¡ª saving her starting career. She then shifted her gaze to She Du''s direction who was evidently fuming in anger inside her mind.


    ''Ste Du, now you''ve done it.'' Letting out a secret scoff, Lexi thought of a way to anger the unreasonable woman until she dies from insecurity. Hence, with that thought in mind, Lexi brightly smiled and altered her gaze from Benjamin Shao to Aubrey Ning who were still having a battle of deadly stares.


    "Mr. Shao, Miss Ning, why don''t I introduce to you about my product at the same time?" Breaking the battle of res between the two, Lexi picked up a bottle of another product from her bag. Fortunately, she forgot to unload her bag and still had the other facial foam she created that she had put her heart and soul into formting it was unintentionally with her at this moment.


    "If you are both interested, please take a seat." Gesturing them to take a seat on the small round table, Lexi politely invited them. For a minute, Benjamin Shao and Aubrey Ning showed their displeasure as both of them were unwilling to listen together as theypeted for Lexi''s attention. However, since both assumed that the other was interested, they would surelypete for this one product just because of their huge ego and pride. Of course, Lexi already thought about it that is why she had the audacity to invite the two together and didn''t choose who to amodate between the two of them.

 Chapter 290 Instant resul

    <h4>Chapter 290 Instant resul</h4>


    The onlookers could only gape their mouths even more in awe, the moment the two big shots agreed in unison and followed Lexi. Aside from awe, their gaze wasced with enviousness because these two surely had their eyes on Lexi''s product. It was just a matter of who would be Lexi''s pick to be partnered with in her business. Regardless, Lexi''s futurepany and great wealth were already set in stone.


    "Mr. Shao, Miss Ning, I will pass from the pleasantries and start introductions with my product¡ª may I?" Smiling, Lexi was pushing her luck and bluntly uttered as if she didn''t want to waste their time and hers as well for ttery.


    "Go on, dear." Raising her brows as a smile formed on the corners of her lips, Aubrey Ning was evidently pleased and had a good impression towards Lexi. Be it her demeanor or her straightforwardness, Aubrey Ning somehow liked her already. The only question in her mind was, was if her product could at least reach her standards or surpass her expectations?


    "Please," Gently nodding his head once, Benjamin Shao agreed as he understood Lexi''s intention and he actually preferred her to go on to the details of the product instead of going around in circles.


    "Thank you," Still bearing her politeness, Lexi then lifted an ubeled squeeze bottle that made the two frown in an instant. Yet, Lexi ignored their change of expression as she already expected this expression. "This is the beauty dr.''s own version of pure y facial cleanser..." Lexi started introducing her product with confidence. She exined all of the details and benefits of the organic product she formted herself.


    As she exined, Lexi dared to ask the two to try out her product which they willingly tested. Putting an ample amount on their hands, the two began rubbing their hands together to feel its texture. The y facial cleanser seemed to be like any other cleanser, the only difference with Lexi''s was they could feel a slight microscopic particle used as a scrub. It wasn''t rough but rather has a gentle feel about it which wasmendable.


    "Bentonite y had been used since a few thousands of years ago, but it had been currently underrated with all of the other types of skin care products that''s on the market. Therefore, only a few, I assumed that includes Mr. Shao and Miss Ning, had already known about the detoxifying effect of bentonite¡­" Lexi continued to exin the main ingredient of the product and how it was thoroughly made for the effect to be gentle on the skin without affecting the benefits of the main ingredient to be reduced. Lexi went on and on and focused on the vital points of the product. She made her exnation short yet precise without going around in circles.


    When she was done, she asked the two to rinse their hands which they agreed and followed her. The moment their hands were rinsed, the two bigshots marginally raised their brows as they dried their hands and rubbed them again at the same time. Seeing their reactions, Lexi smiled in satisfaction.


    "As you can feel, the moment you rinsed off your hands, your hands had felt smoother than ever¡ª an instant result that Beauty Dr.''s detoxifying facial cleanser offers." Lexi proudly dered with a polite tone and a smile.


    "It does have a nice feel to it¡ª it''s good." Agreeing with Lexi, Aubrey Ning continued to rub her hands together as if her skin was smoother than a baby''s bum cheeks. Surely, this instant result piqued her interest in the product and was impressed by the formtor.


    "I am interested." Without further ado, Benjamin Shao showed his interest in the product as he had been looking for the same product that his manufacturers were unable to satisfy him with thus far. Hence, for them to not waste timeplimenting the product, Benjamin Shao was up to fighting Aubrey Ning about this formtion.


    Lexi only smiled and didn''t show any signs of being thrilled as she gestured the two to return to their seats to continue their discussion at ease. Well, inside Lexi''s mind, since the two were already introduced to her baby, now was the time for them to talk about numbers. However, even though she was thrilled that these two legends were impressed, she knew for sure that talking numbers with them would be a headache. After all, both would surely try to rip her off with the price and offers¡ª Lexi wasn''t wrong because the moment they sat, the two were already taking their turns to speak.


    "Miss Yang, I am indeed interested in the product, however, may I ask, did you n to put it under your own brand or be a manufacturer? Which of the two?" Still blunt as ever, Benjamin Shao seemed to transform into a different person as he acted as the CEO and founder of Marble Belle while he uttered his inquiry and directly looked at Lexi. Meanwhile, Aubrey Ning didn''t speak as her questions were already asked. Hence, all she needed to do was to listen to Lexi''s response.


    "I nned to establish it under my ownpany and manufacture it as well." Without breaking her eye contact with Benjamin Shao, Lexi honestly responded. s, her response had made the two let out a faint snicker upon hearing her foolish answer.


    "No offense, Miss Yang. But, establishing it under your ownpany instead of being a manufacturer to either one of us isn''t a very good choice in my opinion. Yes, I understand your enthusiasm and expectation about the product but the thing is, if you made a deal with me or to Mr. Shao, we can assure you that you don''t have to be concerned about selling it as we already have our own stalls across the country¡ª even global distributors, we already have that. Saves you from running errands here and there as we canunch it as soon as possible under ourbel." Halting her chuckle, Aubrey Ning exined her insight about her ns. After all, being a manufacturer and rebrandingpany, Lexi would have to give up her own Beauty Dr, brand as it would ce her in a tight predicament. This time, even Benjamin Shao nodded his head in agreement as Aubrey Ning was urate on that.


    In his mind, Lexi only has one body¡ª she couldn''t do everything especially when she was just starting. Hence, in his honest opinion, with her skills in formtions, she would be a sessful rebrandingpany. But, she has to give up her own brand as it would conflict with her future clients.

 Chapter 291 Shes Dying From Insecurity

    <h4>Chapter 291 - She''s Dying From Insecurity</h4>


    Lexi remained silent as she listened to the rational and experienced businesswoman''s every word. She already knew that and she took no offense upon hearing her insight. After all, Aubrey Ning had to rely on her manufacturer when she was first starting out while she was the one in charge of selling it with her ownbel until it was recognized and was now one of the leading skincare brand owners. Lexi nced at Benjamin Shao and saw that he agreed on Aubrey Ning''s exnation as he nodded.


    "Miss Yang, in doing business, you have to focus your mind on one thing or you''ll only burden yourself with the slow growth of yourpany." Smiling, Aubrey Ning continued. Now, she understood Ethan Lu as to why he invited her into this ce and rmended Lexi Yang¡­ or so what she believed.


    Indeed, she was impressed by Lexi and she didn''t disappoint her with her formtion skills as she saw its potential. However, with her experience in the industry, though the product was indeed good, thepetition was fierce. With all the established brands in the market now, Lexi would have a tough time introducing hers while manufacturing them at the same time. Hence, with Aubrey Ning and Benjamin Shao before her¡ª a once in a lifetime opportunity¡ª Lexi must decide which direction she must take.


    "Miss Yang, how about I make you a deal?" Examining the unreadable front of Lexi that was not even giving them a clue that she was wavering or remaining adamant with her beliefs, Benjamin Shao proposed. Without waiting for her response, he continued. "I am interested in your product but since you still have no numbers to show about your sales and inventory¡ª I want to rebrand this pure y cleanser." It was clear as the day that Benjamin Shao was fond of her, hence, he was obviously pushing her to take the rebranding route.


    Of course, Lexi understood his meaning behind it as it wasn''t hard to guess. Meekly smiling, Lexi slowly opened her mouth as she already decided. "Thank you for the offer, Mr. Shao. I do appreciate it but I must refuse."


    Upon hearing her respectful refusal, both frowned in satisfaction. So, all this time, Lexi was still being foolish with her decisions, this was what ran inside their heads. If any beginner would have that offer, especiallying straight from Benjamin Shao, they would instantly ept that offer as it was a win-win situation¡­ maybe, a greater victory to a beginner as Benjamin Shao has an establishedpany.


    The curious bystander who from the very beginning eavesdropped on their conversation peered at Lexi with a ''are you crazy'' expression stered across their face at this moment. They were so sure that Lexi would ept the offer as it was a great deal. After all, every student''s agenda was a manufacturingpany. Hence, for a starter like them, being affiliated with one of the leading brands in the market right now would be a great headstart.


    "Hey, do you think Miss Yang lost her mind?"


    "What? Did I hear her right? She refused?" One from the booth nearby whispered in distress as she nced at Lexi with conflicted eyes.


    "Tsk tsk, of course, our Miss Yang is great and was certain that she could surpass anyone in the line!" Ste Du who despite hating to see Lexi stealing the spotlight, scoffed in disdain as she unreservedly uttered thements that were enough to reach the ears near her and the two big shots conversing with Lexi.


    She purposely said that out loud to tug at the pride Benjamin Shao and Aubrey Ning held and be displeased even more. After all, the reputation of the two was far too great in that no one in the same industry would try to go against them or humiliate them in public. Furthermore, some people from the media were already, watching Aubrey Ning and Benjamin Shao sit around the same table. Therefore, it was the perfect chance for Ste Du to start the mes and fan it.


    Whispers and murmurs grew louder upon Ste Du''s scandalousment. Others who didn''t like or didn''t know Lexi wavered and scoffed as they looked at her, they thought Lexi was just acting all high and mighty. Others who were rational enough remained neutral and only anticipated a good show as they epted the fact that theirs wouldn''t get the same deal. On the other hand, Lexi''s group who had a good amount of interactions with her, wanted to defend her. s, since they were close to where Lexi, Benjamin Shao, and Aubrey Ning perched, they chose to shut their mouths as to not add more noise going around.


    Still, they could not help but whisper their displeasure about Ste Du''s dauntlessness to start the fire that might affect Lexi''s future rtionship with these two brand owners.


    "Tsk, this Ste Du is purposely saying that."


    "She''s dying from insecurity so she won''t let the chance slide to nder Lexi."


    "Why was she even here in the first ce?"


    As the indistinct murmurs that didn''t sound well, Benjamin Shao asked bearing a frown. "Miss Yang, may I know your reason for refusal? I hope it''s not something to humiliate me."


    "Nothing like that, Mr. Shao." Ignoring the whispers going around, and the loud annoyingments from her number one basher, Lexi smiled as her gaze turned sincere towards Benjamin Shao. "As I said, I truly appreciate your wonderful offer and it excites me for a minute because I never expected to receive such a good offer in this trade show. Unfortunately, this might sound foolish but I want to remain steady on my beliefs and capabilities in my business."


    Lexi already knew that her ns were rather a hassle for a starterpany. However, she had faith in the products she made and to herself as a businesswoman. Moreover, being a manufacturer to these two wouldn''t put herpany in a good position in the long run as demands and betrayal might happen¡ª tossing her to the side when their contract ends or when they copied her formtions.


    There are tons of pros and cons in establishing her ownpany, the same as being a manufacturer. Hence, if she has to choose one, she would rather struggle to make things work with her ownpany and own brand.


    "I see¡­ Miss Yang, are you willing to hear my offer?" Meanwhile, as Aubrey Ning remained silent, she scrutinized Lexi''s front and an unreadable glint shed across her pair of monolid eyes. When Lexi shifted her gaze to her, Aubrey Ning didn''t waste a second and spoke. "I wanted to give you a deal¡ª an investment deal." She smiled as she raised her brows, giving her a knowing look.


    Aubrey Ning made sure that her voice was loud¡ª louder than the murmurs and whispers to shut them all up as it was already getting on her nerves. Moreover, for her to boast her wealth and ego towards her displeasedpetitor Benjamin Shao. Upon hearing her statement, the crowd fell into a stagnant silence before a loud roar ofmotion from her offer resounded across the whole venue¡ª garnering more onlookers around the booth.

 Chapter 292 Done Deal

    <h4>Chapter 292 Done Deal</h4>


    "An investment deal?"


    "Woah! I didn''t expect that especially from Miss Ning!"


    "Wait¡ª what? Did I hear her right? She''s topping Mr. Shao''s proposal?"


    One after another, eachment from the bystanders who were stunned silly upon hearing Aubrey Ning''s proposal resounded. Themotion after the brief silence caught the attention of others which made them go to the booth to know what it was about.


    Of course, questions and such followed to know the details of what was going on. Hence, the people who had been watching and eavesdropping since the beginning willingly answered every question that was thrown.


    On the other hand, Ste Du''s mood instantly turned gloomy as Aubrey Ning purposely made her voice even louder for everyone to hear. In her mind, Lexi must have already made a deal with the woman and this was only a show to boast to her and to everyone.


    Grinding her teeth, Ste Du dug her nails on her palms once again and this time, it dug so much deeper than before. A vicious glint shed across her pair of eyes as she thought of ways to sabotage Lexi. After all, for some reason, Lexi seemed to have found out that her initial product showcase was tampered.


    She didn''t know why and how but the important thing was that her n A miserably failed. Ste Du was certain that it shouldn''t be because of Nico Zhuang. After all, the chemical she input into it was only enough for the sensitive part such as facial skin for a reaction to instantly surface. Hence, parts like hands shouldn''t be any problem if only used once.


    "Miss Yang, since you are so confident about your product, I am willing to invest in yourpany but also, I want 25 percent of your equity. I will make yourpany skyrocket in the market with my connections... what do you say hmm?" Smiling brightly, Aubrey Ning didn''t restrain the offer that made everyone look at her with daze.


    25 percent equity?! Was she serious about it?


    Meanwhile, when Aubrey Ning ended herst remarks, Benjamin Shao let out a scoff. Surely, she wouldn''t be his toughestpetitor if she''s not this greedy and smart¡ª trying to take advantage of a starting entrepreneur.


    Unlike everyone else''s reaction, Lexi remained inexpressive as if she did give thought about the offer. However, she had already expected this kind of offer from Aubrey Ning. After all, Lexi wouldn''t admire such a smart woman in terms of business if she wouldn''t be willing to show such greediness. Still, that only showed that Aubrey Ning was indeed interested in her product to put such a stake on herpany¡ª she saw its potential.


    Smiling back, Lexi countered. "Miss Ning, I don''t think I can give up 25 percent of mypany. But, if you''re up for negotiations, I am willing to ept the deal with a lower percentage of equity."


    ''Huh, no wonder Mr. Lu was interested in her. She has potential and knows how to negotiate.'' Recalling her brief encounter with Ethan Lu, Aubrey Ning understood why he spoke about this event and specifically the name Lexi Yang came out of nowhere.


    "Then, how about 20 percent of your equity in exchange for my money and resources?" Liking this battle of offers, Benjamin Shao proposed that offer which irked Aubrey Ning internally. Still, Aubrey Ning managed to appear calm andposed as she pondered on Lexi''s counter.


    Once again, the crowd nearly dropped their jaws for lowering their offer of exchange in equity. Just what was Lexi''s product for them to show this greater interest? Moreover, they were doing this as if bidding in an auction fighting for a share in Lexi''spany in broad daylight! Not to mention, she was presenting a sample with no proper packaging orbel to entice the two yet, they showed no sign of hesitation on their eyes.


    "Miss Ning?" After giving Benjamin Shao a polite smile, Lexi shifted her gaze to his side where Aubrey Ning perched. Marginally raising her brows, Lexi shot her a knowing look as if asking her if she was willing to do a counter offer. Upon seeing Lexi''s audacity, Aubrey Ning chuckled in amusement.


    "17 percent, Miss Yang."


    "15 percent¡ª that''s myst offer." without blinking an eye, Benjamin Shao gave out another deal. None knew if he was truly interested in the product or was justpeting with Aubrey Ning. Regardless, whatever he has in mind, Lexi didn''t mind as it worked well on her part.


    "Alright, I can''t go lower than 12 percent. Take it or leave it." Ignoring Benjamin Shao''s obvious antics for sabotaging of her taking advantage of Lexi which surely wouldn''t happen in her opinion as Lexi seemed to know her business. Nevertheless, Aubrey Ning knew that with the products she had and would formte in the future, she would still gain even with low equity.


    Upon hearing that the percentage of the exchange share they were asking got lower than she expected, Lexi''s heart flutter in excitement. She almost forgot about Ste Du and what she did to her initial product showcase because what she did gave her a good result in the end.


    Looking at Benjamin Shao''s smiling front, Lexi meekly smiled back. "Mr. Shao, I appreciate your thoughtful offer but I would have to take Miss Ning''s offer," Lexi announced as she made a courteous and sincere bow to the man.


    Benjamin Shao only shrugged his shoulders in nonchnce as he already saw iting. Well, it was not like he lost something that big as Lexi''s starting business wouldn''t pose a threat to his already establishedpany. Moreover, making Aubrey Ning get a lower deal was already an achievement for him.


    "Haha, Miss Yang, I am looking forward to working with you." Slowly, Aubrey Ning stood from her seat¡ª at the same time with Lexi standing up.


    "It is my pleasure, Miss Ning." With that said note, Lexi and Aubrey Ning shook hands for a done deal and the rise of their partnership. The audience around them could only watch in envy and in awe as the two shook hands while Benjamin Shao disyed an entertained expression as if he didn''t mind not being picked.


    Nevertheless, soon, some media present raped the click button of their camera as they captured Lexi and Aubrey Ning shaking their hands together. To their understanding, this might be an unofficial partnership but still, it was a good article for these two bigshots in the rising global market of the skincare industry who''splicated rtionship was known to everyone. The fact that they sat around the same table just to fight and be part of Lexi''spany would surely make a good article.

 Chapter 293 A slip of the tongue

    <h4>Chapter 293 A slip of the tongue</h4>


    After exchanging a handshake, Benjamin Shao congratted Aubrey Ning and Lexi before excusing himself to roam around a few times. At the same time, some bystanders who envied Lexi, who made the first deal and a big one in their event dispersed, returning to their respective booths.


    On the other hand, Lexi let her teammates know that she would just assist Aubrey Ning for a while which they willingly epted without batting an eye. After all, Lexi was kind to them since the beginning and unlike her intimidating facial features, she had been a pretty reliable leader ever since the beginning. Therefore, watching her product for a while wouldn''t be a burden as they already know the benefits and uses of the ubeled product.


    Just as Lexi and Aubrey Ning exited the booth, Aubrey Ning watched the back of the retreating figure of Benjamin Shao before she shifted it to the woman beside him. Upon seeing Ste Du''s side profile, a smirk formed on the side of her lips.


    "Say, Miss Yang¡­ that woman beside Mr. Shao¡ª I wonder how you remained peaceful with her around." Casting Lexi a side nce, Aubrey Ning pointing her chin towards the group of Benjamin Shao going farther away from them.


    "Miss Du?" Knitting her brows a little, Lexi let out a faint chuckle upon hearing the assumption of Aubrey Ning. "She almost destroyed myst showcase." Unrestrained, Lexi bluntly uttered as she didn''t have any reason to lie in front of her idol. The two continued to take slow steps going to god knows where because Aubrey Ning wanted to chitchat with her new partner for a while.


    "Really? Is that why the one you presentedcks preparation?" Arching her brows, Aubrey Ning chuckled as she somehow guessed what happened. Seeing that Lexi only smiled and didn''t respond, Aubrey Ning could only shrug her shoulders.


    After some silence, Lexi, without turning her head to the side and remained looking ahead, she asked. "Miss Ning, no offense, when you had arrived at our booth, you seemed to know me. But, I am certain that we haven''t met even once and all my activities right now are not shared with the public."


    Chuckling as she knew this question woulde up, Aubrey Ning slightly shook her head sideways. "We haven''t but a certain man nted a seed of curiosity in me so, I made my research to know what you looked like so I could recognize you."


    "A man?" Arching her brows, Lexi could only think of a person who has the ability to get close to this kind of businesspeople; it was none other than her man, Ethan Lu.


    "Mhmm¡­ me and my old friend met at the same event and for whatever reason, he muttered that he knew an event that would interest me¡ª so here I am. I''m d I listened to him because I wouldn''t get to meet you now instead of the future." Recalling how Ethan Lu hinted to her about this event, she actually found it silly to doubt his words at first. After all, she thought that he was just ying with everyone at that time. Still, she could not take it out of her head as Ethan Lu or rather, the Lu Corporation would impose a threat if he indeed ventures into the skincare industry.


    "I see¡­" Nodding in understanding, Lexi pursed her lips on a thin line as she pondered whether to feel grateful to him or be a little annoyed.


    "He said that nowadays, he had been very interested in this industry especially because of the enormous growth of the global market and he found a good formtor¡­ you already know he was referring to you right?" ncing at Lexi''s solemn side profile, Aubrey Ning chuckled. "I don''t want to have another toughpetitor so I snatched the formtor he was eyeing if she/he was really good¡ª I''m d you didn''t disappoint me." Revealing her real agenda, Aubrey Ning didn''t know why she was saying this fact as they only had a verbal contract at the moment. Still, she was at ease around Lexi and trusted that she wouldn''t be so foolish as to make her an enemy.


    "Miss Ning, what do you mean?" Knitting her brows, Lexi assumed that Ethan Lu asked her to make a deal with her in exchange for god knows what. Hence, she felt a little down because she thought at the end of the day, she still relied on Ethan Lu''s connections.


    "What I mean is, Mr. Lu was foolish to have a slip of tongue and showed his interest in this industry and this event especially with me around because I tend to steal the opportunity." Covering her mouth by the back of her hand to not reveal her sly chuckles, Aubrey Ning exined without a hint of shamelessness. Surely, she could go lower just to safeguard herpany and to reduce herpetitors.


    Which also implies to Lexi. Aubrey Ning knew that despite Lexi''s scattered attention, she knew one day, her products would rise and the chance of parring to her and Benjamin Shao''s status right now was high. Hence, instead ofpeting with Lexi, she decided to be friends with her and ride on her rise and wealth¡ª it wouldn''t be too long when that happens.


    Upon hearing the shameless revtion of Aubrey Ning, Lexi''s sullen mood slightly lightened. She was d that her intention was just to steal her from Ethan Lu and he didn''t specifically ask her to have a deal with her.


    Also, even though the woman showed a glimpse of her dark side, Lexi didn''t let go of being her fan because being where Aubrey Ning was now¡ª she has to be more clever than the rest and if she needed to be cunning, she has to or else she wouldn''t rise from scratch. Moreover, she was moved to Ethan Lu''s unsaid message.


    The two continued to converse until Aubrey Ning excused herself as she still has to tend to business affairs and attend a big eventter. They didn''t talk about personal affairs and only focused on business matters. Hence, after exchanging calling cards to keep in touch and discuss possible dates of their signing a contract, Lexi sent Aubrey Ning off.


    When Aubrey Ning was gone, Nico Zhuang approached Lexi from behind. "Madam, all stocks are in the storage room¡ª I sent one to yourb so it could be checked in to someone for an instant result for us to know what kind of chemical was in it." Nico Zhuang discreetly reported that made Lexi nod her head as a vengeful glint shed across her pair of nut-brown eyes.


    She would not let this matter slide and would surely engrave this matter in her heart. After all, if she didn''t forget to unload her bag and was unable to present a product, her career would not just end but a bad reputation would be her title.


    "Go back to the booth. I''ll check the stocks myself." Leximanded and without waiting for his response, she turned and headed to the stockroom where Nico Zhuang hid her babies.

 Chapter 294 The Old Master is here

    <h4>Chapter 294 The Old Master is here</h4>


    When Lexi arrived at the storage room, she immediately searched where Nico Zhuang hid her products. At the corner under a pile of empty boxes, Lexi finally found what she was looking for. She picked up one of the facial washes and her grip tightened causing it to tremble.


    Aside from the fact that her chance ofunching her products was almost destroyed, Lexi was more irked of the fact that another hand dared to touch her creations and harm it. She treated her products as her own child, hence, one would know the rage of a mother building inside her.


    At first, she wanted to try out the product to know if the problem was indeed in the product or it was just Nico Zhuang. However, with the thought of being pregnant, Lexi shrugged off the idea as it might harm her and the uncertain seed in her belly. Although Lexi hadn''t tested if she was pregnant or not, she didn''t want to know for now.


    She wanted to finish this showcase and Ethan Lu''s big event before going under a pregnancy test. Nheless, Lexi had been more careful and refrained from pushing her limits. She had been scheduling her time for work andpletely rested when she''s home¡ª not bringing any more paperwork at home. After all, whether she was pregnant or not¡­ or rather, whether she was ready to confirm her pregnancy or not, she wanted to take care of her body not to harm anyone; if there was a fragile human inside her.


    "Don''t worry¡­ I will surely avenge you guys in the future." Putting down the facial wash back to the box, Lexi swore to find justice for them. She knew that there''s a slim chance for her to get back at Ste Du, however, since they are on the same line of work, there woulde a day that she would be able to teach that unreasonable, dumb girl a lesson.


    The rest of the day continued smoothly. Thank the heavens, after Lexi''s deal with Aubrey Ning, Ste Du didn''t drop by again as she bossed around her group mates to represent her products. Regardless, Lexi didn''t care as she only gave her an intimidating eye contact as a warning not to push her luck today. Moreover, Ste Du managed to entice Benjamin Shao for a deal. Still, their contract wasn''t any better than Lexi''s as Ste Du had to loan from the said man with eye-twitching interest and equity share of herpany.


    Finally, the event came to an end and almost all of Lexi''s teammates gained a few contacts and deals while the ones whose products didn''t have any specialty, Lexi invited them to work in herpany as she trusted these people and she needed more people as she knew that after this day, herpany would officially start its operation.


    ****


    Inside Lexi''s car, Nico Zhuang furrowed his brows because unlike her habit, she asked him to drive her home. Not just that, Lexi perched on the back seat and not in the front passenger seat. It was not that he minded or not but for some reason, he was intrigued by this sudden change of habit. After all, Lexi preferred to be an independent woman who likes to do everything herself even driving.


    "Nico, wake me up when we''re home¡ª I''ll rest first." Yawning, Lexi decided to rest as she finally has a moment before attending Ethan Lu''s official take over in the Lu Corporation. Moreover, she was really sleepy, she had been fighting it off since earlier. Hence, ignoring the obvious nce of Nico Zhuang from the rear mirror, Lexi repositioned herself to afortable position to nap.


    "Okay¡­?" Nodding in understanding, Nico Zhuang raised his brows as he shrugged his question for if she was alright or not. After all, Lexi had been working hard and perhaps, it was taking a toll on her.


    With that said remark, Nico Zhuang began maneuvering the car at a slow speed so as to not disturb his master. Indeed, Nico Zhuang already switched sides and chose Lexi as his master¡ª making Ethan Lu as the mistress instead. Furthermore, they have all the time in the world and would reach the event with the time they had. Therefore, Nico Zhuang didn''t hesitate to reroute and avoid bumpy roads and traffic jams.


    Soon, they reached Ethan Lu''s vi. However, seeing numerous vehicles parked outside and men surrounding the ce, Nico Zhuang''s eyes widened. Slowly, he shifted the gear to reverse as he knew it would not be good to proceed. s, just as their car was moving backward, another car came rushing and came into a full halt behind them¡ª bumping them a little and giving a little impact inside Lexi''s car.


    That very instant, Lexi woke up as she held onto the door handle to avoid herself from being thrown in the front. Without knowing what happened, Lexi''s initial reaction was to scold Nico Zhuang. "Nico! What are you doing?! Can''t you be careful?!" Aggravated at the sudden impact, Lexi red at the front but seeing that Nico Zhuang remained stoic while staring at the rear mirror.


    Subconsciously, Lexi followed his gaze and looked to her behind. There, a car was behind. Lexi then scanned her gaze and saw that they were already in front of Ethan Lu''s vi. The moment she saw quite a few numbers of vehicles parked around and men in suits, Lexi''s heart raced a little.


    "Madam, the old master is here." Cold and emotionless, Nico Zhuang reported as he didn''t break his stare from the car from behind. It was as if Nico Zhuang wasn''t just looking at the car but the person maneuvering inside.


    That instant, his aura drastically changed into killing intent as his grip on the steering wheel tightened¡ª ready to snap it in half. Still, his top priority was Lexi and her safety. After all, the old master was very unpredictable and no one knows what he might say or do to Lexi.


    To him, it was probably something about Ethan Lu''s official take over. Thus, Edward Lu would now make his move to meddle with the new master''s personal affairs. If that happens, not only would it affect Lexi but the whole Yang family would be implicated.


    "Madam, will you put your seatbelt on, please? We have to avoid the old master and let Master know about this." Asking in a polite yet resolute tone, Nico Zhuang nced at her through the rear mirror. s, the moment heid his eyes on Lexi, he saw a different aura of Lexi as if she would kill a person.


    "Avoid? No. Move ahead. The old master of the Lu family¡­ he wouldn''t make this grand visit just to let us go. Also, I can''t let this slide¡­ trying to harm me,"


    ''And my uncertain child.'' The rest of her sentence was finished inside her head. Although she didn''t know yet if she was pregnant or not, Lexi had enough of people trying to harm her children¡ª her products and now, the unsure baby in her womb.

 Chapter 295 Canst serve two masters

    <h4>Chapter 295 Can''st serve two masters</h4>


    Nico Zhuang turned his head to the back passenger seat to rify what he saw. The moment he saw the zing fire within her pair of eyes, Nico Zhuang let out a heavy exhale before repositioning himself and shifted the gear from reverse to drive.


    "Yes, Madam." With that said note, Nico Zhuang proceeded to head forward¡ª entering Ethan Lu''s vi. Even without scanning around, he could sense the guards outside following their slow-moving car until it stopped.


    Taking his time, Nico Zhuang unbuckled himself and jogged to open the back passenger seat. Although he doesn''t normally do this as Lexi would exit the car without anyone''s help. However, this time, Lexi remained seated in the back passenger seat and waited for him to open the door for her. Hence, even without any orders received, Nico Zhuang did what he had to do.


    Truly, this man surpassed Lyrick Jiang on many different levels as his instincts fully understood Lexi. Perhaps, it was the three months they shared together as ssmates and partners that he got the gist of Lexi''s mood and her thought process. Regardless, she could also turn unpredictable whenever Ethan Lu was around.


    "Thank you," Slowly, Lexi got out from the car and she cast Nico Zhuang''s stoic front a brief nce as she said her thanks. Lexi then shifted her gaze towards the house without scanning the men outside guarding the residence.


    The house was surrounded by numerous guards and vehicles parked as if the president of the country came to drop by¡­ one could also be mistaken that there was a silent party going on inside if they didn''t know better.


    Without a word, Lexi took a step forward. One¡­ two¡­ three¡­ she took many slow strides towards the always bright house she had been living in the past three months. But now, the house was silent, emanating a dreaded aura. A Lion''s den. Hell.


    In her mind, this was probably the same aura in the main residence of the Lu family as Edward Lu''s presence was too strong, filling the whole vi with it. At that crucial moment, Lexi understood at that moment seeing a glimpse of Ethan Lu''s determination to cut ties with them as he had to grow up with this kind of atmosphere. Fortunately, he grew up as a nice guy¡­ or maybe not entirely.


    Her walk towards the entrance of the vi took longer than it normally does. Still, Lexi''s front remained inexpressive as her slow steps never faltered¡ª not even once. Soon, she stopped in front of the main door and without further ado, Lexi calmly entered their humble abode.


    Striding a little more, the moment she arrived at the living area, there, an old man wearing an un creased tux with a fedora hat and a cane resting on the side was leisurely sipping his hot cup of tea. Of course, if there are people present outside, there were also a few men standing on the inside; by the looks of it, even their blinks seemed to be calcted.


    For some reason, Lexi remained standing in her position and only scanned the whole ce without a word. Meanwhile, Nico Zhuang who followed behind her bowed his head without lifting it up when he saw Edward Lu enjoying his cup of tea.


    "I''m sorry foring uninvited, Miss¡­?" Gulping the small portion of tea he sipped, Edward Lu marginally raised his brows as he turned his head to Lexi''s figure. Scanning the woman he had been dying to meet, he nodded his head as his grandson surely didn''t disappoint him.


    "Yang; My name is Lexi Yang." Cold and emotionless, Lexi chillingly introduced herself and only bowed her head a little.


    "Nice to meet you, Miss Yang." Ignoring her displeasure, Edward Lu smiled as he nced at the man who was behind her, where Nico Zhuang was still bowing his head, yet, he didn''t ask him to raise his head as he shifted his gaze to Lexi again.


    "Take a seat?" he proposed.


    "Nico, stop embarrassing me¡ª raise your head." Seeing that Edward Lu ignored Nico Zhuang''s posture, Lexi locked her piercing gaze to Edward Lu as she ordered Nico to correct his posture¡ª ignoring his invitation as well.


    Upon hearing her dauntlessmand and ignoring his invitation upfront, Edward Lu raised his brows and looked at Nico Zhuang again to see if thisd who was raised under the Lu family system would listen to an outsider. After all, almost all of the new generations of the guards in the family were raised and sponsored by them. It was akin to raising a dog in the house to be obedient.


    Meanwhile, sweat began to break on Nico Zhuang''s back as he nced at Lexi and then to Edward Lu who was directly looking at him with amusement. Why was Lexi purposely cing him in a tough position and boldly going up against Edward Lu? God knows that this old master of the Lu family was not to be messed with as he wouldn''t be the family head for the longest time if he was easily dealt with.


    "Nico, don''t make me repeat myself. Remember you are with me now." Sensing the reluctance of Nico Zhuang who had been very obedient and reliable on her side, Lexi uttered. She didn''t move a muscle and wee Edward Lu, as if the only person on her side now would remain bowing like a fool.


    ''You can''t serve two masters at the same time, Nico. You have to choose now.'' She spoke inwardly as she also did it to test Nico Zhuang''s loyalty to Ethan Lu. After all, if Nico Zhuang would still listen to Edward Lu, then, Ethan Lu would be nothing but a puppet to this old geezer.


    Altering his gaze once again from Edward Lu to Lexi, Nico Zhuang gritted his teeth as herst remarks and all of her words of wisdom in the past shed before his eyes. Hence, making up his mind, Nico Zhuang let out another faint exhale before raising his head and tugged his formal attire to straighten. The moment his face was revealed, his struggles earlier were already gone as his expression turned back to being stoic.

 Chapter 296 I want you out of his life...

    <h4>Chapter 296 I want you out of his life...</h4>


    Seeing that Nico Zhuang listened to herst persuasion, Edward Lu shortly nodded his head before slowly pping his hands. "Impressive, Miss Yang." Chuckling in between, Edward Luplimented her and her influence on this youngd.


    "Why don''t you take a seat and apany me for a while, Miss Yang?" Again, Edward Lu gestured and pointed to the couch across him where Lexi would take a seat.


    Relieved that Nico Zhuang listened to her under Edward Lu''s watch, Lexi nodded her head once and took unhurried strides towards the seat he pointed at. Lexi deliberately acted ording to her instinct and showed her displeasure about his intrusion and how they were halted outside. Hence, she wanted this man to wait.


    On the other hand, Edward Lu showed no sign of impatience. Rather, he watched her figure in amusement. No one in the Lu family aside from his dear gifted grandson would disrespect him so boldly. Surely, Ethan Lu''s unyielding attitude was contagious in the long run. Still, Lexi impressed him more and more; first, for deciding to face him, and then dering that Nico Zhuang was hers¡­ and now this.


    ''Heh, I wonder if my cute grandson is a bullied husband,'' He thought internally as he imagined Lexi bossing Ethan Lu around and making him do the household chores.


    As soon as Lexi sat down, she straightened her back and smiled, a smile that didn''t reach her ears. Meanwhile, Nico Zhuang stood behind not far away or too close to her. His distance was enough to make her feel his presence.


    "I''m sorry to keep you waiting, Chairman Lu." Slightly bowing her head, Lexi apologized. Her tone was indiscernible if she was truly sincere or not. Still, no one spoke a word about it. Edward Lu raised his hand and as if on cue, one of his men moved and served tea for her.


    "Rx, Miss Yang. I came here because I want to chat with you for awhile¡ª tea?" Unfazed by her unreadable gaze, Edward Lu calmly offered and the guard ced a cup of hot tea for her.


    "Thank you," Thanking him, Lexi didn''t reach for the cup of tea as she had gotten a whiff of the aroma and it''s certainly not the ones that her mother gave them. Although she wasn''t thinking about any ill intent as she believed that Edward Lu wouldn''t just put anything in it. Still, since she had been taking extra precautions about her uncertain pregnancy, Lexi had been a little picky about what she was putting in her system.


    "Hmm? Why don''t you have any tea? Did you think there''s poison in it?" Innocently tilting his head to the side, Edward Lu inquired with a gleeful smile. For some reason, as Lexi stared at the old man a little longer, he somewhat looked-like the older version of Ethan Lu. Well, Ethan Lu had his grandfather''s eyes and smile after all.


    "Nothing like that, Mr. Chairman. I only drink tea made by my mother so, I apologize if it came off that way." Bearing the same smile, Lexi courteously responded this time.


    "I see¡­ your mother must have been good at creating her teas. Maybe, if I get more luck in this lifetime, I can have a taste of it¡ª I like tea." Waving his hands off, Edward Lu gestured that there was no offense taken and he fully understood her reasoning. Appearing to be d, Lexi only nodded her head once as a response.


    "Anyway, how have you been Miss Yang? My grandson was too secretive and a cheapskate because he never let any information about you to slip¡ª that brat!" Since Lexi seemed she wouldn''t strike a conversation with him or was she trying to get into his good graces, Edward Lu started a conversation instead. However, being reminded of Ethan Lu''s extreme measures whenever he sent one man to know his hidden woman, his tone escted quickly.


    "I am doing good, Chairman Lu. Thank you for asking. I hope Chairman Lu was also well." Chuckling at his abrupt change of emotion, Lexi responded. Yet, the first impression she had of him remained unscathed.


    "Hehe, I''m sorry. Whenever I am reminded of my grandson, I can''t help my temper to rise." Edward Lu heartilyughed to his slip of temper. Well, he was d that at least, Lexi finally had a change of expression as he was afraid this would turn boring.


    "He has the ability to do that to others." Recalling how her blood boils sometimes to Ethan Lu''s antics, Lexi could not help but humor the old master of the Lu family.


    "Aiya, aiya, at least, someone can rte to my struggle to that brat." Shaking his head, Edward Lu heavily sighed his frustrations. After all, if Ethan Lu was like a ruthless beast to the rest of the Lu family members, he would turn abnormal whenever he was in front of his grandfather! Therefore, Edward Lu would rather wish to enjoy the scenery on the beach with girls walking in bikinis instead of talking to his heir if it was not necessary.


    For some reason, both built a faint connection as they talked about Ethan Lu and the stifling atmosphere turned a little lighter. Still, their agendas in mind and Lexi''s impression remained in one piece. After a few exchanges of goodughs about the oblivious Ethan Lu, Edward Lu finally felt impatient as Lexi wasn''t asking anything.


    "Miss Yang, aren''t you curious as to why I am here?"


    "Chairman Lu, I am. However, who am I to question the head of the Lu family?" Shrugging off the momentary connections she had with him, Lexi returned to her demeanor earlier.


    She purposely called him Chairman as Ethan Lu hasn''t officially taken over thepany and it would only be proper to address him like that. Moreover, her addressing him like that would draw a line between them because no matter how much Ethan Lu loves and treasures her, to Edward Lu, she was a mere outsider.


    "Hehe, Miss Yang, you are good with your words." Nodding in satisfaction, Edward Lu''s impression towards her leaped another stage. Clearing his throat and going back to his solemn self, Edward Lu smiled.


    "Well, I will make it simple and short, Miss Yang. I want you out of my grandson''s life." Bearing the same smile¡­ the same tone as if he was merely asking an easy request, Edward Lu said without blinking nor his words even faltering.

 Chapter 297 The glimpse of the Lu family system

    <h4>Chapter 297 The glimpse of the Lu family system</h4>


    [Lu Corporation]


    "Master!" Abruptly entering Ethan Lu''s office, Lyrick Jiang called out that made him jolt from his seat and instinctively closed hisptop¡ª preventing his assistant from knowing that he was arguing with one of the EliXi fans.


    After all, there was another article that was linking the oblivious duo to her busy schedule Lexi to Elliot Gong. On the unclear photo that was taken during night time, a man''s back with Lexi''s back as if the two were going inside a car. Since Lexi''s side profile could be easily discerned, the man, on the other hand, was wearing a hat.


    No one guessed who it was until one fan linked the hat that Elliot Gong wore in one of his interviews about his new single that wasing out. It looks exactly the same, therefore, crazy shippers were all hyped that they even coged a picture of that almost gone rumor pic and Elliot Gong''s screenshot on the interview.


    s, although it looked exactly the same, how dare these shippers assumed that it was Elliot Gong that was with Lexi and not him?! Despite Elliot Gong saying in his interview that he was just good friends with Lexi, other fans still insisted?! Some evenmented that they should confirm their rtionship and get married!


    God knows that Ethan Lu fought with these fans in the middle of his work and much fiercer than when he was arguing with the troublesome Lu family at that. Therefore, his mood waspletely sullen as he was in character as "Lexinumberonefan" as his username and Lyrick Jiang just abruptly intruded inside his office without short notice.


    "What?!" Grinding his teeth as if he was ready to bite him at anytime, Ethan Lu bellowed to the pale and sweating assistant. Lyrick Jiang immediately closed the door behind him and rushed in front of his desk.


    "Woah, Woah! Calm down!" Seeing how panic-stricken his assistant was, Ethan Lu pushed his chair a little by his feet and raised his hand leveling his shoulder.


    "Master! The old master is in your vi!" Without further ado, Lyrick Jiang announced while sweating a bucket as if he ran a marathon.


    "Ha?!" Confused and distraught from going back to his Ethan Lu character, his cloud of thoughts disyed hundreds of question marks.


    "Madam was also there! Old Master brought all of the elite shadows!" rifying his report, Lyrick Jiang said in one go. However, seeing that Ethan Lu only knitted his brows as if taking his time processing his words, Lyrick Jiang turned more aggressive and snapped his master back to wherever his mind was wandering.


    "Master!"


    "I said calm down." ring daggers to his assistant, Ethan Lu frowned as he heard him clearly. Pulling out one of the storage drawers in his desk, Ethan Lu picked up a phone. Without a word, he was calm andposed, Ethan Lu onlyposed one number and then sent it to an unknown contact number.


    "Hehe, don''t worry. My sweetest love that was so beautiful and mesmerizing than any scenery in the world can handle my old man. Well, doing extreme measures would still help though." Grinning, Ethan Lu finally had a way to vent out his frustrations. Moreover, he was certain that Edward Lu wouldn''t really harm Lexi in any way.


    His grandfather wouldn''t be that foolish to test him and see his beloved Lu family go bankrupt along with all the graves of every family member beside him.


    *****


    Meanwhile¡­


    Upon hearing the words Lexi had been expecting, a faint, harmonizing chuckle escaped her mouth. She already foresaw this scene that could only be seen in dramas. Still, who would have thought that she would experience this in real life as well?


    "Pardon me, Chairman Lu." Covering her lips by the back of her hand, Lexi apologies while shaking her head.


    "Hehe, I always wanted to say that as I only watch it in dramas." Humoring her, Edward Lu heartily chuckled in glee while his hand held onto his stomach. s, after a second, hisughs came into a full halt as his gaze returned to her.


    "I can give you anything as long as it is within my reach, Miss Yang. Money that can let you live without worry until your hair is gray just like mine; property, anything¡ª just leave my grandson." unting his wealth and influence, Edward Lu graciously proposed and scrutinized her front.


    "Oh?" Arching her brows, Lexinguidly crossed her legs as she showed interest in his offer.


    "Yes, just say it and you got it."


    "Then, Mr. Chairman, are you willing to transfer all your shares in the Lu family?" Tilting her head to the side, Lexi smiled as an unreadable glint shed across her eyes.


    "Miss Yang, I said as long as it was within my reach." Chuckling at her silly request, Edward Lu lightly shook his head.


    "Then, I am afraid we have no deal Mr. Chairman." Without blinking an eye, Lexi remained courteous as she replied. She never once turned her gaze away from him as she added and her smile faded without a trace.


    "Master Lu, this mighte as an offense but I will have to apologize in advance. Your reluctance for giving up yourpany is the same as my feelings to your grandson¡­ maybe, much stronger than that. So, even if everyone would give me all of their wealth in the world, I will always choose him over anything or anyone¡­ even if you disown him without a dime."


    "HAHAHA!" Upon hearing her response, Edward Lu burst outughing. Hisughs were too uncontroble that he mmed his palms on the armrest of the couch several times. "Good! Really good!" In between his loudughs, Edward Lumented.


    "Phew!" Recovering from bursting out inughter, Edward Lu wiped the formed tears from the corner of his eye.


    Just then, one guard from behind him pulled out a pistol and aimed towards Edward Lu''s head. The guard''s action of course, sent out rming signals to a few guards present and immediately, pulled out their own guns towards the man. At the same time, half of the guards pulled out their weapons and aimed them towards the guards who were pointing their muzzles to the one behind Edward Lu.


    This scene finally broke Lexi''s calm front as her eyes slightly widened¡ª lost in the turn of events. Meanwhile, Nico Zhuang was just as shocked as her as one of the guards audaciously aimed his gun towards the old master.


    Perhaps, the only person who wasn''t surprised by this was Edward Lu as he continued to wipe the tears on the side of his eyes.


    "Hehe, well, you see Miss Yang, I came here because I really want you out of my grandson''s life¡ª not for his sake but for you. Still, having a chance that you would refuse, I also wanted to test you and¡­" Pausing in his statement, Edward Lu nced at the guards pointing their guns to each other¡ª ignoring the one on his back.


    "... and, to show you how it is to be in our Lu family and what kind of man you are going to be with." With a grin, Edward Lu und his facade as an intimidating aura slowly seeped out from within him.

 Chapter 298 This is... Ethans doing?

    <h4>Chapter 298 This is... Ethan''s doing?</h4>


    Hisst remarks were akin to a real resounding p¡ª it could also be as if Lexi was sshed by cold freezing water upon hearing the old man''sst remarks. Her gaze slowly moved around¡ª to these seemingly mute men pointing their guns at each other and to Edward Lu.


    Suddenly, thest person her eyesid on moved his gun and pointed at her which made her swallow a mouthful of nothing. It was the first time someone raised a real gun on her, hence, Lexi was momentarily mortified by this scene, as she remained looking at the inexpressive guard on the side.


    Meanwhile, upon seeing that his senior aimed his gun to Lexi, Nico Zhuang gritted his teeth as he swiftly pulled out a tiny and thin small dagger and then without any second dy, he threw the small weapon and scratched the man''s cheeks before embedding on the wall faster than lighting.


    "Haha! This youngd is quite impatient." Heartilyughing while slowly pping his hands, Edward Lu seeminglyplimented as his gaze caught the zing fire within Nico Zhuang''s pair of eyes. It was a me of fury that a loyal servant has when his master faced a threat.


    "Well, well, why don''t we calm down here people?" Retracting his gaze away from Nico Zhuang, Edward Lu raised his hands and moved his fingers in an upward and downward motion to ease the building tension inside the house.


    "It''s not like I came to harm Miss Yang¡ª that brat surely wanted to give this old soul a heart attack!" Shaking his head, Edward Lu let out a heavy sigh as he lightly patted his chest as if his health was experiencing instability.


    "He should have known that if I don''t like Miss Yang, she would have been long ago... resting like a princess sleeping six feet under the ground without her knowing¡ª why cause so much ruckus when I just yearn to meet my future granddaughter-inw!" Adding to his remarks, Edward Lu unreservedlyined without showing any sign of fear in thew.


    Still, aside from the old man''s voice, only the ticking of the wall clock was heard when he was doneining about Ethan Lu''s extreme precautions! He even dared to order these men, that already sided to him and swore their fealty to the new headmaster, to raise their guns on him! What an unfilial child!


    Massaging his temples, Edward Lu felt aggravated as he leaned his already curved back against the sofa''s backrest. "Aiya, I should have dyed my transfer of shares a few dayster so he wouldn''t have the audacity to do this to his old man!" Edward Lu went even more sidetracked as he reflected on his wrong decision days ago. He nearly forgot what he was about to say to Lexi as he was tempted to hang his grandson on the rooftop of the Lu Corporation¡ª butt naked as a punishment.


    s, he couldn''t do that anymore, could he? After all, Ethan Lu was already a grown man and not the immature, headache of a yboy that reminded Edward Lu about his younger self.


    "Master Lu..." Recovering from her earlier shock and Nico Zhuang''s violent retaliation, Lexi loosened her tight grip on the armrest as her gaze locked towards the distressed Edward Lu.


    "... this is, Ethan''s doing?" Referring to the supposed peaceful conversation that quickly escted to pulling out deadly weapons, Lexi rposed herself and managed to ask calmly.


    "Eh?! Isn''t it obvious, Miss Yang? Why did you think theseds would have the guts to raise their toys at me?" In a matter of fact tone, Edward Lu snorted as if there wasn''t a gun pointing behind his head.


    ''It''s him...'' Inside her mind, Lexi had mixed emotions regarding this. It was not that her feelings wavered or she was having second thoughts on being with him. Her emotions were rather a mixture of so many emotions that she wanted to rush her way to him and give Ethan Lu the warmest hug she could offer.


    ''No wonder he told me he has to be wicked...'' Recalling Ethan Lu''s words from several months ago, Lexi was reminded of the expression that was stered across his face when he told her those very words.


    He was afraid... now, she understood why he had such a reaction as the scene before her eyes... in just a second, anything could happen and this house would turn into a bloodbath.


    "Why...?" Clenching her jaw, Lexi raised her gaze as she looked at the old man across her again.


    "Why? It''s because he thought I was gonna harm his woman, tch. Such a paranoid abnormal of a guy¡ª oh!" As Edward Lu badmouthed his grandson, a sudden realization struck him that made his pair of eyes light up before letting out another set of loudughs that bounced through every corner of the vi.


    "That cheeky brat! HAHAHA!" mming his palm on the armrest, Edward Lu''sughter grew louder and louder until his gleefulughter turned into a series of painful dry coughs.


    "My, my, I am really at a loss with that cute grandson of mine! He never disappoints me! Haha!" Unlike his badmouthing and killing scenarios inside his mind, Edward Lu''s attitude had aplete 180-degree change! Instead of curses, he was now praising Ethan Lu to the heavens.


    "No... why would you raise him in such an environment?" Ignoring whatever happened to the old man, Lexi cleared her earlier question as she didn''t care whatever reasons he had to do such extremes.


    A touch of pain shed across her nut-brown orbs as her brows slightly creased. She could imagine Ethan Lu, her better half''s struggles and pressure just to live on a day to day basis.


    Surely, one shall not judge people from the outside as they have zero clue what''s happening behind closed doors. Although Lexi was certain that Ethan Lu has had his good days, still, the scene that shook her to the core... did the young Ethan Lu have to witness this from time to time?


    Had he already witnessed someone''s eyes dimming from this life? Knowing him, his strong determination to get out of his sick family, the word hate must have been an understatement. Still, in the end, he chose to go back to his family because... was it because of her?

 Chapter 299 I root for you~!

    <h4>Chapter 299 I root for you~!</h4>


    "Ah??" Tilting his head to the side as he witnessed a clear despised look surface on her front looking directly at him, Edward Lu raised both his hands¡ª conceding defeat.


    "Why you say? Because I did not have a choice." Responding with something that should be the obvious answer as it was an easy guess, Edward Lu mildly shook his head in slight disappointment.


    "Our Lu family has always been like this... chaotic! If I raise my heir with pampering love instead of how to survive, I am afraid we would not be talking to each other right now because maybe, I would still be the family head without an heir." Being reminded of his main agenda, Edward Lu decided to walk her through, to a glimpse of how the family she was about to enter really was. Well, he was doing Ethan Lu a favor as well as it seemed it was also his desire.


    "You see Miss Yang, my little TanTan might have been rebellious in the past. *sigh* I don''t want to remember all the headaches he caused me in his teenage and early twenties days. Anyway, the reason why I let him have the freedom he wanted was because, once you are a Lu Family member, always will be a part of our family. Do you know crime family rules? We sort of have those kinds of rules but fewer crimes alright?" Deeply sighing as he reminisced about the immature Ethan Lu, Edward Lu could not help but shake his head again. Still, he continued to exin the basic foundation of their family system.


    Seeing that Lexi remained silent as she listened to him, Edward Lu calmly resumed. "No matter how free a family member felt while he/she''s away from us, they would be and always wille back whether by force or on their own volition. Don''t frown, Tantan already knew that, so don''t me yourself that he returned to the devil''s den because of you... though, half of his reasons were probably because of you, but at least, it''s not a hundred percent your fault." Trying to make her feel a little better as Lexi''s worries were as clear as day, Edward Lu still ended up being honest even though that had sabotaged his own nicety.


    "You understand what I''m saying, Miss Yang? No matter how free my grandson was before meeting you, he knew deep down, he would end up in the Lu family again. So, all the wasted nights partying to his heart''s content and endless dates... he did as much as he could since he dered to me before, that he would not have a child of his own. Hehe, that''s why I was shocked when he asked for my blessing for marriage." Still silent, Edward Lu''s half of a statement were the ones that were really relevant in this conversation while the rest were just his ownments as he could not help but to tattle non-stop, especially if he had all the time in the world to chitchat.


    "That also implies towards you. Once you get yourself known to our family... once you step your foot inside the Lu territory... there''s no turning back. The only escape is..." Pausing in his exnation, Edward Lu gestured for her to look at the guns still raised by their holders.


    "Death. Not just you but also, you will also implicate your whole family. Though I am sure that they will only live in the lowest part of the society unlike what will happen to you. That is what me and my sly grandson wanted to tell you." With hisst remarks, Edward Lu grinned from ear to ear as he tattled on Ethan Lu''s sly move for using his visit and to take advantage of him without permission.


    "Ethan?"


    "Mhmm, you heard it right. He was asking you if you are still willing to hold his hand regardless of the scene before you right now. That sly brat! He should thank me for saying such lines in my age! Can''t he say that himself?! Taking advantage of my visit¡ª that little...!" Cringing in his owne up sentence [editor''s note: not sure exactly what your wanting to say here but it doesn''t make sense, let me know if you want me to change it or you just revise it], Edward Lu grumbled in annoyance that made him cough again. Surely, despite his age, Edward Lu was more talkative and full of vigor especially when he bad mouthed his grandson.


    Well, although Ethan Lu didn''t say or ask anything like that as his visit was only known to himself, Edward Lu had this realization earlier. After all, Ethan Lu would surely know his main agenda and knew him well enough to know that he wouldn''t harm Lexi just because he was in the mood. Therefore, after a quick pondering, old man Lu understood that Ethan Lu''s response was not because he wanted to intimidate him or unt his powers... but it was hisst question to her.


    Was she really going to be firm in her decision to be on his side despite knowing this side of him and the family he was in or would she let go of his hand after this? Perhaps, Ethan Lu would rather go home without her still in his ce than witness Lexi letting go of his hand. Perhaps, just that thought alone made him cower hence, he resorted to using such an idea and used Edward Lu as an excuse.


    Either way, Ethan Lu was willing to respect her decision no matter how painful or hard it would be for the two of them. After all, life in the Lu family wasn''t as easy as one, two, three.


    "Well, since I already said one-fourth of what I wanted to say and had forgotten the rest, I''ll take my leave first and let you think." Smiling genuinely, Edward Lu uttered as he nodded his head once.


    Grabbing the cane on the side, he slowly stood up. The guards that had raised their guns also lowered them and returned their weapons to where they were hidden without a trace. The guards that aimed at Edward Lu began to evacuate their posts as if nothing happened¡ª same with the few guards that were still on Edward Lu''s side.


    Halting in his tracks, Edward Lu turned around with his index finger erected in the air¡ª moving in a slow-motion before pointing to the already cold tea in front of Lexi. "By the way, throw that cup away¡ª it has poison in it. That''s just one of the antics to be wary about when you decided to be part of our family. Also, I hope that you will be my granddaughter-inw because I root for you~! I like you." With that said note, Edward Lu resumed in his slow tracks with the assistance of his cane.

 Chapter 300 Reality

    <h4>Chapter 300 Reality</h4>


    Lexi didn''t send the old man off and remained silent until all of their footsteps headed out and engines from outside revved up and sped away. All the words that Edward Lu said had been engraved on her mind and traveled to her heart.


    She didn''t speak a word as her gaze stared down at the cup of tea that was said to have poison in it. Although Lexi was certain that Edward Lu would stop her from drinking it, if she did ept it, still, just how rotten was the Lu family system to take lives as if they were nothing?


    Also, Ethan Lu... did his grandfather''s surprise visit make him have second thoughts about her attendance to his official take overter? Surely, his way of asking was quite something in that Lexi would never have expected it. Ethan Lu, he just showed her what kind of man he has been hiding in front of her and the side of him she failed to clearly see.


    Raising a gun to his kin even without his presence¡ª Lexi was too used to the bubbly side of him that all of the worries and even understanding everything about his situation were reduced enormously by his smiling front. Although the thought that Ethan Lu was in a tight position and the Lu family wasn''t as clean as it was never once left her mind, the reality waspletely different from what she built in her head.


    The reality was a hundred times more terrifying.


    "Nico, I want some time alone please." Without breaking her gaze away from the cup of tea, Lexi lowly muttered.


    Nico Zhuang who remained silent as he stabilized his muddled mind nced at her upon hearing her order. Politely bowing his head, Nico Zhuang left without making noise to give her some space to think.


    Well, she still has time to think about the old master of the Lu family as what he said were all of the truths and nothing but the truth. No matter how harsh it maye off, Lexi would have to see this side of the Lu family and what kind of man Ethan Lu has been when he wasn''t in front of her.


    He just hoped that whatever decision Lexi would end up making... he would still respect it as well and she would have been and would always be very suited to be the family matriarch that gained his full respect.


    ****


    [Lu Corporation]


    After shooing away the ever-persistent Lyrick Jiang, Ethan Lu could finally heave a sigh of relief as his assistant finally left his office. ncing at the closed door, Ethan Lu leaned his back against the executive chair and another heavy sigh escaped his mouth.


    Tilting his head back and staring at the ceiling with mellow eyes, a glint shed across his eyes, Ethan Lu slowly closed his eyes as another deep exhale came out from his nose.


    ''Love... sorry for being a coward.'' Ethan Lu apologized inside his mind as his message would surely be received by his grandfather.


    He never nned to do it. Actually, he wanted to be selfish and just drag Lexi to the world he was living in now. However, knowing his grandfather, he would surely parade the shamelessness of his beloved family around as if it was something to be proud of.


    Therefore, instead of rushing to his home, Ethan Lu decided to act this way and back up his grandfather''s obvious agenda¡ª by showing Lexi just how ruthless he could be.


    Still, it would be better that way because even if Lexi would decide that she didn''t want that kind of life with him... she could walk away before it''s toote. On the other hand, if she still decided to ept the man that she wouldn''t be able to recognizeter, Ethan Lu just thought of kneeling on the washboard with a happy heart for as long as she desired.


    Regardless, just the thought of not having her in his life pained him already. What more if it came to life? It would devastate him.


    ''Brother Mo... this must be what you felt before.'' Being reminded of Morris Liu''s decision, Ethan Lu finally understood his reluctance.


    Both of them loved her dearly hence, they wanted a peaceful life with her that she deserved. However, the only difference was that Ethan Lu didn''t want to push her away but gave her a choice if she wanted this kind of life with him; being surrounded by extreme schemes and bind them in the stupid  crime family rules.


    "Jeez..." Covering his already closed eyes with his arms, Ethan Lu rubbed his arm to wipe the building pool beneath his eyelids.


    For a moment, Ethan Lu felt mncholic to the extent of making him cry, just the thought of returning hometer without her things in his house anymore. Just the thought of waking up with an empty side of the bed, an empty house... just the remnants of her and all their memories together¡ª he felt bitter.


    Still, this has been and would always remain his fate. He had always known that one day, he would have to take over whether he liked it or not. It was just that, right now, his previous retaliation wouldn''t work anymore because he has someone he held dearly in his heart, that he would rather take this job as the Lu family head to give her a peaceful life than to return to the carefree world he was in before she pranced into his life.


    "Enough... I still have an argument to finish." Profusely wiping the leftover liquid in his eyes with his arm, Ethan Lu sniffed hard as he vigorously shook his head to clear his mind.


    He then opened up hisptop and was bombarded by the back up crazy shippers of the EliXi fandom. s, unlike his enthusiasm to argue earlier, Ethan Lu could not even read every message he received as he wasn''t in the mood anymore. Therefore, instead of replying to the tons of hate messages, he logged out and closed the tab before closing theptop.


    Just before he could think of what to do, his hand instinctively opened one of the drawers and revealed the small box on top of the properly arranged important documents. As his eyesid upon on it, his gaze softened as he picked up the small box.


    Opening it, the ring he had been dying to put around her finger... would he be able to do it? He stared at the beautiful, shining stone on it for a while before closing it and sliding it inside his suit pocket.


    Without a word, Ethan Lu jumped out of his chair and took his zer suit before he left his office. He wanted to clear his mind for a little bit and use a bit of distraction so he wouldn''t worry if Lexi would stille to his big eventter.

 Chapter 301 See you later, felicia~

    <h4>Chapter 301 See youter, felicia~</h4>


    Seeing that Ethan Lu abruptly exited his office without asking his assistant to ready his vehicle, Lyrick Jiang knitted his brows together. He watched his seemingly carefree boss draw closer to where his desk was. From what he recalled, aside from the paperwork that Ethan Lu was scanning and signing, he doesn''t have any meetings for the day.


    Moreover, all theirpany affiliates and all of the families that were close to the Lu family were all invited to his official take over. Hence, all business discussions could be discussedter or tomorrow as it should be a jubnt day for everyone¡­ or, that''s what the people that had attended should believe.


    "See youter, felicia~" Without a hint of anxiousness or worry, Ethan Lu grinned brightly as he waved his hand while passing by Lyrick Jiang''s desk.


    "Master!" Seeing that his boss was just leaving just like that, Lyrick Jiang abruptly stood up and unintentionally mmed his palms on the surface of the desk, sending tremors to the stacks of documents and hisptop lightly shook with the force that was exerted. "You are not running away, are you?"


    For some reason, Lyrick Jiang sensed that despite the ever-smiling lips and eyes of his boss, his instinct tells him otherwise. He knew, deep down, there was something wrong¡ª though unclear, he was worried that Ethan Lu was nning something else.


    "Jeez¡­" Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Ethan Lu red daggers at him as he peered at him with disdainful eyes. "Are you deaf or what? I said, see youter." Through his gritted teeth, Ethan Lu made sure to pretend to act naturally and speak in a manner to how he would normally respond to him.


    "Whatever, I just want some ''me'' time, alright? I''ll see you at the venue¡ª I won''t bete!" Waving his hand off in annoyance, Ethan Lu turned his back against the suspicious Lyrick Jiang and without further ado, he resumed in his tracks at a normal speed while sliding his hand inside his pocket.


    Watching the retreating back of his master, Lyrick Jiang''s front creased even more. Perhaps, his rtionship to his boss these past few months gave him the opportunity to know his master well¡ª even vaguely read him. Granted that Lyrick Jiang and his whole n had been serving the Lu family all of their lives, aside from what Ethan Lu had been showing him and everyone else, Lyrick Jiang thought that his boss was a stubborn guy who liked causing trouble.


    However, ever since that day¡­ the day that his master had his own reasons toe to the office on his own volition. Ever since he started meddling with the Lu family affairs, and when he revealed that he has someone to protect, Lyrick Jiang met more of his master¡ª more than what other people know about him.


    He wasn''t just a stubborn airheaded heir that other people deemed him to be, nor was he the brat that only wants all the luxuries in the world that Ethan Lu had been masquerading as for a very very long time. Rather, Lyrick Jiang met how deep of a man his boss really was. Hence, knowing this side of him, he could not help but worry about what his boss was thinking to give off this kind of odd vibe.


    "Aish¡­ I knew there''s something going on when we weren''t rushing to the Madam earlier despite the old master''s visit." Shaking his head and muttering his words along with a heavy sigh, Lyrick Jiang plopped down on his seat andnguidly pulled out his phone from his suit pocket.


    Speed-dialing a number, the line connected just as he ced the phone in front of his ears. "Master is taking a walk or a ride or whatever, don''t let your presence be known¡ª he hates it." with that said remark, Lyrick Jiang didn''t wait for the person to respond as he cut the line short.


    ncing in the direction where his master headed, Lyrick Jiang shook his head as his second priority resurfaced; gossip. Since he already gave the orders to safeguard the life of the new head of the Lu family, Lyrick Jiang tried to call Nico Zhuang''s number.


    s, as expected, it was declined. Thus, Lyrick Jiang made use of his brief free time to send Nico Zhuang a message. It says:


    [To: Captain Z


    Hey, answer my call¡ª it''s urgent! What happened?]


    Still, despite the fact that the message was sent and was even read, Nico Zhuang dared to heartlessly ''seen'' zone him! Surely, that cheapskate would at least give him a hint about what happened with the old master''s visit! He was also concerned you know¡­ aside from his curiosity about their conversation.


    *****


    Reading the chat of Lyrick Jiang, Nico Zhuang could not help but shake his head as his colleague seemed to forget to use the method of proper orders and reports if it was urgent. Nico Zhuang was certain that it was just Lyrick Jiang''s endless gossip thirst, hence, he knew that he didn''t need to give any of the details. After all, Ethan Lu already knew what happened and supported the old master''s move¡ª giving Lexi the choice to stay or leave.


    Just as Nico Zhuang slid his phone back into his pocket, the entrance door of the vi slowly opened¡ª revealing Lexi''s unreadable expression. Her gaze, that gave no emotion, immediatelynded on his delicate features.


    "Nico, I have to go somewhere¡­ don''t let me feel your presence as you follow me and keep my privacy between the two of us¡ª tell that to the others who are also watching over me from afar." With that said note, Lexi began taking slow strides as she picked up her keys from inside her handbag and pressed the unlock button of her car.


    "Yes Madam," Back to the basics, Nico Zhuang bowed his head and watched her car slowly sped away from him. When her car was moving farther away from him, he reached for his phone again and sent a short message to order the rest of his team to follow the madam without being noticed.


    "I wonder where she is heading¡­" He muttered before another speeding car came into a full halt in front of him and without a word, Nico Zhuang hitched inside to follow Lexi.

 Chapter 302 I think... I am pregnant.

    <h4>Chapter 302 I think... I am pregnant.</h4>


    Stopping by to the first convenience store she passed by, Lexi heedlessly went out from her car and entered the ce as if she had nothing to worry about. However, Lexi was slightly puzzled because the moment she entered the ce, aside from the sudden silence dawning on the establishment, everyone inside stopped whatever they were doing and just stared at her¡ª their jaw''s effectively dropped.


    Blinking while scanning the ce, a light tug on the hem of the formal dress suit she wore on her showcase snapped her and made her look down. There, an adorable 5-year-old child was looking up at her with his eyes twinkling.


    "Chang''e, you look like Chang''e." The child muttered in awe.


    Just when the child addressed her as Chang''e, her most iconic role that made her popr overnight and toppled all her scandals¡ª Lexi snapped from her stupor and raised her gaze to the child''s mother who was also staring at her in astonishment.


    Meekly offering a smile, Lexi returned her gaze to the young one that never looked away from her. She smiled lovingly as her gaze softened with every passing second. Leaning down, resting her palm on her knee while her other hand raised to the child''s head, Lexi gently patted the boy''s head.


    "Child, how are you? Have you been a good boy?" Using Chang''e tone and the way the character spoke, Lexi asked the child with a gentle smile.


    "Hmm! Mommy says I am a good boy!" Beaming a much brighter smile, the child''s cheeks adorably flushed as he believed that the person in front of him was the real Chang''e¡ª the real lunar deity.


    "That''s good¡­ Chang''e is d to hear that."


    Just as Lexi muttered those words, the people inside the convenience store snapped from their trance and dropped whatever they were doing. They glided to her direction and surrounded Lexi in awe. Even the cashier left her post and joined the crowd because all of the time she had been there¡ª no celebrity just casually dropped by in the store.


    "Are you really Miss Lexi Yang?!"


    "Woah, this is amazing¡­ Miss Lexi Yang just casually dropping by in the convenience store¡­ so pretty¡­"


    "Miss Yang! Miss Yang! Can we take a selfie?"


    "Kyaaah~! She''s more beautiful in person! OMG~!" One after another, Lexi heard questions and requests from these people. Still, she was fortunate that the ce wasn''t that crowded as she could amodate all of them.


    "Alright, everyone¡­ please calm down¡­" Gesturing the people surrounding her to calm down a little, Lexi then granted them to take photos with her and a few autographs. She tried to interact with them for a bit before bidding her farewell seeing that new people started toe by.


    In the end, she was unsessful in purchasing the pregnancy test she wanted to buy and bought nothing. Due to her long hiatus in the entertainment industry and her encounter with Edward Lu earlier, Lexi forgot that she was still a celebrity despite her inactivity.


    After all, herst project became an iconic role and the movie itself was a blockbuster film that gave almost every cast member even greater fame. Hence, even if the film was out of the theater, it was loved by the audience and they would not forget the story just like that.


    "*sigh* what am I doing¡­" Pulling to the side of the road, Lexi heavily sighed as she felt she was about to lose her mind. Granted that she wanted to know if she was pregnant or not after the event, Lexi decided to move to that confirmation now. s, it seemed that she needed her strong back up to do that.


    Reaching out to her handbag sitting pretty on the front passenger seat, Lexi dragged it to her and ced it on herp. Searching for her phone, Lexi immediately picked it up and tossed the bag back to where she got it from.


    She let out another deep exhale and dialed her mother''s phone which was instantly answered after three rings. "Hello, dear~" Soothing and gentle, Lillian Yang''s voice instantly gave a warm atmosphere with just her voice on the line.


    "Mom¡­" Upon hearing her mother, Lexi''s vulnerability level rose as her locked up emotions she tried to hold in slowly seeped into her voice.


    "What''s wrong, dear? Did you have a fight with Ethan?" Worried, Lillian Yang inquired as she could feel the sadness on her daughter''s voice.


    In retrospect, Lillian Yang hasn''t heard or seen her daughter sad ever since Ethan Lu became her lover. Sure, they might argue at times and she might rant at her about how annoying Ethan Lu could be at times, Lexi had never had a bit of sadness on her since being with him. Therefore, Lillian Yang was worried that something had happened between the two.


    "No¡­ nothing like that." Lightly shaking her head even though her mother couldn''t see her actions, Lexi still did. "Mom, can I ask for a favor?"


    "What is it, dear?"


    "Can you ask Dr. Xu toe by?" Biting her lower lip, Lexi slowly requested that made Lillian Yang even more worried about her need of a medical specialist. "I think¡­" Hesitating to say what she was about to say, paused for a moment.


    "What is it dear? Is there''s something wrong? Does Ethan have a fever? Did you catch a cold?" Trying to guess what might have happened, Lillian Yang let out a series of panicking questions as she gestured one of the maids to call their family doctor.


    "No, Mom. I think I am pregnant¡ª I want to confirm if I am or not." Gritting her teeth as she mustered her courage to tell this concern to her mother, Lexi said in one go.


    A sudden silence evidently dawned on the other end of the line as Lillian Yang''s words halted on her throat in that instant. As soon as her mother processed the concern, her eyes lit up as a shing mood beamed and spread across the whole yang mansion.


    "Alright, dear!" In a tone that was full of hundred percent determination and excitement, Lillian Yang firmly responded.

 Chapter 303 Only I will wait for her.

    <h4>Chapter 303 Only I will wait for her.</h4>


    Meanwhile¡­


    As Ethan Lu drove aimlessly around the city, he actually didn''t have anything in mind when he tried to distract himself. After all, he doesn''t go to clubs anymore or have anyone to ask to hang out because his friends were mostly busy; Morris Liu was recovering in the hospital while Chris Yu apanied him. Elliot Gong was overseas right now and keeping his distance from him solely because of the EliXi rumors, and his go-to friend Kevin Woo was now struggling with theirpany crisis.


    Therefore, Ethan Lu just trusted his instinct to drive himself and see where it would lead him. For some reason, he realized that his life is not the same as before¡­ including his brotherhood to those four. Was it because they started to grow up? Or, was it because the truth about Morris Liu and Chris Yu''s identity made their rtionship grow distant?


    Was it because Ethan Lu doesn''t think like Kevin Woo anymore? Or the fact that he was still immature enough to be jealous of the rumor that he knew very well would always remain as a rumor? Nevertheless, he suddenly missed the days that he and Kevin Woo would drag the three to have fun with them¡­ excluding the beautiful girl''s presence as that is what Ethan Lu would never miss in this lifetime anymore.


    Soon, his ride came to a full stop and his gaze locked onto the ce in front of him¡ª it was the Lu''s private cemetery. "Ahh¡­ so, I ended up here after all." He murmured as he peered at the gate that was slowly opening for him.


    If this was in the past, Ethan Lu would shift his gear in reverse mode and leave without entering the ce. However, since he doesn''t have anyone to talk to right now while being desperate to lift the heavy burden on his chest, he, for the first time in a long time, didn''t leave and drove ahead, entering the lonesome cemetery.


    As soon as he reached the area where he could park, Ethan Lu exited his car and unhurriedly entered the building where all the urns of the Lu family member resided. Heading to the main hall where all ''precious'' family members had their urns, Ethan Lu stopped at one of the monuments.


    It had a photo of a beautiful woman in a white dress, smiling gorgeously inn the photo. Even just looking at it, one could tell that the woman lived in luxury as her elegance emanated from her photograph alone. Underneath the unit where her remains and photo resided, her name, Christina Lu was disyed along with her birthdate and her passing day.


    "Err¡­" Scratching the back of his head, Ethan Lu felt a little awkward as if he was meeting his mother after a long time. Furthermore, it was not like he had any good memories with her in the past as he was too young when his mother died.


    "Dad¡­ he''s still in aa¡ª huh, I bet you are excited to meet him again because you are that selfish." Letting out a scoff in the middle, Ethan Lu lightly shook his head as he found himself foolish for pretending that he has forgotten what his mother had done to him.


    "You know, I didn''t actually n to drop by but, well, maybe, unconsciously¡­ deep down, I am still longing for a mother''s embrace." Aside from pain, hate was alsoced in his gaze and tone. One could tell the deep scars that his mother, Christina Lu left him as no one could ever make him show this expression in his face.


    "I never actually said it before but I despised you, Mom. Still, here I am, talking to you when I am desperately needing someone to talk to." Ethan Lu scoffed again as he mocked himself and vented his worries, anger, and everything he had been holding in, while standing in front of the person he loathed the most.


    "Tonight, I will officially be the head of the family¡ª are you happy? Huh¡­" Pausing while ring daggers at his mother''s portrait, Ethan Lu ced his palms on the transparent window that protecting the urn and the photo.


    "Are you happy for giving me all the responsibility? Are you satisfied that I am slowly turning mad of the possibility that she wouldn''t choose me? Are you d for everything you''ve done just to save yourself? For leaving me just like that?" Without further ado, Ethan Lunded a punch on the transparent ss. s, it only made a slight dent on it as it was a high-end shatterproof ss.


    Still, his extreme loathing towards Christina Lu as memories in the past shed before his very eyes.


    "I hate you¡­ every single one of you¡­" one after another he spouted even more spiteful remarks, Ethan Lu punched the unit until his knuckles bled. It showed his abhorrence towards the family he was born to aside from the only ally he had¡ª Edward Lu.


    It intensified even more because he had this kind of concern about Lexi. It was not that he was a hundred percent certain that she wouldn''t choose him but rather, he was ashamed that his Lu family was this rotten to the core and she has to be a part of it.


    "Still, I hope your decision before made you happy and, at the same time, my ns for the future will make you regret it." Retracting his bleeding fist away from the ss, Ethan Lu could only let out a scoff before turning his head back to the obviously smeared blood and dents on the transparent window.


    Well, Ethan Lu had realized that instead of going up against this powerful family of his, he decided that he would be the one to cleanse it¡ª little by little until he didn''t need anymore crippling and shedding bits of blood for them to listen to his own rules.


    ****


    Hourster¡­


    Finally, the monumental event, as another person would be titled as the new CEO of the Lu Corporation and the new family head of the family, had arrived.


    Representatives from all of the top families in the socialdder began to arrive one after another. Not just that, other businesses magnate that were partnered with the Lu Corporation personally attended the banquet to show their utmost respect to the new leader of thepany.


    Even well-known celebrities, athletes, and politicians started to arrive as well. Although the said event should be private with only the approved media outlets that were granted ess, still, the outside of the venue was surrounded by more reporters that were hoping to get a scoop from afar.


    They might be called courageous but, this would be an event of the century. Hence, everyone would die just to witness the party and have a glimpse of an interesting scoop they could write about.


    "Master, you shouldn''t hurt yourself like this!" For the nth time, Lyrick Jiang could not help but nag Ethan Lu as he saw his master''s bandaged hand again.


    If not for the fact that the report of Ethan Lu''s whereabouts hadn''t been sent to him, Lyrick Jiang would surely nag him even more. However, since he knew that his boss actually dropped by to see his mother, Lyrick Jiang reduced his naggings to him. Regardless, he was still annoying.


    "Master, everyone is arriving now¡­ about Miss Yang, I haven''t heard from Nico yet. Also, are we going to wait for her?" Shrugging off the unimportant details, Lyrick Jiang hesitantly inquired as his anxiousness was probably just as strong as his boss about this matter.


    "No, you don''t have to¡­" Finally raising his gaze away from his bandaged hand, Ethan Lu gave him a reassuring smile. "Only I will wait for her."

 Chapter 304 Future bride of the master?

    <h4>Chapter 304 Future bride of the master?</h4>


    "... only I will wait for her." With that said note, Ethan Lu slowly stood from his seat and unhurriedly took a stride out of the enormous room he was staying in. Behind him, Lyrick Jiang wordlessly followed him while ncing at the broad shoulders of his boss.


    ''Only him? Like waiting as in actually waiting for her?'' Since Lyrick Jiang was oblivious about what happened to the old master''s visit, hence, he was rather confused about why his master was acting like a lonely emperor waiting for his belovedmoner woman?


    ''Whatever¡­ Madam will surely arrive anyway.'' Shrugging the matter off, Lyrick Jiang entered into secretary mode as what was important tonight was the sess of this banquet. Although he was certain that there wouldn''t be any major problem, Lyrick Jiang still arranged men to clear the area and have a cautious eye out to watch for the troublesome family members: for example, Dennis Lu and his son, Dn Lu.


    Soon, after the long walk of the seemingly endless corridor towards the function hall, Ethan Lu along with his trusted confidants behind him entered the hall. The enormous double-door slowly opened and when itpletely opened up, he was weed by an elegant high-ss setting that seemed to only happen in the movies.


    Men in their luxurious and uncreased tux suits, carrying their own drinks¡ª champagne or wine, depending on their preference. Each had their own circle of a group as they shared interesting conversations and a few goodughs. On the other hand, women, wearing their ssiest and most expensive dress gracefully mingled into the familiarity of the noble people around them.


    The whole atmosphere emanated a ''ka-ching'' sound of money as everyone, including the whole venue, oozed with millions of dors spent. The chandelier hanging in the middle added to the nobility of the atmosphere as if the royal family were the ones who threw the party.


    The moment the door opened and saw a dashing man wearing a bold, daring, and slim fit retro maroon tux, same hued vest, ck inner shirt, and a gray tie¡ª everyone turned their attention to the man of the night, Ethan Lu. His dark hair was neatly brushed to the side, that paraded his clear, perfect facial features.


    Of course, women near his age could not help but look at him with a desire to own this powerful man before their very eyes. On the other hand, other old businessmen smiled in contentment while the younger guys slightly bowed their heads at him.


    Seeing that all the attention was on him, his gaze scanned the area and to him, no matter how beautiful and lively the setting, it all felt irrelevant as the person he wanted to see was nowhere to be found. Even if he used his ''love radar'', it was all for naught as Lexi''s presence couldn''t be detected.


    Still, regardless of his disappointment, he kept his smiling front and entered the hall. Ethan Lu passed by the first group of businessmen after weing them as well as thanking them for giving him their precious time. He did the same to everyone else as well, giving them the same humble treatment before he approached Edward Lu, who was enjoying the night while sitting in the corner with important business partners that their family had been working with for the longest time.


    "Grandpa," Courteously bowing his head to the former master of the family, Ethan Lu smiled and bowed to the rest of the old people around the table¡ª still, only a few were actually near Edward Lu''s age as the rest of the individuals sitting around the table were younger than him.


    "Master Lu, you tter us old geezers." One of the old men stated who was sitting around the table¡ª Edward Lu, heartily chuckled seeing that Ethan Lu remained humble despite being the new family head of the Lu family.


    "Hehe, I am still overwhelmed about the progress of thepany when Master Lu took over¡ª no offense, chairman." Another one from the table gleefully pped his hands as he peered at Ethan Lu with amusement before spouting his excuse to Edward Lu who was not a bit offended.


    "Hehe, these old fellows! Too bad for the lot of you that, my heir who has taken over is the best!" Chuckling as loud as he could, Edward Lu winked at Ethan Lu as if he was giving another meaning behind his words.


    "Hehe, old master, your grandson is at the age to get married, don''t you think? Have you decided which family will be the future bride of the Master?" One man who was calm and quiet the whole time ced down his ss of wine and grinned as he asked his question towards Edward Lu.


    As far as he knows, a family just like the Lu''s were still following the tradition of arranged marriage. After all, almost all family members especially the direct kin, such as the two sons of Edward Lu, were tangled in an arranged marriage. Hence, the power and connection of the Lu family was more vast than a person could think, if only the family remained high profile than in recent years, they would surely be the first at the top of the socialdder.


    "Ohh¡­" Nodding in understanding, Edward Lu caressed his nched beard as if he was pondering over something. s, he was actually just thinking if Lexi would attend or not so he could parade his future granddaughter-inw and nag her to bear a child!


    "Master Li, I am afraid this is not the right time to talk about marriage." Still bearing the same smile as he used to, Ethan Lu responded as polite as he could. Well, he was well aware of this as it was the family custom. Furthermore, he was already at the right age to marry. After all, he is wealthy and has a considerable amount of connections hence, marrying at this rate wouldn''t be a problem.


    The only thing was, Ethan Lu only wanted to marry one woman named Lexi Yang and have her be the mother of his children. As long as it was her, he didn''t mind having his own family and protect them, even if it costs him his life.

 Chapter 305 Love, where are you...?

    <h4>Chapter 305 Love, where are you...?</h4>


    "Right, we can talk about itter then!" Nodding in understanding, Master Li thought he was referring to the fact that they should talk about itter in their private meeting as the event was just about to start.


    Ethan Lu only peered at the old man with a smile and said nothing afterward. By the looks of it, Master Li seemed to want to propose something in his marriage as the wealth of the Li family, they would surely be the first family that suited to be a candidate to be inws to the Lu family. s, just as Ethan Lu thought that he dodged the discussion about this matter, for now, Edward Lu hammered the bottom of his fist against his palm as if he finally decided about something.


    "Right! My adorable Tantan is at his ripe age!" With that said note, everyone around the table including all people nearby turned their heads to the old master of the Lu family. "Hehe, let''s see if we can find a suitable partner here." As shameless as he may sound, Edward Lu just added more me to the fire around this matter as he made use of this event to find the future Madam Lu.


    Upon hearing hisst remarks, everyone around¡ªdies and master''s of their own families, this statement made their eyes light up. After all, being in the Lu family and marrying the family head was everyone''s wish. Even if others knew how messy the family rules were, it would still be a good benefit to be inws with them. After all, being business partners and having a stronger tie through marriage was like a difference between heaven and earth.


    ''Aiya, what is going on?! Did something really happen earlier today with the old master and Madam''s meeting? Why would the old master seemingly want to provoke master in broad daylight¡­? I mean it''s night, but whatever.'' Keeping his silence on the side, Lyrick Jiang''s busybody self could not help but wonder what actually happened.


    After all, all he heard from Nico Zhuang was Lexi went home and spent the whole time in the Yang Mansion. His colleague didn''t respond to any of his inquiries after that. Even with all the nagging and even before the event would start, he only got information that Lexi was still in the Yang Mansion for some reason.


    Soon, the host of the event jogged and stood proud in the middle of the stage. Clearing his throat, he smiled brightly and weed everyone. "Good eveningdies and gentlemen!" traveling his gaze to each and every socialite of the upper society, the MC slightly bowed his head to the noble surroundings.


    "Tonight, we will witness the official take over of the Lu Corporation¡ª CEO Ethan Lu!" The emcee went on and on about the history and achievements of the saidpany. He also didn''t forget all of the charitable works of the family and their fair share of participation in the economy of the country.


    Everyone attentively listened to the host as if they didn''t know anything about what he was saying. Soon, the emcee invited the star of the night to make his speech which caused a round of apuse.


    Taking up the stage as all eyes were on him again, Ethan Lu calmly smiled. Others watched him as if he were a bright star that seemed to be so far to reach despite that he was just standing several feet away from them. Still, his smile was just too dashing not to notice.


    "Gosh¡­ why didn''t he date me back then?"


    "Ethan Lu¡­ he''s so charming¡ª he looked at me earlier, I think he likes me."


    "What? Dream on! He definitely looked at me not you!"


    "Did you hear that the old master was choosing the future bride of CEO Lu tonight?"


    "What? really? "


    "Yes! I heard it loud and clear while I was conversing with Senator Wang earlier!"


    One after another, murmurs and whispers about how they admire Ethan Lu and his irresistible charms resounded as Ethan Lu remained silent for a moment as he took his time to scan the hall as if he was looking for someone. Along with it, news about the future bride of the said man would also be picked tonight which hyped up all the young misses who had the chance to unt their grace.


    No one cared about this added game which was made by Edward Lu as everyone showed their interest in it. Not just all the young misses but also, well-known men from their chosen field showed their inclination as they had sisters and cousins they could rmend to be a candidate.


    On the other hand, the sparkling and awe-inspiring gazes that were cast upon him seemed to not matter as Ethan Lu peered at the audience with the same gaze as ever. Granted that he had been smiling all this while, only one woman could bring the best mood and genuine smile to his face. Yet, despite the sparking vibe around, to him, to his eyes, everything seemed too dim.


    It was as if he was the only person in this dark world waiting for the light of this long, obscure tunnel.


    ''Love¡­ where are you? Have you decided¡­?'' Asking this question to the image of Lexi inside his mind, his heart clenched yet nothing showed on the surface.


    "Good evening, everyone. First and foremost, I sincerely thank you for giving me your precious time tonight." Taking a step back, Ethan Lu made a deep, humble bow to thank everyone. His act of sincerity satisfied everyone as they felt that he was truly thanking them personally. Hence, the contented smile on everyone''s faces.


    "Tonight, as the official head of our Lu Corporation, you know that we all have a long way ahead. Still, our Lu family wouldn''t havee this far without everyone''s support. I especially thanked all our business partners that have trusted us through and through, all employees that give their best in our daily operations, and all friends and family for being our ally. Thank you."


    "I, Ethan Lu, the new head of our Lu family and the Lu Corporation, will assure you that with my lead, I will not disappoint the trust you have given me." Keeping it short and simple, Ethan Lu didn''t borate or exin his vision and mission and what to expect from him. Instead, he only gave his gratitude to everyone as if he was truly sincere while uttering such a speech.


    Granted that he was thankful for everyone''s hard work, especially those who worked their hearts out in the daily operations of thepany, s, that''s all he was thankful about. Others who only reaped the benefits from them just by sitting around, he was disgusted seeing their smiling faces as if telling him it was nothing.

 Chapter 306 Whats the size of this girls brain?

    <h4>Chapter 306 What''s the size of this girl''s brain?</h4>


    After giving his speech and making a toast, another round of apuse resounded across every corner of the hall. Congrattory remarks and endless handshakes weed Ethan Lu after descending down from the stage.


    "Master Lu, congrattions!"


    "Thank you, Senator Wang." Exchanging a handshake to the said politician in his mid 50''s, this time, Ethan Lu didn''t head to the table where his grandfather amodated all of the important figures of the Lu family as he amodated this person that he managed to get on his side.


    "Master Lu, anyway, this is my daughter, Laurel Wang. She had been a fan of you back in your modeling career and even now in your business ventures." Introducing an elegantdy beside him, her champagne dress that suited her fair skin, showing a bit of her skin and corbone, her curves showing by the fit of her dress, stepped forward and made a courteous light bow.


    "Dad, you are embarrassing me." Sheepishlyining to Senator Wang, Laurel Wang murmured as her cheeks lightly flushed. She then shifted her focus to Ethan Lu who was still smiling to the two of them as if he didn''t mind.


    "Congrattions, Master Lu." Delicate and fragile, Laurel Wang politely congratted with a loving smile. One could tell her interest in the man before her as a glint shed across her beautiful ck eyes.


    "Thank you, Miss Wang. I am honored for Senator Wang''s and your attendance tonight. I hope you enjoy the rest of the night." Ignoring the hint he received from this father and daughter duo, Ethan Lu remained distant as he bluntly showed his disinterest in any intimacy or physical contact to the woman.


    If this was before, he would surely amodate the woman and perhaps even add her to his collection of ex''s. However, right now, all of his interest and love were allpletely invested in the woman who he had been waiting for this whole time toe. After all, his grandfather seemed to give him an ultimatum that if Lexi didn''t attend tonight, he would fight him to death for a marriage.


    Although he knew that marrying someone else could be pushed back, still, knowing Edward Lu, he would certainly pressure him to get married. God knows what scheme his grandfather could cook just for him to get a child of his own.


    Just then, a cute lolita approached them and immediately pounced on Ethan Lu¡ª surprising Senator Wang and his daughter Laurel Wang, even Ethan Lu was caught off guard by the sudden intrusion of his private space.


    "Brother Tan~! Congrattions!" Bubbly and cheerful, the girl who''s 160 centimeters in height, wearing a pink cocktail dress, her hair was short and curly, a pointy nose, downturned brows that made her appear so innocent, while her eyes were bigger than her everything else, tightened her hug around him.


    "Eve!" Upon hearing the familiar voice and looked down, Ethan Lu called out in surprise as if he didn''t expect her attendance. "What are you doing? Let go. Senator Wang is here." While gently shaking his head side to side, Ethan Lu heavily sighed as he nced at the father-daughter duo who was altering their gaze to him and then to Evelyn Lu.


    "Oh, sorry sorry~! Don''t be mad. Hehe." Letting go of his firm waist, Evelyn scratched the back of her head as she slightly bowed her head towards the two in front of them as she apologized for her sudden interruption.


    "Senator Wang, Miss Wang, please excuse me for a bit." Excusing himself, Ethan Lu dragged his shorty cousin to the side.


    "Ouch! Brother Tan, why are you bullying me the moment you see me?" Violently pulling her arm from his not so tight grip, Evelyn Lu shot daggers at him and ground her teeth in annoyance.


    "Why are you here? Where''s your mother and why did she let you go back here?" Keeping his voice low, Ethan Lu nced at his surroundings and smiled while uttering his vexed query not to raise any more attention.


    "What? Don''t tell me Mom is here?" In an instant, Evelyn Lu''splexion turned pale as her tiny mind processed his words to apletely different meaning. Upon seeing her reaction while giving the obvious answer, Ethan Lu felt like he was having a headache.


    "She didn''t know?" Distressed, Ethan Lu briefly massaged his temples as it only made sense if his cousin''s mother didn''t know about this. "Did you pay your respects to Grandpa?" Letting out another heavy sigh, Ethan Lu was certain that his stupid cousin''s presence must have already reached Edward Lu and the rest of the family members.


    "Not yet. I just arrived and saw an opportunity since Grandpa and hispanions already took their leave." Pouting, Evelyn Lu grumbled as she was displeased that her brother sh cousin was rather mad for her presence instead of being moved that she came to show her support.


    "I just came here to show my support to you, you know." Using her ultimate move, Evelyn Lu''s eyes turned into puppy eyes as she sounded as if she was wronged for doing a pure, good intention.


    "Eve¡­ I appreciate that you want to show me your sincerity but, you shouldn''t be here." Shaking his head sideways once again, another deep sigh escaped his mouth. "Go pay your respects to Grandpa¡ª he must have known by now that you are here."


    "But¡­"


    "Go," Waving his hands off, Ethan Lu felt distressed as he could not believe that he has a cousin as stupid as this girl. How could she sneak from their home which was, by the way, a thousand miles away from their country and go back to the Lu''s den?


    "Okay¡­" Hanging her head down, Evelyn Lu frowned as she didn''t know that her grandfather would immediately know her presence. Still, that wasn''t what made her unhappy as she nced at Ethan Lu just when she took a stride. "Brother Tan, why is Elliot Gong not here? Aren''t you friends with him?"


    "What?" Shocked to the core to the sudden question of his cousin, Ethan Lu''s eyes widened as he raised his gaze to examine his cute cousin.


    Was her reason foring back because she expected to meet his celebrity friend Elliot Gong? Surely, upon realizing that someone such as Evelyn Lu, that reasoning made it much more clear in order to give her all the courage in the world to show up in the Lu territory again.


    ''What is the size of this girl''s brain?'' Mortified to the stagnant growth of his cousin''s brain, Ethan Lu was mortified to the extent of being rendered speechless. Unbeknownst to him, her next delusional remark would make him want to strangle her to death!

 Chapter 307 Sweet hubby... prioritizing his wife?!

    <h4>Chapter 307 Sweet hubby... prioritizing his wife?!</h4>


    "I¡ª I was hoping to meet Elliot Gong tonight and I had hoped that he would bring Lexi as his date~ Kyaah~! Does this mean that, Eli not attending to his friend''s event has something to do with his wife Lexi? Omo!" Stuttering at first as if she was sad that she was unable to meet her prince charming named Elliot Gong, her tone escted along with her imagination running wild. She covered her gaped mouth in surprise as if she sessfully put the puzzle together.


    "I guess only a lover''s quarrel could make him miss this event~! Kyaaah~! What a sweet hubby¡ª prioritizing his wife~!" Blushing as she brainwashed herself that Elliot Gong must have been forbidden by hisdy named Lexi Yang, hence, his absence to this meaningful event.


    ''Sweet hubby¡­ Lexi and Eli¡­ EliXi¡­'' Hearing her every sentence¡ª loud and clear, Ethan Lu was reminded about all his mortal enemies called EliXi fandoms. s, instead of flipping out, Ethan Lu could only look at his cousin in a daze.


    Was he hearing her right? Was she just bbering all this nonsense in front of him? His cousin was actually shipping and cooking up delusional scenarios inside her mind and bravely speaking them out loud? Ethan Lu was speechless and at the same time, his boiling point was slowly reaching its peak.


    On the other hand, Lyrick Jiang who was acting as Ethan Lu''s tail all this time without a word could not help his brows but twitch. Every time Evelyn Lu spouted Lexi''s name along with Elliot Gong''s name, his face began to distort. He nced at his master''s expression and the look he saw on Ethan Lu''s face made him swallow a mouthful of saliva.


    Taking the initiative to send this girl away, Lyrick Jiang cleared his throat as he rposed his distorted face. "Young Miss, please greet the old master. I''ll show you the way." Gesturing the unaware Evelyn Lu to follow his lead, Lyrick Jiang ignored the fact that he was sweating a bucket and his back was already soaked.


    "Oh, right. Anyways, brother Tan, congrattions again! Let''s talk about EliXi againter okay¡­? You have to tell me that those two are really in a rtionship." Giggling, Evelyn Lu whispered to Ethan Lu before following Lyrick Jiang to the old master of the family.


    To her, her cousin''s reaction could only mean that Elliot Gong and Lexi Yang were indeed in a secret rtionship. After all, she knew that her cousin was good friends with Elliot Gong and probably knew about this secret rtionship. Therefore, Evelyn Lu''s anxiousness for meeting her grandfather, Edward Lu was enormously reduced as her mood lightened.


    "That little¡­!" When he recovered from his shock, Ethan Lu turned his head to the retreating back of Evelyn Lu and ground his teeth in annoyance. He knew that his cousin must have thought that he was interested in fulfilling her wishful thinking.


    Moreover, did she just say she really thought the two should get married because the masses approved of this rtionship? Thanks to her, Ethan Lu''s mind was a little distracted as he wanted to teach this girl a lesson for shipping her cousin''s woman to another man.


    "Master, the meeting is about to start." Suddenly, a guard soundlessly approached Ethan Lu from behind and slightly bowed his head as he reminded him about the meeting. s, the guard only received a deadly re as Ethan Lu''s mood was stirred with annoyance to Evelyn Lu''s stupidity before he stomped his feet out of the hall and to the meeting he must tend to.


    *****


    "Nico, is that all I should know?" Without retracting her eyes, Lexi watched the road through the back passenger seat window.


    "Yes. That''s all the family rules that we should abide by. Still, there were separate rules that only apply the direct members of the family. I already said what I know but the rest, only Master could tell you about it." ncing through the rear mirror, Nico Zhuang saw her beautiful side profile that gave nothing of what she was thinking.


    He thought that Lexi would not attend tonight''s event after everything that happened. However, just when the event time approached, he received a message from Lexi to enter the Yang manor. To his surprise, Lexi was already dolled up and he had met her parents.


    He didn''t know what happened inside as he was only amodated with a one of a kind tea made by Lillian Yang. Unlike the ambiance around the Lu main residence, Nico Zhuang immediately differentiated the difference between the two residences as the Yang Mansion was peaceful and light¡ª oozing with aromatic tea scent to the whole house while the main Lu residence smells of pure schemes and dread.


    "Madam, we have arrived." Announcing their arrival as he stopped at the entrance of the grand hotel where he could drop Lexi off at and use a valet service to park their car, Nico Zhuang only nced at her again.


    "Park it. I need more time to rest." Without turning to see Nico Zhuang on the driver''s seat, Lexi ordered which he abided without a word.


    Whether Edward Lu made his appearance earlier or not, Lexi was already set to attend tonight''s event. However, after knowing all of the schemes and had a glimpse of the heavy baggage she must carry with Ethan Lu, Lexi didn''t only want to prepare herself but also her parents and the family she would start with Ethan Lu.


    Therefore, with that thought in mind, her initial n of confirming her pregnancy was moved earlier because as she said, she would always choose him over anything in this world. No matter how dangerous the days they would face ahead, Lexi would bear all the burden with him.


    Moreover, she had one realization with her time alone¡­ that she actually has never done anything for him. She hasn''t sacrificed anything just to be with him. All she did all this time was to take¡ª live under his protection and just be beautiful in front of him despite saying she wanted to be a good support system for him.


    "Madam, do you want to rest first?" After reaching the parking space, Nico Zhuang inquired as he didn''t hitch out immediately and asked her first as to whether she wanted to make her entrance of not.


    "No, I am going."

 Chapter 308 Positive

    <h4>Chapter 308 Positive</h4>


    [shback on what happened hours ago: Yang Manor]


    As soon as Lexi arrived at her parent''s ce, she was weed by a warm hug from her mother. Not just her mother but Frederick Yang was also there with Doctor Xu sipping their own cup of tea.


    "Dear, please be careful¡ª you should have waited for your father''s driver to pick you up! You shouldn''t drive alone you know." Lillian Yang lectured but her voice wasced with endless worry about her daughter''s well being. After all, she was already sure that her daughter was pregnant.


    "Mom, we are not sure yet." Obviously, Lexi already guessed her mother''s certain assumptions. Thus, she could only say these words to reduce the pain of not being pregnant. After all, her parents had been too excited to have a grandchild as they hadn''t moved on from their crazy shopping sprees hoping for the bun in the oven toe.


    "Here, here, take a seat." Gently assisting her daughter to take her seat, Lexi could only let out a faint sigh as she followed her mother.


    Soon, both Yangdies perched to her mother''s usual spot while Frederick Yang sat on the head seat as usual¡ª sitting across the twodies, the elderly Doctor Xu, who peered at Lexi from head to toe.


    "Young Miss, yourplexion is rather pale¡­ that is not a safe sign of being pregnant." Commenting after a closer look at the seemingly tired look stered across Lexi''s face, Doctor Xu slightly shook his head. After all, what news he received was a firm ''my daughter is pregnant'' from Lillian Yang. Hence, he already assumed that she was.


    "Doctor Xu, I am not sure just yet." Guessing why the said doctor would have such assumptions, Lexi was tempted to roll her eyes. Knowing her excited parents, they must have told him that she was already confirmed pregnant and asked him to make prescriptions. Well, it would only make sense as she was an unmarried woman and a public figure at that. Hence, privately asking a specialist to prescribe her pregnancy vitamins and checking on her condition was an understandable misunderstanding.


    "It''s alright, young miss. You can take this pregnancy test first¡­" Nodding in understanding, yet, doctor Xu seemed he only said that as he thought that Lexi was still in denial. Of course, Lexi could only helplessly sigh as she took five pregnancy tests and listened to Doctor Xu''s instructions.


    After that, Lexi was assisted by Lillian Yang to the bathroom on the first floor of the house as her parents forbade her to move around too much or to go upstairs and test inside her room which was located on the second floor of the house.


    "Dear, you just have to take a bit of your pee and use the dropper and drop it in here, okay? Do you want me to do it?" Worried yet excited, Lillian Yang repeated all the instructions like a pro and proposed that she should do it so her daughter would not mess up this simple test.


    "Mom!" Shocked to hear thest suggestion of her mother, Lexi''s face scrunched up as she immediately rushed inside the bathroom and shut the door behind her.


    "Okay, dear! Mommy is just here outside okay? If you need any help, I am just here!" Outside the door, Lexi heard her mother''s not so motivating remarks which made her eye roll. It was not like she would have to take an entrance exam today or midterm exam for her to worry like that.


    Looking down in her hand, Lexi stared at the packs of pregnancy tests in her hand before she unconsciously swallowed a mouthful of saliva. Perhaps, this was the only test that she has mixed feelings of passing. After all, although she loved Ethan Lu to the extent of offering her body and soul to him¡­ what terrified her was if she could be a good mother.


    ''Lexi¡­ you need to confirm it.'' Mustering her courage and letting out a heavy exhale, Lexi opened one of the pregnancy tests and headed to the toilet bowl to force herself to pee. Fortunately, her mother made her drink tons of water which made it easier for her dder to fill and rush out.


    As instructed, Lexi did what she was she was told and used all five pregnancy tests. She thenid the five sticks on the t surface of the sink and waited in anxiousness. Walking back and forth, Lexi kept on biting her thumb nail as the waiting time somehow felt longer than usual.


    She nced at the five pregnancy tests from time to time and only seen the one line. To her understanding, one line means she wasn''t pregnant and two means positive she was carrying a seed inside her womb.


    "Maybe, I am just overthinking¡­" Picking up one of the pregnancy tests, Lexi murmured as she looked at the red line. s, just as she muttered such remarks, Lexi saw another line make itself visible.


    ''Or not¡­'' Her subconscious mind giddily added in a rather high pitched tone as if it was a minion.


    Lexi watched the unclear second line remain before she shifted her attention to the rest of the pregnancy tests that also gave her the same result¡ª positive. For some reason, unlike other soon to be mothers, Lexi had more heightened mixed emotions and fear was one of them.


    After some time in silence while looking at the small white things with two red lines, Lexi finally exited the bathroom carrying all of the pregnancy tests. Upon seeing the inexpressive reaction of her daughter, Lillian Yang knitted her brows in worry as she dreaded that the result was negative.


    "Dear, what is it?" Genuinely worried now, Lillian Yang slowly strode forward and stopped in front of Lexi.


    "Mom¡­" Softly calling her mother, Lexi slowly raised her hand to her and gave one of the pregnancy tests. When Lillian Yang looked down and received the pregnancy test, her face brightened up seeing two red lines disyed on it.


    "Oh my god¡­! Dear, I am so happy for you and Ethan!" That instant, Lillian Yang embraced her daughter with warmth and love¡ª sending her genuine happiness to her daughter as well as to the father of their child Ethan Lu.

 Chapter 309 If thats your final resolve, my little girl...

    <h4>Chapter 309 If that''s your final resolve, my little girl...</h4>


    "Young miss, here are the prescriptions for your pregnancy. Please take good care of yourself and don''t overexert yourself so you won''t harm the child inside you. Again, congrattions Madam and Mr. Yang." Sliding a piece of note on the table opposite him, Doctor Xu then shifted his attention to both expecting grandparents.


    "Thank you, Doctor Xu. Sorry for calling you out on short notice." Nodding his head once, Frederick Yang replied as he didn''t want to show his jubnt side as of yet.


    "It''s my pleasure. Anyway, I know a trusted gynecologist for further tests as well as an urate examination of the young miss." Doctor Xu paused as he handed out a calling card he fished out from inside his briefcase, Frederick Yang received the small card containing the information of his rmendations. "She''s really good in her field and has her own clinic at her home. She only receives clients by appointment¡ª I will arrange an appointment for you. She''s the best gynecologist to use especially if you prefer to keep the young miss'' pregnancy a secret."


    "Then, I''ll have to bother you. Thank you, Doctor Xu." Nodding in agreement, Frederick Yang conversed with the doctor a little bit more before he personally sent him off.


    Meanwhile, Lexi remained silent the whole time as she looked at the prescription to keep herself and the child inside her healthy. Until now, everything felt so surreal. She could not help but wonder if there was indeed a growing person inside her tummy as she instinctively caressed her stomach hoping to feel the fruit of her and Ethan Lu''s love.


    On the other hand, Lillian Yang''s gaze softened as she watched her daughter have this normal reaction which ismon for expecting mothers like her. She knew that Lexi must have a thousand thoughts circting inside her mind plus all of the emotionsbined into one must be the reason for her quietness.


    "Dear¡­" Softly calling out, Lillian Yang gently ced her palm on top of Lexi''s hand that was on her stomach that made her raise her head to meet her mother''s loving pair of eyes. "It is amazing, right? Carrying a little child inside our body¡­ aren''t our bodies wonderful?"


    "Mom¡­" Biting her bottom lip, the corner of her eyes started to form liquid upon hearing her mother. Aside from fear, Lexi was surprisingly moved for this child''s presence inside her. Now, everything made sense why her emotions always got stirred up recently, especially when the father of her child was around. Moreover, it was the fruit of her and Ethan Lu''s endless love, hence, she indeed felt that this child was a blessing that she instinctively wanted to protect upon knowing its existence.


    "I am¡ª" Without even finishing what she was about to say, Lexi choked as her tempting tears finally set loose, staining her cheeks as hups soon followed.


    Granted that she was indeed happy about the baby''s existence, her fear was just as strong as her happiness. Furthermore, in front of her mother, this reassuring atmosphere they had at this house, the walls around her that she set for others to never intrude upon, broke down without a trace.


    "Shh¡­ that''s fine," Pulling her into her motherly embrace, Lillian Yang patted her daughter''s back as a subtle smile formed on the side of her lips. "You will be a great mother¡­ I just know it." She added as she coaxed her emotional child who was now bearing her own child.


    Just then, Frederick Yang came back and saw that Lexi was already breaking down¡ª uncertain if it was tears of joy or she was scared. Nevertheless, although Frederick Yang was indeed beyond d about the thought of having a new family member, he was concerned about one thing.


    "Lexi," After clearing his throat, Frederick Yang perched at the head seat again and called his daughter''s name. "Where''s Ethan?" Without further ado, Frederick Yang asked. Although he knew that it was Ethan Lu''s official take over as he personally invited them to attend, Frederick Yang sensed that something must have happened because his daughter chose to reach out to them about this matter and didn''t confirm it with Ethan Lu.


    "Fred, not today please." Lillian Yang raised her head and lightly shook her head sideways as if she knew where her husband was going with this line of questioning after asking about Ethan Lu''s whereabouts.


    "Mom, it''s fine." Wiping her tears and sniffing her nose, Lexi forced a smile on her face. "Dad, Mom, I want to discuss with you about something." Altering her gaze from her father to her mother, Lexi finally opened up about her real reasons as to why she suddenly dropped by.


    "I met Ethan''s grandfather earlier and¡­" Mustering her courage, Lexi felt nervous as she already decided and even if her parents were against it or had second thoughts, she would have to disobey them again.


    "... he told me, or rather, he showed me how it is to be a part of the Lu family¡ª it was terrifying, it scared me but¡­" Lexi paused for a moment as she recalled all the scenes she witnessed earlier and the deadly vibe that surrounded her. "...but, aside from that, I want to help him out in that family."


    Frederick Yang properly scrutinized the expression of his daughter with a solemn face. He knew one of these days, the two of them would face such a dilemma in the future because the Lu family wasn''t a so-so family. Even with all of the power the Yang family has, they would neverpare to that kind of long-established n that had remained at the top of the socialdder for such a long time.


    "I see¡­" Pausing for a moment, Frederick Yang nced at his wife before continuing. "If that''s your final resolve, my little girl, then, your Mother and I will always be here for the both of you." When Lexi and Frederick Yang''s eyes met, father yang could only let out a deep exhale before he nodded in understanding and gave his blessing. On the other hand, Lillian Yang gave a subtle smile upon hearing her husband and how he approved of this long-running discussion that the two had ever since.

 Chapter 310 Ethan... just you wait.

    <h4>Chapter 310 Ethan... just you wait.</h4>


    Frederick Yang''s immediate approval slightly stunned Lexi as she knew her parents very well and they would at least have second thoughts. After all, this was a serious matter to consider. Yet, her father just agreed without any questions asked? She then shifted her gaze to her mother on her side and Lillian Yang gently nodded as if she was saying ''you heard your father right''.


    "Uh¡­"


    "Lexi, your father and I are not fools to not know what your struggle is right now. Also, Ethan had been very open to us¡ª so we know." Still bearing her motherly smile, Lillian Yang reached for Lexi''s hand and gently sandwich it between her hands.


    "Also, it is not like we don''t know our stubborn not so little girl when ites to love." Faintly letting out a chuckle, Lillian Yang slightly shook her head sideways as she recalled how crazy her daughter could be when ites to love. After all, even though it was already in the past, that side of Lexi of giving her all¡ª body, heart, soul, and emotions to a certain man would never be forgotten.


    "Mom¡­" Softening her gaze as she peered at Lillian Yang''s side profile, Lexi bit her lower lip to restrain herself from sobbing as she was utterly moved by her parents'' endless support. Why did she be so blind to not be able to see this in the past?


    Lexi then moved her gaze and looked at Frederick Yang and his subtle smile that was stered on his lips as if he was silently telling her that he was and would always be proud of her choices. "Dad¡­" Just as she addressed her father, Lexi choked as she could not contain all the overwhelming emotions she had right now.


    Understandably, aside from her first shocking encounter with Edward Lu and the glimpse of Ethan Lu, the confirmation of her pregnancy came as a shock as well, now this¡­ her parents letting her follow her heart''s desire without a question being asked.


    "Silly girl, did you really think we don''t trust you and Ethan to handle this? Also, if things get tough, you can alwayse home¡ª the two of you." Chuckling to conceal her tears of joy about several things Lillian Yang was fortunate about, she could not help but alter her gaze to her husband that had the same emotion beneath his eyes.


    Sure, the Lu family might be tough people to deal with and if anything happened¡­ both Yang parents would always wee their daughter and son back to their family. Also, the little possibility that their family business might get implicated by this power struggle inside the chaotic Lu family, Frederick Yangid all his faith and staked everything on Ethan Lu.


    After all, that was the burden Frederick Yang cast upon his future son-inw: to protect Lexi at all costs and never hurt her¡ª physically or emotionally. It would be silly of him to entrust everything to him but, perhaps, it was his fatherly instinct and Ethan Lu''s unwavering sincerity.


    Moreover, now that they would be having a child together, Frederick Yang felt more at ease as he knew that if Ethan Lu woulde to know that Lexi was pregnant with his child, he would surely give his extra effort of two hundred percent into the protection of his family.


    "You two¡­ how can you be like this¡­" At this time, Lexi could not help but bawl her eyes as she literally sobbed¡ª moved by her parent''s endless understanding. This¡­ this was the family she once gave up because of a wrong choice yet, the more she realized it, the more she found herself selfish and ungrateful.


    Her parents, Lillian and Frederick Yang were one of the treasures she was gifted by the heavens to have a family. Maybe, one of the reasons why Morris Liu and Lexi didn''t work out was because Lexi was indeed meant to be with someone that she would be able to fill the missing part of Ethan Lu called family love while he, on the other hand, was for her to feel everything despite the short time of being together.


    Granted that Morris Liu''s family was not any better than the Lu''s, s, since childhood, both Yang parents unconditionally loved him like their own son. Up until today, despite what happened between Lexi and Morris Liu, they still cared for him because in their perspective they could never unfamily their family¡­ and Morris Liu was the son they never biologically had.


    After some time, Lexi finally stopped her tears yet, Lillian Yang''s heartwarming pats remained on her back. "Mom, *hup* Dad," Raising her head and slightly drew away from her mother, Lexi wiped her tears and her already runny nose.


    "Nico is outside. He must be waiting for me." Being reminded that Nico Zhuang was probably outside waiting for her and guarding the area like usual, Lexi felt a little bad for keeping him out in the cold. After all, the night breeze should have been blowing in any which direction.


    "Nico?" Suddenly, hearing a somewhat familiar name, Lillian Yang and Frederick Yang creased their brows in confusion. After a minute, Lillian Yang who was sharp with everyone that her daughter was friends with and everyone she talked about recalled the person that Lexi always bbered to her about¡ª praising him to the heavens.


    "You mean, your ssmate who''s now your assistant?" To confirm if she was right, Lillian Yang asked. Lexi only nodded as a response before she rified one little detail.


    "He is the one I always talk about but actually, I just now found out that he is one of Ethan''s men." Letting out a brief chuckle, the scene when the three volunteered to kneel on the washboard shed across her eyes.


    "Oh¡­" In unison, both Yang parents slowly nodded in understanding. Although they were reassured by Ethan Lu that he was keeping an eye to Lexi and her surroundings without Lexi getting suspicious, they didn''t know who it was because to them, the most important thing was that Lexi was busying herself with her career without interruption or worry in the world.


    "Then, what are you waiting for? You should invite him inside and we can have dinner! You should eat, dear. You don''t want our baby to starve, right?" Like usual, Lillian Yang sped her hands together as she was too excited to prepare dinner. But, most importantly, to reveal all of the baby stuff Lillian and Frederick Yang purchased.


    Lexi only nodded in response before she headed to her room to prepare for the event she must attend. s, she actually forgot to send Nico a message as she was excited to see Ethan Lu¡­ to see and give a hug to that fool named Ethan Lu. After all, he was a worrywart and he must be overthinking more than anyone else right now.


    "Ethan Lu¡­ just you wait." A glint shed across her eyes and with that said remark, Lexi started to doll up and rummage her walk-in closet that was kept tidy all this time. She scanned through all the dresses that she hadn''t worn before as she forgot to wear the dress she was supposed to wear tonight.

 Chapter 311 As long as my little girl is happy

    <h4>Chapter 311 As long as my little girl is happy</h4>


    After Lexi was dolled up and found the most ''decent'' dress she could find, Lexi happily went downstairs as if nothing happened in her long day. As soon as she reached downstairs, her parents smiled at her with satisfaction and felt proud as their daughter was indeed a gorgeous being.


    "Dear, where''s Nico?" Instead ofplimenting Lexi, Lillian Yang asked as she had been waiting for Nico and went outside to look for a man that fit the description she had from her daughter from months ago when they were chatting on the phone. But to no avail, she found no one outside the manor or even out of the gates.


    "Uh¡­" Stunned that she actually forgot about him, Lexi immediately searched her small purse and instantly found her phone without any hassle. As soon as she picked up her phone, Lexi left a short and precise message to Nico Zhuang saying: "Come inside."


    "Sorry, I forgot¡ª pregnant." Awkwardly chuckling, Lexi shamelessly used the ''pregnant'' excuse as she smiled brightly. Her aura and attitude had aplete 180-degree change as her parent''s love and support, plus the thought of what Ethan Lu''s reaction would be after knowing she was carrying their child, Lexi was beyond ecstatic.


    "Dear. I never heard someone get forgetful during pregnancy." Yet, Lillian Yang humored with a chuckle that made the family of threeugh. Soon, the doorbell rang and Lillian Yang was the one who weed Nico Zhuang.


    Just like the usual, Lillian Yang perfectly amodated Nico Zhuang and served him tea before the dinner was served. At that time, as Lexi watched her mother enthusiastically weed Nico Zhuang, Frederick Yang approached her.


    "My dear girl, can we talk for a while?" cing a light pat on his daughter''s head, Frederick Yang subtly smiled before Lexi smiled back and nodded. She then followed her father, not to his study but to the dining area.


    They perched at their usual sitting arrangements, Frederick Yang on the head seat and Lexi on the left side of the rectangr table. Along the way, Frederick Yang exposed his reason why he chose to talk to her in the dining room as he was afraid that Lexi might get tired of going up and down the stairs too much.


    "Lexi," Raising his head and locking his gaze to his daughter, Frederick Yang rested his fist on the surface of the table¡ª beside the te in front of him. "I n to let Ethan manage ourpany under the Lu Corporation. Your Mother and I already discussed about it and decided to be a separatepany but operating under the Lu''s when the timees." Without going around in circles, Frederick Yang delved into this important topic in an instant.


    "Oh¡­" Not surprised by this, Lexi, in the back of her head already thought this woulde one day. After all, she was unwilling to be the next chairwoman of their family business because of the new business she was establishing.


    "And, I already talked to Ethan about it¡ª he agreed with the conditions I gave him." Seeing Lexi''s understanding countenance, Frederick Yang exined further details. Although he already knew that Lexi wouldn''t interfere with it not that she would disapprove about the idea, he still wanted to let her know because she was still and would always be a part of this family business as she still had her shares.


    "Dad, I trust your decision also¡­" Meekly smiling, Lexi slid her hand to Frederick Yang''s fist. "I''m sorry for being selfish over and over again."


    "As long as my little girl is happy¡ª you can be as selfish as you want." Frederick Yang moved his thumb and gently rubbed the back of her fingers that were on top of his fist.


    "That''s why I became so spoiled." Humoring her father that had been too lenient to the extent of Lexi''s abusive ''princess syndrome'' in the past, she could not help but chuckle at it. Upon hearing her remarks, Frederick Yang could not help butugh as well while shaking his head sideways as if he had the same thought of his daughter.


    Soon, Nico Zhuang and Lillian Yang joined them in the table and as if on cue, Lillian Yang smoothly served everyone dinner and took the initiative to chitchat with everyone. Lexi kept ncing at Nico Zhuang and she could not help but giggle. After all, Nico Zhuang seemed as if he was culture-shocked as if he wasn''t used to what''s going on.


    Everything ended smoothly and everything was all peaceful and in order throughout the light dinner in the Yang Mansion. Of course, Lexi ate as much as she could, as she would never trust any food given by the Lu''s (except EthanLu), afraid that they would poison her to death.


    [Present Time]


    Recalling all that happened at the Yang Mansion, Lexi still felt more and more anxious as they drew closer to the said event. What''s more that they have arrived. Hence, she felt she needed more time to calm and rpose herself, reasons for her to ask Nico Zhuang to drive her to the parking space. After all, just like what Edward Lu said, once she steps her foot inside the Lu family territory, there was no turning back. Therefore, Lexi mustered her courage and calmed her breathing, taking in as much air as she could before entering the same atmosphere she was faced with earlier.


    Closing her eyes while resting her jaw by the back of her hand, Lexi yawned because suddenly, she felt sleepy¡ª hormones. Just then, she heard Nico Zhuang''s stern voice reach her ears. "Madam, do you need to rest first?"


    Slowly opening her eyes, Lexi''s earlier rxed countenance vanished without a trace because the moment her eyes opened, her natural sharp eyes turned even sharper as a glint shed across her eyes.


    "No, I am going." With that said note, Nico Zhuang nodded his head once before he hitched out of the driver''s seat and jogged his way to the door of the back passenger seat where Lexi sat near.

 Chapter 312 Why are you all over the place?

    <h4>Chapter 312 Why are you all over the ce?</h4>


    When the door beside her opened, Lexi nced up at Nico Zhuang and meekly nodded her head. There was no turning back, she would have to face everything with the man she dared to open her heart to. To the man that was waiting for her, with her hand to firmly hold onto his.


    "Nico, when I get inside, you won''t be able to stay behind me, will you?"


    "I can''t but I will watch you from a distance and give you a heads up if danger approaches." Lightly shaking his head sideways, Nico Zhuang exined as he could not apany Lexi inside. After all, his presence should only be limited to the Lu''s and he should keep his low profile as much as he could because at any given time, perhaps in the future, if anything bad happened, his profile must not link to the Lu Family.


    The only reason why Ethan Lu dared to take the risk and let him stay with Lexi was that Lexi''s life was the most important thing to him. Moreover, Ethan Lu could not entrust Lexi to anyone that has the same capabilities as him but Nico Zhuang himself. This only shows his trust and also, his power to protect Nico Zhuang in the future as he owed him big time.


    Although Nico Zhuang never thought about it that way, still, Ethan Lu felt indebted to him in one way or another. After all, he could work at ease knowing that there was a capable and righteous man beside her.


    "I see¡­ thank you." Meekly smiling, Lexi nodded her head and slowly exited the car before Nico Zhuang silently closed the door behind her.


    ''Ethan, I hope you haven''t done anything foolish just yet or I''ll kill you.'' Instead of a loving remark, the side of her lips curled into a terrifying smirk. Well, she hasn''t forgotten the fact that the grandfather and grandson duo just gave her the shock of her life with a child inside her. How dare those two scare her child to the core!


    Surely, after knowing and epting her pregnancy, Lexi always used the baby inside of her as an excuse for everything. s, just as she was close to the entrance from the parking space, a familiar figure was caught in the corner of her eyes.


    Turning her head to thedy walking closer to her while ying with her keys that jumped up and down on her hand, as if she was just taking a walk around the park, Lexi''s brows creased. She knew this woman as she had several encounters with her. Moreover, one way or another, she indirectly helped her in the past. But, what was Seraphina Yue doing here?


    Lexi scanned her from head to toe and was certain that she wasn''t there to attend the event. After all, she was just wearing a ck, slightly loose pants, a in t-shirt underneath her leather ck jacket. Unaware, there was a glint that shed across Nico Zhuang''s eyes as he sensed immediate danger seeing the seemingly harmless woman.


    "Oh! Beauty!" Sensing the scrutinizing gaze ahead of her, Seraphina Yue caught her keys in the air and her eyes lit up seeing a real-life goddess. After three blinks, she giddily glided her way towards Lexi upon realizing it was her. s, even before she could reach Lexi, she was halted as Nico Zhuang swiftly halted her.


    If Nico Zhuang was not keen enough, he would not notice that Seraphina Yue stopped just as he approached and smoothly prevented herself from touching him.


    "Who are you?" Intimidating and cold, Nico Zhuang showed that one wrong answer, he would take extra precaution as she posed a threat to him and to Lexi. He doesn''t know why but his instinct tells him that this woman was dangerous.


    "Nico, I know her." Puzzled at Nico Zhuang''s sudden coldness, Lexi spoke. It was as if she was reminded of the earlier event when Nico Zhuang flung a small dagger to one of Edward Lu''s guards as if he was really aiming for the guard''s head. Still, Lexi believed that Seraphina Yue was kind¡­ or at least, to her despite the oddness of their interactions.


    "Heh, ya heard that Nicorino?" Purposely getting on the nerve of the Nico Zhuang as she addressed him and was a skilled guard of Lexi that got no zero chill, Seraphina Yue raised her brows in an up and down motion before shifting her gaze to Lexi.


    "Beauty Lexi, why are you all over the ce?" Grinning as she asked her question, Lexi could not help her under-eye but twitch.


    ''Me? All over the ce? Shouldn''t I be the one asking that question instead?'' Lexi could not help but respond inwardly as she didn''t expect such a sudden inquiry. Still, Lexi still responded and ignored her weird wording.


    "I am here to attend an event. How about you Miss Yue?"


    "Oh, right! The Lu''s¡ª same, though I already gave my good words to Edward." Nodding in acknowledgment, Seraphina Yue grinned brightly.


    ''Edward? Did she just address Chairman Lu with his name as if they were of the same age?'' Stunned, Lexi was just as shocked as Nico Zhuang upon hearing her call the respected Edward Lu by his first name.


    Seraphina Yue then walked to the side where her motorbike was parked. Picking up her ck helmet, she started setting it up on her head and when she was done, she put the eye protector lid up and turned to Lexi.


    "By the way, since you''re meeting them, I mean those humble Lu''s, let me give you a piece of advice¡ª you don''t need any sharp object because you can always defeat them using this." Seraphina Yue then pointed her forefinger on her head as if telling her she needed to outsmart them, always.


    "Huh?"


    "Well, that''s all, bye bye Beauty~! Thank you for gracing and purifying my eyes with your beauty~" With that said note, Seraphina Yue revved up her motorbike that produced a loud noise that rang across the whole parking space. "Right, also, the person to be wary the most is Lou''s father¡ª is it his father? I forgot though¡ª damn this n of men." Shrugging her shoulders, Seraphina Yue was about to speed away, s...


    "Wait¡ª!" Being halted by Lexi, Seraphina Yue turned her head to her and slightly tilted her head to the side.


    "How did¡ª Why are¡ª" Even before Lexi could ask her first question out of hundreds, Seraphina Yue grinned and interrupted.


    "Helping you? Maybe, because we are created by the same creator who loves us dearly. Bye bye~" With that said note, Seraphina Yue winked and without further ado, she sped away as if she was on a highway road.

 Chapter 313 Bad parents

    <h4>Chapter 313 Bad parents</h4>


    "But, that is not what I am asking." She murmured.


    Lexi could only watch the woman on a motorbike go further and further away from her sight while the annoying echoing noise of her vehicle gradually faded away. What that woman always says to her always made her wonder saying such stuff.


    Recalling theirst encounter, she told her to be careful, as if she was well-versed that she was in danger. Lexi didn''t mind that before as she didn''t know back then that her life was in danger with the people after Morris Liu. But now, thinking that maybe, Seraphina Yue knew about the fact that she felt unwanted.


    Furthermore, she just said that she should be wary of Louis Lu''s father? How did she know that she has a deeper connection to the Lu family? After all, Lexi just said she was only attending the event. Although it was obvious that it was the event of the new head of the Lu Corporation, how did she concluded that she wasn''t just a mere guest?


    "Nico, have you seen her in the Lu residence before?" Without turning away her eyes from where the odd woman set off, Lexi aimed her inquiry to Nico Zhuang who had this baffled expression stered across his face.


    "No, never." Recalling all of the times he was in the Lu family and every mission he was given, Nico Zhuang never once met that oddly dangerousdy who speaks as if she knew the deepest secret of the Lu family. Hence, his curiosity as to who she was.


    "I see¡­" Nodding in understanding, Lexi pondered about it for a good minute before throwing it to the back of her head. "Let''s go." Turning around, Lexi somehow felt a little more at ease as Seraphina Yue''s indirect distraction slightly reduced her nervousness at meeting the whole Lu n.


    For some reason, although she didn''t know any particr reason why that woman always appears out of nowhere and gives her hints that she didn''t realize sooner that would make her conscious about her surroundings, still, she had this trust towards the woman''s words.


    Granted that she was particrly weird in her own way, deep down, Lexi always unconsciously trusted her words; just like theirst encounter in the elevator lift when she told her to be careful, Lexi actually had gotten a little more wary of her surroundings after that. But now, Seraphina Yue just gave clear advice of who she should be wary about the most.


    Hence, whether she was saying the truth or not, at least, Lexi added someone on her list aside from the names Nico Zhuang mentioned that showed their apparent opposition to her man, Ethan Lu. It wouldn''t hurt if she listened to her advice after all.


    ****


    [Yang Mansion]


    "Dear," Putting down baby onesies on herp, Lillian Yang turned her head to where her husbandid¡­ or to be exact, where he was sitting with his back against their bed''s headboard while scanning a lion''s costume he personally purchased when he passed by a baby clothing store after his meetingst week.


    "Hmm?"


    "Are we bad parents? Letting our daughter step into a dangerous family?" Softly speaking her concerns, Lillian Yang had a bittersweet smile on the side of her slightly curled lips. Although she was approving of Lexi''s rtionship with Ethan Lu ever since, she still has this type of worry that she could only talk to her husband about.


    "I think, we are¡­" cing down the baby lion''s costume, Frederick Yang turned to meet the worried eyes of his wife. He reached his hand to her and held it tightly before loosening his grip a little. "Remember when Lexi was just 5 years old? With her persistence to y on a yground with other kids and we said she might get hurt, she cried her heart out so, in the end, we conceded because we cannot bear to see her cry..."


    "Mhmm¡­ I just hope we are not making the same mistake just like that time." cing her other hand on top of Frederick Yang, Lillian Yang meekly smiled as she recalled the time when Lexi was kidnapped because of their negligence.


    "It also terrifies me, honey." Saying his honest thought, Frederick Yang heavily sighed as he felt that both of them, husband and wife didn''t learn their lesson back then. "But, I know this is worth the gamble¡­ even if it''s despicable. Let''s trust Ethan to look after her."


    "Dear, you really trust him, don''t you?" Chuckling at thest remarks of her husband, Lillian Yang could not help butment as she really could see how her husband trusted Ethan Lu more than he trusted anyone.


    "What can I do? That child''s honesty and sincerity are too ridiculous to someone who was raised to use people!" Chuckling back, although Ethan Lu didn''t borate anything of the sort, but, by every piece of information heid out on the table with every conversation he had with him, it wasn''t hard to put the puzzle pieces together.


    Still, if Ethan Lu was raised to use people just to benefit him then, for someone with that kind of mindset, Ethan Lu''s every action towards Lexi never benefited him in any way. Moreover, he wasn''t getting anything from the Yang family¡ª even the contract of making the Yang Company operate under Ethan Lu''s orders in the future despite knowing that all Frederick Yang and Lillian Yang''s shares would directly be under Lexi''s name when the timees¡ª leaving Ethan Lu no benefits at all, still, he signed the contract without blinking an eye or even reading the whole contract.


    Therefore, for someone like him who was supposed to be a wicked man, a man whom shall benefit in any trade he does in any way, yet, with that single test of faith, Ethan Lu only proved to Frederick Yang that he was truly sincere with Lexi and showed zero interest with the Yang''s little wealthpare to the Lu''s.


    "It is really unbelievable if we didn''t know him." Lightly shaking her head sideways, Lillian Yang let out a faint chuckle as she understood her husband''s thinking. After all, Frederick Yang would never put all his stakes in him if he didn''t have good faith toward Ethan Lu without any strong trust built between both men.


    "But, you know dear¡­ you are growing bolder for showing me your personal purchase of baby costumes of your choice."


    "What? You can buy fairy costumes but not me?" As both Yang parent''s conversation diverted to arguments about the baby clothing, their hearts remained supportive and hoped for the best for Lexi and Ethan Lu. They hoped, inside their hearts that they would be able to return safe tonight, and every day after with a content heart due to their love with each other¡ª no matter how tough their uing days ahead¡­ they hope their love was enough to win in the end.

 Chapter 314 Girl on fire

    <h4>Chapter 314 Girl on fire</h4>


    Lexi headed into the function hall with Nico Zhuang following behind her. s, the more she drew closer to the said area, the more Nico Zhuang''s presence also lessened until she reached the main hall and the said man waspletely gone from behind her without a trace. Still, it was not enough to faze her.


    "Thank you," Through a whisper, Lexi mouthed. Whether he could hear her or not, Lexi knew inside her heart, he did¡­ from afar, he did. After all, even before everyone could realize it, Nico Zhuang had been a great ally especially in times that she needed him the most: for example, the thorough guide of the Lu family system and traditions.


    Deeply inhaling and exhaling, all her nervousness escaped along with her exhale and what was left was her strong persona. She must not waver and cower in front of those dangerous, scheming people. Lexi settled her mind to keep itsposure whatever they show to her, so she could think clearly under any circumstances¡­ for her, her child and Ethan Lu.


    Pushing the two doors, they slowly opened and revealed a sparkling, nobility type of atmosphere inside the function hall. It was twice or maybe thrice more elegant than she would usually attend in the past. Keeping her chin up, Lexi slowly made her entrance and discreetly scanned the surroundings to see if she knew some familiar faces.


    At the same time, the people near the door unconsciously turned their heads to its direction. The moment they saw the woman, in a sparkling red, off shoulder evening dress, her eyes were as just fiery like the color of her dress¡ª they were unconsciously in a daze especially men who see her as if she was walking in zing mes with her dress.


    "Beautiful¡­" One young master from a prominent family murmured in awe as he was enthralled by the goddess of fire before his very eyes.


    "Why does she look familiar?"


    "Uh, Lexi, Lexi Yang¡ª that''s her name. She''s a celebrity."


    "Wow¡­ she looks a hundred times more beautiful than onscreen."


    "Humph! Why are you also looking at her? What? Do you like her?"


    One after another, loud thoughts escaped the people''s mouths as they could not help but admire the bewitching woman who just made the night even more thrilling with just her presence. Women who had their date''s eyes glued on Lexi were displeased for stealing all the lights of the event while men who were particrly dateless tonight were excited to approach her.


    Understandably, after all, aside from being noticed from the new head of the family and made a proper acquaintance of Ethan Lu, the level of fun from flirting with other young misses around reduced because of the so-called game of the future madam Lu that could be chosen tonight. Therefore, hopefuldies retained their distance even though they were still gracefully making connections with everyone.


    After Lexi secretly skimmed the faces of the people looking at her direction, unsurprisingly, she knew no one... or so she thought. Because just as Lexi looked at her invitation card again to find her rightful seat, a squeal was heard not far away from her¡ª catching her attention.


    "Kyaaaah~!" At the same time Lexi entered the function hall, Evelyn Lu also returned from the other door after she paid her respects to her grandfather.


    Hence, the moment she saw who was the woman that stole the spotlight tonight with just her simple yet elegant entrance¡ª like a Queen entering her kingdom¡ª Evelyn Lu had the most stunned expression among all. She blinked a couple of times to see if she was seeing clearly enough and after wiping her eyes, her jaw dropped.


    To her, this has to probably be the best thing in this event, despite the fact that Elliot Gong wasn''t around. At least, one of her idols was there, as if a girl on fire ready to lead her legion of army to battle.


    "Lexi~!!" Without thinking of her status or proper etiquette, Evelyn Lu dashed towards Lexi that made her brows raise up a little.


    "Oh my god... it''s really you...!" Upon closer look, the corner of the cute lolita''s eye formed a tear of joy as she could not believe Lexi was right in front of her. "So pretty...~" Covering her mouth with her hand, Evelyn Lu almost fainted but because of her will power to spend as much time as possible with Lexi¡ª even if Lexi wouldn''t talk to her¡ª she wanted to watch her or follow her like the loyal and creepy fan that she was.


    "Hi," Momentarily examining her face, Lexi subtly smiled as she felt that this seemingly excited fan of hers showed genuineness. After all, she was a pro in acting hence, she knew if its real or fake.


    s, instead of a reply to her, Evelyn Lu gasped as the formed tear fell down from the side of her eyes.


    "Uh... are you alright...?" Lexi marginally raised her brows as an awkward smile grew on her lips. Still, the only response she got was a profuse set of nodding from her.


    "Oh..." Slowly nodding her head in understanding, Lexi was somewhat put in an awkward situation as she didn''t know how tofort the small woman. After all, it seemed that whatever Lexi would do or say that involved her, Evelyn Lu would be even more starstruck.


    "Woah! Girl on fire!" On the side, Elliot Gong''s familiar voice reached Lexi''s ear which made her turn her head to his direction.


    Seeing the very first familiar face around, Lexi subtly smiled as she faintly heave a sigh of relief. Well, it appeared that Ethan Lu was doing something important at the moment and Lyrick Jiang wasn''t around as well.


    "Eli, I thought you wouldn''te?" Humoring Elliot Gong, Lexi said as she recalled that Ethan Lu wasining like a child for his friend, Elliot Gong for being too sensitive about his ''jokes''.


    "Surprised?" Grinning from ear to ear, Elliot Gong humored which only made Lexi to roll her eyes.


    Little did the two know, Evelyn Lu was in cloud nine because not just Lexi, but also Elliot Gong was in front of her! Not just that, to her or to what she believed, they coincidentally came at the same time! Therefore, everyone could imagine how momentarily distraught she was as she could only alter her gaze from Lexi to Elliot Gong.

 Chapter 315 Feel bad for me? Why feel bad? O.O

    <h4>Chapter 315 Feel bad for me? Why feel bad? O.O</h4>


    ''Noting? And Eli said surprised?!? Did he tell her that he wouldn''te yet, he secretly did? OMG! Right! Eli should be in country J but he''s here now?! Does this mean he didn''t want Lexi to go alone without a date? Is he afraid that she would be snatched away by someone?!? OMG~!'' Evelyn Lu''s mind worked thrice more than usual as she already came up with romantic scenes inside her mind. The more she deluded herself with the scenario inside her mind, the more Evelyn Lu nearly made her nose bleed from all the fluff and X-rated scenes that mighte afterward.


    Lexi unconsciously nced at Evelyn Lu in the middle of her catching up conversation with Elliot Gong. Knitting her brows together, Lexi slightly raised her hand and mouthed "wait" to Elliot Gong before she fully turned to face the pale girl that waspletely rendered speechless.


    "Are you really okay? You look pale." Worried for the first person that gave her an oddly nice approach, Lexi slightly tilted her head to the side as she peered at Evelyn Lu''s awestricken countenance. Still, Lexi only got another nod from her because Evelyn Lu hadn''t recovered from her shocking imagination.


    Just then, another familiar voice that Lexi wouldn''t wish to hear at this moment rang behind Evelyn Lu. "Oh my! I never expected to see Miss Yang tonight!"


    Raising her gaze away from the still shocked Evelyn Lu, there, Lexi saw Ste Du all dolled up with her arms crossed and an ironic sneer stered across her lips. Still, Lexi smiled, that didn''t reach her eyes, as she returned the same pretentious greeting.


    "Nice to see you too, Miss Du."


    "Huh? Where is¡ª Oopss... right, your rumored boyfriend is here." Ste Du pretended to have a slip of the tongue before she covered her mouth and murmured something that doesn''t sound like a whisper as everyone around clearly heard her misleading remarks.


    "Huh? Lexi''s boyfriend is Elliot Gong?"


    "It''s just a rumor but since they almost arrived at the same time... maybe, the rumors are not just mere hearsay."


    "Wow, it seems like a good show is about to start." The people around them that were originally just staring at Lexi and to her beauty alone, could not help but speak their mind to the friends in their circle upon hearing the loud contemptuous remarks from Ste Du of the Du family.


    Hearing all the sidements, Ste Du sneered as a vicious glint shed across her pair of eyes. Well, since her ns failed to sabotage Lexi earlier in their trade show and ended in Lexi to benefit from it, Ste Du found another chance to unreasonably humiliate her.


    "Miss Yang, I never thought that those rumors are true that you..." Acting as if having a hard time to confront her, Ste Du circled both her index finger together. "That you liked ying with men''s hearts. We are friends and ssmates so, I didn''t want to believe it but I really feel bad for Mr. Gong!"


    "What?" Confused at the nonsense bber of Ste Du, Elliot Gong nearly gasped in dismay upon hearing her remarks.


    ''ying with men''s hearts? Feel bad for me? ¡ª why feel bad?!'' He questioned internally as Elliot Gong has zero knowledge with Lexi''s rtionship with the woman and all of the schemes that tend to happen at this kind of event among women as he never had this kind of treatment happen to him, ever.


    "Lexi, I know we are just friends or maybe, you never seen me as a friend but you have to stop using men just because you are pretty and smart. First, you use Nico to help you with our ss and to make your products while being in a rtionship with Mr. Gong!" At this time, Ste Du felt giddy as her voice became even louder that had now garnered more onlookers to enjoy the show. She acted and sounded so righteous as if she was that type of friend that set her friends straight and lead them in the right path.


    Of course, aside from men standing around that had second thoughts about Lexi and the baseless usations to her, women who had been irritated the moment she entered and stole the spotlight snickered in disgust.


    "Gosh! Now that I think about it, Miss Yang had a bombed scandal before about her ambiguous rtionship with different men!"


    "Lower your voice, you might not know who those old men are that she slept with and still kept in touch with her."


    "My god, just because she''s beautiful she thinks she can collect all of the men all to herself¡ª disgusting!"


    "She''s not that beautiful actually." One after another, insecure women found this chance to diss Lexi adding more oil to the fire. They didn''t care if Ste Du was telling the truth or not. Because to them, to humiliate someone like her would also push her out of thepetition in tonight''s event¡ª not knowing that there has been nopetition to the man they desired to achieve.


    "Miss, I think you are mistaken. We¡ª" Just as Elliot Gong was about to exin things to Ste Du''s nonsensical bber that might also put him in a tight position if his dear friend that has the maximum level of pettiness found out, he was halted in the middle when Lexi raised her hand and spoke.


    "You don''t have to exin to her. We owe her nothing." Despite that, Lexi waspletely displeased by this nder, she didn''t want to argue with her as it would lead to a longer discussion. Moreover, she didn''t want to waste such precious seconds with this airhead, unreasonable miss of the Du family.


    "Miss Yang, I see... you really don''t see me as a friend but, stop manipting the men that showed their interest to you!" Still at it, Ste Du somehow smartly countered back as her tone slightly raised that was alsoced with pain as if she was hurt that Lexi didn''t see her worthy as a ''friend''.


    ''Hah! Lexi Yang, let''s see if you can still clean your reputation after this! I will make sure your name will forever be smeared by your disgusting past!'' Sneering inwardly, Ste Du vindicated to herself as she was determined to stain Lexi''s name until she could no longer hold her head high.

 Chapter 316 Indeed my very awesome grandfather!

    <h4>Chapter 316 Indeed my very awesome grandfather!</h4>


    Meanwhile...


    Inside another private hall at the same hotel that was filled with intimidating men, everyone remained silent as they bowed their heads toward the head seat where Ethan Lu perched. He scanned the room with his emotionless gaze to each and every one of them before he spoke.


    "Sit down, there''s no need for all of these kinds of formalities." He raised his hand and unenergetically waved it that made the men¡ª old and young¡ª bowing to him raise their heads and fixed their posture.


    "Master, I congratte you once again." One man in his mid 50''s spoke first as he congratted Ethan Lu once again. Yet, Ethan Lu only nodded his head with little interest.


    "Hehe, this is supposed to be our own little tea party! Loosen up, youngds, haha!" Breaking the ice, Edward Lu heartily chuckled as he held his own sk. He sat on the other end of the long table opposite to where his grandson was. By the looks of it, Edward Lu seemed to in a good mood about something.


    "Old Master, it seems like the game you put earlier made you in a good mood." One of the most respectable members of the Lu family chuckled back as he humored Edward Lu.


    "Of course! Who wouldn''t? The atmosphere became more vibrant after that! Haha!"


    "Old master, did you perhaps have anyone in mind? Our Lu family needs a more stronger back up from the government and Senator Wang''s daughter seemed to fit perfectly!" Sharing the same enthusiasm, the man that audaciously as he conversed with Edward Lu with ease when he inquired and added his opinion and well, his guess.


    "Carter, you think so?" Giving him a knowing look, Edward Lu acted like he was just merely having a private conversation with Carter Rong as if the person he was talking about regarding his marriage wasn''t around.


    "Old master, don''t you think Mr. Li''s daughter also suits as the perfect candidate to be our family inws?" Another man from the side chimed into the conversation and spouted his opinion regarding their future inw. Master Li across from him remained calm andposed as he sipped the wine because he didn''t need to do the talking for him.


    Still, Manuel Li humbled. "Elder Lu, your words are too kind. I don''t dare suggest our family as I don''t think my daughter could even stand on the same ground as our new master."


    "How ironic Mr. Li, but you are the one who opened up about it." Joining the fun, Dennis Lu marginally raised his brows as he sneered without bothering to conceal it.


    Upon hearing Dennis Lu''s remarks, Manuel Li scoffed inwardly as an unreadable glint shed across his eyes. Surely, Dennis Lu guessed his intention to rise up in the ranks which he wouldn''t let happen. After all, he would not just bow his head down to the master''s inws who were initially bowing down to him with the difference in their ranks.


    As the conversation got tenser as shady remarks could be constantly heard, the man who they were discussing about remained silent. Ethan Lu wasn''t bothered to listen to this waste of time as he read the tons of hate messages on his dummy ount as "lexinumberonefan".


    After seeing his crazy cousin Evelyn Lu, he felt he somehow got the horror that maybe, one of these crazy EliXi shippers that he constantly argued with was his cousin. Hence, to confirm this not so important thought, Ethan Lu sent five "Hey, Eve!" messages to the ounts that usually replied to him with spite whenever hements on EliXi picture collections.


    "Well, why don''t we ask Ethan about what he thinks about it?" Just then, Edward Lu pointed at Ethan Lu that made everyone turned their attention to him.


    Sensing that everyone''s gazes were on him, Ethan Lu raised his head and furrowed his brows as he looked at his mischievous grandfather who was enjoying his little game.


    "I said, at the end of the day, it''s still your choice who you wanted to marry. Hehe, aren''t I a good grandfather?" Heartilyughing, some who were used to Edward Lu''s favoritism towards the new headmaster just looked at Ethan Lu while others who were opposing Ethan Lu were displeased because Edward Lu just indirectly said to them: Ethan Lu has a right to have a say to anything including this matter.


    "Grandpa, aren''t you having too much fun tonight? But, well, you are indeed my very awesome grandfather!" Winking, Ethan Lu grinned as he put down his phone as he received nothing from the five ounts he left a message with. Well, since Evelyn Lu was still at the function hall¡ª maybe partying¡ª she wouldn''t be able to read it even if she was one of the five EliXi fan ounts that he messaged.


    "Hahaha!" Laughing even more, Edward Lu mmed his palm on top of the table as he could not help his gleefulughs. Only the men around the long table are the ones who didn''t get the telepathic message between the grandfather and grandson duo as they could only awkwardlyugh along.


    *****


    Back to the function hall...


    "Miss Du, I see you are very righteous. Are you also interested to be Master Lu''s future bride?" Smiling brightly, Lexi ignored whatever nderous remark Ste Du spouted without reserve as she cunningly diverted the finger on her.


    Of course, the moment Lexi uttered those words, Ste Du suddenly froze from her innocent y pretend as that was a crucial blow on her. After all, she was trying to get all the hate from the insecure young misses onto Lexi and saying such words that might raise the brow of them and turn against her¡ª she suddenly found it hard to respond.


    "I guess you are not... or are you?" Slightly tilting her head to the side, Lexi smirked. She knew that the moment Ste Du would say that she was not interested, then, the other Lu families who were present would surely get her name out of the list. But, if she admitted that she was, then, the people dissing her would also take this chance to mercilessly lower her morale.

 Chapter 317 Love... I knew it.

    <h4>Chapter 317 Love... I knew it.</h4>


    On the side, Aubrey Ning who was conversing earlier with one of her friends in the business industry had her attention caught by themotion. Thus, Aubrey Ning and her friend were more than delighted to watch a great show that normally happens in this kind of event.


    s, the moment she saw that it was Lexi, she was somehow puzzled by her appearance tonight. Nevertheless, assuming that Lexi had made an acquaintance with Ethan Lu because of his interest regarding the skincare industry, she never really gave any thought about it.


    When Lexi finally rebutted the ever troublesome Ste Du that always gets her in trouble because of it, Aubrey Ning let out a chuckle as Lexi did get her good on that one.


    "I¡ª Lexi Yang, why are you turning this on me?!" Agitated, Ste Du ground her teeth as she red at the low verbal attack Lexi just made.


    "Hah! That Ste Du, of course, she''s also delusional forpeting to get the attention of Master Lu!"


    "Duh? As if she has a chance. For a girl as tactless as her¡ª in her dreams!"


    "Tsk, those two are both worthless to even dream to be the future Madam Lu."


    "At least, Lexi seems as if she''s really not here to join thepetition as her rumored boyfriend is with her." Again,ments from the side, especially from the upper-ss young misses, snickered as they spat their disdain and opinions. In an instant, with just a few sly sentences from Lexi, the crowd split in half as not only the dislike to her but also Ste Du who could not admit her intentions.


    "Uh... what''s really going on?" Still at loss, Elliot Gong scratched his jaw with the tip of his forefinger as he could not understand a thing. Well, maybe he did but he could not understand why this Ste Du person was so adamant to court death.


    First, ndering Lexi who was, by the way, Ethan Lu''s goddess that he worshipped day and night. Second, she was doing it in Ethan Lu''s event¡ª in his event! Andstly, why would she even think she stood a chance... or rather, why would the rest of thedies think that they could even stand a chance?


    Couldn''t they see Lexi? Are they blind? Even other men around them were enthralled by her beauty the moment theyid their eyes on her. If only Elliot Gong didn''t know any better, he would probably have the same gaze as other men but, knowing his dearest friend Ethan Lu, he wouldn''t dare nor even think about it.


    "You!" Just then, Evelyn Lu who wasatose inside her mind finally snapped back from her reverie. The moment she regained her consciousness, she heard Ste Du''sst remarks and otherments that agitated her to the core.


    Her sudden action of pointing her finger and aggressive countenance slightly made Lexi flinch and caught Ste Du''s attention. "Me?"


    "Yes, you! How dare you ugly girl nder goddess Lexi in front of me! Do you know who I am?!" Loud and clear, Evelyn Lu threw a huge fit as she stood proudly in front of the towering Lexi that made her look even younger and shorter inparison. Yet, that didn''t faze her as she ground her teeth while ring daggers at Ste Du as if she would bite her to death.


    "Ugly? Hey, shorty why are you suddenly interfering in this conversation?" Vexed, Ste Du''s aura med upon hearing that this short lolita just called her ugly! Surely, one way or another, their mind seemed to be of the same age and size. All the while with Lexi on the side.


    Lexi who was surprised by theplete change of attitude of this unknown lolita cast her a side nce as she was also curious who she was. After all, one would at leaste from an influential family to be in this event.


    "Because I am the president of EliXi fan club!" Sounding proud, Evelyn Lu pridefully patted her chest which almost made Elliot Gong puke blood from shock. "So, I have all the rights because you are ndering my goddess not just in front of me but also in front of Eli! The nerve!"


    ''President of EliXi?!? Oy! That club of yours nearly made me migrate!'' Rendered speechless, Elliot Gong''s eyes widened in disbelief as he could not believe he just heard that damn fandom right in Ethan Lu''s territory.


    Just then, the main entrance of the function hall slowly opened and Ethan Lu followed by Lyrick Jiang and Jarred Guo entered the hall without a noise. Seeing that there seemed to be amotion not far away from them, Ethan Lu''s brows furrowed.


    s, the next second, he heard Evelyn Lu''s proud voice announcing her position in the damnable fandom he tried so hard to wreck. He could not help his under-eye but twitch upon hearing it¡ª Lyrick Jiang as well as he knew very well that his boss despised that fan club as he verbally dissed it whenever he hears it.


    Of course, his presence didn''t remain as low key because the moment others noticed his soundless entrance and dashing aura, all of the women''s attention shifted all to him. Yet, he didn''t care as his boyfie radar sent loud rms inside his head.


    "What''s going on?" He murmured as Ethan Lu took immediate strides towards the fawning crowd. As he did so, Nico Zhuang suddenly appeared and strode beside Lyrick Jiang. Fortunately, people unconsciously stepped aside which made it easier for them to see what was happening.


    The moment he drew closer, his eyes immediatelynded on the shining, and the brightest star of the night that made his eyes sparkle and an uncontroble bright smile could not help but form on the side of his lips.


    ''Love... I knew it,'' As his eyesnded on Lexi, it instantly softened as ripples made into tidal waves drowned his heart with love.


    At the same time, Lexi, Elliot Gong, Evelyn Lu, and Ste Du''s attention subconsciously turned their heads towards Ethan Lu''s direction which made Lexi''s eyes softened as well as if she hadn''t seen him for a long time¡ª yearning for his warm embrace and wanting to shower him with so much love.

 Chapter 318 You look beautiful

    <h4>Chapter 318 You look beautiful</h4>


    Everyone''s eyes were on him and were slightly stunned to see a different kind of smile stered on his face. Ethan Lu had always borne this smile that had always made them feel the distance between them, therefore, for him to have this subtle yet gentle gaze in his eyes, it caught them off guard. s, they were unsure of to whom he was looking... he seemed to be staring at Evelyn Lu. Unbeknownst to them, he was shooting hearts at Lexi standing behind his cousin.


    "Master Lu!" Snapping from her momentary stupor, Ste Du heedlessly called out as she panicked. Did he hear her earlier? Did he see her slip from her etiquette and manners?


    "What''s going on?" Arching his brows, Ethan Lu finally broke his loving gaze from Lexi as a displeased look instantly covered his loving eyes from earlier as if his gentleness earlier was just one''s figment of their imagination.


    Ethan Lu shifted his gaze from Lexi to his cousin, Evelyn Lu, and then to the woman who called him before it traveled back to Elliot Gong. The instant his gazended on him, Elliot Gong looked back at him with the same disdainful gaze.


    ''Oi! I didn''t do anything!'' Elliot Gong defended inwardly as he clearly saw the drastic change of look when his dear friend Ethan Lu''s eyes stopped on him.


    "Master, based from the intelligence report, Miss Du was causing trouble and was the first to pick on Miss Yang." As if on cue, Lyrick Jiang reported from behind and purposely raised his voice for the said woman to hear. Ste Du''splexion turned even paler upon hearing the unhalting assistant of Ethan Lu.


    ''Intelligence report? What? You already got your gossip in a fraction of a second?!'' Hearing the romanticization of Lyrick Jiang of his gossip gathering skill, Ethan Lu could not help his brows but twitch a little. Aside from him, Lexi also let out a faint chuckle as she could read her man''s thoughts clearly.


    "Master Lu, that''s not it! I¡ª I am just talking to Lexi and¡ª" Ste Du frantically defended herself, s, when she caught the figure of Nico Zhuang standing beside Ethan Lu, her words were stuck on her throat because Nico Zhuang peered at her with a deadly, cold gaze¡ª as if telling her to shut up that instant.


    "That''s right! She''s ndering my goddess Lexi! The nerve of this ugly fool! Telling goddess Lexi she''s sleeping around with men!" The ever-restless Evelyn Lu, of course, could not help but fume as the words that didn''t process well earlier, due to her busy imagination, finally sunk into her mind. Therefore, she pointed at the shameless viin Ste Du and tattled on her to him.


    "Sleeping around with men?" ncing at Ste Du, Ethan Lu''s eyes darkened as he was irked at what he heard just now. His gaze then traveled to everyone nearby that was looking at him. When his eyes met theirs, a cold chill ruan down their spine especially men who received a threatening gaze from Ethan Lu that made them unconsciously swallow a mouthful of saliva.


    "Yes!" Affirming what he heard, Evelyn Lu took a step forward as she locked her eyes on Ethan Lu. "Brother Tan, please teach this ugly girl a lesson for running her mouth without substance! Give my goddess a fair justice!"


    When Lexi heard Evelyn Lu call him brother tan, her brows arched as she nced the small lolita''s back. Her curiosity towards the girl heightened as she wondered what her connection to Ethan Lu would be. Well, Lexi actually never thought that Evelyn Lu would be a Lu as she was also rather shortsighted and runs her mouth without thinking.


    "Eve," Returning his gaze to his cousin, Ethan Lu''s tone turned to a warning tone. "Don''t insult people just because they insulted your idol." Upon hearing this, Ste Du''s anxiousness reduced a little as she heaved a sigh of relief. To her, she thought that Ethan Lu''s attention was averted to Evelyn Lu''s continuous bber.


    Ethan Lu then cooly took steps towards Evelyn Lu, or rather to Lexi. It was just that his cousin was standing in front of her. His gaze staring right back at her and the side of his lips slightly curled.


    "Hi," He greeted still bearing his gentle smile.


    "Hello." Lexi bit her inner bottom lip as she restrained herself fromughing out loud by his silly greeting and how he restrained himself.


    Of course, the few people who already had the taste of these two''s dogfood could no help but cringed, especially Elliot Gong because, in his eyes, they were clearly flirting!


    On the other hand, the rest who were witnessing the unusual greeting of Ethan Lu unlike his distant and formal approach to them was entirely stunned. Did they just exchange hi''s and hello''s?


    "You look beautiful." Staring at Lexi, Ethan Luplimented because she was indeed too perfect in his eyes as if there was not any part of her that wasn''t pretty.


    Those three words, one sentence, everyone was utterly bbergasted. Throughout the night, Ethan Lu would always say ''good'' or ''nice'' but now, he directlyplimented Lexi without being under anyone''s pressure. Not to mention, the same different gentle eyes that only he has shown to her.


    "Thank you, you too." Letting out a chuckle, Lexi slightly shook her head sideways as she uttered her thanks andplimented him back.


    "Oh ho! Miss Yang! You''ve arrived! Though it''s ratherte that made me wait forever!" Suddenly, Edward Lu''s voice was heard from the crowd as he made slow steps with the help of his cane and followed by a group of influential men.


    "My apologies, old master Lu." Lexi politely bowed her head after she turned to face the approaching Edward Lu.


    "Aiya, how long are you going to keep me calling that? Grandpa is fine." Once Edward Lu''sst remarks were heard, not just the guests who were already bbergasted but also the rest of the core members of the Lu family were dumbfounded.


    ''Grandpa?!?!''

 Chapter 319 Miss Yang, dont you like my grandson?

    <h4>Chapter 319 Miss Yang, don''t you like my grandson?</h4>


    The word ''Grandpa'' that personally came out from Edward Lu''s mouth caused a moment of airless silence as none dared to break the ice¡­ well, it was perhaps nothing to break as Edward Lu heartilyughed after that. s, the woman who he asked to address him so dearly didn''t have a change on her poker face upon seeing the old man''s figure.


    Lexi''s aura turned colder just when she sensed Edward Lu''s presence and the heated hall drastically turned chiller when her eyesid on him. Ethan Lu who knew Lexi very well could not help but let out a heavy sigh. He knew that Lexi must have hidden a grudge towards his grandfather for what he had done earlier¡­ on second thought, Ethan Lu suddenly froze as he was reminded that he supported his grandfather earlier.


    ncing at the inexpressive side profile of his dearest sunshine, Ethan Lu subconsciously swallowed a mouthful of saliva. Still, whatever fear that had struck him for a moment, he still managed to smile and shifted his gaze to his grandfather.


    "Grandpa, why are you here? Aren''t you supposed to apany our respective guests?" Slightly tilting his head to the side, Ethan Lu inquired. Well, the private meeting they were having wasn''t done yet. He just went out with the excuse that ''something came up'' but promised he''ll be back in a bit. Hence, taking that as an opportunity, Ethan Lu headed into this function hall to check if Lexi had arrived which she didn''t disappoint him, fortunately.


    "Huh? I still need to matchmake you, so, I am here!" In a matter of fact tone, Edward Lu responded with a shrug. He then turned to Lexi''s unchanging front before arge grin stered across his entire face.


    ''Tsk, this woman! She''s still mad about earlier! Can''t she at least not show it?!'' Yet, inside Edward Lu''s mind, he was already dissing Lexi at how hard to appease his future granddaughter-inw was. Well, it was not like he didn''t like it but the opposite. This was one thing he already liked about Lexi because she was rather fierce, even more than he expected and would do well as the future family matriarch. Furthermore, she never, not even once tried to curry favor from him and by the looks of it, she didn''t n to do that either.


    "Miss Yang, don''t you like my grandson?"


    "Grandpa! What nonsense! My goddess is not avable, can''t you see?!" Suddenly, the frustrated Evelyn Lu who was rather fast to recover by this turn of events spouted with an aggressive tune.


    "Not avable?" Knitting his brows upon hearing his most adorable but most of the time stupid granddaughter, Edward Lu frowned as he moved his gaze to Evelyn Lu''s prideful countenance.


    "Evelyn, stop saying nonsense. Apany Grandpa for a while¡ª our guests might think you are another Miss Du here. Don''t shame our family for beingpared to the righteous Du family." Irked while his brows kept on twitching every time his cousin opened her mouth, Ethan Lu indirectly scooted the two away. Why were they here in the first ce? His grandfather, stealing Lexi''s attention from him and his damn cousin spouting nonsense!


    Upon hearing Ethan Lu''s clear sarcasm towards Ste Du and the whole n of the Du family, Edward Lu furrowed his brows. After all, he missed what happened before he came back to this function hall. Hence, Edward Lu missed how Ste Du mercilessly ndered his future granddaughter-inw. If only he heard it with his own ears, Edward Lu would surely not be as kind as Evelyn Lu. Perhaps, she would even cheer him on the side and ''boo-ed'' Ste Du.


    When Ste Du heard the shamingparison, she froze in an instant as she tactlessly stared at the dashing Ethan Lu. After he coldly nced at her earlier, Ethan Lu didn''t nce at her again as if he was dismayed that he even bothered to look at her.


    Humiliation¡­ overwhelming shame came rushing inside her as Ste Du traveled her eyes to the people around who were sneering for this indignation while others were still under shock while altering their gaze to Ethan Lu, then to Edward Lu, to Evelyn Lu who was known as another Lu family member and then to Lexi who remained silent and elegant as if nothing could faze her at the moment.


    "Ah, right! Our friends were waiting for me. Ethan, pleasee with Miss Yang in our little gathering." With that said note, Edward Lu nonchntly noted to his grandson before he began taking his leave. Well, even though he was treated by a cold shoulder by Lexi, he would make it up to her next time as their little meeting next to this function hall was still on-going.


    When they heard the clear invitation from Edward Lu as if he had already made up his mind for the spouse of the master of the Lu family, they could only watch his elderly retreating back along with hispany who were as shocked as they were internally.


    The women''s hearts who were eyeing to be chosen to be Ethan Lu''s prospect bride sank, especially, Laurel Wang who was confidently silent about being the best candidate. After all, their Wang family already became good friends with the Lu''s and some members spouted their approval of her. Moreover, she believed that she made a good impression on Ethan Lu as he didn''t treat her the same way like the rest of thedies present.


    ''No, Ethan¡ª he should be... mine.'' Still speechless, Laurel Yang could only whisper her delusion inside her mind as she was unable to move. All she could do was stare at Ethan Lu''s side profile as he lightly shook his head and returned his gaze to Lexi that instantly turned gentle and loving.


    Meanwhile, after being reminded that his dear friend Elliot Gong was still there, Ethan Lu turned his head towards his direction and smiled. "Thanks, man." He then offered his fist for a fistbump which Elliot Gong epted as his fist lightly tapped against Ethan Lu''s knuckles.


    ''Yeah, yeah, good thinking.'' Elliot Gong muttered inwardly as he knew what was his friend was doing¡ª giving Lexi and Elliot Gong a nice escape by making it appear as if Elliot Gong was just looking after his friend''s girlfriend when the news broke out after this night.

 Chapter 320 My lady, will you come with me please?

    <h4>Chapter 320 Mydy, will youe with me please?</h4>


    Lexi nced at the two¡ª Elliot Gong and Ethan Lu¡ª making a fist bump with a seemingly peaceful and bright atmosphere between them. She then nced at Ste Du before taking a glimpse at Edward Lu and Evelyn Lu who kept on looking back at her with a sad face.


    ''What a night¡­'' She thought inwardly as Lexi felt like yawning as she suddenly missed their bed.


    "Right, Miss Du, I apologized for whatever my little cousin had said to you to hurt your feelings." Still not letting go of what Ste Du said about Lexi especially in his own party, Ethan Lu was more annoyed that he had to deal with her because he was eager to throw himself to Lexi.


    "Uh¡ª I¡ª It''s fine, Master Lu." Stuttering, Ste Du panicked as his attention was on her again. She had been breathing as less as possible to conceal her presence because she realized that being ignored by him was way better than being noticed under these circumstances. Furthermore, Edward Lu already paraded his favor to Lexi which was the most shocking part.


    "It should be, Miss Du." Ethan Lu smirked as a dreaded glint shed across his pair of dark eyes. "Also, I must apologize in advance that I have to cut my investment with your family''spany. Our familial acquaintance has standards that you failed to show tonight. I''m sorry."


    Hearing that said, with his merciless remarks, not just Ste Du but everyone around were utterly terrified. Understandably, the Lu family and Ethan Lu himself was now the leading business magnate from almost every field. Therefore, a partnership with the Du family would be considered a small project to Ethan Lu but it was considered the biggest project to the Du family.


    Was this because Ste Du offended his cousin Evelyn Lu? Was it because she caused a disturbance to this magnificent night? Or because she targeted Lexi Yang who seemed to know the epitome of power and influence in the business industry named Ethan Lu? Everyone had their own conclusion and the individuals who spouted their harshments earlier lessened their breathing to reduce their presence.


    "Mas¡ª Mr. Lu¡ª why¡ª" Along with her stuttering, Ste Du''splexion turned even paler upon hearing hisst remarks. She believed that no matter what she said, Ethan Lu would not just breach their contract just like that. Well, maybe he would be displeased but he should just warn her, right? Yet, Ste Du waspletely ignored by him as his focus returned to the gorgeous Lexi.


    "My beautifuldy, will youe with me, please?" Ethan Lu handed out his hand which made Lexi return her attention to him from Ste Du. The moment her pair of nut-brown eyesnded on him, a subtle smile appeared on her lips before she raised her arm and reached for his hand.


    Raising her hand, Ethan Lu leaned down and ced a soft kiss on the back of her hand. "I missed you." He whispered as he raised his head to see hisdy staring down at him.


    To Ethan Lu, the world seemed to fade as he only had her in his eyes. He could not hear or sense the people around him who inadvertently gasped with his bold move and his words towards her. Raising his other hand, he cupped her cheek and scrutinized her pretty face as if he was tattooing every detail of her face to his mind and heart.


    Meanwhile, Lexi''s heart fluttered and she felt the seed inside her womb, she smiled, knowing that that little seed was waiting to see and feel the love of his/her father. All of her grudges to her grandfather for his odd walkthrough earlier and daring to raise a gun on herpletely vanished with those three words.


    Indeed, this day seemed to run slower than usual as Lexi missed him just as he missed her. "Me too¡­ I missed you too."


    Just then, the imaginary pink petals floating around the two suddenly cracked upon hearing a loud plea, along with the ''thud'' sound of knees crashing to the carpeted floor of the event hall. Both Ethan Lu and Lexi along with everyone around turned to its direction.


    There, Ste Du was on her knees with a face of desperation stered across her whole face. The shock of Edward Lu''s indirect deration of his favored choice of a spouse of the Lu family head and Ethan Lu and Lexi''s sweet interaction that kept the camera clicking from the permitted media inside this event was nothingpared to Ste Du on her knees.


    "Mr. Lu, please, I beg you. Our family needs your help." Despite her secret vendetta on Lexi as she pushed all of the me onto her, Ste Du swallowed down all of her pride. After all, she could not bear this great loss of her family as they already shelled out more money that was considered little to a man like Ethan Lu. Which would lead to a chaotic crisis for their family business if Ethan Lu would pull out his investment. Moreover, part of her tells her that Ethan Lu would not let them off that easily afterward.


    Ste Du then snatched a nce at Lexi who was looking down on her with a conflicted expression. Yet, all Ste Du saw was Lexi inly looking down on her! Still, being in this position caused by her own stupidity and tactlessness, Ste Du, fortunately, retained her sane mind and controlled her emotions.


    "Miss Yang, I apologize for what I said and not knowing more. Please, forgive me and give me a chance to correct my wrongs."


    "Lyrick, get her out of my sight." Unappeased, Ethan Lu was more vexed that Ste Du was purposely asking Lexi for forgiveness. Well, even if Lexi would forgive her, he would definitely destroy the whole Du family for raising such an ill-mannered girl.


    To him, Lexi had faced too much criticism and nderous remarks in the past. But, he wouldn''t let that happen under his watch. She had been way too hurt before and every toxic person including anyone in the Lu family, he would cut them all out just to give her a peaceful environment. Even if he would be titled as the most wicked man on the.


    Meanwhile, Evelyn Lu who had a glimpse of what her cousin did for staining the back of her goddess idol''s hand, she instantly threw a huge fit. Fortunately, the guards near Edward Lu restrained for her not to cause more trouble.

 Chapter 321 You make me want to kiss you too, you know.

    <h4>Chapter 321 You make me want to kiss you too, you know.</h4>


    Lyrick Jiang nodded after receiving the order and took a step forward to drag her out before his boss would personally strangle her for using such tactics. s, at the same time, Laurel Wang''s voice reached them just when Lyrick Jiang approached Ste Du''s white as a sheetplexion.


    "Wait¡ª" Laurel Wang then stepped forward from the crowd as she altered her gaze to Ste Du''s distraught figure and to the unstoppable Lyrick Jiang.


    "Miss Du, please." Ignoring Laurel Wang, Lyrick Jiang gestured to Ste Du who was just nkly staring back at him. Seeing that she has no strength left to stand, Lyrick Jiang mildly held on her arms and assisted her back on feet.


    "Mr. Jiang¡ª" Laurel Wang who was deliberately being ignored by Lyrick Jiang called out. However, all she received from Ethan Lu''s assistant was a cold side nce before he sternly spoke with a nk tone.


    "Miss Wang, I''m sorry but I will only listen to my master and these are his orders. Hence, it should be executed without dy."


    "Lyrick¡­" Seeing this side of Lyrick Jiang, Lexi was quite surprised by his audacity. She wasn''t surprised that Ethan Lu would be heartless even after hearing Ste Du''s pleas and swallowing her strong pride.


    ''Okay, goddess~!'' When Lyrick Jiang heard Lexi''s voice, he stopped. After all, Lexi was his mistress and Ethan Lu was his master. Therefore, even if she only called his name, he instinctively stopped without a word or question.


    On the other hand, a glint of dismay shed across Laurel Wang''s pair of eyes as she perceived this as Lexi unting her influence to Ethan Lu''s subordinate. Regardless, she chose to ignore it as she remained calm andposed as she shifted her gaze to the only man in her eyes.


    "Mr. Lu, I know Miss Du is in the wrong but please reconsider your decision¡­ for me." After processing her words, the frown on Ethan Lu''s face grew even more gloomy by her interruption.


    "Miss Wang, I respect you and your father, Senator Wang. But, I don''t appreciate your interruption. If you are displeased by my actions, then, that''s your choice¡ª I have no say in that." Casting Laurel Wang a nk stare, Ethan Lu firmly responded. "Badmouthing Lexi is just the same as badmouthing me. So, I take Miss Du''s offense as a direct insult to me. I won''t forgive anyone who tries or even had a thought of harming MY WOMAN¡ª physically or emotionally."


    Upon hearing him say the stressed words "my woman", although it was already obvious, everyone around were utterly speechless. After all, he just confirmed his rtionship with Lexi without a second''s hesitation. To them, he was an oddly private person and saying such stuff that he never said before nor this overly protective in his actions, it was enough to shock this image they had of him as a former casanova.


    Granted that Ethan Lu had a long list of ex-girlfriends, s, he never actually called them his. Everyone just assumed that they were his former lovers just because they were with him or rather linking arms with each other. Still, to say such words with a tone full of conviction, one could tell that the man who was talking was certain that their rtionship wouldst forever.


    Meanwhile, among the crowd, Aubrey Ning could not help but scoff at herself. The moment she witnessed Ethan Lu kiss the back of Lexi''s hand, she was taken aback. What more? His validation of his rtionship with Lexi made Aubrey Ning feel like she was yed by him.


    "Gosh¡­ he''s really sly." She whispered in between her faint scoff while slightly shaking her head sideways. "Fortunately, her work is worthy. Was this hispensation for ying word games with me?" Aubrey Ning added. Fortunately, her deal with Lexi was purely dealt with both party''s mutual interest. Furthermore, she was rather on the win with the Lu Corporation backing her new business partner. Therefore, she could only chuckle by this turn of events as she dissed her toughestpetitor, Benjamin Shao as she was sure she would surpass him in the nearest future.


    "Ethan, stop." Upon her observation and hearing that Laurel Wang was Senator Wang''s daughter and knowing that Ethan Lu was about to put a bad memory with his rtionship to the Wang family because of her, Lexi intervened.


    "Love," A heavy sigh escaped his mouth as his defense wall instantly shattered with just a word from Lexi. "*sigh* Alright, let''s talk about it some other time."


    Laurel Wang could not help but grit her teeth because her words seemed to take no effect on Ethan Lu. On the other hand, Lexi only said one word and he stopped¡ª even his assistant was listening to her! Just what witchcraft did she use to put them under her spell?


    "Thank you, Mr. Lu." Nevertheless, Laurel Wang slightly bowed her head and headed to Ste Du''s still shocked countenance to help Lyrick Jiang send the woman out. She stole a nce at Lexi who was looking at Ethan Lu, who was pouting in front of her.


    "Urgh¡­ my love is so kind~ What did I do to deserve you to correct my path~?" Shunning the world again, Ethan Lu turned lovey-dovey as he rested his forehead on her exposed, shining shoulder¡ª getting a whiff of her arousing perfume.


    "Yummy," He whispered, that was only audible for Lexi to hear as his hand sneakily snaked around her slender waist.


    "Hello? I am still here along with everyone else. Hehe, alright everyone, the show''s over¡ª continue to enjoy the night." Dissatisfied with the overly cringing public disy of affection, Elliot Gong rolled his eyes before gesturing for everyone to continue whatever they were doing before Ste Du''s crazy antics tonight.


    "I''m sorry, Eli. But, we can''t help it." Chuckling as she humored Elliot Gong, Lexi wrapped her arms around Ethan Lu without thinking of the gossip or scandal that was bound to exit this venue, as she was proud to be able to read her name beside the love of her life and the father of her child.


    "You make me want to kiss you too, you know." Replying to the yfulpliments of Ethan Lu after publicly sniffing her skin, Lexi humored which, of course, would obviously arouse Ethan Lu and wake up the sleeping beast inside him.

 Chapter 322 Make her stop

    <h4>Chapter 322 Make her stop</h4>


    Meanwhile¡­


    "Let me go! How dare he do that to my goddess?! Grand¡ª!" As the bodyguards dragged the retaliating little Evelyn Lu to god knows where, she grew more violent and her shouts became louder. s, that all stopped when Edward Lu''s bodyguard that was carrying her on his broad shoulders along with Edward Lu himself reached the rooftop of the hotel.


    The bodyguard harshly threw her down that made hernd on her bum. "Ouch! You¡­!" The sudden crash made her squeal in pain which made her throw a ring dagger to the stoic bodyguard''s face of their family.


    "Little Eve, your brother Tan is now the headmaster, so, you shouldn''t be like that." Looking down on his aggravate granddaughter, Edward Lu could not help but sigh. The very reason why he came back to the function hall was due to this troublemaker thatcked intelligence growth. After all, when she got the guts to pay respect to him, she dared to sneak out back to the event hall again.


    "Grandpa! Why did you bring me here?! I know he''s now the master of the family but he''s still my older brother tan and he dared molest my goddess because he gained power! The nerve!" By the looks of it, Evelyn Lu didn''t know what emotion shoulde first as she was puzzled that her grandfather brought her to the rooftop and angry at the same time because of Ethan Lu.


    "*sigh* My little pretty granddaughter, why do you ask? I will send you back home¡ª Don''t forget what Ethan did just for you and your mother to have this much freedom." Letting out another heavy sigh, Edward Lu was rather soft towards the hard-headed Evelyn Lu as his words were harsh but his tone was rather gentle as if he was sorry to send her back home.


    "What?" Upon hearing hisst remarks, Evelyn Lu''s heart sank and herplexion turned pale. Of course, he could never forget what her kindest cousin did just to protect her mother and her from those old geezers from the Lu family. s, since she heard that Ethan Lu would now be the headmaster, her morale came back and snuck out to greet him¡­ not just that but also to meet her male idol, Elliot Gong.


    Just then, a loud rotor noise soon reached her ears and the night breeze drastically turned stronger¡ª causing her short hair to tangle in the wind. Turning to see the huge helicopter, she chewed her lower lip as the corner of her eyes formedrge liquid to pool in her eyes.


    "Waah! Grandpa! I don''t want to go back just yet!" In an instant, Evelyn Lu jolted from her position and held tightly to her grandfather while bawling her eyes out. "I don''t want to go! Mom will kill me if she knew I didn''t go with my friends on that trip and went here instead! Waah!"


    Soon, even snot went up and down from her nose along with the downpour of her slowly growing puffy eyes. She wiped some onto Edward Lu''s shoulder as her grip tightened even more on her grandfather''s shoulder. Regardless of this indecency, Edward Lu could not be bothered as his shoulder moved down in distress. This shows that his fondness towards this innocent yet reckless little woman who always acts like a little girl was rather special.


    "Little Eve, you can''t stay any longer. You must go." Lightly shaking his head, Edward Lu reluctantly muttered along with another sigh. Although the background noise of the rotor sound from the chopper was loud, Evelyn Lu still heard her grandfather''s refusal¡ª loud and clear.


    "No!" Remaining adamant Evelyn Lu''s cries grew louder as she shook her head sideways along with her small figure.


    Just then, a tall figure approached them without a sound. Even the guards behind didn''t notice Louis Lu''s footsteps as it was concealed by the loud motor sound of the helicopter. "Grandfather," He called out to get the few people on the rooftop to notice him.


    Turning to see the voice''s direction, Edward Lu''s brows furrowed upon seeing the ever stoic countenance of Louis Lu. Oh the other hand, when Evelyn Lu heard another of her favorite cousins, her pair of eyes lit up as she instantly let go of her grandfather and glided towards Louis Lu''s shoulder.


    "Brother Lou~! Help me, please! I don''t want to go home." Huping due to her excessive melodramatic cries, Evelyn Lu sought help to the most reliable and trusted cousin she was fortunate to have.


    "Lou, why are you up here? You, little girl, you go back here¡ª you little!" After solemnly asking Louis Lu''s sudden intrusion on the rooftop, Edward Lu ground his teeth by his granddaughter''s antics. He knew her very well and she would seek help from everyone she could find and pretend as if she was receiving an injustice.


    "I came here because I heard Eve''s cry from my room¡ª it''s annoying. Make her stop." Without blinking an eye, Louis Lu nkly responded as it was indeed true that he heard his cousin''s cry when the elevator lift he was riding came up, he heard the familiar voice of Evelyn Lu that was on the closing elevator next to his.


    He should be fine when her voice faded along with the elevator door closes. However, no matter how he thought he should be fine, Evelyn Lu''s cries kept ringing inside his head and he wouldn''t have a peaceful night without personally seeing his cousin stop from crying. Therefore, he watched where the elevator she was on stopped and then followed suit.


    "Gah! Can''t you see I''m trying?! Men, drag her inside the chopper and make sure she would return safe¡ª don''t tell her mother about it." Frustrated at the oozing oddness of Louis Lu whenever he would show himself to him, Edward Lu ordered his men to force Evelyn Lu to go home. How could this Evelyn Lu torture him like this? Plus, Louis Lu''s appearance to add more stress to his situation. Was he being punished for all the misconduct he did in the past?


    "Grandpa, please let her stay. I''ll look after her for a while and send her home when she''s ready." After hearing the orders of his grandfather, Louis Lu frowned because that wasn''t what he wanted. Hence, he took the matters in his own hands to make her stop so she would not annoy his sleepter.


    "Really? Brother Lou, you will do that for me? Grandpa, let me stay with brother Lou!" Evelyn Lu suddenly stopped crying as her eyes sparkled as if Louis Lu was a deity incarnate. Meanwhile, Edward Lu frowned as well as he cast his granddaughter who had aplete change of attitude.


    "*sigh* Now that I am no longer the family head, these kids were pushing their luck!" Humphing, Edward Lu then turned towards the exit of the rooftop and slowly took his leave while being supported by his cane. Well, although he looked displeased, inside his heart, he wasn''t, really. In contrast, he liked to see his granddaughter more often as he believed Ethan Lu would protect her in any way he could. Also, since Louis Lu gave his word, his heart felt more at ease because Louis Lu didn''t want to take the me if something happened to her.


    As Evelyn Lu saw her grandfather retreat just like that, arge grin formed on the side of her lips as she was saved from the wrath of her mother and she could avenge her ship from being shaken by her own cousin.


    "Don''t scheme. Let''s go." Casting the demonic smile to Evelyn Lu, Louis Lu didn''t care as she began to take strides towards the exit of the rooftop. Witnessing her stopping from crying was enough as a peaceful sleep without being haunted by Evelyn Lu''s cries was better than having another responsibility. Well, he was a workaholic after all and having another job to look after her was a piece of cake.


    Surely, Louis Lu''s thought process was rather weird and simple unlike what conclusion he left to Edward Lu by this sudden interruption. The only person who didn''t give any thought about what Louis Lu''s ns might be was Evelyn Lu because she was cooking up ns to avenge her goddess idol.


    ''Hehehe, please my baby EliXi, your number one fan ising to save you from that monster!'' She evilly giggled as a determined glint shed across her eyes. Little did she know, Evelyn Lu would wish to have gone home as her number one rival on her delusional ship wasing at her¡ª head-on.

 Chapter 323 Save me

    <h4>Chapter 323 Save me</h4>


    [Grand Hotel Function Hall]


    After hearing Elliot Gong''s jolly dismissal, everyone pretended to do go back to their own small circles. s, everyone constantly shot Lexi and Ethan Lu a nce, because from what they saw those two weren''t afraid to show their public disy of affection in the middle of the hall. Hence, each and every circle of young masters and young misses could not help but spout their shock by this revtion.


    "Gosh¡­ do you think Master Lu woulde at me as well? I, this stupid mouth of mine ran off by its own again!"


    "I don''t know, dear. Good luck to you and your family."


    "Is that really Ethan Lu?" One of the young misses d with shining pieces of jewelry intently watched the lovely couple in the middle of the hall. To her, Ethan Lu seemed to transform into a different man. He appeared a little childish as his ear to ear grin never left his lips not even once.


    "Poor Ste Du. She thinks too highly of herself and now, hernd crash made her more ugly. Haha."


    "So, Lexi Yang is Master Lu''s lover to begin with and not Elliot Gong? That''s unexpected."


    "Man¡­ what a waste. I should have met Miss Yang earlier."


    "Tone it down, bro. Master Lu might hear you¡ª you can''t take the oue if he does." One after another, conversations about their own opinions filled each circle along with their frustrated sigh of being left out. After all, men who had their eyes on the gorgeous Lexi Yang the moment theyid their eyes on her felt regret for not meeting her earlier. Now that she was with Ethan Lu, they would definitely leave them no chance topete with him.


    On the other hand, aside from just admiring Ethan Lu from afar, women from the higher socialdder could only diss her for just having a pretty face inside their mind. Perhaps, all women who had taken a liking to this powerful and influential man had the same thought at the moment and insecurity among them surged inside their hearts. However, due to what happened to Ste Du and Ethan Lu''s words, that served as a warning to each and everyone of them who didn''t like Lexi.


    Moreover, Lyrick Jiang who was Ethan Lu''s right-hand man listened when Lexi spoke. And Ethan Lu as well when Lexi made him stop from punishing Ste Du with just a single word. Hence, everyone was careful about theirments and could only hope for them to break up. Surely, the higher ss elites were filled with selfish minded people who only thought about their own benefit and climbing higher on the socialdder.


    Amidst the discussion about them, Lexi and Ethan Lu shunned everything as they headed to their own little world that only they could enter. When Lexi unhesitantly wrapped her arms around him, Ethan Lu''s heart fluttered as the grin on his lips grew brighter. Not to mention, herst teasing remarks sent electric shocks through his every nerve in his body¡ª awakening a lustful love desire right there and then.


    "My love, are you sure you''re going to tease me now? I might not restrain myself." Whispering back, Ethan Lu stroked her exposed back and traveled his fingertips to her sexy spinal line as he drew his head back from her shoulder.


    "I am not teasing you," Chuckling, Lexi slightly shook her head as she guessed the impact she had caused to this man before her.


    "*sigh* How can I not love you?" Ethan Lu let out a defeated sigh as his eyes carefully traced her facial features. Slowly, his grin turned gentler as he thrust his head forward¡­ kissing her soft lips for a second. "Love, thank you for choosing me." As he drew his head back again, his gaze softened as he was utterly grateful for her appearance tonight.


    All of his overthinking¡­ all of the scenarios in his mind and vivid emotions just thinking that Lexi might note slowly dissipated in the inbound breeze of the function hall. His still trembling hands slowly slid down and intertwined with her slender hand.


    "Silly. Did you really think I''d cower in fear and leave you alone?" Sharing the same tender gaze, a subtle smile formed on the corner of her lips. "I am disappointed that you have that little faith in me¡­and to us." Although she was a little disappointed, Lexi''s bottomless love towards him triumphed at the moment. Well, she could not really me him and his fears. After all, having just a glimpse of the Lu Family, Lexi would be lying if she said she was not afraid even just a tiny bit. But, with him, with the trust they built and the love they had shared within these fleeting months, she believed that they could ovee anything.


    "But, thank you for giving me a chance to choose. I appreciate it, Ethan."


    "Thank you," Cupping her cheek with his other hand as he gently caressed it with his thumb, suddenly, his eyes seemed to sting. He felt emotional as his eyes had more liquid building up making his eyes to sparkle a little. He had no words to say as he was overwhelmed with her existence and being blessed to be a part of her beautiful life.


    Seeing this, Lexi could not help but slightly bit her lower lip to restrain her urgingughter. Truly, he was sometimes a softie for being teary-eyed at this situation. She was moved that Ethan Lu, his sincerity and love never once changed through the course of these short months.


    "I love you, Ethan Lu." out of nowhere, these words escaped her mouth as her heart dictated her mouth to utter these sweet and never getting dull words. Granted that they only shared a few months of togetherness, s, Lexi experienced almost everything with him. Be it overflowing love, steamy lovemaking, their short trips together, and heartwarming meals¡­ she had never been this content and happy.


    It was as if her time together with him could never bepared to the rest of her twenty-three and a half years of her existence.


    Of course, the person near the two named Elliot Gong could not help but roll his eyes by hearing every loving word they exchanged. Being reminded of a certain someone, Elliot Gong sneakily took a photo of them together and sent it to Rika Song, saying:


    "Save me." s, what response he got from his traitor friend was, "Aww¡­ so sweet


    "Why did I even bother to hear her request." He lowly grumbled as Rika Song relentlessly nagged him to keep her updated about the event as she could not go and Lexi would surely be super busy at the moment. Hence, she could only bother Elliot Gong who was surely the one who be stuffed by dog food.


    He then nced at the two again and for some reason, he sighed. In his eyes, he never once saw his friend Ethan Lu or Lexi be this happy. Even back when Lexi was still with Morris Liu, he never saw her smile like how Ethan Lu makes her smile.


    ''What an unexpected turn of events¡­'' He murmured inwardly because no one would have thought that Lexi and Ethan Lu would really click.

 Chapter 324 I am being kind to her?

    <h4>Chapter 324 I am being kind to her?</h4>


    As Lexi and Ethan Lu''s hearts were connected while just staring at each other, they were interrupted by Aubrey Ning''s greeting.


    "I''m sorry to interrupt your lovely atmosphere, Mr. Lu and Miss Yang." As usual, Aubrey Ning''s attire was daringly hot with her big size breasts tempting to break free from her tight dress. She stood with poise with a ss of wine in her hand, her dangling fur shawl on her bent arms added to her elegance.


    Turning towards her direction, Lexi subtly smiled while Ethan Lu, on the other hand, frowned by her interruption. He wanted to be more lovey-dovey with Lexi and maybe ask Lyrick Jiang for the musician to y a love song so he could dance with Lexi. However, Aubrey Ning just audaciously came into the scene.


    "Oh ho, Mr. Lu, please don''t be mad." Chuckling upon seeing the unconcealed displeasured expression stered across Ethan Lu''s face, Aubrey Ning said. "Take this as revenge for using me."


    "I didn''t use you. I just said something and your actions afterward are all your decisions." Ethan Lu lowly and shamelessly rebutted. Well, how could she me him for his deliberate slip of the tongue?


    "Makes sense," Nonchntly shrugging her shoulders, Aubrey Ning turned to her new business partner with a smile. "Well, I never actually thought or rather¡­" pausing for a moment, Aubrey Ning nced at Ethan Lu before she continued. "Rather, I already guessed but without any hard proof, I didn''t conclude that you are Mr. Lu''s woman, Miss Yang."


    "Miss Ning, what deal we have is between two businesswomen. Ethan is out of it and just like what he said, what you offered after his slip of the tongue is all on your own." Lexi smiled back as she easily worded her sentence as bluntly as possible. After all, based on her observation, Aubrey Ning prefers someone to be brutally honest even if it hit a nerve instead of being coaxed by sweet yet empty words.


    "Hahaha¡­!" Chuckling upon hearing Lexi''s unfiltered words, Aubrey Ning used the back of her hand to cover her painted crimson red lips. "That''s true. Miss Yang, the more I interact with you, the more I like you."


    "Miss Ning, I can smell your masochism." Nearly rolling his eyes, Ethan Lu got a whiff of Aubrey Ning''s masochistic side as she seemed to seduce Lexi with her gaze. "Also, please refrain from looking at my Lexi like that. I might think you have other intentions."


    "Mr. Lu, I am just showing my awe to Miss Yang. Please don''t take it the wrong way." Feigning innocence, Aubrey Ning giggled as she felt gleeful for taunting Ethan Lu.


    "Ay! Anyway, this is my friend Elliot Gong. He''s super popr. Why don''t you chat with him for a while, eh?" Fortunately, he caught the peaceful Elliot Gong on the side which gave EthanLu the idea of how to scoot Aubrey Ning away. Therefore, Ethan Lu skipped to the side and dragged Elliot Gong who was having a nice conversation with one of his guests while drinking a ss of wine without short notice.


    "Eli, this is Miss Aubrey Ning, owner of dermazing." Introducing them to each other, Ethan Lu grinned that made Lexi slightly shake her head sideways.


    "Pleased to meet you, Miss Ning." Despite the abrupt action of Ethan Lu that nearly made him choke on the ssful of wine he was about to drink. Still, Elliot Gong managed to gulp down the liquor in his throat with great effort and smiled as he offered his hand to Aubrey Ning.


    "So am I, Mr. Gong. I have been meaning to invite you to be the newest endorser of our men''s skincare product¡­" Even though Aubrey Ning knew what was Ethan Lu was doing, well, it was actually her agenda. For him to introduce her to someone interesting and Elliot Gong was probably the best choice he had. After all, Aubrey Ning had already had her eyes on Elliot Gong but since his schedule was pretty tight, she''ll just take this chance to propose a deal to him for being the endorser of her products.


    "She got you this time." Arching her brows, Lexi smirked at the relieved Ethan Lu as she already guessed what was Aubrey Ning''s real purpose was for disturbing him.


    "She won''t stop until I personally introduce her to someone. Well, Eli just saves the day, I mean night. Hehe." Ethan Lu grinned because finally, he got rid of Aubrey Ning with the help of Elliot Gong''s presence. Fortunately, Elliot Gong seemed to love him so dearly that he attended tonight''s banquet despite his busy schedule and now, he''s serving his purpose.


    Just then, Lyrick Jiang returned and approached from behind before he sternly spoke. "Master, the elders are waiting for you."


    "Oh¡­" Upon hearing his reliable assistant, Ethan Lu was reminded about the private party he was also hosting that only the core members of the Lu family had. Nodding in acknowledgment, Ethan Lu turned to Lexi who was already staring back at him.


    "Mydy, are you ready to meet my family?" Marginally raising his brows with aplicated smile on his lips, still, Ethan Lu felt conflicted and anxious to Lexi for the meeting and would officially be a part of the Lu family.


    Naturally, Lexi nodded and returned his smile with a reassuring one, "I''ll be fine¡­ they should be the ones who should worry and not me." To make her more believable, Lexi humored which effectively made him loosen up.


    "Remember, you can''t be that kind to them just like how you were to that Serina Du." Giving her a warning, Ethan Lu made his lips into a thin line as he heavily exhaled.


    "It''s Ste Du, not Serina." Lexi chuckled as she didn''t know whether he was pretending not to remember her name or he was thinking that it was not worthy to remember. "Also, who told you I am being kind to her?" Herst remarks were low but were audible enough for Ethan Lu and Lyrick Jiang to hear which made the two furrow their brows.


    "I just did what I had to because¡­" pausing while sliding her arms around his, Lexi diabolically whispered. "Because she''s mine to destroy in the first ce." With that said note, a vicious glint shed across her eyes. Well, Lexi hasn''t forgotten her oath to her babies and what that Ste Du did to them in their showcase. Therefore, she wanted to personally deliver her wrath to her by crushing herpany to bits with her own power.


    Of course, upon hearing it, Ethan Lu could only stare at the smiling Lexi in a daze while Lyrick Jiang who doubled his perception to his ears to hear his goddess / heroine nearly dropped his jaw.


    ''Madam, don''t use that tone¡ª it''s scary!'' Lyrick Jiang swallowed a mouthful of saliva as he stared at Lexi''s back. Even when Ethan Lu recovered from his shock and they both headed to the said part of the hotel, Lyrick Jiang constantly nced at Lexi. He could not help but be in awe and be terrified as Lexi not only was the perfect future madam Lu but she seemed she would fit well in the Lu family affairs as her train of thought was always unpredictable.

 Chapter 325 I found a good match for our master

    <h4>Chapter 325 I found a good match for our master</h4>


    "Aiya, aiya, I''m really old. My knees can''t help but tremble for just taking a walk." Edward Lu slightly stretched his aching back a little as soon as he stepped his foot inside the vast private hall that held all of the core members of the Lu family.


    He arrived and all of the elderly members and new ones were still having a squabble with the perfect candidate of who should Ethan Lu, their new master, be wed to. Upon witnessing this, Edward Lu could only nonchntly shrug as he caught the attention of everyone, that had at that moment, made them stop their heated discussion that was a facade into a friendly conversation.


    The elders who followed Edward Lu earlier including Gerald Huang could only shake his head inwardly as he finally recovered from his shock upon meeting Lexi, Ethan Lu''s lover. Yet, these colleagues sh rtives of his were still squabbling about it.


    "Old Master, are you alright?" Harold Lu who was among the men around the table abruptly stood up from his seat as he rushed to offer his assistance to Edward Lu. s, with a weak gesture by lightly waving his hand off, Edward Lu refused.


    "Ay, ay, I am good. I am old but I can manage."


    "Yes, Old Master." Slightly bowing his head in acknowledgment, Harold Lu responded as he let Edward Lu pass by him before he went back to his seat.


    When Edward Lu finally rxed in his original seat, henguidly rested his back against the back of the chair and scanned the men that had their eyes glued on him. "Hehe, you lot are persistent. I already found a good match for our Master." Without further ado, to stop them from arguing whose family it would be that suited his grandson the most, Edward Lu indifferently announced before a grin formed on the side of his lips.


    Hisst remark caused a sudden silence as his words thoroughly processed to each and every scheming brain in the Lu family. Seeing their reaction, Edward Lu already expected this as it was too sudden. What he meant by sudden was his decision of choosing the future matriarch without any regard for any traditional method of choosing.


    Normally, Edward Lu would have to visit the temple and get the birthdates of the candidates that would match well with Ethan Lu; be it family background, theirpatibility, and of course, the person who could give stronger backing to his grandson. However, Edward Lu, even beforehand, had never really wanted to matchmake his grandson because of one thing: his grandson didn''t need that method.


    What he needed was someone to be his light in their much too dark family that even Edward Lu had failed to purify¡­ and a person who could control him if he ever snapped. Hence, he never really cared who he dated before or who he would fall in love with. As long as he would have his own reasons to earnestly protect someone from the bottom of his heart, Edward Lu would always support whoever it was.


    It was only a bonus that Lexi was a rather big bully and courageous¡ª a good impression for a futuredy of their family head. Hence, he was satisfied that the woman his grandson picked wasn''t just a damsel in distress that only knows how to look beautiful.


    "Old Master, what do you mean¡­?" Dennis Lu who remained silent all throughout the night and had his loyal followers to speak for him, finally broke his silence as he stared at his father with the same baffled expression as the rest of them.


    "What Grandpa meant is that, if you wanted to go about marriage¡­ why don''t you get a divorce and remarry again instead of squabbling nonstop about someone else''s love life." Just then, Ethan Lu entered the room just a secondter after Edward Lu perched in his seat. Since his grandfather''s words took them off-guard, they didn''t notice Ethan Lu''s arrival with a beautiful date that he was linking arms with.


    Upon hearing the blunt sarcasm, everyone aside from Edward Lu turned their heads to the entrance of the hall. There, what appeared before their very eyes was their new headmaster with an elegant woman beside him. They seemingly had matching outfits as their attire for tonight was in one palette: Lexi was in a zing red off-shoulder dress while Ethan Lu''s tux was in a retro maroon. For some reason, they could be mistaken to be a bride and groom with a fire motif.


    Ethan Lu, though anxious concealed everything as he bore his ever sly smile on his lips¡ª same with Lexi''s inexpressive countenance as she wasn''t pleased to meet these men who had made the life of her man burdensome. Both silently walked towards the head seat¡­ followed by the stunned gazes that had remained glued on them.


    As theynguidly made their way as if they were on a garden trip, Lexi discreetly moved her gaze to observe everyone''s faces. If she didn''t ask Nico Zhuang about the basics in the Lu family, she would be naturally confused as the only attendees were men¡ª no women around, just her.


    ''Huh, so it''s real¡­'' Lexi thought inwardly. From Nico Zhuang, she was told that the Lu family had a strong belief about ''men''s rule.'' Therefore, the only job the women in the Lu family was to keep beautiful and not shame the family.


    Regardless, women in the Lu family were nothing but a decoration to the Lu''s men. They were akin to furniture to make their surroundings pretty which irked her to the core. Of course, Lexi was also told that despite this, there are still Lu women who were smart and excelled in their own fields and the Lu Corporation subsidiaries. It was just that, they could never be a part of the core members of the family as the only thing they could partake in their family business was to aid and support their fathers or brothers that were part of the main members that rule the family system.


    "Mydy," Arriving at the head seat, Lyrick Jiang swiftly ced another chair beside his boss''s chair and Ethan Lu assisted her into the seat like a real gentleman.


    "Thank you," Meekly smiling, Lexi sat on the chair before her gaze traveled amongst the numerous eyes on her.


    ''Now, I wonder what are they up to¡­''

 Chapter 326 Meeting the Lu family

    <h4>Chapter 326 Meeting the Lu family</h4>


    ''Now, I wonder what are they up to¡­'' As Lexi uttered those words inside her mind, a subtle smirk formed on the side of her lips. She saw the other''s expressions had turned from shock to a frown upon seeing her taunting front. Yet, that was what she wanted: for them to challenge her and vent all of her frustrations on them tonight.


    "Well, my dearest Uncles, meet Lexi Yang, my beloveddy." When Ethan Lu took his seat, he straightened his back before he smiled and introduced Lexi as normal as possible."My love, these are my Uncles¡­ though it would be hard to introduce them to you because we might use up the night. Don''t worry, you''ll get to know them, eventually." Turning to Lexi, Ethan Lu sounded a little upset as he said those words, s, his front never changed, not even the slightest bit.


    "Pleased to meet you, Uncles." Slightly bowing her head as a greeting, Lexi raised her head again and gently smiled. Neither of the two showed what they had in mind which Edward Lu''s heart fluttered in awe.


    "Lexi Yang¡­ Yang¡­" One of the elders rubbed his chin as he pondered and kernelized what kind of family were the Yangs. However, no Yang family was on the list that could par or even level with the other wealthy families in the top socialdder. Well, there was a Yang Company he knew but that was a rather smallpany that could only bepared to one of their small subsidiaries of the Lu Corporation.


    "Pleased to meet you as well, Miss Yang." Gerald Huang met her earlier slightly bowed his head in return. Unlike the others that were taking their time to process this news, he already knew this wasing as he met and witnessed the scene earlier.


    "Master, I don''t understand. Even if Old master took a liking to Miss Yang here, shouldn''t we take advice from the temple if Miss Yang''s birthdate ispatible with yours?" Dennis Lu who concealed his dissatisfaction by their rash decision turned to Ethan Lu''s side andpletely ignored Lexi''s presence while using her name for his argument.


    "Why so? Should I date and marry whichever woman the divination says? Don''t I have any say to it, Uncle Den?" Furrowing his brows, Ethan Lu leaned forward as his true colors began to show that started to make the sly smirk on the corners of his lips reveal itself. He didn''t need to conceal this side of him in front of Lexi because just like he said¡­ she would slowly begin to be unable to recognize him any more, or so he thought.


    "No, master. I just said what it was I had to in order to avoid a bad premonition that could ur in our family." Keeping his level-headedness, Dennis Lu sternly responded as he sounded rational. Granted that his reasoning made sense one way or another as the Lu family was somewhat superstitious whenever they feel like it, still, his initial agenda was to ce Lexi in a temporary position.


    "That''s right. Master, please don''t be offended but we don''t know what Miss Yang''s intention is to you." Soon, one after another, the individuals who have evidently disyed their displeasure for Lexi''s appearance to this private celebration, spouted their own reasonings. While others remained silent as they yed it safe like usual.


    Surely, some of the Lu family core members showed zero respect to Lexi as they spoke as if she wasn''t there to hear theirments. On the other hand, Ethan Lu''s smile gradually faded away after every argument that was being thrown at him.


    "I want silence." Cold and emotionless, Ethan Lu lowly muttered. He didn''t even exert effort for everyone to hear it as he perceived that it was their job to listen when he opens his mouth. Individuals near him instantly shut their mouths upon sensing the drop in temperature in that instance. However, men who were farther from his position kept on running their mouths.


    "Master¡ª" One elder, from the farthest side of the long table was about to speak his rationality about the matter. s, even before he could finish his sentence, one of the guards silently standing on the side approached him and covered his mouth¡ª as tight as possible including his nose as if he was suffocating him.


    "I hate repeating myself, Uncle." Propping his jaw by the back of his hand while his elbow was resting on the chair''s armrest, he coldly spoke those words. Ethan Lu emotionlessly watched the one who was being suffocated not far away from him without showing the slightest bit of remorse.


    On the other hand, Lexi slowly clenched her hand in herp into a fist as she tried to keep her stoic front intact. Indeed, even her, Lexi was rather terrified at Ethan Lu as she felt a cold chill run down her spine the moment she heard hisst remarks. Taking a nce at the coldest side profile of his that she ever saw, for the first time, for some reason, she rxed in contrast.


    It''s still him¡­ that was what her subconscious mind told her.


    ''How could I have not seen this¡­'' Lexi muttered internally as she could now clearly see what kind of wicked man he could be that he had told her about before. Still, the emotions circling around her was not fear but a dreaded fury as these men indeed tried to push him to be like this kind of person.


    After three good minutes of silence as the elder was being suffocated, Ethan Lu raised his hand that had made the guard let go of the person. The elder immediately gasped for air as he coughed as loud and hard as he could.


    "Uncle, what were you saying again?" Tilting his head to the side, Ethan Lu innocently raised his brows as he didn''t give the man more time to recover.


    "Master *cough* I *cough* I mean¡ª pleased to meet *cough* you, Miss Yang." Filled with dread as he didn''t expect that to happen, the man who almost suffocated to death, no matter how he tried to break free, the shadow guard under Ethan Lu was too strong. Hence, knowing now with this new headmaster, one wrong answer and he''s dead.


    "Good." Nodding in acknowledgment, the corner of his lips showed another smile disying his satisfaction, while Lexi wordlessly nodded as she epted the forced greeting she just received.

 Chapter 327 Just dont do it again

    <h4>Chapter 327 Just don''t do it again</h4>


    The freezing atmosphere around the room had once again fallen into a stifling silence as they knew that this was Ethan Lu''s way of warning them. Therefore, the elders who were mortified to be the next example finally took Lexi''s presence into ount and issued their long overdue greeting.


    Even so, despite that they slightly put down the matter, each of the individuals inside the room only gave Lexi a temporary friendly respect as they were sure that she would be reced sooner orter¡­ or so they thought.


    "Thank you, Elder Lu." Upon receiving thest weing remarks from Dennis Lu, Lexi meekly smiled as she delicately thanked him.


    "Miss Yang, I apologize for our rude treatment earlier¡­ I hope you understand that we are just concerned about the well being of our master." Stil bearing his pretentious smile, Dennis Lu humbly apologized to her, hinting at Lexi that she should not take it to heart.


    "I fully understand, Director Lu." Slowly blinking her eyes along with her nod, Lexi returned the same pretentious smile at him. "Just don''t do it again." Sounding innocent, her smile turned benevolent which caught everyone off-guard including Ethan Lu on her side. Edward Lu almost burst outughing as he nearly dropped from his seat as he somewhat expected this from her and not at the same time.


    ''This woman¡­ she''s really bold to make an obvious attack. Haha! What a keen smell she has to know which of the people here are not fullymitted to my cute grandson.'' Edward Lu chuckled inwardly as he pulled out his sk and enjoyed these youngins to give him a satisfying show.


    "Hehe, of course. We won''t do it again." Dennis Lu chuckled that had sounded more like a scoff. He wasn''t born yesterday as Lexi''s remarks were too audacious. In his mind, he didn''t like her even more as she already unted her substantial power under Ethan Lu''s protection.


    "I''m relieved to hear that¡­" Letting out a sigh of relief, Lexi muttered which made Dennis Lu''s brows and everyone''s that had their attention on her furrow. "...after all, I heard that the future matriarch had almost the same authority with the headmaster. I don''t want to order someone to be suffocated to death. I''m truly relieved." Lexi lightly patted her chest as she sighed in relief again.


    Upon hearing her indirect im of the position as if she already owned it, a scornful glint shed across Dennis Lu''s eyes. It has been years since his mother, the old family matriarchs death. Hence, everyone has nearly forgotten how it is to have a female member inside the core that has the same authority as Edward Lu.


    Granted that women in the Lu family were mere decorations, s, that didn''t apply to the wife of the family head. After all, Edward Lu''s wife had shown her capabilities early on, that alone had made the rest of them obey and respect her¡­ and only her. But, after she passed away due to her old age, none of them were ready to ept another matriarch. If anything they approve, that the spouse of Ethan Lu would be just a doll that was easier to manipte.


    Hence, controlling thedy of the headmaster means gaining a much bigger authority.


    Meanwhile, Ethan Lu recovered faster than the rest upon hearing herst remarks. Turning to see Lexi''s feigning innocent side profile, he could not help the corner of his lips to curl upward in amusement. He was unexpectedly surprised that Lexi would want to y with these rotten bastards. Not to mention, she came prepared and made sure to do her research into the family.


    Ethan Lu was certain that his grandfather didn''t tell her this rule as it was much less important than his main agenda. Therefore, he could only assume that it was Nico Zhuang who told her all this and maybe, everything he knew about the rules they must abide by.


    "Don''t worry, they won''t be that stupid to forget that." His hand involuntarily raised as it tenderly stroked her head. His gaze softened as his eyes traced her side profile and a gentle smile appeared on his curled lips.


    "Are they not?" Turning to face the dashing man that was lovingly staring at her, Lexi smiled as she hinted that she was not convinced that they were not stupid.


    "Maybe¡­ let''s have a little faith, my love." Grinning, Ethan Lu let out a chuckle as he never thought that he had not only just gained a new ally but also a partner that would ride along with his bullying to these bullies. Their interaction that was obviously insulting to the elders around the table made their jaws clench as they calmed their raging hearts.


    "Alright¡­" Shrugging her shoulders, Lexi let out a heavy exhale as she agreed. "I don''t want to leave a bad impression after all." She added that made Edward Lu snap as he could no longer hold hisughter. Surely, Lexi''s odd humor would only dden the old man and Ethan Lu who fully understood the meaning behind her words.


    The night continued but it was not as fun anymore as everyone could only keep their silence as Lexi and Ethan Lu exchanged an insulting sense of humor while Edward Lu enjoyed the show. In the middle of the private party, Lexi''s attention secretly had her eyes on the silent man that had sat near Edward Lu.


    Throughout the night, the said elder had this private space around him as he never once joined in on the squabbling earlier when she arrived and only spoke when he greeted her. After that, he remained silent as if he was not there. If Lexi didn''t bump into Seraphina Yue earlier, she would not take notice of the man as she would think he was a neutral character that only likes his peace. s, since she had a heads-up, deep down, Lexi was cautious solely to him as she could not read him.


    Soon, the event ended before midnight. However, before Edward Lu left, he invited Lexi to have lunch together in the main residence. Lexi carefully considered his offer and when Ethan Lu gave her a reassuring smile as if telling her it was a safe invite, she agreed.


    ****


    [Inside Ethan Lu''s car]


    After the event, Ethan Lu wanted them to stay at the Grand Hotel for the night. s, for her own selfish reasons, Lexi insisted on going home just because she wanted to. Therefore, the always ''yes ma''am'' Ethan Lu conceded and followed her desires.


    "Love¡­" Offering his open palms for her to fill with hers, Ethan Lu softly called out to Lexi as she was oddly silent while staring outside the window of the back passenger seat.


    After hearing his voice, Lexi snapped from her cloud of thoughts and turned to see his open hands before her gaze shifted to his gentle front. Slowly, she smiled back as she slid her hand towards him that had instantly intertwined¡ª sending rushes of warmth to each other''s nerves up to their hearts.


    "Is there''s something wrong?" Asking out of curiosity, he wanted to know her thoughts about what she had witnessed tonight, or rather, the whole day.


    "Nothing, I just¡­" Pausing for a moment, Lexi wanted to say what she was just thinking about and how to tell him about her pregnancy. However, she wanted it to be meaningful and surprise him. Therefore, Lexi only smiled and reced the words she was about to confess. "I just thought that I am now thinking about you 24/7."


    Upon hearing her remarks, Lyrick Jiang and Jarred Guo on the front side of the car could not help their brows but twitch. Slowly, Lyrick Jiang soundlessly put up the partition so that they would not see what would happen next. Knowing their boss, he would surely not be considerate about the two people in the front side of the car.

 Chapter 328 Lets flirt like that sometimes

    <h4>Chapter 328 Let''s flirt like that sometimes</h4>


    "Ah?" Hearing her remarks and what she was thinking at the moment, his cheeks were slightly blushed as an uncontroble grin stered on his lips. "Really? 24/7? Like even when we''re together you still think of me?" He asked for a clear validation.


    Chuckling, Lexi mildly shook her head sideways as she softly responded. "Mhmm¡­ I do."


    "Then," Ethan Lu''s hand crept on her side legs and was going to put a sneaky touch that oozes with unending yearning. "How about we¡­" s, even before he could finish his perverted sentence, Lexi held onto his sneaky wrist that was already inside her dress and caressing her leg underneath.


    "Behave." Lexi marginally widened her eyes as she mildly thrust her chin towards the front passenger seat. She wasn''t surprised that the partition was already up because the two single dogs in the front already know what''s good for their fragile little heart. Even so, Lexi didn''t want to experiment with him in the car knowing her condition.


    Unaware of the real reason why she was refusing, Ethan Lu leaned forward, closer to her ear and whispered. "They won''t hear. I bought them a good set of earplugs." With that said note, Ethan Lu raised his brows up and down casting her a knowing look.


    "Jeez¡­" Chuckling seeing his inviting look, Lexi guessed that Lyrick Jiang and Jarred Guo must have petitioned for some sort of upgrade inside the car so they could not hear any cheesy lines whenever the two of them were inside the car. After all, Lyrick Jiang was the one who requested the partition to save his virgin eyes from their lovey-dovey moments.


    "No." Still, Lexi mercilessly refused with a touch of gentleness. Of course, Ethan Lu frowned. Although they had shared multiple steamy nights together with different positions in different areas of his vi, their favorite exercise was drastically reduced due to their busy schedules. Therefore, one would know his thirst for her.


    Seeing his dejected front, Lexi let out a faint sigh as her heart melted knowing he has his needs that were being deprived from him in the past week. "I want to tell you something at home, okay?" Lexi cupped both his cheeks and her gaze traced his dashing yet pouting front.


    "Alright¡­" Meekly nodding in agreement, Ethan Lu let out a heavy exhale before he pulled her into his embrace and gently stroked her head. "Are you tired?" Diverting his focus and his momentary heartbreak away, he deeply asked.


    "Mhmm¡­ I closed a good deal with Miss Ning." Sniffing his refreshing scent even though he was surrounded by other people earlier, his smell still lingered on him and overwhelmed the scent from the Lu family. It was that this was already his natural scent that even the redolent fragrance around the scheming core members of the Lu family could not par.


    "I''ve figured. How much of a percent did she get from you? 20?" Fixing their position, he leaned his back against the back seat while Lexi''s head rested on his shoulder. His other hand yed with her slender, fair hands as he rested the side of his head on her head.


    Lexi chuckled upon hearing his assumption as if he knew what type of greedy businesswoman Aubrey Ning was. Mildly shaking her head, she responded. "No, 12 percent."


    When Ethan Lu heard the percentage of how much Lexi was able to lower the deal to and make it work well on her part, his eyes naturally widened as he shifted his gaze to her head. Although he was confident that Lexi would make a good deal especially with that greedy Aubrey Ning, he didn''t expect her to be able to lower the share Aubrey Ning could take.


    In his belief, Aubrey Ning would settle for at least 20 percent of Lexi''s equity given her situation and her needs. Moreover, Aubrey Ning would lend her helping hand for Lexi''s product to enter the market. Therefore, what kind of sorcery had Lexi done to out smart Aubrey Ning?


    "Twelve? Like one, two, twelve?"


    "Mhmm¡­ I don''t acknowledge all the credit as I had an indirect helping hand from Mr. Shao." Vaguely exining what happened, Lexi didn''t go into the details as she knew he would figure it out within minutes just hearing Benjamin Shao''s name and his attendance to theirst showcase.


    "Benjamin Shao¡­? I see¡­ interesting." As expected, Ethan Lu only knitted his brows when he heard Benjamin Shao, Aubrey Ning''s toughestpetitor in the market. To a businessman that was quite close to Aubrey Ning, and having an interest in the growing market of the skincare industry because of Lexi, Ethan Lu heard one or two things about those two. Hence, he found the urrence in Lexi''s showcase that he missed witnessing interesting.


    "Is it? Mr. Shao always counters Miss Ning''s offer so it got lower and lower. I owe him a lot."


    "Hehe, that''s how those two flirt." Letting out a chuckle, Ethan Lu rested his head against her again. "Let''s flirt like that sometimes." Perceiving a scene in his head just like how he imagined how Benjamin Shao teased Aubrey Ning, he wanted to fight Lexi as well sometimes in a business setting.


    "Flirt? I didn''t know¡ª" Surprised by how he worded his sentence, Lexi blinked her eyes numerous times as she raised her head and looked up to him. But, before she could finish her remarks, Ethan Lu interrupted.


    "Uh, no my love. They are not a couple but based on the ''intelligence gathering'' from Rick, those two have a past rtionship and from what I heard¡ª from Rick''s keen assumption of course¡ª the reason why Aubrey pursued the same industry as Mr. Shao was out of revenge for leaving her." Nonchntly shrugging his shoulders as Ethan Lu exined the gossip he had heard from Lyrick Jiang in his free time, he shared it with Lexi so she could get to know her business partner as well.


    It was not that Ethan Lu was really interested in those two''s love story or whatever bad romance they had. But, since Lexi was entering the same industry, he asked Lyrick Jiang to make his own research into everyone especially the biggest skincare lines so he could add to the research gathering from Lexi''s studies. After all, due to his influence and power, he could gather more information than most, even personal stuff.


    "I see¡­ I didn''t see thating." Processing the gossip that was romanticized as ''information gathering'', Lexi slowly nodded her head in understanding.


    "Master, we''ve arrived." Just then, Lyrick Jiang knocked before he rolled down the partition halfway and announced. God knows how relieved he was not to witness a shocking scene in the back seat as he expected that both his master and goddess would be a little disheveled because of... you know what he was thinking.


    "Alright," Nodding, Ethan Lu helped Lexi to properly sit before he went out and opened the other side of the door for her.

 Chapter 329 What did I do to deserve you?

    <h4>Chapter 329 What did I do to deserve you?</h4>


    After leaving notes with the two, Ethan Lu headed inside again and saw Lexi resting on the couch in the living area. Tilting his head to the side, he stared at Lexi for a while before he followed her gaze to where it was set.


    There, what he saw was a small dagger embedded on the wall with a little crack around the wall due to the great force and speed of how the dagger was thrown. Letting out a heavy sigh, Ethan Lu guessed that it was surely the fragments of what happened earlier from his grandfather''s visit. Still, his curiosity was piqued on what exactly happened as he didn''t expect that his grandfather would go to the extreme in his methods.


    Ethan Lu slowly strode to her and sat beside Lexi. Seeing that she didn''t turn to see him, another deep sigh escaped his mouth. "Love, I''m sorry for letting you go through all that."


    Perhaps, aside from the reason that they were tired, Ethan Lu wanted her to recover from the sight of what she had witnessed earlier. And now, to him, it should have made her remember the shock she received with her private walkthrough with Edward Lu. Despite that Lexi was the one who insisted on going home.


    "Nico was the one who threw that¡­ I never actually expected that he would be that violent and extreme. How naive." Recalling the speed in which the dagger was thrown that Lexi actually failed to see with her naked eye, she lowly muttered to herself.


    "Nico? He resorted to such action? Why?" When Ethan? Lu heard that it was not one of the bodyguards under Edward Lu who did that to the wall, his eyes naturally widened. "Why? Did Grandpa do something to you earlier other than talking?" Instantly agitated, Ethan Lu ground his teeth as he had the urge to go to the main residence right now and turn the whole main residence upside down.


    After all, Nico Zhuang would not resort to violence, not unless Lexi''s, Ethan Lu''s or his own life was in a life-threatening situation. Therefore, Ethan Lu assumed that his grandpa went a little overboard earlier.


    Lexi cast him a slight side nce as he was the main culprit as to why everything escted too quickly. Shaking her head sideways, she chuckled. "Why do you look so mad? Aren''t you the one who should be punished? Nico wouldn''t go that far to trying to pierce someone''s head without a certain someone''s order to raise his gun against his grandfather."


    "Ehhh?!" Baffled and shocked at the same time, Ethan Lu''s expression distorted to the extent that no one would be able to recognize him¡ª even Lexi, as it was clearly an ugly reaction.


    "Love, how can you scare us like that? To wield a dangerous weapon like that, are you really thinking about us? Or are you just sure that your grandfather wouldn''t harm me in any way?" Lexi hinted the word ''us'', s, in his understanding, she was referring to her and Nico Zhuang¡­ not the baby inside her womb as he was oblivious about it. She added, "When you gave out your orders, someone shifted his muzzle onto me so, Nico had to swing his dagger barely scraping the person on the cheeks. I am not sure if he missed or your grandfather''s bodyguard just dodged it. It happened so fast my eyes failed to see what really happened."


    Giving him clear details of what happened, his heart sank as he stared at her in a stunned and shameful expression. So in the end, it was his fault¡­? Ethan Lu jolted from his seat and instantly, his knees crashed against the tiled floor.


    Regardless of the sudden pain on his knees, he could not be bothered as he immediately put his hands together as if he was praying with desperation shing across his pair of dark eyes.


    "Love! I''m sorry! I really am! Please forgive me!" he pleaded over and over again. Indeed, what his thoughts earlier were not about Lexi but about what kind of environment he would have to drag her into. What he didn''t give a thought about was, if a loyal Edward Lu bodyguard fanatic would daringly raise his gun on her knowing her position¡ª disregarding his wrath that may ur afterward.


    "Silly¡­ get up. Though I was mad earlier, it is still better to see what would happen to me if both of us are not careful. So, it''s fine¡­ I fully understand you." Slightly shaking her head, Lexi rxed her back as she rested on the couch, feeling all of the activities today thoroughly exhausted her body.


    "What did I do to deserve you? *sigh*" Her instant forgiveness made his already melted heart soften even more. At this time, he slowly got up and winced a little because of his knees before sitting beside her again.


    Ethan Lu thenid on the couch¡ª his head on herp while his feet ovepped each other over the long couch armrest¡ª his exhausted body grew more tired. Instinctively, Lexi yed with a strand of her hair as she looked at his ever dashing front with a contented gaze and heart.


    "You''re wrong¡­ that should be my line." Softly staring at him, Lexi lowly muttered which made him smile while closing his eyes to rest them for a bit.


    The dreaded atmosphere, as the fragments of the shocking scene earlier reyed in her mind, thatte afternoon soon dissipated with their aura filling and spreading across the whole vi. Though both of them were evidently exhausted due to their affairs that day, just staring at one another and having a peaceful surrounding could fill their heart with contentment.


    Not to mention, Lexi was still wearing her red dress and her light makeup was still on, making her extra beautiful while Ethan Lu was still in his retro maroon tux giving them a picturesque view of a noble couple resting in their modern castle.


    Just as the two were enjoying their peace, it was soon interrupted by the sound of the doorbell ringing. One doorbell ring, both ignored it for a while but, the next was a continuous and impatient set of rings that irked Ethan Lu to the core.


    "Goddamnit! I swear if this is Lyrick, he should be ready to be buried alive!" Annoyed, Ethan Lu grumbled in dismay by the sudden interruption. Little did he know that his guest for tonight would make him delighted¡­ delighted to torture a certain someone.

 Chapter 330 He captured my hear

    <h4>Chapter 330 He captured my hear</h4>


    "I''ming¡ª stop¡­!" Opening the door with the most annoyed expression across his face, Ethan Lu was faced with Louis Lu''s inexpressive front before his gaze slowly shifted to his cousin''s side¡­ looking down a little to see the aggravate front of Evelyn Lu.


    "Lou¡­?" Knitting his brows together, Ethan Lu didn''t move his eyes back to Louis Lu despite lowly calling his name. "... and shorty?"


    "Brother Tan! How could you call me that?!" Humphing in dismay, Evelyn Lu was nearly rendered speechless by Ethan Lu''s address to her. Well, unlike the kind andposed Louis Lu, Ethan Lu, on the other hand, was the kind of big brother who would tease and annoy her but protect her in times of need. Even so, she hated that ''shorty'' nickname that Ethan Lu would always address her as in the past.


    "What are you doing here?" When Ethan Lu finally recovered and his thoughts finally believed that these two are indeed there in the flesh and not just in his imagination, he had a bad premonition.


    "Big brother tan, aren''t you going to invite us in first? It''s cold out here." Clicking her tongue in annoyance, Evelyn Lu spouted. Meanwhile, Louis Lu seemed to see that he didn''t need to do the talking as Evelyn Lu''s mouth would only shut when she''s sleeping.


    "No, scram!" Without blinking an eye, Ethan Lu heartlessly rejected as he didn''t want to wee them inside his home, especially the troublemaker Evelyn Lu.


    "I will scram, but let her in and don''t make her cry until I can no longer hear her." As usual, Louis Lu stoically responded and nodded as he didn''t take Ethan Lu''s refusal to the heart. Well, it was his home and it was up to him as to whoever he wanted to wee. Still, Louis Lu had made great measures to keep Evelyn Lu silent by bribing her candies and choctes.


    "Bad, bad guy! Ugly big brother and a heartless iceberg!" As stubborn and pampered as she was, Evelyn Lu bellowed as she annoyingly spat her insulting remarks just to get back at Ethan Lu''s heartless refusal.


    Just then, Lexi appeared behind Ethan Lu as themotion on their doorstep made her want to check on who Ethan Lu was arguing with. "Love, who is it?" Tilting her head to the side to get a glimpse of the people in front of Ethan Lu, Lexi immediately saw Evelyn Lu then Louis Lu who was standing in front of Ethan Lu.


    When Evelyn Lu heard the familiar soft tone of Lexi and then saw her in the flesh, she gasped in awe which made her stop for a moment from prattling nonsense about how ugly and heartless Ethan Lu was. On the other hand, Louis Lu just slightly bowed his head to her as a greeting without a change of expression.


    "Kyaaah~! My goddess~!" Snapping, Evelyn Lu immediately intruded inside as she fangirled in front of Lexi. Her eyes glittering while covering her gaped mouth¡ª theplete opposite of her res to Ethan Lu. She slightly jumped to ease her excitement as she could never get enough of the sight of her goddess, her idol.


    "Eve, it''s you." Seeing the same reaction the girl showed earlier when she saw her, part of Lexi had this kind of soft spot for her. After all, she shielded her earlier and bantered with Ste Du without any reservation. Moreover, aside from her childish nature, Lexi thought it was better for her to stay like this as she saw the environment around the Lu family.


    "You remembered my name?" On the verge of tearing up, Evelyn Lu haltingly muttered in astonishment as her idol recognized her. God knows how she felt achieved by being recognized by her idol. Now, with this, she could unt her power as the president of the EliXi fandom to all of the other shippers that shipping Lexi to other male artists like Gael Zhang and Elliot Gong to Rika Song¡­ and Elliot Gong to Gael Zhang.


    "Of course, thank you for siding with me earlier." Offering her a warm smile, Lexi slightly nodded as she appreciated this girl. Unbeknownst to her, Evelyn Lu might seem a little younger than her age, but she was already a woman and a young adult!


    "Come in, you too Lou." Gesturing the already trespassing Evelyn Lu, Lexi invited her in before coldly ncing at the weird Louis Lu and spoke without the same tone she used towards Evelyn Lu.


    Evelyn Lu profusely nodded and seemed to entirely forget about the fact that this was Ethan Lu''s vi. Hence, after taking two steps inside, she suddenly realized that this was her cousin''s house which made her stop in her tracks and turned to Lexi with a shock front.


    "Goddess, are you being held hostage here? Is my big brother taking you as his ve?!" Her remarks unexpectedly caught Lexi off-guard which made her unconsciously looked at the dismayed Ethan Lu. She clearly saw his under-eye twitch as if he was ready to kick her out of his house.


    "This little¡ª! Lou, why did you drag her here?!" Agitated to the maximum degree, Ethan Lu red daggers at the culprit that drove Evelyn Lu to his humble abode. They should be resting and they were already nning to shower together, but why would they have to show up in the middle of the night?


    "I would have to send her home tomorrow and the ne tickets are expensive. You are partly at fault as she attended your event, so you should shoulder our ne tickets." Nonchntly shrugging, Louis Lu honestly said his intention which made a vein pop on Ethan Lu''s forehead.


    "Why are my cousins so weird? You could have just emailed me or Rick about it." Lowly grumbling his dismay, Ethan Lu pinched the bridge of his nose in distress.


    "Goddess, you can tell me, I will save you from his clutches." Intently staring at Lexi as Evelyn Lu''s expression was screaming ''I am here, you don''t have to be afraid anymore''. To her mind, Lexi ncing at Ethan Lu meant that she was afraid to tattle on her captor. Just how much drama and novels has she read to have such a wild imagination?!


    Letting out a faint chuckle, Lexi slightly shook her head as she altered her gaze from the distressed Ethan Lu back to Evelyn Lu. "No, I am not his ve nor I am being held captive¡­ or maybe I am," Pausing, Lexi watched Evelyn Lu''s reaction drastically change as she red at her cousin.


    "He captured my heart." Chuckling, Lexi humored that was akin to a dropped bomb that instantly deafened Evelyn Lu.

 Chapter 331 Evelyns ship sunk, miserably.

    <h4>Chapter 331 Evelyn''s ship sunk, miserably.</h4>


    "Hah! Did you hear that? I captured her heart but I am the ve of love~" Boasting upon hearing Lexi''s humor, Ethan Lu proudly announced as he thrust his chin forward toward the stunned and pale Evelyn Lu.


    "What¡ª but¡ª how¡­ my ship¡­" Distraught, Evelyn Lu murmured yet, she didn''t know where to start with her sentiments. If it came from Ethan Lu, she could just bite him as hard as she could and brainwash herself that Ethan Lu was just a delusional Lexi admirer. However, those words came out from Lexi''s mouth herself. Therefore, how could she counter that?


    "Your ship that hasn''t and would never sail sunk, miserably." Evilly grinning, Ethan Lu spat out to scrub salt on the fresh gash on Evelyn Lu''s wounded heart. He only stopped when Lexi gave him a warning nce which shut him up that very second.


    "Come inside first." Meekly smiling, Lexi assisted the distraught Evelyn Lu inside, followed by the silent Ethan Lu and the indifferent Louis Lu.


    When they arrived at the living area, Lexi only prepared tea that was made by her mother after she was assured that Evelyn Lu was sitting properly on the couch. She then served them tea just like a wife serving her husband''s guests before Lexi sat beside Evelyn Lu, opposite to Ethan Lu while Louis Lu perched on the other side.


    "Goddess, you mean, you and Eli, there''s no¡­ EliXi?" As broken-hearted as she sounded, Evelyn Lu turned her teary eyes to Lexi as she finally confronted her worst fear. Meanwhile, upon hearing her question, Ethan Lu could only scoff in dismay as he really could not believe he has a cousin as stupid as Evelyn Lu and as weird as Louis Lu.


    "Eli, he''s a good friend. But, there are no romantic feelings between us, purely just friends just like what he always says in his interviews." Offering a warm smile, Lexi mildly shook her head to the side as she exined to this hardcore EliXi shipper. She knew that fans like her would only want their idol''s happiness and at the same time, pressure them to the male artists of their choice. That was the reason why Lexi had been inactive to any social media tform; aside from her busy schedule and all her ns for the future.


    "It was your cousin and I that had been together for more than half a year." Adding to her statements, Lexi rified and gave her the proximity of the length of time that she had been with Ethan Lu. That means to say that even before the Taming Heart''s set, she had been with Ethan Lu¡ª although the timeline of their official rtionship status was just a week prior to when the movie was out in theaters.


    "Half a year¡­" With every rification that came out of Lexi''s mouth, a part of EliXi''s heart on Evelyn Lu fell apart one after another. Just how could this happen? Her ship started after watching that popr movie. Therefore, she knew the timeline and made her research into the proximity of the time the movie started filming. But, Lexi being with her cousin for half a year, then that means they had been together even before that.


    "Waaah!" After thest piece of her heart fell off, Evelyn Lu could not contain her brokenheartedness as she broke down and cried on Lexi''sp, hugging her waist without reserve.


    "How could this happen? You and Eli look so great together! Waaah!" In between her loud cries, Evelyn Lu bbered as she really thought that Elliot Gong and Lexi were a match made in heaven. All the perfect maniption pictures she did to put the two in the same picture, putting her heart and soul into the wish that the two were in a happy rtionship and maybe a happy marriage was all for naught as Lexi had been with another man all this time.


    Lexi helplessly patted the crying Evelyn Lu''s back as she let her cry her heart out. Meanwhile, Ethan Lu ground his teeth in annoyance as he wanted to ducttape his cousin''s mouth to refrain her from spouting nonsense.


    ''Look great together?! How dare this little girl say such sinful words in front of me! Just you wait shorty! When my love is not looking I will surely give you a good scolding!'' He grumbled and threatened inwardly. After all, to him, fate put the two of them together in the most unexpected time and ce. After having a parallel world despite having the same circle of friends for a long time, how could he keep his cool when someone was shipping Lexi to someone else, especially his own kin.


    "Eve, no matter how you see me and Eli had looked together, but for me, only your cousin is the perfect match for me." Still patting the crying Evelyn Lu''s back, Lexi softly spoke. "If you know me, you surely know all of the scandals that were thrown at me in the past and all of my history about my failed engagement and my suicide attempt as it was made public." Pausing, a touch of gentleness shed across Lexi''s eyes as she recalled everything.


    "Those trying times, one of the people who were there for me to move forward was Ethan. I''m sorry for disappointing you as an EliXi fan but, I can never unlove your cousin."


    Evelyn Lu listened to her exnation and hearing her side of the story, her cries lessened until she was only huping. Retracting her head from Lexi''sp, Evelyn Lu sat and looked at her without wiping her tears and snot. "It''s not your fault *hup* you don''t have to say sorry to me goddess."


    Of course, Evelyn Lu knew everything about Lexi, even her past as she was too high profile before Taming Hearts. The reason why she could stand her more was that despite her downfall and losing the limelight, Lexi managed to get back on her feet and rise again before she finally took a long hiatus from showbiz because she wanted to pursue her dreams.


    "I am just sad." Adding to her sentiments, Evelyn Lu was still disheartened that her ship never existed in the first ce.


    "Eh? Why are you sad?" Arching his brows, Ethan Lu''s dismay earlier vanished upon hearing Lexi''s sentiments. "You nonexistent ship might have miserably sunk but isn''t it better that one of your idols are your cousin''s friend and the other one would be your cousin-inw? Since your goddess is your big brother''s future wife, she would be your big sister, no?" In a matter of fact tone, Ethan Lu exined the obvious.


    Evelyn Lu''s hups magically stopped as she was struck by this seemingly new realization. Slowly, she turned her dted eyes towards Ethan Lu''s poker face before blinking numerous times. When all of his words properly processed inside her barely used brain, she gasped in astonishment.


    "How can I not have thought of that?! Goddess, can I call you big sis?!" From bawling her eyes out to a giddy Evelyn Lu, she turned to Lexi as she sought for her approval.


    "Because you''re stupid." Murmuring, Ethan Lu scoffed as he helplessly shook his head. He could not believe the stupidity level of his pampered cousin whose only talent was to be cute and a professional troublemaker.


    "Mhmm¡­" Nodding in satisfaction, Lexi was d that Evelyn Lu got over her brokenheartedness faster than she expected.


    "Yes, big sis! Omo~!" Excited, Evelyn Lu jubntly addressed her as her big sis as her EliXi''s heart that fell off was instantly reced as ''Lexi''s number one cousin-inw and number one big sister Lexi''s lover.''

 Chapter 332 Proposal Arrangemen

    <h4>Chapter 332 Proposal Arrangemen</h4>


    Since it was alreadyte, Lexi and Ethan Lu decided to let Louis Lu and Evelyn Lu stay for the night. Fortunately, Evelyn Lu behaved herself and listened to Lexi to go and rest. Moreover, she knew that her cousin and her idol turned cousin-inw were tired. Therefore, without causing a ruckus, she bid her goodnight and stayed in the guestroom after Lexi lent her clothes.


    On the other hand, Louis Lu remained indifferent and insincerely thanked the two for being kind. He only made sure that Ethan Lu booked them a flight tomorrow before nighttime as he still had some arrangements in the morning. After that, everyone headed to return to their respective rooms.


    At that time, Lexi had already freshened up and was in herfortable pajama outfit while Ethan Lu was still in his tux. Looking at her lyingfortably on the bed while Lexi was just staring in his direction, he let out another heavy sigh.


    "Our shower time together¡­ *sigh*" His dilemma made Lexi chuckle before she watched him drag his feet towards the bathroom. He kept the bathroom door slightly opened which made Lexi let out another brief chuckle.


    She wanted to tell him about the pregnancy tonight. She actually nned to say it earlier but it was interrupted by the sudden arrival of his cousins. Therefore, Lexi waited for him to finish so she could properly say those words to him in private.


    Selfish as it may sound but she wanted to see his reaction all for herself. She didn''t want to say it with other people around as she wanted only for the two of them to enjoy the moment of the fruit of their love. However, just as she patiently waited for him, Lexi unconsciously dozed off as her exhausted body and mind finally took over.


    When Ethan Lu was done showering, he returned to the soundlessly sleeping Lexi. With a gentle smile on the side of his lips, Ethan Lu closed the bathroom door behind him and took feather-like steps towards the bed.


    Carefully, he slid under the nket andid on her side. Ethan Lu just stared at her with loving eyes as he stroked her head as she fell asleep as if she was staring at the bathroom door. Hence, with that position, she was looking to the opposite side of his side of the bed. Regardless, even if he was just looking at the back of her head, his loving eyes were kept intact.


    "Thank you," Softly thanking her, Ethan Lu felt that no amount of thanks was enough for what she had done for him today. He could not help but admire her courage and the love he was receiving from her.


    Lexi not only had a morning showcase that day, but she also had to deal with his grandfather who has his odd ways of exining things that harshly pped her about the reality of the "glorious" Lu family. Not to mention, all of the events that urred during his official take over of the Lu Corporation, it was surely a long day for her. Still, what amazed him the most was that the woman he was just pursuing months ago and hoping for her to love him back, she was now giving her all to him¡­ solely to him.


    Therefore, how could a mere "thank you" suffice?


    Ethan Lu lovingly stroked her head a bit more before he sprawled his arm to reach the bedside table where he ced his phone along with Lexi''s. Speed dialing Lyrick Jiang without any regard of the time, he ced the phone in front of his ear.


    This time, the phone rang three times before it was picked up, indicating that Lyrick Jiang was probably asleep when he called as to the reason why the ringing reached three times, which was more than usual.


    "Master, good morning." Still sounding half asleep, Lyrick Jiang greeted as he nced at the time and saw it was nearly three in the morning.


    "Lyrick, the arrangement I had nned¡­"


    "The proposal arrangement?" Since Lyrick Jiang was still not clear-headed, he asked for rification as he didn''t want to mistake what his master was talking about.


    "Yes, I will do it tomorrow before sunset. Move all my important meetings in the morning and clear my schedule for a week."


    "Noted, master." With that said note, Ethan Lu cut the line short and put the phone back on the bedside table. He had been personally preparing for this proposal n more than he prepared for his official take over as he let Lyrick Jiang make all of the arrangements for his event earlier.


    Turning to look at the sleeping Lexi''s side, a subtle smile formed on the corner of his lips. He had been waiting to take a full control in the Lu family and make the Lu Corporation rise to the top to lessen thepetition which he had done all throughout this restless half a year. Now that he finally achieved his phase one before getting married, who would have thought that phase two and the final phase woulde tonight? For Lexi to give him the green light about thinking about him 24/7.


    Therefore, he didn''t want to waste a day as he was eager to propose to her which he would doter in the evening. Actually, he was more anxious that he would mess up his proposal than Lexi saying a ''yes''. After all, he wanted to make it a memorable experience for both of them. Well, for him, receiving her sweet "yes" was already memorable but, he wanted her to remember it as a beautiful moment.


    "Good night, my love." Soon, heid down and hugged her from behind, sniffing her natural sweet odor that made his heart flutter in contentment. He ced a soft peck on her head before he prepared to sleep. Just thinking of his big event that day, arge grin formed on his lips. Little did he know that he wouldn''t be the only one with a surprise as Lexi has a bigger surprise for him as well.

 Chapter 333 Weird taste buds

    <h4>Chapter 333 Weird taste buds</h4>


    The next day...


    "Say, big brother tan, is my big sis still asleep? Did you tire her outst night?" Around the dining table, Evelyn Lu was still wearing Lexi''s lent clothes even though her face was already freshened up and seemed to have a little makeup on it.


    Knitting her brows together, she narrowed her eyes as she waited for her cousin''s reply. After all, even though it was still early for other people, still, to busy people like them, seven o''clock should bete. Therefore, she woke up much earlier than usual as she wanted to have breakfast with Lexi and maybe spend the day with her before her flight.


    "Eve, you really amaze me in unexpected ways." ncing at the investigative gaze of his cousin, Ethan Lu was rather calm as he responded and took a bite of the pizza Louis Lu bought from god knows where. "My love had been hustling for thest three months¡ª much busier than when she was filming herst project. So, since herst showcase just ended yesterday, she has to rest so she could properly manage her ownpany."


    "Oh..." Nodding in understanding, Evelyn Lu pouted as she leaned her back against the chair. Her gazended on the pizza on her te before she asked, "Big brother Lou, where in the world did you buy this? I never thought that there was a secret pizza shop that opens at this time of the day."


    "I asked my friend to make it for mest night because I was craving for some." Short and precise, Louis Lu rified as he only picked it up since he already ordered itst night.


    Ethan Lu and Evelyn Lu nodded in understanding at the same time. They didn''t question Louis Lu as he was a peculiard and he does things in his own way. Therefore, the three young adults just enjoyed their breakfast in silence and peace.


    In the middle of their breakfast, Lexi''s voice cracked the oddly quiet dining area. She was still in her pajamas and her hair was tied into a reckless bun. Still, there wasn''t much difference in her look betweenst night and right now as she was still as beautiful as ever.


    "Morning," She greeted, taking Evelyn Lu and Ethan Lu''s attention instantly. On the other hand, Louis Lu seemed not to hear her as he continued to eat his slice of pizza.


    "Morning big sis~" Sending a vibrant smile, Evelyn Lu greeted her back and hernguid aura suddenly burst with life.


    "Good morning, love. Why are you up so early? You should rest more." Meanwhile, when Ethan Lu saw her approaching the dining area, he stood up from his seat and weed her halfway.


    "I smelled good food and I''m starving." Meekly smiling, Lexi honestly responded which made his brows furrow in confusion.


    Was she humoring him? How could she possibly smell the pizza from the dining room up to their room?


    "I came out to see if you were still here and smelled something good that made my stomach growl." Exining the details, Lexi said as she stretched her neck to take a peek at what the three were having.


    To her surprise, none of the three bothered to make breakfast and were having pizza early in the morning. s, what actually baffled her was that they managed to buy a pizza this early! Where?!


    Regardless, the moment she set her eyes on that particr food on the table, she could not help but bit her lower lips as her stomach growled for some.


    "Big sis,e~! Big brother Lou asked his friend to make us breakfastst night~" Still jolly of the fact that not only was she was having a meal with her idol but she could now call her big sis! Hence, Evelyn Lu excitedly invited her over.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu was still pondering how Lexi smelled the food from the dining area to upstairs. Well, although Lexi said she went out to check on him, still, this vi wasn''t that small! Nevertheless, when he heard Evelyn Lu''s invitation, he shrugged the matter off as he assisted Lexi to take a seat before he perched beside her.


    "This is just Lou''s kind gesture although the intention was solely because he was craving for itst night¡ª he has a huge appetite." While Ethan Lu served her a slice of pizza, he tattled on one of the things that was something unexpected from his cousin.


    "Oh..." Nodding in understanding, Lexi raised her gaze from the food that was being served on her te to Louis Lu who was busy eating.


    When her gazended on him, her brows furrowed because what she was witnessing was that: Louis Lu was putting sugar on his pizza!


    "Oh, I know it seems odd but Lou has a sweet tooth and his taste buds were sort of weird." Seeing Lexi''s expression changed upon seeing the sphemy in Louis Lu''s act, Ethan Lu exined as he slid the te closer to her.


    "You like sugar on pizza?" Still staring at the indifferent Louis Lu, Lexi asked. He didn''t respond immediately as he chewed the food down before wiping his lips.


    "Mhmm." Blinking once, Louis Lu hummed a tune as he nodded his head as a response before he slid the sugar towards her.


    "Really?" In awe, her usual hostile treatment towards him was enormously reduced as she epted the container containing sugar. Then, just like Louis Lu, Lexi sprinkled some sugar on top of her pizza before she unhesitantly took a bite.


    Her action made Ethan Lu and Evelyn Lu gasped in dismay as they watch Lexi put more sugar on her pizza. Meanwhile, Louis Lu stood and got another container of sugar to put on his own slice of pizza.


    "What the..." Dumbfounded, Evelyn Lu murmured as she altered her gaze from her cousin Louis Lu and then to her sister-inw, Lexi as both seemed to have the same taste buds.


    Ethan Lu who was shocked the most stared at Lexi who was sweetly smiling at him while her mouth was stuffed with food. Although they have been together for quite some time, Ethan Lu didn''t realize that there are still things that he didn''t know about her.


    "You like it?"


    "Mhmm, it''s the best with sugar. You should try." Happily smiling while chewing, Lexi looked adorable as she offered him to take a bite. s, Ethan Lu shook his head as he already tried it before because of Louis Lu and he really thought it was sphemy.


    No one suspected at how Louis Lu seemed to know that Lexi liked her pizza with sugar on it as he always offered food to others for them to have a taste just like what he did when he slid the jar of sugar towards her. Louis Lu only nced at Lexi''s contented side profile while she pestered Ethan Lu to have a taste which he agreed to in the end.


    ''Weird... she really doesn''t recall.'' He murmured inwardly before he chewed down hisst slice of pizza on his te before drinking a ssful of water and wiped the corners of his mouth.


    "Eve, when you are done, we will have to drop by the main residence so you can say goodbye to grandpa." With that said note, Louis Lu slowly stood from his seat and left the dining area.

 Chapter 334 Celebrating a good day

    <h4>Chapter 334 Celebrating a good day</h4>


    The breakfast ended with Lexi having a happy heart as she missed eating pizza with sugar on it which reminded her of one fateful night in the past.


    [Three years ago]


    Back in her days abroad, as there was no one to take care of her meals, she habitually relied on fast food and foods like pizza and coffee to stay alive in her university days. The reason why Lexi gained weight back then was that she was eating unhealthy food and wasn''t particrly watching her weight, making her look a little chubby and thick unlike her figure now.


    One night, as Lexi attended a party that she had a st at, that had made her eighty percent wasted, Lexi was about to go back to her studio type apartment. However, for some reason, her bored stomach uncontrobly growled which forced her to search for a restaurant to satiate the monster she pet in her stomach.


    Fortunately, the city she lived in had a very lively nightlife. Therefore, it wasn''t hard to find a food bar open at night and she decided to go to the pizza house near her standpoint. Little did she know, she''d meet a man who would change her perspective on pizza for life.


    Lexi made her order by pointing at the menu as the words seemed to float under the influence of alcohol, she sat on one empty table. As she waited for her order and the monster in her stomach kept growling as if it was impatient and was mad at her for making it drink the bitterness of alcohol, she clumsily shushed it.


    "Aish! This ungrateful monster! You shut up and wait, okay?" Lexi didn''t mind if someone was looking at her as the pizza bar was rather empty¡­ or so she thought because when she unconsciously turned her head to the side, she saw one man eating his pizza alone. s, her focus was on the pizza and not the man''s face.


    Blinking several times to get a clearer view of what the man was doing, Lexi gasped in dismay as the man had a saucer te that had a white substance in it as the man dipped his rolled pizza every time before he could take a bite. She watched him do it numerous times and indeed, she wasn''t mistaken. The man was putting ''salt'' on his pizza!


    "Unbelievable!" Lexi could not watch him anymore as she winced every time the man dipped his pizza on the white substance, she loudlymented which caught the attention of the man that was wearing a formal business suit.


    cing her palm on the table, Lexi assisted her heavy body up and stomped her feet towards the man who was looking at her aggravate front with an inquiring eye. "Why are you putting salt on your pizza? Are you trying to contract a disease?"


    "It''s sugar, not salt." Weirdly enough, the man, to be precise, Louis Lu responded with a cold tone. He didn''t know her and she didn''t know him as well. Thus, Louis Lu remained civil and exined this simple misunderstanding.


    "Sugar?!" Gasping, Lexi''s chubby face scrunched up in dismay as she looked at the man with disdainful eyes. "What sphemy is this?! How can you eat pizza after dipping it into sugar? Are you trying to have diabetes?" Lexi ced her palm on her chest as her tone wasced with concern about the man.


    "..." Louis Lu just stared at this busybody who could not mind her own business and was staring at him with an odd expression. To him, why does she seem as if she pitied him, as if he was a homeless guy with no home or food to eat? Just what was she thinking to have such a sorry countenance stered across her face?


    "Huh, how unfortunate." identally, Lexi used her mother tongue as she sighed in distress. She had met a lot of odd people and witnessed people have different taste buds. However, this was quite new to her as her favorite at that time was this delicacy.


    "It''s not unfortunate. I had a good day and treated myself with my favorite snack." Responding with the samenguage, Louis Lu frowned as he was now displeased that this fatty was looking down upon his taste in food. Well, it was not like it was the first time that someone told him he had an odd sense of taste. s, this was a good day for him and she just called his situation an unfortunate event.


    "Ah? How did you know I speak Chinese?" Unaware of her slip of the tongue, Lexi ignored his sentiments as she was rather insensitive and well, drunk. Therefore, understanding his spokennguage, she shamelessly took the seat opposite him as if her interest was piqued.


    "Are you drunk?" Scrutinizing her flushed front, Louis Lu emotionlessly looked at her with zero interest. He was more or less dissatisfied that the busybody was now sitting opposite him without being invited.


    "Do I look drunk? It''s a good day for me as well so it''s normal." Cupping her chubby cheeks, Lexi brightly smiled at the man. Just then, she heard her order being served and waved her hand towards the crew to serve it at the table where she sat with Louis Lu.


    Soon, her orders were served on the same table as Louis Lu with a beer as her beverage which made him frown even more.


    "Since you seemed toe from the same country as I do, let''s celebrate this good day!" As shameless as she may sound, Lexi didn''t wait for his approval as she started gobbling on the variety of food she ordered while Louis Lu didn''t take a bite afterward as he lost all of his appetites.


    "Why are you not eating? Did the sugar already stuff you?"


    "I don''t eat with strangers." Louis Lu sternly exined as he really doesn''t eat with strangers. Moreover, he has a bad impression of her. Thus, there was no way he would dine with her.

 Chapter 335 No way...

    <h4>Chapter 335 No way...</h4>


    "Oh, but is sugar really good with pizza?" Oddly enough, Lexi didn''t mind what he just said and went to her own inquiry while tilting her head to the side. Her slightly drunken state made Louis Lu helplessly sigh. Still, he slid the saucer te towards her gesturing her to try.


    Altering her gaze onto the sugar and the pizza, Lexi copied what he was doing and rolled the pizza and dipped it into the sugar before she took a bite. Louis Lu expected her to show a disgusted expression as his way of revenge for her interruption. But to his dismay, Lexi''s front brightened up as if spring bloomed on her chubby front.


    "Heavenly¡­" Was the word that Lexi had for what he had introduced to her. Her gaze sparkled as she raised her eyes on the confused Louis Lu.


    "I like it and you~" Although what she said could be understood in many ways, she didn''t mean it that way this time as it was a harmless, friendly confession for a food lover like her.


    The rest of that night, Lexi and Louis Lu conversed more and she came to know that hispany was taking an enormous leap while she told him about her passing an exam to shorten the period of her course. More or less, both soon feltfortable with each other as Lexi got a little drunker due to her celebratory beverage called beer. However, before they could part ways, Lexi smiled brightly at him.


    "You really remind me of someone¡­ just a peculiar version of him."


    "Do I?"


    "Yes! And meeting you today made me happier because I feel like I get to dine with brother Mo atst!" Lexi''s smile grew brighter as she recalled the face of the cold yet gentle Morris Liu, her beloved person at that time. "Do you know him?"


    "There''s a lot of Mo''s in the world, so maybe I do." Sarcasm intended, Louis Lu sipped his ss of juice with a shrug.


    "Hehe, you''re funny. But since I like you, I''ll tell you. Do you know Liu Empire in country X? That Mo." Lexi didn''t mind telling him as she was willing to help Louis Lu if he needed help in his business. Yet, he just remained silent upon hearing herst remarks. "Anyways, I can manage to go home. We are still strangers so I don''t know if you''re a creepy guy or not. But, oh well, it was nice meeting and talking with you." With that said note, Lexi assisted herself up as she weaved her way out of the pizza house and hailed a taxi.


    On the other hand, Louis Lu just watched her unstable walk until she was out and looked at her through the transparent ss window until she entered the taxi and it sped away in a second. Shifting his head back to where she sat earlier, he murmured. "What a small world, Liu... Morris."


    Slowly, Louis Lu got up from his seat and left a tip before he headed out. Unconsciously, he turned his head to the direction where the taxi she got into sped away. "She''s weird¡­ she didn''t ask my name." Louis Lu murmured before he hailed a taxi and headed to his own destination.


    ****


    [Present Time]


    As Lexi recalled that fateful night and wondered if that good man made it big in the business industry, as she put down the lipstick she used. "I hope he did," she whispered before heading downstairs as she finished preparing herself to meet Edward Lu at lunch.


    Lexi carefully made her way downstairs and when she arrived in the living area, Louis Lu was enjoying a cup of tea while Ethan Lu seemed like he wasn''t around¡ª Evelyn Lu as well. Her gazended on his cold side profile. Suddenly, her eyes widened as her vague and muddled mind that night years ago seemed to see the man before her had resembled the same man that night.


    "No way¡­" Dumbstruck, Lexi murmured in shock as she watched Louis Lu turned his head to her before he furrowed his brows in confusion.


    "No way what?" Hearing her reckless whisper that could be heard in this silent living area, Louis Lu asked using his stern tone as usual.


    "Huh?" Blinking numerous times, Lexi realized that her words could be heard by this keen man. She pursed her lips on a thin line as she took in the possibility that he might have forgotten about the fat version of her just as she nearly forgot about him. "Nothing. Where''s Ethan?"


    "He''s outside, I guess." Nonchntly shrugging his shoulders, Louis Lu resumed sipping the good tea that Ethan Lu boasted about that was made by his future mother-inw. To his surprise, Lexi didn''t go outside and check on his cousin. Instead, she slowly perched on the couch opposite him as she stared at him with an odd look.


    Raising his gaze to meet with hers, Louis Lu slightly tilted his head to the side as his expression told her to say what she wanted to say. However, Lexi just wordlessly examined his front. It was not like how she looked at him the very first time he came into Ethan Lu''s house nor was it the same drunken stare in the past before that. Therefore, Louis Lu was rather confused about what her reason was behind this thorough gaze.


    "You''re weird¡­ like the first time." Vaguely stating his thoughts, if Lexi didn''t recall, she would probably think that he was referring to the first time they met in this same ce. However, that was not the case this time because the more she looked at him, the more the memories from that night got clearer and clearer until the man she thought resembled him soon appeared to be the same person!


    "Like the first time¡­?"


    "Mhmm, have you forgotten? You stared, or rather, red at me the first time you saw me." Arching his brows, Louis Lu exined.


    Just then, Ethan Lu appeared in the living area while Evelyn Lu, who was finally dolled up¡­ still wearing Lexi''s lent clothes while her face was already decorated and her short hair was properly curled.


    "Love, you''re done. Lou, you can hitch a ride with us since Lexi and I will be going to the main residence to have lunch with grandpa." Unaware of what was going on with her, Ethan Lu brightly smiled as he announced which made Evelyn Lu jump from joy as she could spend more time with Lexi.

 Chapter 336 Lu main residence

    <h4>Chapter 336 Lu main residence</h4>


    Since the cars were ready and Ethan Lu still had his important arrangement that morning, Lexi let go of the matter about meeting Louis Lu years ago for now. Fortunately, what Ethan Lu did outside was to make Jarred Guo ready another vehicle so the four of them wouldn''t have to share the small space on the back seat. Therefore, Lexi could finally calm down and dodge Louis Lu''s presence, the man who saw her fat version years ago and she even carelessly befriended him.


    What a small world indeed.


    ncing at Lexi on his side, Ethan Lu slid his fingers through the gaps in between hers as he asked, "Are you nervous?"


    "Huh?" Not catching what he meant, Lexi turned to his direction as she was currently recovering from her shock about how the world could be vast yet small at the same time.


    Seeing her a little zoned out, Ethan Lu assumed that it was because she was finally going to set her foot into the main residence. Thus, he lightly squeezed her hand and offered a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry. Grandpa likes you so he won''t harm you. Also, he wouldn''t dare to do that."


    "Ahh¡­" Slowly nodding, Lexi slightly rolled her eyes as she hasn''t forgotten how that old geezer made their car stop by almost crashing into her car with his. "Does your grandpa bump other cars of the people he likes as well?"


    "What?" Furrowing his brows, Ethan Lu was quite confused by her remarks.


    "I mean, the very reason why I''m showing my displeasure about your grandfather is because of how he halted our car by bumping into the rear area of it." Lightly shaking her head sideways, Lexi exined.


    Indeed, she wasn''t displeased of the fact that he personally gave her a walkthrough of what to expect if she ever joins the Lu family. After all, his voluntary act was quite helpful one way or another. Therefore, how could she get mad about it as she wasn''t harmed physically.


    However, she would never forget the first impression that he did in order to halt their car. Granted that he must have thought that Lexi would not meet with him, still, it was rather improper to force her by doing that. After all, she was pregnant for goodness sake!


    "He did, what?!" Shocked and rage instantly circled around Ethan Lu''s heart upon processing her words. Ethan Lu was certain that Lexi must have met his old man on her own volition¡ª knowing Lexi''s fierce personality. But still, did she just tell him that Edward Lu tried to physically harm her? Did he really dare?


    "Mhmm... ask Nico and check my car for evidence. It still has the dent in it." Rolling her eyes, Lexi slightly shook her head sideways as she immediately diverted all of her attention away from the sudden memories about her meeting with Louis Lu and reced it with Edward Lu''s displeasurable greetings.


    Ethan Lu ground his teeth in annoyance as he wanted to reach the main Lu residence in that instant to wreak havoc. He knew his grandfather well and resorting to such extent, even if Lexi was still in one piece, still, the fact that the car she was in had intentionally collided with one of their family cars, how could he keep his cool.


    ''Grandpa, you really have gone overboard this time!'' He grumbled inwardly as a terrifying glint shed across his eyes.


    Now it made sense why Lexi drew a distant line between herself and Edward Lu as he did something aside from his private lesson that she had to expect within the family affairs.


    ****


    Soon after that, they reached the Lu family residence. One car consisted of Ethan Lu and Lexi and was driven by Jarred Guo while the other ride had Louis Lu, Evelyn Lu, and Lyrick Jiang as the driver.


    Although it has been an hour since knowing about the misconduct of Edward Lu, his rage never subsided. Ethan Lu''s eyes were still zing with fire and his stifling aura instantly burst from within him as he went stepped his foot out of the car.


    On the other hand, Lexi was assisted by the quiet Ethan Lu and as she made her way out of the car, her eyes subconsciously moved to Louis Lu''s direction who was coincidentally giving her a side nce.


    ''It''s all in the past, Lexi. That''s not important at the moment.'' Convincing her that her shameful act that night should remain in the past and that she shouldn''t be so self-conscious around Louis Lu. She repeated those words until she felt that she believed in her repeated sentence.


    Throwing the matter again to the back of her head, Lexi diverted her attention to the vast surroundings of the Lu main residence. Surely, this ce was like a modern castle as the expanse of the lot was just too much.


    There were people around, men in the same ck suit uniform while women wore the same uniform of a maid. When they arrived, individuals who saw Ethan Lu bowed their heads in respect to the master.


    "Good morning, Master. Old master has been waiting for your arrival. Please follow me." Suddenly, an elderly man approached them from the main entrance of the house and politely bowed his head as he greeted them and gestured for them to follow him.


    Ethan Lu coldly moved his eyes down before he emotionlessly nodded his head. He was preserving his energy so when he met his grandfather, he would have his hundred percent energy to apprehend him about what he did to his beloved future wife.


    "This way please." Ignoring the overflowing aura seeping out from Ethan Lu, the butler remained calm and collected as he lead the way.


    As they followed him, Lexi scanned her eyes to wherever it could reach. Although the ce was rather huge, Lexi saw that it mainly consisted of servants and bodyguards. It was like the president of the country lived in this ce as they passed through numerous guards and maids that bowed their heads when they saw them approaching.


    Soon, the butler stopped in front of a door and slowly turned around to face them. "The old master is inside." He calmly spoke and opened the door for them.


    "Oh! You''ve arrived!" The moment Edward Lu saw them outside the opened door, he gleefully grinned before it faded away upon seeing Ethan Lu''s vexed front.


    ''Ah? What''s wrong with him again?''

 Chapter 337 Receiving the good news

    <h4>Chapter 337 Receiving the good news</h4>


    Heading inside, Ethan Lu stopped as his piercing gaze struck his old man. "Grandpa, exin to me why you ambushed her like that?" His tone had no trace of human emotion as he could finally release his fury.


    "Ah...?" Appalled by the instant attack, Edward Lu''s face slightly distorted.


    "I don''t know if I can trust you with her as I never really thought you''d physically try to harm her. Who was it?" Ignoring the puzzlement of Edward Lu, Ethan Lu continued as he didn''t take a seat.


    "What are you saying brat? Why would I harm her? It was an ident alright? Your little guy suddenly shifted his car in a speedy reverse mode so it collided with the vehicle that came close from behind!" Agitated as he was displeased by Ethan Lu''s tone and how he med him for that, Edward Lu exined as he rified their side of the story in one go.


    Indeed, what his orders were, was to ce a car from behind the person''s ride whom he was eager to meet. Who would have thought that Nico Zhuang was a sharp one as his thought process immediately worked double-time and drove in reverse mode. Thus, his order had a mishap and identally collided with Lexi''s car.


    "I see..." Hearing his frustrated side of the story, Lexi''s dissatisfaction towards the old man slightly reduced. She actually didn''t know what exactly happened as she was napping at that time. She was only woken up when the impact from the mild collision almost threw her from the back passenger seat to the front.


    "Old master, are you really telling the truth?" Oddly enough, Lexi bothered to ask this simple question as the answer was an obvious ''yes''¡ª which she heard the instant she just thought about it.


    "I''ll trust the old master this time. I''m sorry for the misunderstanding." To settle the matter and to calm the raging Ethan Lu who wasn''t buying anything from his grandfather''s exnation, Lexi nodded her head in understanding before she tugged Ethan Lu.


    "Grandpa, I do really hope that it was just mere mishap." His words were akin to a heavy warning to his grandfather as he didn''t conceal his doubts.


    Given that he dearly loved Edward Lu despite his odd methods, still, Ethan Lu would never let anyone who tries or would want to harm her go anywhere near her, even if he has to go against his own grandfather. After all, their family that he was raised in was not about how old or young they are. Everything in the Lu family was about their ranks in the family.


    *****


    The supposed to be a peaceful lunch date with Lexi ended with Ethan Lu''s presence as he clearly showed his unwillingness to trust him with her nor trust her with him. Apanied by the same displeased Evelyn Lu who was ring daggers at the old man while Louis Lu indifferently ate the small portion of his meal.


    "Aiya, aiya, what a lovely atmosphere these kids have!" Scoffing in dismay, Edward Lu did a slow p as the ''supposed to be fun getting to know the future granddaughter-inw'' wasn''t near to what he expected.


    "Lexi, can we pretend that these three don''t exist?" Focusing his attention on her, Edward Lu tried to ignore the three of his kins presence as he tried to salvage his first date with Lexi.


    "Sure, Old master." Lexi nodded in acknowledgment. In her eyes, for some reason, she felt bad for him as two of his grandchildren had to give him cold shoulders while the other one was just indifferent about many things including this one.


    Still, Lexi could not me Ethan Lu or Evelyn Lu to treat their grandfather like this as he was the one who raised them to be like this. Therefore, no matter how she felt remorseful, the Lu family system just worked like this.


    "Haaay... when will you call me grandpa...?" Disheartened, Edward Lu heavily sighed as his bright mood was drastically sullen. Lexi offered a meek smile as she continued to eat in silence.


    Soon, the awkward lunch finally came to an end. For some reason, Evelyn Lu wasn''t as outspoken like she was yesterday as she only spoke to Lexi whenever she had the opportunity. Still, she was still considered quiet which didn''t shock Lexi as this was the main residence and she probably had a bad memory from here or something of the sort.


    As Louis Lu bid his farewell, Evelyn Lu reluctantly followed. She wanted to stay with Lexi for a little longer but, since Louis Lu had to tend to his own business affairs before personally sending her home, Evelyn Lu didn''t retaliate and only nced at Lexi with a sad front.


    Meanwhile, Lexi could only offer a warm smile as she sensed the sadness that shed across Evelyn Lu. She watched them bid their goodbyes to the gloomy old master of the Lu family until they left. Meanwhile, Ethan Lu was just silent without showing any emotion¡­ or rather, he seemed impatient as if he could not wait to go home. Surely, whether what his grandfather said was the truth or not, he could only try to reduce his anger yet, he was still displeased.


    "Ethan, can I talk to the old master alone?" Slowly, Lexi turned her head to the side and gave him a warm smile. Of course, her request made Ethan Lu frown as he furrowed his brows. Regardless, when he heard her say the word "please", Ethan Lu could only sigh in defeat and nod before going out of the dining room.


    "What? Dear granddaughter-inw, your request for our time together is long overdue don''t you think? Haaay¡­ that brat is surely audacious when mad." Shaking his head sideways, Edward Lu could not help but let out a heavy sigh as he wasn''t surprised with the extent of his grandson''s bottom line.


    "Old Master, I don''t know whether to buy your excuse or not but¡­" Pausing for a while, Lexi nced at him for a second. "I hope it will be thest time, I won''t really know what action I will take if something happened to my child."

 Chapter 338 Fresh fruits?! all kinds?!

    <h4>Chapter 338 Fresh fruits?! all kinds?!</h4>


    Despite saying her shocking remarks, Edward Lu just stared at Lexi as he slowly blinked his eyes. He never once left the sharp gaze from Lexi as she did as well. Edward Lu then put his forefinger inside his ear and slightly shook it before he awkwardlyughed.


    "I''m sorry, child. I am old and my hearing always ys with me. What did you say again?"


    "I''m pregnant." Without blinking an eye, Lexi rified that made Edward Lu''s face gradually turned aghast as he processed her words very carefully. At first, what she said was something he heard but since he didn''t expect that she would say this revtion to him with that kind of expression on her face, he thought his ears were deceiving him.


    However, no matter what angle he looked at it, her words could not be misinterpreted as it was clearer than the day; Lexi said she''s pregnant!


    "So, I won''t apologize for giving you my cold shoulder and I don''t really care if you think I disrespected you in any way. Anyone who tries to harm me¡­ especially the child inside me, I can''t easily forgive them." After a tap of her finger on the armrest, Lexi added bearing the same deadpan reaction on her face. She waited for the utterly shocked wrinkled face of Edward Lu to absorb the news and by the looks of it, he would have a heart attack any minute. Even so, Lexi wasn''t concerned as she believed that this old fellow survived the Lu family hence, he would get through this news in no time¡­ which was correct.


    Because when Edward Lu finally recovered from the nuclear bomb she just dropped without short notice, his eyes lit up in excitement as he heartilyughed while pping his hands. After several minutes of gleefulughs, Edward Lu finally spoke.


    "Great! Great news! I mean, when''s the wedding? Haha!"


    Arching her brows, Lexi briefly moved her eyes on the cup of teaid on top of the table before returning his gaze back on Edward Lu''s giddy countenance. "Old master, your grandson doesn''t know yet but that''s not my point for tel¡ª" s, even before Lexi could finish her sentence, Edward Lu abruptly interrupted.


    "He doesn''t know?!" Widening his eyes in shock, Edward Lu slightly gaped his mouth open. "You mean to say, you told me before him?! Hah! That brat, hah!" His shock eventually turned into arge, mischievous grin as formed on the side of his lips.


    "My dear granddaughter, I sincerely apologize for my miscalctions yesterday. No, I should show my sincerity¡­" Without further ado, Edward Lu added as he snapped his fingers that instantly made the other door open¡ª revealing a uniformed man that intruded inside.


    "My granddaughter was almost, no, she''s awfully hurt from yesterday because of the carelessness of the one that was tasked to halt her car. Bring the culprit this instant! How dare he!" Sounding adamantly firm on his order, Edward Lu didn''t waste a second as he should correct his wrong so he could start a clean te with his future granddaughter-inw that bears Ethan Lu''s child.


    "Old mas¡ª"


    "It''s grandpa, my child. Let your grandpa correct his wrongs." Profusely shaking his head sideways, Edward Lu didn''t let her finish what she wanted to say as he corrected her address to him. Turning his head to the retreating bodyguard that received hismands, Edward Lu added. "Also, buy all kinds of fresh fruit for my granddaughter! She needs to be healthy, alright? Just fresh fruits are allowed, the best harvest!"


    "Wait¡ª!" Initially, Lexi didn''t expect this kind of reaction from Ethan Lu''s grandfather. She assumed that he would have to question the father of the child or at least, just remain unaffected. Therefore, she was surprised that what he was doing was getting out of hand.


    ''Fresh fruits? All kinds?!'' The tables had been turned as Lexi was the one who had the aghast expression right now. Thus, she stopped the guard even before he could make his exit and made Edward Lu turn and look back at her.


    "My dearest granddaughter, what?" Knitting his brows together, Edward Lu was rather confused by the reaction on her face. "Ah, right! What fruits do you dislike so we could avoid buying those?" he assumed that he had gone overboard as Lexi might have the kinds of fruits that she disliked.


    "Ah¡­ my god¡­" Feeling a slight headache, Lexi heavily sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose in distress.


    ''Why are the people in the Lu family that were close to Ethan have their own kind of weirdness?'' Inside her mind, Lexi could not help but remember Evelyn Lu and Louis Lu as they surely inherited that side of them to Edward Lu.


    "Granddaughter, why? Are you feeling unwell? Call Doctor Fu this instant! My granddaughter is having a headache, it''s urgent! She can''t have any stress right now!"


    "Please, stop." Under her breath, Lexi helplessly asked as she was at a loss for words for this excited grandfather of her man. How did it escte to this degree again? Right, it was her fault in the first ce.


    "Old master, you really want to start on the right foot with me this time? Then, please stop. I want to surprise him and if you act like that, he would know." Using the fact that Edward Lu wanted to have a good restart with her impression of him, Lexi helplessly conceded as part of her told her that nothing could stop him unless it was this reasoning.


    Frowning, Edward Lu finally rxed his trembling shoulders as he leaned his back against the chair. "*Sigh* You have a point¡­ that brat¡­ even without his knowledge, he always had this talent to interfere with my happy moments."


    "Thank you, grandpa. I appreciate your thoughtfulness." Seeing him rxed, Lexi heaved a sigh of relief as her reasoning effectively worked. Regardless, she was moved that Edward Lu wasn''t that stiff and tyrannical just like how Ethan Lu ndered his own grandfather to her because of his own fault. Still, he must have his own overbearing attitude, at least, he doesn''t use towards her.


    Even yesterday, Lexi felt that he was doing what he did out of the goodness of his heart and his concern about his grandson''s future wife.

 Chapter 339 What did you see on my grandson~? Hes lucky~!

    <h4>Chapter 339 What did you see on my grandson~? He''s lucky~!</h4>


    Since Edward Lu''s hyperactivity gradually reduced, Lexi also rxed as Edward Lu was d to receive the forgiveness of his granddaughter-inw. Still, although he postponed the orders of buying her fresh fruits, he still insisted on dragging the responsible person that collided with her car into the room.


    Lexi was helpless even though she told him that it wasn''t needed. s, Edward Lu was just as stubborn as she was as he remained adamant by saying, "Tantan wouldn''t let him off easily. If you really don''t want to punish him, then, just personally forgive his mistake. That''s what you call hitting two birds with one stone: he gets to apologize and you save his life from your husband." Therefore, Lexi could only nod in understanding as Edward Lu showed no sign of stopping.


    Soon, the man that intruded earlier was apanied by another man wearing the same formal suit. Just as Edward Lu set his eyes on him, he stopped tattling his misadventures to Lexi as he agitatedly pounded the tip of his can on the floor.


    "You! How dare you put a wedge between me and my granddaughter? Apologize for what you did yesterday this instant!" Upon hearing the old man''s shameless remarks as if he wasn''t partially at fault, her brows uncontrobly twitched. Shifting her gaze to the said man standing on the side with his head hanging low, Lexi arched her brows as the man fell to his knees onto the floor facing her direction.


    "Madam, I grievely apologized for my carelessness. Please punish me."


    "Huh?" Having a huge question mark, Lexi surely had a more clear realization of how these people were trained in the Lu family system because instead of asking for her forgiveness, he asked for punishment. Indeed, it was like a mixture of ancient times and modern mafia families in regards to the Lu family system.


    Massaging her temples, Lexi recalled all the notes Nico Zhuang told her and what measures she could take. After all, throughout the conversation she had with Edward Lu, Lexi realized that she still has to have a strong heart because if someone saw their heads as softies, it would imnt the idea to others that they could be careless as they would get out of it unscathed. Still, Lexi felt conflicted about the pros and cons of it as she was rather new and recklessly using the power of the future head madam might put her in a tight position in the future.


    Lexi looked down on the man that at the same time he had snuck a nce at her. Fortunately, she was mentally prepared to keep her inexpressiveness intact the moment she stepped her foot inside the Lu main residence. Not to mention, the sharpness of her facial features making her look naturally like a sharp person.


    "Do you really want punishment? Tell me, what were you honestly thinking when you ''identally'' bumped into our car?" Resting her jaw by the back of her hand, Lexi slightly arched her brows as she fixed her gaze on the man kneeling not far away from her.


    The man cautiously raised his confused eyes to see Lexi''s indifferent front that didn''t give way anything of what she was thinking. "I¡­" Replying yet pausing, the man pursed his lips on a thin line before opening them once again. "I told myself that I should enjoy every meal as it is myst."


    "Because you think you will be killed?" Arching her brows, Lexi was quite surprised to hear his response.


    "No, my precious child. Your husband will surely make it hisst if he knows about it. You saw him yesterday, right?" rifying, Edward Lu responded in a matter of fact tone before he sipped his cup of tea as he watched his future granddaughter-inw in how she would deal with this without inflicting too much bacsh on her end. "He''s already happy that he was able to have his breakfast and lunch if you''re wondering." Edward Lu added the obvious.


    "I see¡­" Nodding in understanding, Lexi set aside the first question that hovered on her mind that instant when she heard Edward Lu''s statement. "What rank are you now?"


    "Madam, I am now the lieutenant under the captain of squad ten." Precisely asking her inquiry, the bodyguard sternly responded as he was ready to face whatever punishment he would receive including death.


    When Lexi heard his position, her brows slightly furrowed as she recalled that amongst the guards in the Lu family, there were also ranks within their team and each team wasbeled by rank as well. If the core members had the headmaster and elders, the bodyguards had their captain then second to the highest was a lieutenant then members of each squad.


    "Is that so¡­?" Lexi nodded in understanding as she carefully kernelized what she should do to this lieutenant. After a minute, Lexi habitually tapped her fingers on the armrest as she came up with a decision. "Do you want to die? Tell me, honestly so you won''t have regrets."


    "If I have to choose, I''d rather live a little longer, even if it''s just a day."


    Lexi could not help but faintly sigh deeply as she seemed she could not bear to be as heartless as what she was supposed to be. For some reason, she thought about Ethan Lu when he was pushed to the corner and had to make a decision like this.


    "Mistakes normally happen and I could not me if one did a mistake as it is inevitable. However, in this family, making one is a grave crime." Lexi stared at the man with even less emotion than she could reveal on the surface. "But, gaining your rank means you have your merits to have gotten your position right now. So, you''ll only be demoted and do menial chores for one month. Learn from this mistake¡­ if you are really worthy, you''ll regain your rank back."


    Edward Lu raised his brows as he stared at Lexi before a satisfied smile formed on the corner of his lips. To him, it would be the best option to lessen the negative effect on her as the person that was at fault had a good rank among the guards.


    The guard on the other hand just stared at Lexi with a momentarily stunned expression stered across his face. When he snapped from his daze, he instantly bowed his head as he said, "Madam, thank you for the second chance. I will surely reflect on my shorings."


    "Go, before she changes her mind." Waving his hands off, Edward Lu scooted the guard away as he added some odd effects onto the guard. Saying this means that Lexi was a changeable person and not as kind and generous if the word was to get out.


    Soon, the room was left with Edward Lu and Lexi again as the two bodyguards that fetched the person she gave a verdict to bowed their heads in respect before they left the two alone. "Aiya, my precious granddaughter, what did you see on my grandson? He''s lucky~!" Of course, Edward Lu was the happiest person as he was astonished to her careful decision and well, because he was now clean from any bad impression on her. Therefore, he instantly took this time to curry favor from his reliable granddaughter-inw.


    "Grandpa, what you said earlier about Ethan making sure it will be that person''sst meal¡­ did you mean he will kill him? Did Ethan¡­" Ignoring the flowery words from the transformed chibi version of Edward Lu, Lexi could finally ask the question she has in her head that bugged her a little.


    "Did he kill someone¡ª is that what you wanted to ask, my child?" Tilting his head sideways, Edward Lu slightly raised his brows. Seeing that Lexi didn''t respond as she only stared at him, he subtly smiled. "Not yet, but he will if he needed to¡­ especially if it involves you and your safety."

 Chapter 340 Sincerest thanks from a mother, father, and Ethans greatest ally.

    <h4>Chapter 340 Sincerest thanks from a mother, father, and Ethan''s greatest ally.</h4>


    Lexi was relieved to hear that Ethan Lu hasn''t gone that far yet. After all, she would be lying if she said that she wasn''t bothered by it if Ethan Lu did take someone else''s life with his own hands.


    "But you see, Tantan had been nting fears in everyone¡­ so, that perception from them was inevitable. After all, aside from his extreme means every time, he gave his word that he would only give one warning if someone tries his patience. Also, our Lu family was already built like that so it''s not really news." Exining why the assumption from the guard earlier, Edward Lu eased her obvious concern pertaining to his grandson''s situation.


    As if at that moment, Edward Lu recalled something he never would forget in his whole life. "My granddaughter, do you know the reason why I chose Tantan to be my heir?" Subtly smiling, Edward Lu peered at Lexi whose interest was evidently piqued.


    Well, from what she knew, Ethan Lu was also not sure what his grandfather was thinking back then. Even though Edward Lu already exined it to him, Ethan Lu only bought half of it as he knew it was not enough to decide. Therefore, Lexi only knows that part about Ethan Lu''s father being doubtful to everyone and likes to work alone while his Uncle Dennis Lu was easily manipted instead of doing the maniptor.


    "Did he ever mention about his mother, Christina?" Edward Lu patiently waited for her response but Lexi just remained silent for a minute before she responded after she shook her head sideways.


    "He did mention it once but he said, he will tell me the details about it when he''s ready."


    "Christina¡­ 20 years ago, was Tantan''s mother, she died, or rather, shemitted suicide¡­ in front of him." Putting down his cup of tea, Edward Lu recalled that unforgettable night as he arrived inside the house and seeing Ethan Lu''s mother with blood all over the ce while Ethan Lu was just sitting in front of his lifeless mother''s body while her face was nearly unrecognizable due to the gunshot to her head.


    Upon hearing this unheard news, Lexi could not help but gasp, as her mind subconsciously calcted that Ethan Lu was just seven years old at that time. Hence, for him to witness such a scene¡­ how did he recover?


    "I actually thought at that time, Tantan would never be the same again. At the wake of his mother, he would constantly look at nothingness without any life within his eyes. Well, although Christina wasn''t particrly a good mother, she was still his mother so it was understandable." Edward Lu resumed this story as he knew that Ethan Lu would never be ready. Therefore, to keep Lexi out of the dark, he voluntarily spoke up the side of the story he knew as he would be the only person who could tell her about it.


    "Then, on thest day of his mother''s wake, while we sent her off to the crematory with Tantan by my side, he said something that even until today¡­ until now, whenever I recall it, it worries me." Raising his gaze, Edward Lu briefly paused as he recalled the exact same words that escaped the young Ethan Lu''s mouth.


    "Pathetic¡­ that''s what he said while staring at his mother''s funeral casket without any emotion." It was easy to guess how shocked Edward Lu was at that time as he didn''t expect to hear that from his grandson using such a cold tone.


    "Then, the next day, Tantan was back to normal just like how he used to be. Impossible, yes. For a kid that witnessed his mother''s gruesome death, it was nearly unbelievable that he recovered as if nothing happened. Yet, he never mentioned his mother again or whenever he hears her name, he would not speak for quite some time." Letting out a heavy sigh, Edward Lu knew that deep down, his grandson was just bottling it up as he chose not to trouble everyone anymore as his mother chose to leave him amidst all the problems that the Lu family was facing at that time.


    "So, I decided that he would be my heir. Not because I saw his fierceness or how fitting he would be when he grows into a man. It was just my way of letting his bottled up emotions to be released because our Lu family wasn''t that clean¡ª you know that very well now, I suppose. Tantan, he''s a smart kid. Furthermore, he could never erase the blood of our Lu family running through his veins. So, that was my only way to give him a headstart and the protection that I can offer that his parents had failed to give him." Ending his short story, Edward Lu once again let out another heavy exhale.


    He knew that this method wasn''t the best way but that was the only thing he could offer. After all, the Lu family and its system had been like this for the longest time. Therefore, after growing old as the family head, his positivity to make the skewed family system reduce each passing year remained.


    Although he managed to change it for a bit, s, it was not enough because he could not just cut off his own family members as it would then lose the bnce of their family that could lead itself out from its downfall.


    Lexi bit her bottom lip as her heart was pierced by this story. She never knew that Ethan Lu had this kind of childhood past. Maybe, their short time together wasn''t enough for the two of them to fully know each other.


    "So, my granddaughter, I am speaking as Tantan''s grandfather and not the old master of our family. Please, take care of him really well and understand him more with his shorings. He is not perfect but one thing''s for sure, you''re the only person whom he truly cares about." Offering her a subtle yet warm smile, Edward Lu lowly begged in his sincerest tone.


    "Also, thank you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for teaching his heart how to love and made him experience how to be loved back. I know that it is enough to fill all of the holes he has in his heart from all of these years of just existing." If Ethan Lu saw his grandfather right now, he would probably have the shock of his life as for the first time, Edward Lu expressed himself and how grateful he was to Lexi for painting the monochrome life of his grandson into multiple colors for the first time in his life.


    He was so d that the corners of his wrinkled eyes formed salt liquid because, for all these years, he stood as Ethan Lu''s mother and father aside from being a grandfather to him. Hence, seeing that his grandson was content and purely in bliss whenever she''s around, his worries about his future eased up.

 Chapter 341 How dare you make my granddaughter wait so long?!

    <h4>Chapter 341 How dare you make my granddaughter wait so long?!</h4>


    Lexi and Grandpa Lu chatted for a long time. This time, Lexi''s initial animosity towards him slightly reduced. She realized that Edward Lu may have his own unconventional way of doing things; he was still doing it solely for the goodness of his grandson. Everything, including for Ethan Lu to unravel his mask to all of the Lu family members so he could protect himself.


    Although there were still cons about it, s, no matter what Ethan Lu would do, be it to run away or face it, there were still negative effects on it. Therefore, Edward Lu ced all his faith in his grandson and chose the less destruction action of his family. It was all up to Ethan Lu if he could persevere and stay at the top of their family.


    "Grandpa, is the Lu family¡­" Pausing for a bit, Lexi cleared her throat as she still had onest question inside her head. "Was your family a former crime family?"


    "Mhmm¡­" Rubbing his chin as if Edward Lu was pondering about the precision of his answer, he looked up to meet her inquiring eyes. "Actually, we are not but..." His response, of course, brought her brows to arch.


    "My great grandfather was a former mob underboss, but perhaps he was tired of all the nonsense bloodbath and chose to be in the business sector¡ªa decent business. Still, since he was associated with the people in the underworld and defied the family, he had tomit his life to it, there are a lot of enemiesing at him. The reason why our family system was implemented: to avoid rats sneaking into his own family." Without the slightest hesitation, Edward Lu exined further into the details to his future granddaughter-inw. Well, throughout his chats with her, he was actually reluctant for her to go as it had been a while since he had chatted with someone with this kind of air around them.


    "Of course, we wouldn''t be able to hold on/ stick around / or even persist without some fes from the underworld whom my great grandfather trusted. So, to keep the business as clean as possible, we were under the protection of? one of the strongest families in the underworld." Adding to his exnation, Edward Lu never forgot to give credit to the family that partially helped them to stand strong in the dangerous side of the business industry.


    "I see¡­" Nodding in understanding, Lexi lightly tapped her fingers on the armrest again as she had another question in mind. "Is the Lu family still under their protection?"


    "Uh, no." Letting out a faint chuckle, Edward Lu subtly smiled. "The reason why that crime family supported our family and did all the dirty work in the past is that the Don of the family wanted a peaceful life. It''s not a secret to every headmaster of our Lu family that my great grandfather and Don Ran had an agreement: that is, my grandfather needed to be so powerful and influential so that the Don could be at peace and live with his own family into seclusion, away from the chaotic life in the underworld. If not, he would..., on another thought, I don''t want to sound violent with the details as it is not healthy to you, my precious granddaughter."


    Lexi only nodded in understanding as she got the gist of the agreement and the history of the establishment of the Lu family. The said Don didn''t see the potential in him or anything of the sort. Actually, if she looked at it the other way, the Don just used Ethan Lu''s ancestor so that he could also live in peace if ever Edward Lu''s great grandfather would seed and also return the favor of protecting the said Don and his family with less blood being shed.


    Not just that, bringing the Lu''s to the top and them being so powerful that the family would be indebted to him would also deliver great benefits. Wealth, protection and peaceful life¡­ that was nothingpared to giving the Lu family a stronger foothold in another crazy life in the business industry.


    "Nheless, although that is the case, my great grandfather was an ambitious man so, living? a high profile life with lots of money was what he wanted¡ªnot a super peaceful life as he needed some thrill in his life." Guessing her train of thoughts, Edward Lu shrugged as he exined why his great grandfather let the other party reap more benefits in the deal.


    "Thank you, Grandpa." Subtly offering him a smile, Lexi slightly bowed her head because he didn''t let her remain in the dark and gave her more knowledge about the family she just entered and Ethan Lu''s painful past.


    She was moved and then again, Lexi realized that she wanted to know more of her better half. No matter how fast their rtionship escted to this extent, Lexi just realized that she wanted to know more of him with every step of the way they would take in the uing days. Furthermore, she was pped by the harsh reality which gave her a clearer view of the pressure Ethan Lu had on his back that she could only see vaguely in the past.


    Just then, Ethan Lu abruptly intruded to where Lexi and Edward Lu had been chatting with a frustrated expression across his face. "Grandpa, did you know that you''ve? taken her as your hostage for three hours now?"


    "Hostage?! Hah! This brat! Ask my precious granddaughter if I am taking her by force. She likes me!" Harrumphing in fury, Edward Lu disyed his dismay to his grandson''s sudden interruption as he was still enjoying being able to apany Lexi to answer every question she had.


    "Aiya, aiya," Shaking his head sideways, the atmosphere he and Lexi built through these fleeting three hours broke by the gloomy aura that Ethan Lu had emitted the moment he came in. Slowly dragging his cane, Edward Lu strode towards the entrance where Ethan Lu was standing.


    A few steps away from his grandson, Edward Lu estimated where his cane could reach him, and when he was certain, he swiftly swung it to Ethan Lu''s side with a vexed countenance disyed on his front.


    "You brat! How dare you make my granddaughter wait so long, ha!?"

 Chapter 342 I think Im really old

    <h4>Chapter 342 I think I''m really old</h4>


    Fortunately, Ethan Lu''s senses were sharpened; hence, he was able to move his arm to block Edward Lu''s sudden assault. Even so, all he could do was block the series of attacks by the cane of his grandfather.


    "Aw! Ouch¡ª! What¡ª ah!" Ethan Lu spat after every beating he received from his crazy grandfather.


    "How dare you brat! Did I raised you like this, ha?! How could you make my precious granddaughter wait for so long!" Aside from his displeasure by Ethan Lu''s abrupt interruption in his date with Lexi, Edward Lu was more displeased by his grandson''s snail-paced proposal and marriage. Moreover, although he sessfully impregnated Lexi, just what would others say if she was pregnant out of wedlock?


    That alone made him aggravated as his grandson seemed to take his beloved granddaughter for granted. Therefore, uponying his eyes on him, Edward Lu was reminded to apprehend Ethan Lu for his thoughtlessness. If one didn''t know, they would think that Edward Lu''s biological kin was Lexi and not Ethan Lu.


    On the other hand, Lexi could only shake her head sideways as she heaved a heavy sigh. She knew she wouldn''t be able to stop the old man Lu as he beat his grandson¡­ or rather, a part of her didn''t want to stop Edward Lu from showing his affection and his unconventional way of congratting the expectant father of her child.


    Furthermore, she agreed that Ethan Lu indeed needed a beating for not proposing to her sooner. Does she need to say she''s pregnant first for him to propose? s, deep down, Lexi wanted his proposal first before letting him know about her pregnancy.


    ''It wouldn''t happen that soon, I guess.'' Lexi thought inwardly while watching the grandfather / grandson duo exchange unpleasant remarks about Edward Lu finding his own scapegoat for what he had done and Ethan Lu for not proposing to her even after being together for quite some time now.


    She wished to hear him ask ''will you marry me?'' before informing him about her pregnancy, s, her baby bump would soon be more apparent as her tummy had started growing. It wasn''t that big now, just a small bump that would only cause one to think she was bloated or anything of the sort. Still, if she won''t say it today, Ethan Lu would surely find out.


    ''Well, it doesn''t matter, I guess.'' Lexi muttered internally as she let out a faint chuckle and continued to watch their intense battle.


    ****


    Ethan Lu and his grandfather bantered for a long time before all the life energy Edward Lu was left with had drained out of his body. Therefore, after he was done currying favor from Lexi to settle in her good graces, the two lovebirds finally bid their farewell.


    "Grandpa, thank you for today." Bowing her head to show her respect to Edward Lu who still insisted to personally send them off, Lexi gave her sincerest thanks to the old man. All the misunderstanding they hadpletely vanished and Edward Lu''s operation "get in her good graces" was aplished.


    "Hehe, my child, you should visit me more often or I should frequently drop by!"


    "Tch," Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Ethan Lu murmured. "Drop by and make an epic mistake again."


    "I will try to visit you more often and spend a day with you." As courteous as she could, Lexi faintly chuckled as she responded. Both of them chose to ignore Ethan Lu''s slyments on the side as if he was just a child who was throwing a tantrum.


    After exchanging more pleasantries with Edward Lu, Lexi was assisted by Ethan Lu with his hand that was gently lying on her back. Turning towards the gorgeous and content front of his beloved sunshine, Ethan Lu meekly smiled and whispered,


    "Love, I will catch up with you, okay?"


    "I knew you''d say that. Don''t worry, take your time." Casting him a side nce, Lexi gently smiled because part of her expected that he would say that. After all, Ethan Lu and Edward Lu didn''t have enough time to talk with each other. Thus,? Lexi resumed her careful strides towards their car with Lyrick Jiang behind her.


    Meanwhile, as Ethan Lu stared at Lexi''s retreating back until she entered the car that was parked in front of the stairs before the entrance of the Lu mansion, he turned around to Edward Lu who was standing in front of the main door while waving his hands to Lexi.


    "Grandpa,"


    "Ehh?! Now I understand why my view with my granddaughter seemed to beautify because you''re still here!" In an instant, Edward Lu''s sarcasm was the first thing toe out from his mouth as he turned to Ethan Lu''s direction. His brows arched as he thrusted his chin forward as if preparing himself for another battle of words with him.


    Upon hearing his grandfather''s remarks, the side of Ethan Lu''s lips could not help but twitch. Yet, he chose to ignore it along with his deep exhale. "Thank you," in a soft and low tone, Ethan Lu expressed his gratitude for his grandfather''s efforts.


    Given that he was utterly displeased for that ''mistake'' that still irked him,? he could not demerit Edward Lu for his efforts in guiding Lexi about the extremities of their family. Therefore, he wanted to thank him for his efforts and help.


    "Hah! I thought you''d grown so ungrateful!" Still bearing the same arrogant tone, Edward Lu scoffed. He didn''t want to get emotional in front of Ethan Lu, therefore, a sly grin formed on the corner of his lips. "Well, even if you''re arrogant, you still can''t be because my dearest granddaughter told me something you don''t know~!" With that said note, Edward Lu turned around whileughing evilly to vex his grandson more.


    As Edward Lu entered the manor, his gleeful evilughs subsided as his front turned gentle with a subtle smile stered across his lips. "I think I''m really old¡­ I''ve started to get more emotional."


    "Master, young master has grown into an admirable man. You have to think about your health and rest more." Behind Edward Lu, the old butler who weed Lexi and Ethan Lu earlier worriedly responded as he had watched the once terrifying man also grow so old.

 Chapter 343 Baby... say it again, I like it.

    <h4>Chapter 343 Baby... say it again, I like it.</h4>


    ''Something I don''t know?'' Ethan Lu''s twitching brows furrowed as he could clearly hear the mischievousness in his grandfather''s voice. Shaking his head, Ethan Lu regarded thest remarks of Edward Lu as invaluable because he was always like that¡ªtrying to pique his interest and then leave him hanging. Therefore, to save himself from the ''obvious'' trap he assumed was a lie, Ethan Lu threw it to the back of his mind.


    Ethan Lu then headed to the car where Lexi had been waiting for him. As he hitched inside the back passenger seat, Lexi''s yawning was the first thing that weed his eyes.


    "Tired?" Gently smiling at her, Ethan Lu sprawled his other arm towards the other side of her head and carefully guided it to his shoulder.


    "Not really¡­ just sleepy." Lightly shaking her head, Lexi rested her head on his shoulder as her hand slowly traveled and soon intertwined around his slender hand. "Do you still have a meeting?"


    "Huh? My love, what did you think I was doing when you were talking to grandpa?" Grinning, Ethan Lu marginally raised his brows as he boasted in a matter of fact tone. "I moved all my meetings near the main residence, and myst meeting took ce in the main residence''s garden."


    "Isn''t that a little bothersome?" Not really surprised, Lexi thoughtlessly inquired as her mind felt tired from functioning and it seemed like she was slowly losing control of herself to her desire to sleep.


    "Not really. Inviting them into the main residence is something they can boast about." Ethan Lu didn''t mind responding to something she would normally guess. In his mind, Lexi''s hustling in the past months was taking a toll on her and her being a little tired was normal. He didn''t have the slightest hint, that just maybe, it was one of the signs of her pregnancy that he has yet to be aware of.


    "Baby, my love, you can sleep for a while. I will wake you up when we arrive." Ethan Lu lightly squeezed her hand before he loosened his grip as he offered.


    He already told her that he would take her to a dinner date with the reason that he wanted to celebrate their sessful day yesterday with just the two of them. Well, although he said that, he had nned something big like putting the ring around her finger. Just when he thought that he had a n to surprise her, Lexi also thought of revealing her pregnancy on that same dinner date that he had proposed.


    "Say it again," Without turning her gaze away from their hands, Lexi meekly asked which made him crease his brows a little. "Baby¡­ say it again, I like it." rifying her remarks, Lexi added.


    When Ethan Lu heard her request, an uncontroble gentle smile paraded on his thin red lips. For some reason, he felt that Lexi was extra clingy today and she was like a baby who wanted to be pampered.


    cing a soft peck on her head, Ethan Lu whispered. "I love you, my baby," After that, another light kissnded on the same spot as he continued, "My Princess, my queen, my world, my sun and moon, my love." With every endearment he uttered, Ethan Lu ced kisses on her head that was resting on his shoulder.


    Lexi could not help but giggle with his every ''mys'' as her eyes grew heavier while a satisfied smile remained ever persistent on her lips.? Just when she thought he was done, Ethan Lu continued which made her speak in a low tone.


    "My forever, my¡ª"


    "Stop¡­ that''s enough¡­"


    "But, I want to please my darling¡­" Pouting, Ethan Lu humored her which made Lexi let out a faint chuckle.


    "Whatever." Lexi lightly shook her head in defeat as she wanted to know how long will he keep doing it. Little did she know, Ethan Lu had never nned to stop saying endearments to her until she fell asleep.


    Meanwhile, the victims from all of this dog food slowly ced their earplugs into their ears. Jarred Guo constantly blinked his eyes so he could see the road clearly because every "my valentine, my honey-cake" that his boss spat out made his under-eye twitch.


    "Hey, will you help me put the earplugs in?" Giving Lyrick Jiang a side nce who was on the verge of having a mental breakdown even though his set of earplugs were already in his ear, Jarred Guo demanded with a whisper.


    "They are not working¡­" Aghast by the malfunctioning newly bought earplugs, Lyrick Jiang''splexion was paler than usual. Slowly, he turned to Jarred Guo which nearly gave the driver a heart attack with his ugly and helpless expression. "It''s a scam¡­"


    "What''s a scam¡­?" Still whispering not to interrupt the two love birds in the back passenger seat, Jarred Guo knitted his brows in confusion. He thought that his colleague, Lyrick Jiang, was overreacting since it was impossible that the earplugs wouldn''t work. After all, their master was the person who personally bought them¡­ it was personally given by their boss!


    With that realization, Jarred Guo''s quick assumption was confirmed as Lyrick Jiang swiftly put the earplugs in his ear and Jarred could still hear his boss''s, endless endearments that were growing louder and louder.


    "Scam¡­ indeed." In that instant, Jarred Guo''s sinking heart followed the already sunk heart of Lyrick Jiang. Surely, their master had found some entertainment for teasing and torturing them at the same time.


    ''Master, what have we done so wrong that you have to do this to us?!'' Unbeknownst to the two, they had the same thoughts at the same time as they recalled what they had done so wrong for Ethan Lu to stuff them with all the dog food that was being showered inside this very car.


    "I love you, my sugar pie. You are the most beautiful woman, my brightest star. The love of my life, a drug that I''m willing to take and get an overdose from¡­" Chuckling, Ethan Lu continued his series of endearments as if he was just now professing his love for the first time. At this time, he had guessed that his dear subordinates in the front had found out what he had just done. Therefore, he continued to run his flowery mouth for expressing his bottomless love for Lexi and make the two envious with his love life.


    ''Master, please have mercy! Your image¡­ there''s no image remaining!'' Weeping from their boss''s mischief, both pleaded inwardly as the journey to the said surprise proposal was filled with Ethan Lu''s endless love confessions.

 Chapter 344 I cant believe you are mine

    <h4>Chapter 344 I can''t believe you are mine</h4>


    When Lexi dozed off, Ethan Lu nced at her unmoving head before a gentle smile formed on the side of his lips. Gently, he ced his head on top of hers and tenderly left a soft kiss that made him get a whiff of the scent of her shampoo.


    "I love you¡­" Under his breath, Ethan Lu whispered to the sleeping Lexi as he slowly closed his eyes. "I can''t believe you are mine," he added as he slightly moved his head onto her.


    Crazy. Every day, deep down, whenever he looked at her or felt her every touch, Ethan Lu always had this fear that maybe... just maybe, he was still dreaming¡ª a long beautiful dream. He could not believe that this woman named Lexi Yang was his: his lover, partner, best friend, andter his fiancee.


    As they journeyed to the ce he wanted to propose to her, and Ethan Lu preserved his energy for the nerve-racking surprise he had prepared for herter, he could not help but reminisce on their history together.


    Initially, Ethan Lu was raised to be the heir of his grandfather and take over with their family business. In their family, women were mere decorations and having a mother like Christina Lu, he wasn''t really impressed with what women could offer. After all, he naturally thought that women are fragile beings whom he didn''t want to invest in too many feelings with.


    For him, having a woman on his side was good for entertainment where he could feast his eyes with and just like his first instinct, they are a good essory. Therefore, whenever he met a woman who was more good looking, he instinctively changed his partner¡ª the origins of his casanova days.


    However, meeting Lexi for the first time, something within him changed¡­ forever. After witnessing how she could be brave in her own way like backing away from the person whom she loved so dearly in the past and courageously letting Morris Liu go despite the fact that she was gravely hurting, Ethan Lu was in awe.


    Afterward, Lexi continuously impressed him by admitting her wrongs and trying to correct her mistakes by being a matured person. She grew and kept on growing which made him feel ashamed of himself.


    Lexi was a strong independent woman. He knew that she wouldn''t need him even if he lent his helping hand in whatever she does. She didn''t like him nor was she attracted to his dazzling charms. It''s crazy how he had no effect or impact on her at first. No one had escaped his bewitching smile and hinting winks yet, she proved that there was still someone like her. Someone who seemed so hard to achieve and reach.


    Therefore, upon embracing the feelings that grew on him for her, Ethan Lu stopped running from her inescapable web. He knew that deep down if he didn''t squeeze himself in her life, she wouldn''t reach out to him. Therefore, he followed what his heart desires: HER. Ethan Lu was grateful that he did. He was beyond relieved that he followed what his heart desires and disregard the reason that was stopping him. Because if not, he wouldn''t be able to find his home¡­ his safe haven, and how it feels to be loved back against all odds.


    Being with Lexi, she made him be a better man. She brings the best out of his hopeless being that he deemed as unsavable. Lexi gave him courage, strength, and a reason to have a meaningful life. She painted his shy yet fake colorful life with permanent inks with a smile as bright and heartwarming as theing of springtime. Her tender touches and caring words were as smooth as the sable brushes.


    With just that, she took him to a whole new world and saved him from the ck and white colors of his past and future. She gave him something that he would look forward to every day he wakes up and he feels grateful that he exists.


    Hence, putting a ring around her finger seemed like a small task for everything she had done for him. It was just the first task to give back all the love and kindness that she had given him.


    All the chances she benevolently offered and the sacrifices for moving out from her parent''s ce to be with him and the freedom she should have without the Lu family.


    It was just too much that he felt that no matter what he does, there was no way to repay her for everything. It was as if no matter how hard and deep he loves her, her love was still iparable.


    As Ethan Lu''s body rxed as he reminisced on the things that he loved about her¡ª big and small¡ª and everything to be thankful about, Lyrick Jiang''s recovered voice was heard as the partitionpletely rolled down.


    "Master, we''ve arrived."


    Still, Ethan Lu didn''t open his eyes as he only hummed a tune as a response. Since Lexi seemed she was tired, Ethan Lu wanted to let her rest first. Thus, guessing what his boss''s desire was and seeing his goddess soundlessly sleeping on Ethan Lu''s shoulder, Lyrick Jiang put up the partition again and let them have their ''babe'' time first.


    Since Lexi was still asleep and both his master''s were still inside the car, Jarred Guo didn''t dare to turn off the vehicle. Still, to get some fresh air and not to bother the two, both Ethan Lu''s loyal subordinates hitched out from the ride.


    "I wonder if Madam will say yes¡­?" Raising his gaze to the peaceful yet seemingly deserted restaurant that was located in a rural area not far away from the city, Jarred Guo heedlessly remarked which made Lyrick Jiang cast him a deadly re.


    "Are you doubting my goddess''s feelings towards Master? Of course, she will say yes! No doubt!" Displeased by his colleague''s thoughtless remarks, Lyrick Jiang grumbled in disgust. What Jarred Guo said, he perceived it as jinxing his master which he could not allow happening.


    "Ay, you''re spreading some bad vibes here," Jarred Guo could not help his brows but twitch with how Lyrick Jiang could overreact with such a simple slip of the tongue. "Whatever. Are you sure there''s nost preparation needed to be done?" Diverting their subject, Jarred Guo smoothly seeded as Lyrick Jiang seemed to recall something.


    "Right! I''ll be back." With that said note, Lyrick Jiang rushed towards the quiet restaurant like a bolt of lightning to check if everything and everyone was already there.

 Chapter 345 Dad... why are you here?

    <h4>Chapter 345 Dad... why are you here?</h4>


    Sensing that the constant motion stopped, Lexi''s brows creased a little before her eyes naturally opened. Making a slight movement, she instantly heard Ethan Lu''s deep and gentle voice tickle her ears.


    "Are you awake, my love?" Opening his eyes, Ethan Lu immediately ced a soft peck on top of her head that was resting on his shoulder.


    "Mhmm..." Humming a tune, Lexi slowly retracted her head away from him and stretched it a little to ease her neck. "Why didn''t you wake me up? What time is it?" Lexi inquired as she felt that their journey on the way to this ce was longer than she expected. After all, she woke up earlier and saw that their car was still moving thus, she fell back to sleep again.


    "It''s seven. I didn''t want to disturb your nap." Turning to face her slightly weary eyes, Ethan Lu gently offered her a smile. "Shall we?"


    "Mhmm..." Smiling back, Lexi lightly nodded her head before Ethan Lu exited the car and immediately assisted Lexi out.


    When Lexi set her eyes on the house type restaurant in the middle of nowhere, her brows arched. Now she understood why the long travel time, as it seemed they were out of the city. Away from the bustling fanciness of the city restaurants and he chose a simple and peaceful ce where privacy seemed to be their priority.


    "Baby," Turning to Lexi who was scanning the restaurant several steps away from them, Ethan Lu brightly grinned as he showed her the blindfold in his hands. "Let me put this on."


    "What are you nning?" Arching her right brow up, Lexi altered her gaze to his sly grin and then to the blindfold he was holding up.


    "It''s a surprise."


    "Ethan, I swear, I am hungry." Rolling her eyes, Lexi didn''t give much thought about it as he always did these kinds of surprises. For example, flowers early in the morning or gifts out of nowhere without any asion. Therefore, she didn''t think that his surprise this time is a ring and a scene that will make her bawl her eyes out like a little girl.


    "Love, please?" Tilting his head to the side, Ethan Lu pleaded using his ultimate puppy eyes and an adorable front that he would only do in front of her.


    Lexi stared at him for a good one minute before she heavily sighed in defeat. "Alright... I concede." With that said note, his cute disy instantly brightened as phase one of operation proposal eventually seeded.


    Without wasting a second, Ethan Lu put the blindfold on her. In his mind, fortunately, Lexi was wearing ts today hence, there was no need for her to change her footwear that he prepared so she wouldn''t trip while walking with a blindfold on.


    "Okay, you''re all set!" After securing the blindfold, Ethan Lu gleefully announced before he reached for her hand and assisted it around his arm.


    "Love, careful." As they slowly took strides forward with his guidance, she heard his concerned remarks which made her faintly scoff.


    "Of course," Lexi responded in a matter of fact tone as she walked with darkness in her vision. Yet, although she was temporarily blind, holding on to him made her feel secure and safe. Hence, Lexi slowly let him guide her to this surprise.


    Soon, they finally reached the soundless restaurant which made her knit her brows. Lexi could not hear anyone talking, that she assumed Ethan Lu made another shy move for booking the whole ce for both of them to dine.


    Lexi was about to apprehend him for senselessly spending his money for a simple dinner and booked the whole ce again that they already talked about. s, just as she opened her mouth, she heard Ethan Lu''s voice again.


    "Love, do you trust me?" Shifting his gaze on her, Ethan Lu asked with a full smile on his face.


    "Uh..."


    "From this moment on, someone else will guide you somewhere. Do you trust me, love?" Ethan Lu then moved his eyes away from Lexi to the man who was subtly smiling before them. It was none other than, Frederick Yang.


    "Ethan, I swear I will beat you to pieces if this is another prank." Through a warning tone, Lexi threatened which made Frederick Yang bit his lower lip afraid that he would burst outughing.


    "Love, I will ept all beatings and kneel on the washboard for half a day if this is a prank." Clearing his throat, Ethan Lu gave her father an awkward smile as Lexi just revealed how much of a henpecked husband he was.


    "Alright, okay!" In her mind, Lexi already rolled her eyes as hunger made her patience run thinner. Even so, since Ethan Lu was so persistent to surprise her, she still agreed. Moreover, Lexi knew that Ethan Lu would never entrust her to someone that he didn''t fully trust.


    ''Who is it though? Lyrick? Jarred? Nico?'' Lexi guessed who would be the courageous person knowing Ethan Lu''s level of pettiness. After all, for her to go to God knows where she has to cling to him until then.


    "Thank you," Ethan Lu raised his gaze to meet Frederick Yang''s smiling eyes as he spat his gratitude. Lexi thought that his words were for her as she only shrugged her shoulders in nonchnce.


    His hand then brushed her arm down to her hands before he guided it to someone else''s arm. Ethan Lu gave Frederick Yang another thankful smile before her father wordlessly nodded as if saying, ''I got it, son.''


    Lexi''s hand felt the material of the sleeve of the man she was clinging on to. She estimated the arms measurement and it wasn''t anyone in her list. It was not Lyrick Jiang or Jarred Guo as they don''t fit the size of the slightly chunky arm¡ª neither was it the petite arms of Nico Zhuang. Yet, there was this sense of familiarity that made her heart at ease.


    As soon as Frederick Yang started guiding her to the other side of the restaurant, Lexi got a whiff of his scent. The very instant his scent caressed her nostrils, Lexi bit her bottom lip as she slightly hung her head low.


    ''Dad... why are you here?'' She inquired inwardly as her heart began to pound and her instincts told her that Ethan Lu had nned something big for her.

 Chapter 346 If I ask would you say yes?

    <h4>Chapter 346 If I ask would you say yes?</h4>


    Soon, the blindfolded Lexi and Frederick Yang reached their destination. It wasn''t a private room inside the restaurant but the garden with ake that had white lotuses floating on its tranquility on the side.


    Trees and bushes that had lights were scattered around them, pictures of Lexi and Ethan together from the first picture they had together and all of the memorable photos he took were erged into each canvas that were ced before the entrance of the brightly lit sshouse. Overall, the whole ce seemed like a magical garden that one would be mesmerized with. A picture-perfect scene.


    Lexi instantly felt the cool night breeze brushing against her skin. If she didn''t recognize her father, she would surely think that this person was taking her to some unsafe ce. As Frederick Yang stopped, his gaze traveled to all the lovely photos they had together; their morning faces, fancy dinner dates, travel pictures, and simply just the two of them chilling in their house, he could not help his eyes but sting.


    Yet, Frederick Yang didn''t want to ruin Ethan Lu''s proposal and held in his tears froming out. Clearing his throat, he turned to Lexi and without a word, he slowly walked behind her and unveiled the covers over her eyes.


    Lexi didn''t immediately open her eyes as the lights nearly blinded her. Therefore, she took her time for her eyes to get used to the light after the eternal darkness.


    When her eyes saw the pictures that were asrge as a painting canvas on their respective stands, her gaze traveled to the magical surroundings with all of the lights around the area, and then to the sshouse before them.


    *BATHUMP*


    Her heart started to pound with what''s in front of her making the corner of her eyes began to sweat a little. Even from her position, she saw Ethan Lu standing at the end of the opened door of the sshouse. He was there, standing while smiling at her as if waiting for her.


    "My daughter, shall we?" Frederick Yang walked to her side before offering her his arm for her to cling on.


    "Dad..." Her voice cracked as Lexi''s different emotions had mixed together which overwhelmed her. Frederick Yang only smiled as he helped her to continue their big night together.


    As Lexi and Frederick Yang made their way inside, Ethan Lu started serenading her and as if on cue, the people inside that she didn''t expect to see started giving her red roses that made her eyes instantly well up.


    "I don''t know, but I believe


    That some things are meant to be..." As he began singing, the first person that approached Lexi was her best friend Rika.


    Rika was smiling from ear to ear as she gave Lexi a bear hug and whispered, "bestie~ I miss you and I''m happy for you~!"


    "Rika... Dad..." At this time, despite Lexi''s cloudy vision, she could still discern the people inside the sshouse. It was everyone that she regarded as her friends and family. Her mother was there too who was already crying her heart out in the corner.


    "I never thought that dreams came true


    But you showed me that they do


    You know that I learn something new


    Every day I love you..." As Ethan Lu sang, he began taking slow strides forward while Lexi was already crying while receiving a flower from Arnold Shen that grew closer to her and remained in touch even after the movie Taming Hearts had finished filming.


    Lexi and Frederick Yang stopped in the middle and the people that were close to her kepting up and giving her flowers making her cry more. Even Elliot Gong gave her one and offered a reassuring smile. Next, the selected crew from the Taming Heart''s set that Lexi became friends with. Even Abigail Fan, her former manager now her business partner gave her a rose.


    Lexi cried until she produced hups while receiving flowers from her mother and motherly hugs while Ethan Lu''s singing voice was in the background. She got the gist of what was happening and Lexi was certain about it.


    Yet, what she was uncertain about was what emotion to feel was it happiness, excitement, surprise, and so on and so forthbined into one. It overwhelmed her to the extent that her beating heart raced even faster.


    She had imagined every scenario and idea of how Ethan Lu would propose to her. s, not a single one of her ideas could notpare to this real one as he considered all of the important people in her life to witness this. It was just a proposal yet, he actually made it as if it was their wedding!


    "My princess, I am so proud of you." Thest person that gave her a rose was Frederick Yang who was trying his best not to let his tempting tears to fall. Yet, he constantly sniffed, hard as he had watery mucusing out of his nose.


    "Cause I believe that destiny


    Is out of our control


    And you''ll never live until you love


    With all your heart and soul..." Reaching this part, Ethan Lu finally arrived in front of the sobbing while huping Lexi hugging tons of roses.


    Among everyone, he was the only one who wasn''t carrying a rose. Seeing that she was bawling her eyes out, Ethan Lu''s eyes stung.


    Still, he continued with the next part, "If I asked would you say yes?" With that said note, Ethan Lu slowly got down on his one knee and instead of a rose, he revealed a small box with a ring inside winking at her. The music in the background lowered its volume but continued, giving them a beautiful interlude.


    Hearing hisst remarks and seeing him get down on one knee with a ring, Lexi covered her mouth as she chewed on her bottom lip from crying. Her tears just wouldn''t stop from staining her cheeks and now the back of her hand.


    "Lexi, my love, thank you for letting me be a part of your beautiful existence... and I, I wanted to be in it forever. Lexi Yang, will you marry me?" Ethan Lu subtly smiled as he spoke his words over the microphone. He watched her try to stop her crying to give him a proper answer but she miserably failed after a second.


    Therefore, as everyone anxiously anticipated her response, all their eyes were on her.


    "Ye¡ª" Lexi found it hard to speak from the hups, therefore, she profusely nodded her head before she mustered all her energy to give him a proper answer. Thus, in between her hups, she continued the lyrics of the song.


    "Together we''re the very best *hups*


    I know *hups* that I am truly blessed


    Every day I love you¡­ yes!"

 Chapter 347 Meanwhile on the internet...

    <h4>Chapter 347 Meanwhile on the inte...</h4>


    [Jin Medical Hospital]


    "Chris, why didn''t you attend his proposal?" Sitting while Morris Liu''s back was resting against the bed''s headboard, he inquired without looking away to his healthy portion of food in front of him.


    "Heh¡­" A faint chuckle escaped the lips of Chris Yu as he looked at the transparent window that gave him the view of the hospital''s peaceful healing garden. "I send my regards to him¡­ also, how could I let you be alone right now?" even after saying hisst remarks, Chris Yu didn''t turn away his gaze from the serene view.


    Indeed, although Ethan Lu invited him to his surprise proposal to Lexi, he chose to stay at Morris Liu''s side instead of going. Of course, Morris Liu knew Ethan Lu''s n as he already mentioned it to him when the two were alone together.


    It was silly of Ethan Lu for mentioning it to Morris Liu, Lexi''s former fiance while knowing that he still liked her. However, no matter how ridiculous the idea, Ethan Lu still did it as he wanted for him to let her go. Moreover, saying it to Morris Liu that he would marry Lexi, it was their odd way of showing respect to their friendship.


    "Why not?" Taking the ss that was half-filled with water, Morris Liu added. "You don''t have to pity me. She''s happy." Morris Liu took a little sip of water to salivate his throat before cing back the ss on the surface of the overbed table tray.


    "I don''t pity you." This time, Chris Yu turned to his friend''s direction and peered at his slightly recovered naturalplexion yet, Morris Liu''s weight loss was still evident. "I just thought my presence is not needed for their happy moments. Furthermore, Eli is already there to represent us."


    "You''re cruel¡­ I mean, we are cruel." In a soft and low tone, Morris Liu''s eyes had a glint of bitterness that shed across his eyes. Aside from Ethan Lu, he knew Chris Yu very well.


    To him, what his friend''s meant was that he wasn''t entirely happy about this engagement and didn''t want to pretend that he was by attending the party that was going on at this time in one of the most beautiful ces in the country. Therefore, Morris Liu could not help butment on Chris Yu''s cruelty and his own cruelty.


    Because, deep down, part of him still wished that Lexi would refuse. Selfish, indeed. s, what could he do? He loved Lexi in the past and was still in love with her. Morris Liu could never just reset his heart and unlove her.


    Regardless, despite that cruel, selfish wish inside him, he still had to let her to be happy with someone else. Someone who would love her dearly and differently unlike how he showed his love for her. He knew that he had been too cruel to Lexi, therefore, this time, he would choose her happiness even though he was not the reason for it anymore.


    He would and will always remain to choose her happiness first this time around and set aside his own selfishness.


    "Indeed¡­ we are." Letting out another faint scoff, Chris Yu turned his head back to the view he was initially looking at with a subtle smile stered across his lips.


    ****


    Meanwhile on the inte¡­


    "What?!? So, Mr. Romantico''s mystery woman is Lexi Yang?!?"


    "Woaah~! That''s awesome¡­ they look so perfect together <>


    "No! This can''t be happening! My EliXi heart!! T.T Please save our ship to this iceberg!"


    "It is meant to sink! I now ship my goddess to Mr. Romantico! UwU I feel like a proud mother~!"


    "Our goddess is sooo amazing! She''s truly my idol because of her ups and downs to her love life and now she finally found someone that loves her~ I''m so happy~! My queen deserves it!"


    "Hah! I announce my retirement as the president of this EliXi ship. I''m sorry my fellow shippers but I have to close this ount. Fret not, I made a new fan ount that''s solely for our queen Lexi and another one for our King Eli.


    The reason why I am doing this is that I chose to support what makes our dear idols happy even if it breaks my heart that there''s nothing more than friendship between EliXi. I hope you respect my decisions and continue to support our Queen and King."


    After the night of the official take over of Ethan Lu of the Lu Corporation, the reason why the said event went trending was not because of Ethan Lu''s milestone. But because photos of him and Lexi together were released.


    Therefore, Lexi''s crazy fans that were always updated whenever an update about Lexies out soon got a hold of the photos and it spread like wildfire through the inte. Some were happy about their rtionship, others were in awe and shock to know that the mystery woman on every photo of Ethan Lu that was in his Weibo ount was Lexi Yang. On the other hand, the solid EliXi fans constantly yapping about it and actually wished for them to broken up so Lexi and Eli could still be together.


    Overall, it was total chaos as some immature fans and matured ones, fought a fierce battle of facts. The very reason why the trend about Ethan Lu and Lexi Yang''s rtionship was still the hottest topic going online.


    Unbeknownst to them, Lexi was now sobbing her heart out as she gave the sweetest ''yes'' to Ethan Lu ever. Which, of course, would soon make this trend even more livelier than it already was.


    It was just a matter of time until the photos of their engagement together along with their friends and family would circte on the inte¡­ or rather, they didn''t need to wait that long because, at this moment, Rika Song updated her official ount of the magical arrangements of the ce that she took earlier that day saying,


    "I''m so happy to be a part and be able to witness this magical and heartwarming moment *tears of joy* Congrats lovebirds! @LexiYoung @EthanLu" Rika Song didn''t forget to tag Lexi and Ethan Lu''s ounts that instantly made theizens go wild and die of curiosity.

 Chapter 348 The bomb has been dropped

    <h4>Chapter 348 The bomb has been dropped</h4>


    "...yes!" When everyone heard that one single yet a joyous word, Ethan Lu''s gentle and loving smile grew a little wider. Without wasting a second, he took the ring from the small box and reached for her hand. He slowly but surely ced the ring on her finger that perfectly suited her measurement.


    "I love you and thank you." Softly, Ethan Lu bit his lower lip as he found it hard to distinguish which emotion to feel. Yet, words are not needed anymore as he pulled her into his embrace and buried his face on her shoulder while wrapping his arms around her.


    Both Lexi and Ethan Lu silently stayed like that as Lexi was still sobbing and huping while Ethan Lu''s eyes soon welled up due to overwhelming happiness.


    Meanwhile, when Ethan Lu sessfully put on the ring and hugged Lexi afterward, a loud resounding "aww~" and apuse synced in the harmonious interlude in the background.


    Happy smiles were evident on their lips while others with a frail heart could also not help but be moved which made them cry a little. Most of them only knew Lexi since the Taming Hearts set yet, after getting to know more about Lexi, they feel happy for her as she truly deserve this love.


    Abigail Fan who was with Lexi ever since she joined the entertainment industry and witnessed her changes, she felt proud. Among them, she fully understood Lexi as Abigail was there when she was crazily in love and hurt by her first love. Therefore, seeing how happy she was right now with Ethan Lu, Abigail Fan''s heart felt at ease and felt proud of Lexi.


    ''Lexi, you''ve gone through a lot. You really deserve this.'' Abigail Fan whispered internally as she wiped the tears in the corner of her eyes.


    "Eli, why are you crying as well? Aren''t you a man?" Rika Song who had a little bit of mascara smudge under her eye turned to Elliot Gong on her side while sneezing the mucus out of her nose using a tissue.


    "What? I am not crying but you are." On the verge of crying, Elliot Gong felt moved and was beyond happy for his friend and Lexi. s, just as his eyes began to sweat, Rika Song just decided to interrupt to divert his attention.


    "Heartless! Aren''t you moved? His proposal is so sweet! Raising my standards like this¡ª how can I get married now?" Still sobbing, Rika Song went backward as she shamelessly used Elliot Gong of not crying just like what she was doing. Nevertheless, she was extremely d that her ship finally sailed going forever.


    In the other corner of the room, Lyrick Jiang came prepared as he wiped the tears on the side of his eyes with a in handkerchief. From the very beginning, the moment he heard his master sing in a heartfelt tone and Lexi sobbing with every flower she received, aside from Lillian Yang who was the second person who was crying her eyes out, Lyrick Jiang came in third ce, maybe.


    Giving Lyrick Jiang a side nce, Jarred Guo''s under-eye constantly twitched. Although the proposal was indeed moving, s, it wasn''t enough for a man like Jarred Guo to cry. Nico Zhuang as well as he retained his stoic yet relieved front intact.


    "Oy, stop crying." Jarred Guo who was tired from all the sneezing and crying of the softie Lyrick Jiang, he muttered in distress.


    "I *hup* I''m so happy for master and goddess~! I can''t stop crying *hup*" At this time, Lyrick Jiang''s usualposed tone cracked in between his sentiment. Well, he was indeed happy for Ethan Lu and his goddess for this wonderful engagement. Therefore, unlike the usual dog food that his master fed them, this was the kind of dog food he would not refuse.


    "Let him. He will recover in a while." Shaking his head, Nico Zhuang cast Jarred Guo a nce before shifting it back to Lexi and Ethan Lu who were still hugging each other while his boss was seemingly crying on her shoulder.


    "Whatever. By the way Rick, can we eat already? Are we allowed?" Shrugging in nonchnce, Jarred Guo let Lyrick Jiang continue his melodrama act as he rubbed his stomach as he was already starving. Lyrick Jiang only nodded without a word and pointed to the direction where he could get food which Jarred Guo immediately headed towards without wasting a second.


    ****


    Lexi and Ethan Lu embraced each other that made their hearts connect. Even without a single word being uttered, their hearts already knew what the other was trying to say.


    When Ethan Lu was able to stop his crying, he drew himself away from her shoulder and then wiped the residue of his tears of joy that were left on the corner of his eye.


    Smiling brightly, he let out a chuckle as his arms involuntarily raised and wiped the tears that were still flowing from her now puffy eyes.


    "I''m sorry for making you cry like this." Despite his sorry, Ethan Lu was actually d to bring this kind of impact to her as he knew that it was tears of joy just like his. He then shifted his gaze to Frederick Yang and Lillian Yang that already joined her husband on the side.


    "Mom, Dad, thank you." In a soft and sincere tone, Ethan Lu slightly bowed his head to their direction that made both of the yang parents smile and nod in acknowledgment before he returned his head to face Lexi again.


    "Come here, my love." Seeing that Lexi was still huping, Ethan Lu gently reached his hand tofort her again. s, Lexi shook her head sideways.


    "How could you *hup* make us cry like this." In between her hups, Lexi red at him while frowning that seemed like a pout.


    "Hehe," Ethan Lu nced at the people around them that also had their tissues or handkerchiefs while wiping their tears. "I wanted to share the moment with them and also it is my oath that I will protect and cherish their friend, their sister, and their daughter. So that every time I look at you, I will know the legions who woulde after me if I ever hurt you." With thatst remark, Ethan Lu nced at the yang parents who were smiling from ear to ear.


    "Not them!" Through her gritted teeth, Lexi loudly retorted. "US!" After that, Lexi rubbed her tummy that made his gaze and everyone around them follow where her handnded.


    "Me and the baby!" Lexi added as she cast him a conflicted gaze before letting out a heavy sigh.

 Chapter 349 I will become a father...?

    <h4>Chapter 349 I will be a father...?</h4>


    Instantly, the entire venue enveloped into dead silence. Even the musicians ying in the background stopped. All her friends, Rika Song, Elliot Gong, and everybody aside the yang parents gasped upon hearing the word "baby." None of them could utter a single word as they stared at Lexi in shock.


    But, no one was as shocked, mortified, and thrilled, than the expecting father himself. Ethan Lu just stood there in a daze as his gaped eyes altered from her tummy to the still huping Lexi. It seemed that all his words were stuck in his throat and for a moment, he became mute.


    ''Lexi and¡­ the baby¡­?''


    "What are you looking at, you dummy? I''m pregnant! *hup*" Lexi bit her lower lip as Ethan Lu was akin to a fool that was just staring at her in a trance. She wanted to reveal that she was pregnant privately but with what he had just done, how could she even wait? Therefore, to get back at him at how romantic and heartwarming his proposal was that made her cry like a little girl, Lexi decided to tell him.


    All the anxiousness and patience of revealing the fact that she was pregnant was all for naught because, in the end, she had to share this good news as well to everyone that was close to her heart. Regardless, Lexi didn''t feel disappointed or anything of the sort as she got to share this moment with these selected few that stayed true to her and became good friends to her.


    "Love¡­ are you sure?" Snapping out from his daze, Ethan Lu gasped as both of his arms immediately reached out to her and held on her shoulder with his eyes set on her puffy eyes.


    "Mhmm!" Lexi profusely nodded as she hummed a strong affirmative tune. She then tilted her head to her parent''s direction which made him turn his head to them. There, Lillian Yang and Frederick Yang were smiling brightly and offered him a knowing nod.


    Shocked, excited, extreme happiness, panic¡­ perhaps, all of the emotions he could feel came surging inside him trapping him to an emotional tsunami. Baby¡­ they were going to have a child! Lexi was pregnant and the father was him. God knows how marvelous it was at just the thought of him and Lexi finally starting a family of there own.


    "Love¡­" Biting his bottom lips as hard as he could, his eyes started to sweat as his overwhelmed heart pounded louder and louder. He pulled her to his embrace again as his shoulder trembled and his back was soaked with sweat. Ethan Lu tightly held onto her as he grit his teeth tried hard not to let his crying turn into a loud sob.


    Surely, Lexi did get him back as it was now his turn to sob. Her other free hand circled on his back as she rested her held up chin on his shoulder. "What?" Crying again, Lexi asked because now, both of them were like fools crying at the same time. Fortunately, it wasn''t a grieving cry as all of the tears that were shed tonight were due to extreme joy.


    "Are you really pregnant¡­? I will be a father?" Under his breath, Ethan Lu slightly drew away from her as his watery eyes pierced into her as if every detail of her facial features were being examined.


    "Yes," Nodding, Lexi softly yet firmly responded, giving a tone of no doubt. "We will have our own baby." She added. At this time, she witnessed another level of a genuine smile slowly formed on his lips that reached his eyes.


    "I''m so happy¡­!" After her final confirmation, Ethan Lu could not help but give her an excited hug before he immediately got down to her stomach. "Baby, I''m sorry for making you cry as well. Daddy is sorry and I love you." Lightly kissing her tiny protruding belly.


    Whoever invented the word happiness¡­ Ethan Lu thought that that person must be wrong because happiness was an understatement of what he was feeling right now. If only he could wish that the baby could arrive that instant, he would relentlessly pray so that they wouldn''t be able to wait. s, he might as well have a heart attack as everything was too much to process in one night.


    By this time, everyone who was stunned by Lexi''s revtion finally got a hold of themselves. Seeing that Ethan Lu was already talking to their child that was still inside her womb, a satisfied and a pleased smile formed on the side of their lips.


    Surely, not only Ethan Lu shocked them with the idea of his proposal but Lexi''s retort was incredible as well. They might not say it out loud but they feel honored that these two perfect lovebirds shared their wonderful moments with them. Just the thought of Ethan Lu inviting them to this wonderful proposal, they were already honored as he considered them as people he could trust.


    "Congrattions, son." Frederick Yang was the first to congratte Ethan Lu with the teary eyes, Lillian Yang, on his side. "Congrattions, dears. Oh my, I''m so happy for the two of you¡ª I''m crying." Lillian Yang chimed in as she wiped the tears on the corner of her swollen eyes.


    "Thank you, Mom and Dad." After leaving a tender kiss on Lexi''s tummy for the umpteenth time, Ethan Lu got up as he bowed with respect towards his future inws. He could not thank them enough or rather, he could not thank everyone enough that made time for them tonight because each and everyone of their presence means a lot to Lexi.


    Without them, this proposal wouldn''t be as sessful as he expected. Therefore, he was moved as well for their efforts. Soon, everyone approached them one by one to congratte the newly engaged Lexi and the iing family addition.


    Meanwhile, Jarred Guo finally recovered from his choking because when Lexi dropped the bomb, he was gulping the food he was chowing down on. Therefore, he nearly choked to death, like literally. Fortunately, Nico Zhuang was there to help him as he could not rely on Lyrick Jiang who was in a daze without a care to his surroundings and now, crying like a proud father.

 Chapter 350 Oath your ass!

    <h4>Chapter 350 Oath your ass!</h4>


    After receiving all of the congrattory remarks for their engagement and for the shocking baby on the way, it was finally time for everyone to dine and enjoy the rest of the night with the man and woman of the night. There were numerous tables that were filled with every honorable guest of the couple.


    On one certain table, Frederick Yang, Lillian Yang, Elliot Gong, Rika Song, Arnold Shen, and Lexi perched with a portion of their food on each of their tes. On the other hand, Ethan Lu didn''t join the table immediately as he tended to their other guests like the hostess of the night.


    "*sigh* Just look at him, such a perfect guy. My bestie is surely lucky~ I''m envious." Letting out a heavy sigh, Rika Song nced in Ethan Lu''s direction who was busy aodating some of the production crew that was close to Lexi.


    Rika Song would be lying if she said she wasn''t envious. s, it was not to the extent that she would be unhappy about her best friend''s joyous moment. After all, despite the short time that she became friends with Lexi within a short span of time, she was a real friend just as Lexi was honest with their friendship.


    "I don''t think Lexi is the only lucky one. After all, Ethan''s horrible dating history is a terrifying fact. He''s lucky that Lexi epted him despite that." Rolling his eyes to counter the dramatic Rika Song, Elliot Gong retorted as he disyed whose side he was on.


    Of course, his reply sparked a momentary banter between the two that was akin to a cat and a dog. Nevertheless, their derision to each other caused each individual around the table to chuckle in glee including Lexi who was giggling while covering her mouth with the back of her hand.


    As the two continued to argue as Rika Song was now on Lexi''s side while Elliot Gong was on Ethan Lu''s, Lexi decided to intervene. She knew that they wouldn''t stop because this was probably their way of showing they missed each other.


    "By the way, since when did you all know about this proposal?"


    Lexi''s sudden question effectively stopped the pair of quarreling duo while her parents smiled brightly and Arnold Shen rubbed his chin as if to recall something regarding her question.


    "Dear, Ethan already told us beforehand months ago." Through a light giggle, Lillian Yang answered. Well, within these past three months, Ethan Lu and Lexi asionally dropped by to have dinner with them. Then, in one of those dinners, Ethan Lu already told them about his n after he officially took over the Lu Corporation.


    What they didn''t expect was that he would literally do it the next day. Regardless, it was perfect timing as Lexi was now pregnant and a wedding before her delivery should be done immediately.


    "Woah~ Mommy and Daddy Yang, I only got the invitationtest night!" In awe, Rika Song''s eyes sparkled as she looked at the pair of Yang parents that were the epitome of forever love. With her character, although she only met them a few times, Rika Song was like another daughter to them that would shamelessly address them as mommy and daddy.


    "Me too. I received an invitationst night and just saw it the next morning. If only Lexi and Mr. Lu are not important friends, I wouldn''t have to cancel my ns for the day." After sipping his ss of champagne, Arnold Shen exined his side of the story.


    Fortunately, he was already retired and his schedule wasn''t as busy as before. Therefore, his appointments that day weren''t as important as this magical event for the two. Moreover, he owed Ethan Lu for saving the finances back on the Taming Heart''s set after the dilemma about the two investors withdraw their investments. So, it was natural for him to attend.


    "Aside from Auntie and Uncle, I guess everyone here tonight just received the invitationsst night¡­" Under his breath, Elliot Gong nodded in understanding as he too just received the invitationst night.


    Elliot Gong was already in the airport at that time as he had a flight to country j but just as it was the time of his departure, he received an official invitation about the proposal n. Actually, Elliot Gong shouldn''t attend as he had topromise a shoot the next day for his next film. s, just as the official invitation was sent, Ethan Lu personally sent him a message, saying:


    "You must attend for your friend. Your ns for tomorrow were already canceled you know." Therefore, after that overbearing message, how could he refuse? Therefore, Elliot Gong considered it that he was forced to attend.


    Well, it was not like he wasining as he knew that his other friends wouldn''t be able toe. After all, Morris Liu''s attendance needed some miracle and Chris Yu as well. Not to mention, Kevin Woo who was now under pressure while salvaging theirpany after Ethan Lu''s suppression.


    "Aha!" after thinking for a minute, Elliot Gong realized something which made him express his thought loudly, catching the attention of the people around the table, including the nearby ones. "That sneaky fox! If I am correct, he just invited us to lessen the possibility that Lexi would refuse!"


    "Haa?" Upon hearing hisst remarks, Lexi and everyone else tilted their heads to the side with knitted brows and creased forehead.


    "Lexi, your fiance is just making sure that you''d say yes and inviting everyone¡ª there''s no way you would refuse in front of so many people, right?" In a matter of fact tone, Elliot Gong spat through his gritted teeth.


    ''Oath your ass! He just didn''t want to get rejected. What a sneaky n he''s got there!'' Inside his mind, for some reason, Elliot Gong felt cheated again upon realizing this possibility.


    Well, he wasn''t entirely wrong because Ethan Lu also thought about it. Inviting her friends over to give his oath to cherish her and to get the certain yes¡ª that''s two birds with one stone.

 Chapter 351 Can we get married tomorrow?

    <h4>Chapter 351 Can we get married tomorrow?</h4>


    Just as Elliot Gong came to that conclusion, Ethan Lu approached their table with a te full of a variety of dishes for his future wife. Since everyone''s attention was on Elliot Gong, no one notice his approach.


    The moment Elliot Gong announced his sneaky intention, his brows could not help but twitch. Surely, his friend knew him very well and actually hit the point. s, no matter how precise Elliot Gong''s conclusion was, Ethan Lu would never admit it!


    "Love, don''t listen to him. He''s just jealous that he''s not as romantic as me." Leaning down from Lexi''s behind, Ethan Lu whispered to her ear which snapped Lexi from her confusion to what Elliot Gong just said.


    "Hey, I invited you with a pure intention. Please refrain from overthinking." Pretending that he was entirely innocent, Ethan Lu shook his head as he sat on the chair next to Lexi. He then ced the te beside Lexi''s te and lovingly smiled at her without a care in the world.


    "Love love, you should eat more so baby is healthy, hehe!" Like an excited kitten, Ethan Lu''s eyes gleamed and were narrowed in a thin line due to his grinning face.


    Until now, he was still in shock about Lexi''s pregnancy. But nothing beats his excitement, he was too giddy to see and share the journey of Lexi''s pregnancy and their life when the baby was born. Hence, the grin on his face was priceless and nothing seemed to take that away from him.


    Also, Ethan Lu overheard his remarks about Elliot Gong''s reasonable conclusion, a light giggle escaped their mouths excluding Elliot Gong who peered at Ethan Lu with disgust.


    "You won''t win against him¡ª he''s shameless enough to deny it." Whispering, Rika Song humored as she believed Elliot Gong''s deductions. Also, since it wasn''t important to them as they get to witness this eventful night, they might as well enjoy the rest of the night.


    Although deep down in Ethan Lu''s heart, he was afraid to get rejected, at the very least, he didn''t invite just anyone. He selected only those people that were close to Lexi and the people he trusted. Hence, it was no big deal.


    "Baby, try this one!" On the other hand, as he ignored the world that continued to rotate, Ethan Lu took a piece of dessert and was about to feed Lexi. However, just as Lexi got a whiff of the food, she instantly drew back while covering her nose as if she smelled poison.


    "Eew! Get that away from me! It smells rotten!" Still covering her nose, Lexiined as she altered her dismayed gaze from the spoon and to Ethan Lu''s confused front.


    "Ah??" Tilting his head to the side, the oblivious Ethan Lu had zero clues on what pregnancy could do to a woman. "But, it''s delicious." He lowly added as if a child that was unjustly being wronged.


    "Dear, that''s normal for a pregnant woman. Sometimes, we don''t like a certain food or scent and sometimes, we crave something odd." Lillian Yang giggled as she exined to her confused son-inw.


    "Oh...!" Nodding in understanding, Ethan Lu instantly put the desert away from Lexi and even gestured one of the nearest waiters that was serving them tonight to get the dessert away from Lexi''s sight.


    "Love, baby, I''m sorry. I didn''t know anything." After handing the dessert to the waiter, Ethan Lu profusely apologized to Lexi while rubbing her tummy. Still, even though the dessert was now gone, its scent still lingered in Lexi''s nostrils which nearly made her vomit.


    "Love are you alright?" Panicking, Ethan Lu immediately turned to his inws as if asking for help. "Mom!"


    "Dear, what are you feeling?" Concerned seeing the corner of her daughter''s eyes get teary, Lillian Yang softly inquired.


    "I still smell the dessert but I am fine." Drinking a ss of water, Lexi shook her head trying to forget the scent of the dessert that she now hated for the rest of her life.


    Afterward, when Lexi slightly recovered, the night went on peacefully and smoothly. It was like a simple dinner with everyone catching up through these busy three months.


    Of course, the person who was like a bridge to connect people and the ones that have too many stories to tell was the ever-lively Rika Song.


    On the other hand, the yang parents soon bid their farewell to everyone as it was gettingte for them and Frederick Yang still had some important arrangements tomorrow.


    Sending them off, Lexi tightly embraced her mother and then her father for a long time. Not letting her father go, Lexi murmured.


    "Thanks, Dad... Mom," Lexi has too many thanks to tell them and how lucky she was to have them as her parents. Yet, she was afraid that she would stall them until tomorrow if she does mention her gratitude one by one.


    "No, my princess. Seeing you happy again, thank you." Chuckling, Frederick Yang cast the smiling Lillian Yang a side nce before he gently patted Lexi''s back. He then turned his gaze to Ethan Lu who was standing behind Lexi. "Son, thank you for bringing our daughter back and... congrattions on your engagement and for being a soon to be a father."


    Upon receiving his father-inws'' thanks, Ethan Lu made a deep bow as a respect to them. "Thank you for trusting me, Mom and Dad."


    After a while, Lexi finally let go of her father and they went off after several notes her mother gave. They were also told that Lillian Yang had prepared some healthy snacks for Lexi and an appointment with the gynecologist two days from now.


    As Lexi and Ethan Lu watched the car go further and further away from them, Ethan Lu took off his zer suit jacket and ced it on her shoulder before wrapping his arms around her waist from behind.


    "Can we get married tomorrow?" Ethan Lu whispered as he ced a soft peck on her graceful neck.

 Chapter 352 Id marry you as many times as you wan

    <h4>Chapter 352 I''d marry you as many times as you wan</h4>


    "Hmm?" cing another soft kiss on the side of her neck, Ethan Lu hummed a tune as Lexi wasn''t responding nor was she moving.


    "Tomorrow?" Snapping back by the lustful aura hisst kiss gave, Lexi marginally raised her brows. She then slightly moved and turned to face his flushed yet dashing front as always. "Uh¡­ why are you looking at me like that?" Arching her brows, for some reason, Lexi sensed that by the way he looked at her, he wanted something¡­ just like whenever he wanted to do IT.


    "Hehe," Chuckling at how Lexi''s senses could guess what he had in mind at first nce, the corner of his lips curled into a grin. Cupping both her cheeks, he uttered. "Don''t worry, no matter how happy I am right now and no matter how I wanted to end this engagement by serving you with my body, I won''t because the n was changed."


    Hearing the sentence ''serving you with my body'', the side of Lexi''s brows twitched. "Don''t make me look like I am thirsty." Rolling her eyes, Lexi sassed because if one would hear him, they might think that she was the one who always wanted to do it. Well, it was safe to say that there were days that Lexi would take the initiative while most of the time, Ethan Lu would seduce her.


    "Say, are you happy?" Ignoring herst remarks, Ethan Lu looked straight in her eyes as he inquired this important question.


    "Tch," Clicking her tongue as he already softened her heart within a fraction of second, a sigh escaped her nose. "What kind of question is that? Of course. I''ve been waiting for so long, you know. You are so slow¡­ I gave too many hints and even thought that I should be the one to propose."


    "Come here, my sugarpie." Chuckling after hearing her statements, Ethan Lu carefully pulled her to his embrace. "Am I that slow? Sorry for making you wait and our baby as well." Deep and low, Ethan Lu whispered as all his happiness seeped out from within him and transferred by his warm embrace.


    "Lexi¡­"


    "Hmm?"


    "Let''s get married¡­ tomorrow." Insisting to marry her as soon as possible, Ethan Lu didn''t want to wait any longer. Actually, he wanted to marry Lexi before her belly starts growing as her tummy although it was evident yet, still, it was sticking out a little.


    "Tomorrow like tomorrow? Our friends should prepare a little right? I mean, you and me as well!" Furrowing her brows, Lexi understood his desire to get married as soon as possible. However, shouldn''t he at least postpone it and announce it one month prior?


    "They don''t need to¡­" Chuckling while peering at her lovely front, Ethan Lu traced her jaw and then settled to her chin. "Did you forget what kind of job your husband has? I only need a single call and everything will be set." Ethan Lu humbly bragged as it was indeed the truth.


    He didn''t relentlessly work these past few months for nothing. Ethan Lu made sure to be at the top to lessen hispetition and now that he was considered to be the top business figure, he only needed to raise his finger to get what he wanted. Thus, having an instant venue, bridesmaid''s dresses, and everything that would be needed for a wedding was a piece of cake.


    He only needed her "yes" and they would get married. However, Lexi frowned upon hearing his humble boasts. She wasn''t displeased to hear what he said as it was a fact. Yet, Lexi wanted to personally prepare her own dream wedding¡­ or rather, she wanted to meticulously prepare their wedding together.


    "What''s the fun in rushing things?" Still frowning, Lexi asked. "I''d prefer to n our wedding with the two of us like choosing wedding cakes, wedding gowns, the venue, and everything. I don''t mind getting married with a huge belly since like you said, you have money and we can get married again."


    "Hahaha!" As he watched her reason it out like a displeased little girl, Ethan Lu could not help but burst outughing. He already expected this reply¡ª knowing his fiancee, she would surely want to personally handle their wedding.


    "Alright, alright." Conceding in defeat just like that, Ethan Lu bent down to her stomach level and whispered, "Your mommy sure knows how to rip off your daddy."


    "What? Do you have anyints?" Arching her brows while she looked down on the tattling soon to be father to their child inside her, Lexi thrust her chin a little forward yet, her gaze disyed contentment and happiness within her pair of nut-brown eyes.


    "Of course not! I''d marry you as many times as you want, my darling." Shaking his head, Ethan Lu straightened his back as he strongly affirmed. He was just teasing her but recalling how Lexi could be easily irked by him because of her hormones, Ethan Lu decided to stop teasing her as her mood always esctes.


    "As many times¡­ really?" Slightly appeased, Lexi repeated the words he carelessly spouted.


    "Yes! As many times as you want!" Ethan Lu profusely nodded as it was a relief to him that Lexi didn''t go cray cray and was seemingly to be happy hearing his genuine promise. "Your husband''s money might not easily run out but what I''m sure of is my love for you would never."


    "Aww~ that''s so sweet." In a soft tune, Lexi was easily moved by his usual cheesy lines as she ced her hands on her chest. Surely, her hormones made her emotions and Lexi herself be unpredictable because this time, she loudly spoke her mind after hearing his touching profession of love.


    "Hehe, did you just know that now?" Giggling, Ethan Lu raised his pair of arms as he reached out to her for another warm hug.


    "No, my husband is always sweet. I love you, my love." Letting out a soft chuckle, Lexi moved her head forward and ced a soft kiss on his moist thin lips. The two of them continued to be lovey-dovey for a while before they decided to go back and tend to their guests.

 Chapter 353 Love, why are you doing this to me?

    <h4>Chapter 353 Love, why are you doing this to me?</h4>


    Lexi and Ethan Lu''s meaningful event went on without any interruption. It continued for another hour before one after another, they gave their regards to the two newly engaged and expecting parents. By the time the poor Elliot Gong was forced to assist Rika Song who went there alone and now was tipsy from all the singing and drinking, Lexi and Ethan Lu headed to the hotel he booked to stay.


    After all, it would take another several hours to return to their home. Given Lexi''s condition, he decided that it would be safer to stay at the nearest hotel and travel back home the next day. Moreover, he already canceled all of his ns for the next three days as he has to be with her on her first appointment to the doctor.


    When they arrived at the hotel, Lexi instantly freshened up while Ethan Lu had to stay on an important call. By the time he finished the call, Lexi was already done showering and exited the bathroom with only a bathrobe covering her body.


    Just as Ethan Lu graced his eyes with Lexi''s figure that was drying her hair with a small towel, his brows furrowed when Lexi raised her gaze to him and smirked. He watched her take slow strides in his direction.


    When Lexi drew closer and closer and stopped in front of him, she unhesitantly snaked her slender arms around his waist while she rested her head on his firm chest. Lexi then retracted her other arm as her forefinger circled on his chest.


    "Love, you know I missed you right?" Sweet and innocent, Lexi dropped a hint as her body was instantly aroused the moment she saw him standing with a serious side profile while retracting the phone from in front of his ear¡ª indicating that the line ended.


    "Uh¡­ my love, what are you doing?" Surprised by her sudden calling, Ethan Lu nearly gasped as he raised both his hands as Lexi was extra sweet. God knows that Lexi could seduce him whether she was purposely being seductive or acting cute and adorable in her own way.


    "Nothing¡­" Feigning innocence, Lexi shamelessly lied without batting an eye. Raising her head, a mischievous grin could not help but disy on her lips as she tiptoed and briefly caught his lips.


    "I''m just showing my love." Shrugging her shoulder, Lexi let go of him before she hummed away and headed to the vanity mirror where a blow dryer was ced. Without a care in the world or the impact she had caused on Ethan Lu, Lexi dried her hair as if she was the most immacte woman on the entire.


    Ethan Lu just stood there like a fool as he could not believe his fiancee. How could she do that to him? Teasing him knowing that she was pregnant. Indeed, since he was a first-time father and didn''t have the slightest clue of the do''s and don''t''s, Ethan Lu considered everything as don''t''s, including making love.


    Gritting his teeth, Ethan Luined. "Heartless! Heartless wife!" Spatting his protest, Ethan Lu stomped his way to the bathroom to cool his slowly heating body. Lexi was well versed in his weak spots and yed with his frail heart. Therefore, with that simple gesture, Ethan Lu was actually aroused and resumed his n to serve her with pleasure.


    The moment the door of the bathroom closed, Lexi burst outughing. Actually, while she was bathing, she already nned to tease him as he was entirely oblivious of what he should and shouldn''t do. Well, she already did her research and read a few articles to make sure that they are allowed to make love.


    In the article, it was said that it was safe if she was not in any sensitive condition. Still, Lexi wanted to visit the doctor to confirm her pregnancy situation and what she should avoid. However, Lexi didn''t expect that Ethan Lu would look so damn hot despite looking a little tired and messy. Moreover, with that rare, solemn, unsmiling side profile¡ª how could she not get attracted the instant she saw that side of him?


    "Hormones¡­ calm down." Turning off the hairdryer, Lexi shushed her perverted inner thoughts as she had to get herself checked first, health wise.


    ****


    By the time Ethan Lu finally finished bathing and cooling down his heated body, Lexi was already under the sheet, yawning. It had already be her habit to wait for him whileying down and facing where the bathroom was at.


    "Love, why aren''t you asleep yet?" Tilting his head to the side, Ethan Lu thought that he was already safe and finally cooled down. Hence, he confidently strode towards her and sat at the edge of the bed.


    "I''m waiting for you to put me to sleep." With a nket covering half of her face, Lexi meekly responded which brought a gentle smile on his lips.


    "Alright, I''ll dry my hair and we''ll sleep, okay?" To some, it might be bothersome. But to him, Lexi rarely gets too clingy or needy. Therefore, sometimes, he has to beg her to rely on him more which they have been trying to fix together.


    As soon as Ethan Lu finished drying his hair, he returned to her and filled the other side of the bed. To his surprise, when he snaked his hands around her, he instantly touched her bare skin that sent a slight electric shock to his every nerve.


    "First time?" With a smirk, Lexi giggled as she snuggled with him. She wasn''tpletely naked as she was still wearing a thinkce panty¡­ that''s all. Still, that was already enough to tease him.


    "Love..." Snapping to the extent of losing his rationality, Ethan Lu''s eyes darkened as he lowly growled. She could feel his fresh minty breath caressed her nose as he called her.


    "Why are you doing this to me?" He added under his breath. With that said note, Ethan Lu lifted her chin and ced soft, feather-like kisses until it became more intense and long.

 Chapter 354 The innocent baby!

    <h4>Chapter 354 The innocent baby!</h4>


    [WARNING: MATURED CONTENT. PLEASE READ IN CAUTION. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO AGE UNDER 17 YEARS OLD AND BELOW.]


    As their kiss intensified, Ethan Lu slowly got on top of her without breaking the kiss. As he was being assisted by his elbow, his other hand daringly stroked her leg as he guided it to bend.


    "Ethan..." Moaning his name in between their kiss, Lexi wrapped her arms around his neck. Yet, he didn''t respond as he continued tovish his mouth with her lips and when he was filled, Ethan Lu broke the kiss.


    He starting nibbling on her neck, leaving a hickey to where he could see it the next morning. And then to her corbones down to her unguarded breast.


    Oh god... he missed his favorite dessert. She was just so sweet that it was more addicting than choctes. Upon every touch, kiss, lick, and even the moans that slipped from her mouth made his body heat rise and hardening even more, the already hard shaft. Fortunately, Lexi was only wearing theced panty that he prepared as he already nned to stay for the night out. Hence, there wasn''t any interruption for him to explore her wonderful body.


    "Ah..." Heavily panting, a moan escaped her mouth the moment he lightly pinched her left nipple while his tongue was circling, ying with the other.


    At this point, her initial teasing escted to a pleasurable reality that got inside her head.? Her sister down there began to sweat¡ª asking for his soldier to invade, again.


    Ethan Lu then shifted his mouth to the other side of her nipple while his other hand yed with the other. The slight stickiness from his saliva that was left on the first one that he sucked made her more sensitive, causing Lexi to slightly flinch while her toes curled.


    Tugging his hair, Lexi wrapped her legs around each of his legs. Using a slight force, her legs spread his legs a little, enough for the hardened rod beneath his pajamae in contact to her little crying sister.


    "Uhh... love," The instant his groin felt her overflowing honeypot, a deep growl came from his mouth. Without further ado, he swiftly held onto the waistband of her underwear and in one swift move, he exposed Lexi''s bare goldmine and tossed the piece of cover to the side.


    "You''re mine, just mine." Crawling back to her, Ethan Lu aggressively pressed his lips against her and his tongue invaded her confectionary factory.


    Meanwhile, his hand slowly brushed the side of her bent legs up to her butt that he missed squeezing. He constantly rubbed her legs and then her inner thigh but not the desperate sister crying for his attention.


    "Urgh...!" Breaking away from his lips, Lexi hummed a protesting moan as he was obviously testing her patience. He knew that she was horny and yet, he just decided to y this kind of game.


    "Impatient as ever..." Smirking, Ethan Lu chuckled as he has more areas of her that he wanted to mark. But, since he didn''t want to make her wait for too long, his fingers slowly traveled from her inner thigh up to her wetdy part.


    "Lovely," He murmured as Lexi''sdy part was too wet, making him feel honored as it was asking for his service.


    Slowly, Ethan Lu slid his long finger inside her; slowly feeling the softness of her insides. With that, another moan flew out of her mouth as it was a lovely sensation even with just his finger.


    It moved in and up and down, in an in and out motion, making her produce more love juices pouring down from her insides.


    "Ethan, I want you inside me..." Panting, Lexi whispered as her fingers on his back unintentionally scratched his slightly sweating back.


    "My pleasure but..." Pulling away from sucking the side of her breast, Ethan Lu paused looked at her straight in the pair of her yearning eyes. "But, I wanted to have a taste. You''re so wet¡ª it enticed me." With that said note, Ethan Lu unhurriedly crawled down as he pulled out his finger that was tending to the naughty cat.


    There, under the dim lights of the room, Lexi''s down cave was all soaked. The two clean lips were moist making him lick the side of his upper lips as if a hungry wolf that was about to devour his prey.


    Without wasting a second, Ethan Lu stick out his tongue and licked her right and left lips. She was sweet as he altered his attention to the two of them.


    Soon, when he could no longer hold back, his tongue aggressively, without any shame entered her cave and sucked all the love nectar that was meant for him.


    "Oh gosh..." Every move of his tongue did amazing things to her, every faint sucking sound he produced, Lexi''s eagerness to feel his rigid girth grew stronger.


    She ran her fingers through his unruly hair and then she lightly tugged him. Lexi was unsure if she was trying to pull his head away or press him more into her.


    This ecstasy, this overwhelming lust and lovebined into one was just too strong, making her head a little light-headed. She didn''t know when he stopped kissing his honeypot as Ethan Lu positioned his now exposed a huge pir in front of her entrance.


    Leaning down, Ethan Lu felt her breasts that were moving up and down along with her breathing, he whispered. "Can you positioned it?"


    Although she was light-headed as her mind was buzzing, yet her instincts understood his plea. Hence, using her hand, Lexi held onto his hard and incredible shaft before properly cing it on her entrance.


    Slowly yet surely, his bazooka began to enter her. Despite how many times this happens, slowly feeling the inside of the love of his life always feels new. Her tightness was tightly hugging his girth and the size of how it stretched was perfectly matching his measurements.


    "Ahh... baby, you''re so¡ª" Just as Ethan Lu was halfway inside her, he was about topliment Lexi through a natural moan. However, the time he uttered the word "baby", his mind that was shut off from all other matters and focused on lovemaking resurfaced without short notice.


    "Fck!" In an instant, Ethan Lu unhesitantly withdrew his shoulder. He then came to Lexi''s stomach with panic across his entire face. "Baby! I''m sorry, I''m sorry! Love, what are we going to do? Our innocent baby witnessed something he/she should not!"

 Chapter 355 Love, dont be mad~

    <h4>Chapter 355 Love, don''t be mad~</h4>


    The instant Lexi heard him say those words and pulled away from the pir that was invading her space, Lexi''s brows uncontrobly twitched as a vein popped out on her forehead. Letting out a heavy and irked exhale, Lexi turned to the now panicking Ethan Lu as he profusely apologized to their child that was still inside her.


    "God, Ethan¡­" Nearly rendered speechless, Lexi supported herself by her elbow as she turned to him with her brows arched. "Witness what? It''s in my womb not as if I am right next to him, he can''t see what we''re doing." Rolling her eyes, Lexi tried to calm her panic-stricken fiance. However, by the looks of it, Ethan Lu seemed he was entirely unconvinced.


    "She can''t see us but she might feel the turbulence or whatever, love! How can we do this? No, no, this is bad!" Jolting, Ethan Lu sat up straight as he bit his thumb nail as if he was in aplicated situation while thinking how to correct his mistake.


    God knows how he was literally worried at the moment as he pushed all the me to his lustful desire. Ethan Lu nearly forgot about Lexi''s pregnancy as he was totally aroused with the taste of her lips and every physical contact they had. If not for the fact that he called her ''baby'', he would probably be hammering her insides without any reserve.


    "Let''s call the doctor¡ª"


    "Ethan," Just as he was about to suggest to bother his trusted doctor to check on her health or whatever other reasons, Lexi abruptly intervened. "I read a few articles and it is safe. I am not bleeding or needing to stay on the bed which means my pregnancy is not sensitive, alright?"


    "No, dear. I trust you and I love you but we have to be careful." Without blinking an eye, Ethan Lu argued back sounding adamant about his decision. Of course, this means that their heated moment finally faded away and Lexi was left hanging which irked her to the core.


    "Tch, this¡ª" Clinking her tongue in annoyance, Lexi ground her teeth as she red daggers at the innocent fiance she has. "Ethan Lu, remember this!" With that said high note, Lexi grumpily slumped back to the bed and then harshly pulled the nket to cover her body up to her head.


    ''How could he be called a casanova without knowing this?! This guy!!'' Inside her mind, Lexi screamed her frustration as the steamy moment cooled down and now, she wasn''t in the mood to continue. Moreover, she was irritated by this innocence as she was uncertain if he was faking it or not.


    However, no matter how she thinks that Ethan Lu has zero clues, she knew him very well to the point that she could tell when he''s lying or not. Therefore, although Lexi brainwashed herself that he might be faking it, s, she could notpletely think that was the case as he seemed he really doesn''t know.


    "Love, don''t be mad¡­" Heavily sighing, Ethan Lu frowned as Lexi was fuming mad under the sheet. Crawling to her side, he slightly tugged the nket yet, it was held tightly and securely as if even air was unable to intrude on her private space.


    "I just want to make sure and my conscience tugged at me whenever I think that our child is inside you while we, you know." In a defeated tone, Ethan Lu exined his side.


    It was not like he didn''t want to continue as he was suffering as much as her with the abrupt interruption. s, what could he do? Just the thought of an innocent child inside Lexi and he/she might feel what they were doing, he could not bear himself to do it. After all, in what he perceived, it was like they were making love in front of their child which was unforgivable.


    "We will visit the doctor tomorrow¡­ we will only need to wait one day, okay?" Lying beside him, Ethan Lu hugged the soft ball called Lexi on his side that was still not responding to him. Pouting, Ethan Lu stayed to give his sincere apologies by his hug for as long as he could remember.


    After some time, Ethan Lu lightly lifted the nket. To his surprise, unlike earlier, he didn''t need to exert an effort to take a peek at Lexi that was now sleeping like a hard rock. Upon confirming that she indeed fell asleep, a chuckle escaped his mouth as he put the nket down to her neck and cuddled with her.


    "I''m sorry to make you sleep angry. Just this once, okay love?" Through a whisper, Ethan Lu left a soft peck on the back of her head before he rested his head on his pillow, still hugging her.


    All the deities knew how hard it was and that it took all of his efforts to stop himself from continuing. After all, Lexi was the one to initiate and he never once refused this wonderful invitation. However, perhaps because of his trauma, he didn''t want to stain the eyes of his own child.


    Indeed, it was that his parents were doing it in front of him. But, the fact that his mother opened his eyes to how cruel a person can be without any regard to what kind of impact it might do people, he didn''t want that. He wanted security and confirmation that he would not harm his own child even if it cost him his own libido.


    As Ethan Lu ced a kiss on Lexi, he eventually fell asleep. Although he made Lexi mad, his heart was still content that they were together¡­ and soon, it would be forever. Also, this was the happiest day of his life as he got engaged to the woman whom he loved so dearly and the revtion of starting a family sooner than he expected made his heart lift.


    He didn''t know why and how Lexi got pregnant as they always used protection after the mishap on their first night. s, that wasn''t important because, at the very least, he got more of a reason to fight and protect the family of his own. He swore inside his heart that he would never abandon his family just like what his parents did.

 Chapter 356 Nightmare

    <h4>Chapter 356 Nightmare</h4>


    [Decades ago: A fragment of the past]


    "Mommy, what are you doing?" Young and innocent, still, despite Ethan Lu''s young age, he still looked as if he was a prince wearing a small sweater with an excavator toy in his hand. His pristine gaze looked up to the beautiful woman sitting on a chair in front of the small circr table.


    Christina Lu was holding a gun and never once looked away from the handgun on her hand. There wasn''t any emotion on her pretty front as if the weapon in her possession doesn''t carry any danger.


    "Ethan, do you know what''s this?" Without looking away on the pistol, Christina Lu coldly asked her bright son. The young Ethan Lu tilted his head to the side as he was unable to distinguish a real gun and not. Still, he answered.


    "It''s a dangerous weapon, Grandpa told me not to y with guns unless it''s a water bazooka."


    "Mhmm¡­" Humming a soft tune that wasced with no emotion, Christina Lu finally broke her gaze away from the thing on her hand and turned to the oblivious Ethan Lu. "Come here, dear." Meekly smiling that didn''t reach her eyes, Christina Lu gestured for him toe close which made a bright smile appear on his entire face.


    It was rare to him that his mother would like hispany and addressing him with a sweet endearment, or so, what his youthful mind thought it was, Ethan Lu skipped his steps towards Christina Lu. His mother then marginally raised the gun in her hand and showed it to him.


    "Son, this is not a gun. You don''t have to always listen to what your grandpa says because this¡­" Taking a pause, Christina Lu nced at the pistol on her hand and a peaceful smile formed on the side of her lips. She resumed, "This is my way to escape. It is not a bad thing, my dear."


    "Mommy?" Tilting his head to the side, Ethan Lu felt lost as he could not understand what his mother was saying. Little did he know, Ethan Lu would soon understand what she meant as it would bring him the shock and a forever trauma that would be instilled in him up to the current time.


    Slowly, Christina Lu stood from her seat as she picked up the cold, untouched tea that was on top of the table. Kneeling down, Christina Lu offered another meek smile as she rubbed Ethan Lu''s soft cheeks by her thumb.


    "My son, you know what''s this is?" Raising the cup a little, Ethan Lu turned his pair of pure eyes on the tea before he brightly smiled before he answered.


    "It''s a tea, mommy. Mommy likes tea and Grandpa too!"


    "Very good, my dear." Patting his small head, Christina Luplimented which evidently caused the vacant space of his heart to be filled with happiness. No one could me him, Ethan Lu was derived from attention and love from his parents as his father was always busy at work while his mother would always want to be alone. Therefore, this littlepliment was a huge deal to him.


    "Mommy, Tantan is a good boy! Mommy likes good boys so she will y with tantan~!" Disying his personality that was normal for his age, Ethan Lu happily boasts as he hoped that his mother would finally y with him.


    "Hmm, my Tantan has been a good boy." Nodding in acknowledgment, Christina Lu patted his small head again with a smile. "But, mommy will only y with you if you drink this."


    "Mommy, it''s bitter. Tantan doesn''t like what mommy and grandpa drink." Pouting, the young Ethan Lu shook his head in refusal as he only likes sweet juices. After all, his grandpa did a prank on him thest time and made a tea that was served as a juice with ice. God knows that he had started to despise the taste of tea.


    "But, don''t you want mommy to y with you?"


    "I do¡­"


    "Then, you must listen to mommy, okay? Drink this and we will y afterward." Bearing the same smile, Christina Lu adamantly urged.


    Frowning, Ethan Lu thought that he should have to listen to what his mother said to get the love and affection she deprived him to have. Putting down his toy, his little hand reached out to the cold tea as he inhaled and exhaled to ready himself to the bitter taste of the tea.


    However, just as he held on the tea, Christina Lu let her hand go which made the cup slipped out from his unready grip. Everything happened to fast that the young Ethan Lu was unable toprehend what happened.


    All he could do was stare at the spilled tea on the floor and overlooked the glint that shed across Christina Lu''s eyes. Slowly, the calm and cold countenance of Christina Lu changed as if she turned to an entirely different person.


    "What did you do?!" Sounding aggressive, Christina Lu gritted her teeth that snapped the young Ethan Lu from his stupor. Raising his shocked gaze with a paleplexion, Ethan Lu''s shoulder instantly trembled as his mother was angry again.


    "Mommy, I''m sorry. Please don''t get mad¡­" Rubbing his little palms together as he asked for forgiveness, Ethan Lu was immediately on the verge of crying, as if he was afraid about something.


    "You ungrateful child! Don''t you know what kind of tea that is? That''s your way out of this ce! How could you¡ª!" Grinding her teeth, Christina Lu unreservedly scolded as the pretentious gentleness vanished in an instant.


    "Mommy¡­ I¡ª" Just as Ethan Lu would continue to apologize, a loud resounding pnded on his cheek that made his little body be tossed aside. His cheek throbbed from the striking pain that made him hold on to it as his mind was in aplete distraught mess as tears began to form on the corner of his eyes.


    "You¡ª!" Christina Lu seemed to lose it as she clumsily got up and sprawled her arms to reach for the pistol. Without further ado, Christina Lu aimed the muzzle in his direction as an unreadable glint shed across her eyes.


    "I hate you! I hate your father and this family!"


    *Bang!*


    [Present Time]


    "Love! Love!" Lexi panicky shook his shoulders to wake him up. She woke up as she sensed Ethan Lu was moving and when she turned to see him, he was sweating a bucket and was murmuring something she didn''t understand.


    "No!" Abruptly, Ethan Lu''s eyes suddenly opened as he gasped for air as a horrible nightmare he hadn''t had in recent times since he met Lexi just made him remember his horrible past. When his distracted gaze finally recovered and saw her worried front, a relief sigh escaped his mouth and without a word, his arms wrapped around her waist like a child.


    "Love, did you have a nightmare? You made me worry." Sighing in relief, Lexi stroked his head as her worried gaze softened. "It''s okay¡­ I am here, always." Patting his still trembling back, her words just came out from her mouth.


    This was the first time she saw him like this and that pierced her heart. She didn''t know what it was but her heart seemed to understand that it was something that he held deep within his heart.

 Chapter 357 My mother tries to kill me

    <h4>Chapter 357 My mother tries to kill me</h4>


    Ethan Lu held on to her for as long as Lexi could remember. She didn''t ask for anything regarding his nightmare as she stayed quiet and gently patted his back. After some more time, Ethan Lu finally let her go andid his back against the mattress.


    Staring at the ceiling with half of his exposed body disyed going up and down with every breath he took, Ethan Lu moved his eyes to see Lexi''s concerned front looking down on him. With a meek smile, his deep, hoarse voice was heard.


    "Sorry¡­"


    "Why are you always apologizing?" Frowning, a heavy exhale escaped her mouth. Before her, Ethan Lu seemed like he ran a marathon as hisplexion was paler than usual. There were still beads of sweat on his forehead and his breathing was still heavy. Lexi could feel this heaviness within him hence, her heart was slowly being clenched.


    "Love, remember the time when you asked me about my parents? I told you I will say it when I''m ready but¡­" Retracting his gentle gaze from her and aimed it to the ceiling, a bitter smile formed on the side of his lips. "I don''t think I will be ready. I hate them."


    Biting her lower lip, Lexi already knew that as Edward Lu already tattled about Ethan Lu''s traumatizing past. Therefore, she didn''t need to ask him directly as she swore that she would fill the little holes in his heart with her love. Indeed, Lexi already nned it and was under the process of loving him with everything she could offer to the extent that his horrible past would be forgotten.


    "Or maybe, I am not just ready to show you how I hate a person that I''m happy that they are dead." Cold and deep, his gaze remained glued to the ceiling as a light scoff slipped out from his mouth. Indeed, Ethan Lu never despised a person as much as he despised the woman that should be his strong pir since childhood.


    Perhaps, it was because he thought about not staining his own child''s eyes unlike what his mother did that this horrible repeating nightmare that he had always had while growing up returned. The very reason why Ethan Lu always drank his night away in the past and goes on a party spree until he passes out was to avoid this memory that haunted him.


    "Twenty years ago, my mother tried to kill me..." Recalling that very day, Ethan Lu could vividly see the hatred in his mother''s eyes as she raised the muzzle of the gun on him. In that young and innocent mind of his, although he was uncertain what was happening, the depths of his heart was terrified to the core.


    It was as if a voice was telling him that it was dangerous and he would die. However, for some reason, his mother broke down on her knees, crying her heart out. Maybe, it was her conscience that tugged her heart or she could not bear the sight of him bleeding to death. Regardless, the trauma of the scene and the fact that his own mother had the slightest thought of killing him mentally disturbed him.


    "Fine, stay here as long as you like. You would soon regret not listening to your mother¡­" those were thest words she spoke to me before she pointed the gun to her temple and I witnessed how blood stained the walls, and my ears deafened by the loud bang." Continuing to exin the nightmare, or rather, the repeating memories that he would never forget in a lifetime, Ethan Lu seemed as if he came back to his younger self and witnessed everything again as if it only happened yesterday.


    He freshly recalled how bits and pieces of his mother''s brain popped like a watermelon. Her head was whacked and in an instant, her body crashed to the carpeted floor. Traumatizing was an understatement for a kid like him as he just sat there, staring at the blood that was rushing down onto the floor soaking his mother with crimson red liquid.


    He didn''t notice when and how the people rushed to the room. All he remembered was that while he was being carried away, his vision that was locked on his mother''s lifeless body went farther and farther away until everything went nk.


    "I hate how she just gave up just like that. I hate that she was so weak. It''s not like she was the only one who was suffering from what''s happening to our family. But most of all, I hated that she never gave me a good memory of having a mother." Retracting his bitter gaze away from the ceiling, Ethan Lu turned to Lexi whose eyes were sweating a bucket with her hand covering her mouth.


    "That''s why I am sorry, because my thoughts back then when I heard youmitted suicide, I scoffed about it." Letting out a faint scoff, Ethan Lu was reminded of how he saw all women as fragile decoration. Of course, hearing the news about the infamous former fiancee of his friend just proved this twisted mentality.


    However, who would have thought that despite that, Lexi would be the one who would also prove that women might reach their breaking point, but that wouldn''t mean that a person could not reflect and continue to live the best they could. Therefore, this secret insult that he threw at her without fully knowing her was something he would never forgive himself.


    "You¡ª" Trying to say something, Lexi was unable to continue as she instinctively crashed onto his chest while her arms wrapped around his neck. "Is that important? I also felt disgusted in the past whenever you winked at me and smiled. Who cares about our first impressions with each other?" In between her sobs, Lexi rat herself out as if her way of saying that it was something he shouldn''t be sorry about.


    "What''s important is that we''re together now and can fix whatever problem we had and will have in the future!" Since Lexi had been a drama queen and now, an emotional preggy, she could not help but cry andfort her man like she was the one who neededfort.


    "Thank you¡­" Regardless, his heart melted as what she said was true. Ethan Lu felt at peace as he returned herforting hug, his heart telling him he found his home and safe haven.


    "But, did you really feel disgusted back then? I see you always blush every time you know." Diverting the heavy subject, Ethan Lu humored as he teased her.


    "That''s not blushing. That''s my disgusted face." Lightly shaking her head, Lexi muffledly exined which made him chuckle. The two of them peacefully conversed about Lexi''s impression which always hits Ethan Lu''s weak spots as she seemed she was indirectly insulting his charms.


    After some time, after a goodugh and Lexi was finally done crying, she remained on his chest as she monitored his beating heart in constant motion. "Love?"


    "Hmm?"


    "I love you. I won''t ask you to forget the past but, I will make sure that I will be on your side every step of the way. Let''s get to know each other more, okay?" Her eyes softened as she heard his heart slightly raised upon hearing her statement.


    This rtionship they had, though they were not perfect and have their own ws, their love for each other was imperfectly perfect. During the months they were together, both might not say it out loud but they realized that there are still some things that they didn''t know about. For example, Lexi''s odd taste buds and Ethan Lu''s childhood.


    Regardless, with an epting heart, they chose to ept what maye in their way and figure things out together because... they were each other''s savior.

 Chapter 358 Doctor Jaime

    <h4>Chapter 358 Doctor Jaime</h4>


    The day of the doctor''s appointment finally arrived. Just like what doctor Xu said, the clinic looked more like a small vi with a small garden on the side of the house.


    It was well guarded with a huge fence and gate and if one doesn''t know, one would think that they were only there to visit a friend. Indeed, it was a perfect setting for soon to be mothers that want to keep their pregnancy a secret.


    Lexi scrutinized the area as soon as she got out of the car. However, at the same time, another car approached. Turning her head to the familiar ride of her father, a smile formed on the side of her lips.


    Little did she know, when the people inside the vehicle departed from the inside, her eyes would bulge in surprise. Lexi wasn''t surprised to see her parents present as it was her first check-up. However, what shook her to the core was not only her parents, but her best friend Rika was with them winking at her as well!


    "I mentioned to Rika about the appointment yesterday while we were chatting. So since she was free today, she asked me if she could tag along." Lillian Yang, as always had this tender soothing motherly tone as she exined Rika Song''s attendance.


    "Bestie~! I''m so excited to know what gender the baby is!" Excited as if she was the mother of the child, Rika Song''s eyes gleamed as she already formed an alliance with Lillian Yang to have a baby girl.


    "Rika dear, I''m afraid we won''t know the baby''s gender today." Chuckling, Lillian Yang exined to the expecting auntie about her advanced wishes.


    After all, Lexi should be at least 18-20 weeks pregnant to know the gender of the child. Therefore, it was impossible for her to expect to know the baby''s gender in an instant.


    "Chatting?" Arching her brows, Lexi was well informed that Rika Song was close to her parents especially to her mother. However, since when did Lillian Yang knew how to chat?


    In retrospect, Lillian Yang was used to sending formal emails. She rarely does messaging as she prefer to call. Therefore, hearing the word ''chatting''ing out from her mother''s mouth, Lexi found it a little shocking.


    "I introduced Mommy Yang to wechat. Hehe. She likes the stickers." Giggling, Rika Song smiled brightly as she turned to the seemingly youthful Lillian Yang.


    On the other hand, Lexi and Frederick Yang could not help but shake their heads. In their mind, at the very least, Lillian Yang was happy and enjoying Rika Song''spany. Therefore, they were relieved that Lexi''s girl best friend was like their own daughter now.


    Meanwhile, Ethan Lu could only watch the two ''girls'' giggling while Lexi seemed to be their mother. While he watched them, a subtle smile formed on the side of his lips.


    God knows that he was grateful to find a family that he had yearned for since childhood. Who would have thought that the dream he already buried deep within him and had given up woulde true?


    "Alright, girls. The doctor might''ve been waiting for us." Intervening to Rika Song and his wife, Lillian Yang while teasing Lexi, Frederick Yang helplessly shook his head as he snapped them back to their initial purpose.


    With that said note, everyone followed his lead as they make their way inside the small yet ssy house.


    *****


    When Lexi and herpany arrived inside, they were weed by a nurse inside. Aside from the people whom they assumed as medical assistants with their clothing, there wasn''t any other patient inside thispletely cute lobby.


    "Miss Yang?" As the nurse approached them, the nurse politely inquired with a smile.


    "Yes," Nodding, Lexi responded which made the nurse nod her head in acknowledgment.


    "This way please." Gesturing them to follow her, the nurse lead the way to the doctor''s office. Of course, Lexi with Ethan Lu holding her hand followed her. Meanwhile, Frederick Yang, Lillian Yang, and Rika Song excitedly followed the two from behind as their excitement grew stronger.


    "Doctor, Miss Yang is here." The nurse knocked on the door before she announced. After a second, the nurse only smiled as she turned to Lexi and Ethan Lu''s front.


    "You cane in." The nurse said which made the couple furrowed their brows. They didn''t hear any replying from the inside. Regardless, since the nurse said toe in, they did. After all, this ce was rmended by Doctor Xu, the Family Yang''s doctor.


    Little did they know, the moment they stepped their foot inside, Lexi especially Ethan Lu was shaken to the maximum degree.


    "Oh, Miss Yang! Nice to finally meet you, please take a seat." A young man that seemed to be in his early 30''s, had a great physique outlined by his fitter inner clothes beneath his whiteb coat. He had thin silver-framed sses that was hooked onto this narrow nose.


    Although his jaw was clean and shaved, there are still remnants of his beard that could make an idea that he would surely look great if he had them. Overall, the person before them was not just a doctor but a hot one!


    "..." Both Lexi and Ethan Lu were rendered speechless as they scrutinized the tall doctor from his head down to the toe of his shiny ck shoes. Their shock and thoughts were too evident across both their faces which made the male doctor chuckle as if he was used to it.


    Just then, the yang parents with the fake yang daughter finally arrived inside. They came in ratherte as Lillian Yang and Rika Song had to rpose themselves. s, when the two heard an unfamiliar voice of a man, their gaze raised towards the voice''s direction.


    At the same time, the same reaction, their eyes widened to see that the gynecologists'' doctor Xu rmended was a man!


    ''Oh! Doctor Xu! My daughter has a fiance!'' Unconsciously, Frederick Yang had a headache as he didn''t see thising. After all, the name of the calling card was named Jamie Liao.


    How the hell did Frederick Yang assume that the name Jaime was named after a woman?!

 Chapter 359 I want to hear your heartbeat too~

    <h4>Chapter 359 I want to hear your heartbeat too~</h4>


    "Please, have a seat." With a smile, Jaime Liao politely gestured for them to take a seat around the small andfortable looking couches. Lexi, together with everyone else, was under his spell as they wordlessly followed his instructions without breaking their gaze away from Jaime Liao.


    Aside from the clear surprise in their eyes, Rika Song''s gaze was telling something differently. Her eyes were twinkling, reachable stars seemed to be created in the gxy of her pair of orbs as she scrutinized the man from head to toe.


    ''Height, check. Brow, on fleek so check. Eyes, nose, lips, check. Jawline, darling, they are sharp!'' Inside her mind, the imaginary nk boxes on her paper sheet for her ideal boyfie was one at the time being checked.


    ''Oh my god¡­ why didn''t I get pregnant and find him before? We could have started a romance¡­'' In awe, RIka Song who had been fed too much dog food two days ago by Ethan Lu''s proposal, her thirst to have a love life resurface upon seeing this professional hot doctor.


    He was like an actor ying the role of a doctor which made her corrupted mind make up a delusional romance story about this romance.


    If only Lexi wasn''t distracted from her shock to know that the doctor who would monitor her pregnancy was a man¡ª a hot one at that. Arching her right brow, Lexi shot Ethan Lu a side nce and that very instant, she felt the bolt of lighting emitting from his eyes. By the looks of it, his guard was fully raised and seemed like he had been threatening the innocent doctor in his mind.


    "Master Lu, I didn''t expect that I''d see you today. So, I presumed you''re the father of the child. Congrattions!" Gently smiling, the doctor calmly turned to Ethan Lu''s unchanging surface and congratted him.


    Since Jaime Liao was a busy person, the booming news about Lexi and Ethan Lu unsessfully reached him. Regardless, everyone in the industry knew the name Ethan Lu plus his dashing looks was something that no one would easily forget. Therefore, he must admit that he was surprised to see the head of the Lu Corporation in the flesh.


    "Oh¡­ thank you, Dr. Liao." Trying to get it together, Ethan Lu managed to keep his head level. He wanted to ask why this particr vital piece of information was overlooked but then again, it was his inws who arranged this appointment. Thus, how could he question why Jaime Liao didn''t say his gender in the first ce, although they didn''t ask and only assumed.


    ncing at his inws, Ethan Lu saw their stunned expression, therefore, his deduction was right. They too thought that the name Jaime Liao was a name of a woman. Perhaps, it was the intense rollercoaster ride of Lexi''s pregnancy and his proposal that the four of them didn''t think that Doctor Xu''s rmendation was a male gynecologist!


    It wasn''t a big deal about his profession. However, it was a huge matter as they nned that he would as well be the one to give assistance when Lexi give birth. After all, the documents about his clinic and how he maintained to keep things private wasmendable. Therefore, although this pregnancy wasn''t meant to be a secret, still, it was private property that the media wouldn''t easily find.


    Making Lexi''s pregnancy all peaceful and quiet experience. But now, inside their minds, Lillian Yang, Frederick Yang, Lexi, especially Ethan Lu were having second thoughts about this initial n of theirs.


    "Miss Yang, shall we start your checkup?" Bearing the same gentle smile, Jaime Liao slightly raised his brows as he shifted his inquiring eyes to Lexi which made herpletely snap from her stupor.


    "Uh, sure." In an awkward tone, Lexi nodded her head in agreement whichpletely brought Ethan Lu back from the hell of his own cloud of thought. That very second, he turned to Lexi in dismay and then to Jaime Liao''s bright smile before he took a book to input Lexi''s pregnancy''s progress.


    "Love, can we postpone this?" Through a whisper, Ethan Lu leaned a little closer to Lexi''s ear as he constantly nced at Jaime Liao''s figure who was picking up a small book that he left in his desk.


    "Behave. It''s just a check-up." Lexi marginally widened her eyes. Although she had to reconsider their initial n, still, this is an official appointment. Moreover, it was just a check-up to know her due date and the estimation of how long she had been carrying the child in her womb. Therefore, it was only sensible to continue this appointment as it wouldn''t give harm to anyone.


    With that said note, Ethan Lu pursed his lips in a thin line because Lexi made sense. Yet, all his senses were heightened as his focus was all into this check-up and Jaime Liao. It was as if one wrong word or move from the doctor, he would surely intervene.


    Soon, when Jaime Liao came back, he asked questions about Lexi''sst menstruation, and everything that was relevant to her pregnancy before jotting everything in the book. As he asked, the yang parent''s rxed as they finally recovered. On the other hand, Ethan Lu was still keeping a watch on his questions and attentively listening as if waiting for the moment Jamie Liao would have a slip of the tongue.


    However, after thest question, everything remained professional with Jaime Liao''s gentlepany. Now, at this time, they finally understood why Doctor Xu rmended him. Maybe, Doctor Xu assumed that Lexi''s baby was fatherless hence, that depressing misunderstanding, Doctor Jaime Liao''s addedpany through the course of the pregnancy of the ''single mother'', it would be more tolerable.


    "Are you ready to hear the baby''s heartbeat?" cing the pen on the chest pocket, Jaime Liao bore his usual gentle smile which instantly excites the soon to be parents and grandparents.


    ''I want to hear your heartbeat too~'' Meanwhile, Rika''s original excitement waspletely diverted to Jaime Liao as she ogled him.

 Chapter 360 Babies

    <h4>Chapter 360 Babies</h4>


    After careful and easy instructions, Lexiid down on the mattress where the ultrasound equipment was beside it. Of course, upon hearing that they would hear the baby''s heartbeat and take a glimpse of the small seed inside, that fact alone tremendously excites Ethan Lu and Yang parents. Rika Song was also excited yet, she kept ncing at Jaime Liao that had made the corner of her eyes curve in glee.


    "Okay¡­ Mommy, you can lift your blouse a little." Sitting on the stool beside the bed, Jaime Liao put on his disposable stic white gloves as he picked up a small white container that contains gel to ced on Lexi''s tummy.


    However, the moment Ethan Lu heard it and Lexi was slowly lifting her blouse and exposing a bit of her skin, his hand involuntarily held on Lexi''s wrist which made her stop.


    "Wait¡ª!" Furrowing his brows, Ethan Lu forgot that his inws were there and made a dent in the image of the good son-inw. As a matter of fact, he forgot everything as his emotions at this moment took over¡ª stripping him all rationality and sensibility about the situation.


    His abrupt action and the way his tone turned up caught the attention of everyone present inside the office. Yet, Ethan Lu only altered his gaze from Lexi''s tummy and then to Jaime Liao whose head was tilted on the side.


    "Why do you need to see her tummy? Why? Why?" Narrowing his eyes as he settled his pair of orbs onto Jaime Liao, Ethan Lu slightly thrusted his chin forward as if he was interrogating a criminal.


    "Pfft¡ª!" After hearing his innocent instigation, Lillian Yang could not help but chuckle while Frederick Yang pursed his lips into a thin line as he resisted joining his wife in her giggle fit. On the other hand, Lexi could only roll her eyes as a heavy exhale escaped her mouth. While Jaime Liao brightly smiled which melted Rika Song''s beating heart.


    "Mr. Lu, it is needed for us to see the baby inside." Short and precise, Jaime Liao exined what Ethan Lu was missing out on. "It is harmless." Suggesting him to trust him, it was obvious why Ethan Lu was acting that way.


    Still, although Jaime Liao was clueless that the father to be was akin to a child that doesn''t know a thing or two about this stuff, his gentleness and patience were rather long. Thus, he didn''t judge Ethan Lu for his actions and hostility towards him. Instead, Jaime Liao professionally exined the details to him.


    "Ethan¡­" Under her distressed breath, Lexi heaved another heavy sigh as Ethan Lu''sck of knowledge seemed to decide itself to be paraded today. "It''s okay, alright? Do you want to see the baby or not?" Lexi arched her brows which made him loosen his grip on her wrist.


    "I''m watching you." Through his gritted teeth, Ethan Lu ungratefully red daggers at the innocent and pure-hearted doctor. Fortunately, Jaime Liao was mature enough to understand where this jealousy wasing from as Lexi was indeed too gorgeous to let men, even a doctor like him toe close to her.


    Lillian Yang could only cover her mouth to stop her tempting cackles from bursting while Frederick Yang was now biting his bottom lip as hard as he could, not tough as well. In their eyes, Ethan Lu was rather adorable in his own way.


    They already foresaw Ethan Lu being a cute father back when they witnessed his first reaction to the news and how dejected he was when he made Lexi almost puke by the dessert he proudly offered. Nevertheless, unlike how others perceived, Ethan Lu''s good son-inw''s image was still perfectly intact.


    s, just as they thought that Ethan Lu was done, they thought wrong. Because when Lexi resumed lifting her blouse, they heard him speak again.


    "Uhm¡­ can you do it with your eyes closed?" Blinking slowly, Ethan Lu looked straight at Jaime Liao''s unchanging gentle front anticipating and hoping for a ''yes'' answer. Of course, when his question reached everyone''s ears, Lillian Yang''s chuckles finally burst out from her mouth that resonated across every corner of the room.


    Along with herughter, Frederick Yang covered his mouth as muffled chuckles slipped out from him causing his shoulders to tremble. On the other hand, Lexi felt a slight headache by how stupid his question was while Rika Song finally snapped from ogling at the hot doctor and then turned to Ethan Lu with a judgy glint that shed across her pair of eyes.


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Lu, but I can''t. We won''t properly see the baby if I do that." Bearing the same temperament, Jaime Liao patiently exined again and repeated the same exact words he used to exin how this works.


    "My god, Ethan. Behave!" The person who was distressed about Ethan Lu''s stalling sassed. Lexi could not help but massage her temples as her boiling point was about to reach its danger zone.


    After that, Ethan Lu only clicked his tongue as he carefully watched Jaime Liao''s actions again. Call him immature, but he just didn''t like the fact that a cool and considerably handsome guy would see Lexi''s tummy and get his hands on it¡­ or so he thought.


    When Lexi''s blouse was lifted up and showed her slightly protruding tummy, Jaime Liao didn''t waste a second as he immediately squeezed an ample amount of gel on Lexi''s tummy and then used the ultrasound probe to smear it on a particr spot on Lexi''s tummy.


    Jaime Liao made sure not to look at Lexi''s tummy to avoid the wrath of the jealous father of her child as his gaze shifted to the monitor across him. Lexi, on the other hand, stared at the other monitor above her.


    Soon, everyone''s heart melted when Jaime Liao slowly found the perfect angle to take a peek at the baby inside¡­ however, Jaime Liao''s brows marginally raised as he moved the ultrasound probe on Lexi''s side to get a clearer view.


    It only took him several seconds, before Jaime Liao finally got the perfect angle which made the experienced Mother Yang and Father Yang''s eyes widen in surprise.


    "Oh my god!" Gasping as tears suddenly formed on the side of her eyes, Lillian Yang covered her gaped mouth. Frederick Yang was also unblinkingly staring at the monitor before he took a step forward to get a closer look.


    "Mommy, that''s your babies¡ª you can say hi. It seems like you''re not only carrying one but two. Congrattions!" Smiling brightly by this news, Jaime Liao turned to Lexi and then to the dumbfounded father to be as Ethan Lu seemed to forget the doctors'' existence as his eyes were fixed on the monitor screen where it showed the perfect view of two small seeds inside.


    Taking up this chance, Jaime Liao let them hear the heartbeats of the children that soon bounced across the whole room causing their heart''s to melt instantly.


    "Babies¡­" Moved, overwhelmed, surfeit happiness, Lexi''s eyes stung as her eyes never once looked away from the monitor before her. What she sees right now, those two small seeds gave her an intense maternal instinct as she instantly fell in love with them. What made the tears fall from her eyes, was when she heard the heartbeats of the humans that were slowly growing within her.


    "My babies¡­ Mommy loves you¡­" Lexi was unaware but these words just naturally slipped from her mouth because all her focus was on the screen where she finally was able to see a glimpse of her kids that she now is expecting in the future.

 Chapter 361 Keep it gentle

    <h4>Chapter 361 Keep it gentle</h4>


    Seeing the two little seeds that were growing healthily inside Lexi''s womb, everyone took their time to gaze at the beautiful existences of the two. Everyone had their individual heart felt reaction as it was indeed a blessing to have not just one but two additional family members in a few months.


    After taking a picture of the ultrasound, soon, Jaime Liao gave Lexi the right prescription for a healthier pregnancy for herself and for the babies. At this time, Ethan Lu''s hostility magically vanished as the sight of the two adorable little babies was still hovering inside his head.


    "Any questions, Miss and Mr. Lu?" Meekly smiling, Jaime Liao slid the note of prescriptions towards Lexi. Raising his gaze, he briefly altered his eyes from Lexi to Ethan Lu and then back to the expecting mother.


    Since the ultrasound was finished and all that was left was to prescribe Lexi the right medicine that she should take throughout her pregnancy journey and her next check-up, Lillian Yang and Frederick Yang along with Rika Song were reluctant to leave the room. Still, to give the two some privacy for some questions, they still left the room and waited outside.


    "Um¡­ I do have one. Is having asional sex harm my children?" Without batting an eye, Lexi with a straightforward tone didn''t beat around the bush as she delved into the main question they had. After all, everything they needed to know from the schedule of her medicine and her healthy milk she must take to nourish the seeds inside her, also, her check-up and when she''s due, were all given by Jaime Liao. Therefore, to ease their worry as Lexi''s hormones were sometimes ying with her mood including the urge to make love, Lexi didn''t find any reason to hold back.


    On the other hand, upon hearing her question, Ethan Lu was snapped from his Lnd and as if on cue, all his focus was turned towards the answer of Jaime Liao. Seeing that the two were intently staring at him, Jaime Liao could not help but smile.


    "With your current state, moderate sex is considered healthy for your pregnancy." Clearing his throat, Jaime Liao offered a gentle smile as he nodded his head.


    "I see¡­" Faintly, Lexi heaved a sigh of relief before she cast a side nce of her fiance. However, Ethan Lu seemed he wasn''t entirely convinced as his eyes narrowed.


    "They won''t see what we''re doing¡­ right? I mean, our babies won''t see anything or feel anything?" Still narrowing his eyes, Ethan Lu asked a follow-up question. Both wouldn''t dare ask just anyone about this matter. s, since Jaime Liao was an expert in his field and this question probably wouldn''t be new to him, Lexi and Ethan Lu were confident.


    Little did they know, it was actually a shock to him as they were the first ones to ask him such questions. Although he knew the right answer, still, none of his past patients asked such questions as everyone he normally dealt with were all single mothers or expecting mothers who wanted to keep their pregnancy a secret.


    "No, Mr. Lu. You can rest assured. However, healthwise, I advise to keep it gentle." Regardless, Jaime Liao gave them a truthful yet satisfying answer which made them smile.


    He left a few notes to Lexi regarding her pregnancy, what extra precautions they should take, and handing the copies of the ultrasound photos. He advised her to avoid getting stressed and overworking herself as she was still in her first trimester and was about into the second trimester. After telling them more details, Jaime Liao personally sent them out of his office.


    Outside, Rika Song, Lillian Yang, and Frederick Yang abruptly stood from their seat upon seeing Lexi and Ethan Lu while Jaime Liao behind them.


    "So, Miss Yang, Mr. Lu, I''ll see you next month?" Bearing his ever so tender and meek smile, Jaime Liao slowly closed the door of his office behind him as he altered his gaze to Lexi and then to Ethan Lu.


    "Yes, thank you, Dr. Liao." Nodding once, Lexi returned a meek smile as she held onto her pregnancy notebook to her chest.


    "My pleasure. Thank you." Slightly bowing his head, none of them understood the impact they gave to the gentle young doctor with their presence today. They only perceived his politeness as his natural personality to his client.


    Mother Yang and Father Yang then approached them and gave their gratitude for Jaime Liao''s service before they bid their farewell. Though reluctant, Rika Song also bid her farewell yet, she constantly nced back to Jaime Liao''s figure while letting a heavy sigh with every step she took away from him.


    ****


    After Lexi''s checkup, as promised, they will spend their entire day at the Yang Mansion. The moment they arrived at the said residence, Lexi''s brows could not help but twitch as she saw all their servants getting busy in doing one particr chore: arranging all of the baby clothes, toys, and equipment in the living room for them to see the moment they arrived.


    "Oh my gosh! Look at these cute little clothes! I''m so excited~!" sping her hands together, Lillian Yang giddily glided across the floor on her way to the living area and picked up her most favorite baby dress she had purchased.


    "Hehe, I hope we get a girl and a boy!" Heartily chuckling his heart out, Frederick Yang, on the other hand, picked up a small dinosaur costume which he envisioned an adorable little precious baby walking around in it like a little dinosaur.


    Of course, aside from Lexi, Rika Song and Ethan Lu already joined the fun by picking up clothes and happily giving theirments and makeup scenarios when the babies were out. The usual tranquil vibe around the Yang mansion soon turned more vibrant with excited peals ofughter of her parents, her supportive best friend, and the father of her children.


    cing her palms on her tummy, Lexi slightly rubbed them sending the moved feelings to her children. It was not that Lexi was less excited about the baby''s clothing nor was she unhappy about the scene before her. In contrast, she was just moved and at the same time, Lexi could not believe that there were indeed two little humans inside her.


    ''My babies, can you hear theirughter? They are so excited to see you¡­ even me, I am excited to see you.'' Telepathically talking to them, Lexi gently smiled as her gaze softened before she joined the fun that was currently urring in the living area.

 Chapter 362 Crazy Cravings

    <h4>Chapter 362 Crazy Cravings</h4>


    One monthter¡­


    "Love¡­" Waking up in the middle of the night, Lexi grumpily sat and rested her back against the bed''s headboard. She then slightly tugged Ethan Lu who was soundlessly sleeping next to her with a book about the do''s and don''ts about pregnancy. s, her slight movement didn''t wake up the sleeping log. Hence, Lexi shook his shoulder stronger which finally woke him up.


    "Oh? Love, there''s something wrong?" Still half asleep and half awake, Ethan Lu supported himself by his elbow as he looked up at Lexi under the dim light of the room.


    "I''m hungry¡­ I want some pizza." Frowning, Lexi slightly licked her bottom lip as her cravings were going out of control with every passing day.


    Normally, Lexi would just crave something when she was awake, but now, she woke up because her stomach was growling nonstop. What''s more? Her tongue seemed to crave for one particr food in thiste hour.


    "Oh¡­ pizza? Alright, I''ll buy¡ª" Shaking his sleepy head awake, the rest of Ethan Lu''s words were stuck on his throat upon checking the time. It was already past midnight and Lexi was asking for a pizza! Where would he go to buy one?!


    "I know it''splicated but I''m starving. Me and the kids¡­" Suddenly, Lexi was already on the verge of breaking down as she understood the dilemma. However, no matter how clear it was, it still breaks her heart as she was willing to put her life on the line just to have some pizza right now.


    "Oh, oh, love, babies, just wait." Rubbing his eyes to force them topletely open, Ethan Lu helped himself to sit up straight and stretched for a bit. "I''ll try to find a way okay?" Helplessly, Ethan Luforted his first baby named Lexi Yang so she wouldn''t throw a tantrum. s, unbeknownst to him, Lexi''s next words would take the challenge to the next level.


    "Alright, I want the pizza that we had as our breakfastst month with Eve and Lou." Her eyes gleamed upon hearing her man say he''ll find a way. After all, whenever Ethan Lu says that, he would surely get it for her. Thus, Lexi added as it was that particr taste of pizza that her tongue was having a craving for.


    "Ahh?" Momentarily, Ethan Lu''s mind went nk upon hearing Lexi''s request. If she wanted a pizza, he could pester the ever-reliable Lyrick Jiang to contact anyone to personally make a healthy pizza that was good for a pregnant woman. However, getting Louis Lu involved, at this time of the night, Ethan Lu would have to prepare himself to get ripped-off.


    Regardless, when his mind finally began working again, Ethan Lu just smiled and nodded before reaching for his phone that was on the bedside table. Dialing Louis Lu''s number, it rang numerous times until the beeping sound indicating that it wasn''t answered.


    "I''ll call him again." Awkwardly smiling to the hopeful preggy, Ethan Lu retried the number to try reaching his cousin again. s, it was always left unanswered until the fifth attempt.


    "Hello?" The moment it connected, Louis Lu''s stoic voice was heard on the other end. He doesn''t sound like he was asleep or he was getting into the bed. To be precise, by the tone of his voice, Louis Lu seemed it was afternoon in his time.


    "Lou¡­"


    "Hmm? I''m sorry. I was in a meeting in NY so I couldn''t pick up the call earlier. What is it? Is there a problem for you to call me in the middle of the night at your ce?" As usual, Louis Lu''s unchanging tone exined his reason to avoid a misunderstanding. When Ethan Lu heard that Louis Lu was back in New York, he understood that it was still around noon in the country''s time zone.


    "Uhm¡­ can I ask a favor? Lexi was craving for some pizza. The pizza you brought here thest time to be exact." Massaging his temple, Ethan Lu raised his gaze to Lexi who was excitedly anticipating his good reaction.


    "She wants that pizza? Now? Why?" Tilting his head to the side, Louis Lu''s brows furrowed as he was still unaware of Lexi''s pregnancy. Or rather, everyone in the Lu family aside from Edward Lu didn''t know a thing about Lexi''s pregnancy to keep her safe.


    "Uh¡­" Pondering whether to tell Louis Lu about the current situation or not, Ethan Lu felt like having a headache being sandwiched between Louis Lu''s exact desire for the true reason and Lexi''s crazy cravings.


    "She''s pregnant?" Without further ado, Louis Lu''s sharp assumption instantly hit the spot which made Ethan Lu heavily sigh.


    "Don''t tell anyone."


    "Fortunately, he''s still in country x for seminars. I''ll tell him but you have to pay thrice the price. I can''t afford that." Nonchntly shrugging his shoulders, Louis Lu responded that made Ethan Lu heaved a sigh of relief.


    "Alright. I need it as soon as possible and what I meant by that is not one, two or three hours from now. Thank you." Upon hearing Ethan Lu''s statement, a priceless smile formed on the side of Lexi''s lips that instantly soothed Ethan Lu''s bank ount from being reduced with a surely enormous amount just by purchasing a pizza.


    After that, the call ended and Ethan Lu received a message from Louis Lu saying that this friend, the pizza chef was on it and he needed to wire him a painstakingly huge amount of money that could make a normal person live in luxury for a year. Regardless of the amount, as long as his babies were happy, Ethan Lu would not mind shelling out more money.


    "Love, I''m so happy~! Now, let''s eat first." Extremely joyous, Lexi threw herself to Ethan Lu with her lips curled up from ear to ear. Of course, other than her, perhaps, his three subordinates who were always being dragged in by Lexi''s crazy cravings that made their jobs extra challenging would be d about this news if it reached them.


    *****


    [Country X international airport]


    "I''m finally back." A woman wearing huge sses clinging onto her small and petite nose, a white fitted sleeveless shirt underneath her leather jacket, big curls on her blonde hair, red stilettos, red paint of her thin lips that were curled into a sneer, muttered as she inhaled the air of the country.


    Lifting her sses over her head, she revealed sharp, oval eyes that matched perfectly with her long curledshes. Moving her head to her side then looked down, a child around five to six years old was innocently clinging onto her hand.


    "Darling, are you excited to meet Daddy?" Squatting down a little, the woman smiled brightly which made the little boy smile as well.


    "Yes, mommy!" Nodding his head, the adorable little guy smiled while his eyes sparkled in excitement.

 Chapter 363 Daddy...?

    <h4>Chapter 363 Daddy...?</h4>


    As promised, Ethan Lu immediately wired a few hundred thousand dors to his beloved cousin''s bank ount. ncing at the happy kiddo named Lexi Yang that was enjoying some pudding sent from her mother, he helplessly smiled as his gaze softened.


    "Tastes good?" Resting his chin on the back of his hand, Ethan Lu inquired as he savored every moment through Lexi''s pregnancy and the days after that.


    Granted that every passing day has be challenging: managing the whole Lu Corporation, dealing with the problematic and troublesome Lu family members, assisting Lexi to their uing wedding, and looking after Lexi''s health. Regardless of that fact, Ethan Lu never felt more productive and happily exhausted at the same time.


    After all, it was for his beloved future wife and their children''s future. Little did he know, Ethan Lu had been staring at her for as long as Lexi could remember with weary yet loving eyes.


    "Love¡­" Raising her head, Lexi finally stared back at him after she gulped the portion of pudding she had. Meekly smiling, Lexi offered a spoonful of the said dessert to in front of his mouth. "Eat as well, will you? You won''t get full by just looking at me you know?" Although Lexi had been focused on cheerfully eating while waiting for the pizza that made her want to drool, still, she could sense the unbreaking stare that was on her.


    "That''s where you are wrong, my love. Just looking at your beautiful and happy face satisfied me already." Chuckling, Ethan Lu''s usual romantic banter was thrown. "Also, we had a heavy dinner. Baby, you''re making me fat." He humored that made her purse her lips on a thin line.


    "That''s the n¡ª let''s get fat together!" Irrationally reasoned out, Lexi grinned. Well, he was right as Ethan Lu did eat all the food she had prepared for him that was twice the size of his usual food intake. Well, Lexi had been gaining weight, therefore, she had to secure her man to repel the pests that like to show up out of nowhere.


    "My, my," Shaking his head, Ethan Lu chuckled as he was over the moon as he liked this version of his wifey. After all, Lexi had been a little more verbal of her thoughts and her emotions were sometimes out of control. Nevertheless, the feeling that Lexi was worried that someone would snatch him away from her moved him.


    "Come on, love. I can''t let you run around looking so handsome while I am in the ugly yet beautiful stage of my pregnancy, eheh." Insisting on the n of the year, Lexi grinned brightly as she waved the spoon that has a dessert on it. Her action, of course, caused a burst of resoundingughter from the groom to be before he abruptly caught the spoon with his mouth.


    "Hmm, sweet." Nodding in acknowledgment, Ethan Lu gulped the soft pudding as he wiped the corners of his mouth with a tissue. "But, you''re the sweetest¡­ rawr." Giving her a knowing look, Lexi bit her bottom lip to resist herself fromughing.


    "Really?" Arching her brows, Lexi feigned innocence as she slightly flipped a few strands of hair dangling from her loose bun.


    "Hmm, actually, I need to confirm it again." With that said note, Ethan Lu suddenly rose from his seat as his upper body stretched towards Lexi. Within a second, his moist lips dominated hers for three short seconds. Retracting his head a little, Ethan Lu licked his lower lip before a smirk formed on the side of his lips. "Yep, it is confirmed you''re the sweetest."


    "Unfair~! One more please," Pouting like a cute little princess, Lexi puffed her cheeks as she plucked her lips for her second kiss. In her eyes, Ethan Lu''s charms are getting astounding by the day. For her, he was the most good looking man and hot at the same time.


    "Haha!" Just as Ethan Lu was about to move forward, they heard the doorbell ring that stopped him in his tracks. "That must be the pizza. Wait." Raising his brows in an up and down motion, Ethan Lu left a peck on Lexi''s lips before jolting from his seat and hurriedly left the dining area.


    As Lexi watched him leave, she didn''t know whether to be happy or annoyed at the same time. Her tummy wanted the pizza but her lips were asking for his. Well, her patience had been running thin as Lexi, herself was undecided what she wanted.


    "*sigh* I guess the pizza for the kids is the priority¡­ right, chummies?" Rubbing her tummy, Lexi looked down as she smiled and threw the desire of her aroused body from being touched by Ethan Lu''s gentleness.


    After that, Lexi decided to follow him to see the greatness of the wonderful pizza her hubby made a way to get his hands on at thiste hour. Little did she know, Lexi would almost have a heart attack the next minute.


    ****


    "I''ming!" Dragging his feet towards the entrance of the door, Ethan Lu slightly shouted upon hearing the second doorbell. As soon as he reached the front door, Ethan Lu didn''t bother to check who it was as they were only expecting the delivery of the pizza.


    "I''m sor¡ª" Just as he opened the door, Ethan Lu''s apologetic dialogue came to an abrupt halt as his eyesid on the pretty woman standing before him. Blinking his eyes to confirm if he was seeing right, Ethan Lu''s eyes widened in shock as his words were stuck on his throat.


    "Love~" Behind him, Lexi was nearly skipping her steps as her thoughts were filled with slices of pizza and sugar. s, the next second, a child''s voice made her tracks stopped and her brows knitted together.


    "Daddy!" Not only Lexi but also, Ethan Lu was stood rooted on the ground when a little person wrapped his arms around his leg and called him ''daddy''.


    Hurrying her steps, Lexi soon reached Ethan Lu''s standpoint and saw a woman standing outside the door while looking down on the child that was hugging her future husband''s leg. In an instant, her heart pounded louder and louder as herplexion paled.


    "Daddy¡­?"

 Chapter 364 Pizza delivery~!

    <h4>Chapter 364 Pizza delivery~!</h4>


    When Ethan Lu heard Lexi''sst remarks, he was snapped back into reality. In an instant, Ethan Lu held the little boy''s shoulder and lightly pushed him away from him.


    "Woah, Woah! What Daddy? I''m not your daddy." Dismayed, Ethan Lu was aghast as he imed while his face distorted to a whole other degree. Of course, his actions made the child to be on the verge of tears as he chewed his bottom lip to restrain himself from sobbing.


    "Mommy¡­" Tugging his mother''s jacket sleeve, the little boy looked up to her as if asking for backup.


    "Ethan¡­ he is¡ª" Just as the woman stuttered, Ethan Lu''s eyes widened in dismay and sassed.


    "Woah, woah, Vic! Stop right there!"


    "What''s going on here? Who is this woman and this child?" Just then, Lexi finally snapped from her stupor and took hurried strides towards them. Her piercing gaze altered from the woman Ethan Lu called Vic and the child that hid behind her, afraid of Lexi''s sharp eyes.


    A scoff escaped Lexi''s mouth as different conclusions hovered in her mind. The very first thought she had when Lexi saw the woman and the child, she already assumed that it was Ethan Lu''s ex-girlfriend.


    Granted that Lexi wasn''t mentioning nor did she show interest in Ethan Lu''s dating history, deep down, she was just afraid to know how many women had touched him and vice versa. Lexi perceived that knowing about that part would make her heart split in half and give her the insecurities she never had before. Moreover, knowing about it, it wouldn''t be healthy in their rtionship.


    However, Lexi hadn''t thought that one of them would show up one day with a child! How could she deal with this now? Just the thought of that, Lexi felt conflicted as her breathing began to get heavier.


    "Ethan¡­ you¡ª!" Grinding her teeth, Lexi was on the verge of suffocation which made Ethan Lu panicked.


    "Love! Wait, let me exin!" Panicking, Ethan Lu frantically glided to Lexi. s, as soon as his hands were about to reach her, they were harshly pped away.


    "Exin what?!" ring daggers at the pale Ethan Lu, Lexi snarled. By then, Ethan Lu transferred the re to the woman in front of his doorstep that was the cause of this crazy misunderstanding.


    "Vic! What the¡­!" Pausing from cursing, Ethan Lu nced at the child peeking behind the woman, he gritted his teeth. "Stop ying games with me for god sake! My wife is pregnant! I swear to god if she has a miscarriage, I won''t forgive you!"


    "Oh, sorry. I didn''t know." Surprised, Victoria Tang blinked her eyes as she slightly bowed her head towards Lexi as if she was apologizing. She then looked down at her child before she smiled, "Darling, it''s okay. Don''t cry, that''s your uncle Ethan."


    "Uncle?" At the same time, Lexi and the little guy both had question marks on their cloud of thoughts. On the other hand, although Ethan Lu didn''t know why Victoria Tang was there in front of his doorstep at this hour, he assumed that his good friend would like her child to address him as his uncle.


    "Tch,e in." Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Ethan Lu invited them in as he had a slight headache for the unforeseen event that urred in a short amount of a few minutes.


    *****


    "Love, this is my old friend, Victoria Tang. Vic, this is my fiancee, Lexi Yang." Under his breath, Ethan Lu gently rubbed Lexi''s back as he introduced the woman to her. Casting the child with an uninterested look, Ethan Lu then returned his gaze to Victoria Tang.


    "You have a kid that big¡­ how?"


    "Hi, I''m sorry for startling you, really. I just wanted to get my revenge on him for all the pranks he pulled on me in the past. I didn''t know that you''re conceiving a child so, I am deeply sorry." Ignoring Ethan Lu''s obvious criticism, Victoria Tang apologized to Lexi first as she knew she needed to sincerely ask for her forgiveness.


    "I see¡­" Nodding in understanding, Lexi felt that a thorn was picked out from her heart upon hearing that the child wasn''t Ethan Lu''s. "But, may I know why you are here at thiste hour?"


    "Right, why would you drop by here now instead of tomorrow?" Backing up Lexi''s inquiry, Ethan Lu knitted his brows in confusion.


    In retrospect, Victoria Tang would never see him if it was not important. Even that one time she had left the country, she didn''t say a word to anyone about it. She just left, just like that. If not for the fact that Ethan Lu reached out to her asking what happened, he would not know that she left the country to study. However, by the looks of it, Ethan Lu somewhat understood that Victoria Tang''s reason wasn''t about that but to hide her pregnancy.


    Still, what he could not understand was that, why Victoria Tang decided to bother him the moment she arrived in the country. Hence, both Lexi and Ethan Lu patiently waited for her response that seemed to take forever.


    Victoria Tang just smiled before she turned to face her little one sitting beside her. cing her hand on top of his head to pat it, she then returned her head to Lexi and Ethan Lu before she slowly opened her mouth.


    "We wanted to meet the father of the child."


    "Yo! I said to stop that!" Distressed, Ethan Lu red at her as he thought Victoria Tang was teasing him and Lexi again. On the other hand, Lexi attentively waited for her exnation and how she would meet the father of the child in Ethan Lu''s ce.


    "Silly," Chuckling, Victoria Tang lightly shook her head as she continued to tenderly pat on her yawning child''s head. "I heard Lou is in the country so, my first thought was that that cheapskate was probably staying here."


    The moment they heard herst remarks, the whole vi fell into a deep quietness as Lexi and Ethan Lu''s eyes tried to process her words. Blinking numerous times, Lexi and Ethan Lu were evenly stunned and gasped at the same time upon realizing who was the father.


    "Lou is the dad?!" In unison, Lexi and Ethan Lu asked as a priceless reaction gradually disyed on their faces.


    "Pizza delivery!" Just then, they heard the doorbell ring again and a loud deration outside the manor. Perhaps, it was the silence that stilled the whole surrounding of the vi that they had heard the delivery guy from the outside.

 Chapter 365 Yes, he is Lous child

    <h4>Chapter 365 Yes, he is Lou''s child</h4>


    Although the doorbell rang for the second time, Lexi and Ethan Lu were immobilized while their stunned eyes were glued onto Victoria Tang''s meek smile. In their guest''s eyes, she seemed to expect this kind of reaction from everyone if they knew who was the father of his little boy. However, she was certain that he was.


    [DING DONG!]


    The third time the doorbell rang, both Lexi and Ethan Lu were brought back to reality as their brows furrowed in dismay at the same time. Receiving the shock of their life that the kid just addressed Ethan Lu as his ''daddy'', but, most of all, the truth came as a shock as well.


    "Yes, he is Lou''s child." Slowly, Victoria Tang repeated with a meek smile. At this time, her little one was already yawning and rested his little head onto his mother''sp while rubbing his adorable thin eyes.


    "Mommy¡­ Vin is sleepy¡ª where''s Daddy?" In between his yawning, Vincent Tang, the little guy spoke in a sleepy and exhausted tone. In just a minute, the little boy fell asleep under his mother''s gentle caress on his head without hearing Victoria Tang''s response.


    "I''m sorry, my baby." Whispering, Victoria Tang''s eyes softenedced with a slight bitterness. The moment she saw Lexi, Victoria Tang already guessed that she came at the wrong time. Hence, there was a conflicted emotion circled around her heart for this failed attempt to see the father of her child.


    "Wait¡ª don''t speak a word or anything! I need to get the pizza!" Raising his hand, gesturing to his good friend Victoria Tang to hold back all of the information she had about this news, Ethan Lu jolted from his seat.


    Like a bolt of lightning, Ethan Lu hurriedly went to receive the pizza delivered by a seemingly normal delivery man. After receiving the food they had ordered, Ethan Lu sprinted towards the kitchen to get the small container of sugar and saucer tes.


    Everything happened within a minute as Lexi and Victoria Tang could only see a sh running around before Ethan Lu went back to the living area bringing the three boxes of pizza, a small porcin container of sugar, saucer te and bottled waters. If they didn''t know him and his upation, bothdies would think that Ethan Lu was a former waiter for being able to carry everything all by himself.


    "So, where were we? Vic, you can start." Plopping down beside Lexi, Ethan Lu panted as if he had just ran a marathon. Looking at the woman across him, Ethan Lu nodded in approval so she could start this interesting piece of gossip he was about to hear.


    Shaking her head, Lexi sensed the excitement and her partner''s interest between Victoria Tang and his cousin Louis Lu. In her mind, Lexi was somewhat surprised and not at the same time for Ethan Lu to be oblivious about this thing.


    Opening one of the pizza boxes, Lexi cast Victoria Tang a nce as she ced a slice of pizza on one of the tes and served it to their guest before she served herself with another slice.


    "You know, you can stay here for the night. Hadn''t you just arrived in the country?" Since Victoria Tang wasn''t saying anything or rather, she didn''t know where to start, Lexi offered and asked afterward. Although the answer was obvious as both the mother and son duo had luggage with them, Lexi still asked just for her to be a little at ease.


    "No, it''s fine. We already booked a hotel room and¡ª"


    "I insist." Smiling, Lexi insisted with a reassuring tone. "Your little one is tired and the nearest hotel is an hour drive¡ª for your child, stay for the night. What''s his name again?" Perhaps, it was because Lexi would soon be an official mother that she was concerned for Vincent Tang.


    After all, it was ratherte and the two were surely exhausted from the long flight. Moreover, for Victoria Tang to try her luck to meet Louis Lu at this moment, part of Lexi tells her it has a deeper reason behind it. Therefore, since Ethan Lu was the only person that could easily reach Louis Lu any time he wanted, it was best to stay in their ce for a while.


    "Vin, Vincent Tang. Thank you and I''m sorry to bother you." Bowing to show her courtesy, Victoria Tang was moved by Lexi''s kindness. Unconsciously, her gaze moved to Ethan Lu and deep down, she could not wrap her head around on how this yboy was able to capture such kind and rare deity.


    "Uh?" Tilting his head to the side, Ethan Lu furrowed his brows as he was eagerly waiting for a good story on when the two became an item and how did they have a child together.


    "My love, can you please help us? Little Vin needs to sleep in a proper sleeping position." Ignoring the obvious disappointment to Ethan Lu''s dismayed front, as if Lyrick Jiang''s soul manifested in him, Lexi asked.


    With that said note, Lexi and Ethan Lu prepared the guest room and then he carried the little boy to the room. After everything was settled, Lexi and Ethan Lu watched Victoria Tang on the side as she was done changing her son''s clothes intofortable ones.


    In their eyes, Victoria Tang genuinely loved and cared for her son. The look in her eyes, no one would be able to fake it, which slightly moved the two expecting parents. Carrying the little guy and caring for him, Lexi and Ethan Lu might not verbally say it now but it excited them to see their own little versions.


    "It''s a shame that my gamble tonight is a failure." Without breaking her gaze while she ran her fingers through her son''s hair, Victoria Tang mumbled in disappointment. "I thought that if I met him tonight, there was a higher probability that I''d get to see and discuss things about our child since it''s impossible to know where he would be in the day." She added before a mocking scoff escaped her mouth.

 Chapter 366 Ethans helping hand

    <h4>Chapter 366 Ethan''s helping hand</h4>


    Indeed, the very reason why Victoria Tang came in the middle of the night was that she knew Louis Lu too well. It was impossible to know his whereabouts in the day as he was a workaholic person and his schedule was surely packed.


    Only at night, Louis Lu had this habit that all business-rted works should not bother his sleeping pattern as he was very well conscious of his health. Therefore, Victoria Tang was certain that Louis Lu would be in Ethan Lu''s ce as he was frequently cost-cutting to reduce his expenses as much as he could.


    "Err¡­" Scratching his jaw, Ethan Lu pondered on what to ask or to say as he had too many things he wanted to know. "Until now, I am shocked that Lou has a child. He never mentioned it to me."


    "Ethan¡­" Under her breath, Lexi cast Ethan Lu a side nce as he seemed to forget what Victoria Tang said earlier: to meet the father''s child. Just that statement and Victoria Tang''s cluelessness about Louis Lu''s whereabouts, it was easy to guess that Louis Lu didn''t know about this news.


    "No, I never told him about Vin." Again, another heavy scoff slipped out from Victoria Tang''s lips as she lightly shook her head sideways. Breaking her gaze away from her little boy, she turned to face Lexi and Ethan Lu before a forced smile disyed in the corner of her lips.


    "Actually, I never had the intention to let him know in the first ce."


    "Huh? Why?" Furrowing his brows, Ethan Lu asked first which Lexi also wanted to know.


    "I don''t know¡­ maybe, I don''t expect much from him and what happened between us¡ª it''s something that shouldn''t have happened in the first ce. Also, he was just starting hispany back then so, I don''t want to burden and pressure him more." Pursing her lips into a smile, Victoria Tang shrugged with a heavy sigh.


    Upon hearing her response, Ethan Lu and Lexi fell into a momentary silence. Lexi might not say it but, to her, they agreed that Victoria Tang''s reasoning was utterly selfish. Granted that maybe, just maybe, what happened between them was an ident and they didn''t love each other, still, that fateful night they shared together had given them a beautiful blessing. Therefore, whether Louis Lu would take responsibility or not, Lexi thought that Victoria Tang should still let him know at the very least.


    On the other hand, in contrast to half of Lexi''s thought, Ethan Lu just nced at Victoria Tang with an unreadable thought on his front. Meekly smiling, Ethan Lu spoke as he marginally raised his brows.


    "Then, what''s the reason as to why you decided to let him know now?"


    "Because¡­ Vin was diagnosed with astic anemia and I am hoping to get his help before his condition bes worse." Victoria Tang heavily sighed as she turned her gaze back to Vincent Tang''s small sleeping figure.


    "What?!" Upon hearing the real reason why Victoria Tang decided to reveal her child to Louis Lu, Lexi and Ethan Lu asked in unison.


    "hmmm, I didn''t want to wait for months when my child could not travel any longer. Also, my family is here so maybe they can help financially." Trying to stay strong as she was reminded that her child was sick, Victoria Tang concealed her worries and fears with a smile.


    "I guess they were right. Pursuing my passion as a painter can only sustain me and my son''s daily needs." Hanging her head low, Victoria Tang faintly chuckled in mockery as her huge pride was lowered when her son''s life was at stake.


    When she came to know that Vincent Tang, her one and only precious treasure was diagnosed with the said disease, Victoria Tang knew that she must go back to the country and ask for help.


    After all, her ie as an aspiring artist was only enough to put food on their table and buy something for her child on asion. Well, to be precise, it wasn''t that little butpare to the lifestyle she had before, there was a clear and vast difference.


    "You know Vic, that''s not like you." Out of nowhere, in a matter of fact tone, Ethan Lu raised his brows again to give her a knowing look. "I get why you have such thoughts but, pursuing something you love and still be able to take care of your son and his needs proved that what other people said was not entirely right." Shrugging nonchntly, Ethan Lu added that it made Lexi turned to his direction.


    "Let''s call it a night. Rest first and I''ll arrange a meeting between you and Lou."


    Hearing hisst remarks, Victoria Tang raised her hopeful gaze to Ethan Lu''s nonchnt front and then to Lexi''s satisfied smile. Bowing her head, Victoria Tang was overwhelmed to hear this great news. Therefore, she could not thank them enough with just words. s, a sincere gratitude was all she could offer at the moment.


    "Thank you, really."


    "Tch, stop acting like that. I''m not used to it, haha." Clicking his tongue before a smirk formed on the side of his lips, Ethan Lu waved his hands off before he exchanged some more banter with Victoria Tang.


    Soon, after a while, Lexi and Ethan Lu let Victoria Tang rest as they departed from the guest room. As they headed towards their own bedroom, Lexi constantly shot Ethan Lu a nce.


    "Say it." Knowing that he knew that she was looking at him yet, deciding to keep his mouth shut, Lexi arched her brows as she demanded.


    "Err¡­" Stopping in his tracks, Ethan Lu turned to face Lexi as he scratched his temple with the tip of his forefinger. "I am just thinking why people always try to keep the truth to themselves instead of sharing it."


    When Ethan Lu heard the reason behind Victoria Tang''s secret motherhood, he could not help but think about the mistake his dear friend Morris Liu had done. Well, he understood that the fear of rejection and disappointment was indeed nerve-wracking and could put a person in immense pressure.


    However, in Victoria Tang''s situation, whether the child would be fatherless or not, she should have at least told Louis Lu about Vincent Tang''s existence and whether he believed it or not, then, that''s all on him. In that way, one way or another, she did try to give the child the right to know who was his father.

 Chapter 367 Flirts

    <h4>Chapter 367 Flirts</h4>


    Upon hearing the obvious wondering what he must have in his mind, a smile was brought across her lips. Indeed, Lexi also never understood why people would make those foolish decisions as she would always go for honesty at first.


    It was not that she was judging them or anything of the sort but in her point of view, letting the involved party, especially your partner, know should alwayse first. Even in Victoria Tang''s situation, whether she and Louis Lu wanted a child together or it just happened, still, since they were the parents and have created someone that would connect them for a lifetime, the very least they could do was settle things as both parties would now know what''s up.


    "That''s because not everyone is like you my love," Wrapping her arms around his neck, her gaze traveled across his exhausted yet dashing front. "Not everyone is as brave as you are and I''m lucky." Winking, the corner of her lips curled into a gentle smile because once again, Lexi appreciated that her man was a genuine, honest person¡ª though sometimes a headache would form when ites to other things. Nevertheless, she never thought that anyone could win inparison to the only man in her eyes¡­ aside from Frederick Yang of course.


    As Ethan Lu heard herst remarks, a blush on his cheeks could not help but show. It was not a daily thing that Lexi was this verbally sweet towards him. After all, his romantic banter has be his daily habit towards her, but something cheesy thating out of Lexi''s mouth, it was rarer than the rarest kind. Therefore, the rollercoaster ride he had tonight felt all the more worth it.


    "You are what again?" Resisting the bright grin that was tempting to ster itself across his entire face, Ethan Lu requested that she should repeat herst remarks as he wanted to hear it again. If he has a choice, he wanted to hear it every single day, or every minute of the day so he could feel more motivated.


    "I am lucky," Arching her brows as Lexi giggled while slightly teasing the eager Ethan Lu.


    "And why is my love lucky~?"


    "Because¡­" Biting her lower lips as she paused, a sly grin formed on the side of his lips. "Because I am pretty."


    "Yes, you are my love but, may I know the other reason?" Pouting his lips a little, he simultaneously raised his brows in an up and down motion as Ethan Lu wrapped his arms around her waist and slightly shook his shoulder.


    "I am lucky to have you." Rolling her eyes as hearts and flowers sprinkled suddenly that soon spread across the whole vi. It was as if the whole ce could wobble with the sweetness of the two that would surely startle the people who would witness it.


    After the two continued to be lovey-dovey with no care in the world, finally, they decided to head back to the master''s bedroom. As soon as Ethan Lu assisted Lexi to their bedroom, he went back downstairs to fetch the untouched pizza and some water so she could eat inside the room.


    ****


    Chowing down on the portion of pizza, Lexi was resting her back against the bed''s headboard while Ethan Lu had hisptop on hisp to finish some documents to lessen his workload in the morning. After all, he was certain that both of them will wake up a littlete and he didn''t want toe to the office feeling all grumpy and groggy.


    "Love?" After gulping a mouthful of water, Lexi nced at hisptop screen before she shifted her gaze to see his solemn side profile.


    "Hmm?" Without looking away from the monitor screen, Ethan Lu hummed a questioning tune as a response.


    "How can you im that you are a good friend of everyone while not knowing what''s happening to them?" Tilting her head to the side, Lexi was rather interested in knowing how he could have absolutely zero clues on what''s happening to his friends.


    Granted that Lexi only has had fake, user friends in the past. Still, she could safely say that she was, one way or another, had been a good friend as she was always updated and would always be there for them if they needed somepany. Hence, from Morris Liu''s tight situation in the past, and Lexi meeting all his friends, even Kevin Woo on asion, and now, Victoria Tang''s situation, she wondered what he was doing all this time.


    Lexi''s harmless question surprisingly made him produce a series of coughs as he realized what she meant. Clearing his throat after recovering, he turned to his side to face Lexi.


    "You know my love, I respect everyone''s privacy so, unless they tell me, I don''t ask."


    "But, have you ever thought that sometimes, you have to be the first to reach out for them to open up?" Arching her brows, Lexi didn''t mean to argue. However, she thought that sometimes, a person just needed someone to ask how they are because sharing problems with someone wasn''t that easy, especially if no one seems to care. She was talking from personal experience at this point.


    "*sigh*" Heavily sighing, Ethan Lu slightly raised his hands to his shoulder''s level as if conceding defeat. "Alright, I concede. I admit that I am not as good as I im but I am not bad either. It''s just that, we have so many problems to deal with individually and I don''t want to deal with other''s problems." Stating his honest answer, deep down, he knew that he had been a selfish friend to everyone yet, he still imed that they were his good friends.


    If not for the fact that he fell head over heels for Lexi and that he felt the need to chase her love to the ends of the world, he would not understand what she was saying and would adamantly remain on this twisted mentality of friendship.


    "Oh¡­ So, you really never thought that Vic and Lou had a thing?" Nodding in understanding, Lexi wasn''t surprised about this confession as she doesn''t expect much from the old version of Ethan Lu. After all, he already stated that he was a scum but not the lowest of the low.

 Chapter 368 Late night gossip

    <h4>Chapter 368 Late night gossip</h4>


    Scrutinizing his pondering front about her question, Lexi added. "It''s really a surprise that Lou has a child. I never really thought that that guy can manage to have such a romantic rtionship."


    Indeed, no matter how Lexi thought about it, she could not envision Louis Lu being lovey-dovey with someone else. Instead, she imagined a very boring date that she would not like to have from then and now. No one could me her though because her man set the bar so high that she thought no other man could ever reach it if they tried in their lifetime.


    "Well¡­" Resting the back of his head against the bed''s headboard, Ethan Lu slightly lifted his head as he peered at the corner side of the ceiling. "If it''s Vic, then I think those two really match each other."


    "Hmm?" Lexi couldn''t understand what he meant by that and why he made such an assumption. Therefore, after humming a tune, Lexi patiently waited for his exnation.


    "I never really noticed that there was something going on between Lou and Vic but in the past, the only person who could change Lou''s expression was her." In a matter of fact tone, Ethan Lu recalled all the times he spent with his cousin and Victoria Tang that has a close rtionship with Dn Lu: Ethan Lu''s cousin and Dennis Lu''s son.


    Only when Victoria Tang was around, Ethan Lu would see Louis Lu''s human side aside from his usual weirdness. Actually, he would be more like a normal man when she was around. Although the change by other''s point of view could be considered unnoticeable, still, to someone that was close to Louis Lu, that change was already enough to make their eyes bulge.


    "Also, Vic really made a bad decision by keeping her pregnancy a secret."


    "I know right?" Shrugging her shoulders, Lexi bit the slice of pizza, unaware that she was not on the same page as him.


    "I mean, knowing Lou, he would not touch a woman by ident." This time, Ethan Lunguidly turned to Lexi who was chewing the pizza Louis Lu ordered using his money with confused knitted brows. "My love, do you really think Lou will make such a mistake? That meticulous, health-conscious, and opportunist of a guy? Even if you injected him with the strongest drug, Lou will probably ask her to drive him to the hospital if he''s not interested in her or, even if the scenario was both of them were drunk, it was only rational that Lou would just sleep it off. Also, even if Vic was the one who initiated it, he would totally refuse¡ª he always refused anything in regards to sexualpany in his meetings." Laying down possible scenarios and Louis Lu''s obvious action in each of them, Ethan Lu watched how Lexi''s eyes widened as her stuffed cheeks stopped from chewing.


    If there was a person who knew Louis Lu inside and out, that would probably Ethan Lu. After all, they had been close since childhood until they grew up. Although their interactions weren''t as cute just like when they were children, their bond was still there¡­ forever.


    "Uh huh¡­ I just don''t want to mention it to Vic so as not to raise any hopes if there is." Seeing that Lexi''s face was screaming ''you mean Lou also liked Vic''? kind of expression, Ethan Lu enlightened her and exined why he held back from saying anything to Victoria Tang.


    With great effort, Lexi finally gulped down a mouthful of pizza that she shoved inside her mouth before drinking a mouthful of water. The moment she regained her breathing, Lexi snapped.


    "You mean to say, Lou might not think what Vic thinks?" Like a gossiping girl, Lexi''s eyes lit up as an interesting glint shed across her pair of nut-brown orbs. Now, there''s no doubt that Lexi and Ethan Lu right now were like having a girl''s slumber party as they shared their conclusion and gossiped about other people''s matters.


    Understandably because they can only be this verbally transparent to each other as they wouldn''t be judged with this little secret they had at night: sharing gossip and opinions.


    "Yeah, though I can''t say if he intentionally impregnated her or not but one thing is for sure, Grandpa has gained another great-grandson¡ª good for him." Ethan Lu didn''t jump into too much of a conclusion as he believed that Louis Lu was not that irresponsible. Yet, there was also a possibility as he was sometimes selfish and only thought about his own well-being without asking the involved parties. Regardless, he already sent an invitation to Louis Lu to drop by in his home two days from now giving him a vague idea of what he should expect.


    The two lovebirds continued to exchange deductions before Lexi finally downed four big slices of pizza before she finally threw the white towel indicating that she gave up. Then, after cleaning up a little, Lexi shamelessly nestled in Ethan Lu''s arms like a pampered little princess that she was and fell asleep with a happy tummy.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu could not fall asleep as he kept thinking about Louis Lu and Victoria Tang''s matter. Most importantly, he reflected on his past actions and how useless of a friend he was. Lexi was right, although Ethan Lu admitted that he tried to avoid being entangled with other people''s problems, s, he never really tried to correct it.


    Granted that he didn''t owe anyone anything, but still, all his friends have helped him one way or another. Morris Liu, Chris Yu, Elliot Gong, Kevin Woo, Louis Lu, Victoria Tang, and many others. He knew that what he was today, these people helped him get through the hardest days of his life¡ª whether big or small.


    ''Well, maybe not charging Lou for arranging a meeting with his child and Vic is enough¡­ I guess.'' Throwing the active thoughts that were keeping him awake to the back of his mind, Ethan Lu still engraved a little something in his heart, that one day he would return the favor, starting with Louis Lu, then to the suppressed Woo family.

 Chapter 369 Excited to see daddy

    <h4>Chapter 369 Excited to see daddy</h4>


    Two dayster¡­


    The said date that Ethan Lu personally arranged to invite Louis Lu over for dinner finally came. The time that they expected for Louis Lu to arrive in the country was eight in the evening. Therefore, they still had five hours left before this grand meeting was about to ur.


    Within those two short days, Lexi and Ethan Lu insisted that Victoria Tang and her child, Vincent Tang should just stay in their ce. Furthermore, Ethan Lu had been quite busy as he has to hustle before their wedding date that will take ce one month from now. Hence, Victoria Tang and her kid always tagged along with Lexi as Vincent Tang would just have to drop by in the hospital.


    "Nico, how''s the production? Will we make it?" Inside her office, Lexi was enjoying a hot healthy tea courtesy from her mother as she nced over the cup that was on her lips to Nico Zhuang''s direction.


    After signing a contract with Aubrey Ning, Beauty DR had been particrly busy because Aubrey Ning had begun distributing her products to all her resources. Getting Rika Song as the main endorser of her brand also helped a lot as their sales gradually rose and the brand was hyped up. Therefore, in a short amount of time, the second batch to be delivered doubled in amountpared to their first batch.


    It was a blessing yet also a dilemma to her right now as Lexi was short on manpower.


    "No, unless your people have to work overtime for two weeks." Shaking his head, Nico Zhuang honestly ryed his assumption.


    After Ethan Lu''s proposal, Nico Zhuang had to be transferred to assist Lexi''s business as he knew her ns and has been with her since day one. Thus, his job as a bodyguard was put on pause because Ethan Lu could not afford to stress Lexi too much while she was pregnant.


    Thanks to Nico Zhuang, Beauty DR had been operating smoothly whenever Lexi wasn''t around especially in theb as Ethan Lu forbid her to surround herself with whatever medicines were inside the ce¡ª no matter how organic they were. Also, with his presence and guidance, Lexi would only have to deal with major deals and paperwork that needed her signature.


    "I see¡­" Nodding in understanding, Lexi contemted what she will do next. She could post up a job opportunity but still, even if she gets the opportunity to hire sufficient people to work on the production, they would have to train them for a period of time.


    After all, she could not rush the people to know immediately about how thepany operates as it would only cause another headache if their products were half-heartedly delivered. Lexi could not afford to drop the quality of her products even if it''s just packaging. Moreover, this was a crucial time for herpany as she has to establish a good reputation.


    "Then, let''s do that first and give the increase they needed. I''ll contact the HR for a job post." Pinching the bridge of her nose, Lexi ordered that made Nico Zhuang nod in understanding. She added,


    "Also, if we are still short on time, we''ll have to deliver the partial stocks to our clients."


    "Understood." Nico Zhuang slightly bowed his head in understanding before he slowly stood from his seat. Unconsciously, he nced at Victoria Tang and a child inside the room that remained quiet before he left the room to execute Lexi''s orders just like an obedient and reliable assistant.


    "I should have thought more ambitiously and hired more people before." Mumbling, Lexi massaged her temples as she wanted to lend a hand to herpany. s, with her current situation, Lexi didn''t want to put her children''s lives at stake hence, the dilemma.


    "Is there anything I can do to help?" Watching how Lexi calmed her nerves as she mumbled every so often, Victoria Tang broke her silence.


    Throughout Nico Zhuang and Lexi''s conversation, she got the gist of her problem. Although Lexi''s final resort to deliver partial orders to her clients was good, still, Victoria Tang felt a little ashamed as Lexi had been treating her very well and she wanted to at least repay her kindness.


    "No, it''s alright I think." Lightly, Lexi shook her head sideways. "But, I appreciate the thought." After massaging her temples, Lexi raised her gaze to see Victoria Tang''s pretty front.


    "Anyways, you don''t have to worry becauseter, little Vin would have to meet his father." Diverting the subject, Lexi smiled as she moved her gaze to Vincent Tang that also smiled brightly upon hearing her remarks.


    "Mommy, I''m excited to see Daddy!" As if he was just any other healthy child, little Vincent Tang excitedly turned to his mother with a bright grin that revealed his small teeth.


    "Mhmm¡­" Nodding her head as she gently patted her son''s head, Victoria Tang hummed a tune. No one could guess if she was also excited to meet Louis Lu after all these fleeting years or not.


    "Uhm, Vic?" Lexi''s forefinger circled around on the tip of her cup of tea as she contemted whether if she should ask her a question or not.


    "Yes?"


    "Are you nervous?" Deciding not to ask if Victoria Tang had feelings for Louis Lu even just a tiny bit, Lexi refrained herself from asking because little Vincent Tang was there.


    Victoria Tang only smiled awkwardly that revealed that she was indeed nervous even without saying it. Granted that she unhesitantly decided to meet Louis Lu, however, her resolve at that time was firm. But now, just two days after theynded in the country, the waiting these days to meet Louis Lu in an official meeting had turned a little dreaded.


    Would he be happy? Mad? Would he even care? Well, he might question if he was the real father but Victoria Tang was confident even if a paternity testing was done.


    "It''s okay¡­" Putting down the cup of tea, Lexi offered aforting smile to her. If only she could reach her hand, Lexi had probably held them to ease her heart and mind just like what her mother always does to her.


    "Lou¡­ He might be weird but he''s a responsible person. I trust that everything will be fine in the end." Lexi added as she nodded her head once to assure Victoria Tang''s mind.

 Chapter 370 Girls talk

    <h4>Chapter 370 Girl''s talk</h4>


    One hour before the said meeting time¡­


    The rest of the day, Lexi was unconsciously observing Victoria Tang. Based on herte night talks with her favorite person in the world named Ethan Lu, He described Victoria Tang as a confident feisty woman.


    However, the woman before her doesn''t seem like it. It was more like Victoria Tang had lost all her confidence and what was left was a humble and insecuredy¡­ Yet, a strong and loving mother of her child. Perhaps, it was due to the fact that her child was sick and cutting ties with her somewhat wealthy family made her suffer a little.


    Not just that, through the years, Victoria Tang wasbeled as a single mother whose child''s father was unknown. Therefore, in this cruel reality, criticism was inevitable. So, it wasn''t a surprise that despite Victoria Tang''s beautiful face, her aura was too dark and exhausted.


    "Say¡­ do you really like Lou?" Currently, they were already back in Ethan Lu''s vi and Victoria Tang was the one who was preparing their dinner. Hence, as Lexi watched her guest busy herself while preparing all the meals, she could not help but ask. After all, Vincent Tang was already napping in the guest room and there was not anyone to hear this question but them.


    For a moment, Victoria Tang paused on mixing the veggies on the cooking pan before she lowered the heat to the minimum degree and then turned to face Lexi that was leaning on the kitchen counter.


    "Uhm, to be honest, I don''t know myself¡ª maybe, maybe not." Shrugging her shoulders, Victoria Tang meekly smiled as a deep, heavy exhale escaped her mouth. "Me, Ethan, Louis, and Dn, we are all good friends with each other. Though for me, those cousins were all weird in their own way, Lou was probably the weirdest."


    "I know right?" For a second, Lexi raised her brows as she agreed to what she just said. Although Lexi hadn''t met this Dn Lu and Ethan Lu rarely mentioned him, she already perceived that this Dn Lu was bad news just like his father Dennis Lu. Still, Dn Lu being a good friend with Victoria Tang, maybe, he wasn''t as bad as she thought he was.


    "But, as we grew up, I sort of understood that Lou''s thought process was too sharp that it makes him look weird. He won''t exin things but if you ask him, he will surely rify things with you." As Victoria Tang reminisced the past, her gaze softened with the particr thought of Louis Lu. "The Lu family, you might have known that their family was ratherplicated but Lou, he''s the kindest among the Lu family. No offense."


    "Well, that''s your opinion." Taking no harm, Lexi just shrugged her shoulders because, in her own opinion, no one could beat her man.


    "Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I will ever like any of the Lu cousins because all I thought was that they were my brothers. But, one fateful night, I was having drinks with Lou¡ª family drama¡ª and then, it happened." Chuckling that sounded like a mockery to herself, another heavy sigh escaped Victoria Tang''s mouth.


    "We agreed that we''d pretend that nothing had happened between us the next morning but, it''s actually hard not to think that way. Maybe he can but I can''t¡­ I ended our friendship and Lou never talked to me ever again after that. I didn''t know I was pregnant at that time, I only knew about it two monthster." Victoria Tang had never detailed what happened that night to anyone but, because it was Lexi, she willingly shared this long-overdue story.


    Meanwhile, as Lexi listened, she lightly tapped her fingers on the surface of the kitchen counter. To her, thinking in Ethan Lu''s position, Lexi thought that he would surely say that Louis Lu was probably hurt or something of the sort. After all, the said weirdo had his odd ways of dealing with things and no one would know what he was thinking or feeling with that stone-cold face of his.


    "At first, I thought about abortion¡­ silly me." Shaking her head once again, Victoria Tang mocked that silly thought of her past, selfish self. "But when I heard the child''s heartbeat for the first time, for some reason, I decided not to. I tried to reach Lou and tell him about it. But, it seemed that he really wanted me out of his life so, here I am." Summarizing the agonizing journey while she was pregnant, Victoria Tang avoided the story where she was crying her heart out to sleep and how stressful her pregnancy was and the days after giving birth to a wonderful son.


    "I see¡­" Nodding in understanding, Lexi refrained herself from saying reckless promises and unsureforts to her, afraid that she''d give false hope to the poor woman.


    In her point of view, maybe Victoria Tang was denying her feelings for Louis Lu that unconsciously bloomed within her, s, it was evident that deep down in her heart, there was a special ce that was meant only for Louis Lu.


    Surely, sometimes, a person''s fate was cruel. Just like Lexi, she spent countless agonizing nights fighting for her first love before tasting the perfection of her newfound love. Therefore, one way or another, Lexi could rte as to why Victoria Tang made such a foolish action in the past and now, lowering all her pride for her selfless love for her son.


    Just at that thought, Leximended and respected Victoria Tang''s strong heart, Little did Lexi know, it was like Victoria Tang has a choice, because as a mother, giving up her own life and sumbing to her depressing state will only make the child suffer even more. She would only realize that fact when the time came that she would be able to meet her children.


    ****


    Unbeknownst to the two, Louis Lu had already arrived at the vi without a sound. Luckily, Ethan Lu hadn''t changed the password in his house hence, he entered without any disturbances. As usual, Louis Lu remained silent and heard Lexi''s voice from the kitchen.


    "Say¡­ do you really like Lou?"

 Chapter 371 Broken yat holding on

    <h4>Chapter 371 Broken yat holding on</h4>


    Upon hearing that question, Louis Lu furrowed his brows as his interest was piqued. Therefore, behind the wall at the entrance of the kitchen, he leaned his back against the wall and decided to eavesdrop. In the next second, he stood rooted to the floor upon hearing a very familiar voice of the woman he would never forget.


    As their conversation went on and Victoria Tang described her inner thoughts about him, his expression never changed, not even once. Even when she told Lexi that he was the weirdest then to her, came to be the kindest, nothing seemed to faze him¡­ not until Victoria Tang mentioned about being pregnant.


    In an instant, Louis Lu turned his head to his shoulder as if, if he does so, he would see the urrence inside the kitchen. Soon, their conversation about Louis Lu was interrupted when the smell of something burning embraced their nostrils.


    He could hear their voices as the twodies in the kitchen panicked as the food was meant for the guy named Vin. Louis Lu heard in between their conversation that Vincent Tang was in the guest room sleeping. Thus, when Lexi and Victoria Tang''s conversation diverted into something uninteresting about Ethan Lu, he wordlessly left his spot and headed to the guest room to meet the guy named Vin.


    ****


    Soon, the time had arrived and Ethan Lu made it thirty minutes before eight. Of course, the moment he arrived, Lexi was like a little girl in love as she tended to him and prepared him some appetizers to eat before he freshened up.


    Currently, Lexi, Ethan Lu, and the mother and son duo were silently sitting around the living area. None of them uttered a single word for a while as the ticking of the clock was the only noise that could be heard around the whole vi.


    Normally, they wouldn''t wait for someone to arrive on time. s, it was Louis Lu they were talking about and when he gave a time, he would surely arrive sharply. Aside from Victoria Tang who felt that every passing secondsted a minute, Lexi and Ethan Lu shared the same anxiousness for some unknown reason.


    They were akin to a pair of worried parents waiting for the board exam result of their child. Regardless, this was the moment of truth and both hoped for the best for this little broken yet holding on family.


    When the clock hit eight o''clock, the doorbell rang which startled Lexi and Ethan Lu that it nearly made them jolt from their seats.


    "I''ll get it." Clearing his throat, Ethan Lu finally broke his silence as he unhurriedly strode towards the entrance. On the other hand, Victoria Tang''s nervousness was nearing its peak as the moment of truth finally arrived.


    Her hands trembled as sweat broke on her back and palms. Thankfully, a little hand held onto her hands that magically stopped its shaking. Shifting her gaze to Vincent Tang''s adorable little face, Victoria Tang''s nervousness slightly reduced by half.


    "Thank you, Darling." cing a peck on top of her son''s head, Victoria Tang seemed she was asking for some courage from her son with that kiss.


    "Mommy, are you scared?" Innocently blinking his worried eyes, little Vincent Tang harmlessly inquired as he never saw his mother have such a reaction.


    "No, baby. As long as my little Vin is here, Mommy will not be scared." Giving her child a reassuring smile, Victoria Tang lovingly patted her son''s head before taking a deep breath.


    Meanwhile, Lexi''s gaze softened as she watched this scene. Surely, Victoria Tang''s source of strength was her child that keeps her moving forward. She wondered if she would be a good mother to her children when the timees.


    "Yo, Lou! How have you been?" Opening the main door, Ethan Lu''s eyes immediatelynded on the stoic front of Louis Lu. s, by the tone of his voice, he sounded a little awkward. If Louis Lu didn''t know what was alreadying right at him, he would be suspicious at that very second.


    "Good." Short and precise as ever, Louis Lu responded and didn''t give another opening to prolong this unnecessary greeting.


    "Really? How''s new york? You won''t charge me for asking you to have dinner with us right?" Ignoring the obvious disinterest for a conversation, Ethan Lu wanted to stall some more time so thedies inside could have some extra time to prepare.


    "Depends on if it''s not as important as you imed it to be."


    "Tch," Clicking his tongue, Ethan Lu could not believe his ears upon hearing his cousin''s shameless remarks. "Of course it is important! Come in."


    ****


    Ethan Lu leads the way while Louis Lu slowly followed from behind. Their pace was slower than usual yet, Louis Lu also followed Ethan Lu''s pace. Soon, when they arrived at the living area, Victoria Tang abruptly stood up from her seat as she caught a glimpse of Louis Lu.


    "Uh¡­" Scratching his temple using his index finger, Ethan Lu didn''t know where to stop. He turned to Louis Lu''s direction but to his surprise, his cousin had no change of expression on his unchanging front while he peered at Victoria Tang and then to the little guy hiding behind her.


    "Lou¡­" Soft and meek, Victoria Tang called out but Louis Lu just stared at her without any human emotion.


    "Mommy, is he also my uncle?" For some reason, little Vincent Tang was afraid of the aura Louis Lu was emitting. Unlike Ethan Lu, for a kid like him, he already sensed the security by his light and bright aura. But in contrast, Louis Lu seemed like he was some kind of highly intelligent robot that was unable to express any human emotion.


    "No, darling." Without breaking the eye contact between her and Louis Lu, Victoria Tang tightly grasped the side of her dress. "He''s not your uncle but your father." Taking advantage of the courage she received from her child, Victoria Tang grit her teeth before she opened her mouth and revealed Louis Lu''s identity to her son.

 Chapter 372 I dont look like him, why?

    <h4>Chapter 372 I don''t look like him, why?</h4>


    Once again, the whole room fell into a stifling silence as everyone sat around in the living area. For some reason, perhaps because they were worried about Victoria Tang, Lexi and Ethan Lu''s eyes were glued on the unchanging front of Louis Lu even after receiving the news.


    "Hey Lou, will you say something?" After the long silence between the little family of three, Ethan Lu finally decided to break the nerve-wracking vibe. Hence, he turned to face Louis Lu who seemed calmer than usual.


    "I don''t look like him, why?" As instructed, Louis Lu emotionlessly nced at Victoria Tang''s face before shifting it to the little guy holding onto her as if she were his lifeline.


    "I don''t know." Victoria Tang lightly bit her bottom lip as she responded to the first ridiculous question he asked as if it was normal and the most important thing right now.


    On the other hand, the cheerleaders named Lexi Yang and Ethan Lu could not help their under-eye but twitch, uncontrobly. When Louis Lu''s ridiculous question processed in their mind, they peered at Louis Lu with extreme dismay. Yet, both kept their silence as they watched everything unveil in the front row.


    "What''s his name?" Bearing the same tone and expression, Louis Lu nced at the child again as he showed a little interest in the child.


    "Vincent, Vincent Tang." Every question Louis Lu threw, Victoria Tang, answered them as truthfully and precise as possible. Knowing Louis Lu, he would appreciate a straightforward answer instead of a drama going around in circles.


    "Vincent¡­" Nodding in understanding, Louis Lu repeated his child''s name through a mumble. "Why is his sur name not after me?"


    In that instant, Lexi and Ethan Lu cringed. They already expected some questions like the authenticity of him being the father or anything of the sort. Yet, they were wrong as Louis Lu''s statements were beyond ridiculous. One could not tell if he was joking or being too serious as his banter would not fall in any of the categories.


    "Because I am his mother."


    "And you said I am the father." Rebutting, Louis Lu slightly tilted his head to the side as he calmly argued his rights. "Then, why did you get all the rights for him to look more like you and even named after your name." Hisst remarks notably made the room fall into another round of silence.


    What he said, Lexi and Ethan Lu were rendered speechless as they could only turn their dismayed eyes to Louis Lu''s stern surface. Was he seriously saying that it was Victoria Tang who chose that her son would look more like his mother instead of his father?


    Granted that they perceived Louis Lu as weird, s, deep down, Lexi and Ethan Lu actually thought that Louis Lu was just too knowledgeable. However, that image had now bore a dent by this bizarre conversation that they were hearing.


    ''Are the Lu''s really this innocent?'' Lexi could not help but wonder internally as she was reminded of how innocent Ethan Lu was about her pregnancy. If not for the help of tons of books that he had bought after her first check-up, Ethan Lu would remain pure and clueless on how to deal with her pregnancy.


    "Lou! Please tell me you are kidding!" Meanwhile, Ethan Lu voiced out his distressed opinion as he could not contain it within himself anymore. From his first question that was the least to be worried about, Ethan Lu had been more anxious for Victoria Tang as the real important matters hadn''t been talked about.


    "I am not." Casting Ethan Lu a solemn nce, Louis Lu then shifted his gaze to Lexi''s dismayed eyes and then to Victoria Tang and Vincent Tang. "I mostly know what I needed to know and had already ran a DNA test for the authenticity if I am indeed the father or not."


    Indeed, when Louis Lu headed to the guest room earlier, when Victoria Tang and Lexi were in the kitchen, he already met Vincent Tang for the first time. Since the little person was asleep, Louis Lu''s early arrival had remained a secret until now.


    Still, perhaps it was because he has a low EQ, Louis Lu didn''t know what to feel when he met the sleeping little boy that Victoria Tang imed as his child. He wasn''t happy nor was he disgusted with the thought. He just wanted to confirm if he was really his for his peace of mind. Hence, taking advantage of the fact that the child was asleep, he plucked out a strand of hair and sent it to a certainb he could trust.


    "You did what?" In unison, Ethan Lu, Lexi, and even Victoria Tang asked in surprise. With the same slow motion, their eyes widened as all their focus was on Louis Lu. For a moment, they were utterly speechless as they thought their ears were deceiving them.


    "You knew?" Adding to her question, Victoria Tang''s eyes trembled as her first thoughts were Louis Lu knew about it from the very start. Then, does that mean despite knowing that, he didn''t reach out to her or even tried to return all the messages she left in the past? Does that mean he really didn''t care?


    Granted that Louis Lu mentioned about the DNA test, he never mentioned if he already knows the results or was still waiting. Hence, the little misunderstanding.


    "Just today." Blinking once, Louis Lu''s shock already passed and now, he could deal with this in a calmer way. "I came earlier and heard everything before the side dish you were cooking was burnt and managed to check Vin to get a sample of his hair. Though, I am confused about why you decided to make this known to me just now after hiding him from me for all of this time." Louis Lu added.


    Although the DNA result would be out in two weeks, part of him already epted that Vincent Tang was probably his. He only needed some confirmation for everyone''s peace of mind because no matter what, the truth shall be known first, even if it was painful or something to be happy about.


    With that said question, Victoria Tang exined her reason and the condition of Vincent Tang. As they discussed, Lexi silently dragged Ethan Lu away to give the family of three, some space and privacy to talk.

 Chapter 373 Paternity tes

    <h4>Chapter 373 Paternity tes</h4>


    "They will stay with me until the DNA resultes out. Thank you for your assistance." After they had their meal in silence, Louis Lu slightly bowed his head to Lexi and Ethan Lu who were sending them off.


    "No biggie. I am a good cousin so no matter how you rip me off, I won''t charge back this time." Sounding proud and righteous, Ethan Lu patted his chest which made Lexi slightly elbow him.


    "Ethan, Lexi, thank you for your help. I don''t know how to repay you guys." Victoria Tang bowed her head as she disyed her gratitude for this lovely couple. Although the discussion she had with Louis Lu was mostly about their son''s condition and set aside their unclosed rtionship, the sliver of hope that her child would receive the best treatment was enough for her.


    "You don''t have to thank us, just keep in touch, okay? Tell me if Lou is bullying you. I will knock some sense into him." Offering a warm smile, Lexi took a step forward as her hand reached out to Victoria Tang''s petite hands. In the short span of two days, Lexi and Victoria Tang built this connection because, one way or another, they understood each other''s heart. Hence, Lexi was more than d to be a part of this small reunion.


    It was all up to the two if this restart would bring forth spring or just another endless piercingly cold winter in their hearts. Even so, with a child in the picture and both seemingly to have these unknown feelings for each other, Lexi was somewhat convinced that everything will end well.


    "I will, thank you." Smiling back, Victoria Tang''s eyes stung because all these years, Lexi was probably the only person that showed her genuine kindness without asking anything in return. She could feel it very vividly that Lexi was a gem to treasure.


    Luckily Ethan Lu was able to find someone that was beautiful inside and out despite his horrifying dating history. Nevertheless, Victoria Tang was convinced that Ethan Lu deeply loves Lexi as she never saw the look in his eyes that was present every time he looked at Lexi before. Soon, after exchanging reminders and thanks, Louis Lu left along with Victoria Tang and their son.


    As they left, Lexi and Ethan Lu watched the family of three head to Louis Lu''s vehicle. In their eyes, they were not like any particr family that spread a bright and peaceful vibe. Instead, they could sense the seemingly vast line between Louis Lu and Victoria Tang. If not for the fact that there was Vincent Tang that connects the two, Lexi and Ethan Lu were certain that those two would have gone their own separate ways.


    "Love?" As Lexi''s eyes were glued on the slow-moving car that was getting farther and farther away from them and got tinier in her sight every millisecond, she softly called.


    "Hmm?"


    "Do you also feel some sense of fulfillment? Because I do." Her gaze softened as her heart hoped for the best for Louis Lu and Victoria Tang. Aside from wishing all the best in the world for the people she cares about, Lexi never had this concern to people she just met two days ago.


    "Mhmm¡­ those two need a second chance. I will beat the hell out of Lou if he messes this up." Subtly smiling, Ethan Lu finally noticed the unnoticeable change in Louis Lu''s temperament. Though he doesn''t seem like it, but it only proved that his first assumption about Louis Lu was right: He likes Victoria Tang¡ª that''s for sure.


    "Let''s go back inside?" Turning to face Lexi, a subtle smile formed on the side of his lips as his arms snaked on Lexi''s shoulder. Both might not say it but within these two days, it made them realize a lot of things.


    First, was thatmunication must and would always be one of the priorities in their rtionship. Although they had been doing a great job at that, this encounter with Victoria Tang and Louis Lu''s love affair would always remind them that being selfish and making a decision without taking the other party''s consideration in mind would only lead to a heartbreaking situation.


    Secondly, the already full-blown love they had for each other bloomed even more as both appreciated all the little efforts they made just to be together. Indeed, this rtionship would never work if only Ethan Lu was the person who was giving his all.


    Last but not the least, the excitement of seeing their own mini versions grew stronger as the time they spent with Vincent Tang was quite fulfilling. His little smiles, little hands, and innocent questions, everything was just too adorable to melt their hearts. If Ethan Lu''s nephew could make such an impact on them, what''s more, if it was their own children?


    ****


    Two weekster: Night time.


    "Love!" After receiving a sudden message, Lexi excitedly called out that startled the silent Ethan Lu who was reviewing a document without a word. When she caught his attention, arge priceless grin formed on the corners of Lexi''s lips disying her even white teeth.


    "The DNA results came out! Look!" Without further ado, Lexi showed him the photo of the result on her phone''s screen which made Ethan Lu slightly draw his head back to get a better read. As his eyes quickly skimmed the result, an irresistible smile stered in his eyes as he caught the 99.9 percent that Vincent Tang and Louis Lu were father and son.


    "I''m so happy for them~" Moved, Lexi could not help her eyes but to sweat because the little to no doubt about this validation was finally cleared. "Let me congratte them, you too." Retrieving her phone, Lexi didn''t waste time as sheposed a lengthy reply to Victoria Tang.


    After sending the reply, Lexi turned to Ethan Lu who already stopped working as he wasnguidly leaning on the bed''s headboard with his arms crossed under his chest and seemed he was pondering about something.


    "Hmm?" Tilting her head to the side, Lexi was intrigued by what he has in mind.


    "I just thought about what my Uncle will think and say. After all, Lou is his pride and even if it doesn''t look like it, Lou is very filial despite the fact that his father was a control freak. So, I am somewhat worried." A heavy sigh escaped his mouth as the Lu family system spread was applied to each of the individual families of the core members. Therefore, Ethan Lu was now reminded of that particr Uncle of his that until now, he didn''t know what intention he bore with his silent behavior ever since.


    "It''s alright." Gently smiling, Lexi''s heart melted even more as Ethan Lu''s kindness despite all Louis Lu''s opportunity advancement to him was just too much for her heart to handle. Leaning her head on his shoulder, her fingers slid in between his fingers. "Just look after them every once in a while. Also, Lou is not a child. He single-handedly established his ownpany, I believed, he could figure out a way for his own family."


    "You''re right, my love." Easing up a little, Ethan Lu leaned his head over Lexi''s with a satisfied smile on his lips.

 Chapter 374 Babies are coming!

    <h4>Chapter 374 Babies areing!</h4>


    Several monthster, Lexi''s due date was near and at any time she would give birth. Her wedding with Ethan Lu was also postponed because out of nowhere, Lexi wanted their children to be able to witness their wedding. Hence, after her adamant pestering, the ns for the wedding was postponed.


    And then, two months ago, since her due date was nearing, Lexi and Ethan Lu decided to stay at the Yang Manor for a while so someone could keep watch on Lexi''s health because Ethan Lu could not be with her as he has to tend to things with his work.


    Currently, the yang family were in the living area of their ce and were just spending their peaceful afternoon showing off the stuff of their baby purchases.


    "Dear, look at this princess dress~!" As cheerful as she may sound, Lillian Yang


    "Hehe! My little guy will look great in this hulk costume!" Aside from the gleeful Lillian Yang, Frederick Yangpeted as he seemed he was about to finish collecting all of the superhero costumes.


    Watching these typical scenarios whenever her father wasn''t in the office and would just spend the day with them, Lexi''s heart was filled with contentment.


    Months back, Lexi had a baby shower. It was just a simple dinner and slicing of the cake to reveal the babies'' gender. Moreover, there were only a select few that attended the simple dinner as Ethan Lu didn''t want Lexi to exhaust herself.


    Hence, at that time, it was revealed that the gender of the babies were a boy and a girl. God knows that aside from Lexi and Ethan Lu, the happiest was the Yang parents and Edward Lu. Now, all their secret purchases of their respective genders of the babies, would all be used as they were not just having one baby but one girl and a baby boy!


    Just then, the tranquility of the Yang''s mansion was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. Snapping from their Lnd, Lillian Yang put down the baby girl''s dress as she hurried to the main door as if they were expecting a guest.


    "I''ll get it¡ª it''s probably him~!"


    Lexi and Frederick Yang just stared at each other shooting a knowing look to each other. One would understand their reaction because, after a while, Lillian Yang came back as she was heartilyughing beside Edward Lu!


    "Oh, old master, you didn''t have to bring that much." As Lillian Yang and Edward Lu headed to the living area, Lexi and Frederick Yang stood up and slightly bowed their heads as a weing greeting.


    When Lexi raised her head, the corner of her brows twitched upon seeing their other maids carrying boxes of stuff that she wasn''t sure what its contents were this time. After all, through thesest few months of her pregnancy journey, Edward Lu would constantly visit her while carrying loads of different varieties of fresh foods, sometimes, toys and many others depending on his mood.


    Therefore, whenever hees over, all of the boxes he brought were like a mystery box. Well, although Lexi often tells him that he didn''t have to buy too much¡ª Edward Lu kept on insisting. Which was the reason why Lexi conceded in defeat and could only ept all his presents.


    Still, she could not control her under-eye whenever sheys her eyes on the ''mystery boxes''.


    "Old Master! How''s your trip?" Weing Edward Lu, Frederick Yang took a step forward as he weed the old man.


    "Hehe, I had a good time. How I wished I could have traveled more when I was in my prime years!" Bright and as always healthy-looking, Edward Lu began to run his mouth again which delighted the Yang parents.


    Lexi only greeted the old master and listened to their usual conversation. In her mind, never in her wildest dreams could she imagine that Edward Lu would grow close to her parents. However, who would have thought that Frederick Yang and Edward Lu had some simrities and bond well because of the hobby and other matters that interest the two of them. Not to mention, Lillian Yang''s tea seemed to capture this old tyrant''s heart which made it easier for them to get along.


    ''Ahh... I hope every day is like this.'' Lexi whispered internally as the scene before her brought extreme peace in her heart. She could not ask for more as she has this loving guidance from her parents and Edward Lu. She also was engaged and would soon marry the man who dominated her heart.


    This alone made her feel that what she has right now was like a dream; a fantasy that she never knew was possible in real life.


    As Lexi watched her parents boast the dress and costume her parents brought to Edward Lu as if making him the judge of this seemingly innocent contest that Lillian Yang and Frederick Yang secretly have, Lexi felt a kick on her stomach.


    "Oh!" Her light, surprised squeal instantly caught the attention of the three expecting grandparents.


    "Dear, what''s wrong?" Worried, Lillian Yang immediately rushed to Lexi''s side.


    "Nothi¡ª aw!" Involuntarily, Lexi''s palms were ced on her big bump as if she felt a harsh turmoil happening inside her. Once again, another contraction happened which made her scream a little louder.


    "Mom¡ª ouch!" Holding on Lillian Yang''s arms, Lexi''s grip tightened as she never felt this extreme pain in her twenty-five years of existence.


    "Oh my god! The babies areing?!?" Panicking, Lillian Yang''s announcement shook the two old men that left them momentarily standing rooted on the tiled floor.


    ****


    [Lu Corporation]


    "In the graph, the global market..." Ethan Lu solemnly listened to the presenter standing beside the projector images.


    Everyone''s attention was on the presenter and the project he was presenting. No one dared interrupt him as he exined the vital points of the said project. Suddenly, Lyrick Jiang approached Ethan Lu from behind and leaned over to his ear.


    "Master, Old master was calling." Lyrick Jiang whispered.


    Knitting his brows together, Ethan Lunguidly raised his hand for the presenter to pause for a while which was executed immediately.


    Just as Ethan Lu was about to call his grandfather''s back, the phone rang again that he answered just before the first ring ends.


    "Gran¡ª"


    "Hey, brat! Where are you?! How irresponsible! My great-grandchildren areing!" Without waiting for Ethan Lu to say what he was about to say, Edward Lu''s agitated voice deafened him.


    Upon hearing his grandfather''s remarks, Ethan Lu unintentionally mmed his palms against the surface of the long conference table which made everyone flinched by the noise that bounced around the room and then turned their heads to his direction.


    "What?!?"


    "Don''t what me! My assistant sent you the address of the hospital! This brat! How can you work at a time like this?!" Humphing in fury, Edward Lu yapped as if he wasn''t also responsible for why Ethan Lu was busy for being their family head. Regardless, it seemed that Edward Lu already washed his hands clean and nagged as if Ethan Lu was a heartless workaholic.

 Chapter 375 - Lyrick Jiangs prayers

    <h4>Chapter 375 - Lyrick Jiang''s prayers</h4>


    Edward Lu ended the call with a loud humph as if he was utterly dismayed at how ''irresponsible'' his grandson was. Although he knew that Ethan Lu had been very busy handling things with theirpany affairs before taking a leave to apany Lexi until she gives birth, he was still mad as Ethan Lu must be there to witness and be with Lexi on this wonderful day.


    On the other hand, as Ethan Lu heard those series of beeping sounds from his phone, he instantly jolted from his seat and raised his hand a little.


    "Meeting adjourned. Revise your presentation and send it to me tomorrow morning." With that said note, Ethan Lu took immediate strides outside the crowded conference room.


    "Master¡ª!" Confused and surprised at the same time, Lyrick Jiang called out as he hurriedly followed his boss.


    Meanwhile, the rest inside the conference room fell into an awkward silence as their gaze could only follow their big boss''s retreating figure. Just a second ago, he was silently listening to the presentation without saying anything and now, he ordered to revise the whole thing? Just what kind of call did he receive just now to prolong this project?


    Aside from the disheartened employee that needed to pull another all-nighter to make it to the deadline, everyone else was confused as their grown cold boss of theirs seemed like he was panicking?


    ****


    "Tch! Red can you be a little faster? My babies areing!" Fussing in the back passenger seat, Ethan Lu clicked his tongue in annoyance as he felt that their speed wasn''t fast enough.


    "Master, I''m driving at a maximum speed." Exining the situation, Jarred Guo coughed a little as he was already speeding. ncing at the rear mirror, there were already enforcers following behind them as they already broke several trafficws. Yet, he could not pull over as ''thew'' named Ethan Lu already gave his verdict.


    "What? Let me drive!" Ethan Lu red daggers at the driver''s seat as he ground his teeth.


    Just like what his grandfather wanted, Ethan Lu could never miss Lexi giving birth to their beautiful children. Moreover, the way his grandfather spoke was as if Lexi was already giving birth. Hence, how could he keep his cool intact right now?


    "Master, please calm down. I am sure Madam is going throughbor and she will not give birth as fast as you think." Trying to tone things down, Lyrick Jiang turned his head from the front seat to the back passenger seat. s, the moment heid his eyes on his boss, he was nearly blinded by the dark aura emanating from Ethan Lu.


    "I don''t care! My wife needs me!" Nothing seemed to get through Ethan Lu''s head as his mind was already clouded and infected by Edward Lu''s exaggeration of the recent event. Hence, remaining adamant, he firmly sassed.


    ''God, please help me!'' Weeping inwardly, Lyrick Jiang said his prayers to all the deities he had known and asked for their heavenly help.


    Just then, as if Lyrick Jiang''s prayers were heard, his phone vibrated that was inside his suit pocket. Snapping, Lyrick Jiang immediately slid his hand inside his suit pocket to check who it was.


    There, Nico Zhuang''s contact name was disyed on the screen. Having no time to wonder what the reason was for this rare personal call, Lyrick Jiang answered.


    "Put me on speaker." The very instant the line connected, Nico Zhuang calmly demanded. "Don''t ask why just do what I asked." Knowing Lyrick Jiang, Nico Zhuang didn''t let him stall him as his message was important.


    "Oh¡ª alright...?" Knitting his brows, Lyrick Jiang did what he was instructed to do as if Nico Zhuang was his boss. Pressing the speaker button, Lyrick Jiang held the phone away from his ear.


    "It''s on," Giving his green signal to his colleague that was at the end of the line, Lyrick Jiang muttered.


    "Ethan? Son?" Instead of Nico Zhuang''s voice, Lillian Yang''s soothing voice was heard.


    "Mom? How''s Lexi and the babies?!" The very instant Ethan Lu heard his mother-inw, Ethan Lu slightly calmed down as he worriedly inquired and moved his bum to the edge of the leather seat as he drew closer to the phone, held by his assistant.


    "Oh dear," Upon hearing Ethan Lu, a sigh of relief was heard along with Lillian Yang''s words. "She''s going throughbor right now but she''s fine. I asked Nico to make a call to tell you to be careful on the road¡ª you''ll get here eventually." Knowing Ethan Lu, he would surely rush his way to the hospital with how Edward Lu called and scolded him. Therefore, Lillian Yang was worried that if he turned out to be rushing his way to the hospital, which was what was urring right now, there might be some possible problems.


    As soon as Lyrick Jiang heard Lillian Yang''s statement, his eyes stung as he nearly kowtowed to worship the mother goddess. At this point, Lyrick Jiang wholeheartedly believed that there was a God because whenever he was in distress, his heavenly instruments named Lexi Yang and now, Lillian Yang always came to save the day!


    "But¡ª"


    "Ethan, Lexi also requested that okay?" Interrupting the obviousint from her son-inw, Lillian Yang used Lexi''s name as she knew her daughter would rather wait than him getting into an ident because he was in a hurry.


    "Okay..." Frowning a little, Ethan Lu nodded like an obedient little boy even though Lillian Yang could not see him.


    "Thank you and I''ll see youter. Rick, tell me if he''s still insisting to speed up¡ª we''ll rat him out to Lexi, okay?"


    "Yes, Madam Yang." Relieved that Lillian Yang mentioned that, Lyrick Jiang profusely nodded his head as he could use this excuse to reduce their terrifying speed that was akin to a space shuttle.


    "Thank you, bye~" With that said note, Lillian Yang bid her farewell and ended the line.


    At the same time, Jarred Guo was already reducing their vehicle''s speed that wasn''t too fast or too slow¡ª just enough speed for them to reach their destination on time.


    Ethan Lu tried to calm his racing, worried heart as he leaned his soaked of sweat back against the interiored seat. Since Lillian Yang personally requested him to calm down, Ethan Lu tried. However, no matter how silent he had gone, he could not sit still while biting the nail of his thumb.


    "Don''t reduce so much speed!" Snapping, Ethan Lu sassed once again to Jarred Guo as he felt that they were moving so much slower, evenpared to a snail.

 Chapter 376 - One more! No more!

    <h4>Chapter 376 - One more! No more!</h4>


    Meanwhile...


    After ending the call, another heavy sigh escaped her lips. She then returned the phone to the delicate-looking Nico Zhuang while mouthing thank you.


    "Humph!" On the side, sitting with his arms crossed, Edward Lu humped through his nose as he clicked his tongue in annoyance.? "It''s only proper that he''d get his bum here as soon as possible!"


    "Grandpa Lu," Turning to the old grandpa that she reprimanded after hearing his exaggerated phone call to deliver the news to Ethan Lu, Lillian Yang mildly shook her head sideways. "Ethan''s safe arrival is also important." She exined once again for the stubborn old man to understand.


    He couldn''t retort back, Edward Lu could only humph his displeasure as he couldn''t win against Lillian Yang. After all, she was the only person that was calmly rational in this situation as all the men in Lexi''s heart were panicking including Frederick Yang.


    *****


    "Urgh...!" Pale, helpless under this tormenting contraction, Lexi didn''t know what position she should go into in order to lessen the pain. She had read many articles and books about pregnancy up to thebor stage. She even went to yoga sses that were meant for pregnancy to make the baby go out easily.


    Little did she know, she''d still experience this torment and it didn''t seem as though the sses helped as the pain was too much for a person to handle.


    "Oh god...!" Resting her forehead on the mattress while her feet stood wide apart from each other, another growl slipped from her mouth.


    "Baby, it''s okay it''s okay. You''ll be fine." Patting her back, Frederick Yang tried tofort his daughter.


    Surprisingly enough, for the expecting grandfather of three, Frederick Yang could not bear to see his little princess experiencing such torment. Makes sense, because Lillian Yang gave birth via cesarean section because she was unable to give birth in a natural way. Moreover, there were a lot of conflicts with Lillian Yang''s condition back in the day that herbor seemed to be in apletely different way than Lexi''s.


    "Urgh...! Ethan...! It hurts!" On the verge of crying, Lexi wanted to cry because the pain was just growing stronger and her contractions grew frequently. However, the pain was so much that even crying seemed to be impossible to do and Lexi could only growl.


    Lexi remained in that position as constant howling escaped her mouth. She could feel someone rubbing her back and could hear her mother''s concerned voice. s, Lexi''s mind was already in a distraught state, that she could not get the gist of whatever her mother was saying.


    She was unable to notice the ins and outs of the nurses that were constantly checking on her every so often as the contractions had already clouded her senses.


    It''s just pure pain¡ª torture to be exact. If only it''s not part of delivering her children, Lexi would not wish to experience this. The only thing that was keeping her to be able to persevere the pain was her children. For them, she''d endure everything.


    "Love, I''m here baby." Lexi didn''t know when Ethan Lu arrived but hearing his voice, it soothed the part of her heart that was low key worried about him.


    Squatting down a little, Ethan Lu leaned the side of his head to the mattress to see Lexi''s sweating side profile. He didn''t mind the ufortable position as Lexi had been in this position from the moment he arrived.


    He then stroked the back of her head as his gaze worriedly softened. She was sweating buckets as the side of her lips was paler than usual. Just a nce, Ethan Lu could not even imagine what kind of pain Lexi was going through right now.


    If only he could get all the pain away from her, he would have already done it. However, that was impossible, right?


    If not only for the fact that he read too many books on what to expect about this whole pregnancy journey, he would have already fainted first after seeing Lexi in this state. All his panicking, excitement about meeting the babies, and all of the expectations were set aside for a moment as he knew he should stand as her strong support.


    Fortunately, after Lillian Yang called him earlier, Ethan Lu managed to clear his mind despite the fact that his rope of patience ran thinner and thinner. Therefore, he recalled all of the tips and things he should do when Lexi reached this critical stage of her pregnancy.


    Sliding his hands as his fingers wrapped around her tight fist that was holding the sheet of the hospital bed, Ethan Lu rubbed her back as he ced kisses all over her.


    He could only do this much. Thus, he made sure that his love would reach Lexi and his kids that he''d be meeting at anytime.


    ****


    16 hourster...


    "Love, one more push! You can do it!" Holding onto her hand while wiping her sweating forehead, Lexi''s 16-hour longbor finally ended and now, she had been pushing their firstborn out.


    "Push!" After hearing the doctor''s signal, Lexi''s grip on Ethan Lu''s hand tightened as she grit her teeth. She followed the vague instructions given and pushed the baby out.


    "Uwaah! Uwaah!" After two more pushes, Lexi and Ethan Lu finally heard a child''s cry that resonated across the delivery room.


    In an instant, even before Ethan Lu hurriedly turned his head to the bloody baby''s direction, his heart melted. When he first saw the child covered with slime liquids and blood, the corners of his eyes naturally sweat as the side of his lips curled upward.


    "Love, you did it! It''s so cute!" An overwhelming feeling struck him as he altered his head from the baby and then to Lexi''s panting front. Kissing her on her forehead, Ethan Lu restrained himself from crying from extreme joy as he was utterly proud of Lexi.


    "One more! One more!" Dering to do it again, the doctor shouted as she could see the second baby''s heading out.


    "No more¡ª ahh!" Upon hearing the doctor, Lexi at thest minute wanted to run away as she was relieved that the pain slightly subsided. However, just as she was requesting for a time out, she made a strong push which made the crying baby add another back-up singer to the family.


    "Uwaah! Uwaah!" The whole delivery room has two crying babies that were like music to Ethan Lu and Lexi''s ears.

 Chapter 377 - My sister just gave birth.

    <h4>Chapter 377 - My sister just gave birth.</h4>


    After doing the necessary procedures, the two babies were ced on Lexi. Altering her head from right to left, Lexi looked up to Ethan Lu who already had tears of joy in his eyes.


    Smiling as tears fell from the corner of her eyes, Lexi slightly nodded her head. Words could not express their happiness as Ethan Lu and Lexi could only look at each other with their eyes welling up yet a bright smile on their lips.


    "They are so beautiful..." First love... Lexi and Ethan Lu never knew what it meant until this moment.


    The very moment theyid their eyes on them, there was this automatic switch that activated in their heart. That instant, deep within their hearts, an unbreakable covenant was made to protect, love, and cherish their little family.


    Their expectations of what was toe, at this moment, exceeded everything because it was priceless. Nothing couldpare to this wonderful day as two wonderful beings were born into existence.


    "I''m so proud of you," Wiping the tears in his eyes, Ethan Lu naturally kissed Lexi''s forehead before he went ahead to touch the babies'' little, delicate hands. "Thank you, my love." He added as uncontroble tears just kept gushing from his eyes.


    Never in his entire life did he ever think that at this moment, things like this, he never imagined he''d ever be able to go through in this lifetime, would be this wonderful. Fortunately, he got the chance to be with Lexi and it gave him a whole new different perspective of the world.


    Joining her pregnancy journey, he would be lying if he said it was as easy as making a baby. No, there were tons of sacrifices that were made, sleepless nights,te-night driving to find food that she wanted, and dealing with Lexi''s mood swings that were the most difficult and frightening part.


    Now, he could finally say that it was all worth it. Also, it was nothingpared to the pain Lexi had endured delivering their children. Hence, he was proud and saluted her.


    Moreover, deep down, the lingering mentality that women are still fragile beingspletely vanished. After witnessing the torment Lexi had gone through within thesest sixteen hours and the months before this when she was cramping, all he could do was give his utter respect¡ª especially to mothers.


    Although the hatred for his own biological mother was still there, Ethan Lu didn''t turn this hate to others and it was meant solely for thete Christina Lu.


    "Hey baby..." Subtly smiling, Lexi cherished their first interaction with their children as all of Lexi''s exhaustion was set aside for the meantime.


    *****


    The next day...


    The twins stayed in the nursery room as Lexi rested the entire time within minutes after she gave birth. Of course, since the twins have arrived, this wonderful news soon reached their closest friends.


    [Country J]


    "It''s a wrap!" Announcing over the microphone, the director of the set that Elliot Gong was working at the moment pped his hands.


    Smiling, Elliot Gong was relieved that he finally finished filming this international movie that they had been working on for six months now. Naturally, Elliot Gong interacted with his colleagues as he exchanged cheerful hive fives and congratting them for their hard work.


    Just then, Elliot Gong''s little assistant approached him and leaned closer to him as he whispered.


    "Eli, Miss Song is calling."


    "Huh? What does she wants this time?" Arching his brows, Elliot Gong immediately assumed that Rika Song needed something again. However, his assistant''s next words piqued his interest.


    "Also, Mr. Lu''s assistant also left a missed call."


    "Huh? What''s up with them? Give me the phone." After excusing himself, Elliot Gong walked over to the side along with his assistant before he handed his hand out to receive the phone.


    Without further ado, Elliot Gong searched Rika Song''s private number which he easily found. Elliot Gong then rang her phone and waited for at least four rings before it was picked up.


    "Eli¡ª!"


    "What? If this is about you and your boyfriend breaking up, I''ll hang up." The moment the line connected, Elliot Gong, in a matter of fact tone muttered as a greeting.


    God knows how much Rika Song pestered him with her unstable rtionship with that doctor. Especially when Lexi had undergone the critical stage of her pregnancy and they were well aware that she didn''t need the stress. Hence, Rika Song chose him to be her outlet.


    "Excuse me? What boyfriend? I don''t remember having one!" Rolling her eyes, Rika Song scoffed as if she was utterly dismayed at being reminded of Jaime Liao. "For your information, I, Rika Song am not just a rare kind of diamond but also the prettiest auntie! Duh?"


    "Auntie?" Knitting his brows, Elliot Gong didn''t remember that Rika Song was close to her own family as everyone in her family was aplete trash. Therefore, Rika Song doesn''t mention anything about her family.


    Not unless, what she meant was... just then, recalling that there was this certain pregnant woman that was close to the two of them, Elliot Gong''s eyes widened.


    "My bestie delivered two cute babies! That''s why I''m calling because you can''t miss out on this. Come back!" Knowing that he had already guessed her reason behind her call, Rika Song still wanted to confirm his assumptions.


    Also, since Elliot Gong hadn''t been in the country for a while, it would be a good time to reunite as Lexi, Rika Song, and Elliot Gong unexpectedly had grown closer to each other¡ª sharing group calls sometimes.


    It was safe to say that Elliot Gong, though was shocked himself, he admitted that he was closer to Lexi and Rika Song now. After all, his friends were all busy dealing with their own stuff.


    Surely, life has tons of twists and turns. Peoplee and go. Still, he was grateful that the people that were active in his life, though they were the least likely individuals he expected to take some special seat in his heart, he was d and blessed to have Lexi and Rika Song as his sisters from another mother.


    "Eli! Let''s have dinner together!" One of the crew waved his hands in his direction as he invited him to attend their dinner to celebrate the end of their filming.


    Subtly smiling, Elliot Gong ended the call without a word as he jogged back to the crew of the production team.


    "I''m sorry but I have to go back to my home country¡ª my sister just gave birth." Sincere, Elliot Gong emanated a bright vibe as he was happy for Lexi and Ethan Lu''s milestone.

 Chapter 378 - If you want another baby, we can make one.

    <h4>Chapter 378 - If you want another baby, we can make one.</h4>


    After receiving the call from Lyrick Jiang, Victoria Tang smiled from ear to ear as soon as the call ended. Holding the phone close to her chest, she headed back inside from the balcony of the hotel bearing a happy smile that was now stered on her lips.


    The moment she headed back inside, Louis Lu was now on the small yet cozy lobby of the hotel suite they were staying at. Slightly taken aback to see him back so early, Victoria Tang''s smile gradually faded away.


    "Uhm..." Pursing her lips into a thin line, Victoria Tang cleared her throat and deeply inhaled and exhaled. "I will visit Lexiter, I just heard that she gave birth yesterday."


    Visibly, there was still a clear borderline between Victoria Tang and Louis Lu by the tone of her voice. Despite the several months living together under the same roof, the way they interacted was akin to their first meeting after years of separation.


    "Why are you happy?" Blinking his eyes, Louis Lu ignored her heads up as he seemed as though he could not understand why Victoria Tang was happy on other''s joyous moment. After all, she was not the one who gave birth nor was she''s Lexi''s rtive.


    "I don''t know but I am." Victoria Tang could not help her lips curling upward again as she envisioned two adorable babies.


    "I bet they are so cute," She wasn''t that fond of kids before until she had Vincent Tang. Hence, just the thought of having to carry or see her friend''s children, there was this excitement in her heart. Moreover, since Vincent Tang had been growing so fast, Victoria Tang missed the days when her son was just an infant.


    "Do you want a baby?" Slightly tilting his head to the side, Louis Lu unreservedly asked that cracked Victoria Tang''s beautiful reverie.


    "What?" After letting out a series of coughs, Victoria Tang asked as she thought her ears were deceiving her.


    Granted that Louis Lu sometimes asked like an innocent child, s, in his case, there was no telling if he was truly clueless or was merely curious. Nevertheless, him asking such a question could make others cough or could even choke someone by their own saliva.


    Not to mention, these past few months with him, instead of knowing him a little, Victoria Tang was always confused by him. He was not sweet like how Ethan Lu cared for Lexi nor was he good atforting.


    To simplify, Louis Lu was apletely different person than his cousin. He was having a hard time expressing himself and understanding other people''s feelings. Therefore, he would always ask this and that as it seemed it was the easiest way for him to understand.


    Still, what amazes Victoria Tang was that he never failed to surprise her with his unreserved words.


    "If you want a baby, we can make another one." Nothing changed from his unchanging surface while repeating and rifying his statements as if he was just asking to buy all the clothes in a boutique.


    "Mommy, daddy..." Just then, Vincent Tang''s small figure rose from the long couch where he fell asleep. He was rubbing his weary eyes as he altered his head from his mother''s aghast front while staring at Louis Lu as if he needed some holy water. And then to his father who slowly turned his head to him before an awkward smile formed on the side of his lips.


    "Your mother wished you to have a baby brother or sister. Go back to sleep again."


    "Lou!!"


    *****


    [Liu Empire: main office]


    "Brother Mo, have you heard the news?" Entering Morris Liu''s office, Chris Yu closed the door behind him and immediately asked.


    "Mhmm," Raising his head, Morris Liu was finally back on track. His face still bore this stoic, chilling front and his aura was back to his original intimidating shape.


    Still, despite that, he seemed to look the same, Morris Liu''s temperament had a touch of tranquility as he showed clear progress in his broken soul.


    "Err... are youing?" Scratching the back of his head, Chris Yunguidly plopped down on the couch inside the office and rested his arms on the head rest. He then turned to Morris Liu who was sitting behind his desk with loads of documents piled up on his office table.


    "I''ve sent my regards, but I don''t think I am ready to meet her just yet." Leaning back, the corner of Morris Liu''s lips curled into a subtle smile and then turned his chair around to see the bright, busy city view.


    "Still, I am happy for her and Ethan." His gaze softened as Morris Liu imagined Lexi''s smile at this moment for finally having a family of her own.


    "Her?!? Brother Mo, I don''t think we are on the same page!" Furrowing his brows, Chris Yu''s face slightly distorted as he was a little confused at Morris Liu''s statement.


    Turning back to Chris Yu''s direction, Morris Liu slightly tilted his head to the side as he too was confused. "Lexi just gave birth yesterday." He rified on what subject he was talking about which made Chris Yu gasped in disbelief.


    "She WHAT?!? That soon?!" bbergasted, Christ Yu''s mouth gaped open as if he waspletely shocked hearing the news.


    Understandably, Chris Yu had been busy with his business ventures and could only asionally have drinks with Morris Liu. Moreover, he was always updated on Ethan Lu as the usual news about the Lu''s dominance in the business industry would often take the front page of the business article news. Therefore, the only person he was secretly looking out for was Kevin Woo.


    "You don''t know?" Knitting his brows, Morris Liu inquired as he thought he had already heard the news.


    "No! I was talking about Kevin''s first paint exhibit!" Just as he said these very words, Chris Yu heard the phone ring that he had tossed on the side of the couch.


    There, Lyrick Jiang''s name was winking at him as if he was thest person that he would deliver the news!

 Chapter 379 - Is theres something wrong with the twins?

    <h4>Chapter 379 - Is there''s something wrong with the twins?</h4>


    Meanwhile¡­


    The eyes behind her lids began to move and in a second, Lexi slowly opened her eyes as her brows slightly knitted. Lexi didn''tpletely open her eyes as soon as possible as she tried to get her vision to be used to the blinding light of the private hospital room.


    As soon as Lexi''s memories about yesterday came rushing inside her mind, her hand unconsciously moved and rubbed her tummy. For some reason, Lexi had this weird feeling as the long months of pregnancy with her tummy growing in an unimaginable size had gotten her used to caressing it in that size. However, now, though her stomach was still bby and soft, the feeling felt new to her.


    "Dear¡­" Upon seeing that Lexi began moving again, Lillian Yang rushed to her side and called her in a soft, proud tone. ncing at her daughter''s hand that was caressing her tummy as if she was curious where the babies went, Lillian Yang''s lips stretched into a smile.


    "The babies are now in the nursery." Even without her daughter''s asking, Lillian Yang said that to ease whatever worries Lexi had in mind. "We can visit themter, okay? Ethan and your father grabbed some food for you¡ª they will be back any minute." Stroking Lexi''s head, Lillian Yang softly added.


    "Mom?" Her voice was hoarse from all the screaming and shouting while delivering the babies, Lexi turned her attention to her mother.


    "Yes, dear?"


    "Is there''s something wrong with the twins?" Ignoring the splitting pain on her dry throat as she spoke, Lexi''s brows worriedly creased as she peered at her mother with a concerned look, hoping that in this instant the worries that struck her upon hearing ''they will be the one who should visit the twins'', was just an unnecessary instinct of a first-time mother like her.


    "No, dear." Gently, Lillian Yang shook her head sideways as her lips offered a reassuring smile. Reaching out to her daughter''s hand, Mother Yang tenderly patted it as her daughter was now a mother and she fully understood why she was worried. "The twins needed to stay at the nursery while you were recovering." She briefly added.


    "That''s good to hear¡­" Heaving a sigh of relief, Lexi subtly smiled. Hearing that the twins were fine and they had noplications or whatsoever, her worries turned into excitement and yearning to see them this instant. If only she could rush her way to the nursery room, Lexi would have already done so.


    However, her body was still tired from giving birth to two wonderful children. Hence, in her very rational thinking, Lexi knew she had to rest first so she could have the energy to see her twins as soon as possible. Moreover, she was starving!


    Just then, the main door of the private ward slowly opened and revealed Ethan Lu and Frederick Yang, carrying bags of food that were prepared by the Yang family chefs. Just a nce at the two, the dark bags under their eyes were evident as if they only had several short hours of sleep since yesterday. Thus, the presence of the gloomy and exhausted aura emanating from the two of them.


    "Honey, these are the things that you asked us to buy and bring." Frederick Yang''s eyes firstnded on Lillian Yang that was standing beside the bed and blocking them the view of Lexi''s conscious front.


    "Great! Good timing Lexi just woke up!" sping her hands together, Lillian Yang hurriedly glided to wee the two and snatched the bags that contained Tupperware that has food inside. Upon hearing herst remarks, Frederick Yang and Ethan Lu moved towards the bed at the same time.


    There, Lexi was looking at them with a content smile as if she found her father and her fiance''s surface rather silly, Hence, the chuckle that escaped her mouth afterward.


    "Lexi!"


    "Love!" At the same time, Frederick Yang and Ethan Lu snapped from their nothing box inside their heads and immediately dashed towards the hospital bed. Excited, d, and relieved, her father and her lover were like two little orphan boys upon meeting their biological mother.


    God knows how worried they were as Lexi fell asleep for as long as they could remember. Especially Ethan Lu as he kept checking on her breathing every once in a while. But now, Lexi had finally regained her consciousness, though she appeared a little haggard, he really doesn''t care because, in his eyes, Lexi was the most beautiful girl.


    "Please don''t tell me you didn''t get to sleep?" Altering her gaze from her father and to Ethan Lu, Lexi asked as neither of them talked after calling her name. Therefore, Lexi decided to strike up a conversation that seemed to have snapped the two from whatever trance they were in.


    "Oh no, dear." Hearing Lexi''s inquiry, Lillian Yang chuckled in glee while preparing the dishes and ced them on the over the table tray. She was reminded of how her husband and Ethan Lu kept on fussingst night.


    "Your father and Ethan got some sleep but they would always wake up within a set interval to check on you." Pushing the table tray towards Lexi''s bed, Lillian Yang decided to rat these two out as she found them both silly.


    Granted that she already assured them that it was normal for her to sleep and rest after Lexi''s sixteen-hourbor and the hours spent for delivering the twins, still, nothing seemed to get through the deepest part of these two men''s head as they acted on their instincts.


    "Dad¡­" Arching her brows, Lexi was being supported by her mother to sit and rest her back against the bed''s headboard. "Ethan¡­?" Slowly, Lexi moved her gaze to Ethan Lu''s more haggard front before a moved smile stered on the side of her lips.


    "Thank you," Just a little, Lexi bowed her head as she appreciated her father and Ethan Lu''s little act of concern about her well being. "Have you eaten yet? I am starving. Let''s eat so we can visit the twins." Resuming after a pause, Lexi snapped the two grown men back to reality as she saw their pair of eyes began to glint with sweat.


    On the other hand, Lillian Yang could not help but chuckle and shook her head as she watched them on the verge of crying as if Lexi was in aa for a long time and just regained consciousness after years.


    "Don''t make the first time mom wait. She''s surely starving right now." Backing up Lexi, Lillian Yang started serving Lexi with food before she warned the two to eat as well.

 Chapter 380 - Evan Lu

    <h4>Chapter 380 - Evan Lu</h4>


    Surprisingly enough, Lexi ate more than she could eat while she was pregnant. The food she consumed was enough for two people to ingest. Nevertheless, no one stopped her from filling her tummy as Lexi needed to nourish her body.


    Meanwhile, although Frederick Yang and Ethan Lu were exhausted, both didn''t have the appetite to eat as much as they could as they constantly yawned every once in a while. Still, they kept on conversing with Lexi and Lillian Yang setting aside their weariness.


    "Have you seen the twins?" Arching her brows, Lexi didn''t stop eating as she reached for another pastry that she grew fond of while she was pregnant.


    "Mhmm, I got to carry them. It was a scary yet a wonderful feeling." Softening his gaze, Ethan Lu smiled a little as he recalled his experience earlier that day.


    [Short shback]


    Earlier that morning, while Lexi was still sleeping, Ethan Lu waited for the time that the nursery room would be avable for viewing their child. Hence, when the time came, Ethan Lu silently headed to the nursery room to meet his twins again.


    As soon as he reached his destination, he didn''t need to ask around because when he arrived at the said area, his heart melted uponying his pair of dark eyes to a particr pair of twins among the row of babies. It was as if all infants present inside were not there because, in his eyes, there are only his kids in there.


    Clinging to the front of the bass, there''s a written baby girl Lu and baby boy Lu. Despite that their names weren''t written on it, there was already this proud, unexinable and overwhelming feeling inside him.


    cing his hands on the ss wall that separated him and his twins, though he was deprived of sleep and had been working on the side¡ª everything, magically dissipated as seeing these cute, little babies recharged him.


    Now, he understood the phrase that he could normally hear from movies and from his business partners that were already married: all your exhaustion would vanish if you see your kid, like magic.


    ''Am I really a father¡­?'' Asking himself this very question over and over again, Ethan Lu could not help but repeat them again inwardly.


    This¡­ everything felt so surreal. He knew, he understood, and was very well informed that he was having twins with Lexi. However, now that the day has finally arrived, he could not fully believe it.


    The fact that he was now an official daddy of two wonderful kids, and being a husband to Lexi. Surely, this year had tons of twists and turns, a rollercoaster ride that neither he nor Lexi had expected.


    Still, although it was a crazy year for them, Lexi and Ethan Lu could not express their extreme gratitude for giving them a chance to meet, be together, be in love, and start their own family.


    What kind of life they had now, it was just too perfect. Set aside the Lu family matters, it was already close to perfection.


    "Congrats, Mr. Lu." Just as Ethan Lu was sniffing hard while wiping the corner of his sweating eyes, he heard the very familiar voice of Jaime Liao.


    Turning his head to his side, Jaime Liao was as usual, gently smiling while looking at the babies inside the nursery with his hands inside his pocket.


    "Thank you," Letting out a heavy sigh, Ethan Lu meekly smiled as he followed the off duty doctor''s gaze.


    "Mr. Lu, do you want to carry them?" After some silence between the two, Jaime Liao finally broke the peaceful quietness as they peered at the babies through the transparent wall.


    Turning his head to Jaime Liao''s direction, Ethan Lu knitted his brows a little. "Can I?"


    Although the twins were said to be fine, however, the reason why they had to stay in the nursery room instead of Lexi''s room was that his twins still needed some close monitoring for twenty-four hours. Moreover, it was under the hospital''s policy. Hence, although Ethan Lu wanted to have skin to skin contact with his kids, he didn''t want to use his name and powers to force the issue as he wanted to abide by the rules.


    "Mhmm¡­" Gently smiling, Jaime Liao slowly nodded his head which made the side of Ethan Lu''s lips curled into a grin.


    *****


    After careful procedures and perimeters, Jaime Liao guided the sanitized Ethan Lu to one of the avable rooms where only the twins were resting. Since it was his own hospital¡ª aside from his secret clinic¡ª Jaime Liao used his favoritism and shortened Ethan Lu''s waiting time.


    "Position yourself? like this and I will ce the baby on you." Instructing Ethan Lu for a cradle hold, Jaime Liao showed him the position he was talking about.


    Since Ethan Lu had read more books about pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting lessons, he knew what he was talking about. Thus, he immediately made the cradle hole and patiently waited for Jaime Liao so he could hold his baby.


    Soon, Jaime Liao professionally carried the baby boy without a hassle. He turned to Ethan Lu and smiled again.


    "Don''t panic, alright? Just rx and savor every moment." Reminding the easily terrified first-time father, Jaime Liao waited for Ethan Lu to respond or at least nod his head in understanding


    When Ethan Lu nodded, Jaime Liao began transferring the infant in the most careful way. However, despite Ethan Lu''s seemingly unwavering resolve earlier, it slowly faded away along with the stiffness of his whole being.


    Understandably, because as the baby got closer and closer to him and Jaime Liao carefullyid the baby in his arms, he was just too delicate looking.


    It was as if one wrong move, he might drop the baby which would make him literally kill himself. Therefore, to keep it safe, Ethan Lu decided not to move a muscle.


    "Rx your shoulder, it''s fine." Bearing the same smile, Jaime Liao witnessed Ethan Lu''s forehead broke out into a sweat.


    "Hi, Evan. It''s me, your daddy¡­" It took Ethan Lu quite some time for his body to listen to his demands to rx. But, after a while, when he finally got used to the baby he was carrying, his gaze softened as he properly introduced himself to his son that they named as Evan Lu.

 Chapter 381 - Lady Lara

    <h4>Chapter 381 - Lady Lara</h4>


    It was one of the best moments Ethan Lu had ever encountered throughout his entire existence. Words could and would never give justice to the overwhelming mixture of emotions he had right now. Unbeknownst to him, being a parent, a mystery box that kept hidden inside his head about children was unlocked.


    If before, Ethan Lu wasn''t really fond of kids as he perceived them as little devils, but right now, even if it wasn''t happening yet, his emotions and views towards kids especially to those unfortunate ones would change.


    "They are precious, aren''t they?" Watching how moving the atmosphere Ethan Lu had around him was while staring down at his little boy, Jaime Liao muttered before he turned his attention to Ethan Lu''s other child inside the private nursery room.


    "They are¡­" Gentle and soothing, Ethan Lu tenderly smiled as his little guy''s lips curled upward. Who would have thought that just one smile, it felt so priceless that no amount of money could buy the effect he had given him.


    "So, you named him Evan¡­ what name have you given to the baby girl?" Turning his attention to the other baby that was soundlessly sleeping, Jaime Liao inquired.


    Upon hearing the doctor''s question, Ethan Lu was reminded that he also had another baby. Well, he was too immersed in ying with his little guy as he seemed more yful and active while the other one was too silent that one would think there was no other baby around. Turning to his little princess sleeping on the bass, a smile stretched on his lips.


    "My princess''s name is Lady Lara. Lexi told me that when she was a child, she always nagged my inws to add the ''Lady'' onto her first name." Recalling the time he and Lexi were deciding on the babies'' names, Ethan Lu chuckled at the silly scenario.


    The had made a poll on who should name the twins and dragged everyone including Edward Lu and his loyal butler into the game, Ethan Lu''s subordinates were to vote for the names Lexi and Ethan Lu had chosen. It was a tough andpetitive week but, aside from the ten percent stress they encountered, looking back now, it was actually a fun memory that was worthy to remember.


    "I see¡­ their names are beautiful and suit them perfectly." Nodding his head in acknowledgment, Jaime Liao turned to face Ethan Lu with a smile. They talked for a while before Ethan Lu finally had to put the baby back down to the bass in a careful manner.


    Doing the same procedure, Jaime Liao had to help Ethan Lu to carry his baby girl before Ethan Lu had to have a heart to heart talk with his little princess. Soon, after his first interaction with their newborn children, Ethan Lu''s visit finally came to an end.


    "Doctor Liao, thank you.'' Slightly bowing his head, Ethan Lu delivered his sincerest gratitude towards the doctor that had gone against his own hospital rules. Therefore, his view of this doctor improved even more.


    "Don''t worry about it. Lexi can go home tomorrow if I''m correct¡ª with the twins of course." Returning Ethan Lu''s polite bow, Jaime Liao responded as he said the possible day that Lexi and the twins could go home. After all, the twins were a healthy pair and Lexi''s condition was stable. Therefore, they could go home sooner than expected.


    "Really? I am worried that she hadn''t woken up yet."


    "That''s normal, all is well." Bearing the usual gentle smile, Jaime Liao reassured. However, Ethan Lu had repeatedly heard that same thing from Lillian Yang yet, he was still so worried that it made him let out a heavy sigh.


    As the two walked outside, Ethan Lu nced at Jaime Liao and noticed that he wasn''t wearing any white coat. Rather, he was just wearing a casual semi-formal polo sleeve that was tucked in his un-creased trousers. However, Ethan Lu didn''t n to bother him by asking as he respected other people''s matters.


    "I''ll see you around, I will have to take my leave." In front of the two elevators, Jaime Liao smiled a little as he excused himself and stood towards the other lift. "I took a day off to see Rika."


    "This early?" Knitting his brows, although Ethan Lu wasn''t in a habit of asking this type of question, s, due to the time and how early it was for the two to date, Ethan Lu heedlessly spoke his mind.


    "Hmm," Humming a tune, Jaime Liao nced at the top of the elevator that was disying what floor the lift was currently at the moment. "She broke up with me because I fell asleepst night and forgot to tell her. So, the long farewell message. She blocked my number so I can only go to her to settle things."


    Upon hearing the short yet precise reason behind his early visit to Rika Song, Ethan Lu''s brows could not help but twitch. In his mind, he offered his earnest salute to Jaime Liao for being the big guy despite Rika Song''s tantrums. At this time, Ethan Lu felt more fortunate being with Lexi as she was mature enough to trust and understand things more instead ofplicating things at every turn.


    Well, since it was not his problem and knowing Rika Song, the two would surely fix everything if Jaime Liao just showed himself to her. Soon, the elevator lift rang one after another before they opened for its passenger to ride. Ethan Lu took the lift going up while Jaime Liao was going down.


    [End of shback]


    Lexi chuckles embraced her parent''s heartyughter that resonated across each corner of the private hospital room as they heard the part about Rika Song and Jaime Liao''s lover''s quarrel. On the other hand, Ethan Lu could only shake his head sideways as a heavy sigh escaped from his mouth.


    "Love is surely blind." Ethan Lu murmured as he imagined how stressed poor Jaime Liao must be while dealing with Rika Song. Fair enough, he too was helpless with Lexi as he had fallen head over heels for her, such that everything about her seemed too normal and perfect. Therefore, one way or another, he somewhat understood Jaime Liao''s maturity.

 Chapter 382 - Milk!

    <h4>Chapter 382 - Milk!</h4>


    One monthter¡­


    "I have a mission to give out¡ª this is important." Inside the Yang Mansion''s living area, a solemn, dreaded silence gradually engulfed and spread across Ethan Lu''s vicinity. Moving his sharp gaze to Lyrick Jiang across him, Nico Zhuang on the right sofa and then Jarred Guo on the left side, Ethan Lu nodded his head as if he was satisfied to see their determined look.


    "As you all know, our main forces needed some back-up because of an emergency that urred and they were granted a time leave. Therefore, I am asking for this favor as I can''t trust anyone but you three." Moving his gaze to each of the three, Ethan Lu rested his elbow over his knees as he looked at their not so happy front.


    "You''re with me on this, right?"


    "Yes, master." The three un-energetically responded before they heard a loud cry of a baby that was soundlessly sleeping near Ethan Lu seconds ago. The four of them turned towards Evan Lu who was always irritable, unlike Lady Lara that rarely cries.


    Currently, the yang parents had an emergency and they had to go overseas to visit a close rtive that was diagnosed with a disease. Therefore, the ones that were left were Lexi and Ethan Lu with the rest of their servants. However, these two were too hostile in that they could not seem to entrust their children to just anyone. Hence, the dilemma.


    Not to mention, since Lexi had beencking in sleep for the past month due to taking care of the twins, Ethan Lu proposed that he would be in charge of tonight''s watch since he took another day off tomorrow.


    "Baby, don''t cry. Daddy''s here." Softly shushing, Ethan Lu finally learned how to properly carry this delicate baby. Still, there was this stiffness whenever he did so as he remained careful while reducing his movements. s, Evan Lu stopped crying for just a second but then resumed that had effectively deafened the three.


    "Evan, Evan my prince, you''ll wake up your sister." At this point, Ethan Lu tried to move a little as he kept a constant beat to his steps in the same spot.


    In the eyes of their subordinates, they seemed to not have recognized their own boss anymore. Just in thest several months, Ethan Lu''s aggressiveness and tyranny towards each Lu family member heightened to secure Lexi''s pregnancy. Thanks to his terrifying threats and extreme measures, Ethan Lu avoided any mishap and scheme from his cunning family members.


    Not just that, Lexi''s pregnancy also remained a secret as her shadow guards tripled in number. Lexi might or might not know it but no one could approach her as easily as before because if someone had a look garnering suspicion, they would be immediately confronted and investigated.


    Furthermore, during those months, the three felt they were free from the dog food that would normally be served as Lexi monitored her business while at home before Ethan Lu and Lexi moved in to the yang mansion. Therefore, the three almost forgot how their boss was normally like whenever he was around Lexi and now to these twins.


    Just as Evan Lu''s cries slowly subsided, the other baby, Lady Lara Lu produced a sound as if she was about to continue the concert. Upon hearing the abrupt sound that broke the peace that the three of them just had gained momentarily when Evan Lu stopped crying, the four of them unconsciously turned to the baby girl Lu that wasying in the crib while moving her hands and feet in the air.


    "Ethan¡­?" Above them, Lexi''s exhausted voice was also heard before she took a peek downstairs at the current urrence. For some reason, when Lady Lara Lu heard her mother''s voice, her cry started to sound as if her cries were ratting her father and uncle''s out.


    "Lara, princess¡­" Distressed by this abnormal scenario as his princess decided to act up as well, Ethan Lu frantically split his attention between Evan Lu who flinched upon hearing his sister''s cries before he joined the fun.


    "Rick, milk! Bring me the milk!" Realizing his innocentpany that he summoned for this task were unmoving and were just watching him do all the work. For Peter''s sake! This was the very reason why they were there¡ª to give him a hand int watching these babies.


    "Milk? What milk? Where''s the milk? Red, milk!" Snapping from his stupor, Lyrick Jiang who was the first person to be dragged out and act as an expert babysitter, panicked as the twin''s cries were getting louder and in sync.


    "I don''t have milk! Nico, milk!" Jarred Guo instinctively raised both his hands as he transferred the orders to Nico Zhuang who was now scratching the back of his head while his eyes scanned the surroundings trying to find a certain object.


    "It''s just in there! Try using your eyes! God da¡ª jeez!" Frustrated at the transferring of his orders, Ethan Lu sassed as he red daggers at the three who were not doing anything to help.


    Watching them from the indoor balcony, Lexi''s lips curled into a smile as her gaze softened, entertained at the four men who were panicking trying to stop the babies from crying. As she watched them more for a bit, she could not help but chuckle as they were indeed helpless.


    Just what did Ethan Lu get inside his head to drag these three who were just as clueless as he was the first time he had to care for them? Granted that he trusted them more than others, s, was it really enough in requirements to drag them all into this? If so, Lexi criticized Ethan Lu''s desperate decision making because just watching them could make the person watching them experience stress.


    "These guys¡­ *sigh*" Shaking her head sideways, a chuckle escaped Lexi''s lips before she decided to go downstairs and give them a hand. After all, how could she keep sleeping if she was hearing her twin''s crying plus, the three grown men who were loudly panicking¡ª excluding Nico Zhuang as he was the type of person who rarely raised his voice,


    ****


    [Somewhere in the city]


    "Dn, what do you want with me?" Raising her head to meet the sharp pair of semi monolid eyes of Dn Lu, Laurel Wang, the daughter of one of the country''s senators emotionlessly asked. Unlike her graceful aura back in Ethan Lu''s official take over event, Laurel Wang seemed as if she had lost a little weight.


    "Hmmm, I really don''t know but you seem as if you lost weight." Sneering, which was a facade under a gentle smile, Dn Lu traveled his eyes to the distressed woman.


    "That''s none of your business."


    "I am just concerned, after all, I still root for you as my cousin''s befitting partner." Shrugging his shoulders, Dn Lu heaved a heavy sigh. He didn''t need to see Laurel Wang''s expression to notice the abrupt change on her face.


    "Say, Miss Wang, do you like Ethan?" Tilting his head to the side, Dn Lu innocently inquired which made Laurel Wang pursed her lips into a thin line. "You know, maybe I can help you¡­" Smiling, Dn Lu raised his head to see the conflicted expression of the woman which was enough to satisfy him.


    "... that is, if you are willing to snatch him at any cost."

 Chapter 383 - Breastfeeding mom

    <h4>Chapter 383 - Breastfeeding mom</h4>


    The next morning, Lexi arrived at the babies'' temporary room in the yang mansion. Opening the door in a slow manner, she took a peek inside. Upon seeing the scene inside, Lexi could not help her lips but curl into a grin.


    There, her twins were soundlessly asleep in their respective cribs while Ethan Lu was sleeping¡ª face front on half of the bed while from his waist down, was out of the bed. By the looks of it, Ethan Lu was so groggy that he didn''t make it to the bed andid in an improper sleeping position.


    Through careful tiptoed steps, Lexi entered the room and checked if her twins were still breathing. Funny, when she became an official mother, she had this anxiousness that she often checks her kids if they were still breathing whenever they are asleep.


    Not just that, Lexi frequently had this sudden panic when her twins were too quiet. Admittedly, Lexi found it a little silly but what could she do? She was now a mother of two beautiful and perfectly wonderful twins. Therefore, her maternal instincts were always high on alert.


    "Morning¡­" Whispering, Lexi ced a kiss on each of her children''s hands and carefully, she retracted her head not to disturb her infant''s sleeping¡ª also, her biggest baby that was named Ethan Lu.


    Lexi stared at them with a soft gaze as her heart melted with contentment. Perhaps, it wasplete now that Ethan Lu proposed that she should catch up with her sleep as Lexi wascking sleep when she was discharged from the hospital, taking care of her twins. Therefore, the idea from him, Ethan Lu was getting enough sleep because she tried not to wake him up as much as possible. Moreover, Lexi always told him that he was already exhausted from his work and all of the pressure from the Lu Corporations business matters.


    After some time, Lexi tiptoed herself out and sessfully departed causing just the slightest sound. Since she felt fully recharged, Lexi decided to prepare some breakfast for her man and his back up fromst night.


    When Lexi arrived at the living area, she bit her bottom lip as hard as she could¡ª refraining herself from bursting outughing because of the scene that she witnessed in there was a rare sight. In the living area, the three: Lyrick Jiang, Jarred Guo, and even Nico Zhuang had upied their own spots to sleep.


    Lyrick Jiang on the long couch with his one foot ced on the head pir of the sofa while his hand was dangling down to the carpeted floor. On the other hand, Jarred Guo was snoring on the side of the small table that he pushed aside a little and took its original ce. There was an evident amount of drool on the side of his lips revealing how tired he was throughout the night.


    Meanwhile, Nico Zhuang who took the other long sofa was soundlessly sleeping with a proper position and a small pillow covering his face. Overall, it was a sight to see that these three seasoned and very serious small group, whenever they were in their work mode, most of the time being fed by dog food, were sleeping like boys as if they were in their teens all over again crashing wherever theynded after a long night of partying.


    Since it was a rare sight, Lexi hurried back to the master''s bedroom to grab her phone. It only took her a few minutes to return to the living area and the three didn''t move a muscle as they remained in their positions from before she had left.


    Without further ado, Lexi stood on the corner of the living area and captured the moment. She wanted to print it out and add it to the photo album so her children could give these three uncles some credit and respect when they grow up, along with a dose ofughter.


    "What a sight to see¡­" She murmured before Lexi faintly giggled and sent the best photo of the three to her parents that were still outside of the country. She sent the picture with a message saying: "Mom, they need you guys back! Haha!"


    Giggling upon seeing that her message was delivered, Lexi hurried to the kitchen to prepare a healthy and satisfying breakfast for the four of them. Little did she know, Lexi should have made lunch for them as they didn''t wake up until eleven in the morning.


    ****


    "Enjoy your lunch, I''ll go upstairs with the twins." Smiling, Lexi helped prepare some lunch for the four who were now just staring at their tes with a groggy expression across their faces. The bags under their eyes were clearly evident as if their sleep was not enough to soothe their exhaustion.


    The four of them seemed as if they didn''t hear Lexi''s statement as they just stared at the food in a daze. Regardless, Lexi only chuckled as she shook her head sideways to give the four men some time for their heads to normally function.


    Leaving the four in the dining room, Lexi carried the twins that were now sleeping again after their intense crying session, which naturally woke the four and made them panic. She headed to the temporary nursery room as Lexi chose to breastfeed her twins instead of using form.


    Also, since she was blessed with bountiful gold fluids that were naturally seeping out from her nipples, she had to pump out some of it before her breasts exploded. When she arrived at the room, Lexi ced her twins near her as she started her pumping session.


    It wasn''t exactly painful to breastfeed, in reality, it felt sort of euphoric. The issue was in between feedings as it was excruciating. The pain whenever her breasts felt so full and firm that she felt like they would explode. Surely, the sacrifices of a mother for her children was too much to endure sometimes. Plus, she was having severe hair loss from giving birth added to it a full month of continuous, heavy bleeding, it was no small amount either much worse than her normal monthly.


    However, knowing that her twins were eating the best and most nutritious milk she could offer,? not to mention, the joy whenever her twins smile at her was what''s important. Also, it magically soothed her stress and the little pain away¡­ as long as her children were healthy and their tummy was full.

 Chapter 384 - Will you marry me later?

    <h4>Chapter 384 - Will you marry meter?</h4>


    Under Ethan Lu''s tyrannical orders, Lyrick Jiang, Jarred Guo, and Nico Zhuang had to stay at the yang manor for the rest of the day. Of course, the only way the three could vent theirints was to weep internally because their quest as baby sitters wasn''t done yet.


    "Oh, good old days¡­ How I miss the time that I only had to babysit Master and bribe him toe to the office." Reminiscing the slightly better past, Lyrick Jiang nearly sobbed as taking care of the mischievous Ethan Lu in the past was nothingpared to two infants who were crying without any reason that he could determine.


    "Just when I thought thating from being a captain of squad two to being Master''s driver was the worst demotion¡ª here I am, being transferred to a babysitter. Justice, oh where''s the justice? I can''t see it." Sounding as if he was being drained of his life force, Jarred Guo nearly sang hisst sentence as he could not see the sliver of hope in their situation that they were in.


    "Yes, it should be delivered today. Thank you, keep me on track." Unlike the two whimperingds, Nico Zhuang had no time to chime in as he knew that he would just waste time if he does. Therefore, while he was physically present in the yang manor, he was also working to keep track of Beauty DR''s operations and deliveries.


    Turning to Nico Zhuang who just finished the call, was seemingly prepared to dial another person already, the twoining men could not help but twitch their under-eye. In their eyes, Nico Zhuang truly embraced the fact that he was now Lexi''s personal assistant and fully forgotten the fact that he was still a captain in one of Ethan Lu''s shadow squads.


    "Rick, you are really lucky that Nico chose to be a guard and not master''s assistant." ncing at the dismayed Lyrick Jiang, Jarred Guo diverted his attention and decided to vent his frustrations by annoying his colleague.


    "He''s a show-off! A show-off!" Gritting his teeth, part of Lyrick Jiang was ticked off because seeing that Nico Zhuang could still work under their current state¡ª fully functioning and level headed¡ª Lyrick Jiang growled.


    "Scram." Cold and emotionless, Nico Zhuang only cast the agitated Lyrick Jiang a re before he spat that one word. Without waiting for another round of nonsensical banter from his colleagues, Nico Zhuang stood from his seat as the two were rather noisy and he needed some peace and quiet to supervise Lexi''s people.


    "No, I can''t lose at this job as well." Profusely shaking his head as if his position as Ethan Lu''s executive assistant was being threatened, Lyrick Jiang hurriedly picked up his phone and checked his emails.


    Now, not only was it just Nico Zhuang doing something productive but Lyrick Jiang as well as he entered his work mode zone. Hence, only Jarred Guo was left with nothing to do. With that thought in mind, Jarred Guo could only heave a heavy sigh as he decided to catch up on some sleep once more.


    "Maybe, being a professional idler is the career I am meant to have." He murmured before slowly resting on the couch in the living area of the Yang Mansion.


    ****


    Since Lexi had a bountiful supply of the gold liquid, she managed to stock up her twins with a good amount of some stash so Ethan Lu could feed them as well. Holding the clingy Evan Lu, Lexi gently patted the baby''s bum to sleep again while Ethan Lu was now slowly putting Lady Lara Lu down in her crib.


    "Love?" Low yet audible, Ethan Lu tenderly patted his princess''s bum to make sure that she continued sleeping and called Lexi that was on the bed with Evan Lu who liked being close to his mother.


    "Hmm?" Without turning her attention to Ethan Lu, Lexi hummed a questioning tune as her gaze was all on her little boy. She was admiring how adorable her baby boy is and was mesmerized by his cuteness.


    In retrospect, Lexi always thought that infants looked all the same. There was really no telling what the difference is before they reach a certain age. But now, she could clearly see that her children were not like any other kids. Well, maybe because they were her kids and she thought that they were the cutest of cute in the little organization of babies.


    "Can we talk for a while¡­?"


    Upon hearing Ethan Lu''s request, Lexi slightly knitted her brows as her head slowly turned towards her partner''s direction that was now sitting on the edge of the mattress. "Sure, what is it?" Slowly, Lexi put Evan Lu to sleep on his side as he was still feeding on the bottle before she carefully repositioned herself to face Ethan Lu.


    "Love, about us¡­" Contemting how he should put it, Ethan Lu paused. s, the instant Lexi heard the word "us", she already got the gist of what he wanted to talk about; their wedding that was being pushed back.


    "Love, didn''t we already agree that we''ll wait until the twins can walk so they could participate in the wedding as a ring bearer and flower girl?" Softly, an unreadable sigh escaped Lexi''s mouth as they already talked about this matter and agreed on the final decision. Hence, at this moment, Lexi and Ethan Lu took their time taking care of the twins without a thought to anything.


    "Yes, and I wanted that as well, but¡­" Heavily sighing, Ethan? Lu scrutinized Lexi''s still beautiful front before he stood from the side of the bed and knelt on his one knee which made Lexi furrowed her sexy brows. In her eyes, Ethan Lu seemed as if he was proposing, again.


    "My love, I am worried that even though we are happy and had the twins, it bothers me that we are not legally married in the eyes of thew and in the eyes of God. Though I wanted to marry you in the grandest way possible and I also wanted the twins to take part in it. It still bothers me that we still have not been married yet." Exining his side and what bothers him throughout the whole pregnancy journey until now, Ethan Lu frowned a little.


    "So, my love, will you marry meter?" From frowning, the corner of his lips subtly curled upward as he proposed again and this time, he made sure to leave a date to get their marriage license.

 Chapter 385 - Diaper change

    <h4>Chapter 385 - Diaper change</h4>


    Staring back at the dark bags under his eyes, Lexi heaved a sigh that sounded like a brief chuckle. Lexi had been too focused and busy preparing her body for giving birth. Now that the twins had arrived, her time was mostly preupied tending to her kids. Hence, she had set aside important stuff as their twins were illegitimate children because Lexi and Ethan Lu hadn''t been wedded yet.


    Actually, Lexi had nearly forgotten about that fact because she and Ethan Lu seemed to live like a married couple. They were living under the same roof¡ª happily. Had twins that were the fruit of their love, and supportive friends and family. Hence, she could not be med that the wedding that both of them looked forward to before was diverted to seeing the twins and showering them with love and care.


    "You will not reject me, right?" Ethan Lu slightly knitted his brows upon meeting the long silence as a response from her. Although she didn''t seem to reject the idea, still, having no response from her was no better than rejecting his proposal.


    "Why would I?" Shaking her head sideways, Lexi chuckled as the corner of her lips curled upward. "Yes, my darling." After letting out her chuckles, Lexi raised her gaze to Ethan Lu who was now bearing a bright grin as of his whole front transformed from haggard form to being newly refreshed.


    *bruuut*


    Just then, a loud fart was heard which halted Ethan Lu from embracing Lexi as both first time parents turned to Evan Lu who was innocent looking somewhere as if he was not the culprit of the bomb that was dropped.


    "Oh, baby Evan..." Chuckling, Lexi shook her head sideways as she turned her upper body and stretched towards her youngest.


    "Son, please be honest, are you sabotaging daddy from being lovey dovey with mommy?" Doing the same just like Lexi, Ethan Lu whispered as he had this feeling that his kids were mischievous even at this early stage of being a baby whenever he was around¡ª to his subordinates as well.


    After all, the twins always behaved when Lexi was the one on duty. Meanwhile, when Ethan Lu and the three reliable subordinates of his were the night''s watchmenst night, the twins constantly threw tantrums that traumatized the three and a bit to Ethan Lu.


    "What are you whispering? My baby boy is the kindest, right Evan?" ncing at Ethan Lu''s narrowed eyes, Lexi chuckled as she gently poked the tip of Evan Lu''s cute little nose. "Love, diaper change please." Turning to Ethan Lu, Lexi grinned as she passed the diaper duties to her partner which made his brows twitch.


    "You''ll do it right? It''s my day off, someone said." Tugging Ethan Lu''s conscience, Lexi slightly raised her brows and the ever so sly grin on her lips was clearly evident.


    Seeing Lexi''s obvious teasing, however, Ethan Lu did say that and was the one who volunteered to be on daddy duty today... that includes the diaper changes and stuff like that.


    "Oh, oh sure! No problem! Diaper change? Pssh, easy." Awkwardlyughing, Ethan Lu waved his hand inches away from his face as he disyed that there was no problem in that.? However, despite his ims and how much he loved his twins, his natural reaction whenever he sees the baby poop and smells the not so redolent scent of the baby bomb, it still made him nearly puke.


    "Hihi~" Lexi could not help but giggle seeing the transition of Ethan Lu''s expression. "Thanks, Love." Giving him his reward, Lexi left a peck on Ethan Lu''s cheek that wasn''t effective enough to divert the fact that he''d be the one changing diapers.


    *****


    Five hourster...


    "Uh..." Inside Ethan Lu''s car, Lexi looked down at the red booklet with furrowed brows. Opening the one red booklet, there was a photo of her and Ethan Lu together.


    For some reason, although Lexi knew that they will register their marriage today, however, she didn''t expect that it will happen so fast. Still, it was natural that Ethan Lu seemed as if he had nned this day.


    Lexi hadn''t noticed but it was a holiday today and government estates shouldn''t be opened. She had lost track of the days and was only reminded when they arrived at the marriage licensing office as the establishment was rather vacant. Regardless, there were still a few people that amodated them and made their registration of marriage possible.


    "Yes, Mrs. Lu?" Beyond happy, Ethan Lu fixed his seatbelt as he turned to the front passenger seat with a glint shed in his twinkling eyes.


    Of course, although they weren''t wedded in his dream wedding that he envisioned with Lexi being the most beautiful bride of the century that would take him as her husband, he was still happy as he was now her legal husband. Now, there''s no turning back? and Lexi was trapped with him for the rest of her life.


    After all, divorce only happens when both parties are agreeing with and having a mutual decision to it. The other way of being separated, it would be as hard as looking for a needle in a haystack. Therefore, this was a missionplete.


    "Nothing, it''s just you know." Shrugging her shoulders, Lexi closed the red booklet and slowly faced Ethan Lu on the driver''s seat.


    "I know what? I don''t know anything." Blinking innocently, Ethan Lu kept it low as he didn''t want to show his mischief.


    "I mean, we had expected this and that but I realized that it wasn''t that bad and that instead of getting married first, we were already doing matrimonial activities and moved in together. Also, in the midst of focusing on our careers, we had the twins." Pausing, Lexi slowly leaned her back against the seat as she picked up their marriage certificates.


    "So, I realized that there''s nothing really wrongdoing it the opposite way. We got where we want to be after all. That''s what is important." With this said note, Lexi''s lips curled upward as she turned to Ethan Lu who smiled back at her upon hearing her thoughts for today.


    Indeed, there had been way too many twists and turns in their rtionship, yet their initial ns were always met. However, although they had the twins in an unexpected time, it was a blessing in disguise that can and would always be their strongest connection and a reminder of how much they love each other. No matter which route they have to take in their future days.


    "Urgh... how can you be so lovely? Come here, my wife." Moved by her sentiments, Ethan Lu sprawled his arms to her as he wanted to embrace her.


    s, just then, his phone rang which startled the two and cracked the beautiful atmosphere that was building inside the car. That instant, a vein popped up from his forehead as he grit his teeth and checked who it was that hadpleted decimated their lovey scene.


    Of course, who could it be? It was none other than the mighty Lyrick Jiang whose timing was always perfect.


    "What?!" Grinding his teeth, Ethan Lu growled the moment the line connected.


    "Master, pleasee back as soon as possible. I can''t enjoy their concert any longer, please!!" On the other end of the line, Lyrick Jiang was literally weeping as he was close to having a mental breakdown.


    "Tch!" Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Ethan Lu ignored Lyrick Jiang''s plea as he hung up on him. On the other hand, Lexi just chuckled as she heard his assistant by how loud his voice was.


    Although there were maids that were assigned to look after the twins, Ethan Lu still ordered the three to keep a close watch on the twins and their real babysitters. Hence, whenever the twins cry, they were the audience to their duets.


    "Let''s go home. I already miss the twins anyway." Shaking her head sideways, Lexi chuckled as she buckled herself up.

 Chapter 386 - Title Brotherhood

    <h4>Chapter 386 - Title Brotherhood</h4>


    Five monthster¡­


    "I''ll be looking forward to working with you." The elderly businessman before Lexi slowly stood and shook hands with her.


    "The pleasure is mine." Smiling, Lexi slightly nodded her head before she personally sent the man off.


    It has been six months since Lexi had the twins and just the third mark of the twins, Lexi slowly returned and managed her growing business. Of course, despite having a contract with Aubrey Ning, lending her resources and distributing her products, Lexi needed more clients and distributors to widen her range of supplies. Hence, the purpose of this sessful deal she had with an international distributionpany.


    "Nick, how''s the photoshoot?" After sending the man off, Lexi didn''t need to return to her office as Nico Zhuang appeared by her side carrying her handbag and some documents. Surely, Nico Zhuang was the best assistant she could have as he was diligent, always on point, and hardworking. Even without telling him, he always seemed to know Lexi''s thoughts aside from the schedules she has on hand.


    "It was still ongoing."


    "Alright, let''s have a look." With that said note, Lexi began taking strides and Nico Zhuang followed behind her.


    While they were on the road, Lexi was in the back passenger seat, with the partition up so Nico Zhuang could not see that she was still pumping out some milk for the twins. Well, although Lexi had been back to business and her schedule was quite hectic, she was now a strong advocate of breastfeeding as she didn''t want her boobs to be a mere decoration piece.


    Moreover, her maternal instinct to this day was heightened. Therefore, if she was blessed with golden fluids, then, she''ll dly use them to give the best to her twins. After all, there are mothers out there that wanted to breastfeed their children but their supply wasn''t enough.


    Soon, they finally reached their destination where the product shoot was taking ce. cing the stash she pumped inside the cooler she always carries with her, Lexi fixed herself before she unhurriedly departed her car. When she stepped her foot outside, Nico Zhuang was already there waiting for her.


    ncing at the always quiet and keen Nico Zhuang, Lexi suddenly had a question in mind. "Nico?"


    "Yes, madam?"


    "Don''t you miss being a captain?" Arching her brows, Lexi watched Nico Zhuang''s expression, hoping it would make a little change. After all, being with Nico Zhuang for as long as she could remember and asking Ethan Lu about the said man, she heard that Nico Zhuang might look weak and fragile, however, his agility, wits, and precision on decision making even without the mastersmand was topnotch. Reasons why he merited the position of being a squad captain.


    "Miss?" Nico Zhuang slightly furrowed his brows as he pondered and thought about Lexi''s abrupt question. He didn''t understand why she was asking such things. Still, he gave a thought about it as he wanted to keep this boss-subordinate rtionship clean and honest.


    "To be honest, I don''t think ''miss'' is the right term. But the answer is no. I do think about my life being a squad''s captain but then, I always end up thinking about my task right now and then about being a squad captain, there''s really not much of a difference. The only gap between the two is I can secure your safety without concealing and hiding in the shadows." Raising his head and his eyes met Lexi''s pair of nut-brown orbs, Nico Zhuang, with little emotionced in his voice responded his truthful answer to her.


    Upon hearing his response, the corner of Lexi''s lips stretched a little upward before she nodded in understanding. "Alright, let''s go." With that said note, Lexi dropped the matter as she resumed in her tracks and headed inside the studio building.


    Reaching the studio, the loud clicking sound of the camera and shes thate afterward was what weed them. There, Rika Song, with a light makeup that was showcasing her natural beauty, a white tube dress that reveals too much of her fair, porcinplexion.


    "Nice shot!" The photographerplimented and continuously took photos of Rika Song who was beautiful in every angle. Lexi who silently headed inside and received a few greetings from the staff watched her best friend work on the new product that they were about tounch.


    "Bestie~!" After a while, when Rika Song and the rest were on their break, she excitedly rushed towards Lexi as if she was a baby that was happy to see her mother present at her work.


    "Hi," Smiling back to her hardworking and supportive friend, Lexi greeted back as her gaze traveled to Rika Song''s undeniably clear skin and beauty. "I''ll be throwing a little gatheringter for the twins¡ª you''lle, right?" Tilting her head to the side, Lexi smiled as an unreadable glint shed across her eyes.


    "Oh, right! Almost forgot! Of course! For my babies!" sping her hand together, Rika Song nearly forgot that there will be a small dinner party as the twins turned exactly six months today. Hence the reason to celebrate these joyous months with the twins.


    "Hehe," Chuckling, Lexi''s smile was rather unusual as she concealed her excitement because the eventter was not only for the twins but also for her best friend. Therefore, Lexi even though she wanted to tattle, tried her hardest to keep her mouth shut as she didn''t want to spoil the surpriseter tonight.


    *****


    Somewhere in the city, Ethan Lu wordlessly entered a studio gallery of paintings. Since he has a meeting nearby, Ethan Lu decided to drop by his longtime friend''s gallery that was still keeping his distance ever since that day.


    Entering the establishment, there were a few individuals inside that were viewing the abstract paintings. His eyes traveled to every canvass that was being hung on the walls along with his feather-like steps that seemed to step on a soft cloud.


    Amidst his viewing, a particr canvass caught his eyes hence, Ethan Lu stopped and stood before the painting. It was an abstract painting yet, there seemed to be five shadows. The background had a mixture of orange, ck, red, and dark blue haze.


    "The title of that is brotherhood." Out of nowhere, he heard the very familiar voice of Kevin Woo from his side which made Ethan Lu turn his head towards his direction.

 Chapter 387 - You guys got married?

    <h4>Chapter 387 - You guys got married?</h4>


    "Is it?" Meekly smiling, Ethan Lu asked regarding the title of the art that caught his eye.


    After putting pressure on the WW Group of Companies that nearly broke them until they almost dered bankruptcy, and then lifted his punishment towards the saidpany as he just wanted to teach Kevin Woo a lesson for disrespecting Lexi, he still kept a close watch on him.


    During this one year and several months, Kevin Woo seemed to change and instead of involving himself in their family business, he chose a career that shook everyone to their core, to be an artist. Never in their years of being the ultimate yboys and party animals had Ethan Lu noticed that Kevin Woo was inclined of such things.


    Or rather, it was not only him but everyone that knew Kevin Woo was just as shocked as Ethan Lu was. Who would have thought that this man had this side of him and his paintings emanated his feelings, his heart, and soul through it? Regardless of the shock, Ethan Lu was amazed that he appeared to be apletely changed person and was d to find his equilibrium.


    Staring at him from head to toe, right now, instead of a sequened tux that would make Kevin Woo stand out in a crowd, he was only wearing a in and simple coat with a shirt and denim pants underneath. His usually clean brushed up hair had now grown longer to the point that he tied it in a bun with little strands of hair set loose on the side. Overall, Kevin Woo looked more mature in his appearance and by his tranquil temperament.


    "Yeah¡­" After casting Ethan Lu a nce, Kevin Woo return his attention to the painting that has a memorable sentimental value in his heart. "It is a story of a brotherhood of five different boys. It was a group that was formed in the most unexpected ways but then, even after being friends for a long time, there are still some parts of them that had remained hidden¡­ or rather, the others failed to see." Exining the story behind the so-called painting, his eyes softened as a bittersweet smile stered across his lips.


    "They were once blissfully ignorant as each of them grew to be men. Though their colors changed through the years and their life had unexpected twists and turns, deep down, their friendship remained¡­ it was not the same but, it was still there." This time, Kevin Woo finished his summarized story of the thousand or more stories behind the artwork. Nevertheless, he already made his point.


    "It''s nice to see you." Turning to see Ethan Lu''s dashing side profile, the side of Kevin Woo''s lips curled into a genuine smile.


    "Mhmm¡­" Nodding while his eyes were locked on the painting that has sent more stories than what Kevin Woo exined, Ethan Lu slowly turned his head to his friend that changed a lot. Be it his way of clothing, the way he speaks, or his temperament, Kevin Woo truly seemed to be more mature now.


    "I like it." With a smile, Ethan Lu lowly muttered. "Good to see you doing well too." cing a tap on Kevin Woo''s shoulder, Ethan Lu added.


    ****


    Neither of them talked about what happened since theirst encounter as Kevin Woo personally assisted Ethan Lu to his other artworks. After that, he invited Ethan Lu to have tea in the office of the gallery which he now owned.


    "By the way, we have this small dinner partyter for the twins. You shoulde and meet the twins." Putting down his cup of tea, Ethan Lu smiled as he invited him over to their small gathering for the twins. After all, Kevin Woo hadn''t met the twins and Lexi for a long time. Moreover, he wanted to catch up with his friend as Ethan Lu''s personal matter was kept private for safety measures.


    "Ethan¡­" Smiling back, Kevin Woo briefly looked down before he raised his head again to meet Ethan Lu''s front. "I''m sorry and thank you." Offering him the most genuine smile he could give, Kevin Woo set aside his invitation as he opened this subject they must discuss.


    "Actually, I hated you at first for choosing Lexi over your friends. s, after knowing the truth, about brother Mo, Chris, and everything, I was pped by reality on how ignorant I was. But then, instead of trying to understand things, I remained arrogant for pushing all the me for your extreme action with our Woo family." Scoffing, Kevin Woo slightly shook his head sideways as he recalled how foolish he was one year ago.


    "Until the time that our family business was closed due to bankruptcy, I never did anything but me you. I don''t know how and why but I woke up one day, realizing that with or without my presence, I can''t help in thepany because everything feels new to me. I realized how much of a spoiled brat I was for not knowing my purpose even for not being a help to anyone in the family. While you, on the other hand, were slowly building your career and making your name in the industry." Indeed, when the whole Woo family was shaken by the attack from the Lu Corporation, Kevin Woo tried to help his father. However, he wasn''t much of a help because he only retained the basic knowledge of thepany and couldn''t do anything else to help.


    Therefore, aside from the criticism he received from the other extended family members for not knowing about their ownpany, Kevin Woo was also hated as he already had too much freedom and used all his pocket money to sustain a luxurious lifestyle without breaking a sweat¡ª he still failed and offended Ethan Lu. Hence, their dilemma at that time.


    If not for the fact that he had this talent on art and expressed himself by doing small paintings, he wouldn''t have discovered that this had been his life''s calling¡ª not partying all night, not shy sportscars or sequened tuxedo.


    Therefore, as he busied himself working in his artworks and attending art sses and exhibits, Kevin Woo realized what Ethan Lu''s message was for doing what he did. That they were not getting any younger and if not for Ethan Lu, who would straighten his curved path as his family spoiled and tolerated him without teaching him how to be a man of his own, he may not have ever grown up.


    "You don''t have to thank me. I did what I did because I am selfish like that especially when ites to my wife and the twins." Little did Kevin Woo know, though he made his point and thought too much about it, s, Ethan Lu was just really irked on how he badmouthed Lexi in front of him. Hence, without thinking much, he did what he did¡ª no more no less. Well, since the oue was good, Ethan Lu thought that things really happened that way and caused a good result.


    "Wife? You guys got married?" Knitting his brows as Kevin Woo''s attention was sidetracked to the word ''wife'' instead of the other message behind Ethan Lu''s sentence, he asked out of curiosity. "I heard from Eli that you had the twins but, I never heard of a wedding yet." He added as Ethan Lu and Lexi''s rtionship was now too lowkey. Even Ethan Lu''s Weibo ount has been inactive ever since the news about their engagement dominated the online world for a month.

 Chapter 388 - Not the same anymore

    <h4>Chapter 388 - Not the same anymore</h4>


    Ethan Lu just stared at the inquiring pair of orbs that wereid on him. After a beat, the corner of his lips curled upward before his head moved a little up and then down.


    "Civil." Raising his hand, Ethan Lu showed his finger that had a ring on it albeit ced on his forefinger for some reason.


    "Wow..." Kevin Woo marginally raised his brows that made his ears move along with them as he revealed a slightly surprised front. "That''s fast but congrats." Meekly smiling, Kevin Woo sincerely delivered his congrattory remarks to his dearest friend.


    Kevin Woo had this part of his heart that he believed that Ethan Lu and Lexi were probably happy now, but he never thought that far ahead that they were that crazily in love to the extent of getting married this soon.


    Granted that Ethan Lu did extreme measures to teach him a lesson for bad mouthing Lexi in front of him, Kevin Woo still had this small conclusion that it was just Ethan Lu''s ego for having all this power within his grasp. Nevertheless, he was happy if his dear friend as long as he was happy.


    "Thanks, man." Nodding in acknowledgment, Ethan Lu smiled a smile that had the same peace as a mild ocean wave yet, his eyes had the same depth of the vast, unexplored ocean deep. "So, are youing? Lexi will appreciate your attendance. Also, Lou''s girlfriend is an artist and loved your paintings." Waiting for his friend''s confirmation, Ethan Lu tilted his head a little to the side as he patiently waited for his answer.


    "I¡ª sure." Hesitating for a second, Kevin Woo finally agreed as he thought he did also need to mend things with Lexi¡ª now Ethan Lu''s wife.


    "Great! Here''s the address... and I''ll see youter." Ethan Lu jotted down the address of the venue that was near their ce and then slid it in front of Kevin Woo. His usual mask that he usually wore whenever he was this Ethan Lu: CEO of the Lu Corporation and the master of the Lu family had vanished and only disyed a good friend who truly missed his friend''spany.


    "Alright..."


    "Okay... I''ll head out first¡ª meeting. Endless meetings." Snapping his tongue, Ethan Lu heaved an unreadable heavy sigh as if he was carrying a heavy burden on his shoulders.


    With that said note, Kevin Woo personally sent Ethan Lu off down to the establishment''s parking space. Staring at the numerous cars that followed Ethan Lu''s car which he assumed were his bodyguards, Kevin Woo faintly chuckled as his friend''s life had really changed.


    "He''s not the same anymore, is he?" As Ethan Lu''s car along with the rest of his bodyguard''s cars sped away without stopping, Mia Chen''s voice rang behind Kevin Woo.


    "Mhmm..." He still had his eyes glued on the retreating cars, Kevin Woo hummed a tune as he slightly nodded his head in agreement. "And so have I." Slowly, Kevin Woo turned to face the elegant yet fragile Mia Chen smiling at him.


    The instant his eyesnded on her, it became extra soft as if he was staring at the most precious masterpiece of the universe. By the looks of his eyes, he was obviously staring at the person who dominated his heart and mind... even his soul, maybe.


    "There''s really too many wonders in the world that happened unexpectedly like Ethan and Lexi being together..." Raising his hand, Kevin Woo cupped Mia Chen''s cheek while his thumb tenderly caressed it. "Me and you." His other free hand then slowly reached out to her fair fingers as he guided them to his lips to ce a soft peck behind the back of her hand.


    This simple yet sweet gesture made the corner of Mia Chen''s lips curled upward. "That''s true..." Her voice was as gentle as ever as she said those two words.


    "I love you, Mia." Slowly, Kevin Woo pulled her into his embrace and whispered his heart to her ears.


    "I love you..." Soft and barely audible, Mia Chen rested her head to his chest and wrapped her arms around his. s, unlike the lovely pair of eyes that the man showed, hers, on the other hand, were cold and bitter.


    ''... brother Mo.'' Her mind continued and her emotions turned vivid¡ª making Kevin Woo, who was unaware of the name she called inside her mind, smile¡ª thinking that those affections she was disying were meant for him, and for him alone.


    *****


    Hourster...


    "A~ my sweetie twins, I missed you!" As soon as Rika Song arrived at the venue of the twin''s six month celebration, she immediately clowned around the two like a real auntie.


    "Aww~ you missed me too? That''s so sweet! Honey, did you hear that?" Turning to Jaime Liao on her side, Rika Song brightly smiled as she asked for a back up for this imaginary ''we missed you too, auntie Rika~'' from the twins. However, even before Jaime Liao could support this delusion, Elliot Gong was there to ruin the moment.


    "No, he didn''t hear it neither did I." Rolling his eyes, Elliot Gong scoffed in disdain as he slightly shook his head.


    "Oh, shut up you single dog!" Sassing back, Rika Song red daggers at her number one basher sh a friend. Though sometimes she wondered if they were truly friends or just enemies¡ª perhaps, frenemies?


    "You two bestfriends, please don''t start arguing in front of the twins." Chuckling as she saw the invisible bolt of lightning that sparked between Rika Song and Elliot Gong, Lexi arrived with a tray of desserts for them.


    "Hey, babies. Mommy missed you a lot. How''s your day?" Kissing her adorable twins, Lexi talked to them as if she was talking to a toddler. The instant the twins saw their mother and felt her motherly love, even without words, they smiled brightly and reached for Lexi with their tiny adorable hands.


    "See? That''s how they respond because they were like that when they saw me!" In a matter of fact tone, Elliot Gong nonchntly shrugged his shoulders as he referred to how the twins responded to someone if they miss a person or not.


    "Eli, my beauty will not fade soon but my patience will¡ª so don''t start." Snapping her tongue in annoyance, Rika Song casted Elliot Gong ast re before she took a sweet tart from the tray.


    "You mean don''t continue?" Feigning innocence, Elliot Gong marginally raised his brows before he bit his lower lip, restraining himself from bursted outughing.


    "Urgh!!" Ticked off, Rika Song tried to calm herself down as she didn''t want to scare the twins if she goes beast mode again. "Bestie, Honey, please duck tape his mouth for me!" ncing at the giggling Lexi while carrying Evan Lu and then to Jaime Liao who was oddly silent the whole time, Rika Song helplessly asked for help before she could murder a certain someone.


    "Don''t let him get to your head¡ª he''s just happy for you." Just then, Ethan Lu''s voice was heard from behind and gave his piece of thought of what he overheard. He then headed to Lexi and greeted her and his son with a kiss before he took Lara Lu from the nanny beside his wife.


    "Happy for me my a¡ª" Rolling her eyes, Rika Song snapped her tongue in annoyance as she took the first sentence Ethan Lu said and disregarded thetter. However, even before she could finish her sentence, she was abruptly shushed by Lexi, Ethan Lu, Jaime Liao, and Elliot Gong.


    "Shhhh!!"


    "Right! Sorry my baby twins!" Smiling like an innocent girl, Rika Song shrugged off her almost slip of the tongue with an awkwardugh.

 Chapter 389 - I love the way you love me

    <h4>Chapter 389 - I love the way you love me</h4>


    "Our dearest friends, family, we thank and appreciate you for giving us time for tonight to celebrate our children: Lara and Evan, despite your busy schedules. We are honored again and again." In the middle of the simple celebration of the twins, Ethan Lu stood and gathered everyone''s attention to make a toast.


    Of course, though their few guests were used to his humble gestures and words, it still brought out a genuine smile on their lips. It had been several months since he proposed to Lexi and despite the heights his name had reached in the business industry, he was still the same Ethan Lu who respected and humbled himself to everyone that Lexi considered as friends.


    "So, as a thank you, I, uhmm..." Scratching the back of his head, Ethan Lu nced at Lexi''s direction who was mischievously giggling on the side.


    "Fighting!" Lexi slowly mouthed which he easily read before she resumed on giggling like a little girl.


    ''Oh, love...'' Sighing helplessly, Ethan Lu was reminded of the favor Lexi asked of him. It was not that he was against it or anything of the sort but, well, for some reason, he felt that if he messed it up¡ª he would be the one to me for it.


    "I wanted to dedicate a lovely song which my wife insisted I should sing to showcase my talent for this audition." Giving a little humor, their guests chuckled at his statements.


    "So, here it goes..." Ethan Lu cleared his throat as the lights slightly dimmed and only a single not so bright spotlight was on him. Since the ce was designed to be a cozy set up, his voice would surely soothe their exhausted soul. After all, Ethan Lu rarely sings and whenever he does, it was to express his feelings to Lexi.


    Soon, Ethan Lu began strumming on his guitar and slowly opened his mouth as his harmonious words gently escaped his lips.


    "I like the feel of your name on my lips


    And I like the sound of your sweet gentle kiss~"


    ncing at Lexi, Ethan Lu winked at the mastermind of this event tonight and made him as her aplice. As he continued to sing, one after another, the guests who have their partners, including Lillian Yang and Frederick Yang stood and danced in the lovely song being sung by Ethan Lu.


    "And I like the way your eyes dance when youugh


    And how you enjoy your two-hour bath..."


    At this time, Lexi unhurriedly strode towards Ethan Lu as sheid her hand on his shoulder as if asking for this chance to dance with him. Ethan Lu smiled as he sang before he epted the unworded request from his beautiful wife.


    "But I love the way you love me


    Strong and wild, slow and easy


    Heart and soul sopletely...~"


    While everyone was now slow dancing with Ethan Lu''s singing voice in the background, Rika Song, on the other hand, knitted her brows for this  proposal act of Ethan Lu.


    Wasn''t this supposed to be a baby celebration? Where are the nursery rhymes? Fortunately, Ethan Lu had and would always be this mister romantico hence, Rika Song was quite used to this kind of serenade... though she was a little envious because her partner wasn''t as sweet as him nor was he as romantic as Ethan Lu.


    ncing at the ever shy Jaime Liao, Rika Song exhaled heavily. She knew that despite the fact that Jaime Liao had been exposed to this kind of romantic environment to this perfect couple, he was still a little shy to blend in.


    "Honey, aren''t you going to ask me to dance? Don''t worry, everyone''s shameless here and they don''t care if you''re not good at dancing. Hmm?" Frowning a little, Rika Song slightly raised her brows as they were the only couple that weren''t sweet dancing to this beautiful song being sung by a good man with an eargasm voice.


    "And I like the sound of old R ''n'' B


    And you roll your eyes when I''m slightly off key


    And I like the innocent way that you cry


    At sappy old movies you''ve seen thousands of times~"


    "I... will you give me the honor?" Sounding a little awkward, Jaime Liao forced a smile on his slightly pale lips as if he was nervous about something.


    "I thought you''d never ask." Chuckling a little, Rika Song shook her head sideways as she slid her hands to Jaime Liao. "Your hands are cold and... sweaty." Frowning, Rika Song arched her brow as she was now sure that there''s something wrong.


    Jaime Liao was alwaysposed and calm. Moreover, he had never been this oddly quiet and now his hands were cold as if they were preserved in a freezer.


    "Honey, if you feel unwell, you can tell me. Let''s not dan¡ª" Worried, Rika Song was about to cancel their dance, s, just as she was about to finish her sentence, Ethan Lu''s singing stopped.


    "Okay, I have a confession to make: Lexi did ask this favor but the person who chose this song was not her¡ª I know you guys already know that but one person." Just as Ethan Lu said his remarks, Rika Song unconsciously turned her head to his direction with a set of knitted brows.


    "But one person? But, I''m also not informed." Rika Song heedlessly murmured as she had zero clue about what Ethan Lu was talking about. Her gaze then moved a little to everyone who were now looking in her direction.


    "And I could list a million things


    I love to like about you


    But they could alle down to only one reason


    I could never live without you..."


    Suddenly, the faint spotlight that was in Ethan Lu and Lexi''s direction was now on her. Not just that, but Jaime Liao, with his off key tune continuing the song as if he was just reciting a poem.


    Despite that, Rika Song''s heart began to race, pounding so loud and fast it was hard to keep up. Without knowing the reason, her gut feeling had already assumed hence, the forming tears in the corner of her eyes.


    "Rika, I am not a good singer nor was I blessed with the talent of dancing. I am not a romantic person just like your ideal guy.? Our time together was, I can say the perfect example of a 103 hour surgery¡ª a straight four day operation..." After clearing his throat, beads of sweat formed on Jaime Liao''s forehead as he expressed his feelings by words. Surely, what he wanted to convey, it was hard to express in words.


    "A long tiring operation but despite how exhausting it was for the sess of the surgery, at the end of the day, the fulfillment was beyond words. For others, four days might seem too short¡ª just like our rtionship. We haven''t known each other for years and it was it''s only a good one year, but all of the emotions whether it was happy, sad, draining, or fulfilling, I felt that one year was enough for my heart to know who I wanted to share all those emotions with forever." If everyone were not informed, they would think that Jaime Liao was sabotaging his own proposal and was actually breaking up with the now sniffling Rika Song.


    "I know, it was an odd metaphor to use but, what I am saying is, Rika Song, I love you. Thank you for prancing into my life with your red stilettos. I have never been this happy until you came into my life and I love the way you love me." Slowly, Jaime Liao smiled as his eyes softened. Within his pair of orbs, different scenarios, different times, and ces shed before his eyes from the moment Rika Song came into his office for a check up alone, to the moment they officially got together, and all their ups and downs figuring things out.


    Jaime Liao unhurriedly got down on his knee that had made Rika Song''s cry turn into muffled sobs as she covered her mouth.


    "Rika Song, I mayck a lot of things and not as impressive in romance but, what I showed you, it''s the best kind of love I can only offer to you. I hope you also love the way I love you¡ª will you marry me?" Bringing out a small box, Jaime Liao revealed a grand and elegant ring that perfectly matched Rika Song''s personality and wild love.


    "You..." Huping, Rika Song traveled her blurry gaze around her and still saw the bright smile from everyone. "How could you guys n this without telling me! Yes! Of course! I''ve been hinting at you for the longest time!" As her eyes were back to Jaime Liao, Rika Song cried like a pampered princess as she nodded her head as a yes to her lover''s proposal.

 Chapter 390 - Make everything extra romantic

    <h4>Chapter 390 - Make everything extra romantic</h4>


    Upon hearing her response, a smile was brought to each of their lips and the sound of apuse followed together with faint whistling. Aside from the friends who supported him for this surprise, Jaime Liao was the happiest of them all.


    He genuinely curled his lips upward, revealing his white teeth before he unhurriedly stood and ced the ring on Rika Song''s long, slender finger. After that, he pulled her into his embrace so tightly that it was enough to send his deepest emotions that words could not give them justice.


    "Thank you, and I love you." Jaime Liao whispered as he cast the people around a grateful nce.


    "Love you too!" Burying her face to his chest, Rika Song''s make up was unbothered as her make up had smudged and smeared on Jaime Liao''s light-colored polo.


    Although it was not as spectacr like Ethan Lu''s proposal to Lexi, yet, for her, it was the best that she could wish for. Indeed, her boyfriend, Jaime Liao was not as talented as Ethan Lu in terms of singing. He was not as possessive and doesn''t get easily jealous. Nor was he as amazingly romantic but...


    Even though there were things that they would always disagree on even petty ones as Rika Song was a needy girlfriend. Still, to her and to him, they were the perfect match to each other. Hence, getting engaged sooner than expected was not important. What''s important was their love for each other was real and sincere.


    "I am so happy for them." Watching the newly engaged couple, Lexi wiped the bead of tears lingering on the side of her eye.


    "They should be happy, I was the one who sang their song." Humbly boasting, Ethan Lu spoke in a matter of fact tone before he shrugged his shoulders.


    "Thank you, love." Lexi chuckled as she retracted her eyes from the couple and then rested it to Ethan Lu. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she sweetly smiled as she thanked him for epting her request.


    "Well, what can I do? My presence alone can make everything extra romantic." Still bearing the same tone, Ethan Lu continued to boast on his achievement for Rika Song and Jaime Liao''s special day.


    "Haha," Chuckling, Lexi slightly shook her head. Raising her brows in defeat, she added. "I admit and give that to you, Mr. Romantic." Lexi then gently poked the tip of his nose with the apex of her nose.


    She knew that this request was quite selfish of her as Ethan Lu had tons of things to handle¡ª twice as busy as her schedules. Still, when she asked, he agreed without batting an eye. Hence, Lexi was moved and was certain that Jaime Liao was as well.


    After all, Jaime Liao had only told her he wanted to propose but didn''t know what to do. Therefore, he asked for Lexi''s help, knowing she knew Rika Song better in this kind of matter.


    "Say, my love..." Resting his forehead against Lexi''s, Ethan Lu lowly muttered. "Are we really going to wait for the twins to get a little older to have our grand wedding?"


    "Ethan..."


    "Don''t get me wrong, Love. I don''t want you to think that I am taking our wedding for granted just because you are now my legal and one and only wife." Even before Lexi could assume about this, Ethan Lu slowly retracted his head away from her as he meekly smiled after his rification.


    "I never thought such thing. You have and will always be my best love." Upon hearing his reason, the corner of Lexi''s lips curled upward¡ª disying a moved countenance with her eyes softening and the sparkle that shed across them. Lexi then leaned her head a little forward to feel his lips on her even just for a second.


    "Time flies so fast. It felt like yesterday when I had the twins and I didn''t even notice that it has been six months. What''s two years right? We have forever." Lexi repeated some of Ethan Lu''s words when she asked him to wait until the twins turned two or three before they did their dream wedding. After all, Lexi''s dream wedding wasn''t that grand but, she knew it would only be perfect if the twins were there to witness the wedding of their parents.


    While, on the other hand, Ethan Lu''s dream wedding had no n. For him, it would only be a dream wedding if the woman he would marry was Lexi. The twins presence, of course, was a wonderful bonus. Therefore, he respected Lexi''s decision even if it meant he had to wait a little bit more. Well, they are legally married anyways so it wouldn''t really hurt to wait anyway.


    Unbeknownst to Lexi and Ethan Lu who were enjoying their own moment while the rest congratted the newly engaged couple, Morris Liu left his gift to one of the waiters at the entrance of the venue.


    Morris Liu didn''t say a word to the waiter and no one noticed him under the dim lights while the faint spotlight was still on Rika Song and Jaime Liao. Still, when he saw Lexi happily wrapping herself around Ethan Lu, all his courage, the thought that he was ready to face the couple gradually dispersed into thin air.


    No, he hasn''t moved on¡ª not even a tiny bit. His heart... it knew the very second heid his eyes on Lexi that she was still the one; she was still the owner of his heart. Hence, to save himself from breaking it even more, he left his gifts for the twins and slowly walked away.


    ''You''re still my world and it still hurts that he''s now your whole universe. I''m sorry, my Lexi.'' As Morris Liu walked away, his words strung inside his head with a bittersweet smile stered across his lips.


    Just as Morris Liu was exiting the establishment, he stopped in his tracks as he gazed at Kevin Woo entering the establishment. Perhaps, Kevin Woo was not as insensitive as before and noticed the stare at his direction thus, he turned to see Morris Liu.


    Kevin Woo forced a smile on his lips as he slightly bowed his head¡ª as if he was meeting a respectable acquaintance and not a person he considered as a friend. With that obvious distant gesture, Morris Liu moved his right foot and resumed in his tracks.


    Both neither said a word to each other as they brushed past each other¡ª as if treating each other as aplete stranger. Unlike how they fairly treated Ethan Lu despite their fights and issues, there was something much deeper going on between Morris Liu and Kevin Woo. Hence, the cold, distant treatment.


    When Morris Liu arrived at the back seat of his car, Chris Yu who was browsing on his phone instantly felt the aura Morris Liu was emitting. Chris Yu slowly put down his phone as his brows knitted.


    "Uh... does that mean your first meeting with Lexi didn''t go as nned?" After clearing his throat, Chris Yu who was still unwilling to be genuinely happy about Lexi and Ethan Lu despite knowing they were married shot Morris Liu an inquiring eye.


    "Kevin¡ª he''s here." Cold and inexpressive, the usual tone Morris Liu used briefly and vaguely exined.


    "He''s here?" Tilting his head to the side, Chris Yunguidly leaned his back against the leather seat with a heavy sigh.


    No one else might not know about what happened when Morris Liu and Kevin Woo met; it was a total disaster. After all, they figured that Mia Chen was now Kevin Woo''s lover. Hence, they tried to warn his friend''s about her capabilities and how maniptive she could be.


    However, instead of listening to them, Kevin Woo snapped and caused a ruckus. He was crazily in love with Mia Chen hence, his aggressive reaction. The reason why Morris Liu, Chris Yu, and Kevin Woo''s friendship turned even more unstable.


    "Chris, keep a close watch on him and that woman. She might be plotting something letting Kevin get close to Ethan again." Turning his head to the window, Morris Liu coldly spoke.


    "He''s dangerous with Mia." Morris Liu added. Indeed, although he had let Lexi go, he felt obligated to protect her and her family from the dangerous people around Morris Liu: for example, Mia Chen.


    That was the very least he could do for his ''the one that he let get away''. Moreover, by doing this, part of him was d that he could still be a part of her life even though she didn''t know about it.


    He was still selfish and hopelessly in love with her.

 Chapter 391 - Youre such a bad man

    <h4>Chapter 391 - You''re such a bad man</h4>


    Back to the venue...


    As everyone was now in their seats and the party that was supposed to be about the twins turned out like an engagement party of Rika Song and Jaime Liao, things settled down and everyone began to enjoy the party together.


    "Bestie, you''re really the best! How long have you been nning this?" Around a particr table, Rika Song, Jaime Liao, Lexi, Elliot Gong, and Ethan Lu were enjoying their wines while thedy of the night wiped the smudged mascara under her eyes.


    "About a month or two. Jaime reached out to me asking for advice on what kind of proposal you wanted since you don''t give him any of the details so, yeah." Shaking her head sideways, Lexi recalled how puzzled she was the day Jaime Liao called her and asked if they could meet up because he didn''t want to ask advice through a phone call¡ª ssic Jaime Liao.


    "Aww..." Moved, Rika Song turned her pouting face to her side where her fianc¨¦ was perched. "Honey, what did I do to deserve you?" Just as her sentence slipped from her mouth, Rika Song''s eyes started to well up again.


    "You deserve everything." Stroking her head, no one knew where Jaime Liao got his courage to utter such cheesy lines that only Ethan Lu could say without a care in the world to Lexi.


    Of course, the person who cringed the most that had this unpleasant expression across his entire face, and that person was Elliot Gong. Although he met Jaime Liao a couple of times and within those encounters, he would asionally ask if there''s something wrong with the doctor''s head for putting up with Rika Song''s dramas aka telenovs.


    Still, Elliot Gong was certain that Jaime


    Liao was not the type of guy who publicly shows his affection just like his dearest friend Ethan Lu.


    "Ohh..." Sweetly smiling, Rika Song saw the unpleasant look on Elliot Gong. Therefore, she wouldn''t miss this opportunity to rub some salt on the wounded single man without a lovelife for so long. "Honey, don''t be like that in front of a single man. He might get envious, you know." Rika Song then nced at Elliot Gong.


    Her remarks made Lexiugh as she watched her true friends indirectly banter with each other, again. Just then, Ethan Lu whispered to her ear.


    "Love, I invited someone and he''s here. Can you meet him?" Lexi knitted her brows as Ethan Lu would only invite his friends which she already expected that would not attend.


    "Who?"


    "Kevin." Smiling, Ethan Lu raised his brows as he patiently waited for her agreement.


    "Oh... alright." Slightly surprised that Ethan Lu and Kevin Woo reconciled, Lexi still unhesitantly agreed. She then turned to her friends to excuse herself and her husband. "Okay, you two behave in front of the doctor. Ethan and I will be receiving a guest so I''ll leave you two first."


    "Alright, I am behaved though, right honey?" Not minding for Lexi leaving them for awhile, Rika Song turned to Jaime Liao as if she were a kid seeking a pat on the head.


    "Eli, you might want to meet the person that arrived. We''ll be back." As they stood from their seats, Ethan Lu nced at Elliot Gong before he remarked and left with Lexi.


    *****


    "I... Lexi, it''s been a long time. Nice seeing you, again." Unlike how calm andposed Kevin Woo was when he met Ethan Lu earlier that day, he was a bit more nervous before Lexi.


    "I don''t bite, don''t be like that. Also, whatever was in the past, let bygones be bygones." Lexi lightly shook her head at how silly Kevin Woo was now unlike theirst encounter whereas he was quite aggressive.


    "Heh," A faint distressed scoff escaped Kevin Woo''s mouth upon hearing her statements. "I am still ashamed at what I recklessly said to you, you know thest time we had met, so I..." Scratching his jaw, Kevin Woo awkwardly mustered his courage to utter and admit the reason of his tone and timidness.


    "Like I said, let bygones be bygones." Repeating her words, Lexi offered the most genuine she could offer. "Also, I understand that you only cared for your friends that''s why you said those words to me. So, I really don''t hold grudges." She reassured.


    "Thank you," Smiling back, Kevin Woo nced at Ethan Lu that was smiling behind Lexi before he returned his gaze back to her. "Right, before I forget, I prepared a small gift for the twins. I just now found out that you guys are married so, my present for the both of you will be on your wedding day¡ª that is if I am invited." Kevin Woo brought up two small wrapped presents and then handed it to her.


    "Silly, of course you are!" Lexi chuckled at hisst remarks before she epted the small gifts that seemed like a frame. Curious on what might be the gifts, Lexi shamelessly unwrapped the gifts.


    To her surprise, upon seeing the gifts, Lexi pursed her lips as it turned upward. "Kevin, this is too much."


    "That''s nothing, actually. I just didn''t know what to give since you two can afford anything for the twins so I did a rough sketch of the twins that Ethan sent me earlier. Hope you like it." Once again, Kevin Woo humbly admitted his humble reason on his gifting choice for the twins as he scratched the back of his head.


    "Are you kidding? I love it!" Lexipletely slid out the small frames that had an imperfectly perfect sketch of the twins. What moved her more was that, Kevin Woo himself drew her children that made her feel honored.


    "Thank you," Retracing her sparkling eyes away from the sketch, Lexi gave her sincerest thanks as it was the most wonderful gifts that the twins received today.


    "Wow, you made this in such a short amount of time? What a talent!" Taking a peek at the present, Ethan Lu chimed in and praised Kevin Woo''s talents.


    With that, Kevin Woo eventually rxed as he conversed with Lexi and Ethan Lu. They then headed back to the hall where the small party was taking ce and Elliot Gong''s bad vibes finally grew brighter for their little get together.


    Overall, it was another peaceful night to everyone. Just like the past year, everything was smooth sailing and happy, as if nothing could never go wrong.


    *****


    Meanwhile, somewhere around the city.


    "I am finally finished in cing my piece inside their life." While replying to Kevin Woo''s update, Mia Chen muttered without raising her head to the man across her.


    "Say, Miss Chen, you know my reasons why I? am meeting you¡ª that is to destroy Ethan. How about you?" Tilting his head to the side, Dn Lu watched Mia Chen put down her phone after sending a message to the chess piece she was talking about.


    "Me?" Smirking, Mia Chennguidly leaned her back against the soft single-seater chair whileying her leg one over the other. Unlike her gentle and innocent persona in front of Kevin Woo, her attire, the red velvet lipstick on her lips, her attitude, and temperament was theplete opposite.


    "None of your business." Arching her brows, Mia Chen chuckled that could send a chill down to one person''s spine. Or rather, that could absolutely terrify an innocent person, but not as vicious as? Dn Lu.


    "Well, it''s not that I care¡ª just curious. Whatever, since my enemy''s enemy is my friend." Nonchntly shrugging his shoulders, Dn Lu briefly raised his brows giving her a knowing look. The corner of his lips stretched into a sneer as he gestured for a toast and took a sip.


    "You''re such a bad man, Mr. Lu. You''ve dragged on their peacefulness for so long." After taking a sip from her own wine ss, Mia Chen chuckled as she humored the man she had been in contact with from several months before.


    "Oh, dear." Shaking his head sideways, Dn Lu mildly swirled the wine ss. "The longer the wait, the more they will think nothing could go wrong. Also, Ethan is really tricky, I can''t move recklessly just like my father." He muttered as his sneer never left his lips not even once. The unreadable yet dark glint that shed across his eyes revealed nothing but his darkest desires.


    "Poor them. A missile was about to be dropped in theirp at any moment without their knowledge that might kill them." Still chuckling, Mia Chen smiled. Her smile was oddly genuine as if what she was doing was the right thing.


    ''Brother Mo, can''t you see? I love you to the extent of making a way for you to be happy. I am not selfish, it''s unconditional love. Regardless if your happiness was her and not me. You will thank meter because I will make you happy by making her crawl back to you.'' Inside Mia Chen''s twisted mind, this thought made her burst outughing like a demon queen being resurrected from the dead.

 Chapter 392 - Office snu snu

    <h4>Chapter 392 - Office snu snu</h4>


    [WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS MATURE CONTENT. IT MAY CAUSE DISCOMFORT TO OTHERS. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.]


    It has been a month since the sixth month celebration of the twins that turned into an epic surprise proposal for Rika Song. After that event, everyone returned to their respective jobs the next day and continued whatever business they had.


    That also included Lexi and Ethan Lu as they had to tend to their own business in the day and return at their curfew that they had set for themselves to take care of the twins¡ª for family time as well.


    [Beauty DR main headquarters: Chief Executive Officer office]


    As Lexi was skimming through the report pages of their sales report and inventory, she heard a faint knock from outside her office. Still, she didn''t turn her head to see who was the person that was now opening the door and intruded without a word.


    s, after Ethan Lu closed the door behind him, he didn''t speak a word as he only watched his hardworking wife in her work mode with his back leaning against the door and his arms crossed.


    ''God... why does she have to look so seductive while going through paperwork?'' As he indulged his eyes to the unsmiling side profile of Lexi, Ethan Lu''s wild mind could not help butpliment her.


    To him, although he had seen almost all of the sides of Lexi, still, perhaps, this was one of his favorites among his favorites. Well, he loved every side of her anyway. Even so, to him, she always appeared as if she was inviting him, always.


    "Stop staring, Mr. Lu. You''re distracting me." Without raising her head, Lexi muttered as she continued to guide her pen to jot down what needed to be written.


    Despite hearing her warning, Ethan Lu''s eyes traveled to every detail of her side features down to her graceful neck that was begging to be marked by his love kiss and then to the bump on her chest that was covered by a thin blouse. If a person saw how Ethan Lu stares at her with desire, one would think he was a pervert.


    s, he was her husband¡ª a desperate fool at that for theck of sexual intercourse. And the meaning ofcking to Ethan Lu was four or three times a week. He could only be satisfied if he could make love with Lexi every single day.


    Lexi arched her brows as she felt that the stare from moments ago got more intense which made her raise her head. The moment her eyes were set on Ethan Lu, she saw the way he looked at her that was akin to a predator thinking on how to eat his prey.


    "Love...?" Still arching her brows, Lexi softly called out but to no avail, he seemed to be in his own fantasy world where he was already stripping her naked.


    With that thought, Lexi had an idea to release her stress by teasing her man. Hence, Lexi purposely arched her brows and stretched her arms up while her hands intertwined in the air¡ª highlighting her curves that she painstakingly worked on after giving birth. Her eyes were still peeking at Ethan Lu who narrowed his eyes as he slightly tilted his head as if examining her curves beneath her clothes.


    "What''s wrong with the AC? It feels a little hot suddenly." Fanning herself while mumbling that was audible enough for him to hear, Lexi unbuttoned two of her blouse''s buttons revealing a slight view of her cleavage.


    When she did so, the corner of Ethan Lu''s lips curled into a smirk before he shook his head. "Mrs. Lu, are you sure you''re going to seduce me now?"


    "Seducing? I''m sorry for giving you mixed signals, Mr. Lu. I don''t mean it like that." Feigning innocence, Lexi shook her head sideways before she rested her chin on her hand.? She watched Ethan Lu stride his way towards her direction and sit on the edge of her desk before he turned his head to face her.


    "Are you sure? But I can see them from here. Ahhh... what a view." Looking at her pair of nut brown orbs, Ethan Lu''s eyes then moved down to the split division between her breasts.


    "What a pervert." Shaking her head, Lexi chuckled as she didn''t bother to button up and let him fantasize about her¡ª that is if he was.


    "Only to you," Ethan Lu''s arms raised as he caressed Lexi''s jaw and then to her chin before he guided it to move a little upward. Without further ado, he leaned forward and felt the soft, sweet lips of her.


    However, his usual soft pecks was not the kiss Lexi expected as Ethan Lu''s stayed and their tongues met, ying with each other.


    "Mhmm..." Moaning inside her mouth, Lexi slowly stood from her seat without breaking the kiss; Ethan Lu also did the same as the fire had begun to spread like wildfire.


    Soon, Lexi''s hands were unbuttoning his shirt while his hands swiftly untucked her blouse and slid inside up to her breast as if her bra was not a hindrance. It was very unlike their gentle first night and their romantic second lovemaking in the bathroom.


    This time, both were bold, aggressive, and thrilled. Regardless, there was still love connecting their hearts despite the drastic change of their routine. They didn''t care if someone would enter the office as they began to strip each other. While Ethan Lu''s hand slid under her skirt and through her undies.


    "Oh, love..." Upon touching the already soaked bottomdy boss, Ethan Lu lowly growled along with Lexi''s soft moan feeling his fingers massaging herbia.


    "Gosh, Ethan..." Owning his lips, Lexi panted as her body eagerly wanted this. She also missed this everyday activity that was reduced after having the twins and both of them focusing on their chosen careers.


    Her hands subconsciously outlined the hard shaft poking beneath his ck fitted trousers. Even though there was still his pants separating her hands and the skin of his pir, Lexi could feel how it got a little bigger than thest time. However, just as Lexi was thinking of how to pleasure him, Ethan Lu''s hands were mischievously busying themselves on her body.


    One was on her breast, ying with her nipple with his thumb and forefinger while the other hand that was down there that had just entered her which made her gasp.


    "Ahh..." Pure pleasure, she missed it. Not to mention, this abrupt, unnned sex in her office elevated their excitement. "Ahh... no..." Still gasping, Lexi softly pleaded with him as his fingers moved in and out, hitting her sensitive parts that heightened her arousal every time.


    "Mhmm, please cum for me, Mrs. Lu." Kissing her neck, Ethan Lu''s hand that was on her front hill snaked around her waist as he ced soft kisses on her neck down to the upper part of her chest which he could only reach at the moment.


    Soon, Lexi''s insides throbbed as her legs tightened together while her arms squeezed Ethan Lu. She could feel the little sticky waters gush out from herdybug as she reached her climax.


    It felt good despite feeling a little weak. The fingers inside her also stopped moving as they were now trapped inside after she squeezed her legs together. When she rxed, Ethan Lu slowly and gently pulled them out with a content smile on his lips.


    "This is our first here and definitely not thest." With that said note through a whisper, Ethan Lu, in one swift move carried Lexi in a bridal position.


    "Uhmm, Ethan...?" Still in the process of stabilizing her breathing, Lexi''s still flushed face due to the heat raised just to see the smirk on his lips.


    "What, my love? I just conditioned your body. We are not done yet." Alluring and sexy, Ethan Lu winked at her before he began taking strides towards the small bedroom that connected to Lexi''s office. Fortunately, when Lexi got this building renovated¡ª unaware of theing of the twins, she had this thought that if she ever pulled an all-nighter, she might as well stay at the building. Hence, she asked her engineer to design a small room for her to rest.


    Who would have thought that this very unused yet kept clean room would be first used as their love room.

 Chapter 393 - Woah, Mrs. Lu! Growing bolder, I see.

    <h4>Chapter 393 - Woah, Mrs. Lu! Growing bolder, I see.</h4>


    [WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS MATURE CONTENT. IT MAY CAUSE DISCOMFORT TO OTHERS. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.]


    Times seemed to tick slower than usual as every stride Ethan Lu took appeared at a slow pace. His half unbuckled belt, the halfway unbuttoned shirt and his slightly disheveled hair from Lexi''s tugging made him look even more maizing than ever.


    Lexi peered at his side profile; from the tip of his fleek brows, to his naturally contoured cheeks, his long curledshes that made her envious at times, down to his sharp nose, and then to his jaw. Even though Lexi had all the time in the world to scrutinize her husband''s face, she could not help but be in awe at how Ethan Lu and his fatherhood sh husband role made him look and act mature.


    He wasn''t the boy next door type nor the shy Casanova but a decent, respectable, not to mention, a hotd especially when the fire within his eyes med with desire for her.


    "I have work, you know." Arching her brows, pursed her lips as Lexi decided to tease him as she was already finished. Hence, another climax was optional.


    "I know," ncing at the obvious smile that was covered up by biting her lower lip, Ethan Lu didn''t stop in his tracks as he responded. "You have to work on my body, isn''t that right?" Just as Ethan Lu uttered those very shameless words, the corner of his lips curled a little upward.


    "No?" Feigning innocence, Lexi shrugged her shoulders a bit. She didn''t notice that they had arrived at the side of the bed until Ethan Lu abruptly threw her on the bed.


    "Aww!" Surprised by his action, Lexi slightly squealed even though she wasn''t hurt¡ª just shocked. "Love! What kind of forey is this? BDSM?" Considering that Lexi was quite liking their aggressiveness, still, it would be nice if he told her beforehand so she could prepare, right?


    Raising her head towards Ethan Lu with a sullen pair of eyes, there, he stood on the side of the bed while a smirk was stered on his thin lips. From her point of view, it seemed that she was about to be bedded by a hot, drunken bachelor with Ethan Lu''s exposed honed upper chest, messy hair, and darkened eyes.


    Unconsciously, Lexi gulped as she watched Ethan Lu unbutton the rest of his buttons that she failed to finish. Ethan Lu didn''t take that long to undress his top and now topless, showing the results of his endless workouts.


    "Enjoying the view, naughty two point ow?" As Ethan Lu crawled towards her, as she was on the bed, he teased before invading her lips again.


    "Hmm?" In between their long kisses and tongues intertwining, Ethan Lu hadn''t let go of his question as he hummed a tune and then stroked her wless thighs. Hearing no response from the intoxicated Lexi under his spell, Ethan Lu ced kisses on her neck down to her corbone.


    "You like it?" In a deep growl, Ethan Lu inquired as Lexi stretched her neck to the other side¡ª giving him easier ess to explore her body.


    "Mhmm..." Lexi''s moan could be considered as a response or just a mere moan as his every touch still electrifies her every nerve.


    Granted that she had already had her climax, however, her body wanted more. She needed more satisfaction as her thirst seemed to be only content if Ethan Lu himself was inside her.


    "Love, I want you¡ª I need you." Impatient from all of the obvious stalling he was doing, Lexi whispered as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She then moved her head and instantly found his lips for her to bite.


    "My pleasure." Returning the inviting lips that were sucking, nibbling on his lips, he whispered back as Ethan Lu slowly guided her toy on the bed without breaking the kiss.


    His hands unhurriedly went down into her skirt and searched for her underwear''s waistband. Without further ado, Ethan Lu pulled it down while Lexi bent her knees so their intense kiss would continue.


    With great effort, Ethan Lu hesitantly pulled his lips away from her as to undress her blouse revealing her soft hills covered by acevender bra. Unlike a year ago, Lexi''s tummy was back to its original shape and surprisingly enough, she managed to keep it stretch mark free.


    "Enjoying the view?" Smirking, Lexi arched her brows as she supported herself by her elbow.


    "No," Smiling back, Ethan Lu slightly shook his head before he crawled back at her. "I am loving it." With that said note, he bit her bottom lip as his hand traveled onto her back to unlock her bra.


    Just when the clip of her bra cked loose, Lexi with a great little force turned the tables by taking over and was now sitting on top of him. "You''ll love it even more after this." With that said remarks, Lexi slowly took off her bra giving him a front row view of her still firm breasts despite breastfeeding her twins for a year before her supply depleted.


    Upon setting his eyes on the great, juicy pair of squeezable fine parasol mushrooms, the side of Ethan Lu''s lips curled upward before his hand involuntarily reached out and grabbed one of them. "Right," Biting his lower lip, Ethan Lu slightly pinched her pink nipple as he knew very well that it was one of Lexi''s weak spots.


    Confident with that smirk of hers, Lexi began finishing up unbuckling his belt before she unbuttoned his pants to give his hardened pir some air to breathe.


    "Woah, Mrs. Lu. Growing bolder, I see." Teasing her for taking down his pants, Ethan Lu awed as he watched her take over.


    "Why? You don''t like it?" Arching her brows, the tip of her fingers brushed the outline of his groin as she nced at the rxed Ethan Lu, which slightly shivered under her touch, who was using his arms as his pillow while looking at her naughty act.


    "I love all your versions. Now, will you please continue whatever naughty act you wanted? You have to work right?" Giggling at the happy ending he has in mind, Ethan Lu urged which made Lexi chuckle, that had nearly choked her and got out of her character.


    Lexi rolled her eyes as she chuckled because now, Ethan Lu was the one who was growing impatient with all the talks and teasing she was doing. Hence, to appease this grown baby, Lexi rubbed his manhood without taking off his boxer briefs.


    "Ahh¡­" Ethan Lu lowly growled as her hand, even without touching it skin to skin aroused him even more. To say, he was more excited to see where Lexi was heading. After all, through the course of their sex life, Lexi had been more and more creative. Hence, he was looking forward to what she would do this time.


    Slowly, Lexi traced the waistband of his boxer briefs and as if teasing him more, she took her time taking off thest piece of clothes off of him. Surprisingly enough, Ethan Lu remained quiet as he watched her with an amused glint that shed across his eyes.


    Soon, Lexi was weed by his huge mast with veins popping around it as if begging to be calmed down. Arching her brows, Lexi slightly moved her eyes onto Ethan Lu while her hand slowly wrapped around his girth.


    "Damn¡­" Feeling her warmth around him, Ethan Lu could not help but softly curse. She just held onto it for a second yet, Lexi had brought him to the first stage of heaven. For some reason, seeing him give more expressions, Lexi was¡­ delighted. Therefore, she didn''t wait any longer and wanted to see more of him and how she would satisfy her husband. After all, only Ethan Lu could make her this naughty.


    Moving her hand upward and downward, in a slow constant rhythm, Lexi glued her eyes on him as Ethan Lu slowly closed his eyes as if indulging the repeating move her hand could do. In retrospect, Lexi hadn''t given Ethan Lu a proper handjob as he would often take over. That is why Lexi in her free time, sometimes read articles on how to give her partner an exciting steamy night.


    No one could me her though as Lexi didn''t want Ethan Lu to find excitement with someone else even though she was certain that that was impossible to happen even in a million years. Still, for her marriage and for her, these personal things that only she and Ethan Lu could do would add spice while they were young and kicking.


    Suddenly, as Lexi massaged his man jewel, she lowered her head and followed the article she read. Sticking out her tongue, she wanted to try something new and have a taste. Hence, without Ethan Lu''s knowledge, Lexi licked the tip of his phallus which startled Ethan Lu and made his closed eyes abruptly open.


    Looking down at Lexi who was innocently staring back at him behind his huge pir that she was still holding, he blinked his eyes to see if he was seeing things clearly. "Love? What did you do just now?" In an aghast, in a disbelieving tone, Ethan Lu sought for rity.

 Chapter 394 - Scandal

    <h4>Chapter 394 - Scandal</h4>


    [WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS MATURE CONTENT. IT MAY CAUSE DISCOMFORT TO OTHERS. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.]


    "I¡­" Confused at his shocked reaction, Lexi paused herself from saying ''I licked it'' and instead, she leaned forward and stick out her tongue¡ª doing it again to show him what she did. "You don''t like it?" Lexi slightly tilted her head to the side as she unintentionally moved her lips near his rod that gave him the picture of a really innocent seductress.


    "No, no, not that!" Shaking his head, Ethan Lu answered. "It''s just that, I didn''t expect that you would¡­" Ethan Lu paused as the rest of his words were stuck on his throat.


    "We''re husband and wife. Hubby, I am surprised that you don''t seem that interested in asking me to give you a blowjob not even once."


    "Wait, hold up. You know what its called?" Astounded with that ''bj'' word, Ethan Lu nearly gasped because, in his eyes, Lexi might be the most intelligent, understanding, and the sexiest woman he had ever known, however, she was rather clueless on this subject. Therefore, who taught her all this?!


    "I am doing my research, love." Smirking at how bbergasted Ethan Lu was, Lexi licked the tip of his mast''s head once again that snapped him from whatever mortified pool of thought he was now in.


    One¡­ Two¡­ three¡­ until Lexi lost count and covered his soldier''s head with her saliva.


    "Ahh¡­ sh*t!" Curling his toes with the pleasure, Ethan Lu supported himself by his elbows to see if she was enjoying it just as much as he was. To his surprise, Lexi''s focus was all on his shaft and by the looks of it, she seemed like she was a food critic finding out the ingredient that was used on his candy.


    Without a word, Lexi slowly opened her mouth in front of his manhood and without a word, she gently shoved it inside her mouth that made him aghast in pleasure and in shock. "Ah¡­" Feeling her tongue stroke his lower part while her lips were around him, a soft, low moan escaped Ethan Lu''s mouth.


    He was wrong. Lexi didn''t just get creative every time but she was getting naughtier with every steamy night and day they had spent together as well. He felt her move in an up and down motion while his baby johnson down there was being soaked by her own saliva.


    Unknowingly, Ethan Lu plopped his upper body against the bed as his hand involuntarily patted her head. "Oh, love¡­ you''re driving me crazy¡­" Gasping while enjoying every move she does, Ethan Lu had never felt this kind of pleasure before.


    It was not that he didn''t like the traditional way of making love but, this¡­ it was a different kind of pleasure. Does she always feel like this whenever he goes down on her? If so, he would surely do it to her as many times as she wanted.


    "Baby,e here." Nearly reaching his climax, Ethan Lu paused Lexi''s head and hand that was moving in sync around his pir. Right now, he wanted to finish inside her and make her climax once again.


    Wiping the corners of her mouth, Lexi crawled towards him as she was also aroused by the new activity. Who would have thought that she would also enjoy it just as much as Ethan Lu enjoyed it? Hence, Lexi didn''t hesitate for a second and positioned above him.


    Just as Lexi was about to insert his firm, rigid rod inside her, a light knock was heard from the office followed by Nico Zhuang''s stoic voice. "Madam, Miss Fan made a call because she can''t reach you so she left a message to me saying she needed you¡ª it''s an emergency."


    When Lexi heard Nico Zhuang and the reason why he had the audacity to disturb her while Ethan Lu was around, she snapped from her ecstasy as her brows knitted in confusion. Even though Lexi doesn''t participate in whatever issues the agency was facing unless it was a major problem aside, she was still the co-owner of Abigail Fan''s agency. Hence, for Abigail Fan to contact her and ask for back up means it was a huge problem.


    Meanwhile, unlike Lexi who was puzzled and pondering what the problem might be, Ethan Lu ground his teeth as Nico Zhuang broke his moment with Lexi. For Pete''s sake! He hadn''t finished yet and Lexi was about to start. Why of all the times and days did Abigail Fan decided to ask for Lexi''s back up?!


    "Alright, I''ll return her call in a minute." Letting Nico Zhuang know that she heard him, Lexi raised her voice so the other person outside the room could hear. She didn''t hear Nico Zhuang respond anymore but Lexi was certain that he heard her and must have probably left.


    "Damn Nico." Displeased, Ethan Lu frowned as he watched Lexi get off of him and jumped out of the bed. "Love, what about me?" Seeing that Lexi hurriedly picking up her blouseying on the floor and then wore it in one swift move, Ethan Lu grumbled.


    "I''ll be back," Lexi noted before she rushed to the door and slowly peeked outside. Seeing that Nico Zhuang was gone, Lexi dashed towards her desk and were her handbag was resting. After picking it up, she returned to the small room carrying the bag with her.


    Lexi then searched for her phone and the moment she opened it, there were tons of missed calls from Abigail Fan. Hence, without a second''s hesitation, Lexi dialed Abigail Fan''s contact number while slowly sitting on the side of the bed.


    It only took one ring for the line to connect on the other end of the line. When it connected, even before Lexi could speak, Abigail Fan''s panic-stricken voice was what weed her.


    "Lexi! Thank God you called!"


    "Why? What happened?" Knitting her brows, Lexi inquired hearing that Abigail Fan''sposure was out of the ordinary. However, instead of worrying, Lexi suddenly tilted her head to the side as Ethan Lu was smooching on her neck.


    "Gosh¡­ I don''t know where to start. One of our artists had an arising sex scandal. I don''t know, I am out of the country and the soonest flight I could book was scheduled past midnight. Now, some partners and other clients are withdrawing their endorsement offers. Oh god¡­" By the sound of his voice, Abigail Fan was indeed in great distress while massaging her temples.


    "Sex scandal? Is it really her?" Knitting her brows, Lexi held onto Ethan Lu''s wrist as he was fondling her breast while leaving a hickey on her shoulder that he managed to expose by moving her blouse by his teeth.


    "She said it wasn''t her and the video was quite pixted. Lexi, please I know you are busy with Beauty DR but this needs us to deal with it because some of our executives were asking for an immediate meeting today. If only I was there and I could fly the soonest, haist!"


    "Alright, I''ll go to the office¡­" Heavily sighing, Lexi got the gist of the real problem as their investors and other clients were surely hastening to pull out whatever business they had with their agency and their artist. Hence, since the owner they knew wasn''t there, Lexi, as the co-owner should show herself to deal with them.


    "Later¡­" Whispering on her other ear, Ethan Lu reminded her that Lexi shouldn''t say the word ''now'' as she still has some unfinished business with him. "Perhaps, in three hours? Or five?" Nibbling on her earlobe, Ethan Lu chanted as if he was bewitching Lexi to follow his instructions.


    "Set the meeting in four hours. I''ll be there and make sure the involved artist would be there. Don''t release any statement first¡ª I need to be sure that it is not really her but ask the PR management to gather evidence that could prove her innocence." Not giving in to the fact that Ethan Lu was boldly seducing her while she was on a call with Abigail Fan, Lexi cleared her throat as she gave instructions while sounding as normal as ever.


    "Alright, thank you, Lexi! Really, thank you!" Relieved that Lexi could make time for their agency, Abigail Fan expressed her sincerest thanks over and over again.


    "No worries." With that said note, Lexi hung up the call and tossed her phone to the side before facing Ethan Lu that was seducing her. "You¡­" Sounding helpless, Lexi knew that there were things to worry about but right now, her husband and his needs were her priority. After all, it was unhealthy for Ethan Lu not to release his built-up heat inside him.


    "That''s my Lexi." Leaning his head to her, Ethan Lu dominated her lips again as she wrapped her arms around him. God knows he was certain that Lexi would prepare herself to rush to whatever problem the agency was having that she was funding. But, after she hung up and tossed her phone to the side, he was moved and knew at that very moment that she wouldn''t leave him hanging.

 Chapter 395 - Watching porn is good

    <h4>Chapter 395 - Watching porn is good</h4>


    "So, what''s the problem with Abigail?" Stroking Lexi''s hair who was resting her head on his bare chest, Ethan Lu inquired.


    "Some sex scandal of one of her artists bombarded the news but she is out of the country." Summarizing the situation in the simplest way possible, Lexi sighed heavily.


    Now that her focus was back to the current situation and both of them have exited theland they had previously been indulged in, Lexi was quite worried. The one person who could understand how messy and stressful the situation was the most was her. After all, Lexi had faced many scandals and even sex scandals. Whether they were true or false, the moment an artists name was tainted¡ª it would always be hard to salvage the situation if there is no evidenceid out on the table.


    "Need help? You can always use the title of Mrs. Lu, you know." Arching his brows, Ethan Lu offered a solution though that suggestion had sounded more as humoring her instead. Well, he knew his wife very well and using her title would always be herst resort.


    "Haha, very funny mister Lu." Giving him a sarcasticugh, Lexi rolled her eyes which made Ethan Lu chuckle as if he had already expected her response. "No, Love. You know that I love you right? But, using your name every time a problem urs is the least that I want to do for you." Despite knowing that Ethan Lu already knew her mindset, Lexi still repeated these words to remind him that she married him because of love and not because of the benefits she could gain.


    "I''m just kidding. No need to fret." Rubbing her bare back and leaving a peck on top of her head, Ethan Lu chuckled. "Let''s see..." Turning his head as he looked for something, there, Ethan Lu found Lexi''s phone which she had tossed aside earlier.


    As he sprawled his arms to reach for the phone, Lexi''s brows knitted. "What are you doing?"


    "Entertainment." Grabbing her phone, Ethan Lu smiled with his brows raised¡ª giving her a knowing look. "My darling, my love, sometimes, watching porn is good quality time." Grinning, Ethan Lu easily unlocked Lexi''s phone and went to browse onto her inactive Weibo ount.


    "Porn?" Arching her brows, Lexi red at him. For some reason, Lexi didn''t want her husband to see other women''s bare body. Hence, the deadly re that was being cast onto him.


    Lexi then took a peek at her phone. To her surprise, there was already a video on the screen that only needed to be yed before it starts rolling.


    "No!" Snatching her phone away from him, Lexi took her hand that was holding her mobile behind. "Porn is off limits." Arching her brows, Lexi said with a poker face.


    "I''m not allowed to see? But, I''m intrigued." Pouting, Ethan Lu seemingly wanting to tease Lexi more as she rarely showed her jealous side. Surely, Lexi''s jealousy only shows in the most unexpected situations.


    After all, Lexi wasn''t that kind of woman who gets jealous even if he has business with businesswomen. She wasn''t that possessive and her trust in him could reach the heavens. Hence, seeing her like this was a breath of fresh air.


    "Sure, Mr. Lu. You can watch as many indecent films as you like that is if you don''t want me to be in your life anymore." Slowly, Lexi sat beside him, using the sheet to cover her body. She magnanimously offered her phone as if she was willing to give it back to him¡ª that was until she uttered herst remarks.


    "Woah, woah! Chill!" Raising both his hands in defeat, Ethan Lu''s eyes widened in disbelief. It was his first time hearing Lexi threaten him using their marriage. Hence, he was quite shocked to hear that as he didn''t expect that Lexi would be that much against it.


    "Don''t ''woah'' me, Mister. As if I''d let my husband watch someone else''s naked body." Rolling her eyes, Lexi retrieved her phone back as she subconsciously looked at the ck screen with a y sign in the middle.


    "Aww~" Ethan Lu ced his palm on his chest where his heart was located and made a touched sound. "My wife is so lovely when jealous¡ª get jealous more often, eh?" Raising his brows in an up and down motion, Ethan Lu grinned before crawling to Lexi''sp and wrapped his arms around her waist.


    "But, you should watch it though. It''s the scandal you are talking about." After a momentary silence, Ethan Lu rolled so that the back of his head was now resting on herp while the rest of his body adjusted to the proximity of the bed.


    "Huh?" Lexi''s brows furrowed upon hearing his matter of fact statement.


    "That. Don''t tell me you''ll only watch it when I''m not around? Scandals can be nasty¡ª who will cleanse your eyes if I''m not around?" Plucking his lips that aimed at the phone, Ethan Lu winked before the corner of his lips curled into arge grin as if he had the embodiment of the immacte of purity manifested into him.


    "Oh..." Nodding her head in understanding, Lexi ignored hister statements as she yed the video.


    The video was set to a room which Lexi assumed. It''s angle was ced somewhere near the bedside table that had made a blindspot to the man''s face and the naked woman. However, part of the five minute video while the woman was moving in a constant up and down motion, there was a time that the woman slightly leaned down¡ª capturing the side profile of the woman''s face.


    "No, no peeking." Lifting the phone a little higher while covering Ethan Lu''s eyes who was attempting to take a peek of the video scandal¡ª Lexi lowly muttered as she continued to watch the video until the end.


    "Well?" After hearing the moaning of the video stops, Ethan Lu tilted his head to the side as he wanted to know what was Lexi''s thoughts.


    "Uhmm..." Clearing her throat, Lexi rewound the video and paused it to the part where the woman''s face was disyed. "She does look like one of Abigail''s artists." Although Lexi wasn''t participating in the agency''s affairs aside from funding it¡ª Abigail Fan still sent her files of each artist and trainee''s profile.


    Lexi only skimmed through it whenever she was free but not entirely reading their strengths and weaknesses. After all, she trusted Abigail Fan''s eyes on her chosen artists. Therefore, Lexi doesn''t worry that much.


    "But, do you think it''s her?"


    "No," Just as she heard Ethan Lu''s question, Lexi immediately replied before she shook her head sideways. "I mean, I don''t know, it''s really hard to tell, love. My past alleged video scandals also looked like me but, obviously, you and I know it''s not me¡ª you''re my first." Massaging her temples, Lexi exined without ncing at her husband. She then tapped on her phone and read some absurd article.


    Since the artist was now the number one topic in all social media tforms¡ª making fun of their artist, ndering her, and bashing her, it was not hard to see the articles about it. Yet, what caught Lexi''s attention was that one article with a title of prostitution that was taking ce behind the scenes in their agency.


    Clicking it, Lexi read the absurd and ridiculous article that it was, in her personal opinion, was a direct attack towards Abigail Fan''s agency and not to the involved artist that was the subject of the current issue. The blog post had reached ten of thousands of shares which struck Lexi as to why Abigail Fan was in a state of panic.


    "I see..." Murmuring, Lexi nodded her head as if she fully understood the whole situation.


    "Hmm?" Humming a tune, Ethan Lu was half intrigued on what she was thinking while his other focus was entirely on how mesmerizing Lexi was when contemting.


    "It''s not her." Putting down her phone, Lexi strongly affirmed as if she was convinced that her artist was indeed innocent.


    "You have an answer that soon?"


    "Dear love, whoever released that video has its aim towards Abigail''s agency and not the artist. What a newbie move." Dragging the whole sheet to cover herself, Lexi left Ethan Lu lying naked with only his boxer shorts intact. She picked up her clothes and began dressing herself while Ethan Lu seemed as if he has all the time in the world toy around in bed while he watched her dressing up.


    "People are threatened that AL''s entertainment is producing great artists so they are trying to take it down by tainting it." In a matter of fact tone, Lexi uttered as she zipped up her skirt before turning to Ethan Lu with her hands on her waist.


    "I won''t let them do what they want." With a disdainful scoff at the low blow their rivalpanies, that Lexi assumed who were behind all this, she aggressively wore her blouse.


    "Love...?"


    "What?"


    "Nothing, I just hope what you said is that simple." Slowly, Ethan Lu sat up as a heavy sigh escaped his mouth. "You know, I promised that I won''t get involved in your business unless you asked me to. However, if the person behind all of this, if their real target is you¡ª not the agency or the artist¡ª don''t get mad of what I''ll do, okay?" Raising his gaze, Ethan Lu lifted his hands as if asking Lexi to sit beside him.


    "Who would target me using the agency? It''s not that anyone knew I am one of Abi''s co-owners." Reaching her hands to his, Lexi slowly sat beside him before she kissed him on the lips. "They can always stir trouble in Beauty DR if they want trouble." She added as Lexi''s involvement in AL''s entertainment had been a secret.


    Well, it''s not that she purposely wanted to keep it a secret but, for some reason, Lexi wanted to keep it lowkey. Therefore, she asked Abigail Fan not to mention that the money Abigail Fan used to start this business was entirely hers.


    "Just saying, my love. Dn has been quiet¡ª it''s worrying me." Resting his forehead on her shoulders, Ethan Lu murmured. He hoped and wished that the problem was as simple as a normal rivalpany''s scheme.


    After all, it was easier to deal with if it''s only like that. But, if one of Ethan Lu''s enemies was involved, then, that would be an entirely different case.


    "Don''t think too much for now, okay?" Sighing, Lexi slid her hands to his before slightly resting the side of her head to his shoulder. "Also, didn''t I tell you, I''ll make your cousin and your family members would want to bother anyone else instead of me!"


    Hearing herst remarks, Ethan Lu chuckled. For some reason, he felt a little relieved albeit notpletely. Indeed, someone like Dn Lu would be shocked to see the wrath and intelligence Lexi has.


    "Now, if you may, please dress up because we both have jobs to do. We only have an hour." Sensing that she made him feel relieved even just a tiny bit, Lexi shrugged her worry to the side.


    Though it may not look like it, what Ethan said just now has added to her cautionary note. She didn''t fully take it in but, just in case, Lexi knew she needed to be wary if that was the case.

 Chapter 396 - Avah Tong

    <h4>Chapter 396 - Avah Tong</h4>


    Lexi and Ethan Lu returned to her office as if nothing had happened. The only difference was that their clothes had creases in them now as if they were in a hustle. Regardless, they really didn''t care what others might think as they were legally married with two wonderful children.


    "You really don''t want me to drop you off?" Sliding his hands inside his pockets, Ethan Lu frowned while watching Lexi sign a few more documents on her desk.


    "Really? Drop me off to the east area while your meeting is in the west area?" Turning to him, Lexi spoke in sarcasm.


    "I can always move my meetings." In a boastful yet humble tone, Ethan Lu nonchntly shrugged his shoulders.


    "No, love. I can handle it¡ª also, I''ll take Nico with me." Shaking her head sideways, Lexi took down his proposal in the most polite way, dragging Nico Zhuang''s name into the mix: her ultimate card to give him relief.


    "Alright..." Sighing heavily, Ethan Lu was helpless as he married an independent woman.


    Lexi then phoned Nico Zhuang that was at his post outside her office informing him that they had to drop by to AL''s entertainment. She gave him a heads-up so he could properly clear her schedule and whatever paperwork he has to finish.


    *****


    "Say, I heard about the problem in Madam''s agency¡ª can we switch ces?" Just outside Lexi''s office, Lyrick Jiang leaned on Nico Zhuang''s desk as he offered.


    "That''s not my call¡ª ask master." ncing up, Nico Zhuang had inexpressibly responded before returning his attention on skimming through the documents on his desk.


    "As if he''d let me." Snapping his tongue, Lyrick Jiang frowned. It was not that he was unhappy about the fact that he was working nonstop as Ethan Lu''s assistant. However, after hearing Lexi''s instructions to Nico Zhuang, he could not help his inner busybody to ignite.


    He knew that only a few people know that Lexi was the co-owner of AL''s entertainment. Therefore, he wanted to see Lexi''s awesomeness and the faces of the people in the said agency when they knew that Lexi was their big boss. How fun would that be?!


    "You should focus on master''s well being if you want to please the madam that much." Without turning to Lyrick Jiang, Nico Zhuang lowly muttered without any emotion.


    "Hah!" Scoffing, Lyrick Jiang peered at his colleague with a disdainful stare as if he waspletely insulted on what he just heard. "For your information, if only madam knew what I had been doing up until today¡ª she''d ask me to be her assistant instead of you!" Thrusting his chin forward, Lyrick Jiang boasted.


    After that encounter with thatdy cleaner which caused them to kneel on the washboard, Lyrick Jiang had been very careful. It was as if he obtained hawk eyes that he could see everything.


    Because of this, Ethan Lu had dodged many schemes and stopped as many problems as he could. However, those problems might not directly point at any executive, still, it was very obvious that it all came from Dennis Lu''s party.


    Even so, what puzzled Lyrick Jiang was that Ethan Lu didn''t ask him to keep a close watch on him. Instead, he let other executives to be his spies on Dennis Lu and ordered Lyrick Jiang to dig into Dn Lu.


    "Anyway, Master had been a little strangetely." Diverting their subject, Lyrick Jiang pondered as he was reminded of the night Ethan Lu asked him to keep an eye on his cousin.


    "How so? borate." At this time, Nico Zhuang put down his phone after he sent an email to one of their clients before he raised his head to see theplicated look on Lyrick Jiang''s face.


    "I mean, I am only telling you this so you can tell Madam if necessary. A few months ago, Master specifically asked me to keep a close watch on Sir Dn. In my personal opinion, sir Dn is not a threat because he''s dumber than everyone but, for some reason, when master ordered me at that time¡ª he seemed a little... scarier than ever." Looking up, Lyrick Jiang rubbed his chin as he recalled how Ethan Lu looked so terrifying at that time. It was as if satan himself manifested into him that still sends chills down Lyrick Jiang''s spine even until this moment.


    "Then, did you find out anything?" Furrowing his brows, Nico Zhuang didn''t bother to imagine how Ethan Lu looked like but rather, to the progress of the given order.


    "That''s the odd part. I ced people to watch his every move but aside from his ongoing therapy and dinner with friends¡ª there''s really nothing notable." Shrugging his shoulders, Lyrick Jiang heavily sighed as getting this kind of information was just as stressful as obtaining none.


    "That''s really suspicious." Nodding his head in understanding, Nico Zhuangmented. "If Master specifically asked you to keep a close watch on him, that just means he already knew something. You just have to give him details so he will know what was exactlying at him." Slowly, Nico Zhuang stood from his seat as he closed hisptop.


    "What was Red doing? You should assign him to personally do the task if master is unwilling to deploy me. I don''t think the shadow guards are united anymore." Nico Zhuang might sound reckless in his statement just now, however, he wouldn''t speak such assumptions without careful and rational thinking.


    After all, Lyrick Jiang might know all of the business affairs and was well versed of the Lu family rules. s, Nico Zhuang''s experience being a squad''s captain had given him a further insight of what should be the problem.


    "But..." Feeling conflicted, Lyrick Jiang tightened his fist into a ball. There was a reason why he wouldn''t deploy Jarred Guo because he didn''t want Ethan Lu to be alone. After all, Lyrick Jiang was not good atbat. Thus, who would protect Ethan Lu if one of his crazy family members tries to harm him? Moreover, Lyrick Jiang could only entrust his master''s safety to either Jarred Guo or Nico Zhuang.


    "I''m just saying¡ª it''s still master who gives the call if he approves of the idea or not." Giving his conflicted colleague a side nce, Nico Zhuang dusted off his business attire.


    Just then, Lexi and Ethan Lu exited the office with Ethan Lu carrying her handbag. Of course, the moment they saw them, Nico Zhuang and Lyrick Jiang slightly bowed their heads.


    "Rick, I heard you''ve been doing great work recently. Good job!" When Lexi saw Lyrick Jiang as if she didn''t see him for a long time, shemended him which made him awkwardly smile.


    Lyrick Jiang then politely said, "I am just doing my job, madam." before he nced up at Ethan Lu who was gesturing him a thumbs up. For some reason, seeing how carefree his boss was whenever he was around with Lexi, a feeling of guilt¡ª even though he shouldn''t be feeling guilty, struck him.


    His Master and Lexi had been very kind to him. So, was he really doing his job? Must he propose that Jarred Guo withdraw as his bodyguard to personally investigate Dn Lu? Ethan Lu had always trusted Lyrick Jiang''s suggestions hence, he knew that it would be considered if he spoke even a single word about. Still, should they take the risk?


    "Don''t worry, I''ll beat him to a pulp if he bullies you again." Winking, Lexi noticed the slight change on Lyrick Jiang''s expression yet, she decided not to say anything about it.


    Soon, the four of them separated at the parking space of the building with Lexi and Nico Zhuang in the other car while Ethan Lu and Lyrick Jiang on the other hand¡ª started heading to their respective destination.


    ****


    [AL Entertainment]


    Abigail Fan''s agency wasn''t that huge nor was it too small for a building. It was just enough to amodate all its employees but not alike with their rivalpanies that take up too much space.


    Entering the establishment, there were people, unfamiliar ones that Lexi hadn''t met in person. To Lexi, even though the ce was partly hers, it felt otherwise.


    Since Lexi had gotten all of the instructions of where she was heading, she didn''t go through the reception and went straight to the elevator lift.


    "Miss Yang?" Just as Lexi and Nico Zhuang were standing in front of the elevator, a woman''s voice was heard to the side. Turning to see the owner of the voice, Lexi slightly arched her brows seeing an unfamiliar face.


    "It''s really you, Miss Lexi Yang!" Upon a closer look, the woman wearing huge sses, a loose in satin strap dress, matched with a cream hue stilettos, sped her hands together.


    Her hair had these huge curls, disying some of the highlights of her hair that slid down to her neck while the other side was tucked behind her ear. She then lifted her sunsses up, using them as a headband which revealed her seductive yet adorable round eyes.


    "I can''t believe I would see the legendary Chang''e! Pleasure to meet you! Oh! Sorry, my surname is Tong, Avah Tong, I''m currently working here as an artist¡ª are you also here to sign a contract? Will you be back in the limelight?" Excited, Avah Tong introduced herself as if she didn''t know what to say. Her round eyes twinkled as if in awe to the gorgeous woman despite its simplicity before her.


    "Avah..." Nodding in acknowledgment, Lexi smiled. "Nice to meet you, Miss Tong. Unfortunately, that''s not the reason why I am here." Still bearing the same smile, Lexi courteously responded, answering her query yet giving very little information of what her business of being there was.


    "Aw, I thought my idol will be back and we''ll work under the samebel." Frowning, Avah Tong''s bright mood slightly turned sullen upon hearing that Lexi was not there to sign a contract.


    Just then, the elevator lift opened which caught the three''s attention. Giving the woman a smile, Lexi entered the empty elevator lift while Nico Zhuang followed.


    "Aren''t you going to enter?" Seeing that Avah Tong was not entering and was just waiting outside, Lexi asked.


    "Oh! Sorry, I am just nervous. Can I?" Sheepishly smiling, Avah Tong scratched the back of her head before she saw Lexi noding to her which made her hop into the elevator with a huge smile.


    ****


    "Master, I received a call from the office that someone came looking for you." Turning his head to the back passenger seat, Lyrick Jiang stoically reported. Ethan Lu just stared outside through the window without a word as he patiently waited for the rest of this ''unnecessary'' report.


    "They said it was a woman named Avah." This time, Lyrick Jiang gulped a mouthful of saliva as he examined the change on Ethan Lu''s expression.


    "Avah..." Low and deep, Ethan Lu whispered the woman''s name with an unreadable emotion. No one could discern what he has in mind as he whispered the woman''s name. "Send Nico her photo and tell him don''t let that woman get close to Lexi." An unreadable glint shed across Ethan Lu''s eyes as he gave his orders. One might not distinguish the glint but it was surely mortifying as if it could kill a person in that instant.

 Chapter 397 - The nerve

    <h4>Chapter 397 - The nerve</h4>


    Looking up to the numbers above, blinking one after another indicating which floor they have passed through, Lexi could sense the strong gaze that was now being cast on her. Therefore, she turned her head to the side to see Avah Tong gazing at her like she was staring at an unreachable star.


    Lexi just meekly smiled in return. Although she wanted to be nice and strike up a conversation, however, for some reason, her instincts told her not to. Moreover, she was feeling a little diforted by Avah Tong''s glittering gaze.


    She didn''t know why she was feeling like that. Was it because she now enjoyed her private lowkey life with her family? Was it because she had been away from the noisy environment in the entertainment industry hence, she became unused to it? Was that it?


    "Woah..." After some time, Avah Tong muttered in awe. Her eyes were glued to Lexi''s side profile and she had to admit that she was indeed too ethereal. Just as she said so, Nico Zhuang''s phone vibrated which he instinctively checked its content.


    Knitting his brows, Nico Zhuang was puzzled seeing that he received an email directly from Lyrick Jiang''s personal address. Hence, knowing that his colleague mostly used that email address with necessary details, Nico Zhuang unhesitantly opened the file and read its content.


    It says: "Don''t let this woman get close to Madam. See the attached profile below.


    Ps. Don''t let her know just yet." After reading that, Nico Zhuang tapped the file before a familiar face of Avah Tong was shown.


    "Miss Yang, you are so beautiful no wonder Ethan likes you." Using the awed tone, Avah Tong uttered which made Lexi furrowed her brows.


    "Excuse me?"


    "I mean, I am your avid follower and your engagement to Mr. Lu had shocked everyone, especially your fans¡­ including me." Forcing a smile on the side of her lips, Avah Tong naturally rified what she meant which made Lexi nod in understanding.


    "Someone who was as much of a yboy as him, I don''t think he deserves you." Hearing no response from Lexi, Avah Tong added that made Lexi arch her brows because now, the woman caught her full attention.


    "Miss Tong, I think you are crossing a borderline here." Irked at the woman''sst remarks, Lexi coldly warned her in the most polite way she could muster up.


    "Oh? Am I?" Tilting her head to the side, Avah Tong''s eyes dimmed as the glimmer they had earlier when she met Lexi faded away without a trace. ncing at Nico Zhuang who also raised his head with piercing eyes the moment itnded on her, the corner of her lips curled into a smirk.


    "But, I am just saying the truth¡ª I know him better than anyone, right Mister...?" Still looking in Nico Zhuang''s direction, Avah Tong delicately smiled. "I bet he already tells you to keep a close watch on me." ncing at the phone on his hand, Avah Tong then returned her gaze to Lexi.


    "I am right, right? I know him inside and out¡ª even know how many moles he has on his body. Say, Miss Yang, does he also call you ''baby'' in bed? He always calls me that as well and maybe all the other countless women he f*cked." At this time, Avah Tong''s personality escted as itpletely changed. Just then, the elevator rang before it slowly opened up.


    "Aww¡­ this is sad. Our ride together felt too short." Pouting, Avah Tongined before she began dragging her feet out after ncing at the emotionless front of Lexi.


    "No," Just as Avah Tong stepped her foot outside the lift, Lexi''s voice was heard from behind. "You are wrong. You don''t know him more than I do. First, I am sure that it was not him who emailed Nico but his assistant. Second, he certainly noted that Nico shouldn''t let you get close to me and not to keep an eye on an eyesore. He''s too kind to his subordinates." As Lexi uttered her cold corrections, the door panel began to close. Herst remarks gave her a chance to see Avah Tong''s jaw tightening while her hands balled into a fist as it slightly shook.


    "The nerve." When the lift began moving up again, Lexi softly whispered with a cold tone.


    At first, she thought that Avah Tong was someone like Evelyn Lu or Rika Song that gives more personality than having just a pretty face. However, when she began speaking about Ethan Lu and the very noticeable hatred and desire that touched her voice at the same time, Lexi knew, deep down that Avah Tong''s soul was rotten to the core.


    Regardless, Lexi would be lying if she said that some of the woman''s words didn''t hit a nerve, for example, the part that she shared an intimate moment with her husband. It was not like Lexi was dwelling on Ethan Lu''s ridiculous dating history, but, being pped by a woman opening the subject Lexi had been avoiding ever since was just too annoying.


    "Madam, you are urate." Sensing the cold and pure silence dawn on the lift, Nico Zhuang cleared his throat as he inexpressibly had broken the kind of quietness he didn''t like. "It''s really Lyrick who emailed me and said to not let the woman get close to you." Scratching the ''PS'' note on Lyrick Jiang''s email, Nico Zhuang decided to tell Lexi about it. After all, the subject was nowid on the table and Avah Tong was not patient enough to hide her scheme.


    "I know. Let''s not talk about her. I have more important matters to think about instead of a bad ex-girlfriend." Without looking in Nico Zhuang''s direction, Lexi rposed herself as she threw her first encounter with Avah Tong at the back of her mind.


    "Yes," Just then, the elevator lift produced another ring before it slowly opened to the floor Lexi was supposed to attend the meeting Abigail Fan arranged.


    Stepping out, Lexi inhaled and exhaled as she seemed she has topletely let go of Avah Tong''s irritating words so she wouldn''t be distracted. Without a word, Lexi began taking strides towards the hallway.


    The establishment was not like Beauty DR or Liu Empire that has only employees wearing casual business attire around. They passed through a recording studio, a dance room which wasmendable in its soundproofing while a group was dancing inside, and an acting ss.


    Seeing that these aspiring artists were working hard in the fields they wanted to pursue, Lexi''s focus was eventually diverted to the time she had to take these sses to be a star. The only difference was that she wasn''t very happy at that time and she could only thank her willingness to bully Mia Chen to pursue acting. But now, Lexi somewhat understood why Abigail Fan fretted too much as these people''s futures were also at stake.


    "What are you doing here?" Just then, Lexi heard a woman''s voice that was oddly familiar. Hence, she turned to see who it was and to her surprise, it was one of her ''friends'' in the industry when she was still an actress.


    "My gosh, Lex! Don''t tell me you are thinking to be in the limelight again?" In a bold and apparent shading tone, Jessica Dai gasped as her eyes widened while covering her mouth as if she was surprised by her own assumption.


    "I do. Why? Afraid I''d steal the spotlight again?" Arching her brows, since her former friend was showing her bitchy side the moment she saw her, Lexi didn''t mind to go along with her as she has a few more minutes to spare and she didn''t mind to use her as an outlet to vent her frustrations toward Avah Tong, since it hadnded in herp ever so gloriously.


    "Huh," Scoffing in disdain, Jessica Dai peered at Lexi from head to toe as her arms crossed under her chest. "I see. Does that mean your engagement with Mr. Lu is ending so you''re now finding something to use to make him notice you? Just like in the past." Arching her brows, Jessica Dai sneered.


    To her, Lexi would only be in this ce that was owned by Lexi''s former manager, Abigail Fan if she was signing a contract or looking for a project to work on. After all, Lexi had been quiet in the past year and even after the news about Lexi''s engagement with Ethan Lu broke, both parties didn''t speak a word about it in the media. Also, Ethan Lu''s Weibo posts lessened day by day until he no longer posts pictures of Lexi or their activities anymore. Hence, Jessica Dai was certain that their rtionship had probably turned sour or maybe...


    "Or, did you two break up already?"


    Just then, the people inside the dance room opened and a few exited the room. To their surprise, even the people inside the room who were resting after their rehearsals heard the news about Lexi. Therefore, they peeked to see her up close but didn''t expect to hear what Jessica Dai said which shocked everyone.

 Chapter 398 - Boss Yang

    <h4>Chapter 398 - Boss Yang</h4>


    Of course, even without telling them who Jessica Dai was referring to, everyone instinctively thought of Ethan Lu and Lexi''s rtionship. After all, everyone knew that Lexi was engaged to the most eligible bachelor in the business industry who made the Lu Corporation, one of the biggestpanies in the country. Hence, upon knowing that the infamous casanova wanted to settle down with just one woman¡ª not everyone was convinced.


    ''Master, why did you have to taint your reputation like this?'' Nico Zhuang on the sidelines subconsciously thought as he saw the peeking heads that wereing from one of the rooms. ncing at the boastful and obviously delighted woman that was about to throw shades on Lexi, he could not help but speak up.


    "Miss, I think you''ve misunderstood¡ª" Just as Nico Zhuang was in the middle to exin things with the woman to p her with reality, he stopped when Lexi raised her hand gesturing him to stop.


    "True, I am so done with being someone''s fiance and also him¡ª so what?" Arching her brows, Lexi uttered in a matter of fact tone. Well, she was indeed telling the truth as Ethan Lu was very impatient to make her to not be just his fiancee so he rushed her to get their marriage certificate while they were waiting for the twins to grow up a little more.


    However, what Lexi said wasn''tprehended in that way as they thought the two had truly split. The person who was happily surprised the most was Jessica Dai as she gaped her mouth open before covering it with her hand. She then purposely slipped a faint chuckle before she bit her bottom lip as if refraining herself from bursting outughing.


    "I''m sorry to hear that, poor You." Clearing her throat, for some reason, Jessica Dai disyed her pretentious act as she seemed to sympathize with Lexi.


    ''Huh, you really can''t have it all in life huh? First, Mr. Liu and now, Mr. Lu dumped her.'' Jessica Dai sneered inwardly as she dissed Lexi inside her mind. She might not admit it but Lexi obtaining Ethan Lu''s love, the man who was like a star that no one could reach was something that any woman would be envious about.


    Therefore, knowing that Ethan Lu was single again and Lexi was now has nothing to her name aside from being the Yang heiress, there''s really nothing to be envious about her. Well, her pretty face might be something but, that was not important in the industry especially with all the men she got involved with.


    Meanwhile, the trainees and instructors that were eavesdropping on the confrontation that was currently going on were bbergasted. Lexi and Ethan Lu splitting up? That was a piece of big news. Fortunately, there aren''t reporters around or else, this hot piece of news would be out that very instant. Still, with this many people who heard Lexi''s "confession" about their "break up", it would certainly be a blind item in a few hours.


    "Don''t worry, we''ve been friends for a long time and I''m sorry if my approach was very rude. I am just upset that after what happened in the past, you didn''t contact me anymore. You know I will be with you just like when Mr. Liu split up with you, right?" Offering Lexi a smile, Jessica Dai''s tone gradually changed into a friendly one. She sounded like a friend who admitted her wrongs and exined her side of the story before she purposely uttered the incident about Lexi''s controversial rtionship with Morris Liu.


    Jessica Dai, Che Diayu, and Lexi''s former friends were all her outlets in the past whenever she could not contain her overwhelming emotions anymore. Hence, she would often ask them out to have a girl''s night out and have a few wines before Lexi would break down and endlessly call Morris Liu''s name while crying. Those girls were there to witness her lowest side thinking that they were really concerned about her.


    But, what did they do? Spited her and were d that she was having that kind of problem because they wanted to covet her man. Or rather, they didn''t want her to have a better man than theirs. The eptable reason why Lexi didn''t want to surround herself with these types of toxic people when her "suicide attempt failed".


    "Really?" Smirking, Lexi watched how Jessica Dai acted as if she was dumb to fall for her unworthy acting skills.


    ''Did she really think I am that vulnerable and desperate?'' Chuckling at how silly the old Lexi was for not being able to see the real side of Jessica Dai, or rather, it was not that she didn''t see it. She just turned a blind eye to it because she has literally no one to talk to if not them. Lexi didn''t want to worry her parents and that led her ending up turning to the wrong people.


    "Of course! You''re here to find Boss Fan, right? I can assist you around since she''s not here." Whether she believed that Lexi was seriously that dumb or not, Jessica Dai didn''t think much about it. What''s important to her now was that she would surely make Lexi see their difference this time.


    "How nice of you¡­" Amused at how long the woman could keep up her pretentious act, Lexiplimented. She didn''t care about the stares from behind Jessica Dai because the woman was, for some odd reason, in herpany and how she thinks that she was now superior to everyone was quite entertaining to witness.


    "Tch, what are friends for?" Clicking her tongue as Jessica Dai slightly waved her hand off, she gestured that it was no biggie. "Also, I can''t let others tour you around especially those old ones because they will use the seniority thing with you¡ª I can''t let that happen." Emphasizing the word ''seniority'', although Jessica Dai''s words sounded pretty harmless, however, Lexi knew what she meant by that. She was, in her own sly way, indirectly telling Lexi that she was her senior since she''s restarting.


    "Oh my! Miss Yang will be working under AL?"


    "No way¡­ that''s awesome~"


    "I wonder if she wanted to go back to acting because of her split with Mr. Lu?"


    "Shhh, keep quiet I can''t hear!"


    "I never see sister Jess sound so¡­ annoying?"


    "She is, but I will be more annoyed if Miss Lexi will believe her." One after another, the very few brave ones who heard the loud tattling of Jessica Dai could not help butment and talk to each other.


    At first, they were utterly bbergasted when they heard her say that Lexi''s engagement was ''called off''. However, the more Jessica Dai ran her mouth, the more the excitement circled in their hearts that the legendaryic relief that shone brighter than the main leads would be working under the same agency.


    And then, others were quite irked hearing how Jessica Dai delivered her "kind" words. Does she think that everyone around her was dumb? She had always had this kind ofpetitive attitude to everyone but right now, she seemed to be going overboard. Which made it easier to discern that she had hidden grudges towards Lexi.


    "Hmm?" Hearing no verbal response from Lexi as she only grinned brightly, Jessica Dai hummed a tune while raising her brows.


    "Thank you for the offer, Miss Dai. But, I''m afraid I don''t have the leisure to tour around at the moment." Smiling, Lexi still sounded polite as she had enough entertainment watching a monkey that thinks she was fooling anyone.


    It was fun to see people pretend in front of you when you know the truth and not buying any of their crap.


    "Oh¡­" On the surface, Jessica Dai nodded on the surface but internally, she was sneering. To her, that was just Lexi''s way to save her enormous ego and pride. "That''s fine. You can always ask me if you need any help since it seems we''ll work under the same agency." In a sweet tone, Jessica Dai smiled as she innocently tilted her head to the side.


    Just then, just before Lexi could respond, an unfamiliar voice of a man was heard from behind her. "Miss Yang?"


    ''Hmm? Is he the guy?'' Lexi turned her head to the direction of the voice and recalled how Abigail Fan described her personal and most trusted assistant. Aside from Lexi who hadn''t met this four-eyed chubby man who was only wearing a simple jacket with a printed t-shirt underneath, loose denim pants and sneakers, everyone else who was there slightly bowed their heads in respect to the man.


    "Manager Qian!" Of course, the ever diva that wanted all the attention focused on her immediately greeted John Qian as she disyed her ''closeness'' to the most sessful manager in the agency. When Lexi heard Jessica Dai on how she addressed the man, the corner of her lips curled a little upward because her chauffer finally arrived to fetch her.


    "I''m sorry to keep you waiting, boss Yang. I have to fetch something from the PR department." John Qian first nced at Jessica Dai but didn''t say a word to her as he directly headed in front of Lexi before he slightly bowed his head as he apologized.


    "Boss¡­?" Puzzled at what the manager addressed Lexi as, not just Jessica Dai knitted her brows but also others who were up until now was eavesdropping on their conversation. Jessica Dai altered her gaze from John Qian''s baffled look to Lexi''s smiling side profile.


    "No worries, Manager Qian. Also, I was granted to have a chat with an old acquaintance of mine¡ª I was entertained." Lexi offered John Qian a reassuring smile that she didn''t mind the short wait because she had the time to internally criticize the size of Jessica Dai''s small brain.


    "Hehe, Boss Yang, let''s go this way please." Laughing off the awkwardness as he didn''t expect that Abigail Fan''s description of Lexi was urate¡ª very unlike the impression a person would usually think of her before meeting her in person.


    "Wait¡ª!" Seeing that John Qian was treating Lexi with extra careful manners, as they were about to leave, Jessica Dai heedlessly stopped them in their tracks. "Manager Qian, why are you addressing her like that?" With an awkward smileced with a little bit ofughter, she asked.


    "Sister Jess, don''t speak like that to Boss Yang¡ª she''s one of our big bosses! The co-founder of AL entertainment." Frowning at the many offenses Jessica Dai did within a short amount of time the moment he came in, John Qian was displeased at the tactlessness she was showing.


    The moment everyone heard Manager Qian''s remarks, everyone''s jaw literally dropped to their feet as they were utterly dumbfounded about Lexi''s role in thepany.

 Chapter 399 - A Dogs attempt to intimidate the Lion

    <h4>Chapter 399 - A Dog''s attempt to intimidate the Lion</h4>


    "What¡ª Manager, I¡­" Stuttering, Jessica Dai was groveling for words to utter to the most ridiculous thing she heard today. Lexi? One of their big bosses? Though it was possible, however, it has been a year since AL entertainment was established and yet, no one has seen Lexi''s shadow until today. Hence, what was she doing to be their boss?


    "Boss Yang, I''m sorry about that." Awkwardly smiling to Lexi, John Qian scratched the back of his head. To him, since the rtionship in this agency was more of a family be it managers, staff, trainees, or artists, their reaction towards the news was normal. After all, he too was shocked when he heard from Abigail Fan that Lexi was the person who gave her the opportunity to start this agency. Hence, the ALbel¡ª Abigail and Lexi.


    "That''s fine." Lexi mildly waved her hand off as if it was not a big deal. She then turned to the bbergasted Jessica Dai who was altering her gaze from Manager Qian and then to her. Smiling, Lexi slowly took strides towards the woman''s figure before she raised her hand and stroked the little strand of dangling hair of Jessica Dai''s and tucked them behind her ear.


    "You can still tour me around some other time, right?" As Lexi tucked Jessica Dai''s hair to the side, her brows raised as the corner of her lips curled into a sweet yet cunning smile.


    "I¡­" Swallowing down a mouthful of saliva, Jessica Dai''s eyes moved to see the smile that she hated the most. In her eyes, this was the very front that the original Lexi bears whenever she had a vicious n to go against Mia Chen.


    "Hmm?" Tilting her head to the side, Lexi hummed a tune as she patiently waited for the woman''s answer. It was not like she really has something in mind, but, since Jessica Dai decided to bring up her past and spited her, a little intimidation would be enough to make her cower in fear. After all, she did tug and awakened the Lexi she already tried to subdue for the sake of ''turning a new leaf''.


    "Sure¡­" Forcing a smile on her lips, Jessica Dai''s eyes were glued onto Lexi''s very familiar front¡ª especially her pair of natural sharp orbs that give off nothing but evil schemes. Seeing that Lexi wasn''t moved as she seemed to be waiting for something, she muffled her mouth while she cleared her throat as she added.


    "Whenever you like, boss Yang."


    "Good girl." Upon hearing how Jessica Dai voluntarily humbled herself, Lexi smiled and whispered her reply. She then ced her hand over her head to give her a pat as if she was petting her dog. After some time, Lexi checked her wristwatch and she was already one minutete to her meeting hence, she turned to John Qian and smiled.


    "Let''s go?"


    "Yes! This way please." With that said note, John Qian led Lexi and Nico Zhuang to the meeting room where everyone was waiting for her.


    Meanwhile, aside from John Qian who was unaware of the urrence earlier, everyone who heard about it, witnessed how Jessica Dai''splexion paled. Her boastful and cheerful mood earlier had now vanished and only an obedient pet was left. Still, after Lexi left, her hand slowly curled into a ball so tightly that her nails dug into her palms.


    It was too shocking that Lexi wouldn''t be theirbelmate as she was in fact, their boss! Regardless, aside from feeling honored or anything of the sort, it was satisfying to watch a dog attempting to intimidate a lion by its mere barking. Hence, when Lexi left, everyone began to snicker as their eyes were glued to Jessica Dai.


    On the other hand, hearing the indistinct snickers and odd nces, Jessica Dai looked around and saw that these people were probably talking about her. Hence, under this humiliating situation, she instinctively looked down before fleeing from the ce.


    ''She did this on purpose! Lexi, you b*tch!'' Still, inside her mind, Jessica Dai cursed her on and on as it was the only thing she could do for now. After all, she might have an attitude, however, she knew deep down that she wouldn''t be able to touch Lexi or her career would be finished if it wasn''t already. She muste up with a n to persuade her to set aside the matter¡ª just like in the past.


    ****


    "I''m sorry for the dy everyone. This is Miss Lexi Yang, the co-founder of our AL''''s entertainment and here to represent CEO Fan." Bowing his head in respect to the very few managers and business partners representatives, John Qian introduced Lexi as it was their first time meeting her in this way.


    "Please, take a seat." Slightly bowing her head, Lexi ignored the surprised expressions stered across their faces as some brand representatives seemed familiar with her because they relentlessly persuaded her to be their brand ambassador at one point in time.


    Lexi strode towards the head seat, while she does so, her gaze shifted to the woman that had her head low with her hands held together¡ª shaking at the critical situation of her career and her entire life. When Lexi settled on the seat and everyone sat in their respective chairs after her, she stared at the woman for a while.


    None had spoken a word after they sat down as they had gravitated whether they should break Lexi''s silence. Even though John Qian, who should be the host and should guide them to the files that the PR department had gathered, he remained silent because Lexi''s presence was too overwhelming especially now that she had her business mode on.


    "Is it you?" After the long silence, Lexi rested her jaw by the back of her hand as she turned to the involved woman that was still hanging her head low. However, even after Lexi''s question escaped her mouth, the woman remained silent.


    "Miss Gan, please tell us the truth! We wouldn''t be able to fix the problem if you also keep us in the dark. Don''t just think about yourself right now we are also affected by the scandal circting right now!" Frowning, one of the executive managers eximed after the long silence when Lexi directly asked Hannah Gan.


    "That''s right! Even though the woman in the video looks like you, your admittance is also important. How can we help and trust you if you don''t tell us the truth!" Another one chimed in as they urged Hannah Gan to admit that she was indeed the person on the viral scandal at the moment.


    "Please everyone, calm down." Sensing the escting heat from these people, John Qian cleared his throat as he tried to stabilize the situation.


    "Please take a look at the files inside we had gathered." He then distributed documents that he managed to gather from the investigation. However, he too knew that the little information he obtained was not enough to make them believe that Hannah Gan was innocent.


    "As you can see, these are the documents stating the whole schedule of Miss Gan since she debuted as an artist. Her schedule had always been packed. So, we took a look at the dates where she has free time which we assumed that the video allegedly happened." As everyone began flipping the pages of photos that Hannah Gan was spotted on the said date, from paparazzi or just from the restaurants and clubs she had been on those days, John Qian began exining their rational deductions.


    After all, to a rising star like Hannah Gan whose fame was skyrocketing at a fast pace, her schedule and projects kept surging in. Therefore, her manager, which is him, was often with her. He knew that Hannah Gan wouldn''t do such a thing because he believed that she was not like that kind of person. Regardless, he could just hope that this set of evidence would quench their inquiries for now and give them more time to prove her innocence.


    "Manager Qian, how about this date?" After scanning each page, the first person whounched his verbal attacks earlier pointed out a suspicious day. Aside from the other days, the report on that night was nearly empty. After the time that Hannah Gan was reported to have dined into a fancy restaurant alone, no one knows where she went or who she was with.


    "About that¡­" Upon hearing his colleague that was his rival manager in terms of resources, John Qian was pushed to the corner as this mishap was spotted sooner than he expected. Hence, he tried toe up with a satisfying answer. However, before he could answer, they heard Lexi speak again.


    "Is it you?" Again, Lexi repeated the same question while her eyes were set on the silent woman who was now being persecuted by this discussion.


    "Yes¡­" Through a meek and shaking response, Hannah Gan responded which created a stifling silence in that instant. On the other hand, Lexi''s brows arched as her eyes slightly narrowed.


    "Is that what you want to hear?" Garnering the courage to face them, Hannah Gan raised her head with her lips pursed. "If I said I am not that person on the video¡­ if I said that I went to see my grandma the night Manager Ji is pointing out¡ª will you believe me?" Her voice shook before it cracked, yet, Hannah Gan managed to finish her sentiments without breaking down. It was evident that she was trying hard to be strong under her stressful situation without asking for everyone to sympathize but to believe her instead.


    "You can just say ''no'' instead of dragging it out for so long." Showing zero sympathy, Lexi emotionlessly uttered. "Manager Qian, check this hotel''s log which I assumed is the location of the video and their CCTV''s. I have already sent word to them and they agreed." Leaning her back against the chair, Lexi nced at John Qian who was looking back at her with a surprised front.


    "Also, if any one of you want to breach the contract with us, then, I''ll see you in court." Not letting them absorb the instructions given, Lexi shifted her eyes to each and everyone of the people who were present and the side of her lips stretched into a smirk.

 Chapter 400 - Dont underestimate my resources

    <h4>Chapter 400 - Don''t underestimate my resources</h4>


    "Ridiculous! Miss Yang, what do you mean by us breaching the contract?! We have all the rights to end our contract if the artist was involved in any malicious activity that may affect our business." Upon realizing that he heard Lexi right, one of the brands legal team members threw a huge fit.


    "Where''s Miss Fan?! Miss Yang seems as though she doesn''t know the contract." Agitated, the man added as he peered at Lexi with disdain yet, he made sure that he would sound a bit more respectful because of her title: Future Madam Lu.


    Regardless, this mockery was too much. First, she only shows herself just now, ever since the agency was established she had never shown herself and didn''t participate in their affairs. Does she think that they could just follow her orders just because she''s Ethan Lu''s fiancee? And they would just cower because of awsuit against them from Lexi that has the backing of the LU Corporation was a sure loss?


    "Huh," Scoffing at the familiar scene before her, Lexi had seen this situation as she had been in Hannah Gan''s shoes in the past. No one, not even Abigail Fan, had bravely stood by her side. Therefore, they had to let her go even though the controversial scandal wasn''t ever proven to be true.


    "Mr. Wei, though I am indeed not participating in minor affairs in the agency or involved with our artists, I have my portion of the major parts like the contract. You''re from XX brand legal department, right? Then, you must have known that the revised contract¡ª I specifically noted¡ª stated that party A could only end the contract if party B was proven to be in the wrong. So, I don''t know who you think doesn''t know the current subject." Arching her brows, Lexi lightly tapped her fingers on the armrest as she uttered her rification.


    Indeed, Abigail Fan would always go to her and inform her of major details even though Lexi wasn''t asking. It was her way to let Lexi feel that she would always be a part of AL entertainment. Hence, when they finally got their first endorsement project, Lexi was reminded of her previous dilemma when her career as an actress crashed.


    Lexi didn''t want that to happen again, whether it was her or her people. The very reason why Lexi mentioned that that specific use should be revised. After all, she wanted to keep her agency as clean from the unspoken rule in the entertainment industry as possible, and make her artists that were under her feel safe¡ª be it in the brightest time of their career or their darkest reroute.


    She wanted to stand with Hannah Gan this time because one way or another, Lexi felt that she was standing with her previous self which she had failed to do for herself in the past.


    "This¡­" Finding a hard time rebutting Lexi''s matter of fact ims, Mr. Wei stuttered as he could only stare at Lexi like a fool. Not just him, but everyone who was listening to them, especially Hannah Gan was dumbfounded.


    ''Do you¡­ believe me¡­?'' Hannah Gan, for the longest twenty-four hour time in her life saw a sliver of hope finally had shone down on her gloomy face.


    Granted that it has been just twenty-four hours since the scandal was released, it felt like she was in eternal darkness. She had to see the endless and ruthless harshments on her ount as if she was the most disgusting person living on earth.


    What hurts the most was that the friends she thought would always stick to her side and support her weren''t even asking how she was during this period. And now, when she was called in to attend this meeting, Hannah Gan knew, deep down, that she was done for and her career was over.


    That her career would end today and there was nothing she could do about it. That no one would believe her and even if her manager, John Qian was rooting for her, it was really hard to convince him if there arepses that she could not broadcast the days she was not with him.


    But, who would have thought? Today would probably not be the end. That someone, without a question or doubt, was firmly standing in front of her, shielding her even though Lexi didn''t personally know her. Therefore, who would me Hannah Gan if right now, the tears that she thought she had already shed began to form in the corner of her eyes again?


    "I stand and believe that our artists are not as reckless as you assumed they were. So, I believe in Miss Gan. But, if it is proven that she''s really is the person in the obscene video, ourpany will surelyply with the contract." Lexi firmly stated as her gaze traveled to each and every one of them before she called the meeting to end.


    One after another, the people inside the meeting room left with a frustrated countenance stered across their faces. It was evident that they were displeased that their agenda for today was not met and would surely be prolonged longer than expected. Despite that, their onlypensation was that AL entertainment would be fined for damages as stated in the contract.


    Well, contracts had always been a double-edged sword. Hence, to include in the use about the requirements to end the contract, Lexi took the risk to ce a use that might not work on her end that well.


    "Thank you," Stabilizing her breathing while wiping the unstoppable tears that were falling from her eyes, Hannah Gan meekly expressed her gratitude.


    "No need. Abigail would have done the same if she''s here." Turning her gaze to Hannah Gan''s figure, Lexi didn''t offer a warm smile or anything of the sort. "But, you are lying. I don''t like liars the most." Cold and emotionless, Lexi added as her eyes never once looked away at the woman.


    "Huh?" Stunned for a moment, Hannah Gan raised her head to see the intimidating pair of eyes glued on her. For some reason, she gulped a mouthful of saliva as her tears stopped.


    "Miss Gan, I do believe that you are not the woman on the video, so I had to stand with that. However, you must tell me where exactly you were that night that Mr. Wei had pointed out. Don''t try to lie this time because the facility where your grandmother stays had their daily logs and you had left that day much earlier ¡ª don''t underestimate my resources." Tapping the tip of her nails on the armrest, Lexi scrutinized the woman''s front gradually changing from confused to shocked real quick.


    Fortunately, Lexi has a busybody husband whose resources and connections were vaster than the ocean. Hence, while she was on the way to AL entertainment, Lexi received an email from Ethan Lu containing Hannah Gan''s profile, some notable activities, hobbies, and even habits. Hence, Lexi recalled that the date that Mr. Wei had pointed out says that Hannah Gan did go to visit her grandmother, but didn''t stay for too long, unlike her im that she was there till night time.


    Lexi was slightly shaken that Ethan Lu''s connection was this scary that they could easily dig up someone''s profile and history. Regardless, at the very least, it was a piece of helpful information so Lexi wouldn''t be fooled and blindly stand by someone she didn''t know.


    "I¡­"


    "Hmm?" Arching her brows, Lexi hummed a tune as Hannah Gan was having a tough time rposing her words.


    "I''m sorry, Boss Yang. That night, the reason why I had to leave grandma earlier is that I received a call from my father." Hannah Gan''s head hung low as she was ashamed that she lied to the person that was trusting her without question¡ª despite the suspicious misunderstanding.


    "I was raised by my grandmother because my mother died when I was 9 and my father is an alcoholic and a gambling addict. I haven''t seen him for years but when he saw that I am now an actress, he often harasses me and asks for money. I gave him the amount that he needed so he will not pester me and I am ashamed that my father is like that. But, that night, though the contact number was indeed his, the person on the other end was not him but some other guy that my father owed the money to."


    Lexi attentively listened to Hannah Gan''s story as she rested her jaw on her knuckles. Since she was still unsure if the woman was telling her the truth, Lexi was not missing any parts that was being spoken, so if there was anything within her story that didn''t quite fit together, she would know.


    "He threatened that he would kill my father if I don''t pay the money he owed him." At this part, Hannah Gan scoffed. "The amount he owed them equals my whole savings so, I thought they should just kill him so he would be out of my life as well. But then, in the end, he''s still my father and even though he turned his back on me many times, I can''t do that¡ª I am not him." Raising her head to see Lexi''s inexpressive front, Hannah Gan''s eyes pleaded to her that she wanted to be seen as her and not the Hannah that she disyed on the screen.


    "So, you paid the amount and went to fetch your father?" Putting two and two together, Lexi got the gist of her exnation. To a rising star like her, she only wanted to show the beauty of her life. Well, this kind of stuff still depends on the artist if she/he would want it to be made public or not.


    "Yes. I sent the money and went to fetch my father near the police station and then admitted him into a hospital. I have a record of it there."


    "I see. I''m satisfied with your honesty. Refrain from going to unnecessary ces and don''t post anything even if it''s getting out of hand. I''ll assist Abi to clear your name from the allegations. On a brighter note, use this time to rest since you''ve been working hard." Nodding her head in understanding, Lexi was convinced about Hannah Gan''s alibi. Hence, before she left, she gave her notes on how to enjoy this situation and reflect on her own betterment and improve her skills.


    Not just that, since Hannah Gan''s poprity skyrocketed even more because of this scandal, Lexi had nned to use this incident to their advantage to make her fame shine the brightest. Perks of being a veteran actress¡ª knowing the ins and outs of the showbiz sector.

 Chapter 401 - What did he do to her?

    <h4>Chapter 401 - What did he do to her?</h4>


    "That''s all. Dismissed." After leaving them a few notes, Lexi dismissed the two: Hannah Gan and John Qian, with some additional instructions. Though her instructions about the woman were mostly for her rxation so she could fully understand that not everyone in the entertainment industry was her friend.


    Although there are some rare gems in the industry just like Rika Song, s, there are still some stones who act and pretend to be a diamond. Hence, Lexi used this situation as a perfect example to teach the rising star a lesson about the harsh reality of their environment.


    "Boss Yang!" Just as Lexi stood from her seat and was about to leave, she was stopped in her tracks before turning to look at Hannah Gan''s direction.


    "I don''t know why you trust me so much and I don''t know how to repay you but, thank you so much!" Doing a deep bow, Hannah Gan meekly expressed her gratitude. Granted that the real matter wasn''t settled yet, but, just knowing that there''s one person that believes in her story, Hannah Gan felt a bit stronger to survive the day.


    Lexi didn''t respond as the corners of her lips only stretched into a smirk. Turning her back against the bowing woman, Lexi resumed in her strides while her right arm was raised as it mildly waved off.


    "Be still this whole week¡ª it will end within a week or two."


    "Yes!" Hearing that, Hannah Gan smiled brightly as her response this time sounded more alive than earlier. She didn''t know if what Lexi said mighte true but, for some reason, her instincts were telling her that Lexi wasn''t just spouting empty words.


    ****


    "What do you think, Nico?" As they made their way down to the establishment''s lobby, Lexi inquired to Nico Zhuang following behind her. Since she already knew where they are heading, Lexi refused John Qian''s assistance and made him tend to the issue. Hence, it was only her and Nico Zhuang again as they went down to the elevator.


    "I think Miss Gan''s story is believable and is worthy for the benefit of the doubt. Still, I already asked someone to check on Miss Gan''s father''s file." Calm and honest, Nico Zhuang uttered while he followed Lexi keeping the right distance with her inside the elevator.


    For some time, when Nico Zhuang had finished his sentence, silence enveloped the whole lift as Lexi remained quiet. It took her at least a minute to speak again but, this time, Lexi sounded piercingly cold with a touch of sadness.


    "Not that but the woman earlier¡­" A heavy sigh escaped her mouth as Lexi instinctively looked up to the numbers that flickered one after another. Her pair of eyes had an unreadable glint that shed across it along with the slow blink of her lids. "What''s her name again? Avril, is it? Why was Ethan wary of her? Any thoughts?" Without looking away from the numbers above and then from the door panel, Lexi added.


    Nico Zhuang naturally nced at Lexi''s back and sensed the difference of her aura. He wasn''t surprised that Lexi had forgotten the woman''s name or rather, she chose to pretend that she didn''t know it because maybe, she found it insignificant and a waste of memory space.


    "Only master can know that, Ma''am." Clearing his throat, Nico Zhuang unhesitantly pushed the responsibility to exin the real subject to the culprit named Ethan Lu. After all, Nico Zhuang didn''t want to make Lexi feel better by using empty,forting words. Moreover, he really didn''t know the depths of Avah Tong and Ethan Lu''s rtionship in the past¡ª he just knew the glimpse he had seen at that time.


    However, despite internally saying that and was fully convinced that he wouldn''t open his mouth to refrain himself from saying reckless words, Nico Zhuang constantly nced at Lexi''s back who remained silent. For some reason, the elevator ride felt longer than usual as the silence became more and more deafening.


    "Madam, there''s no need to fret about that woman because I never saw master protect anyone so much to the extent of cing all his trusted subordinates around you." Clearing his throat, Nico Zhuang for the first time attempting tofort someone by all the good words he coulde up with. Although he wasn''t good with words, he did a pretty good job clearing Ethan Lu''s name.


    "No¡­" A floor before the agency''s lobby, Lexi audibly whispered. "What did he do to her?" Just as Lexi uttered her statement, the elevator lift produced a ''DING'' sound before it slowly opened. Without further ado, Lexi''s feet stepped out and headed to the lobby and then outside to the parking space where they parked their car.


    Just as they arrived at the parking space, Nico Zhuang jogged to fetch the car while Lexi waited for him instead of walking all the way to their parking space. As she waited, Lexi noticed a figure at the corner of her eyes before she cast the figure a nce.


    Seeing Jessica Dai approaching, Lexi arched her brows and remained at her standpoint until Jessica Dai arrived on her side.


    "Lexi¡­" Unlike her boastful and loud tone earlier, Jessica Dai''s voice now sounded as if she was the epitome of world peace. "I¡­" Pursing her lips on a thin line, she pondered on the right words she must speak that would make her sound genuinely sincere.


    "I''m sorry. I know I was a little rude earlier but that was because a lot has been going on and the abrupt end of our friendship struck me again when I saw you. You know, you never contacted me and it''s frustrating that you reced your friends just like that." After a heavy sigh, Jessica Dai exined as her lips curved down into a frown. Her eyes gleamed as if it was natural to express the depths of her lines beneath the shimmer of her eyes. Surely, aside from Jessica Dai''s attitude, she was undoubtedly a good actress.


    If Lexi didn''t know any better she would fall for it. Unfortunately for Jessica Dai, she wasn''t fooling anyone¡ª not anymore. Hence, Lexi''s piercingly cold stare was cast on the woman as she wordlessly watched her make herself a clown.


    "You understand me right? Hmm?" Raising her brows, Jessica Dai slightly smiled as she scrutinized Lexi''s countenance watching for it to change, even just for a little bit. Sadly, Lexi was unmoved and only blinked her eyes whenever she needed to.


    "Do you really think I''m a fool?" After a beat, seeing that Jessica Dai was still persisting and hoping that she would always shrug off the matter just like in the past, Lexi emotionlessly uttered. For some reason, at this moment, she felt like she was literally looking down on the woman.


    "Bringing up my past, broadcasting it to everyone as if it was something I should be proud of¡ª of all people, you should be one of the selected few who knew what kind of pain I have to go through just so I can live today. So, no, I don''t and will never understand." Lexi tly stated as she never once looked away from Jessica Dai.


    God knows how grateful Lexi was to find real friends now, albeit a littlete. Still, she never realized how much of a blessing to cut off toxic people in her life truly was.


    Upon hearing Lexi''s cold response, Jessica Dai''splexion paled. In retrospect, the faster a person apologized to Lexi when he/she made a mistake or offended her, the higher the chance that she would let it go. Hence, after careful contemtion, Jessica Dai decided to apologize to her. However, perhaps because she hadn''t met Lexi version 2.0 that''s why she thought that these kinds of Lexi''s habits remained the same even now.


    "Please! I''m sorry!" Seeing that Lexi wouldn''t be moved, Jessica Dai immediately knelt on her knees as she looked at Lexi''s unchanging front. "I''m really sorry! Please, don''t ruin my career! I am just back on track and I just had my biggest break! Please!" Rubbing her palms together, Jessica Dai pleaded. Thankfully, Abigail Fan paid extra attention to the security of theirpany and even if Jessica Dai seemed as if she was being maltreated, Lexi was confident that no one would take a photo and release it to the media.


    "You¡­" Watching her desperate pleas, for some reason, Lexi knew it was half genuine and half not. She knew that Jessica Dai was only doing this just because it was necessary¡ª just like in the past. Just like how she boasted Lexi''s ego and confidence just to make her feel superior and thought it was the words she needed to hear.


    "There''s a vast difference between real sincerity and acting. No matter how good of an actress you are, you might look sincere but not feel like one." Just then, Lexi''s ride approached them and stopped in front of her. Opening the backseat door, without waiting for Nico Zhuang, Lexi looked at Jessica Dai''s hopelessly kneeling figure.


    "Abi must have signed you because you''re a natural talent but, the one who will end your career will not be me but your attitude if you don''t do something about it." With that said note, Lexi hitched on the car before it sped away.


    Meanwhile, Jessica Dai just foolishly stared at the retreating car. Lexi''s words¡­ they took a while for them to sink into her. ''Does that mean, she''s letting me off?'' Confused on if she was given a second chance or not, Jessica Dai was left deep in the pool of question marks.

 Chapter 402 - Watch his back

    <h4>Chapter 402 - Watch his back</h4>


    Looking to the window of the back passenger seat, Lexi tapped her forefinger on herp in a slow constant rhythm. She wasn''t saying anything nor was she inquiring where they were headed as her mind drifted somewhere only she knows. Hence, this odd silence that dawned inside her car made Nico Zhuang nce at her from time to time.


    "Madam, all your schedules for the rest of the day were canceled. Should we head back to the Yang Mansion?" Sensing that Lexi showed no signs of inquiring like what she usually does about her schedule, Nico Zhuang cleared his throat as he decided to break the silence.


    Lexi didn''t respond immediately to him as if she hadn''t heard a single word being uttered from the front passenger seat. Therefore, Nico Zhuang could only take it as a ''yes'' and drove to the Yang Mansion where the twins were being tended to under Lillian Yang''s supervision. Afterall, Lexi could not trust just anyone with her twins without her mother''s presence. Which was the reason why she or Ethan Lu would usually take turns in dropping the twins off to her parent''s ce.


    "Drive to the hospital where Hannah Gan''s father was being rehabilitated." After some time, her tapping finger stopped as she opened her mouth and muttered her orders. Surely, this abruptmand made Nico Zhuang furrowed his brows in confusion.


    "I need some distractions for a moment." Guessing what Nico Zhuang''s first thoughts were at this moment, Lexi vaguely exined. Indeed, her mind was gradually being filled with Ethan Lu and Avah Tong which she didn''t want to spread around the twins. After all, the more she thinks about it, the more this unknown rage builds up inside her.


    She wasn''t angry with Ethan Lu but rather, to herself about getting affected by it. She knew for a fact that Avah Tong deliberately spoke such nonsense to get on her nerves. However, no matter how she calms her subconscious mind, she couldn''t.


    She needed some time to think and distractions so when she has to face her husband and confront him about it, Lexi could act and talk like an adult. Whatever truth she might face ahead.


    "Alright¡­" Slightly nodding his head, Nico Zhuang unhurriedly made a u-turn to the destination where Hannah Gan stated where her father was being rehabilitated. "But, you can just not ept that woman in AL entertainment, you know." This time, instead of speaking as her assistant, Nico Zhuang''s tone was the person that became a close friend to Lexi through the course of their time being ssmates.


    "Huh, now you''re talking." Upon hearing Nico Zhuang''s advice, Lexi faintly scoffed as the corner of her lips stretched into a smirk. "Why would I do that though?" Still staring outside the window, and the shing side of the road that could make one feel dizzy, Lexi slowly rolled down the window.


    "She''s impatient enough to show herself and objectives¡ª but isn''t it reckless to let a person having any ill intentions to my family let loose? I''d rather lock the cage she voluntarily entered."


    ncing at the rear mirror, Nico Zhuang unconsciously gulped because this was the very first time Lexi spouted such threatening words. It was not that it was his first time meeting pretentious and scheming people with the environment in the Lu Family. However, for some reason, right now, Lexi seemed like she had naturally been raised in the same environment.


    Was this her own maternal instinct? To protect her family, was she willing to go to such extremes?


    ''Master, you must deal with your past¡­ I don''t like the feeling that Madam will have to do it in your stead.'' Nico Zhuang murmured inside his mind before he refocused his gaze back on the road. Aside from the ufortable feeling he felt while seeing the slight smirk on Lexi''s lips, he was more worried that this matter would harm Lexi.


    ****


    "How was he?" Looking through the small mirror that disyed the silent middle-aged man patiently sitting on the bedside table while looking through the garden view outside, Lexi audibly inquired to the nurse that assisted her.


    "He had been doing pretty well after he got admitted. But, he''s still in the process of withdrawal and sometimes, he would still retaliate." Meekly smiling, the head nurse that courteously assisted Lexi exined the current situation of the patient. Although they knew that Lexi had no rtion to the patient, still, since she has her connections¡ª they treated her as if she was a family member and answered her inquiries.


    Surely, having money means having the power to do almost everything.


    "Is it safe to approach him?" She still had her eyes on the man inside, Lexi asked before arching her brows a little and shifted her gaze to the head nurse beside her.


    "Yes." Nodding her head, the nurse confidently replied as it has been a while since the man was admitted in this ce and already returned to his proper state of mind without the influence of alcohol. With that said note the nurse guided Lexi inside and left her a few notes before leaving her and her assistant inside.


    "I don''t remember owing you any money." The middle-aged man only nced at Lexi on the side and seeing this unfamiliar face, he was rather calm and nonchnt before he returned his gaze back to the window as he delivered his thoughts.


    "You don''t." Scrutinizing the side profile of the man, he had a slight resemnce to Hannah Gan, especially their eyes. "I came here because of your daughter." Bearing the same cold tone, Lexi briefly uttered that was enough for the man to understand. Lexi then dragged the chair and ced it on the side of the bed.


    "Huh, what? Did she tell you how useless of a father I am?" Scoffing, the middle-aged man bitterly asked as he turned to face the gorgeous face of his visitor.


    "Isn''t that right, though?" Tilting her head to the side, Lexi arched her brows as she humored the man with the truth. It was not that she was only taking the side of Hannah Gan, however, with the record that not only was he a gambling addict but also a drug addict and alcoholic¡ª words are not needed.


    "What do you know?" ring at Lexi and the ps of truth she was spouting, Mister Gan snapped his tongue showing his displeasure. "My daughter and you will not understand. I did what I did to protect her¡ª you don''t know anything."


    "That''s right¡ª I don''t. I don''t have the right to teach you proper parenting. But, if you im that it was for her then, live like you mean it. I have many ns for your daughter''s career and the only thing you can do is live in peace and don''t make problems for her." As blunt and harsh as she could sound, Lexi mercilessly said those words that would surely pierce directly to the man''s heart. Yet, she didn''t care because what she hated the most was hypocrites who imed that it was to protect someone so they had to purposely hurt them in return.


    It was just unfair.


    Just as Lexi ced her palms on the armrest of the chair, preparing to assist herself to stand and leave, she halted as she heard the man''s bitter chuckle. Arching her brows, Lexi stared at the man as she slightly thrusted her chin forward.


    "You really don''t understand, do you? I am not a good father and got entangled with the people I shouldn''t. Tell me, how can I go back being a good father even if I wanted to if it means involving my daughter to bad people? You won''t and will never understand that because you don''t have someone you wanted to protect so much you will sacrifice your own self." Grinding his teeth, thankfully, Mister Gan was sober enough to be hurt by Lexi''s harsh words.


    "Let me tell you, even if you say a million times that I shouldn''t cause trouble but, if you let me out of here¡ª I will go back to that same environment whether I am willing or not. That''s how it always was." Bitterly chuckling, Mister Gan scoffed as he peered at Lexi''s unchanging and unmoved countenance.


    "Then, treat this as your jail." With that note, Lexi slowly stood up as she knew that the man was a lost cause. She only went in here to distract her mind and to also confirm the legitimacy of Hannah Gan''s statement. That''s hitting two birds with one stone.


    "Now I know where I saw you¡ª Lexi Yang?" Just as Lexi was heading out, her tracks stopped when she heard the man speak again. Surprisingly, someone who was drowned with drugs and alcohol was able to take time in the entertainment industry.


    "You are with Mr. Lu, right? You should watch his back, I happened to overhear a discussion about him." Watching Lexi''s back, no one knows if he was bluffing as Lexi and Ethan Lu''s rtionship was not a secret. Hence, it was really hard to tell if this man was spouting the truth or not.


    "Believe me or not, that''s the truth and only information I know. All I want in exchange is let me stay here forever¡ª I don''t want to go back there." Seeing that Lexi wasn''t turning around, Mister Gan could not see her expression, hence, he desperately exined further as he really didn''t want to be discharged and be dragged around with bad people.


    "Be careful. If I know you are just trying to terrorize me, you will regret saying such words." Without turning to the man, Lexi''s widened and sharp eyes could almost make a hole in the door. Her jaw tightened as the veins on her forehead slightly popped out. With that said note, Lexi resumed in her tracks and Nico Zhuang bearing the darkest aura ever followed behind.

 Chapter 403 - Are you mad?

    <h4>Chapter 403 - Are you mad?</h4>


    The rest of the day, Lexi spent her day personally getting her hands on any of the files that could fully prove that Hannah Gan was innocent¡ª or even though she wasn''t that pure, at the very least, it was not her on the video. She and Nico Zhuang hustled as Nico Zhuang contacted a friend to locate the IP address of the uploader.


    After that, when it was close to six in the evening, Lexi finally decided to fetch the twins since it was her schedule today to fetch their children. Hence, with the help of the personal investigations she had done, some of the negativity caused by Avah Tong, Jessica Dai, and Mr. Gan gradually lessened.


    "Hi Mom, Dad," Arriving at the living area of the mansion where the two grandparents were already ying with the twins; with Frederick Yang carrying baby Evan who was wearing an astronaut costume in his arms while Lillian Yang carrying baby Lara as the little girl was wearing a cute dress matched with the same designed hairband.


    If a person didn''t know any better, they might think that the twins went to a costume party. However, this kind of attire of the twins that were akin to a prince and princess had be normal. Why? It was her parent''s fault!


    During her pregnancy, or rather, even before that, their purchases of baby clothes and pieces of equipment had be a nonstop haul. Hence, for the twins to try each of the clothes even once, they have to wear it before it wouldn''t fit anymore. After all, the twins were growing chubbier by each passing day¡ª it was very evident on their cheeks, arms, and leg rolls.


    "Who is that? Did you see who just came? That''s mommy? Mommy?" Frederick Yang changed his tone as he sounded excitedly young while talking to Evan Lu and guiding his gaze as he pointed at Lexi''s entering figure.


    Instead of going to the twins, Lexi plopped down on one of the sofas with a heavy sigh. After all, her parents would always want to spend even just a second longer with the twins even though they, Lexi or Ethan Lu, would drop them off every day to the Yang Mansion.


    "Something wrong, dear?" Sensing the extra exhausted aura emanating from Lexi, Lillian Yang marginally arched her brows as she patted Lady Lara''s small back and hushed the clingy baby girl.


    Lexi nced at her keen mother who was always the first person to detect if there was something bugging her. s, Lexi didn''t want to alert her parents as she has to talk to Ethan Lu first. It might sound a little selfish, however, Lexi wouldn''t worry her parents if she was not certain about her husband''s real situation.


    "Nothing, Mom. I am just tired. Abigail had this artist who was allegedly being involved in a scandal so she asked me to do her a favor to see if I can tone things down since she''s out of the country." Shrugging her shoulders, Lexi forced her lips to stretch into a smile as she sounded as if nothing serious happened today.


    Of course, her parents would always believe her hence, Lillian Yang didn''t press on the matter anymore and only gave a few pieces of advice to her daughter about her non stop hustling. Overall, the night in the Yang Mansion was peaceful as usual until Lexi and the twins along with their nanny''s bid their farewells to the two grandparents.


    ****


    When Lexi arrived at their own home¡ª Ethan Lu''s vi, she of course, like a mother she should be, spent her time ying with the twins before she personally cuddled them to sleep. It was ten in the evening when she heard the room door of the twins silently creaked open. Hence, Lexi''s closed eyes slowly opened and saw Ethan Lu wordlessly approach them.


    "Hey, love¡­"


    "Shhh¡­" Upon hearing his fairly audible call, Lexi gently shushed as she carefully slid herself out of the bed not to disturb her twins. Doing this almost every night in the past months, Lexi had mastered the craft of stealth hence, she sessfully got out of bed without waking up the twins.


    As if on cue, Ethan Lu walked over to the other side as he cautiously carried Lady Lara Lu and brought her to her pink crib while Lexi had to transfer Evan Lu to his own crib. Thankfully, Evan Lu didn''t wake up after Lexi ced a pacifier in his mouth. After all, her little guy was the one who would always cry and throw a tantrum if he was abruptly disturbed in his sleep.


    "Daddy missed you two." cing a slight peck on their foreheads, Ethan Lu whispered the same sentence into their ear as he indeed missed his kids and his wife. To him, this day felt rather longer than usual and going home was the only good thing that happened today.


    Turning to Lexi who was staring at him with her arms crossed under her chest, for some reason, he knew that they had to talk about something.


    "Let''s talk, downstairs." Tilting her head towards the door, Lexi nced at her twins for thest time before she left the room while Ethan Lu tucked his children in before he followed his wife.


    ****


    "Love," Leaning on the kitchen counter, Ethan Lu heaved a heavy sigh as he watched Lexi put on an apron and begin preparing the ingredients she brought out to cook some food.


    "Have you had dinner?" ncing up, Lexi knew that he might have guessed there was something wrong. After all, he knew that Avah Tong would approach her hence, the warning Nico Zhuang received. Still, Ethan Lu didn''t know that he was a minutete because she had already met her and had this irking talk with the said woman.


    "No, I mean yes I had this dinner meeting with CEO Tang." Rubbing his palms onto his entire face, Ethan Lu distressfully responded.


    "Did you eat well?"


    "No,"


    "Then eat first before we talk. I''ll be done in a minute." Knowing her husband fully well, Lexi slightly shook her head before she mixed the ingredients on the frying pan. After being with him for the past almost two years, Ethan Lu would always eat very little outside as he would always want to eat dinner with Lexi¡ª no matter howte it would be.


    Moreover, she didn''t want to talk to a person with an almost empty stomach as the things she would want to ask tonight, she needs the full details regarding Avah Tong. After all, Ethan Lu only paid attention to Avah Tong the moment she came onto the scene and thus, Lexi knew that their past was deeper than expected.


    As Lexi turned her attention back to the dish she was preparing, she felt his muscr arms wrapped around her waist before his chin rested on her shoulder that soon, his breathing turned into kisses on her neck.


    "Are you mad?" Low and deep, Ethan Lu inquired.


    "No," Shaking her head sideways, Lexi muttered in response. "I am more curious than mad." She added before she lowered the heat of the stove.


    "You met her, did you?" Frowning, for some reason, Ethan Lu figured that Lexi wouldn''t act like this if she didn''t know a thing. Also, he doesn''t like this ufortable feeling that he is sensing right now because of Lexi''s odd quietness was not close to tranquility but a thousand deafening words instead.


    "Who? Ariel?" Arching her brows, Lexi responded as she turned off the stove and began transferring the food to a serving te.


    "No," He didn''t quite get the gist of Lexi''s purposeful misname of the woman, so Ethan Lu shook his head sideways as he helplessly responded. "I mean Avah¡ª did you meet her?" Seeing that Lexi transferred all of the food, he let his hands loose a little before he guided her to face him.


    "Her name is Ariel¡ª don''t say your ex''s name using the same mouth you use when you say you love me." Staring directly in his pair of dark eyes, Lexi emotionlessly muttered.


    Indeed, the very reason why Lexi was avoiding this kind of talk was that she was afraid that this kind of thing would make her look immature. That she wouldn''t be that perfect in his eyes anymore. After all, her man was a former infamous casanova therefore, how could she deal with the truth without being a little paranoid? Especially, to all the women he touched¡ª as she didn''t know that Ethan Lu only touched one woman before her and that was Avah Tong.


    Still, since his messed up dating history was voluntarilying back to them¡ª Lexi decided to face the truth even if it would slightly prick her heart. They needed this because it has been stalled for a long time now.


    "But, I also have an ex named Ariel." Pouting, Ethan Lu innocently blinked his eyes in an attempt to lighten up the mood but to no avail, all he received was a deadly re. "Kidding, my love." Awkwardly smiling, Ethan Lu raised his hand and disyed a peace sign with his fore and middle finger.

 Chapter 404 - First relationship A story of deceit

    <h4>Chapter 404 - First rtionship A story of deceit</h4>


    Lexi watched him eat in silence. After his unnecessary attempt to humor her, he kept his silence so to prolong his death sentence.


    "What happened?" Seeing that he was almost done eating, Lexi''s eyes were still glued on him as she examined his every facial movement.


    Clearing his throat, Ethan Lu hardly swallowed the food down before he took a mouthful of water to clear his esophagus. Raising his gaze to meet Lexi''s pair of unreadable eyes, he breathed in and out.


    "Av¡ª She and I¡ª she''s my first girlfriend. I actually don''t know where to begin." Changing the pace of his tone, Ethan Lu mildly scratched his temple as he was having a hard time as to where he should begin.


    "Did you love her?" Slightly, Lexi nodded her head in acknowledgment before she asked the most important question¡ªfor her¡ª that answer was already obvious.


    "No!" Without blinking an eye, Ethan Lu instantly answered as if he was disgusted by the question itself. "Never! She''s my first girlfriend but not my first love." Nearly rolling his eyes, Ethan Lu added to his ims.


    "Then, why did you sleep with her?" Seeing how he put up his defenses, Lexi arched brows before realizing that her question was quite stupid. "Scratch that¡ª it''s stupid to even ask." Shaking her head, Lexi mildly waved her hand off as a gesture that she doesn''t need the answer... or rather, she doesn''t want to hear it.


    "Love..." Frowning, Ethan Lu was not entirely surprised by Lexi''s abrupt inquiry. After all, they had sessfully avoided this discussion for thest year and several months together. However, he knew that if they didn''t settle it tonight, it would just build up and Lexi might just explode one of these days.


    "I''m sorry. I was young and reckless, not to mention, heartless at that time. Back then, sleeping with my girlfriend just felt right and legal because we''re lovers. But, I swear to God and all deities out there that after Her¡ª I never bedded anyone else. Ever." Sighing heavily, Ethan Lu stretched his arms and held onto her knuckles above the table.


    "That woman¡ª she taught me a very good lesson, the very reason why I was so afraid to have intimate, physical contact with other women." His eyes softened, as his tone pleaded for the trust he needed at this moment.


    "If only I would have known that one day, there wille a day that there will be a woman who will not only capture my eyes but heart¡ª I would have reserved my dating history and kept it clean. I''m sorry it is nowing back on me, well not just to me but to you as well." Once again, a deep sigh escaped his mouth as he looked down. He was also distressed when he heard that Avah Tong arrived in the country again and seemed she hade with ill intentions.


    "Why? What happened between you two?" Watching him just break all of the defenses around her and melted her heart. Still, Lexi also took all of the key points from the words he spatted. Hence, her curiosity rose.


    "Hmm...?" Lifting his head again and had seen that Lexi''s eyes slightly softened from its original coldness, Ethan Lu was a little relieved. "Because, it turns out she''s crazy¡ª No, I made her like that." Contemting on the most urate and honest answer, Ethan Lu retrieved his hand away from her as he leaned his back against the chair followed by another sigh.


    "As I said, I was young, reckless, and heartless. In simple words, a jerk, a monster. She voluntarily offered herself to me knowing I wouldn''t be able to return it. Still, she willingly gave me her whole heart without a question, and I, as a heartless opportunist took it all. I thought money was enough as an exchange for her feelings, but I was wrong." Forcing a smile on his lips, Ethan Lu slightly shook his head as he mocked his former self for the wrongs he had done in his first ever rtionship.


    First, for believing that Avah Tong''s voluntary act to warm his bed and be his release outlet, so they could be called lovers, wouldn''t do any harm to the both of them. And second, for being so stupid that it nearly ruined his life.


    "As time goes by, I, in the process of retaliation to our Lu family rules, she was there for me. But, her presence was not helping anymore and as the selfish bastard as I am¡ª I always scared her away. I said some careless words to her which hurt her feelings but I didn''t care because in the first ce, in my thoughts back then, it was her fault because it was her who wanted this rtionship." Massaging his temples, Ethan Lu was quite nervous the more he delved into the matter.


    Now that he wasying this out in the open, one of the most despised pieces of his history on the table, what would Lexi think of him? After all, he wasn''t any better at that time than Morris Liu when he was hurting Lexi. Hence, doesn''t it appear that he was a shameless hypocrite? Their only difference was that he never loved Avah Tong and their set up was purely because the said woman proposed it¡ª while ''not asking anything in return''.


    "But, I was wrong in many ways. Being cold most of the days with her and showing a bit of care sometimes, perhaps, that confusion is what led her to be the person I never knew she would be." Once again, Ethan Lu heavily sighed in distress. He could not bear to look straight at Lexi''s eyes, afraid of what kind of gaze that would be cast on him.


    "One day, out of the blue, when I finally decided that we should just split because I can never love her or, anyone in this lifetime, she told me she''s pregnant."


    "What?" Knitting her brows together, Lexi felt her heart race for some unknown reason. Was this the time that Ethan Lu would admit he actually has an illegitimate child? With Avah Tong?


    "Mhmm... I am thrice as shocked as you." Chuckling in mockery, Ethan Lu briefly closed his eyes as he recalled that unforgettable phase of his life. Although he could not see Lexi''s reaction, he could clearly guess how surprised she was just with her tone.


    *****


    [shback: VIP lounge of Scarlet Night Club.]


    "Avah, just stop. This, Us? I tried but, it''s not and will never work. I''m sorry." Running his fingers through his unruly hair, Ethan Lu spoke in distress.


    At this time, it was clearly evident on how much of a delinquent he appeared to be on the surface. Unlike the shy and yet ssy casanova, and the decent and dashing businessman he was now, this phase of his life speaks volumes of his rebellion against his family.


    "Babe," Smiling, Avah Tong moved her seat near Ethan Lu as her hands attempted to caress the back of his. s, just as her hand was about tond on his, he moved it away¡ª obviously avoiding her touch.


    "Stop."Casting her an emotionless gaze, Ethan Lu slightly shook his head. He knew that everything he would say would hurt the woman. Hence, he tried to keep it short and precise.


    "No, we can''t." Looking down, Avah Tong fiddled her fingers as she pursed her lips into a thin line. Of course, upon hearing her soft refusal, Ethan Lu snapped his tongue in annoyance as he scratched the back of his head.


    "*sigh* Look, I am wrong to give you false hope that I might fall for you. But, I don''t think I can or to be exact, I am certain that I will never know what love really is. I''m sorry." After a heavy, deep sigh, Ethan Lu managed his breathing as he toned down his voice so he could calmly end his rtionship with her. Little did he know, what lies ahead was shocking news.


    "Hate me, p me, I deserve that but, I can''t pretend that everything is okay just to satiate my libido." Blunt and harsh as he may sound, however, Ethan Lu thought that even sugarcoated words wouldn''t lessen the pain. Hence, he, as always, chose honesty.


    "No, Ethan." This time, Avah Tong wasn''t showing pain or hatred in her face and eyes. Rather, it was more of a distinguished firmness. "We can''t because I''m pregnant." Pursing her lips, she witnessed how his eyes slowly widened as hisplexion slightly paled.


    "What?!"


    "Yes, I am pregnant with your child." Nodding her head once, Avah Tong''s hands that were on herp tightened, creasing her dress into many crumpled lines.


    For a moment, Ethan Lu heard the world explode¡ªas loud, resounding ps of gigantic bells rang in front of his ear, momentarily deafening him. Herst remarks yed in repeat inside his head while his blood lowered in counts.


    "Ho¡ª how? We used protection! There''s no way you can get pregnant." Stuttering, Ethan Lu recalled all his nights spent with her and every time, he was certain he used protection not to let her recklessly bear an unwanted child. Hence, how did this happen?


    "I don''t know! I don''t want it either because I know one of these days you will leave me, but Ethan, I am!"


    "Are you sure it''s mine?" Suddenly, due to the abrupt shock of the news, Ethan Lu''s insensitivity overwhelmed and took over which caused the already gloomy atmosphere across the room to turn even more sullen.


    For a moment, the room fell into an awkward silence as neither of them talked; Avah Tong was shocked to hear hisst remarks while Ethan Lu realized what he had just said.


    "I- I''m sorry. I didn''t mean that." After some time, when Ethan Lu recovered and calmed his bursting nerves, he apologized.


    "Ethan? Do you really think I am that kind of woman? Sleeping around with different men?" On the verge of crying, Avah Tong''s voice cracked as if she could not believe that she would hear that personally from him.


    "You can just say that you don''t want to be responsible for it if you don''t want to, but how can you say such hurtful things? Don''t you really, even just a tiny bit care about me?" Containing the tempting tears that formed a marginalized group in the corner of her eyes, Avah Tong bit her lower lip as hard as she could before she abruptly stood from her seat and was about to leave.


    However, just as she took two hurried strides, his hand suddenly wrapped around her wrist as he stopped her from leaving. "I''m sorry. I am shocked."


    "Avah, if you''re pregnant then I will take responsibility." Seeing that she wasn''t turning around, Ethan Lu heavily sighed once again in distress. "I don''t know if I can be a good partner but, I won''t let another child in this world be fatherless." Guiding her to face him, he looked at her straight in the eyes to convey his sincerity to be a father to ''their'' unborn child.

 Chapter 405 - First Relatioship A story of deceit II

    <h4>Chapter 405 - First Rtioship A story of deceit II</h4>


    After the stressful night that Ethan Lu thought would be the end of his one-sided rtionship with Avah Tong that had a huge turn, in the end, he kept firm on his words.


    Unlike his usual, negligence about Avah Tong, after that night, he would often¡ª not so frequently but no too seldom¡ª check on her and her health. He even got her her own vi, hired a few maids so she wouldn''t need to do chores around her ce, and apanied her to her first check-up the two dayster.


    All of that was his first step to take care of the woman that now bears his child. It was not that he was doing it out of unconditional love but, an obligation for the consequences of his thoughtless immoral actions. Though he didn''t love her, he wasn''t cowardly enough to turn his back against his responsibility due to his own recklessness. Therefore, taking care of her, being with her in times of need, that was the right thing to do, right?


    Months went by, and Avah Tong was already in her third trimester. It has been surprisingly a few peaceful months for Avah Tong while Ethan Luid low on his rebellious act against his own family.


    It was as if nothing could possibly go wrong until one lucky day after Ethan Lu and Avah Tong went to her ce after her follow-up check-up¡ª they were stunned the moment they arrived because Edward Lu was already inside waiting for them.


    "I had been waiting for both of you." Seeing the two standing there like a statue not far away from the door, Edward Lu''s elderly yet intimidating voice snapped at them.


    "Grandpa, what are you doing here?"


    "Ha! This cheeky brat!" Scoffing, Edward Lu spat as he red daggers at his audacious grandson. He then darted his eyes to Avah Tong down to her huge tummy as if he wasn''t surprised that she was pregnant.


    The instant the old man''s eyesnded on her, Avah Tong bowed her head as deeply as she could while her shoulders slightly trembled. It only stopped when she felt Ethan Lu''s hand on her shoulder before she turned to look at his reassuring eyes.


    "Let''s go inside. You can''t keep standing for such a long time." As usual, he was cold with a little bit of sincere care for her well-being. With that said note, Ethan Lu assisted Avah Tong as if his grandfather''s presence didn''t pose a threat to him.


    When the two settled on the sofas in the middle of the living area, across the couch Edward Lu was perching, Ethan Lu''s sharp dark eyes raised to meet the wrinkled eyes set on him.


    "Grandpa, this is Avah, Avah Tong... the mother of my child." After minutes of silence and only a battle of gazes against his grandfather, Ethan Lu finally broke the quietness as introduced Avah Tong to him.


    "I know who she is." Inexpressive and intimidating, Edward Lu responded in a matter of fact tone. "Mother of your child? Ha!" By the way of his tone, he was clearly mocking him or her, or the old news. Nevertheless, he was evidently displeased.


    "Woman, what do you want with my child?" Shifting his disdainful eyes to Avah Tong, Edward Lu unkindly asked as if his question were needed to be answered with full honesty.


    "Grandpa!"


    "Scram!" Upon hearing his grandson loudly call him out, Edward Lu ground his teeth as he red at Ethan Lu to shut him up. However, as someone as courageous as Ethan Lu, he wouldn''t back down by the looks of his challenging eyes.


    "It is not a secret that my grandson will be the heir of our Lu family so, are you one of the people that wants to take advantage of this fool?" Ignoring the threatening stare that was cast on him, Edward Lu turned his attention to Avah Tong whose shoulders were trembling.


    "N¡ªno, grandpa." Stuttering, Avah Tong''s lower lips shook as her tongue moved backward. To her, Edward Lu was scarier than she expected as his eyes seemed to know her whole existence since she was born.


    "Don''t address me like that. I haven''t acknowledged you as my granddaughter-inw." Without looking away, Edward Lu harshly corrected her which made the woman look down at her hands that were resting on her huge tummy.


    "Grandpa, whether you like it or not, I am the father of Avah''s child. So, even if you want to disown me, then do it. I can''t and will never turn my back on my responsibilities as my child''s father." Displeased by his grandfather''s usual intimidation to outsiders and even to some of their family members, Ethan Lu was extra upset about how he talked to Avah Tong.


    After all, she was bearing a child and even though she was a healthy pregnant woman, he didn''t want her to be stressed out. After all, this kind of encounter could still put her in a critical way that also could affect the child''s health.


    "Ha! The guts to say responsibility while you are turning your back on your obligations as my heir!" Edward Lu''s tone volumed up as he pounded the tip of his cane on the carpeted floor, causing a nonexistent cloud of dust to scatter.


    "If you want to be a responsible father, start by working to earn money instead of using my money." With a humph, Edward Lu assisted himself to stand before he walked out of the vi.


    He left the ce with a heavy atmosphere as his harsh yet truthful words hit Ethan Lu. Yet, the old man didn''t care as what he said was all nothing but the truth. As they say, the truth hurts.


    Regardless of that unlucky encounter with Edward Lu, Avah Tong and Ethan Lu resumed their daily lives. Avah Tong taking extra care of her health and readying her body to give birth while Ethan Lu attended to his duty as an executive in the Lu Corporation.


    Granted that Ethan Lu bought her a new ce, still, he rarely visits and would onlye with her whenever her check-up dayes. Even so, he fully supported her in terms of financial needs as Edward Lu constantly threw him projects that would preupy him.


    Soon, Avah Tong''s due date came and Ethan Lu was coincidentally overseas. When the news reached him, Avah Tong already gave birth and his work wouldn''t be done for another five days. Hence, although he felt like a failure, Ethan Lu could only call her at least once a day and hasten his work so he could go home.


    Little did he know, the moment he would go home, he would be pped by a harsh truth of the deceit he believed this whole time.


    **


    After five days, instead of heading to the hospital after arriving in the country, Ethan Lu was summoned by an emergency in the family. Therefore, since it was called an emergency meeting, there was no way that he would take it as anything without value. Moreover, he would only be dyed to meet his child for several more hours. The sensible reason why he agreed to head straight to the Lu main residence.


    "Grandpa, where are the others? I thought this was an emergency?" Upon reaching the room where his grandfather usually gathers all of the core members of their family, he saw no one but his grandfather sipping his own cup of tea.


    "It is. Sit." Putting down the cup of tea on the saucer te, Edward Lu calmly thrust his chin towards the seat across him, indicating where he should be seated.


    Furrowing his brows, despite his confusion, Ethan Lu followed his grandfather''s instruction and perched opposite him. When he was seated, Ethan Lu nced down to the folder that Edward Lu threw out in front of him.


    "It is an emergency because my foolish heir was about to be forced into a marriage with a child that wasn''t his." Smirking, Edward Lu scoffed in disdain as the content of the folder he threw at him was a paternity test of the newborn child and Ethan Lu.


    "What¡ª"


    "Will you even listen to me using mere words? Check for yourself you foolish brat!" Grinding his teeth, Edward Lu spat in frustration as he waited for so long for this day toe.


    The old man knew that Ethan Lu was not in love with the woman and the child was an ''ident''. However, one way or another, meeting the woman, his radar for an opportunist sent red signals inside his head. Therefore, as a man that always follows his instincts, Edward Lu made a deeper dig into the woman''s profile.


    She came from a middle-ss family but, for some reason, she could afford avish lifestyle like one of the wealthy young misses. Hence, the easy approach to a higher ss man like Ethan Lu. That alone was already suspicious to the old man as he was old enough to distinguish if a person was worthy to trust or not.


    But, since he didn''t find out if she was meeting another man aside from his grandson, Edward Lu needed a confirmation if the child has his grandson''s blood running through his veins. Thus, taking advantage of the fact that Avah Tong was unconscious after giving birth, Edward Lu ordered to get a sample of the child''s cheek swab and Ethan Lu''s strand of hair that the head butler in the main residence got a hold of.


    Opening the folder with little faith in his grandfather''s words, Ethan Lu skimmed the result of a multiple paternity tests that were conducted at differentboratories. All of them had the same DNA analysis saying there was a zero probability that he was the father.


    His eyes read the highlighted result of the alleged father being "excluded" meaning that he was not the biological father.? He showed no sign of sadness, happiness, or nonchnce. In other words, he bore no expression as no one, not even Edward Lu could discern what he has in his mind.


    "Thanks, Grandpa." After some time of silence, Ethan Lu closed the documents as he slightly bowed his head before slowly standing up.


    "Where are you going?"


    "To the hospital." Bearing the same emotionless tone, Ethan Lu didn''t give his grandfather a nce as he left the room. On the other hand, Edward Lu just shook his head sideways before he heaved a heavy sigh.


    "What a foolish brat." He mumbled before continuing to sip on his tea. To him, he had done his job to save his grandson from a scheming woman like Avah Tong. Thus, it was now up to Ethan Lu what he would do next.

 Chapter 406 - First Relatioship A story of deceit III

    <h4>Chapter 406 - First Rtioship A story of deceit III</h4>


    That same day, Ethan Lu headed to the hospital. s, before he went to the ward where Avah Tong was staying, he first met the hospital director and asked him for a favor: that was to make sure Avah Tong was alone as he didn''t want to see her carrying the child he thought was his and this way he could get a sample for another paternity test.


    This time, Ethan Lu wanted another test that was personally done under his orders. It was not that he didn''t trust his grandfather. However, he knew deep down, he needed it. After all, he had, for a good several months, epted that he would be a father.


    Although he wasn''t as excited and was extremely happy when Lexi announced her pregnancy, Ethan Lu still shouldered the responsibility even if he wasn''t ready yet. Hence, this huge turn of events, he wanted thisst reassurance.


    Of course, being the Lu family heir, his request was executed and took them several minutes to take the child back to the nursery room and did what they had to do: get a sample from the child and send it along with Ethan Lu''s strand of hair to the paternity testboratory.


    Meanwhile, after he received the confirmation that Avah Tong was alone, Ethan Lu headed to the private ward he arranged while overseas. In front of the door, there wasn''t a sign of emotion stered across his face as he wordlessly peered at the door for a second.


    Actually, after seeing the results his grandfather shoved in front of him, Ethan Lu didn''t know what to do with Avah Tong. Should he get mad? Perhaps, feel happy that he got his ticket to get away with this uncalled fatherhood?


    He didn''t know.


    After a heavy exhale that escaped his mouth, his hand lifted up and held onto the sliding door before he slowly slid it to the side¡ª revealing thevish room Avah Tong was resting in. Setting his eyes on the woman sitting on the bed while her back was leaning against the bed''s headboard, he saw her smile brightly¡ª as if she was genuinely d to see him.


    ''How can you smile knowing you''re deceiving me?'' He thought inwardly yet, he felt zero rage. In fact, what he felt was a bit of bitterness.


    "Hey... you''re back?" Seeing him take slow strides inside after closing the door from behind, Avah Tong gently greeted him.


    "Mhmm..." Humming a tune, Ethan Lu headed towards the nearby chair and then dragged it¡ª making short and sharp noises that could weaken one''s teeth¡ª to the side of the table.


    "How''s the business trip?" As usual, Avah Tong inquired as she ignored the fact that he seemed a bit off.


    After all, he was often silent like that every time he visited her for a short time. During her whole pregnancy journey, Ethan Lu would only visit her thrice or twice a week and those visitssted for a maximum of an hour or two. Therefore, Avah Tong mostly ignored his coldness and treated him the same with love and affection.


    She knew that he would probably leave after half an hour or less. So, she didn''t want to spend this short time arguing or cause a reason for him to leave as soon as he got there.


    s, Ethan Lu didn''t respond as he only stared at her with an unreadable glint that shed across his eyes. No one, not even Avah Tong could read what he had in mind or what he was feeling.


    "Is there something wrong with my face?" Feeling ufortable with his stare, Avah Tong awkwardly chuckled as she touched her face, curious why he has such a stare.


    "*sigh*" At this point, his sigh sounded more like a faint scoff. "Who?" After gravitating whether to confront her right now or not, Ethan Lu could not help but use the confrontation seeing that she had continued her act without remorse.


    "Huh?"


    "Who is the father?" Cold and emotionless, Ethan Lu bluntly inquired as if he was saying that he was certain that he knew the truth. His gaze never once left Avah Tong''s thus, he clearly saw the gradual change of her reaction that ensued.


    The slow motion of her eyes that widened, her naturalplexion turned abnormally pale, and her body slightly trembled. It was all too evident not to notice that she was nervous¡ª as if caught in the act of a crime.


    "Until when will you continue to act like you are not deceiving me?" Seeing her lower lips shaking, and her words were stuck on her throat, Ethan Lu added.


    "E¡ª Ethan, what¡ª what are you saying? Of course, it''s you! Who else could it be?" Stuttering, Avah Tong forced her rigid tone to sound natural yet she miserably failed in the first attempt.


    "Lies." One single word felt like a real p to her. To anyone who knew Ethan Lu, one of the types of people he despises were liars. Although the origin of why he has such hatred towards liars, one thing was for sure, she''s doomed.


    Slowly, Ethan Lu rose from his seat and tooknguid strides towards the bed. Leaning down, while cing his palms onto the surface of the mattress, his eyes sharpened as his dark aura seeped through her bones.


    "Be honest while I''m asking nicely¡ª you know what I am capable of, Avah. Am I the father of your child?" Low and deep, he whispered thatced with malicious intent¡ª seeking for the truth.


    "Ethan, I¡ª why are you asking such a thing? I already told you, it''s yours! Didn''t you already ept being the father? Now that the child was brought into this world you want to back out? Is that it?" As her defense mechanism, Avah Tong proceeded with her lies and covered it all up by targeting his weak points¡ª being a responsible father.


    She was very well-versed that he never wanted a child. However, after being with him for a year now, she understood that he might not want a child but, he didn''t want to treat a kid just like what he experienced from his parents. Therefore, this subject was the leash she was forced to use before she could make him fall for her.


    For a moment, after Avah Tong retorted back under the overwhelming pressure he emitted, neither of them uttered a single word. Ethan Lu just stared at her lying countenance and felt he waspletely mocked from all directions.


    "Now I know why I never fell for you..." Soon, he opened his mouth and muttered in a low tone as his head slightly nodded in understanding. "The moment you forced yourself onto me, I lost all of the respect I should have had for you. You are just like her." A scoff slipped from his mouth before he retracted his head away from her and wordlessly left¡ª without giving her a second nce back.


    Indeed, Avah Tong didn''t differ from his mother or to most of the women in the Lu family; they are all beautiful, like good decorations on the outside and nothing but rotting, soulless, lumps of worthless trash on the inside. They lie, because it''s convenient to them without considering the other involved party.


    Avah Tong just watched his broad shoulders get farther and farther away from her reach, his featherlike footsteps began to fade from her ears yet, her heart sank along with them until the door mmed closed.


    His words were much hurtful than a real p in the face. Granting that she approached him with a hidden agenda, however, she only realized that her n backfired and she was the one who fell in love with him. Therefore, she wanted to keep him by her side no matter what the cost


    Yet, how did this happen?


    Was he acting that he wasn''t suspicious of her all this time to make her feel rxed? To make her feel that everything will be smooth sailing? Did he for once, really believe that it was his child or everything that he showed her during this period was just mere y pretend? Who''s deceiving who? Was it her or him?


    "Ethan..." Gritting her teeth as hard as she could, Avah Tong''s sweating eyes finally set loose¡ª letting her tears stain her cheeks as a muffled sob escaped her mouth. "Please, don''t leave me..." In between her cries, she repeated those words over and over again yet, he never came back.


    Avah Tong cried for as long as she could remember until there were no more tears to shed anymore. Huping, fortunately her things were with her and deciding to herself that she would do herst resort, she grabbed her phone that was on the bedside table and speed dialed number 9.


    As she heard the rings, she bit her nail as her hups continued. Soon, the call was picked up and the line connected. Without further ado, Avah Tong spoke, not letting the person on the other end speak.


    "Mr. Lu, what should I do? Ethan knew that the child was not his. I don''t know how but I don''t know what to do! I''m going crazy!" In extreme distress, Avah Tong continuously spat out all of her worries as she ran her fingers through her hair.


    "Where are you admitted?" The man on the other end asked after a second of silence.


    "I''m at xxx hospital."


    "Alright, meet me at the parking space in an hour."


    "But, I just gave bir¡ª


    "I''ll tell you when I''m there." Not letting her finish herints, the man remained adamant on his demands before hanging up the call.


    Only Avah Tong knew what happened and the discussion she had that night with the man on the line. However, what was certain was that after that, she was not the same hopelessly in love woman that would take extreme measures to keep the man she loves. Instead, she turned into a crazy, pathetic woman who''s rational was messed up, up and down.

 Chapter 407 - First Relationship A story of deceit IV

    <h4>Chapter 407 - First Rtionship A story of deceit IV</h4>


    One weekter...


    It only took three days for Ethan Lu to get the results of the test he specifically asked for. With the influence of his little borrowed power from the Lu surname, the process took a lot less time making it much faster than ever.


    Yet, even after receiving the results, Ethan Lu didn''t open the folder that was delivered right on his doorstep. Was it because he was afraid that the result would be the same just like what his grandfather showed him?


    No. It was because he was certain that there''s no need for that. Just like how Avah Tong managed to have a glimpse of his true self, he too knew her from inside and out. Therefore, after his confrontation with her, he got the answer to his question, without a doubt that he was not the father.


    Inside his small office in the Lu Corporation, Ethan Lu just stared at the stack of documents piled up on his desk. Although it was almost afternoon, he hadn''t finished a single document that was neededter and for tomorrow.


    Soon, as he dwelled inside his nothing box in his brain, thinking especially of nothing¡ª he was snapped back to reality hearing a knocking from outside his office.


    "Come in," ncing up at the shut door, Ethan Lu permitted entry which made the person outside slowly open the door, revealing Lyrick Jiang with his signature one-sided hairdo, and a neat formal business attire as if his clothes are not meant to be creased.


    "Young master, about the project¡ª" Lyrick Jiang''s usual toneless voice was about to fetch the documents that needed to be signed by Ethan Lu, he was abruptly interrupted when his young master suddenly spoke.


    "Ah, that, I haven''t signed it yet." Shrugging his shoulders, Ethan Lu nonchntly said in a matter of fact tone as if it was not an important document in the first ce.


    "Y-young m-master, is there something wrong with it?" Knitting his brows together, Lyrick Jiang, for the reason that he had been traumatized by his young master''s change of moods from time to time, he stuttered a little.


    "Uh, no." Shaking his head sideways, Ethan Lu pursed his lips before it stretched upward. "I just don''t feel like doing what thispany is instructing me to do. You know Rick, I just thought that I''ve been sucking up to those geezers for a long time and I don''t know the reason why?" Rubbing his chin, Ethan Lu spoke his mind loudly that was akin to red rms ring inside Lyrick Jiang''s mind.


    The word ''code red'' kept on repeating in his head as he listened and absorbed the words that his young master was spouting.


    ''Oh Lord, please let this be a nightmare! Please please, I am not hearing this!'' Internally weeping, Lyrick Jiang called to the heaven''s and the Absolute One''s power to cast a miracle and change this curse. After all, one way or another, Lyrick Jiang knew where this was heading and it would be a real headache for sure.


    "Do you think grandpa will get mad if I didn''t sign the document? Be honest." Clearing his throat, Ethan Lu spun his chair as he asked.


    "N¡ª yes." Lyrick Jiang gritted his teeth as he sincerely wanted to say no, however, how could he? He could never lie to his boss or else, he would never be trusted again.


    "Right? n A: disrupt all projects of ourpanies subsidiaries and make my grandpa mad. Let''s see if he will cut ties with me after this." Grinning, Ethan Lu eximed as if his idea was one of the greatest ns of all.


    "Young master!" Almost sounding as if he were begging, Lyrick Jiang called out in distress which took no effect on the stubborn young master.


    "Don''t worry about it. I got you." Waving his hands off, Ethan Lu dismissed his assistant as he reassured him that he would be safe from trouble. s, that wasn''t what concerned Lyrick Jiang. Even so, he could only abide and do nothing afterward.


    Hearing his assistant''s footsteps fade away, and then the door gently shut close, Ethan Lu momentarily closed his eyes as the grin on his lips eventually vanished.


    "I''m sorry, Rick." He murmured. Ethan Lu understood that Lyrick Jiang wished for the best to him. However, now that he doesn''t have anything to worry about, he was thinking what was he still doing in the Lu Corporation?


    After all, he didn''t need to wait for a few more months so he has enough money to sustain the child he thought was his needed if ever he would resume his rebellion to gain his real freedom. But since it turned out that he doesn''t have that responsibility anymore, the savings he has right now was enough for him to survive.


    Just as Ethan Lu was deep in his thoughts, he heard the desk vibrate caused by his phone. Out of habit, he checked who it was and it was an unknown number.


    Ethan Lu''s brows furrowed as he wondered who might be the person using this unfamiliar contact number? Gravitating whether to answer or not, Ethan Lu decided to decline the call as he didn''t like the uncertainty of the caller.


    s, after he rejected the call, he received a text message from the same number. To his surprise, the content of the series of messages was disturbing. It says:


    "Ethan, how can you do this to me? I just loved you and had to do what I did because I don''t want to lose you. Please talk to me."


    "Why are you not answering? Didn''t you at least appreciate what I''ve done for you? Did you really just see me as your sex toy?"


    "Answer the damn phone! What is wrong with you?! I just want to talk!


    "I need you! I don''t know what to do..."


    "Ethan, let''s meet tonight at the vi please? I am going crazy and I will kill myself and end this child''s life if you don''t show up." After this message, Ethan Lu didn''t receive anymore messages from her. For some reason, he could hear her voice in his mind cry so loudly and beg out of desperation.


    Still, what shook him was herst message. Was she bluffing? Is she obsessed to the extent of threatening him with their lives? What ploy was this?


    He didn''t know what to think as he could not blindly trust Avah Tong again. She lied about the father of her child¡ª making him believe that it was his. She acted too naturally that he never noticed her schemes. Therefore, how did she think that he would just run back to her just because of that kind of a threat?


    After all, in the first ce, he never loved her and the child''s father wasn''t him. What made her think that he would care?


    "F*ck!" Gritting his teeth, Ethan Lu cursed loudly before his temper instantly reached its peak. He threw his phone onto the wall so hard that it broke the phone in that instant.


    Yes, he wasn''t the biological father. However, he might not say it but, one way or another, he truly cared for the baby. He was not at fault for what his mother did and this threat¡ª it surprisingly got through to him.


    "No, no, I wouldn''t! I don''t care! She''s bluffing! She knew that I would get affected if she involves the kid¡ª she''s not like that." Ethan Lu profusely shook his head sideways as he convinced himself that Avah Tong was a professional con.


    Because of that, it made him work for another day for the Lu Corporation and finished the stack of documents that were piled on his desk. Surely, the Lu Corporation matters were a good distraction for a person like him.


    The person who was shaken but happy at this abrupt change of the wind''s direction was Lyrick Jiang as he could finally sigh in relief again. Ethan Lu didn''t stop working until dawn and he didn''t notice the time.


    He tried to sleep but to no avail, Avah Tong''s image kept on shing before his eyes everytime he closed his eyelids. Therefore, he chose to pull an all-nighter instead and finish everything in one go.


    Surprisingly, when he finished checking thest project, the spirit of sleep still hadn''t dropped by. But, grinding, and forcing himself to work endlessly still exhausted his mind which that in itself had affected his body. Thus, he plopped his back against the chair he has been sitting in since earlier.


    Massaging his temple, Ethan Lu breathed in and out as he rxed his mental state. However, just as he tried to fall asleep, Avah Tong''s disturbing message suddenly shed before him.


    "Sh*t!" Cursing loudly, Ethan Lu mmed his fist on the surface of the desk¡ª frustrated that it still haunted him even after hours of relentlessly working.


    Violently pulling out the drawer, Ethan Lu picked up the folder which had the paternity test results in it and without further ado, he opened up the folder and checked the results. As expected, the results weren''t as shocking as the first time when Edward Lu showed him the DNA test results of the child and him.


    He was not the father.


    Even so, due to the disturbing threats she left him earlier, Ethan Lu decided to drop by at the vi where she still shamelessly stayed. He wanted to set things straight ande to terms with her in a more calm adult manner.


    *****


    Arriving at the vi, it was still very dark and the house had no lights switched on as well. Ethan Lu ignored the haunting vibe the ce had emitted as he directly headed to the door entrance.


    Just as he was about to knock, he creased his brows as he noticed that the door was slightly opened. For some reason, he felt rmed as he immediately reached for his phone and speed dialed Lyrick Jiang.


    "Young master...?" Sounding weary, Lyrick Jiang cleared.


    "Rick, locate my location now using my phone''s GPS ande straight here. Bring some guards with you." With that said note, Ethan Lu hung up and didn''t give Lyrick Jiang a chance to ask what was happening.


    "Avah?" Slowly, Ethan Lu tiptoed inside the house, as his vignce rose by every passing second. His initial thoughts after seeing the door was left open was that someone might have broken in¡ª he didn''t know what had happened, but that was his first thought. Thus, if that''s the case, he was certain that he could take whoever broke in down as he was still active in training his strength.


    "Avah? Are you there?" In a slow pace, Ethan Lu cautiously headed to the switch so there could be a source of light. s, since he wasn''t always in this ce and only spent a short amount of time here whenever he was there, he had to search on the wall to find the switch, where he tried to remember where it was located.


    Fortunately, after a long few minutes of searching, he finally felt the switch on the tip of his middle finger and without a second''s hesitation, he turned it on which immediately brightened up the ce.


    The abrupt light instinctively made him narrow his eyes as it was too dark earlier before the light took over. Slowly, he opened his eyes and let them get used to the light.


    Scanning around, he immediately saw Avah Tong kneeling in the corner in a trance. Her eyes seemed to dim with theck of energy to live as she stared at the floor, unblinkingly.


    "Avah!" rmed by her sight, Ethan Lu rushed towards her and kneeled while both his hands instinctively shook her shoulders. After snapping her back to reality, Avah Tong slowly lifted her head to see the person before her.


    "Ethan?"


    "Hey, what are you doing here? And¡ª" Scanning her, the rest of his words stopped as he saw cuts on Avah Tong''s hands and little wounds on her arms. There were also fresh cuts on her legs that had a smeared dried blood around its proximity.


    "Why did you just arrive now? You''rete..." As Avah Tong uttered her words, her tears unreservedly fell down as her hands, shoulders, and her whole body shuddered.


    "What..." Confused by what she said, Ethan Lu knitted his brows before a realization struck him. "Avah, where is he?" His eyes widened, as the grip on her shoulders tightened to the extent that her shaking stopped.


    "I said where is the child?!" Gritting his teeth, this time, Ethan Lu''s voice raised as his eyes sharpened while his heart pounded louder and louder after not getting a single response from her after he uttered hisst question.


    "He¡ª he" Huping, Avah Tong could not bear to continue her words as her sobs were out of control. Still, with the pain on her shoulder, she managed to construct a proper sentence.


    "He''s gone!"

 Chapter 408 - First Relationship A story of deceit V (end)

    <h4>Chapter 408 - First Rtionship A story of deceit V (end)</h4>


    ''Gone...?'' Momentarily, the whole vi fell into a dreaded silence as only her sniffs could be heard in sync with the ticking of the clock.


    Ethan Lu wanted to ask what she meant by ''gone'', but, at that moment, his rage began to consume him. The thought of Avah Tong harming her own child reminded him of his mother.


    His eyes darkened, as the veins on his forehead suddenly turned palpable, his grip on her shoulder tightened as if it could break her bones any minute, while his other hand slowly loosened as he lifted it up before a resounding p echoed across the whole ce.


    *Pak!*


    "What did you do?" At this point, Ethan Lu showed zero remorse for pping Avah Tong that made her head toss to the side while her upper body slightly slumped to the floor. He wasn''t that fond of women but, it was his first time physically hurting one. Yet, Ethan Lu wasn''t regretting it, not at all.


    "Ethan..." Touching her throbbing cheek, Avah Tong sobbed as she desperately pleaded with him by the way she called out to him. "Why didn''t you show up earlier? Why?!" From a muffled cry, Avah Tong suddenly turned aggressive as she screamed¡ª as if using him of a mortal crime.


    She began throwing vulnerable punches in the air, not caring if it wouldnd on him or on nothing. Along with her sudden aggression, she was screaming nonstop while crying at the same time.


    "Avah!" Containing her, Ethan Lu managed to restrain her hands by grabbing her wrists and his voice pitched up. More than the thought that she''s crazy, his heart grieved for the newborn child.


    "Where is he?! Did you kill him?" In great effort, Ethan Lu had to grit his teeth upon asking her histter question. His heart pounded even faster to the extent that it was painful and the corner of his eyes slightly shook.


    God knows he wasn''t a religious person. However, at that moment, he prayed, in the most sincere way he could in his heart begging that the child wasn''t harmed.


    "No..." Briefly calming down, Avah Tong stopped her violent retaliation as she stared at him for several seconds. "You did. Not just him but you kill me as well." A statement full of hatred and bitterness, Avah Tong pushed all of the me to him without taking her fair share.


    "Give him back to me! Give him back to me! I want my baby! Where is my baby?!" In a state of a mental breakdown, Avah Tong resumed her hysterical screaming as she tried to break away from him.


    By the tone of her voice, she was a grieving mother that only wanted her child in return. She was not the Avah Tong that he knew. She became a monster due to many reasons and Ethan Lu believed that he was one of them.


    Soon, as Ethan Lu was restraining the deranged woman, he heard loud footsteps nearing them and Lyrick Jiang''s shouts.


    "Young master!" Seeing the scene before him, Lyrick Jiang was mortified to the core. Avah Tong appeared to be a maltreated woman with the cuts and dried blood all over her body blinded their eyesight revealing abuse hence, she became crazy. If he didn''t know any better, he would think that the first assumption that the scene gave off was the truth of the matter.


    "Give him back to me! You psychotic f*ck!" When the men that intruded with Lyrick Jiang came, they, without any orders acted and took her away from Ethan Lu before they restrained her. Still, she kept on shouting those same words as if her mind drifted far away from reality. Therefore, one guard had to knock her out.


    "Young master!" Snapping from the current urrence, Lyrick Jiang glided his way towards Ethan Lu who was sitting on the floor while staring at the unconscious Avah Tong.


    "Young master, are you alright?" Squatting down, Lyrick Jiang hurriedly checked if Ethan Lu was bleeding or anything because Avah Tong seemed, at this moment, she could do anything even stabbing someone. Thus, Lyrick Jiang had to act in proficiency.


    After scanning Ethan Lu, Lyrick Jiang heaved a sigh of relief. Aside from his boss''s disheveled and haggard look, most of the blood on him were just small dots that obviously came from Avah Tong''s cuts.


    "Rick, check the whole ce and find the child." Still looking at her, Ethan Lu murmured. Of course, Lyrick Jiang''s brows furrowed as he wasn''t informed of a child.


    "Go." Not caring if his assistant was curious or confused, Ethan Lu whispered along with a heavy exhale as he slightly tilted his head to the side indicating for him to move while his eyes never left the woman''s figure.


    "Yes," Lyrick Jiang knew that Ethan Lu wouldn''t even answer him if he asked. Therefore, he chose to zip his mouth for now and obeyed his orders.


    With that, Lyrick Jiang ordered the men he gathered to search the whole ce and find a child. Even if they had to turn the whole ce upside down, they must find the child. He then called for medical assistance for Avah Tong and for Ethan Lu as well.


    Meanwhile, as the people began their search, Ethan Lu kept on staring at Avah Tong. How did she turn out like this?


    Never in his wildest dreams would he think that a bright woman like Avah Tong would end up like this. If, just if, he went to see her several hours ago, would the oue change?


    Indeed, although he wasn''t the person who wanted to harm the child, he too had his own fair share of why it happened. He too was responsible because, in the first ce, if he was a little more cautious, he wouldn''t let Avah Tong be a part of his life knowing he was just using her body.


    He shouldn''t have taken advantage of her and think it could end well so easily. After all, now that he thought about it, she did love him even after so many warnings and he knew that deep down. Still, he continued because of lust and only wanted to back away when he had enough of her.


    "I''m sorry, Avah." Instead of curses or hateful words, Ethan Lu could only apologize for what he had done to her that led her to such a state.


    "Grandpa is right... I am foolish."


    It was a hell of a night and an unforgettable lesson for him. After that night, Ethan Lu had tried to investigate where Avah Tong could have hidden the child or to know if the child was still alive. But to no avail, he was always led to a dead-end until everyone moved on with their lives; Ethan Lu focused on his rebellion to get his freedom while appointing someone to look into the case if they find a clue.


    *****


    [Present Time]


    "So, to speak, Avah spent her years in a mental hospital. She also never spoke to any of my representatives to know where the child was. It was also found that that night, she was under the influence of a drug that could make her hallucinate so, they took it as she probably didn''t exactly know where the child was." ncing up, Ethan Lu ended his long, summarized story with a heavy sigh.


    Until today, there was still a person that was looking at the case. Sadly, it hadn''t taken a step forward due tock of evidence.


    Lexi looked down as she processed all of the information given to her. For some reason, her heart ached not just for Ethan Lu but for the child as well. She expected a story where she would get entirely jealous over it but, she didn''t expect a tragic story instead.


    She was a mother and the fear of losing her children dreaded her. So, how could Avah Tong do such a thing? Just how?


    To Lexi, she could never trade her children even if it meant to sacrifice her life or her husband. It was a selfish example but that was the truth. That''s how a mother''s love should be¡ª it''s unconditional.


    "How did she get out of the mental hospital?" Lifting her head up, Lexi softly inquired. As expected, his answer was a shrug as he doesn''t have a clue as well.


    "I already sent someone to question the hospital when I heard she went to see me earlier." After a shrug, Ethan Lu honestly guided Lexi so she could be on the same page. Staring at her, he pursed his lips before it stretched into a meek smile. "Love, I''m sorry for not telling you sooner. But, what I can assure you of is that after her, I never had an intimate rtionship with anyone ever. I didn''t want to make the same mistake I did the first time." Sliding his hand to her hand, Ethan Lu gently rubbed her knuckles with his thumb.


    Indeed, after that incident, Ethan Lu made an oath that he wouldn''t bed any woman ever. It was hard at first as he was young and at the age where having sex was natural. However, he didn''t want another Avah Tong incident to take ce. He didn''t want to create another Avah Tong.


    The reason why he decided not to carry any condoms with him so that every time he was tempted, having no protection would always save the day. God knows how he only had his hand as hispany whenever he needed to release some steam.


    After years of practice, Ethan Lu''s discipline was solidly formed. Thus, no matter how alluring his former girlfriends was, he never went down that path.


    "I''m sorry for judging." Pursing her lips into a thin line, Lexi heavily sighed as she must admit she was jealous earlier. But, after hearing the full story, although Ethan Lu and Avah Tong''s rtionship was mostly physical, still, that wasn''t the bottom line in this discussion. Moreover, she understood him as he was young and exploring would be normal.


    "Anyway, I have something to ask aside from her." After sharing some peaceful silence, Lexi cleared her throat as she delved into one of her main concerns.


    "Hmm?"


    "Love, are we in trouble? I mean, now that Avah managed to regain her freedom¡ª I don''t understand why she would purposely show herself after everything. Also..." Pausing, Lexi scrutinized his front as she recalled Mister Gan''s vague statement.


    "I happen to meet someone who has a connection to bad people. ording to him, some ''bad'' people are talking about you. I don''t know the details and neither did Mr. Gan but, I want to know. I need to know, Ethan." Lexi resumed as her eyes sought for the truth. She knew that Ethan Lu has always been honest with her. Therefore, after clearing up everything, Lexi wanted to be prepared and fight alongside him. Instead of being shielded while her husband was battling a war.


    £¬

 Chapter 409 - I can make love with you all day

    <h4>Chapter 409 - I can make love with you all day</h4>


    For a brief second, the instant Ethan Lu heard Lexi''s exnation, his brows slightly arched. His gaze that was on her examined her inquiring front as if trying to read her, to see if she knows more than what she stated.


    "Hmm? Are we?" Receiving no response from him, Lexi mildly tilted her head to the side as she raised her brows while blinking her eyes. She saw him heave a heavy sigh which made her knit her brows.


    "Love, don''t talk to bad people anymore. It''s not safe." Frowning a little, although Lexi exined that the encounter with Mr. Gan, who she spoke about was unintentional, still, he was upset that Lexi might get entangled with bad people without her knowledge. After all, most of the bad people he knew were untrustworthy and cunning.


    "I said, I went to see the artist''s father and he happened to know bad people. I don''t know how bad they were but, my instinct is telling me to be concerned, especially if it''s something to do with my husband." Shaking her head, Lexi knew his worries and why he had said such a statement. Hence, she repeated her exnation for him to move on and dive on the most crucial part.


    "Please, love. Be honest¡ª are we in trouble? Aside from that woman?" Going back to her original question, Lexi added as her gaze set on his downturned lips.


    "Uhm..." Clearing his throat, Ethan Lu pondered for awhile as he held onto her slender fair hand. "I am always in danger, my love." Taking a deep breath, Ethan Lu muttered in conviction.


    "I also received a tip that someone put arge cash bounty on my head in the underground." Pursing his lips on a thin line, Ethan Lu studied her reaction as he didn''t mention this to her before now.


    After all, when this happened, the twins were only four months old. Hence, Lexi has a lot to think about including being a mother to the twins, being a great wife, and a strong business individual.


    Therefore, since he was able to fix the problem, he didn''t want to give her unnecessary worries. Surely, sometimes, even being husband and wife, they could bepletely transparent and not at the same time.


    Marriage, it wasn''t a happily ever after. To them, it was just the beginning of the bigger picture and an unending test of their love.


    "I didn''t tell you about it since I don''t want to worry you on top of tending to the kids. I''m sorry." Once again, Ethan Lu heaved a heavy sigh as he apologized. He watched Lexi''s reaction and what thoughts she could have by her expression but to no avail, she just stared at him as if waiting for a deeper exnation.


    "I..." For several seconds more, Ethan Lu scrutinized Lexi''s unchanging reaction which made him pause before clearing his throat again and continued.


    "Well, after receiving the tip, I asked Rick to check if it was true¡ª it was real though. Luckily, Lou is acquainted with several of the big names in the underground society so only those small gangs epted the order which made things a little easier. I was able to secretly put up my bid about the bounty on my head. That''s the least I can only do and bribe those of Lou''s acquaintances so requests like that will not resurface again." Summarizing the details of what happened, Ethan Lu''s eyes never once left Lexi''s. For a moment, he hesitated to drop his cousin''s name as it would reveal his involvement in the underground world.


    However, before that, her eyes that were seeking for the truth, Ethan Lu could only bepletely honest. Moreover, she might not appear upset but, he knew deep down that there was still a slight frustration for keeping this matter from her.


    "Lou..." Nodding in understanding, Lexi whispered. Unlike what Ethan Lu thought she felt, Lexi was way more understanding in this matter. Rather, she should thank him instead for not telling her immediately as she could imagine herself overthinking and being paranoid on top of experiencing a momentary bout of postpartum depression.


    Still, hearing that Louis Lu was acquitted with those kinds of people, Lexi could not help but knit her brows. She was reminded of her encounter with Seraphina Yue; the time she told her that she''s friends with Louis Lu and then, the encounter where she warned her about Louis Lu''s father.


    "Did you know where the tip came from?" Suddenly, instead of asking if Ethan Lu found out who the person was that wanted to physically harm him, she asked this instead.


    "No. I can''t contact the number after that and the location where the ce was sent to used a fake location. Still, I owed him a huge one because if I was a dayte, Lou''s friends might get tempted¡ª that will be a different case." Shaking his head sideways, Ethan Lu didn''t mind why she asked such a question as he truthfully answered.


    "Oh..." Nodding in understanding, Lexi smiled as she shrugged the subject on the back of her mind as it wasn''t important. "Well, don''t worry about that woman¡ª I can handle her." After knowing the full story of what happened between Avah Tong and her husband, Lexi was confident that Ethan Lu must leave that woman to her.


    "No, love. I should be the one dealing with her." Refusing, Ethan Lu shook his head sideways as he frowned. He disagreed about the idea because Avah Tong was an insane person. He would never let his wife deal with that kind of person.


    "Ethan," Lexi firmly muttered as her eyes slightly sharpened.


    "No, love." Not bending to her intimidating y, Ethan Lu continued to shake his head sideways as he refused.


    "Don''t forget that we are now married and we''ve already be one. I like being shielded but this time, all arrows areing from every direction. Let me handle Avah and you keep an eye on Lou''s father." Lexi remained adamant as she sees this situation as not as easy as one two three.


    Moreover, Ethan Lu had been protecting her and the twins with or without their knowledge. Therefore, she wanted to be his lookout and deal with small flies like Avah Tong. s, as Lexi rified, hertter statement threw him to an ocean of question marks.


    "Lou''s father? You mean Uncle Lin? Love, Lou''s father is not uncle Den." Knitting his brows, Ethan Lu assumed that Lexi might have mixed things up for a second. After all, they never had a conversation about Lou''s father as she only knows and was also irritated by Dennis Lu''s failed scheme attempt.


    "I know but something about him doesn''t feel right as well. Please, love? For me?" Meekly smiling, Lexi softly pleaded to him as she slightly tilted her head to the side and lightly tightened her grip on his hand.


    "Alright...?" Still confused, Ethan Lu still agreed nevertheless. Since she showed her concern on a certain person, it wouldn''t bring any harm if he does keep it in mind.


    Soon, their heart to heart talk came to a peaceful end and they decided to resign to their bedroom. However, just as Lexi was preparing herself to bed while Ethan Lu was on the shower, she saw her phone blink from the corner of her eyes.


    She turned her head to the bed''s direction where her phone was tossed before she headed to pick it up. Seeing that it was Abigail Fan''s number, Lexi answered without a second hesitation.


    "Hmm?"


    "Lexi, I''m sorry for calling you thiste. I just returned and heard what happened." From the end of the line, Abigail Fan''s tiredness could be traced in her voice. "I just wanted to thank you for helping me out today. It''s really a great help since no endorsement has withdrawn their contracts and only postponed it for now." Abigail Fan just came back to the country and the moment she heard how Lexi dealt with the meeting earlier, she wanted to thank her right there and then.


    "Don''t worry about it." The corner of Lexi''s lips slightly curled upward because Abigail Fan was always like this. Well, actually, she just probably got this habit because Lexi always wanted people to apologize in an instant or thank her if they wanted to express their sincerity.


    The reason why Jessica Dai also apologized to her hours after she mocked her and now, Abigail Fan expressing her gratitude the moment she heard about how she rescued her artist andpany.


    "I heard from John about your instructions. I will do it well so as not to bother your schedule again." Bearing a pure intention, Abigail Fan assured her because she knew that Lexi was busier than her. Hence, she didn''t want to bother her on mundane things as AL entertainment should be her responsibility.


    "About that..." Arching her brows, Lexi slowly dawdled. "I think I now have a reason to take part in AL entertainment." As she ended her sentence, the corner of her lips curled upward¡ª disying a smirk on her lips.


    "Huh?" Confused, Abigail Fan creased her brows as she absorbed Lexi''s words.


    What does she mean by that? A reason? Thinking of any possible reason that enticed Lexi to take part in AL entertainment''s affairs, Abigail Fan was left with zero clues.


    "You''ll know. I will drop by at the agency tomorrow afternoon so we can talk about Hannah''s case. Also, make sure to drop by at her ce and bring her some ice cream." Seeing the door of the bathroom slowly open, Lexi informed before she left her a note on how tofort their money tree and then hung up without a second''s hesitation.


    When Ethan Lu exited the bathroom with a towel clung on his waist while a small towel was ced over his head, Lexi turned to him and smiled. Her sweet and bright reaction the moment he came in made him narrow his eyes in suspicion.


    "Love?"


    "Hmm?"


    "What scheme are you plotting? I can smell it from here." Ethan Lu humored. Little did he know, he was right. Lexi was indeed plotting something about Avah Tong and she just made the first step.


    "Scheme? You mean..." Feigning innocence, Lexi ced her forefinger on her chin as she briefly looked up¡ª appearing to ponder in a cute manner. The side of her lips then stretched into a smirk as she slid the strap of her nightgown off her shoulder.


    As if on cue, Ethan Lu bit down on his lower lip as he heard her excuse as he only chuckled before striding towards her. Upon reaching her standpoint, he stopped in front of her and cupped her cheeks.


    "God... my wife," Adoring every detail of her facial features, Ethan Lu could not help but be awed. With or without makeup, Lexi was the prettiest in his eyes in any aspect: be it, attitude, personality, outer shell, mind, and soul¡ª she''s just too perfect for him.


    "I can make love with you all day." Using the tip of his fingers, he traced her jaw down to the side of her neck and then headed straight to slide off the other strap of her nightgown which immediately flew down from her body toy unceremoniously on the floor.

 Chapter 410 - Two heads are better than one

    <h4>Chapter 410 - Two heads are better than one</h4>


    Three dayster...


    After Lexi and Ethan Lu talked about the past, and was followed by a steamy night afterward, the vibe between them got a little lighter. It just felt as if they were closer than before with less see through the curtain between them¡ª that made their rtionship more transparent.


    Thus, they had returned to their usual daily duties confident that they had each other''s back. Ethan was dealing with the Lu Corporation business affairs while keeping Lexi''s favor to keep an eye on Louis Lu''s father. On the other hand, Lexi was still managing herpany: Beauty DR while still keeping updated on AL entertainment affairs.


    So far, regarding Hannah Gan''s issue, although the scandal was still hot and her reputation was being ndered here and there along with the alleged prostitution that was happening behind the scenes in the agency¡ª Lexi remained calm. She informed Abigail Fan to keep their mouth shut for the meantime and decided not to speak a word to the media.


    Lexi didn''t say the reason but, with all the trust Abigail Fan had in her, she obeyed her orders and didn''t release a statement just yet until Lexi''s given time which was today.


    "Yes, the deliveries will be there today. Yes... mhmm, see you then." Talking to her business partner, Aubrey Ning, Lexi smiled before she hung up the call.


    After ending the call, Lexi nced up to see Nico Zhuang standing wordlessly in front of her desk while carrying hisptop on his side. Arching her brows, Lexinguidly leaned her back against the chair as she crossed her arms, indicating for him to say the reason for his intrusion.


    "Did you find who it was?" Seeing that he was starting to set up theptop in front of her, Lexi nced at Nico Zhuang''s side profile before she set her eyes on the monitor of the device.


    "Yes," Nodding, Nico Zhuang stoically responded before he showed her a file of the woman who has a resemnce to Hannah Gan.


    Tilting her head to the side, Lexi slowly lifted her hands toward the right arrow button of the keyboard to see more photos of the woman. The more she sees of the photos of the woman, the more she was convinced that she was indeed Hannah Gan''s look alike in some angles¡ª especially her side angle.


    "Apparently, this woman is a high paying escort. She had been servicing wealthy men¡ª that includes politicians. Based on the information I gathered, she once wanted to be a model but the harsh reality of the industry made her end up in her current upation. Unfortunately, after the scandal was released, she had beenying low so even when I tried to take her service, I was rejected." While Lexi was scanning the information of the woman, Nico Zhuang delivered his summarized report so Lexi wouldn''t miss out on these vital details.


    "Escort?" Arching her brows once again, Lexi raised her head to see Nico Zhuang''s delicate front. "You booked her? You?" Smirking, Lexi could not help but humor him.


    Well, if she didn''t know the reason why, Lexi would have the shock of her life hearing his statement. After all, aside from his skills and knowledge, Nico Zhuang still appeared like he just entered his twenties. Therefore, in her eyes, he still looked like a kid and not a man with unimaginable capabilities.


    "Yes, for the first time in my life¡ª I tried and failed at the same time. I won''t do it again." Nearly rolling his eyes, Nico Zhuang bluntly muttered as he felt weird doing that all by himself.


    If not for the fact that he respected Lexi and was rooting for her safety, he wouldn''t dare do what he just did. Moreover, learning from his ''former'' master''s mistake, he wanted to keep his records clean.


    Upon hearing his honestints, Lexi chuckled as she shook her head. She had already foreseen this reaction when she asked him to do the investigation; and knowing Nico Zhuang, he would have taken it too far just for her convenience¡ª that''s how reliable he was since day one.


    "You don''t have to," Still shaking her head sideways, Lexi waved her hands off before clearing her throat and getting down to business.


    "You said she''s an escort and it''s in this agency...?" Checking the agency that the woman worked under, Lexi smiled upon seeing him nod as a response.


    "Nico, I can''t believe you missed someone who was also a former employee of that wicked ce." Stretching her lips from ear to ear, Lexi grinned as a knowing glint shed across her pair of nut-brown eyes.


    "???" Blinking his eyes, Nico Zhuang slightly angled his head to the side as he pondered what she meant. Repeating all her words inside his head, his mouth slightly gaped open as a realization struck him.


    "It''s fine. Two heads are always better than one." Winking her eye before snapping her tongue, Lexi ced both of her palms on the armrest as she assisted herself to stand up.


    "Let''s visit the HR department." With that said note, Lexi ssily walked out of her office while Nico Zhuang followed behind her.


    *****


    [Beauty DR: HR Department]


    Upon seeing that Lexi arrived on their floor, that was a rare asion, the first to notice immediately bowed to give respect to their big boss before the news reached the department''s director.


    Understandably, because Lexi would always drop by to theb or would often spend her days in her office if she has no meetings on her schedule. Therefore, it was quite a surprise that Lexi would visit this part of thepany out of the blue.


    "Madam Yang! I''m sorry for not knowing you''d drop by today." Rushing to Lexi''s side, the formerdy cleaner of her husband that she willingly took in was now promoted as the HR department''s director.


    Well, scratching her previous job as Ethan Lu''s sexy cleaner and her upation before that was an escort, she was a smart, flexible, and hardworking woman. Therefore, her title now was the fruit of her hard work because Lexi was never stingy to give opportunities to others.


    "Don''t sweat about it," Shrugging her shoulders, Lexi continued to walk around the office as the woman just cautiously followed her in silence.


    Upon reaching a certain empty table in the corner of the white office, Lexi dragged the chair before sitting on it with her leg crossed over the other one. ncing at Andy Chang''s figure, Lexi slightly crooked her head towards the opposite chair indicating that she should sit as well.


    Seeing Lexi''s gesture, Andy Chang nodded her head still keeping her mouth shut and sheepishly filled the other seat. Although Lexi had been good to her and had seen her hard work without bringing her past to the current time, Andy Chang still has this fear towards Lexi.


    Was it because she was Ethan Lu''s formerdy cleaner? Maybe. Was it because she already witnessed how Lexi got annoyed? Still, maybe. Actually, Andy Chang didn''t particrly know what her fear of Lexi was, but perhaps it was because Lexi''s intimidation effect was longsting.


    "Ma''am? Did I do something?" Anxious, Andy Chang nced at Lexi as she recalled her work enthusiasm for the past several months and if she offended Lexi without an intention to do so.


    "Miss Chang, don''t overthink. I just came here to ask for some help." Lexi chuckled seeing that Andy Chang''s face was screaming anxiety and her thoughts could be easily read.


    "Huh?" For a second, Andy Chang heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing Lexi''s addicting chuckles. At the very least, she knew that her worst nightmare didn''te.


    "This topic might be a little sensitive to you, but I just need to know if you happen to know Cherry? It''s her alias by the way. She works under the same agency you worked with in the past." Without further ado, didn''t restrain her words and constructed her statement in the most short and clear inquiry.


    "Cherry...?" Furrowing her brows, Andy Chang dug through her mind to be reminded of the people she knew that has a cherry in their name aside from the cherry she knew in the club. After seconds of contemtion, Andy Chang snapped her finger before she announced.


    "Ah... Yes! I know one." Nodding, Andy Chang stared at Lexi to assure her. Just then, Lexi brought up her phone and showed her the woman''s photo for validation.


    "Her?"


    "Uhm... yes, that Cherry." Knitting her brows, Andy Chang was relieved that she was right after ncing at the photo of the woman.


    "Good... Andy, can you do me a favor?" The corner of her lips curled upward as she hadn''t expected that Andy Chang would help her in an unexpected way.

 Chapter 411 - Can I borrow your wife?

    <h4>Chapter 411 - Can I borrow your wife?</h4>


    Seeing the slight smirk which was still very apparent on Lexi''s lips, Andy Chang mildly creased her brows as she patiently waited for Lexi''s request. To her, if she was able to do it, she would. After all, she owed Lexi for the huge turn of events of her career.


    She didn''t have to sell her body anymore for money. She didn''t need to swallow her pride and degrade the little dignity that she had left in her. Therefore, Andy Chang would do anything that was within her reach for Lexi.


    "Can you arrange a meeting with Cherry?" For a second, Lexi sounded a little conflicted as she spouted her request. Creasing her forehead, she gave her puppy eyes as if she really needed it.


    "Uhm... " Seeing how Lexi appeared that she has some serious business with her former colleague, Andy Chang scratched her jaw as she pondered for a while. "It''s been a while since Ist talked to her, but I can try." Not questioning what it was for, Andy Chang muttered as she gave Lexi an unclear response.


    "Thank you," Smiling, Lexi''s mood slightly brightened up as she has many more ways to track the woman and corner her. However, since she still has this choice, Lexi wanted to keep it a little more civil and ''decent''. "But, if possible, don''t tell that I will tag along with you, alright?" Lexi tilted her head to the side as she innocently smiled at the puzzled Andy Chang.


    After that, Lexi stayed at the HR Department for a little while as she pretended to be the concerned CEO who wanted to know the things she already knew. Well, she didn''t want to appear as if she didn''t care about anything.


    ****


    [Lu Corporation]


    "It''s always great to close a deal with you." Grinning, Ethan Lu offered his hand to the man opposite him which thetter person epted and shook his hand¡ª indicating for another great project.


    "It''s my pleasure." Morris Liu slightly stretched his lips a little upward which failed as he still looked cold without any expression. Still, his words felt more real than to any other businessmen he had worked with.


    "Well, Brother Mo, do you have free time?" Retrieving his hand, Ethan Lu raised his brows as he still has an hour and half vacant time before his next meeting. Therefore, he wanted to use this opportunity to catch up with him.


    "Sadly, yes." Morris Liu faintly scoffed that sounded more as a chuckle as he shrugged his shoulders. Well, it was not that his schedule was empty and he was not any less busier than Ethan Lu, Morris Liu knew him so well that he allotted an extra hour before his next schedule as well. Moreover, the excuse of using that they had a meeting with each other who were both exceptional in the business industry was a great excuse for their strict discipline.


    "Great!" Clicking his tongue while doing the guns gesture with his hand, Ethan Lu plopped back in the chair again before loosening his tie. "Phew! How can you say it so sadly though? Traveling for several hours, meeting people and pretending to smile all day¡ª how can you say sadly?" Cringing, Ethan Lu''s face distorted as hisposed attitude earlier instantly faded.


    "Huh," Chuckling, Morris Liu slightly shook his head. It has been a while since he spent some time with Ethan Lu. After all, Morris Liu had to rebuild the Liu Empire after he fell into aa and all the negative things thepany had gone through had to be repaired and rebuilt.


    Hence, he could only bump into Ethan Lu on rare asions and those encounters had given him little interaction with him as both of them had to hustle; Ethan Lu for his family and Morris Liu to forget Her.


    "What can I do?" Leaning his back against the single-seater couch, Morris Liu nonchntly shrugged his shoulders.


    "Uhh¡­" Ethan Lu tilted his head back as he massaged his temples. Seeing him do this, Morris Liu''s brows furrowed.


    "Is it your family, again?" Although it sounded vague, Ethan Lu clearly understood his short inquiry if his family was giving him a real headache.


    "They are one," Soundingck of life, a heavy exhale escaped Ethan Lu''s mouth as his pair of dark orbs set on the iceman across him. "But, my main concern right now is that Avah is back," he added in distress.


    Granted that Ethan Lu and Lexi already agreed that he''ll let her handle Avan Tong, still, he felt a little bothered about it. Perhaps, it was because he knew that dangers alwayse after that unstable woman. Therefore, he was still deeply worried about it.? He just trusts Lexi so he remained quiet about it.


    "Avah¡­ that woman¡­?" Morris Liu nodded his head in acknowledgment as he only recalled one woman whose name was Avah as he heard everything about it from Ethan Lu in the past. Everything including her lies, what she had done to deceive him, the missing child which he also tried to help to find but failed as well, and Ethan Lu''s regrets. He knew and heard it all from Ethan Lu''s mouth. Thus, he could never forget that name.


    "Yeah¡­ it was stated that she was free to go. Damn, this government really makes it hard for its citizens." After receiving the full details of the reason how Avah Tong managed to regain her freedom back, god knows how much he cursed their government''s system for it.


    Still, what could he do? She was already out in the open. He couldn''t just force a person to go back to that kind of ce without any ''valid'' and ''strong'' reason aside from personal ones. Thus, Ethan Lu could only file a restraining order to protect his family. In that case, if she attempts to harm Lexi, there would be more cases that she would face.


    If it happens in the future. After all, Lexi seemed she wanted to y with fire while Ethan Lu was lowkey trying to blow it out.


    "It''s skewed but, what can we do?" In a matter of fact tone, Morris Liumented as if he wasn''t interested to know the details. Well, it was not that he wasn''t per se but just looking at Ethan Lu plus his personality, Morris Liu had guessed what extra precautions he might have done to protect Lexi and the twins.


    "I don''t want to say this but, that woman wouldn''t be able to harm Lexi." After a brief silence, Morris Liu muttered as he could clearly feel Ethan Lu''s frustrations for the problems that kept oning in his way.


    "Man, I don''t know. I''m getting a little paranoid about all this." Once again, Ethan Lu deeply sighed as his mind was still jumbled. Aside from his family members, there were just too many enemies and he could only trust those he knew from in and out.


    "If Lexi gets herself involved, then that means she knew the dangers and has her way to corner them no matter how risky it was. That''s why I never told her about Kong Shuren in the past knowing her personality. I''m sorry, I know you are her husband now and I didn''t mean to offend by speaking by experience." Examining Ethan Lu''s behavior for a while, Morris Liu figured that Ethan Lu needed some truths to p him.


    He could not me him though. After all, he had been in the same tight position in the past wherein he wanted to be everyone''s shield despite knowing the people he was shielding''s capabilities. The very reason why he was now left alone and lost the love of his life.


    Still, even though Morris Liu still loved Lexi, he could not be that selfish anymore. Lexi''s happiness was her wonderful twins with Ethan Lu. Hence, he didn''t want his dear friend to make the same mistake as he did in the past.


    "Also, what happened to your ride or die theme? Did it eventually die?" Arching his brows, Morris Liu recalled Ethan Lu''s conviction when he came to know about the other side of Lexi and Morris Liu''s tragic love story.


    "Damn, I know you don''t mean to offend but I am offended that another man is talking as if he knew my wife better than I do. Good thing we are married." Nearly rolling his eyes, Ethan Lu spouted as he peered at Morris Liu with extreme disdain. Regardless, he was slightly thankful for this odd method to p him back to regain his full confidence in his wife''s capabilities.


    "Don''t get too cocky. If you failed to protect her, if needed and gave even half-hearted trust in her, I am still single. Don''t give me a chance to covet your wife." Blunt and shameless, Morris Liu didn''t restrain himself as he boldly disyed himself as a threat to this petty guy before him.


    "Oy! You are crossing the line, eh?! Covet who? Don''t you dare." Narrowing his eyes, Ethan Lu sassed as he sharpened his teeth as if any moment, he could bite Morris Liu''s head off. Seeing him having more colors than earlier, Morris Liu muffledly chuckled as his mission wasplete.


    "So, don''t give me or other people a chance." Waving his hands off, Morris Liu noted because Lexi was too pretty that not only he would be attracted to her. Not to mention, the achievements she has now by establishing a fast progressing skincarepany, her timeless fame as Chang''e, and being a wealthy individual herself¡ª men would line up to be with her.


    "Kidding aside, can I borrow your wife?" After a while, Morris Liu paused before he continued and decided about something he kept on pondering about. However, upon hearing this statement, Ethan Lu''s face distorted as a vein popped out from beneath his forehead.


    "No way! My wife is a person¡ª what the f*ck?"


    "She is. Apologies for the term but," Ignoring the disbelief in his gaze that was cast on him, Morris Liu apologized before he paused as his eyes sharpened along with the change of his tone. "Mia is still clinging onto Kevin and he had fallen head over heels for her to the point of making her every word as his gospel. I don''t know what exactly she has in mind. I have to push her to give me some hints. I think we both agree that she''s not any less dangerous as your former lover because she''s not only crazy but also, a skilled mercenary." Resting his jaw on the back of his hand, Morris Liu informed Ethan Lu about what he had his eyes on in the sidelines.


    He doesn''t believe that Mia Chen was truly in love with Kevin Woo and has no negative intention towards Lexi. Therefore, to deceive someone who was good at natural acting, Morris Liu needed Lexi''s impable acting as well.


    "What the f¡­" Upon processing Morris Liu''s real intentions, Ethan Lu was d that the twins weren''t around or else, they needed some cleansing as people kept on getting on his nerves which made him master the art of swearing.


    "I think people nowadays have too much free time on their hands to cook up their schemes." Shaking his head, Ethan Lu heavily sighed as he calmed himself down before he could be triggered and just go straight to deliver Mia Chen''s demise. However, since Kevin Woo was involved, he knew they needed to expose how scheming she was and how he was being deceived by a heartless woman.


    "Alright, let me hear your n." Clearing his throat, Ethan Lu nodded as he leaned forward with his elbows on his knees while his eyes were locked on Morris Liu''s.

 Chapter 412 - Lexi on the move

    <h4>Chapter 412 - Lexi on the move</h4>


    The next day¡­


    As usual, Lexi was being contained by the piles of documents and samples that herpany was thinking ofunching next. Since Beauty DR''s poprity skyrocketed in the market and the masses had proven and tested their products, she has to keep her momentum up byunching another product that everyone would love.


    As she was reviewing the presentation files, Lexi heard the telephone on the side of the desk ring which snapped her from the trance of studying theirpany''s new project. ncing at it, Lexi pressed a button that connected to the caller which was her assistant Nico Zhuang.


    "Madam, Miss Chang is here." Composed and stoic, Nico Zhuang directly delivered the reason for the call.


    "Send her in." Lexi naturally nodded out of habit despite the person on the other end who could not see her gesture. With that said note, Lexi soon heard a faint knock from outside her office before she responded for her toe in.


    Lifting her head and her eyes away from the stack of documents on her desk, Lexi saw Andy Chang silently enter her office before she closed it from behind and slightly bowed her head. Taking a courteous side towards Lexi''s desk, Andy Chang stopped in front of her as Lexi''s gaze never once left her figure.


    "Uhm¡­" Clearing her throat, Andy Chang still found her a little intimidating and probably, she would never feel rxed around her. "Madam Yang, about your request yesterday, I luckily got a hold of Cherry and she agreed to meet me under the pretense of catching up." Attempting to ignore Lexi''s intimidating aura that she had always felt that it was beyond her reach, Andy Chang focused on the reason why she was in Lexi''s office early in the morning so to divert her slight difort.


    "When?"


    "Tomorrow. After work around seven in the evening." Holding her hands together, Andy Chang meekly responded. Well, aside from not knowing why Lexi was so inclined to meet Cherry, she was more anxious that Lexi would go with her if she meets up with Cherry.


    How could she hang out with a wild former colleague if Lexi was there? Surely, Cherry would spread her wildness that could smear Lexi''s gracious elegance. Just thinking about it. Andy Chang was in a quite distressing situation.


    "Thank you, Andy." Sensing her slight aloofness and distance, the corner of Lexi''s lips curled into a smile. She knew that even though she helped Andy Chang from her miserable upation in the past, their first encounter had nted fright into the woman''s heart. Hence, she probably thinks that one wrong move, Lexi would snap andsh out at her.


    Well, that was possible if it was in the past as she was a spoiled young miss who always thinks the world revolved around her. But now, she could safely say that everything that happened made her more mature and understanding of things.


    "It''s nothing¡ª I mean, your wee, Madam Yang." Shaking her head, when Andy Chang saw the reassuring smile that mildly diverted Lexi''s intimidating image to a gentler one, her stiffened shoulders loosened for a bit before Andy Chang responded and corrected her friendly tone.


    "Can I ask one thing?" Still bearing her mild smile, Lexi slightly raised her brows which affected Andy Chang and does the same as she waited for her question to be delivered. "Cherry did something and one of my artists in AL entertainment was the one who''s paying the price. Me, tagging along with you tomorrow night could mean that it might affect your rtionship with her. I don''t mean to cause harm to your friendship, so I am having second thoughts if I should reallye with you or not." Slowly, Lexi leaned her back against the chair as she heavily sighed.


    Whening to Andy Chang yesterday, Lexi didn''t think about ruining their friendship if there was one. But, after thinking it overnight, she didn''t want to be the cause of someone hating Andy Chang because of her selfishness. She wasn''t that kind of person anymore which only thinks about herself.


    "Madam Yang¡­" Upon hearing Lexi''s vague exnation and the possible oue for her, Andy Chang scrutinized Lexi''s front for a second before she whispered her name. "I didn''t know what she did," Pursing her lips on a thin line, Andy Chang was conflicted as she fiddled her fingers that were below her waist.


    "You might not have seen it yet but Hannah Gan, an artist in my agency has an alleged ongoing scandal. Unfortunately, it was your friend who was the woman in the film but another woman is suffering for her deeds." Studying the conflicted look stered across Andy Chang''s front, Lexi didn''t restrain herself from further exining why she was inclined to meet Cherry.


    It was not that Lexi was trying to control Andy Chang''s decision in life and she was very well versed that her choice of friends was none of her business. However, since she took her in and was still under her care, it wouldn''t harm anyone if she speaks the obvious: to choose her friends wisely.


    After all, it was better to have no friends than having nothing but bad ones. Speaking from experience.


    For a moment, silence dawned on across Lexi''s office as neither of them talked after Lexi''s statement. Andy Chang hanging her head low while contemting a decision while Lexi, on the other hand, rested her temple by the back of her hand as her elbow rested on the chair''s armrest.


    "If she''s responsible then, I think it''s just right for her to be responsible for it and not other people. We are friends and I think this is how a real friend should be¡ª correcting her¡­ right?." After the minute of silence, Andy Chang lifted her head as an apologetic expression stered across her face.


    She knew that her previous line of work was one of the dirtiest jobs in the world and a scandal leaking out was inevitable even though they should be "protected" by their agency. After all, their clients were nasty to the extent of sometimes hurting them and all worst cases¡ª a leaked video scandal was included obviously.


    But, Andy Chang, although turned a new leaf and was now upying herself from work as the new HR Director in Beauty DR, she still has some leisure to watch movies and Hannah Gan''s name was one of the rising stars nowadays. Hence, she recalled that the said celebrity has some resemnce to Cherry.


    Andy Chang might have missed the recent scandal as Beauty DR''s operation had been quite hectic. Still, if this was true which she was sure that Lexi wasn''t lying, then, how could she let another person suffer if she was innocent in the first ce? Andy Chang and Cherry, they had epted the industry they worked in and they admitted that their dignity was close to nonexistent.


    Regardless, that doesn''t mean they were bad people despite that. They were only cornered by a tight situation to swallow such a disgraceful job. Thus, Andy Chang knew that Cherry would understand her side.


    "Are you sure?" Arching her brows, Lexi never once left the woman''s figure and witnessed her apologetic look transformed into a firm resolve.


    "Yes,"


    "Alright, thank you, Andy." Along with Lexi''s faint exhale, she offered a gentle smile as if her countenance was reassuring Andy Chang that everything would be well.


    "Madam Yang?" Andy Chang bit her bottom lip which made Lexi tilted her head to the side waiting for whatever the woman wanted to say before she resigned to her duties.


    "If ever, you might think I am a bit shameless but, is it possible to help Cherry and take her in under Beauty DR?" Mustering her courage, Andy Chang had contemted deeply enough to think what would happen to Cherry if shees out and takes the responsibility of the said scandal?


    Aside from degrading her already degraded existence, letting the world know that the bare body they had seen was on a whole different level. A whole new level of shamelessness and whether they wanted it or not, the masses would only think about how dirty she was and ignore the other side of the story.


    For a second, Lexi blinked her eyes as she was rather amused that Andy Chang was indeed a smart and caringdy. She didn''t bother to know the details why she ended up as a prostitute aside from the fact that she needed money, but surely, Lexi didn''t expect that she would have thought about this now.


    "If she''s qualified for any job in thepany then, do your job as the HR Director. I didn''t appoint you in your position just because I feel like it. You deserve the title and I trust that you''d screen Cherry properly." Lexi mildly nodded her head as she agreed to her request that brought a relief smile on Andy Chang''s lips.


    "Thank you, Madam!" Grateful for Lexi''s kindness, Andy Chang made a deep bow as she expressed her gratitude. Lexi only meekly smiled then nodded once again before Andy Chang finally left Lexi''s office with a relieved heart.


    To Andy Chang, at the very least, she could help her friend find a decent job that pays a good amount of money even to the lowest position in thepany. Moreover, she knew that whatever Lexi''s ns were to resolve Hannah Gan''s case, it would certainly affect Cherry. Thus, the agency would surely ask her friend toy low for a while and refuse all requests that wanted Cherry to apany them.


    On the other hand, Lexi watched Andy Chang''s figure leave her office with a relieved aura surrounding her. As soon as the door closed, the meek smile on Lexi''s lips stretched into a smirk.


    "Being good despite being bad is truly amusing in a way." Lexi lightly scoffed as she slightly shook her head sideways. Picking up her phone, Lexi searched for Abigail Fan''s contact number and pressed the call button.


    "Hello?" It only took three rings before Abigail Fan picked up the call and the line connected afterward which immediately followed by Abigail Fan''s voice.


    "Abi, release an article along via an anonymous person with the attached photos that I just sent you tomorrow at midnight. Also, release a statement today and deny all the usations against Hannah." Without further ado, Lexi finally began to make her move despite not meeting Cherry just yet.


    Well, it was not that she needed Cherry''s permission to drag her into this as she was already involved. Yet, Lexi also doesn''t need the said woman toe out in the open to be publicly shamed because what she wanted was beyond what it seemed.


    "Oh, alright¡­? I''m checking the mail¡ª oh wow, who is this?" On the other end of the line, Abigail Fan immediately checked her mails and upon clicking the attached files on it, she abruptly was in awe as the woman was gorgeous with all the revealing clothes that perfectly fitted her image. However, what caught her eyes was that the resemnce of the woman with Hannah Gan, especially her side profile was astoundingly simr.


    "Don''t ask the obvious. Anyway, I am waiting for the profiles of the newly signed trainees in the agency. I am looking forward to it today."


    "Wait¡ª" Knowing that Lexi would hang up on her again after saying what she wanted to say, Abigail Fan suddenly halted her for a moment. "About the press confe¡ª" Just before Abigail Fan could finish her sentence, she was interrupted by Lexi.


    "No need for a press conference as the media will only add pressure to Hannah and to you. Also, it is not moneywise. Instead, file aint against the anonymous writer of the blog that kept on ndering ourpany." At this time, Lexi unhesitantly ended the call as she gave out her orders.


    After cing down her phone on the desk, Lexi crossed her leg over the other as she mildly chuckled. "I can imagine my husband''s expression after this." Shaking her head, Lexi was quite excited to see Ethan Lu''s expression in a few days as she was certain that she would shock him to the core.


    Little did she know, not only Ethan Lu but also Lyrick Jiang would gasp on how destructive her retaliation could be.

 Chapter 413 - Churus self composed song

    <h4>Chapter 413 - Churu''s selfposed song</h4>


    Several hourster¡­


    As Lexi was on her way to meet up with Aubrey Ning to have a dinner meeting with her, she received an email from Abigail Fan that she requested. Normally, these profiles and their entry to showcase their talent: whether it was singing, acting, or dancing was attached along with each file and was kept by the authorized person of thepany only.


    But, since Lexi owned half of thepany, she has all the rights to review everything and Abigail Fan was more than willing for her participation in AL entertainment. After all, not only did Lexi understand the industry, she was also a wise businesswoman.


    Shifting her tab, Lexi skimmed through each file of names and unfortunately, Avah Tong''s name wasn''t included. Lexi arched her brows as she thought for a second that Avah Tong didn''t push through to enter the lion''s den. However, for some reason, Lexi was still bugged and her instinct tells her that Avah Tong would be crazy enough to y with a zing fire. Thus, with that thought in mind, Lexi decided to waste her time and checked each file.


    There were approximately sixty people currently trying their luck to be managed by AL entertainment but, well, Lexi has a short half an hour to waste and wouldn''t mind using it to reduce the files she would check after work. One after another, Lexi clicked each file and then closed it upon seeing an unfamiliar face¡ª rinse and repeat.


    "Madam, we''ve arrived." Parking their vehicle to the restaurant''s parking space out of habit, Nico Zhuang nced through the rear mirror as Lexi was immersed into theptop that was ced on herp. Usually, he doesn''t need to announce it because Lexi was rather attentive about her surroundings. But now, she didn''t notice the change of their car''s speed and even when he came into a full halt she was still oblivious.


    Lexi didn''t immediately respond to Nico Zhuang''s obvious announcement but she clearly heard him. However, she wanted to check one more file before she stopped and proceeded to her appointment.


    Upon clicking on the file name: risse Fei, Lexi wasn''t expecting anything as she just wanted some confirmation. Little did she know, what weed her eyes was Avah Tong''s photo along with her ''information''. Upon seeing her familiar face, Lexi arched her brows as the corner of her lips curled into a smirk.


    ''Found you.'' She thought inwardly as Lexi was d that Avah Tong was indeed crazy enough to sneak inside her den. Since these were only the initial profiles and unlike what Avah Tong imed back in their first encounter with each other, she didn''t sign a contract under AL entertainment but still in the process of being screened.


    "Madam?" Three minutes had already passed when Nico Zhuang told her that they had arrived. s, every second counted to someone such as Lexi and Aubrey Ning, they could not waste their time such as waiting. Moreover, three minutes felt like three full hours to Nico Zhuang as he sensed a different aura that emanated from Lexi within that span of minutes.


    "I heard you." Closing herptop, Lexi ced it back on the side before she picked up her handbag and hitched out even without Nico Zhuang opening it for her. Well, this had already be the two''s habit as Lexi preferred doing the small things she could do instead of obliging the reliable Nico Zhuang.


    ****


    "Lexi! It''s good to see you again, dear." The moment Lexi arrived at the private room inside the Japanese restaurant, Aubrey Ning, as gorgeous and seductive as ever with her cleavage showing with her deep v-neck smart casual, her curly hair that has more volume than other people''s lives, and long ws she used to waved at Lexi.


    "Hey, I''m sorry for making you wait." Smiling, Lexi headed to the cushion ced across Aubrey Ning and sat in a proper seiza style before she apologized.


    "No worries. I just arrived as well." Waving her hands off, Aubrey Ning didn''t mind the few second dy as she was alsote for several minutes as well. Now, both of them were at a draw and no need to apologize.


    "I already ordered our food, is that fine?"


    "That''s fine." Nodding, Lexi as the smile on her lips never once left her. Of course, this unusual smile would never be missed by Aubrey Ning''s keen eyes as she narrowed her lids in suspicion.


    "I know, it''s none of my business but Miss Yang, you''re unusually happy." Commenting about the things she noticed, the moment Lexi came in up until now.


    "I am though the reason was quite weird." Shrugging, Lexi and Aubrey Ning didn''t start off on the important things as they chit chatted for a while. Upon hearing Lexi, Aubrey Ning slightly gaped her mouth as she slowly nodded her head in understanding.


    After a beat, the side of Aubrey Ning''s lips curled into a smirk as she was before she spoke; "Sometimes, I also get happy whenever troublees. Well, happy is not the word I''d say but rather, thrilled." Since Aubrey Ning already showed Lexi how low she could get in the business world to reducepetition, she was unhesitant to spout such a statement which only a few were granted to see and hear directly from her mouth.


    "I agree, thrilled is the word." Raising her brows, Lexi faintly chuckled as Aubrey Ning would be the former Lexi''s best friend if she knew her earlier. However, she was not like that anymore but some people were triggering her and she must take extreme actions to make them back away.


    "Ohh¡­" Amused at the momentary glint and vibe Aubrey Ning got from Lexi, she slightly gasped as she covered her mouth with the back of her hand. From the time she met Lexi and became her business partner, Aubrey Ning had this image of Lexi as a kind yet a wise person.


    But now that she had a glimpse of something more of her, Aubrey Ning was quite surprised to see it without any short notice. Regardless, she liked her more after seeing some dark side of her. Well, no one was perfect and one could never settle into the illusion of the person you thought they were. There would and always will be changes happening every single day.


    "Now you triggered my inner gossip girl. Who is this lucky person? Want me to join the fun?" As usual, Aubrey Ning humored Lexi as she hinted that she also wanted to know if Lexi wasn''t too stingy about her personal affairs.


    "I''d rather not say, I''m sorry." Feigning apologetic, Lexi chuckled as she politely refused the voluntary offer from Aubrey Ning''s helping hand.


    "Stingy." Pouting, Aubrey Ning exhaled heavily. Granted that she wanted to know about some details behind Lexi''s thrilling affairs, she didn''t expect that Lexi would justy everything in the open just because she asked about it.


    After all, although they quite knew each other, still, they were considered as friends but not that close kind of friends. Moreover, almost all of their interactions were ny percent about business. It was rare that they would share this kind of conversation which would always leave a cliffhanger to the lucky one, and the lucky person today was Aubrey Ning.


    "Don''t worry, it''s a personal issue and Beauty DR is out of it." Lexi slightly diverted their subject as she reassured her that Beauty Dr''s name would be left untouched. Well, it was not that she didn''t know that Aubrey Ning''s concern was that, still, just to make a diversion, Lexi said so.


    "Of course, everything is personal because business conflicts are stressful and not thrilling at all. Talking about business conflict, I heard that Mr. Shao would beunching a new product¡ª he''s really extra for wanting to be the first one tounch products." Rolling her eyes, Aubrey Ning uttered in a matter of fact tone. Surely, Lexi''s diversion for bringing Beauty DR''s name made the conversation move to the subject of business gossip.


    "Mhmm¡­" Chuckling, Lexi hummed a tune and the two proceeded to talk about the current meta of skincare and possible products that Beauty DR wouldunch in a few months. Nevertheless, the dinner meeting actually turned into a real one as both businesswomen strategized what would be Lexi''s innovative products.


    ****


    [Heavenly Realm]


    "Bang bang bang~" As Churu, who was now in a form of her fallen angel self named Alvah that very much looked the same as a normal human, sang her words as she gestured a gun sign by her hand and then aimed it to the still unconscious body that wasying on the white floor without a speck of dust though no one dares to touch it.


    "How I miss Lexi~


    my child adorable Ethan~


    Wren Wren~ when will you die so you can be with me~


    Eli please be bad because I am not in heaven~


    Rika is still the illegitimate president of the LexiXEthan ship~


    La~" As if she hadn''t done something to the angel that weed her back, Churu spouted her words with an odd tune that she just came up with. Perhaps, it was her boredom for being in this ce for a minute now.


    Well, she could have hadpany if she didn''t snap the life out of the angel lying on the floor. However, she would rather not have one if she''s her only choice. Churu beganpassing her scarred hand in the air that now has added flesh wounds in her skin. Regardless, Churu didn''t seem as if she was bothered by the open wounds with no blood seeping out from her flesh.


    "Mommy Yang, Mommy Yang, Alvah missed your egg tarts~


    Daddy Yang, Daddy Yang, I want to hear your snoring~


    Maya Chan, Meymey Choi, what''s your name again~? I don''t care, I don''t care, just go to hell¡ª" Just as Churu continued her selfposed song, she caught sight of the woman''s finger that was lying on the in white floor had slightly moved.


    Hence, within a span of a millisecond, Churu appeared on the side of the woman''s body as her piercing silver pair of eyes covered by the shade of the facial mask that she carried from the mortal world stared down onto the woman''s figure. Seeing that she began to move again after incapacitating her, Churu mercilessly stomped on her neck producing a cracking sound of bones being crushed.


    "I am not done yet with my song, dearie. Don''t disturb me." Lifting her foot up, Churu spat with a poker face as if she felt no remorse for incapacitating the woman again. Seeing that the woman was immobilized again, the corner of her lips slightly curved into a smirk.


    "Where am I again? Oh... Chris kiss you, I kiss him~ oh a happy ending~


    Morris Liu, Morris Liu..." Just as Churu reached the part of the people she stumbled upon back when she was Lexi''s guide mother, particrly Morris Liu, her lively tune gradually turned sullen until it went into a long silence.


    "I wonder if he already moved on from Lexi¡­ he better not be that foolish to win her back and break my ship." Instead of saying it in the same tune as the rest of her selfposed song, Churu heavily sighed as she recalled the time when Morris Liu was drowning himself with sorrow.


    For some reason, although she hated him at first and would never root him for Lexi, still, she pitied his poor soul. After all, what happened between him and Lexi, although there were people involved, s, their fate had already been set in stone. It was just a matter of time in their world to see "God''s n" for themselves.


    "Whatever." Churu slightly shook her head sideways as she cleared her mind and diverted her focus on the song she was singing. "Lucifer, Lucifer, where''s my wee back party~? Oh, it''s in hell, I''m not there, please fetch me~" In an instant, Churu''s mood returned to thenguid behavior and repeated her song over and over again until she had enough of it and waited for the woman to wake up again.

 Chapter 414 - Fortunately, my husband is not hearing you.

    <h4>Chapter 414 - Fortunately, my husband is not hearing you.</h4>


    Finally, it was the day that Andy Chang and Lexi would meet Cherry who was oblivious about Lexi''s appearance. On their way to a nightclub where they would hang out, Andy Chang constantly cast Lexi a nce from time to time.


    Neither of them talked despite sharing the ride together and were just sitting next to each other. Andy Chang was anxious about Cherry''s reaction about her boss''s appearance while Lexi was deep in her own thoughts.


    Meanwhile, Nico Zhuang who was driving the car nced through the rear mirror. For some reason, he felt quite ufortable at the atmosphere circling inside their vehicle. It was not that he was afraid about their arrangement tonight, but Lexi had been unusually quiet as if she was lost in her thoughts.


    Just what kind of thoughts were keeping her head preupied these past two days? Knowing Lexi, she would always inform him about her ns¡ª whether it was for thepany or for AL entertainment. Hence, he was curious because Lexi wasn''t telling him a word about any new ns so far.


    "Madam, we''ve arrived." Clearing his throat, Nico Zhuang announced right after he caught the establishment''s bright signage.


    "Mhmm," Humming a tune, unlike what Nico Zhuang had expected, that she would not respond immediately, Lexi was still conscious about her surroundings and caught a nce of the ce''s signage as well.


    Turning to her side where Andy Chang perched with her hands on herp, like a behaved child afraid to disturb anyone, the corner of Lexi''s lips stretched a little upward.


    "Are you having second thoughts?" Lexi meekly smiled as she saw Andy Chang slowly turned to look at her.


    "No, Madam Yang." Andy Chang shook her head sideways as a glint of firm resolve shed across her eyes.


    "Alright, let''s go." Nodding her head in a slow manner, Lexi faintly exhaled as she looked away and watched their car''s speed slow down and stop several steps away from the entrance.


    "You know where our room is right?" Without turning to the driver''s seat, Lexi began checking her bag out of habit.


    "Yes," Knowing that her question was for him, Nico Zhuang stoically responded along with a nod.


    "Alright," Hearing him respond, Lexi lifted her head to her side before she slightly tilted her head to the side indicating for Andy Chang to go with her.


    Clearing her throat, Andy Chang saw Lexi depart their ride without a word before she exited the car from the other door. Standing out, Andy Chang took a step back before Nico Zhuang sped away towards the ce''s parking lot.


    Standing still, Andy Chang peered at Lexi''s figure who was scanning the ce''s entrance. There were several people outside, some were smoking, others seemed like they were waiting for their squad, while the rest were entering the club.


    "Why are you standing there?" Arching her brows, Lexi noticed that Andy Chang was just standing foolishly. She didn''t even notice that Lexi turned to look at her as she had sensed that Andy Chang was not following her.


    "I¡ª I''m sorry. It''s nothing." Snapping from her trance, Andy Chang stuttered as she apologized. For some reason, she felt ashamed that she agreed to Cherry''s demand and dragged Lexi into this kind of ce.


    Well, for her, this ce seemed like it didn''t suit Lexi. After all, it was a nightclub for normal citizens and not for elites. Granted that Lexi told her that she didn''t mind, Andy Chang could not help but feel bothered by Lexi''s impression of her or what it would be aftering here.


    For pete''s sake! She just barely was able to cling onto Lexi''s good graces. Thus, she was more afraid of what she would think of her now more than Cherry''s shakey future.


    As the two entered the nightclub, they were weed by the deafening loud music echoing throughout the whole ce. Just like any other night clubs, the people inside were intoxicated in their dancing while swaying along with the music''s every beat.


    shes of rainbow lights moved in whichever direction and sometimes it blinked to make the whole ce livelier. Nevertheless, it was still not a very captivating sight for Lexi. Perhaps, it was because she had grown matured that these kinds of ces don''t excite her anymore.


    Sensing the ashamed look on Andy Chang''s aura, Lexi was about to plug her ears as the music slightly irritated her. However, she already took advantage of the fact that Andy Chang was deeply indebted to her. Thus, Lexi minded her own actions and pretended that she didn''t mind everything at all as she headed to the very few private lounges of the ce.


    Fortunately, the ce was dark aside from the shing lights from time to time. Therefore, Lexi managed to have a smooth journey without anyone recognizing her.


    Soon, the loud music slightly faded as they arrived at the hall where there are private lounges. Stopping in her tracks, Lexi stepped aside which made Andy Chang raise her head with a questioning look.


    "Lead the way." Raising her brows, Lexi uttered in a matter of fact tone. If not for the fact that Lexi looked up information on this ce before going in, she wouldn''t know where to go. After all, Andy Chang had been too distracted by god knows what and didn''t notice that Lexi was the one who was leading the way and not her.


    "Oh, right. Sorry." Realizing that Lexi managed to lead the way even without knowing the little details of the meet up, Andy Chang snapped out of her internal struggle and immediately resumed in her steps¡ª passing by Lexi and heading to the said lounge where Cherry managed to book.


    Soon, they arrived at the door where the said woman was waiting inside. ncing at Lexi, Andy Chang swallowed a mouthful of saliva as she reaffirmed her gradually wavering resolve.


    Just as Andy Chang lifted her hand on the door''s handle, Lexi felt her phone vibrate that made her reach for the handle of her small handbag. Raising her hand, gesturing to the woman to hold up, Lexi picked up her phone up just in time to see her husband calling her.


    "You can go inside first. I have to pick this up." Lexi excused herself and witnessed Andy Chang slightly nod before she headed to the most silent ce she could find.


    Thankfully, the restroom was at the end of the hall and the sound of the music from the dance floor could be vaguely heard. Without further ado, Lexi entered one cubicle and answered the iing call.


    "My love! Where are youuu~?" The moment the line connected, Ethan Lu''s voice was immediately on the line asking for his wife''s whereabouts.


    "I''m at a club¡ª"


    "What? What are you doing in a club?! Where''s Nico?" Shocked, Ethan Lu jolted from his office chair upon receiving Lexi''s response. Even without Lexi seeing it, he had suspiciously narrowed his eyes as if trying to see through Lexi''s thoughts at this moment.


    "Didn''t I tell you that I''d be meeting Cherry with Andy? Your formerdy cleaner?" Hearing his voice raised and envisioning his suspicious gaze, Lexi rolled her eyes before her right brow arched.


    "Oh... right," Shutting up for a second, Ethan Lu nodded in understanding as he recalled Lexi saying that she had an important meeting tonight and asked him to fetch the twins at his inw''s home.


    "Sorry, I forgot about that. Anyways, let me pick you up after and let''s fetch the twins together?" Shrugging his shoulders, Ethan Lu dived into the reason for his call as he already nned to pick Lexi up in her office¡ª forgetting that she had ast arrangement for the day.


    "It''s fine. I''ll just see you in our parent''s home. I don''t think it will take long." Shaking her head to the side, Lexi meekly refused as she could not help but smile at his sweet gesture.


    After all, Ethan Lu has always been so sweet despite his busy schedule. He might forget tons of things just like her schedule or an uninteresting story she told him. But, he never forgets to take care of her. Making time for her and picking her up a few times in a week.


    Surprise her with flowers even if there was no asion and so much more. s, the location of the club she was in would take at least an hour or two to drive from Lu Corporation. Therefore, Lexi didn''t want him to travel that long instead, he should just go straight to her parent''s home and rest there while he waits for her arrival.


    "Aww..." Frowning, Ethan Lu heavily sighed because being rejected wasn''t a good feeling ever. "Okay, Mrs. Independent. Be careful okay? I love you~" Regardless of his displeasure, Ethan Lu could only abide by her words because it was his homily to obey.


    "I love you too, love. I''ll see youter." Lexi meekly chuckled before she responded and hung up. Knowing her husband, he wouldn''t bring himself to end the call himself therefore, Lexi would always be the first to cut the line without waiting for his reply.


    Just as Lexi was about to exit the cubicle, she heard the main door of the restroom open up that was followed by the loudughter of a woman.


    "Yes, Mister Bai! Andy is with me tonight!" Lexi didn''t mind hearing the woman''s voice as she prepared herself to exit the cubicle. However, just as she unlocked the cubicle''s door, she halted upon hearing Andy''s name being uttered.


    Lexi''s brows knitted as she had an unsettling feeling about the woman''s tone. Hence, she decided to stay at the cubicle and overhear whatever conversation the woman said to the man on the other end of the line.


    "What do you mean? Of course! She''s very much avable tonight! Oh dear, how could she refuse you?" The woman gleefully chuckled which made Lexi narrowed her eyes as she found herself leaning closer to the partition separating her and the woman outside.


    "No, no! Don''t worry, I''ll prepare her for you tonight okay? Yes, same ce¡ª got it!" Sounding proud, certain, and achieved, the woman kept on throwing more flowery words to the man on the line before the call ended.


    When Lexi heard the faucet running, she decided to exit the cubicle¡ª weing the long mirror that reached the end of the wall. In an instant, by the mirror, her eyes moved to the side and saw a woman washing her hands.


    For some reason, the woman felt the intent pair of eyes glued on her. Thus, she raised her head and stared back at the person through the mirror. For a second, her mind didn''t load seeing a familiar face of a celebrity before it widened and her eyes blinked several times.


    "Woa¡ª" In disbelief, the woman with curly dark hair that had pink highlights, red blinding lips, dark eyeliner, and heavy makeup abruptly turned her head to Lexi for a clearer view.


    She glided in front of Lexi as her eyes gleamed with sparkling stars. Slowly, her hands linked together as her red lips parted apart.


    "Chang''e? Are you Lexi''s impersonator? You really look like her..." In awe, the woman inquired as her eyes traveled to Lexi''s facial features.


    "Cherry?" Arching her brows, Lexi ignored the way Cherry was looking at her as she guessed that this was probably Cherry. Staring back at the woman, Lexi''s assumptions that this woman might be Cherry wavered because of certain expectations were ruined by reality.


    Was it her heavy makeup? Her tactlessness? She didn''t resemble Hannah Gan at all!


    "Huh? You recognize me?" Surprised, Cherry gasped as her palm rested on her chest. "Well, I know I am quite famous now. Ahh! I see." Uncertain at first, Cherry''s mood escted as if she realized something.


    "You also want to enter our work, right? Well, you will sell well with that look. No, you will be our hottest model because you look like Lexi! Oh gosh! You don''t know how many men will line up just to be with Chang''e! Haha!" Cherry nodded her head as she screened Lexi from head to toe before she pretended that she was eptable to be in the industry but sounded excited at the end.


    Lexi clearly saw the money sign in Cherry''s eyes as she envisioned the money she would gain if Lexi indeed joined the industry. The only feeling that Lexi felt at that moment was relief.


    ''Fortunately, my husband is not hearing you or it will be thest time you''ll be able to speak.'' Lexi thought inwardly as her relief began to form into disgust at how unremorseful this woman was at what she had done.

 Chapter 415 - This will hit you very badly

    <h4>Chapter 415 - This will hit you very badly</h4>


    "It''s really you..." As Cherry continuously prattled whatever delusional arrangement that flitted within her head with empty promises to make Lexi a "star", Lexi could not help but whisper in disbelief.


    For the whole two minutes she was staring at Cherry, she could not truly see the resemnce in her of Hannah Gan. Unlike her photos, she seemed like apletely different person.


    "What?" Abruptly, Cherry stopped from her nonstop prattle as she slightly raised her brows, puzzled at the different response she was getting than that of what she had expected from Lexi.


    "Are you trying to set up Andy so that''s why you agreed to meet her?" Lexi unhesitatingly inquired in disdain as she peered at this low-ss barbie from head to toe.


    Lexi expected that Cherry might be a little sad or in great distress about the ongoing scandal. Moreover, since she was not epting clients now, Lexi thought that she was dealing with her current situation in fear. However, the reality that was before her very eyes, were the words her ears were hearing, Lexi was pped by the reality that she was entirely wrong.


    Cherry wasn''t in distress or living in fear that one of these days people would find out about her existence and divert the attention of the scandal to her. In fact, she seemed like she was using this as an opportunity to recruit other people and use this scheme of a celebrity ''look-alike'' to gain more clients and satiate hungry men''s thirst to fantasize about the woman they wanted to bed.


    Just that thought, Lexi felt disgusted. Granted that she won''t be the one doing it, but, just the thought of a man f*cking a woman that looks like her and thinking that that man thought that it was her¡ª she felt vited one way or another.


    What''s more? It was also a woman who was starting this scheme. Fortunately, Ethan Lu just happened to call her and that gave Lexi a chance to stop this insane business tactic.


    "Huh? You know Andy?" Knitting her brows together, Cherry''s excited aura gradually turned distant as her guard suddenly rose.


    "Cherry it was you in it right?" Ignoring her question, Lexi asked before she added to rify her inquiry. "The woman in the video, it was you and not Hannah, right?" Normally, Lexi would have to think twice or thrice to spout her words. However, at this moment, Lexi blurted her words without any restraint.


    For a brief second, Cherry''s expression changed before it instantly returned to her boastful countenance added with a sly smirk. "I don''t know what you are saying, Miss. Just when I thought I discovered a high-quality product but it turns out you''re just another reporter. No, I am not the woman in the video. I may be a sl*t but, just because her image is clean doesn''t mean it''s not her duh!" In a matter of fact tone, Cherry rolled her eyes as she spat her words as if it was already an automated response. s, that wasn''t what caught Lexi''s interest as she focused on the ''reporter''s part more than the rest of her sentence.


    "Miss Cherry, I am not a reporter." Lexi decided to set aside the key points she gathered from Cherry''s heedless bber as she took a step forward. This action, instinctively, made Cherry take a step back.


    "I pity Andy for treating you as a friend but in return, you''re actually pimping her out without her knowledge. Poor Andy." Shaking her head sideways, Lexi heavily sighed as if to express her sympathy to Andy. After all, the said woman still thinks of Cherry''s future if the masses found out that it was her on the video and not Hannah Gan.


    Yet, if Ethan Lu didn''t call and Lexi didn''t try to find a peaceful ce in this lively establishment, she wouldn''t get the chance to overhear Cherry''s n. It also gave Lexi the cue to not feel guilty for whatever damages this woman would have inflicted on her after this night.


    "Huh, what do you know? Stop saying nonsense you fraud." Instead of showing fear, Cherry just scoffed as she spat her unbothered words before trying to exit the restroom. However, just as she bumped into Lexi''s shoulders with hers, she stopped in her tracks upon hearing Lexi''s next words.


    "You''re probably right, I know nothing but what I know is you and everyone that was involved in the scandal will go down altogether." Slowly, Lexi turned around to face Cherry''s back bearing a cold front.


    "Huh," Scoffing once again, Cherry sneered as she turned around to face Lexi''s emotionless countenance. "Do you think I am afraid of that? I''m already at rock bottom, that won''t scare me anymore." Full of confidence and spite, a glint shed across Cherry''s pair of eyes as if she was piercing Lexi directly right at her heart.


    "Go back to whoever sent you and tell him or her that," Cherry added as she mustered all her courage to spite whoever she despises right at this moment before she turned around and resumed to leave. However, her steps faltered once again when Lexi opened her mouth.


    "Don''t scare you? Then why do your eyes contradict your words? Miss Cherry, do you need protection? I am capable of giving that to you if only you tell me the things I want to know." Lexi''s eyes never left Cherry''s figure even once.


    Lexi was very observant but, it was not because of that that she managed to read Cherry that easily. It was because she was also good at acting and Cherry''s acting was too amateur grade. She could tell in just a nce that Cherry was fazed and worried by her bodynguage that she was painstakingly concealing it.


    She seemed more natural earlier when Lexi hadn''t hit a nerve. Yet, when she tugged her conscience about Andy Chang, Cherry revealed more of herself which gave Lexi an easier ess window to know more as well.


    "Miss Cherry, I am not Lexi''s look alike but Hannah''s handler. Are you up for negotiations?" Tilting her head to the side, the side of Lexi''s lips curled into a smirk while Cherry wasn''t moving a muscle. "Take note that it was not me who needed this negotiation but you because this will hit you very badly." With thatst remark, a malicious glint shed across Lexi''s eyes which sent chills running down on Cherry''s spine.


    Indeed, Lexi would still release Cherry''s photos to rattle theizens and break the opinions of the masses. In that case, at the very least, those people who were firmly supporting Hannah Gan would have relief and fight for their idol.


    Not just that, Lexi was fully prepared to leak Cherry''s upation and what kind of background she has. She might be ruthless if she does this, which was what she was having second thoughts about. However, after meeting the said woman, Lexi would certainly do it regardless.


    Slowly, Cherry turned to face Lexi again and unlike her confident look earlier, her front was not unsmiling nor was it spiteful. Her gaze unhurriedly stared at Lexi as she studied the details of Lexi''s facial features.


    "What do you want?" Weighty and humorless, Cherry inquired which made Lexi smile.


    "Follow me and let''s talk." Lexi stated before she began taking strides and brushed past Cherry. When Lexi exited the restroom followed by Cherry, Nico Zhuang was already standing outside¡ª beside him was Andy Chang whose eyes immediatelynded on Cherry with fire beneath them.


    "Anyway, they heard everything." Without turning to Cherry, Lexi raised her phone that she used to inform Nico Zhuang to follow her by sending a "dot" message before going out of the cubicle earlier that indicated that Nico Zhuang needed to locate Lexi''s exact location and follow her as danger might ur. Lexi then called Andy Chang when she confronted Cherry. Hence, Andy Chang heard their conversation and even though Cherry didn''t admit it, she knew her ''friend'' and her antics.


    Stunned for a second, Cherry nced up at the phone that was still connected to a call before she shifted her gaze to Andy Chang''s piercing gaze then her jaw tightened. Surely, Lexi did not just corner her but also, revealed her already exposed colors to Andy Chang. Nevertheless, she could only follow Lexi because one way or another, her instincts told her it was her best option right now.


    ****


    "Miss Cherry, you don''t have to admit that it was you in the video but, I want to know who was the man in it." When Lexi arrived at the lounge where they initially were going to meet Cherry, she perched on the long sofa while she gestured to Cherry to take the seat opposite hers.


    This time, Andy Chang didn''t dare share the seat as she found herself standing in the corner while her gaze never once left Cherry''s figure. On the other hand, Nico Zhuang, as usual stood in the corner near his boss''s vicinity.


    "Why would I tell you?" Still attempting to show her bravery, Cherry spat as shenguidly leaned her back against the sofa while crossing her leg, one over the other.


    "Because I can double the money of whoever paid you to keep your silence." Smirking, Lexi uttered in a matter of fact tone. Her response, of course, slightly shook Cherry. Not just her but also, Andy Chang and it even puzzled Nico Zhuang.


    "Surprised that I know? Huh, Miss Cherry, you''ve been giving me hints since earlier so I''m more surprised that you are shocked." Humoring her, Lexi lightly chuckled as she found it rather silly.


    Throughout her confrontation she had with Cherry, Lexi took notes that Cherry was speaking as if some people would have found out that it was her who was in the video but still, up until now, no articles had revealed Cherry''s existence. That could only mean that someone was indeed pinning everything onto Hannah Gan and she assumed that Cherry must have known because if she did, she has also received a huge sum of money to keep her silence.


    After all, if Cherry remained silent and another person was concealing the rest of the truth, then, the only thing that was possible at this moment was money was moving to keep this situation in their favor.


    This would only be possible if Lexi didn''t involve herself and personally put her hands on it. Now that this puzzle seemed to fit each piece, Lexi must agree with her husband that Hannah Gan was not the real target. She just happened to be the casualty of a bigger problem.


    "The time is ticking, Miss Cherry. Will you cooperate with me or just be one of my enemies?" Tilting her head to the side, Lexi smiled as if regardless of whether Cherry decided to back out or not, she was unbothered by it because she was only doing the said woman a favor.


    Andy Chang on the side who was watching Lexi y with Cherry''s emotions and felt a little bit of fear creep in her heart. For some reason, Lexi wasn''t the person she encountered back in Ethan Lu''s ce and surely, not the person who owns Beauty DR.


    In her eyes, Lexi was more threatening in her state of mind right now despite bearing a sweet smile on her lips. It was hard to point it out but, what Andy Chang was certain of was that her boss was not the person to mess with.


    She might have the kindest heart but also, a terrifying and cold retaliation when piqued.


    Meanwhile, Nico Zhuang was quite used to Lexi''s mind games. Still, he was always rendered puzzled whether his boss was saying facts or bluffing just to intimidate Cherry to make her concede.


    "I can''t¡ª he''s a powerful businessman and I can''t just say it publicly. Even if you have money to pay me, what is money if I have toy my life on the line?" Defeated, Cherry retracted her gaze away from Lexi and turned her head to the side as she scoffed.


    "Didn''t I tell you? You don''t have to admit that it was you." Arching her right brow, which slightly made Cherry crease her brows before turning her head back to Lexi''s direction.


    "Miss Cherry, what I want is the things that you know¡ª nothing more nothing less. I won''t ask you to admit it in the public eye and actually I want you to remain silent." Bearing the same smirk, Lexi offered a knowing look towards Cherry.

 Chapter 416 - Unexpected information

    <h4>Chapter 416 - Unexpected information</h4>


    Cherry pursed her red lips as her gaze set on Lexi''s pair of sharp, sly orbs. For a second, she remained silent before she mildly shook her head sideways.


    "No," Soft and meek, Cherry refused before a deep exhaled escaped from the gape of her mouth and nostrils. "I''m sorry but I really can''t¡ª I need to get something in return." Slowly, Cherry''s resolve formed within a glint that shed across her eyes.


    Indeed, Cherry wasn''t stupid enough to listen and obey to Lexi''s words just like that. She only agreed to talk to her to hear her bidding since she knew more than she should. Also, her ploy to set up Andy Chang was exposed hence, she needed to be convinced first.


    "What do you want? Money first?" Arching her brows, Lexi patiently asked as her head slightly tilted to the side. She wasn''t irked by the fact that Cherry was a little stubborn because if a person remained firm on such a decision, then that only meant that the man behind Cherry''s silence was something she should listen to.


    Regardless, Lexi was more inclined to know further details to ease her worries because she was afraid that it would connect to her husband. The very valid reason why Lexi must deal with this properly.


    "Money and protection." After swallowing a mouthful of saliva, Cherry tightened her fist that was on herp, her resolve unwavering as her eyes never faltered before Lexi''s sharp gaze.


    "I am not as privileged as you, Miss Yang. I didn''te from a wealthy family that would clean up my messes and have too many chances to prove myself. I, no, we including Andy and the rest of the women in the industry were not as lucky as you and you will never understand that, Miss Yang." Spiteful yet humble, Cherry spat as her tone wasced with bitterness.


    Indeed, Cherry might not be the kindest in this room but, she wasn''t that stupid as well. In the industry she was moving, she had been entangled with many men: powerful ones and corrupt.


    She has met different fetishes and habits of these men. Yet, she had sucked it all up because that was the reality of her line of work. Therefore, she spited women like Lexi who came from a wealthy family and doesn''t have to go through such a fate as them.


    Perhaps, because of that, Cherry became harder to persuade without getting all the wins in the end. If Lexi was a decent woman with a wise mind, then Cherry took herself as much wiser than her but with less dignity left.


    Lexi stared at Cherry''s courageous front. For a minute, the whole lounge fell into a pure silence which gave an opportunity for the music outside to be faintly heard before Lexi opened her mouth and spoke.


    "You''re right." Lexi started with a slight nod. "Even if I want to understand you and Andy¡ª I will never understand because I have never been in your shoes. However, I hate liars that''s why I always stay firm in my words. I can destroy you without your knowledge but since you have something that I need, you''ll gain benefits for helping me instead. If you cooperate¡ª that is." Lexi''s gaze never once left Cherry''s and her words came out as bluntly as it sounded.


    Lexi didn''t care if Andy Chang would have a change of perspective towards her or Cherry would be intimidated. After all, what she was saying were all facts. Lexi doesn''t have any ns for Cherry but, if her information satisfied her, then, she might not get away from the scandal but at the very least, she would have enough money to help her start from scratch or start a decent business.


    "I just received a random email toy low after the recording broke out: telling me not to say a word and just keep silent. I don''t know who it was but since there''s money involved, I agreed." Cherry stared at Lexi for a brief moment as she contemted whether to agree or not. After deciding which is which, she finally chose to speak up. Well, her situation has been a little creepy after all and gaining double money just to speak plus protection was tempting enough not to bite.


    "At first, I thought it was Mr. Che since he knew it was him in the video and probably afraid that his family will know about it. But, I only knew it wasn''t him when he called me the next day bribing me." Cherry summarized her story with an uninterested tone as she unhesitatingly dropped the man''s name and the oddness of the situation.


    She wasn''t bothered anyway since she received more money, in the end, to keep her mouth shut. And now, to open her mouth, she would be able to receive more than she has. Just calcting the total, she wouldn''t have to sell her body and service men anymore because rich people wouldn''t hesitate to shell out money to keep their secret or to know the truth.


    Little did Cherry know, she just ced herself in a more tight situation because she opened her mouth to Lexi of all people. Nevertheless, it might be a blessing in disguise or an unfortunate decision making.


    "Mr. Che? HG holdings?" Upon hearing the short exnation, Lexi didn''t delve into the third person getting involved but the man in the video.


    For some reason, she was actually surprised about the given name and wanted to confirm if the Mr. Che, Cherry was talking about wasn''t the same Mr. Che she knew¡ª Che Diayu''s father.


    "Yes, Mr. Che of HG holdings." Unaware that Lexi personally knew the man she thought was a decent, kind man¡ª unlike his rotten spoiled daughter¡ª Cherry confirmed.


    "There was a small tattoo on his chest which was also caught in the video if you hadn''t noticed. That''s why, Miss Yang, I am telling you if you didn''t uphold your words, I will surely drag you in it as well." Cherry exined further as she was probably the only one who was certain on this little detail in the video scandal.


    There have been theories of such details on the inte but since it was an unclear, pixted footage, the mark appeared as a blurry sign. If one also noticed, there was a tattoo in between Cherry''s middle and ring finger that Hannah Gan doesn''t have. Hence, if you ced two and two together, it would be easier to clean the involved celebrity.


    The only thing was, someone was deliberately manipting the ruckus which buried such a thread deeper than the grave.


    "Hahaha!" After Cherry finished her short exnation, a peal of loudughter resonated across the whole room as Lexi burst out ofughing.


    Her sudden burst ofughter slightly made Cherry''s brows creased in puzzlement. On the other hand, Andy Chang and Nico Zhuang were also baffled by Lexi''s reaction. In their perspective, there wasn''t anything funny in Cherry''s story.


    First, there was a third party involved that Cherry also didn''t know who the person was. And then add the CEO of HG holdings which was also a problem if offended. Well, it wasn''t that HG holdings could be on par to the Lu Corporation but still, it''s still considered as a hugepany. Therefore, the involved parties were not just anyone but could bring more controversy than it already was.


    For a good three minutes, only Lexi''s waves ofughter soothed their ears as no one disturbed her. Soon, Lexi wiped the corner of her eyes with a tissue as she attempted to get herself together.


    "Gosh..." In between her lingering chuckles, Lexi slightly shook her head sideways. Finding out that Che Diayu''s father was actually the man that was in the video scandal she watched¡ª it wasughable and disgusting in a way.


    Who would have thought that Che Diayu''s karma would happen even if Lexi wasn''t doing anything for all the things that girl did to her? Indeed, Karma was and would always be a b*tch who would alwayse and bite you in due time.


    "That''s a piece of very unexpected information but, do you have the contact number of the other person?" As Lexi recovered, she rposed herself and returned to the main subject.


    "I¡ª" Biting her bottom lip, Cherry hesitated for a second before she saw Lexi raising her brows showing her that she somewhat knew the answer to her question.


    "I do but he only called me twice using different numbers each time."


    "And the conversations were?" Arching her brows even higher, Lexi narrowed her eyes. If she was correct, one call was enough for that unknown person to give out his orders and buy Cherry''s silence. After all, even without a follow-up, Mr. Che was also there to give Cherry money for her not to say a word. Therefore, there was no need for that person to contact Cherry again or so, she thought.


    "It''s part of the deal¡ª don''t lie or it will be considered invalid." Sensing that Cherry was having second thoughts, Lexi threatened.


    "It''s nothing important but just telling me what Mr. Che told me: toy low. I tried though but when Andy called, I just happened to bump into Mr. Bai¡ª her client so I thought of earning more money and a favor." Cherry looked in the opposite direction where Andy Chang stood to avoid her gaze.


    Of course, this statement made Andy Chang fume as her hands curled into a fist and her shoulders trembled as she contained her anger. She could not believe her ears. Andy Chang treated Cherry as her friend despite not keeping in contact with her.


    s, what did Cherry think of her? Another source of ie by selling her to a man she had to force herself to ept inside her body. She was already disgusted with her own body the very reason why she tries to cover it up now that she gained a decent job. Yet, Cherry still wanted to drag her back into this cruel world.


    "How dare you..." Through her gritted teeth, Andy Chang whispered as she hung her head low¡ª afraid to chime into Lexi''s business just because of this overwhelming emotion in her heart.


    Just then, Andy Chang felt a palm rest on her trembling shoulder which made her abruptly raise her head just to see Nico Zhuang''s side profile as he continued to pat her shoulder. He wasn''t saying anything as usual, but for some reason, Nico Zhuang''s pats were enough to givefort.


    "Thank you..." Biting her lower lip, Andy Chang whispered as her trembling shoulders stopped and her mood was slightly relieved.


    To her, what was important was that she was saved by Lexi again from Cherry''s evil n. Moreover, it didn''t happen yet. Which reminded her of Lexi''s previous words to her about her decision of friends.


    Meanwhile, Lexi was unfazed about the uninterestingst remarks Cherry spouted. Well, it wasn''t surprising at all since she already considered Cherry as a greedy woman firsthand.


    "Miss Cherry, can I buy your phone?" After some time, Lexi finally spoke and without further ado, she instantly hit the things she wanted.


    "Huh?"


    "You might get another phone call tonight from that unknown caller and from Mr. Che. It''s better to give me your phone because, after this conversation, I''ll be sending you overseas along with the money I promised." Lexi bluntly exined without batting an eye. She added, "I will protect all of your information and whereabouts just in case someone tries to find you¡ª you just have to keep all of your social media closed as well as don''t tell a single soul where you are, else it''s not on me if someone finds you."


    "But all my contacts are on my phone¡ª my life is in there!" Refusing to this one petty request, Cherry retorted back.


    "Then, let your life be in danger in the end." Slowly, Lexi didn''t press on it anymore as she picked up the cheque booklet and signed on it. After ripping the single cheque then slid it to Cherry''s direction, Lexi stood from her seat preparing to leave. This unbothered Lexi, plus herst remarks rendered Cherry conflicted.


    "Wait¡ª!" Watching Lexi as she wasn''t stopping in her tracks, Cherry got a little more anxious as she already spoke too much and a phone was easily reced right?


    "Take it¡ª whatever you want with it. You won''t need my client''s contact information anyway." Defeated, Cherry uttered as she picked up her phone up and then tossed it on the surface of the table.


    "I hope you start your life decent without stomping on another woman''s crown." ncing back, Lexi nced at the phone on the table and then to Cherry before giving her her farewell words.


    Lexi wasn''t the one who picked up the phone as she resumed on exiting the ce while Nico Zhuang was the one who collected it and ced it in his inside pocket suit.


    "Bless your new life¡ª I hope you also change." Meanwhile, Andy Chang cast Cherry a re before she scoffed in disdain before following Lexi and Nico Zhuang''s tracks.

 Chapter 417 - Laugh more

    <h4>Chapter 417 - Laugh more</h4>


    Right after Lexi exited the lounge, the corner of her lips curled into a sly smirk. Herst warning to Cherry was actually a bluff but, to a woman like Cherry, it certainly scared her.


    After all, Lexi had gained pieces of information and showed that she was concerned about Cherry''s well being. It wasn''t that Lexi wasn''t entirely concerned per se but more like, unbothered.


    Regardless, to take advantage of the deal, and to the money she just shelled out tonight, Lexi needed more to satisfy herself. Therefore, knowing that in a few hours, Cherry''s involvement in the scandal would surely make Mr. Che and the unknown caller would reach out to her truly made her night.


    The easiest way to track the unknown caller was Cherry''s phone. It was not like Lexi wanted to pull an all nighter with Cherry because her husband and the twins were waiting for her. Hence, just a little bluff actually worked with Cherry.


    Soon, Lexi and the two reached outside and neither of the three uttered a single word. On cue, Nico Zhuang jogged back to the parking space to fetch their car while Lexi and Andy Chang waited for him. Since Lexi had reached her objectives, she didn''t notice Andy Chang that kept her head low since they left the lounge.


    "Miss Yang?" Just as their ride arrived in front of them, Lexi heard Andy Chang''s voice which reached her ears.


    "Hmm?" Turning to her side where Andy Chang stood, her brows furrowed upon seeing the conflicted expression stered across the woman''s face.


    "Thank you," Not knowing what to say or where to start, Andy Chang could only express the emotion that triumphed among all emotions circling inside her heart.


    Aside from the rage she had for Cherry, and disappointment for herself, she was grateful for Lexi and her existence alone. If not for her, she would still probably have this ''escort'' thing as her sideline while being Ethan Lu''s house cleaner.


    Granted that her sry as a cleaner in Ethan Lu''s vi was huge, still, it was not enough because she still has to do escorting services from time to time. But now, her sry as an HR director was more than enough to provide for herself and her siblings living in the province. Therefore, Lexi was her hero.


    In her eyes, Lexi was an angel without wings and yet, her light was brighter than any real angels.


    Even if Cherry had pped her with how dirty she was¡ª mentioning Mr. Bai as her number one client¡ª Lexi didn''t give her a disgusted look, rather, she acted normal as if she didn''t mind. That alone was enough to move her heart thousand folds.


    "Andy..." Offering a smile to the bowing Andy Chang, Lexi slightly shook her head. "Everyone I take in, I consider them my people regardless of their past." Lexi stared at her as she watched Andy Chang slightly raise her head.


    "And, no one can touch my people¡ª I won''t let that happen. Let your past be your lesson learned¡ª no one is perfect and I am not the one to judge whether you are deemed worthy as a person or not¡ª it''s you." Bearing the same smile, Lexi gave her the most genuine advice she could think of based on her experience.


    After all, Lexi might not understand the reason that urged these women to cling onto a double-edged sword called prostitution. Because one thing that Lexi was certain of, was that she would never resort to such a decision even if she has zero money in her bank ount.


    To her, there would always be a way to earn money. It might be tough, but life has always been tough. Resorting to such servicing would only add to one''s misery in her own honest opinion.


    For some reason, Lexi''s words touched Andy Chang''s heart as tears began to form on the side of her eyes. She bit her bottom lip as hard as she could so to prevent herself from crying out loud.


    Granted that Lexi took her in after the incident on their first encounter, she wasn''t particrly close with Lexi. She just did what she had to do in thepany and worked hard to be in the position she was right now. Therefore, this was the first time Lexi uttered words that Andy Chang wanted to hear deep in her heart.


    After all, those words... she could not even say that to herself. With all that she had gone through, Andy Chang herself could not help but judge herself. But, having one person not thinking like what she thought of herself and others think of her, her heart was undeniably moved.


    "Thank you, Miss Yang. Thank you," As Andy Chang bowed her head again, her voice cracked as she thanked Lexi over and over again.


    Lexi could only chuckle as she assisted her to stop. "You don''t have to thank me. Cherry is wrong¡ª everyone can have second chances if they give themselves a chance." Wiping the woman''s tears, Lexi offered a warm smile to her.


    ****


    Meanwhile, Nico Zhuang who was watching the girls through the side mirror getting intimate scrunched his nose up. In his eyes, Lexi seemed like she was seducing a fragiledy.


    After all, Lexi might be kind most of the time but she was always cold. He knew it because he spent his entire day with Lexi. Therefore, he only sees Lexi warm up when Ethan Lu was around and the twins.


    "So d master is not around." Out of habit, Nico Zhuang murmured as he heaved a sigh of relief. Well, Ethan Lu''s title as the master of pettiness had been kept intact in his subordinate''s mind, heart, and soul. Therefore, they could not help but feel relieved whenever Lexi was shaking hands with another man or just her,forting ady.


    ****


    "Miss Yang, I won''t bother you anymore. I will be on my way, no need to drop me off." After wiping her tears and recovering with Lexi''spany, Andy Chang meekly spoke.


    "Are you sure?" Worried, Lexi slightly knitted her brows.


    "Yes," Nodding, Andy Chang uttered in resolve. "I can take a taxi from here to my apartment. Thank you." She exined so as to not worry Lexi anymore. She didn''t want to bother Lexi because she knew that there was a shorter route to take if she goes straight home instead of heading to Beauty DR''s headquarters where she rented her apartment nearby.


    "Alright, take care." Agreeing, Lexi didn''t ask once again as she bid her farewell and hitched inside their car.


    As soon as Lexi entered the car, Nico Zhuang nced through the rear mirror as he didn''t speed away immediately, waiting for Andy Chang to enter.


    "No, she''s noting with us. Drive straight to my parent''s home." Seeing that Nico Zhuang hadn''t started driving the car, Lexi informed him because Andy Chang just decided not to hitch a ride with them just now. With that said note, Nico Zhuang just nced at the side mirror where he could see Andy Chang standing while smiling at the back passenger''s window as if she could see Lexi despite the tinted window before he stepped on the pedal and sped away.


    ****


    Soon, Lexi arrived at the Yang Mansion where she saw Ethan Lu''s car parked outside while some of the twin''s things were being unloaded from his car by the servants as usual. Heading inside, Lexi was weed by the normal urrence at the Yang''s living area with her parent''s presence while Ethan Lu was enjoying a cup of tea and conversing with Frederick Yang.


    "Hey, love~!" As soon as Lexi arrived inside, Ethan Lu''s love radar rang numerous times before he turned to her direction. Seeing the love of his life after a long tiring day, Ethan Lu''s heart melted as he waved his hand like a little kid being fetched by his mother from his first day of school.


    "Hey, I''m sorry I took longer than expected." Smiling, Lexi''s heart softened as she headed to her husband and ced a peck on top of his head before wrapping her arms around his neck while she stood behind the sofa he was sitting on.


    "Lexi," Catching Lexi''s attention before the two go lovey-dovey in front of them, Frederick Yang cleared his throat as he called his daughter''s name.


    "Yes, Dad?" Raising her head to meet her father, Lexi smiled before she shifted her gaze to her mother sitting on the opposite couch while patting Evan Lu''s bottom as her baby boy was sleeping in Lillian Yang''s embrace while Lady Lara Lu was soundlessly sleeping beside them like an independentdy.


    "You remember Mr. Tang? He was going to be celebrating his 65th birthday next week and he was inviting us. Unfortunately, I have an important business trip in country H at the same time. Will you attend in my stead?" Not beating around the bush, Frederick Yang stated after a heavy sigh.


    Hearing the said man, Lexi''s brows furrowed a little. Of course, she remembered Mr. Tang because she was the one who got his contact number back in Seraphina Yue''s official take over. After that event, Mr. Tang took an interest in theirpany and invested a huge sum of money¡ª one of the reasons why her father''spany slowly got back on his feet.


    Only after that did Morris Liu stop putting pressure on theirpany so it went all smooth-sailing and Liu Empire continued all projects they had with theirpany. Therefore, Lexi knew exactly who Mr. Tang was¡ª even Ethan Lu knew the man because he was just teasing her back then.


    "Sure, Dad. When? So I can clear my schedule." Agreeing, Lexi didn''t bat an eye as they owed the man a favor. Moreover, it was also a chance to thank Mr. Tang for trusting theirpany despite the crisis they were going through in the past. "Let''s attend together, my loves. I''m sure Mr. Tang will be d to see us together now." Resting her left cheek on Ethan Lu''s head, Lexi meekly invited her man to be her date.


    "Uhh¡­" Scratching his jaw, Ethan Lu frowned along with a deep sigh. "I can''t, wifey. I also have an important meeting that day. I also got invited earlier when I bumped into Mr. Tang in the golf club where I had a meeting." Sounding unhappy, Ethan Lu heavily sighed once again.


    "Aww¡­" Pouting, Lexi was slightly sad upon hearing that Ethan Lu could not make it as well. However, she knew that her husband''s schedule was quite hectic hence, she could not do anything about it. "That''s fine, I''ll just go alone then." She added before meekly smiling at her father.


    "So, we are borrowing the twins until my business meeting since your mother ising with me and we''ll be away for a week." Seeing that Lexi had saved him, the side of Frederick Yang''s lips stretched into a grin as his eyes twinkled.


    "Huuuh?" Furrowing her brows, Lexi was reminded at the scene she saw outside and realized that the people were unloading the twin''s stuff instead of loading the things they should carry back to their ce.


    "It''s okay, Love. Mom and Dad just wanted to spend time with the twins¡ª try to understand." As if on cue, Ethan Lu sent his reinforcement which made Lillian Yang and Frederick Yang nod in unison.


    "Oh ho, use this time for quality time, dear~" Chuckling, Lillian Yang audibly humored as she covered her lips with the back of her hand. Her gaze altered from Lexi''s speechless front and then to Ethan Lu who was grinning from ear to ear.


    "I don''t know anymore if you are Ethan''s biological parents or mine." Shaking her head sideways, Lexi helplesslymented because every passing day, this ''fact'' got clearer and clearer to her.


    "No need to fuss about it, dear. You are adopted¡ª Oops, sorry." Still chuckling, Lillian Yang humored which of course, caused them tough out loud except Lexi.


    "Laugh more." Threatening the only way she could, Lexi red at Ethan Lu who was immediately choked by the rest of hisughter and let out a series of coughs beforepletely stopping.


    "No, Ma''am. It''s not funny." Clearing his throat, Ethan Lu held hisughter while his inws snickered.

 Chapter 418 - What details? Can I see?

    <h4>Chapter 418 - What details? Can I see?</h4>


    [WARNING: CHAPTER MIGHT CAUSE DISCOMFORT TO SOME. IT IS NOT ADVISABLE FOR 17 YEARS OLD AND BELOW. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.]


    Lexi and Ethan Lu had ate dinner in the yang''s manor because Ethan Lu decided to wait for Lexi so they could have a meal together. Thus, the two apanied by Lillian and Frederick Yang ate Lillian Yang''s home-cooked dinner which they truly enjoyed.


    Soon, Lexi and Ethan Lu decided to go home and with a heavy heart, Lexi kissed her twins'' goodbye because she finally agreed to her parent''s request. Well, what could she do? Her parents loved their grandchildren so much that it would break their hearts if she refused. Moreover, it was not like she was leaving her twins to a stranger.


    "I will drop by tomorrow," Lexi frowned as she whispered her words to twins who are soundlessly sleeping.


    "You are always wee to visit our twins." Still at it, Lillian Yang chuckled at her own mischievousness and how she constantly teased Lexi. Yet, no one was stopping her neither Frederick Yang or his son-inw Ethan Lu.


    "Mom!" Pouting at her mother''s constant teasing, Lexi retorted before she was dragged by her husband by her shoulders.


    "It''s fine, it''s fine. We''ll finish our work earlier so we can visit the twins." Coaxing Lexi, Ethan Luforted as he held Lexi''s shoulder.


    "Bye, goodnight¡­" Sounding helpless, Lexi was dragged by Ethan Lu who was holding her shoulders. She nced back several times as she left the twins by her mother and father''s embrace.


    ****


    Inside Ethan Lu''s car, driven by Jarred Guo while Lyrick Jiang perched on the front passenger seat, seeing that it was their job today to drive the two lovebirds to their nest¡ª and not Nico Zhuang, they put up the partition up so to not get distracted. After all, the twins weren''t with them and knowing their master, it was very unsafe to take a peek in the backseat.


    Meanwhile, as Lexi had begun using her phone which she normally stopped using after work, Ethan Lu''s hands mischievously sneaked themselves onto her leg.


    Feeling his palms kissing her skin, Lexi arched her brows yet, she didn''t say anything and continued to send other instructions about the article that would be releasedter to Abigail Fan.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu who was sitting properly while his right hand was caressing Lexi''s leg and the other was checking his emails, the corner of his lips curled up a little up. Since it has been their day to day duties to go home with the twins, Ethan Lu could only behave himself until the two of them sessfully got the twins to bed before their quality time.


    But now, since the twins were left with his inws, the idea of having a longer bout of quality time with Lexi ignited. With that great idea in mind, Ethan Lu slowly put down his phone as his other hand indulged itself on Lexi''s soft exposed skin.


    It traveled slowly but surely, going up to her thigh. Giving Lexi a side nce who was pretending like nothing was happening, Ethan Lu retrieved his hand as he used the other for a morefortable exploration.


    This time, his left hand stroked her inner thigh as it made his way up to her skirt. Touching the starting point of the deeper cave that was covered by Lexi''s underwear, Lexi slowly bit her lower lip and turned her head just in time to see his sly yet alluring smirk.


    Just as their eyes met, Ethan Lu winked before his finger slid into her undercover to touch her pearl. This, his slightly cooled fingertip brought her heateddy an arousing feeling of asking more.


    "What are you doing?" Ethan Lu nced at Lexi''s phone before shifting his gaze back to her¡ª striking a conversation as if his hand wasn''t massaging hermander down there.


    "I¡ª" Distracted at the current phenomena down there, Lexi stuttered as she lightly shook her head sideways.


    "Hmm?" Amused at the sight before him, Ethan Lu''s smile stretched even more as his whole hand slid inside Lexi''s underwear while his middle finger slowly circled on her clitoris.


    "I just sent Abigail some added details to the article they will releaseter." Ignoring his bold teasing, Lexi''s legs slightly spread.


    "What details? Can I see?" Just then, in one swift move, Ethan Lu managed to put the unguarded Lexi on hisp. He then peeked at her phone while both of his hands stroked Lexi''s legs.


    "Ohh¡­" Feigning innocence, Ethan Lu read Lexi''s orderly instructions that needed the attached files to fullyprehend the whole order. Still, that wasn''t what he was more interested in because what he wanted was Her.


    "Ethan¡­" Through a whisper, Lexi gasped as she slightly moved because he was undressing her underwear while still reading the rest of her email. She could feel his groin grow harder on her that made her bite her lower lip.


    "Hmm?" Not turning his head to her, Ethan Lu plucked his lips towards the screen of her phone. "Scroll down please." Deep and slightly hoarse, probably a little thirsty, Ethan Lu pointed with his lips which Lexi immediately abided by under his spell.


    "Gosh¡­" Closing her eyes, Lexi divided her focus on holding up the phone while indulging on the finger that was ying with her honeypot.


    She could feel his fingertips trace herbia before his fore and ring finger set on them, spreading them apart giving his middle finger easier ess to her clitoris and whatever was inside her bottom lips.


    "Shhh¡­" Reminding her that there were people in the front passenger seat, Ethan Lu whispered as his other hand brushed her hair to the side so he couldvish himself on her neck.


    The apex of his nose ran to the side of her neck which Lexi stretched. She felt his other hand slowly make its way inside her blouse, from her tummy going up until it reached her bra and slid it all the way up¡ª freeing her left breast before repeating it to the other.


    Cupping her breast, his shaft grew harder¡ª almost enough to rip his boxer briefs and trousers apart. They were still firm, full of juice, and soft... Oh how he missed licking them but under these circumstances, he was unable to do so with the limited space upying both of them.


    He pinched her nipple ever so slightly while his forefinger pressed the tip of her nipple, rubbing it in a circr motion. His other hand could feel the love juices flowing down out of Lexi, hence, using the same love nectar, Ethan Lu soaked his finger with it before slowly sliding it inside her.


    "Ahh¡­" Gasping upon his intrusion, Lexi covered her mouth by her hand refraining herself to moan. It wasn''t the same size as his mast yet, she could feel him¡ª thrusting in and out, hitting her soft insides.


    Just then, Lexi felt a soft bite on her shoulder, before her clothes that were clinging on it now slid to the side but to no avail, her zer suit just returned to where it was. Therefore, deeming herself as not a dead tuna letting him do everything with his hands and teeth, with his nose and kisses, Lexi took the initiative to take off her zer suit revealing a ck, thin strapped sleeveless top.


    "Damn¡­" Seeing her show more of her sexy poised back, Ethan Lu could not help but be in awe. He was already blessed to see her d and bare yet, he could never get enough of her.


    Lexi''s body seemed like she hadn''t given birth to their twins as she managed to return it to its original shape. Well, she was still gorgeous despite seeing her gain weight during and after her pregnancy. Still, whatever shape she gets, she would still be the most alluring and seductive woman in his eyes that could effortlessly give him a hard-on.


    "You don''t know how much I want you right now, my love." Whispering, Ethan Lu leaned forward as he sniffed Lexi''s lingering perfume that had clung onto her shoulder. Biting gently, he rubbed his hardened rod on her back as his hand on her left breast shifted to maneuver her right breast¡ª doing the same rubbing on the tip of her nipple and slightly elongating them just enough pain and pleasurebined.


    Fortunately, the two in the front passenger seat were too afraid to take a peek at the back passenger seat or else, their eyes would be needing some holy water to cleanse them. Moreover, Ethan Lu would not let them off as this sight of Lexi''s naughtiness was exclusive only for him to behold.


    Arching her brows, despite the euphoric sensation on her head, Lexi clearly heard his whispering which ignited the ming desire in her heart. He wants her? Well, she wanted him so badly as well.


    "Let''s do it." Turning her head behind, Lexi whispered in between her panting as she gracefully moved her waist, rubbing her bum to the hard mast poking the slit of her butt cheeks.


    "Wild¡ª I like it." Having the sight of Lexi''s flushed face, the fire beneath her pair of eyes, the desire of wanting him stered across her entire face, Ethan Lu bit his lower lip before leaning forward to conquer hers.


    Retracting his hand from her breast, Ethan Lu slid his hand to unbuckle his belt. However, just as he swiftly unbuckled his belt, their car came to a full stop before they heard Lyrick Jiang''s voice.


    "Master, we''ve arrived." Lyrick Jiang didn''t dare lower the partition because he was afraid of what scene would wee him. Granted that he once did that in the past and was thankful that Lexi was just sleeping on his master''s shoulder, still, that fear of seeing a live show frightened his single heart.


    "That soon?" Snapping from the intoxicating ecstasy, Ethan Lu turned his head to the window and indeed, they had arrived which brought a frown on his lips.


    Well, he wanted to make love with Lexi inside the car as it has been unfortunate that they haven''t done the deed in the car. Moreover, how great of a memory was it if he could be reminded from time to time whenever he has to travel in his car about Lexi''s alluring gazes, her tightness, him hammering inside her in this same car?


    Not to mention, the thrill of the presence of his subordinates with only a partition separating them. Hence, he felt their trip, to him, tonight felt rather shorter than usual. Little did he know, their road time was just the same¡ª it was just that he was enjoying exploring Lexi''s body that he didn''t notice the time.


    "Why do you look so sad?" Chuckling, Lexi nced at his dejected countenance as she hopped out from hisp and sat on his side where she was originally sitting.


    Fixing her breasts and bringing them back to be guarded by her bra, Lexi picked up her zer suit and ced it on herp before checking herself on her phone''s camera. After a minute, Lexi was satisfied with her look, she turned to Ethan Lu who was done buckling his belt back on.


    "I want to do it here." Mumbling through a whisper, Ethan Lu frowned as he looked at Lexi whom he should be devouring right now if they haven''t arrived yet.


    "Silly." Lexi chuckled before noticing her underwear Ethan Lu took off earlier. Hence, Lexi picked it up before she slid it inside his zer pocket suit.


    "Next time. Also, don''t you miss our moans? Let''s continue inside." Leaning forward, Lexi dawdled as she bit her lower lip before giving him a peck on the lips and without further ado, she headed out.


    Herst remarks, of course, instantly brightened Ethan Lu''s mood. Indeed, since the twins came, he rarely hears Lexi moan his name because they were a little bit like paranoid parents¡ª afraid that their twins would hear them. Hence, now that they were the only two tonight and for the following nights, he could get a more intense exercise program.


    "Rick, fetch me in Beauty DR tomorrow instead. I''ll drop my wife off in her office." Knocking on the partition, Ethan Lu noted before hitching out of the car, following his wife inside to continue where they left off.

 Chapter 419 - You are my favorite spot

    <h4>Chapter 419 - You are my favorite spot</h4>


    [WARNING: CHAPTER MIGHT CAUSE DISCOMFORT TO SOME. IT IS NOT ADVISABLE FOR 17 YEARS OLD AND BELOW. PROCEED WITH CAUTION. MATURE CONTENT AHEAD]


    Just as Ethan Lu was at the door entrance, he felt a vibrating device inside his suit pocket. Out of habit, his steps slowed down as he slid his hand inside his pocket suit¡ª checking who might be the person personally calling him.


    Uponying his eyes on his phone''s monitor screen, his brows furrowed seeing it was Morris Liu calling without short notice. He nced at the door while he stopped in his tracks before Ethan Lu answered the call.


    Within a second of pressing the answer button, the line connected which graced him to hear Morris Liu''s voice afterward.


    "Next week will be a good date." As vague and short it could be, Morris Liu informed. If Ethan Lu didn''t know what he was talking about, he wouldn''t have a single clue of his subject.


    "Er..." Scratching the back of his head, Ethan Lu mumbled. "I''m just agreeing, just this once and I trust my wife''s faithfulness. Also to get that woman in our lives." With a faint scoff, Ethan Lu reminded him which made the side of Morris Liu on the other end of the line stretch up a little.


    "You don''t have to worry about that. Also..." Ethan Lu listened to Morris Liu''s continuation of a thorough n just to reassure everyone of their peacefulness. He patiently listened and when Morris Liu was done giving out the details, Ethan Lu was left bursting outughing.


    "Hahaha! Damn, when did you be a fun person?" In between his waves ofughter, Ethan Lu was amused by the n as he, in his wildest imagination, would have never thought that Morris Liu would have this additional idea.


    "Well, whatever man but that''s the n, I guess." Shaking his head, Ethan Lu uttered. The two didn''t prolong their conversation as they already had said their important pieces. Hence, the call ended.


    Putting his phone back in his suit pocket, Ethan Lu subconsciously grinned as he shook his head and resumed in his tracks towards his own home where Lexi was waiting for him.


    "Love...?" Entering his silent vi, Ethan Lu narrowed his eyes not seeing Lexi''s shadow. "Love love, hubby is here~" Slowly, he strode inside as he scanned where Lexi was hiding but to no avail, even her shadows could not be sighted.


    This hides and seek Lexi has sought, instantly brought his lips up to a grin. Ethan Lu loosened his tie as he unbuttoned the first three buttons of his suit¡ª then taking off his zer suit, tossing them to the couch he passed by.


    "My love...!" Heading upstairs, Ethan Lu began unbuckling his belt before he totally removed it. Yet, his trousers still clung onto his waist.


    For some reason, Ethan Lu didn''t search the second floor of his house as he went straight to the master''s bedroom. There, the moment he entered the premises, he could distinctly hear the running shower from the bathroom.


    "Oh... she chose the bathroom?" Smirking, Ethan Lu unhesitatingly strode forth to the bathroom yet at a slow pace. He unhurriedly opened the door, making it produce silent creaks.


    Taking a peek inside, steam softly blew out to the gaped door, colliding with the slightly chilled breeze from their room and the humidity of the bathroom caused by the hot shower.


    Still, Ethan Lu could clearly see Lexi''s curvy shadow, with her hand brushing down her damped hair. He could see the shadow of her under breast despite her arms covering the whole view of the side of her lovely mountains. Her slender waist giving highlights to her stuffed balloon called a butt that was seeking to be squeezed and lightly pped.


    "Jeez... her shadow also gives me a hard-on." Softly chuckling, Ethan Lu mildly shook his head sideways as he headed straight to the alluring figure before him.


    "This is really your favorite spot, huh?" Seeing her figure appear more vivid, Ethan Lu stopped when she was within his reach. Lifting his right hand up, using the tip of his fore and middle finger, he stroked Lexi''s nape along with his words.


    "Wrong," Lexi slightly flinched the instant his fingertips touched her skin. Hence, she abruptly turned to her side seeing nothing but a restrained beast contemting the best way to devour his prey.


    She turned to face him, confident about her bare body gracing his pair of eyes with it. Raising her hand and then wrapping her arms around his neck, Lexi ignored the fact that she was soaking his intact clothes.


    "You are my favorite spot. Still, nothing beats a good lovemaking after a shower." Tilting her head to side, Lexi slowly leaned forward to the side of his neck and got a whiff of his manly perfume.


    Without further ado, Lexi softly bit him on his neck followed by her tongue and lips mildly sucking the inflicted area.


    "Hmm..." Just her sweet mouth taking initiative, a low growl escaped from his mouth as his already erected pir poked Lexi''s lower abdomen when his arms snaked around her waist, pulling her closer to him.


    Grinning, Lexi''s teeth were revealed as she shifted her lips to his jaw up to his lower lip¡ª taking a bite as she slowly pulled it by her teeth, bringing pain and pleasure at the same time.


    "Darling, your clothes are getting soaked¡ª" Just to remind him that he was still wearing his clothes while she waspletely naked, Lexi was abruptly interrupted when he leaned forward snatching a more intense and deeper kiss from her.


    "Don''t care." In between their brief pauses, Ethan Lu muttered before dominating her lips again and gently guiding her back to the shower¡ª where both of them were being sprinkled with water.


    "Mhmm..." Under the running water pouring down on them, a soft moan slipped out from Lexi''s mouth along with the tender smooches of their lips moving with the same rhythm.


    Her head gradually became lightheaded with his tongue licking the insides of her mouth. They had kissed more than she could count but, Lexi would never get enough of his dominance every single time. Especially if his kiss was as intense as it was right now.


    Unconsciously, Lexi''s hand began unbuttoning his shirt¡ª even without looking at it, Lexi effortlessly undressed him as if she had done it hundreds of times. Meanwhile, without breaking the kiss, Ethan Lu lifted both his hands so Lexi could sessfully und him without any interruptions.


    In a fraction of one minute, Ethan Lu''s upper clothes were tossed to the side before Lexi broke her lips away from his. Looking down, she began unzipping his trousers before it automatically slid down. Now, the only thing left was his boxer briefs¡ª still revealing the outline of his erected mast.


    For a second, Lexi stared at it while she was panting from his long kiss. Biting her lower lip, her hand reached up, tracing the outline of his huge, rigid manhood. She heard his low growl before catching a glimpse of his toes curling a little. This reaction ignited her naughtiness hence, Lexi tenderly grinded her palm onto the bulging muscle that was beneath his thin piece of cover.


    "This will be a refreshing week¡­" Mumbling, Ethan Lu looked up to the ceiling with his eyes closed, feeling her hand tease his soldier down there. Out of habit, he looked down again to see Lexipletely squatting down, her flushed face looking up at him while her palm continuously rubbed hismandant before her fingers slowly wrapped around it.


    "You think so?" Smirking, Lexi faintly chuckled as she maneuvered her hand that was wrapped around his still covered pir. She didn''t hold on to it tightly nor was it very loose, just enough pressure to arouse him even more and not hurt him.


    Indeed, not having the twins around or their nannies, Lexi and Ethan Lu felt that they were free to do anything between husband and wife. No restrictions or whatsoever because they wanted to set a good example for the twins without showing any indecent acts that only the two of them could and should witness.


    "Yeah¡­ lick it, please." His lips curled from ear to ear as his small even teeth were disyed behind. Without any reserve, Ethan Lu demanded after a wink which made Lexi chuckle even more.


    Lexi spoke no words anymore as her hands reached out for his boxer brief''s waistband. She slowly slid it down, revealing the tip of his proud soldier all the way down to his sack of balls and to his knees.


    ''I still can''t believe that this is the thing that''s entering me every time.'' Lexi subconsciously thought inside her mind uponying her eyes on his bare man jewels.


    Although Lexi didn''t have any experience in the past with other men but Ethan Lu, still, she knew that his size wasn''t normal. It was huge and remembering their first night, Lexi wasn''t surprised that she had a fever the next day because she was infiltrated by a bazooka.


    Of course, with Lexi''s intense gaze at his pride as a man, Ethan Lu grinned proudly as he let the sight of his soldier be embedded in her mind. Since they have all night together, Ethan Lu''s patience was longer than usual.


    After a beat, Lexi began moving again as her fingers this time, snaked around his great soldier skin to skin¡ª no clothes interfering with the sensation. With the help of the warm water pouring down on their bodies, her hand was slippery as she easily moved up and down¡ª real slow.


    Then, Lexi wordlessly leaned forward, opened her mouth as she does and guided it to the entrance of her mouth. "Ahh¡­ that''s it¡­" He moaned, feeling the heat of Lexi''s mouth around him.


    He felt her tongue tickle parts of his soldier''s body along with the motion of her head, sucking his bird while her hand moved along with it as a support.


    Ethan Lu ced his hand on top of Lexi''s head as he tenderly stroked her hair. Aside from pure pleasure, his heart fluttered with Lexi''s servitude which he never felt with any woman including Avah Tong.


    Indeed, this wasn''t just lust that was between them but love as well. Even after marriage, after having the twins, the current dilemma''s and a busy schedule, they would always choose each other every single day and this? This pleasure was just their bonus.


    In the middle of recalling how much he loves his wife, Lexi licked the bottom of his phallus all the way up to the tip of his head. That remarkable move made him grit his teeth as he rested his hand on the back of Lexi''s head while tilting his head backward.


    "Love¡­" Slightly recovering from the sensational phenomena, Ethan Lu looked down as he deeply muttered. He reached out to her slender arms and assisted her to stand up which Lexi did so without him exerting any effort.


    "You liked it?" Chuckling at how hard she managed to get him, Lexi nibbled on his neck as her hands roamed to his muscled back.


    "I loved it." Returning her humor, Ethan Lu grabbed her left thigh up, giving him a good entry way. As Lexi wrapped both her arms on his shoulders, Ethan Lu slowly leaned his lower body closer to her¡ª his phallus kissing her soaked, soft entrance.


    "Let''s try a standing position, love." With a smirk, Ethan Lu slowly intruded inside herdy part, feeling the bottom''s lips give pressure around him.


    "Gosh¡­" Lexi held tightly onto his arms as she felt her territory being invaded by the great boss. Despite the inconvenience of their standing position, with her leg that he held up now clinging to his waist so both his hands could grab her butt cheeks.


    Just the first intrusion, Lexi felt full as he reached the deepest part of her inside but, she wanted more. This addicting desire of wanting more was soon granted as Ethan Lu began thrusting in and out.


    "Mhmm¡­ Ahh¡­ Ethan¡­!" Moaning with his every thrust, Lexi''s voice echoed across the whole bathroom¡ª giving a nice mix to the pounding of their skin.


    "Louder, love." Grabbing her naked and wet butt cheeks tightly, her every moan was like his fuel¡ª igniting more excitement of his engine, every time she called his name, his thrusts grew more aggressive as he hammered her like there''s no tomorrow yet, Lexi took it all as her moans wereced with great satisfaction.


    "Ethan¡­ ahh¡­ Love¡­ you¡­!" As his thrusting pace turned faster and faster, Lexi''s pleased voice grew louder as well. Soon, both reached their climax just as Lexi ended herst remarks.


    She could clearly feel his phallus throbbed inside her as love nectar shot out to her insides. On the other hand, Lexi''s honeypot overflowed, that soon gushed down from her, soaking both her thighs and his yet, he didn''t pull out just yet as both of them remained in their position for the next minute.


    "That was hot," After a minute, Lexi chuckled as she drew her head away just to be surprised that Ethan Lu''s eyes were still dark¡ª unsatisfied as if nning to continue.

 Chapter 420 - It his mess, not ours.

    <h4>Chapter 420 - It his mess, not ours.</h4>


    Just as Ethan Lu leaned forward, Lexi instinctively drew back which brought a downturn curve on his lips. Was he not tired from the exercise he had done just now? Well, if he wasn''t, then, Lexi was tired!


    She was standing there with all the different phenomena hitting her spots from time to time yet, although she wanted to curl or just lie down, she couldn''t, afraid to break their rhythm. Still, both of them managed to climax. Thus, can''t they rest for an hour if he wanted round two? It was not like they had a deadline to catch on.


    "I don''t want to stop just yet¡ª I can''t get enough of you." Frowning, Ethan Lu deeply mumbled as he firmly held Lexi''s waist as he was unwilling to pull his strong soldier out.


    "I also wish we don''t have to stop but love, aren''t you afraid we''ll catch a cold?" Biting her lower lip, Lexi was slightly disheartened for rejecting him as he seemed he really wanted the round two so badly. However, even if she gave the green signal, her sister down there was tired as well.


    She needed a break too after all that hammering that she just received. Moreover, they had been being showered for god knows how long. Both of them could not afford to get sick after all.


    "*Sigh* Alright," Heavily sighing, Ethan Lu conceded defeat faster than expected. After a beat, he slowly pulled his still hard shaft out which surprised Lexi a little. To her, it seemed that he was just beginning to be aroused instead of already releasing the built-up tension earlier.


    "We''ll have to continueter¡ª let''s get some rest soter we can get to work." Catching the strange expression stered across Lexi''s face, Ethan Lu smirked before pulling her arms to his embrace and whispered. Of course, it was immediately followed by nibbling on her neck down to her corbones to her upper chest.


    "Mhmm¡­ let''s do that," Closing her eyes, Lexi was also bewildered by what had gotten into her. She always followed his every demand and let him do whatever he wanted. Perhaps, it was the trust she has in him that this kind of initiative was just to tease and pour gasoline on the small mes that remained after their intense s*x session.


    "Oh, love¡­" Stopping after leaving a mark on her right breast, Ethan Lu lowly growled. "You''re so generous I want to take advantage of it." He leaned closer to her ear as he whispered these very words that came out as a chant to Lexi.


    Slowly, she felt his left hand gently massaged her back, while the other one cupped her right breast, pushing it up so he could lick her pink nipple.


    His first lick sent a sugar rush through her every nerve making her nipple erect. He then shoved it in his mouth¡ª sucking it while his tongue yed with its tip in a circr motion.


    "Love¡­" Sounding as if she was protesting and moaning at the same time, Lexi''s legs had to converge together as her back slightly arched. Aside from the hot water dripping on them then mildly chilling the second after, his hot breath, his slippery saliva colliding with the water that softened her fair skin could nearly make her lose her mind.


    It felt so good. s, it onlysted a minute as his lips stopped before the corners stretched into a grin and a deep chuckle was heard soon after. "Alright, we might catch a cold." With a touch of teasing, Ethan Lu retracted his head away from her.


    His eyes set on her flushed cheeks, up to the ze of fire beneath her pair of earth hue orbs. It was not like he didn''t want to continue as he sessfully got Lexi''s silent green light. Still, he knew that their second round would be way longer than the first. Hence, spending their whole night inside the bathroom while getting soaked was not a good idea as well.


    "You''re doing this on purpose." ncing at the slight smirk on his lips, Lexi lightly scoffed as she turned around and tilted her head back to wee the warm water sprinkling down on her. She ignored the source of the heat in this bathroom standing behind her to stabilize her racing heart as the effect of what he had done to her reignited every inch of her body.


    "Sorry¡­ I didn''t mean to." Running the tip of his nose on her bare shoulder, Ethan Lu whispered as he helped Lexi clean her body.


    Soon, the two of them assisted each other in the bath as their intense romance was slightly set aside. Silly ys eventually ensued as both of them enjoyed this luxury of bathing together without a care in the world.


    *****


    After half an hour, Lexi and Ethan Lu finally decided to finish bathing. Going to their usual routine after bathing, both of them unconsciously didn''t bother to have a change of clothes instead, they only changed their bathrobes to dry ones since deep down, they knew they would have to sleep naked again with the built-up tension left over after the bathroom scene.


    As Lexi was putting on her skincare moisturizer in front of the vanity mirror, her spare phone that was connected to her personal phone and was receiving the same emails suddenly lit up¡ª catching Lexi''s attention. Hence, she nced at it to see the nth email from Abigail Fan.


    Lexi rubbed the moisturizer on her hand for a minute before picking up the phone to see what Abigail Fan was sending her. Upon checking, Lexi could not help but chuckle as she somewhat heard her former manager''s panicking voice.


    "Lexi, are you sure the man''s identity should be released?"


    "Oh gosh¡­ is this for real? It''s Che Diayu''s father? The one in the video? Oh dear, but aside from that, are we really going to assault HG Holdings? You know, even if we post it anonymously, someone will still find out who did it especially if it''s an establishedpany." And the rest of the stuff...


    She didn''t even mention that upon exposing the people in the video scandal, it would clear Hannah Gan''s name overnight. Although there would be people who would not fully buy the new story as the actual truth, still, it was enough to waver the audience''s opinion about Hannah Gan.


    Without replying to any of the emails, Lexi chose to give Abigail Fan a call and put it on speaker mode. She then waited for the line to be connected as she ced the phone down and continued to moisturize her face.


    "Lexi! Oh god! Did you receive my emails?" Relieved and high pitched at the same time, Abigail Fan spouted which made Lexi faintly chuckle.


    "Mhmm¡­" Humming a tune, Lexi responded. That''s why she called right? Because she read her whims. Still, Lexi didn''t say it out loud as she stared at herself through the mirror. "Continue the n. I don''t have anything against Che Diayu''s father, but we can''t go down because of him, right? It''s his mess, not ours¡ª we''re just redirecting it to the rightful owner." Lexi arched her brows as she briefly nced at the phone''s screen before putting the lid of her face cream back onto the jar.


    "Err¡­" Scratching the back of her head, Abigail Fan could only heave a deep sigh. Currently, she was still at AL entertainment''s main office together with her team as they would monitor the huge turn of this scandal. Still, part of her was anxious about what may happen and the other half trusted Lexi''s connections.


    ''Right, Mr. Lu won''t let others get in her way.'' With that said reassuring note inside her mind, Abigail Fan felt a little better. Letting out another heavy exhale, she spoke. "Alright, the articles are ready¡ª it will be sent to you any minute."


    "Oh? I received it just now." Seeing the new notification popping on top of her phone, Lexi unhesitatingly ended the line as she immediately checked the articles that should be released hours from now.


    Scanning the whole content, the corner of her lips curled upward before replying: "Release it now. It''s perfect." After seeing that her reply was sessfully delivered, Lexi tossed her phone back on the surface before the vanity mirror. She then stood up, took slow strides towards the empty bed as Ethan Lu was nowhere to be seen after he left their room for an emergency call.


    "What''s with the happy face?" As soon as Ethan Lu returned to the master''s bedroom, she noticed Lexi who was sitting on the bed, her back resting against the headboard while herptop was on herp¡ª beaming lights on her face.


    "Hmm?" Slowly, Lexi turned to look at Ethan Lu who was unhurriedly closing the door behind him, before she saw him marginally raised his brows as he strode towards their bed where she perched. "Nothing, just a missionpleted." Shrugging her shoulders, Lexi averted her gaze away from him back to the article that her team posted and now it was spreading like a wildfire in the inte world.


    "Missionplete? You mean AL''s crisis?" Crawling to her side, Ethan Lu caught a glimpse of the article before Lexi shut theptop closed. Hence, it was not enough for him to read its whole content leaving him a little intrigued. Yet, he has Lexi to give him the details that''s why he didn''t mind.


    "Yes, we found the evidence of who were the people in the video and it''s quite interesting. Now, the article has reached many people which will surely cause a headline tomorrow morning." Satisfied at the progress of this small dilemma, Lexi vaguely exined.


    "That''s good, love." Under the sheet, Ethan Lu sneaked his arms to her waist as he deeply chuckled. Lexi''s brows flinched a little by the heat of his touch when he slid his palms inside her bathrobe. Yet, Lexi chose to ignore his invitation as she turned her head to face him.


    "Anyway, did you know that that woman entered AL entertainment under a false name?" Referring to Avah Tong, Lexi unreservedly spouted as her brows arched. Upon hearing her statement, his hand on her came to a full stop as his brows furrowed.


    "Huh?"


    "I don''t know what she really wants but Ethan, I think she knew my involvement with AL entertainment which is concerning since only a few people know about that." Watching the little change on Ethan Lu''s expression, Lexi brushed her hair to the side.


    Indeed, when she saw Avah Tong''s profile under the name of risse, one thing instantly came to her: Avah Tong might know that Lexi was connected to AL entertainment.


    The question was, how?


    "Let''s get rid of her¡ª" Just as Ethan Lu decided to handle the woman himself as she now poses a threat to his wife, he was abruptly interrupted by Lexi.


    "No, I said I''ll do it myself. Anyway, how''s the Lu Corporation?" Lexi shook her head sideways as she adamantly refused. To her, although it was concerning at some point, she could not let her husband''s focus be diverted from a bigger problem that he has inside his ownpany. Therefore, Lexi diverted the subject by asking the Lu Corporation''s affair.


    "Hmm¡­" Ethan Lu paused as he was seemingly pondering what to respond. He knew her trick to divert his attention, however, although it seemed it worked, his mind was set to ce Avah Tong back to where she should be.


    "Same¡ª chaotic as always. Nothing new." Ethan Lu nonchntly shrugged his shoulders as he finally replied to her query.


    "By the way, how did you know that Lou''s father is suspicious?" Casting Lexi a side nce, Ethan Lu asked as he had been meaning to ask this to her.


    After Lexi gave him the warning to keep an eye on Louis Lu''s father, although he was intrigued why¡ª he didn''t press on the matter, he still did it expecting nothing odd. However, who would have thought that he would notice something he overlooked as it was barely noticeable.


    Therefore, Ethan Lu''s interest was now piqued as how Lexi specifically pointed it to him¡ª and he was thankful that she did. Now, he could add his uncle to the addition of the list of people he could not trust.


    "A hunch." Lexi shrugged her shoulder as she didn''t find the reason that Seraphina Yue was the one who gave her a tip. Moreover, if the advice was somewhat helpful, she would just have to thank the said woman if they ever meet again.


    Just then, Lexi slid down so the two of them were lying side by side. Turning to the side, Lexi smiled before she leaned forward¡ª dominating his lips so the words that were about toe out from his mouth were all pushed back down to his throat. Since she had already recovered from their exercise earlier in the bathroom, she was ready for a celebratory love making.


    "Mhmm¡­ I love you," He chuckled and his words went straight to her mouth as she slowly went on top of her without breaking the kiss.


    It was a long, exhausting, full of moans and cums, sultry sweats and body intertwining night for the two of them. They made love until all their stamina went to zero¡ª not caring about tomorrow''s duties.

 Chapter 421 - Master must see this

    <h4>Chapter 421 - Master must see this</h4>


    The next morning¡­


    "Urgh¡­" Waking up at the loud ringing of the rm clock on their bedside table, Lexi lowly grunted as her hand crawled to where the device was. Normally, Lexi wouldn''t need to be weed by the annoying sound of the rm clock same as Ethan Lu because they wake up even before it rings.


    However, due to their intense night time workoutst night, both of them were a bit groggy as their body aches everywhere. It was worse than the first day of working out after a long hiatus. Hence, Lexi unintentionally smacked at the poor rm clock whose only fault was to rm because it was set by her.


    "I want to skip work¡­" Hoarse and dry, Ethan Lu murmured as he gently pulled Lexi back in his embrace which he didn''t need to use much effort to do so as Lexi was like a dead log being pulled back.


    "Five minutes¡­" Squeezing herself closer to her husband, Lexi lowlymented as she closed her eyes once again¡ª sacrificing everything just for a minute of sleep. Little did the two know, their ''five more minutes'' passed by faster than the blink of an eye. Hence, when they woke up, two hours had passed since then.


    From sleeping like cold palm oil in a bottle, Lexi just snapped from her serene dream as she suddenly opened her eyes followed by her body sitting up. She instinctively looked around and her eyes gradually widened upon seeing the bright ray of light peeking through the slight gap of the huge windows.


    "Ethan!" Panicking for a reason, Lexi pped her husband''s shoulder who showed no sign of getting out of bed. With the force she used, Ethan Lu was immediately knitting his brows as henguidly opened his eyes to be weed by his wife jumping out of bed then sprinting to wherever she needed to go.


    "Love, let''s slee¡ª" Asx as he was, Ethan Lu sluggishly sat up as he ran his fingers through his hair, before raising his head to see Lexi walking around their spacious bedroom carrying things she needed before she entered the walk-in closet¡ª leaving the door wide open. Thus, Lexi was able to hear his request which she instantly rejected even before he could finish it.


    "It''s nine already, love!" Going through her set of working clothes, Lexi just grabbed anything she could grab first as she has a meeting in two hours. She then brought her clothes back to the bedroom which left her in dismay seeing that he was just sitting on the bed with his back resting against the bed''s headboard.


    "What are you doing? Don''t you have work? Both of us arete¡ª get up there, mister!" Tossing her set of clothes to the bed, Lexi then ced both her knuckles on her waist as she tilted her head to the side.


    "Love, I don''t feel well today, can I just call in sick leave today?" Frowning, Ethan Lu lowly reasoned out. Well, it was not like he was entirely finding an excuse not to work today but, due to their intense overtimest night, his sleep felt too short.


    Arching her brows, Lexi slowly crossed her arms under her chest. In retrospect, no matter howte Ethan Lu slept, he would still diligently get up early in the morning for work. Moreover, he never once cked off because he does his duty as the Lu''s family head while being a good, caring husband to her and adorable father to the twins.


    "You don''t feel well? Are you sure?" Showing him a slight genuine concern, Lexi unhurriedly strode towards the bed and sat at the edge of the mattress.


    "Mhmm¡­ but, whatever, I remembered I have an important meeting after lunch." Ethan Lu helplessly nodded his head before a heavy sigh escaped from his mouth.


    "Can''t you move it to another day? You can just rest today if you really don''t feel good." Creasing her brows, Lexi advised as she thought her husband needed a day off from time to time.


    "Nah, it''s fine my love. I am just probably getting older and getting the life sucked out of me is now taking a toll on me¡ª it''s a remarkable experience though." Ethan Lu lightly shook his head sideways as he humored Lexi while referring tost night''s urrence. His urge not to work today was just a fleeting desire he had as he wanted to spend the rest of the day cuddling with her.


    However, after his mind waspletely sober, he was reminded that even if he didn''t go to the office, Lexi was unavable for the day as her schedule was packed. Well, unlike Lexi who was just skimming at his schedule and taking a look at it whenever she wanted to know what he was possibly doing for the day, Ethan Lu, on the other hand, automatically memorized Lexi''s schedule.


    It was still unclear how he could remember her schedule for a whole week as Ethan Lu seemed as if he was also unsure about it. Perhaps, it was the power of his love that he unconsciously picked it up as a habit.


    "Just don''t force yourself, okay?" Slipping out a sigh, Lexi stared at his dashing morning look who was the epitome of a dreamlike adonis. It sometimes made her a bit envious as he still looked good early in the morning while Lexi perceived that her morning look wasn''t the best time for her.


    With that said note, both of them prepared themselves to work as fast as they could. They finished and left their house after an hour¡ª both not eating any breakfast and only grabbed some coffee and bread on the way to Beauty DR.


    ****


    [Beauty DR main headquarters]


    "Rick, Madam had already sent me an email and they were on the way here." ncing up from his desk, Nico Zhuang informed Lyrick Jiang who couldn''t sit still as he constantly walked back and forth in front of his desk.


    "What?! Master didn''t say a word to me!" Shocked upon hearing Nico Zhuang''s news, Lyrick Jiang''s face distorted. Why was Lexi always so considerate while his master would only inform him whenever he feels like it?


    "Is that news to you?" Jarred Guo, who got tired waiting in the parking space has decided to follow Nico Zhuang''s post and chill while waiting for their bosses to arrive. Following the unsettled Lyrick Jiang, he lowly chimed in as their master has always been like that since day one.


    Granted that Ethan Lu was their master and he was with them most of the time, still, there were days that he would just say a single word or sometimes, nothing at all just like today. Perhaps to Ethan Lu, in Jarred Guo''s perspective, he thinks that since he already told them where to meetst night, he didn''t have to say it again.


    "Nico, can we switch ces even just for a day? The stress is real." In an aghast tone, Lyrick Jiang massaged his temples in distress as what his master was doing to him, dying his schedule for the day was too much of a stressful situation.


    Of course, since those people would willingly wait and say they understood, Lyrick Jiang was still stressing about it since he would be the one who would tell them not Ethan Lu himself. Hence, imagine his stress whenever he heard the restrained rage from their voices.


    "No way." Short and precise, Nico Zhuang refused without blinking an eye before he averted his gaze from the whimsical Lyrick Jiang that has an 8D personality in him. He then continued to check the recent important emails of Beauty DR''s affairs.


    But, for some reason, Nico Zhuang minimized the tab as he was reminded aboutst night''s encounter with Cherry. Also, it should be today that the articles were out. Hence, sparing his little time, Nico Zhuang somehow bothered to search for the recent scandal.


    To his surprise, although he had expected the oue to be a huge one since the involvement of HG Holdings''s CEO¡ª the reality surpassed his expectations. There were new articles, written under the big media outlets about the evidence that Abigail Fan''s team initially posted.


    Now, there''s a live stream of a broadcast about the controversial video, and reporters were all flocking in front of HG Holding''s building seeking for the statement of the man involved. Not just that, but also, Hannah Gan''s name had been cleared and there was a forum thread where fans apologized to their idol.


    Meanwhile, Cherry''s other photos, aside from the initial photos they released, some people who seemed like they had no life to live stalked her inactive social media to get more photos of her to spread on the inte. There was also a picture of her, revealing the same tattoo inked in between her fingers.


    Overall, it was all chaotic especially for HG Holdings which resulted in their brewing crisis in thepany and Cherry who was receiving all of the hate from Hannah Gan''s fans. Still, it all magically diverted the attention of alleged prostitution that was being used to AL entertainment as Abigail Fan released a statement about filing aint to the person who posted the nderous article while boosting the agency that they took natural talents and protected their artists.


    "This¡­" Rendered speechless, Nico Zhuang was hit by a sudden realization. Of course, his rare expression was caught by Lyrick Jiang''s keen eyes. Narrowing them, he slowly strode over to the side to see why he had such an expression.


    "What are you reading? Woah, porn?!" Drawing closer to the monitor screen, while cing himself beside Nico Zhuang, Lyrick Jiang caught a glimpse of the screenshot photo of the video that mislead him as he failed to read the whole content.


    "What?! Nico, you''re watching porn in broad daylight?!" Shocked as well, Jarred Guo''s insensitivity was triggered. Thus, his voice unintentionally raised as his eyes widened in disbelief.


    "What? No!" Nico Zhuang''s brows twitched upon hearing their remarks. Fortunately, there wasn''t a single person aside from them on this floor as it was Lexi''s ''empty'' floor. It was built like this so no one could disturb her whenever she wanted to think and only Nico Zhuang had a post in this area which worked well to his advantage as he preferred to be alone.


    "Oh ho!" Touched with humor, Lyrick Jiang found a way to vent his stress by teasing his ''former'' colleague. He sounded unconvinced as the side of his lips stretched from ear to ear.


    "Whatever you think but Madam is really hard to offend." Shaking his head, Nico Zhuang, as usual didn''t let Lyrick Jiang get on his nerves as he muttered and returned his gaze back to the monitor screen. His remarks instantly piqued Lyrick Jiang''s interest as he slightly creased his brows and shifted his eyes to the article that Nico Zhuang was reading.


    Since he could not properly get the gist of the article and the connection of it to his friend''s statement, Lyrick Jiang decided to continue reading on his phone and searched the keywords about Hannah Gan''s name and recent scandal. s, to his bewilderment, HG Holdings were glued to the scandal and a woman named Cherry.


    Lyrick Jiang immediately just skimmed through an article which gives the vital details of the matter. Seeing that Hannah Gan, the innocent celebrity that was being used of a scandal which turned out to be her look-alike having illicit affairs with HG Holdings CEO¡ª Lyrick Jiang was more shaken that AL Entertainment was where Hannah Gan was signed under.


    Therefore, knowing that Lexi has the biggest share in AL entertainment¡ª the same percentage as Abigail Fan who was managing the agency¡ª he finally understood what Nico Zhuang meant. Lexi''s ways were too extreme as she unhesitatingly dragged everyone involved, whether they took big participation or not, Lexi didn''t care whatever bacsh HG Holdings would receive and the same goes for Cherry.


    Not to mention, Mr. Che''s daughter named Che Diayu who was also a celebrity was also dragged into it. Plus, the case that AL entertainment had filed to the anonymous person that published the nderous article about the agency. Overall, it was chaotic as some media outlets were now being questioned for not investigating before reporting it to the public.


    Now, AL entertainment''s name bloomed sweeter and Hannah Gan''s poprity skyrocketed even more; theplete opposite of HG Holding''s dark days and Cherry with all the hate she was receiving now.


    She literally ruined them in a very innovative ''Lu'' way.


    "Master must see this¡­" Aghast, Lyrick Jiang murmured as he tried to absorb as much information as he could to tattle it to his master.

 Chapter 422: Dont let me catch you

    <h4>422 Don''t let me catch you</h4>


    Soon, Lexi and Ethan Lu arrived at Beauty DR''s headquarters. Receiving bows and respect from the employees in the lobby¡ª Ethan Lu''s presence has been a normal urrence to them as he would drop by from time to time. ;


    Perhaps, these people were the only ones who would not believe it if a rumor about Ethan Lu and their big boss Lexi were splitting up. After all, although it was stated in their contract to keep the privacy of Beauty DR, especially their boss'' private life, would note out from the establishment, what they are certain of was that this power couple would never separate. ;


    Why? Because it was evident in anyone''s eye that both of them werepletely head over heels with one another¡ª with how they look at each other, the smile that only they could bring to their lips, and the lovely atmosphere surrounding them whenever the two were together. Hence, there''s no doubt that they would believe that they would just fall out of love just like that. ;


    "Good morning!" Greeting some employees good morning, Ethan Lu was apletely different person whenever he was in his wife''spany than when in the Lu Corporation. If the employees in the Lu Corporation see him, they would surely be left bbergasted as Ethan Lu was mostly cold and nonchnt.


    The two headed to the lift as Ethan Lu was still carrying Lexi''s handbag which didn''t go well with his pin striped tux. Regardless, he didn''t mind as it was one of his ways to show how much he takes care of Lexi and he didn''t want to let her exert effort under his watch.


    "Miss Yang!" The moment the elevator opened, Andy Chang was inside. Seeing that her boss was together with her husband, she immediately bowed her head down.


    "Andy, I''m relieved that you arrived home safelyst night." Lexi offered a meek smile upon setting her pair of eyes onto the beautiful woman before her. On the other hand, Ethan Lu smiled as well as he slightly waved his hand towards Andy Chang.


    Fortunately, Lexi wasn''t as petty as him as she epted Andy Chang with open arms despite the oddness of their first encounter. Regardless, as long as Lexi wasn''t ufortable being a good samaritan, then, he has no rebuts to it since Andy Chang was just a sexy cleaner of his in the past.


    Andy Chang just smiled as a response before she courtly went outside while the two went inside the lift. She waited for the lift doors to close as Andy Chang bowed once again before itpletely shut.


    To her, although Lexi was kind, however, she just saw the news early in the morning. She didn''t expect that so many people would be involved which didn''t effectively reduce her fear towards the woman. She was just d that she wasn''t foolish enough to sleep with Ethan Lu or else, she was afraid that her future would be just as vague as Cherry''s.


    *****


    When Lexi arrived at the floor where her office was located, they were weed by Ethan Lu''s gang idling around Nico Zhuang''s post. Seeing them, Lexi could not help but smile. Granted that she always sees the two loyal subordinates of Ethan Lu, for some reason, it was safe to say that she was d that they had the time to idle with Nico Zhuang. ;


    ''They must be d to reunite for several hours.'' Lexi thought inwardly. Little did she know, the three were just talking about her and squeezing every bit of information that Nico Zhuang knew about this juicy gossip getting it ready to be tattled to their master.


    "Good morning, gentlemen!" Drawing closer to the three, Ethan Lu cheerfully greeted which snapped Jarred Guo and Lyrick Jiang from their ''serious'' discussion. Meanwhile, Nico Zhuang already noticed his master''s presence so, he wasn''t as surprised as the two.


    Narrowing his eyes, Ethan Lu instantly went suspicious seeing the reaction of his subordinates. He was sure that upon his arrival, Lyrick Jiang would nag him like an angry mother. s, he just flinched and turned his attention to him before Lyrick Jiang nced at Lexi''s smiling front¡ª the same reaction was seen of Jarred Guo, the only difference was that his eyes were twinkling in awe.


    "Why are you staring at my wife like that?" Ethan Lu thrust his chin a little forward as he squinted his eyes into a thin line. ;


    "It''s not what you think master!" Snapping out of his reverie by the overwhelming, unspeakable aura emanating from Ethan Lu, Jarred Guo snapped as he cleared his throat and shook his head sideways.


    "They were just stunned to see Madam''s beauty early in the morning." Emotionless and stoic, Nico Zhuang uttered¡ª pushing the two to their early deaths.


    "What?!" Scrunching his face up, Ethan Lu instantly red daggers at Lyrick Jiang which made Lexi chuckle that resonated across each wall. Although it was evident that Nico Zhuang was just trying to shoo the two away or rather, avenging himself for their constant pressure regarding the breaking news, it was still effective one way or another.


    "Stop giving Rick a scare." Shaking her head sideways, Lexi chuckled as she could not really believe her ears when she heard Nico Zhuang''s statement. Now, she wondered what these two did to have Nico Zhuang have the urge to deliver them to hell. Regardless, whatever it was, she was certain it was probably because of Lyrick Jiang''s nonsense gossip.


    With that, Lexi was about to leave them and go straight to her office. s, just as Lexi took a step forward, a song "careless whisper'' suddenly reached their ears. This ringtone abruptly caught everyone''s attention as their gazes followed where the music wasing from.


    There, everyone had their eyes set on Ethan Lu who was as shocked as them. Then, their gazes shifted to Lexi''s handbag which made them turn their eyes to her. For a moment, neither of them uttered a single word as their ears could not believe what they were hearing.


    "What¡­" Knitting her brows, Lexi''s initial thought was that Ethan Lu pulled a prank on her. However, recalling how they never left each other''s embracest night, she was reminded she has Cherry''s phone which Nico Zhuang passed to her before they went separate ways.


    "Master, how deep did you take madam to corrupt her like this?" Shocked, Lyrick Jiang covered his mouth to cover his whole aghast expression. For a second, his heart ached for his goddess as it seemed to him that Ethan Lu''s lewdness corrupted her to the core for her to use such a seductive tone as her ringtone.


    "Nonsen¡ª" Of course, despite how low Lyrick Jiang''sments were, Ethan Lu clearly heard him. Hence, he was about to defend himself but before he could finish, he was interrupted when Lexi rushed to his direction.


    "Give it to me," Hurrying him up, Lexi searched for the ringing phone because she knew it was the call she was waiting for all night. Upon spotting the phone, she picked it up and saw an unknown caller that made the side of her lips curl upward.


    Her reaction, while letting the ringtone of the phone fill the whole floor with its music, caused slight bafflement to them. Why does she seem happy? Why was she not answering the call? And, when did she change her phone?


    Those were just their individual questions that hovered in their heads which would be answered in the next several minutes when Lexi raised her head and scanned the three''s front.


    "Come with me¡ª you as well." Smirking, Lexi invited before looking at Nico Zhuang''s direction before she strode to her office. With this, despite their immediate curiosity why Lexi wanted them to follow her, they still did with tons of question marks over their heads.


    ****


    On the third call attempt, Ethan Lu, Lyrick Jiang, Jarred Guo, Nico Zhuang, and Lexi perched around the office. Obviously, Jarred Guo and Nico Zhuang chose to stand on the side while Lyrick Jiang was asked to sit on the long couch across his master while Lexi was in the head seat.


    Staring at the phone ced on the small table, they saw it ring again for the fourth time. Now, Lexi leaned closer as she unhurriedly answered before putting it on speaker. When the line connected, both her and the person on the other end of the line didn''t utter a single word¡ª both waiting for the other to speak.


    Arching her brows, Lexi tapped her fingers as she showed no sign of impatience. She knew, deep down, that the person wanted her to speak but, she wouldn''t do that. After all, the person on the other end was the one who needed this talk and not entirely her.


    "Miss Cherry¡­" After a minute of silence, a man on the other end finally broke the silence which made Lexi smirk. Meanwhile, upon hearing a man''s voice, Ethan Lu along with his subordinates knitted their brows at the same time.


    "Ohh¡­ sorry, Miss Yang. I forgot for a second that you are now the holder of the phone." Right after, the man yfully chuckled as he revealed the thing he already knows. Still, despite that, he still made a call¡ª whether to frighten Lexi or other intentions he has.


    Upon hearing the man knew that she now holds Cherry''s phone, Lexi was kept unfazed. Rather, her smirk never left her lips once which wasn''t overlooked by Nico Zhuang who was observing the current situation.


    "I must say, you are impressive." Still bearing an amused front, Lexiplimented as she must give it to the man. Well, having him entrapped was her first initial n but now that it came to this, there wasn''t really anything that would change with the things she wanted to tell him¡ª it just reduced the fun of surprising him.


    "Hehe, what an honor it is to impress you." Upon hearing this statement, Ethan Lu was instantly irked as the man seemed like he was audaciously flirting with his wife! Turning to Lyrick Jiang who gasped with thest remarks he heard, Ethan Lu slightly nodded his head as if giving him a silent task.


    ''Yes,'' Responding inside his head, Lyrick Jiang slid his hand inside his pocket before typing in it for several seconds and then ced it back into his pocket.


    "But you know, what you did¡ª I didn''t see iting. I''m defeated." Continuing, the man uttered his defeat in a nonchnt tone as if he didn''t truly care about it. "But it was fun ying with you¡ª that former manager of yours is no fun. I hope there''s a next time." He added in glee which made Lexi sneer.


    "Next time? Why would I y with you again if youck wit and humor? You are, I''d say, truly boring." Lexi faintly scoffed as she unhesitatingly insulted the man for the challenge he cooked up, that she didn''t have to use even ? of her brain to solve.


    "Anyway, if you ever cause another problem, I''d still probably enjoy it for a second but you won''t. Don''t let me catch you, hmm?" Resting her jaw by the back of her hand, Lexi''s eyes softened yet, the glint that shed across it sent malicious intent.


    "If it''s you, I''d probably let you catch me, hahaha!" Still at it, the man humored which slightly disgusted Lexi as if she was being physically molested and then, the line was cut short.


    With that, after hearing the beeping noise indicating the man was gone, Ethan Lu raised his pair of dark eyes to meet Lexi''s viciousness that was emanating from her softened eyes. His initial thoughts were: "she was thrilled", which he never saw until now.


    He didn''t ask who it was as he was certain Lexi didn''t know as well and neither did he press about what her n was. To him, this was enough evidence that his wife was not a pushover. Hence, Ethan Lu averted his gaze to Lyrick Jiang but said nothing.


    "Love, did you happen to recognize him?" After some time, Lexi nced up and inquired. After all, she asked them to listen with little hope that they could recognize the voice.


    "No, but I am inclined to meet him one day. Anyways, you really amuse me every day." Shaking his head, Ethan Lu gently smiled at his discovery to a new side of Lexi was something that could make his heart race.

 Chapter 423: Still want to scream?

    <h4>423 Still want to scream?</h4>


    The corner of Lexi''s lips marginally extended which didn''t reach to her eyes as a response from hispliment. Not making even a little sound, Lexi only stared at her husband, seemingly waiting for something from him.


    "Urgh..." Lowly grunting, Ethan Lu heavily sighed as he wiped his whole face with his palm. This look of hers, his wife truly was unpredictable especially to stuff like this one.


    Morris Liu was right: Lexi was a risk-taker.


    "Ethan, you''re enemies are giving me the creeps¡ª I am not liking it nor will they like it if they try to harm me or my family." A sharp glint bolted across Lexi''s eyes as she coldly muttered. "Hoping that you will recognize the voice is one thing but after the whole conversation, I can''t take it lightly anymore." After a beat, Lexi continued as her hand slowly curled into a fist.


    Unlike her gleeful, amused persona earlier while talking to the man, Lexi revealed how irked she was. Lexi never thought that she would be this alerted in her entire life but right now, the blood that ran through her veins was circting too fast, her heart racing¡ª pounding even¡ª maneuvering her chest in an up and down motion, while her breathing grew heavy.


    She wasn''t scared or anxious, well, you can say she was anxious in regards to her family''s safety but aside from that, Lexi was certainly enraged. Angry to have these kinds of people surrounding them¡ª knocking right in front of their doorstep.


    It was not like she didn''t think about this before getting together with him, but it showed that it exceeded her expectations. That guy? A crazy person, disying his dauntless taunting while knowing full well of her actions, Lexi had this foreign urge to protect her family no matter what the cost.


    "Love, I know... *sigh* no one wille at you like that if they are not my enemies¡ª I''m sorry." Sounding exasperated, Ethan Lu muttered in distress as he paused while raising his gaze to Lexi''s imprable invisible barrier.


    Only a fool would not think about that fact. After all, Lexi didn''t have those kinds of people to the extent of giving her a fright. Hence, that person''s aim was certainly him. He was just using Lexi for whatever reason they have.


    "Don''t worry, he''ll not call you again or bother you, I promise." Ethan Lu added before it was followed by a heavy sigh.


    Fuming pure rage was slowly shrouding his heart yet, right now, his priority was ease Lexi''s worries.


    "No, Ethan. We talked about this; people that areing at me, leave them to me while you support me from behind¡ª I''ll do the same to you. They are just doing this to divert your attention, you can''t take your eyes away from your enemies." Shaking her head, Lexi refused as she stated her argument.


    "Love," Staring right at Lexi''s eyes, Ethan Lu''s paused as his gentleness slowly wore away as all his solemnity resurfaced all at once. "That''s what I am doing¡ª supporting you from behind. Trust me this once, hmm?" Slightly raising his brows, Ethan Lu earnestly uttered.


    The whole room fell into a momentary silence as Lexi and Ethan Lu didn''t speak a word after hisst remarks. On the other hand, the three who were witnessing the two argue made sure that their lips were locked closed, while limiting their breathing to lessen their presence. The growing ''tension'' between the two, it was weird in a way, regardless, they could feel the heaviness of the atmosphere.


    "Fine!" After a while, Lexi rolled her eyes as she finally conceded. Although her temper rose early in the morning with this morning call, she did her part already. Hence, letting her man do the final blow to refrain from this situation happening again was the proper way to do¡ª trust Ethan Lu.


    "Thank you," Smiling upon hearing that Lexi finally gave him the go signal, he was relieved. He could not let her y beyond the fire anymore. She already felt the heat thus, going further was his job to do and he must get it done.


    Furthermore, Lexi had already given them the things they needed. They only needed to see the person and do whatever it was.


    With that, Ethan Lu ordered the three to leave them alone for awhile. He didn''t care about his appointment anymore because Lyrick Jiang already knew what to do. He just wanted to spend more time with Lexi, knowing that she was feeling awful talking to the man¡ª also, to n things with her.


    *****


    After a while, when Ethan Lu was certain that Lexi was finally settled, he bid his farewell with a sweet kiss on her lips.


    "Don''t worry anymore, alright?" Ethan Lu slightly tilted his head to the side with a meek smile on his lips.


    "Ethan, really, you''re worrying me." Sighing once again, Lexi frowned because of what happened earlier would be etched deep in her mind.


    "I know and I''m sorry. But, we''ll get through this okay?" Sliding his hands to hers, Ethan Lu guided it to ce a kiss on the back of her hand. "Also, thank you for being a strong support." He expressed his gratitude for her help¡ª all her help up until now and, for staying strong despite all of the odds she must face being with him.


    "What can I do? You''re my husband." Shaking her head, Lexi lowly humored him, spending a bit more time with him helped her one way or another.


    Lexi then lightly pped his shoulders, "You''re alreadyte to your meeting¡ª go, I''m good now." Lexi said as she urged him to tend to his daily duties for the two of them had some work to do.


    "Alright, I''ll see you tonight?" Reluctant to leave, Ethan Lunguidly stood up from the couch inside Lexi''s office before he turned to her again.


    "Mhmm... Let''s stay at Dad''s ce in the meantime?" Lexi hummed a tune before repeating one of their agreements earlier.


    "Okay." Ethan Lu smiled as he agreed without batting an eye. He then turned his back against Lexi and began departing the room.


    "Take care!" Just as Ethan Lu reached the door and was about to leave, Lexi added that made him turn his head back to her.


    "Of course. I love you." With a wink along with the click of his tongue, Ethan Lu yfully grinned before hepletely exited the office.


    The moment he closed the door behind him, the grin on Ethan Lu''s lips slowly faded as a menacing front reced it. His subordinates outside, witness the gradual change as they were the first to witness the darkness emanating from him.


    ''He''ll deliver someone to hell¡ª that''s for sure.'' They unknowingly thought in unison. Even Nico Zhuang could not help but not think the same as he already had forgotten when thest time he saw his master bear such expression.


    "Lyrick, did you cancel my meeting for the next three hours?" Ethan Lu began to take slow strides as he looked ahead and asked Lyrick Jiang that was following behind him.


    "Yes," After clearing his throat, Lyrick Jiang miraculously didn''t fuss about it as he personally did it even without Ethan Lu''s verbal orders.


    "Good. Bring me to him." Despite seeing only their boss'' broad shoulders while they headed to the elevator lift, Jarred Guo and Lyrick Jiang could sense the diabolical sneer stered across Ethan Lu''s lips.


    ****


    [Grand Hotel - top floor penthouse]


    A grand chandelier glittered the penthouse''s living area, huge vases glinted the reflection of the room''s luxurious setting, an overlooking view could be seen on the floor length transparent ss window wherein the curtains were tucked to the side, giving it a more blinding life like image across the room.


    Regardless of the tens of thousands of dors worth of carpet, high-end furniture, and the cozy ambiance, a man was sitting blindfolded on a single wooden chair¡ª which didn''t belong to the aesthetic of the room¡ª in the middle.


    His hands, arms, and feet were tied, fixing the figure to be one with the chair. His shoulders rattled from fright, as his lower lip trembled. He couldn''t see the beauty he had around nor the very few men standing mutely to the side for his eyes were covered by a blindfold.


    Despite the thousands of questions he has in mind, and the opportunity to scream for help as his mouth was free¡ª he didn''t. Perhaps, it was his survival instinct as he was told to keep quiet if he wanted to leave in one piece. Thus, he did what he was told and so far, aside from the pounding of his chest, they didn''t hurt him when they dragged him to wherever he was right now.


    Soon, the man who had tears beneath the blindfold heard footstepsing closer before the door clicked opened, followed by an unfamiliar voice of a man.


    "Master, you can let Re¡ª" Just as Lyrick Jiang wanted to talk this out with Ethan Lu, he stopped when he saw his hand raised indicating him to stop.


    Ethan Lu bore nothing but wrath with him as his eyesnded on the shaking man in the middle of the penthouse. Slowly, as he headed inside, he began taking off his zer suit jacket which he properlyid on the couch''s armrest. He then took off his tie, then unbuttoned his white sleeve''s cuff before tucking it up to his arms.


    Lyrick Jiang, as well as Jarred Guo who was also present with the rest of the very few teams in his squad, could only watch their master wordlessly do what he was doing¡ª keeping their thoughts inside their mind.


    "Who¡ª what do you want with me?" Stuttering, the man asked as he could feel movements inside the room yet, no one was speaking after Lyrick Jiang''s attempt to stop his boss. s, that single question just saved Ethan Lu from forcing him to speak to discern if he was the caller that Lexi talked with earlier.


    It was him for sure¡ª his voice didn''t lie.


    Ethan Lu removed the wristwatch that Lexi gifted him and ced it along with the things he took off¡ª keeping it in one ce. Turning to the man inquiring, Ethan Lu unhurriedly took steps forward, to the man''s direction.


    Stopping in front of the man who was about to piss himself from the fright of being clueless, a heavy, bone-breaking blow was thrown right on his cheek¡ª instantly losing a tooth by the great force.


    The man was instantly blown by the excruciating pain, throwing all his wits away as he was inflicted with the most painful punch in his entire life¡ª enabling him to cough his soul out. Meanwhile, Lyrick Jiang shut his eyes upon the contact of his master''s fist to the man''s face, while Jarred Guo bore no reaction at all.


    "That''s what I want from you." Staring down, carrying zero remorse, Ethan Lu coldly responded as his eyes seemed to turn into the eyes of the devil.


    By the looks of it, the built-up steam inside him wasn''t released yet as another jab, directing to the man''s abdomen was instantlyunched.


    "Sto¡ª *cough* *cough*!" Unable to breathe for a second, the man, with desperation for the man who was hitting him with great force attempted to stop him, pleaded pathetically. s, he could not finish his sentence as another batch of loud coughs, along with another blow shut him up¡ª before screaming for help.


    Ethan Lu was unfazed by the man''s screaming, echoing across the whole penthouse as he wordlessly pulled his blindfold away.


    "Still want to scream?" The man''s eyes were instantly shut by the light for he''d been seeing nothing but darkness for an hour. When his vision got used to the light, the very first image he saw was the dreaded gaze of Ethan Lu.

 Chapter 424: Now, youve done it.

    <h4>424 Now, you''ve done it.</h4>


    Words were stuck in the man''s throat as his sliver of foolish hopes instantly vanished into thin air. Yet, in that instant, the man instinctively began screaming "HELP!" even louder. He knew it was to no avail, but that was the least he could do as one after another, he turned into a punching bag.


    His whole body and face numbed, not feeling if he was hit once again or not. The same with his vision blurring as Ethan Lu''s menacing front shook before him. He didn''t know how long he was being used as an outlet to blow off some steam by Ethan Lu as he passed out in the middle of the merciless beating¡ª he didn''t even feel his loud crashing to the carpeted floor and the wooden chair breaking, freeing his hands and feet as he was badly beaten up.


    Ethan Lu coldly stared down at the man''s unconscious body, still wearing no remorse on his face for his violence as he deserved it. cing his left foot over the man''s body, he paused as if contemting whether he should use more force to break a few of his ribs or let it go. After a beat, he retracted his foot away before stretching his neck and strode towards the nearby couch to sit on it.


    "Speak," As Ethan Lu perched, he slightly raised his hands tainted with blood, indicating Lyrick Jiang to continue his report that he halted midway as they arrived at this private penthouse of his.


    Clearing his throat, Lyrick Jiang mildly shook his head sideways as he stepped forward up to his master''s side¡ª granting him the opportunity to feel the stronger aura around Ethan Lu that spread across this whole ce. "Master, the man''s name is David Choi, 33, and a regr employee under the financing department in the Lu Corporation. However, we found out he has an alternative ount that was transacting a huge amount of money. Even if his sry was considered a total to sustain afortable lifestyle, the money under his alternative ount is twice his annual ie." Lyrick Jiang mused as he gave further data of their fast investigations of the man''s profile.


    Earlier, when Lexi was talking to the man, Lyrick Jiang contacted their one contact to track the location of a call. Granted that the phone Lexi was using wasn''t hers in the first ce, but, having vast connections, it wasn''t that hard since Ethan Lu had been buddy-buddy with the government body.


    Hence, the reason why the man was dragged here under Jarred Guo''s orders. This kind of violent scene wasn''t new to them, however, it was the very first time Ethan Lu beat up a real person¡ª excluding the time he assaulted Morris Liu. The reason why it felt more dreaded.


    "Master, it seems that this man was paid for the call since his bank statement stated he received a huge amount just three hours ago." Ending his report, Lyrick Jiang managed to keep his wits intact as he gave his conclusions.


    The man''s mistake was to take the job knowing Lexi was Ethan Lu''s ''fiance''. After all, their marriage was only known to a very few but now, he was also uncertain who had the knowledge of that. It was not that they were entirely keeping it a secret, but the two were already in love with their private affairs¡ª less intrigue and gossip.


    However, his engagement with Lexi was made known to the world. Therefore,ing at her was way down the bottom line. Whether the people were uncertain about the status of their rtionship or not, one would think twice in offending Lexi. Needless to say, this man lying not far away from him must have known that fact as he worked in the Lu Corporation but he still epted the deal given to him.


    Now, he paid the huge price that was greater than the money he received from whoever it came from. What he received now was just the beginning of his misery and it won''t stop till the end¡ª that''s his wrath. A veryplete opposite of his simple pettiness because this would never end well; that''s for sure.


    "Red, wake him up. I don''t have a whole day set aside to wait for him." With that said note, Ethan Lu lowly uttered which made Jarred Guo on the side nod his head once before he strode towards the man along with his underdogs to execute themand.


    Meanwhile, since Lyrick Jiang''s job was done, he searched for a tissue box that he found lying inside one of the cabs before he returned to Ethan Lu''s side and passed the box of tissues to wipe the blood off his knuckles. He then grabbed the small container of hand sanitizer that he always kept with him and lent it to his master.


    Ethan Lu just received the box of tissue and hand sanitizer without a word as he began wiping his knuckles. His eyes still glued on the man as he was being carried before them perched in the chair they grabbed nearby. One of the bodyguards came into the scene carrying a bucket of cold water with ice before it was sshed to wake the man up.


    Soon, after many attempts, the man finally woke up coughing as if the water went through his nostrils plus the striking pain seeping through his every muscle. This time, his hands and feet were free but, he was unable to move as much as he could before due to the pain all over his body.


    He could not even feel his swollen face and touching it offered a great effort for his shoulders and arms. It was pure pain. Raising his gaze towards Ethan Lu who was sitting coldly while staring back at him gave him chills running down his spine.


    "CEO Lu¡­" Through his shaking mouth, the man''s eyes gradually welled up as that address sounded out thousands of repeated pleadings to have mercy. "I only did what I did because I was told to." Even without Ethan Lu asking, the man began defending himself for his life, hoping for a miracle to happen. Little did he know, what he thought for the reasons he was there was not the same reason that brought him in.


    "..." Scrutinizing the man''s ugly countenance¡ª Ethan Lu''s work of art¡ª he didn''t open his mouth while letting the man tattle. To him, he didn''t need to interrogate and waste his saliva asking questions as the man realized what Ethan Lu wanted.


    "Please, give me a chance. I am willing to cooperate¡ª just please¡­" Breaking down, the man disregarded the pain striking him from all directions of his body as he crashed to his knees to the floor and kowtowed.


    "It was Director Fei! He was using my name to transact the money he was embezzling in thepany! I have evidence and conversations just in case I''d get caught. Please give me a chance, please CEO Lu! I am telling the truth." Despite his shaking voice and body, the man unhesitatingly dropped the name of the corruptor who was causing the corruption urring in the financing department.


    Indeed, this was what he thought the current subject was; Ethan Lu found out his involvement in this scheme. Hence, with the impression he has for their present head of thepany that was proven for his merciless beating, David Choi was scared out of his wits that he''d literally lose his life today.


    "Oh? Director Fei?" Sounding uninterested, Ethan Lu slightly arched his brows. "He''s probably twice as bad as your situation right now. But, that''s not what you''re here for¡ª you just saved Lyrick some time to investigate you further." Ethan Lu nonchntly shrugged his shoulders as he''d been eyeing on the said man and found the rightful evidence to ensure the family rules.


    After all, Mr. Fei was one of the core members in the Lu Family and was now stripped of his powers while being interrogated. Still, the people involved were still free just like David Choi¡ª though they wouldn''t retain their freedom too long.


    "Mr. Choi, who ordered you to blindly threaten my wife?" Ethan Lu''s voice was akin to the sound of thunder; strong and firm, intimidating and terrifying.


    "What¡­" Stunned by hearing the news about diretor Fei, David Choi was more confused on histter statement.


    Threaten? His wife? Who¡­?


    David Choi was baffled as he stared at Ethan Lu for a good several seconds like a fool. Just then, he was reminded of the conversation he had earlier that day.


    "Mr. Lu¡­!" Bearing an aghast, mortified front, David Choi mmed his head back to the floor, disregarding the unremarkable thud sound of his forehead touching the floor as he kowtowed.


    "I didn''t know it was your wife¡ª I swear! I was only paid to make a phone call to a woman they address as Miss Yang so I did." David Choi desperately defended himself. To him, his involvement in the corruption in thepany wasn''t as bad as his ''prank'' call earlier.


    Indeed, he was unaware of the fact that the woman he was told to scare a little by using a psychotic mentality and reasoning was none other than Lexi Yang. After all, there were a lot of Yang''s surnames in this country.


    Not to mention, the hefty amount of money had blinded his critical thinking hence, he epted the offer. Who would have thought that his greed for money would put him in a much more dire position?


    "I am repeating it just once, who ordered you to threaten my wife?" Ignoring all the pleas and exnations from the man, Ethan Lu inexpressibly repeated which he wouldn''t do again.


    "I¡ª" David Choi suddenly choked on his words as he halted for a second. s, his hesitation to tattle caused Ethan Lu to avert his eyes towards Jarred Guo before giving him a nod.


    Upon seeing the gesture from his master, Jarred Guo was momentarily stunned but recovered within the next beat. Without further ado, he strode near the man and slid his hand inside his pocket¡ª where his handguns were hiding beneath, awaiting for the moment they would be released from their bindings.


    The very next moment, Jarred Guo had a gun in his hand and its muzzle pointing at the man''s head, waiting for the green light before blowing his head off. David Choi was shaken to the core as he literally pissed himself.


    ''He will kill me.'' Were his thoughts that instantly struck inside his heart, causing his heart to race and his body uncontrobly trembled.


    "It''s Sir Lu''s assistant! Sir Dennis Lu''s assistant!" Instinctively, David Choi just shouted the name of the person behind it. "Mr. Lu, please don''t kill me! I don''t want to die¡­" At this point, the man broke down even more as he pleaded for his mercy.


    "Dennis Lu¡­" As if not hearing thetter statement, a malicious glint shed across Ethan Lu''s pair of dark eyes. "Now, you''ve done it." He added as his threat level skyrocketed, sending unsettling vibes to everyone present.


    "Red, you know what to do." ncing up, Ethan Lu turned to Jarred Guo''s direction which, made him slightly bowed on cue. On the other hand, David Choi''s fear crept up from his heart and appeared on his face as his mangled lips paled.


    "No, no, please! Mr. Lu!" Panicking, David Choi desperately pleaded as he assumed Jarred Guo would kill him. s, the next second, his eyes dimmed as his consciousness left him once again. Unlike his expectation, Jarred Guo just hit him on the side of his nape using the pistol''s hand in his hand.

 Chapter 425: Not a bad person

    <h4>425 Not a bad person</h4>


    [Beauty DR: Chief Executive Officer''s Office]


    Faced with piles of documents on her desk, the sound of the tip of the pen stopped its rhythm as Lexi set loose the pen in her hand and a sigh escaped from her lips. For some reason, just this very moment, Lexi was reminded of the glint that shed across her husband''s eyes before he left.


    She has been with him for more than a year and was living with him under the same roof. Hence, Lexi knew him from inside and out. Although it wasn''t noticeable on the surface, she knew, deep down that her husband was totally enraged. The very reason why she was concerned about what he would do.


    "Ethan¡­" Under her breath, Lexi diverted her gaze to the small photo frame of her small family when the twins turned six months old. There, right in the photograph were her husband''s and her smiling face while they were carrying each of their twins.


    Just then, Lexi heard the faint knock from outside her office before it slowly opened even without her permission. The selected few who would dare to enter her office without her permission was her husband or her secretary, Nico Zhuang. Thus, considering that Ethan Lu already left an hour ago, Lexi didn''t bother to turn to the figure entering her office as she remained staring at her little family''s photo.


    "Madam, these are the sales reports from thest batch of deliveries and inventory. Also, the meeting with Mr. Ou was moved to tomorrow as he has an urgent emergency to tend to. He said he''llpensate you for the dy of the meeting." As usual, Nico Zhuang came to hand out the important documents that Lexi needed to review before informing her about her canceled meeting for the day. He ced the documents down¡ª above the stack of documents¡ª ignoring the fact that Lexi wasn''t doing anything aside from staring at the small picture frame on the side of the desk.


    "Nico¡­" However, just as Nico Zhuang was about to leave as his reason for intruding was done, he stopped and turned to Lexi upon hearing her voice softly call out. He slightly raised his brows as he patiently waited for Lexi to resume whatever she wanted to say.


    "You know my husband on the things that I didn''t know¡ª what do you think he would do?" Still staring at her husband''s smiling face in the picture, Lexi faintly asked.


    Granted that Lexi was confident that she knew her husband more than anyone else, still, one of the things she learned throughout her marriage was there was always a never ending exploration for them to truly know each other. There was always a surprise which they would need to ept no matter how dark it was.


    Nico Zhuang blinked his eyes multiple times as he stared at Lexi''s inexpressive front while staring at the portrait. As he scrutinized her front, Nico Zhuang contemted whether Lexi wanted the truth or a sugarcoated ''I have no idea''. Therefore, he remained silent for a while.


    Of course, despite Lexi''s vague question, Nico Zhuang knew exactly what she was referring to. After all, Ethan Lu''s aura gradually changes and even if he masqueraded beneath a sweet smile, it was still obvious for someone who knew him really well like his wife.


    Moreover, recalling how the smile abruptly vanished from his master''s lips when he exited this very room, Nico Zhuang had figured that he probably located the caller. The only thing that he was uncertain about was what Ethan Lu did after getting his hands on the man¡ª that''s the real question right there.


    "Tell me, do you think they already found the caller?" Slowly, Lexi averted her gaze towards Nico Zhuang who was wordlessly peering at her bearing the same unreadable, stoic front.


    "No," When their eyes met, Nico Zhuang slightly shook his head sideways. "They certainly found him." Deciding to remain transparent to his now master, Nico Zhuang precisely responded that he was ny percent sure he was correct.


    "I see¡­ that''s good then¡ª a minus to his enemies." Lexi slowly nodded her head before a sigh slipped out from her mouth once again. Well, she was relieved and not at the same time. Regardless of what she felt, it was better that way as she realized how foolish she was to think that the people that wereing at her husband could be shrugged off.


    "Madam¡­" Upon hearing her reply that Nico Zhuang was halfheartedly unconvinced if Lexi fully meant it or not, Nico Zhuang heavily sighed. He had grown fond of Lexi, whether he would verbally or secretly admit it. Therefore, he truly cared for Lexi''s well-being and mental state. After all, the people lurking around them weren''t that good.


    Those people had extremely ambitious greed; for example, Dennis Lu. It was just that Ethan Lu could not get rid of the said man just merely because he wanted to. He needed concrete proof and shreds of evidence. Moreover, even if Dennis Lu would be stripped of powers from thepany, the blood that runs through them was the same.


    Therefore, if Nico Zhuang remembered correctly, Ethan Lu wanted Dennis Lu out of his life and away permanently. To do so, he must take extreme measures that could make Dennis Lu end up in jail without inflicting too much of a bacsh for the wholepany. It was moreplicated than it looks like; easier said than done.


    "Are you worried?"


    "Is that even a question?" After the brief silence, Lexi finally heard the continuation of Nico Zhuang''s sentence, yet, it was a silly one as if he changed his mind at thest minute.


    "There might be some dark sides of Master but, I am certain that he is not a bad person." Ignoring Lexi''s humoring, Nico Zhuang lowly mused.


    "I know and, thank you, Nico." The side of Lexi''s lips meekly stretched from side to side, expressing her appreciation as Nico Zhuang would rarely say stuff like this.


    "Now, that reminds me of that day..." Lexi lightly scoffed that sounded like a second chuckle. She was reminded of the time when Ethan Lu told her, in the most adorable, hesitant way that he needed to be a wicked man.


    Not knowing to what extent he exactly needed to be that kind of person, but, Nico Zhuang was right: Ethan Lu was never a bad person. Whatever his actions would be, there had to be some reason behind it all.


    "Anyway, we''ll visit AL entertainment. I need to minus another problem residing in my turf." Diverting the subject, Lexi informed before Nico Zhuang nodded in understanding and left. With that, Lexi also began signing some documents and reviewing what needed to be reviewed.


    ****


    [AL Entertainment]


    Inside the biggest meeting room in the agency, Abigail Fan, Manager Qian, Hannah Gan along with the rest of the important people in thepany and some managers were present.


    Currently, they were watching the headlines on the monitor screen where reporters were flocking in front of HG Holdings. Meanwhile, their phones had also kept vibrating from all of the media outlets wanting their statement and an interview with Hannah Gan. Therefore, everyone needed to put their phone on silent mode.


    "Congrattions, Miss Fan." Michael Qian gleefully congratted Abigail Fan before turning to Hannah Gan and ced his hands on her shoulders, as if telling her to cheer up.


    "Mhmm..." Nodding, Abigail Fan never once left her gaze from the monitor screen as the chaotic scene was streaming before her eyes.


    She already saw the articles being released on the inte and everything was too chaotic wherever she looked. Everything seemed to be talking about Hannah Gan''s injustices and HG Holdings CEO''s love affair with a prostitute.


    Abigail Fan had multiple guesses about how Lexi would deal with the problem. However, just as expected, when Lexi gave her orders to release an article including the evidence, this happened.


    Everyone got involved. Even Che Diayu''s name being the princess of the Che Family was dragged in it. Now, not only was her father on the hottest topic but also Che Diayu along with her misconduct and attitude problem.


    Overall, Hannah Gan and AL entertainment''s good fortunes caused enormous problems with these involved parties. Well, aside from them, Cherry was nowhere to be found as her social media ounts were deactivated just now. Still, that only added for the masses to be fully convinced that Cherry was the woman in the video.


    "Did Miss Yang do all this?" Relieved and concerned at the same time, Hannah Gan inquired. Of course, she was d that her name was cleared, but she was overwhelmed by Lexi''s counter attack.


    She had the same thought as Abigail Fan and a little fear crept inside their heart. Given that Lexi was the only person that believed her, Hannah Gan still could not help but be a little scared of Lexi.


    Truly, this only proved that Lexi was not someone who could easily be offended or else, they''d be destroyed even if they knew it. Fortunately, Hannah Gan signed up with the right agency although she was surprised that Lexi co-owned the agency.


    "Abi, make the reporters outside go away. They were blocking the way and causing traffic." Just then, Lexi pranced inside the room and without further ado, she was already giving out orders as she was irritated that she wasted fifteen minutes just to make it in the establishment''s parking space.


    "Lexi!" Snapping from her trance while watching the news, Abigail Fan abruptly stood from her seat upon hearing the queen''s voice.


    "Miss Yang!" Simr to Abigail Fan''s reaction, everyone instinctively turned to the entrance as they unconsciously rose from their seats to give respect to thepany''s savior.


    Seeing the 180-degree change of treatment from these people¡ª aside from Abigail Fan, Hannah Gan, and Michael Qian¡ª Lexi arched her brows while walking to the empty seat which was the head seat.


    "Miss Yang, congrattions for this progress. We had finally survived the dilemma."


    "Yes, as expected from Miss Yang! Our AL agency was saved and Miss Gan''s poprity skyrocketed even more. I heard someone was offering her a role in one of this year''s biggest uing movies Directed by the one and only Director Wen."


    As soon as one flowery word was thrown, everyone began their cheers and were evidently currying favors to Lexi. After hearing more than she wanted to hear, Lexi raised her hand gesturing them to stop.


    "I thank you all for your support." Forcing a smile on her lips, Lexi uttered out of respect to these people. "Whatever projects Miss Gan would do, I trust manager Qian to thoroughly select brands that will not terminate their contracts the instant a problem resurfaces." Shrugging her shoulders, Lexi nced at Michael Qian which was received by an earnest smile.


    "However, I am questioning the agency''s security." As Lexi retracted her gaze away from Michael Qian, her eyes sharpened as she scanned their baffled front one after another.


    "Lexi, what do you mean?" Confused at Lexi''s sudden subject, Abigail Fan questioned as she was certain that their agency''s security system was not that bad.


    "Then, how do you exin epting a person with a false identity?" Raising her hand, Nico Zhuang stepped in pronto as he revealed a USB stick which he inserted in the device so the files could be shown in the monitor.


    Soon, Avah Tong''s audition as she was singing was revealed on the screen for everyone to see. Everyone turned to watch the entry they had seen with a still confused expression.

 Chapter 426: Wait who?

    <h4>426 Wait who?</h4>


    When Lexi shoved the holes in the security system of the AL Entertainment and how theyze around epting applicants without further investigations into the limelight, Abigail Fan decided to tone things down by asking her to talk privately. Instead of a cheerful ending, the whole room fell into a dreaded silence as they left the room after giving respects to their two big bosses.


    Therefore, only Lexi, Abigail Fan, and Nico Zhuang were left in the huge meeting room. Perching on the seat not far away from Lexi, Abigail Fan had this solemn expression stered across her whole face.


    "Lexi, what do you mean risse''s name is Avah Tong? I''m sorry, but that''s still impossible. Her documents should have undergone authenticity which is checked by our people." Letting out a heavy sigh, Abigail Fan inquired.


    Granted that the screening of trainees wasn''t that strict as they could cut a trainee off if they didn''t improve after attending their workshops for a few months, still, Abigail Fan was certain that the appointed person epting them should have seen the authenticity of the documents.


    "Impossible? Abigail, do you think I am kidding?" Lexi arched her brows upon hearing her exnation. A sharp glint bolted across her eyes which made Abigail Fan unconsciously swallow a mouthful of saliva. "Do you know the person you let in? You don''t know the depths of her capabilities to destroy everything around her." Sounding in nothing but a deadpan tone, Lexi''s gaze never once left her former manager''s figure¡ª not even once.


    "Wait¡­ you don''t have to be mad. We can fix this if she''s only a trainee, I''ll fire her out and treat this as a lesson." Stuttering by the unreadable aura emanating from Lexi, Abigail Fan stated to calm her down. She didn''t know why Lexi was soo piqued by it and only assumed that Lexi was meticulous.


    "No, you can''t. But I will¡ª drag her here. I don''t care if shees on her own volition or you have to use force." Slightly shaking her head sideways, Lexi uttered before giving out her orders. Of course, the moment Abigail Fan heard hertter statement, she was utterly confused.


    Drag her? Use force if necessary? Why?


    "Lexi, I don''t understand. Do you know this person?" Trying to put two and two together, Abigail Fan chose to ask away as she could not rely on mere guesses anymore. She needed clearance to know what was currently going on in her ce.


    "Maybe¡­ maybe not. But, what I am certain of is she knows me and came here knowing that I have my connections here which only a selected few knew. I can''t let her freely run around¡ª I can''t let her harm my family." Slowly, Lexi averted her gaze and spun her chair, at a slow pace, to face Avah Tong''s smiling face on her recorded audition.


    Forget about the thrill and the fun part of ying with her. She must be ruthless if necessary and ce her back to the ce where she belonged. Lexi would not y to an irresponsible mother who would harm her own child because of her own selfishness. She could not and would not do it.


    "Alright¡­ I''ll ask someone to bring her here." Without pressing on the matter any further, Abigail Fan nodded in acknowledgment. It was not that she was not curious about the whole story but, if Lexi was this concerned to the extent of bringing back the old her, Abigail Fan knew that it was probably a serious matter. Especially if she brought up the twins in the discussion.


    With that said note, Abigail Fan phoned her personal assistant to summon Avah Tong to the meeting room that instant.


    ****


    Since Avah Tong''s schedule to attend her acting workshop was two hours from the time Abigail Fan summoned her, they had to wait for her in two hours as she excused that she was currently in her part-time job. Hence, she was unable to rush her way to the agency. Since she was just a trainee, AL agency''s policy was to respect their people''s work as their allowance wasn''t enough to put food on an entire family''s table.


    "Lexi¡­" After exining that they have to wait for Avah Tong, Abigail Fan fiddled her forefingers together as she steeled her heart for whatever maye. After all, two hours of doing nothing was truly a waste of time; especially to someone like Lexi whose every second was precious.


    "Keep her here and wait for me until Ie back." Bearing the same inexpressive tone and front, Lexi ordered before picking up her handbag and left¡ª followed by Nico Zhuang from behind. She didn''t give Abigail Fan a chance to ask what time she would be back as Lexi''s stride never faltered.


    ''Huh, trying to outsmart me?'' Lexi scoffed inwardly as she wouldn''t waste her time waiting for Avah Tong. She does need to deal with her but not when her ego and pride was at stake. After all, this game would be the one that would set who would be the victor in the end.


    Just as Lexi was on her way to the elevator lift, her tracks came to a full halt. There, Hannah Gan was waiting for her while her back was leaning against the wall. When Hannah Gan noticed Lexi''s figure, she immediately stood properly to face her.


    Doing a deep bow, Hannah Gan loudly took this chance to express her gratitude which she failed to do so earlier as the executives and managers earlier were spouting nothing but sweet flowery words, currying favor from Lexi.


    "Miss Yang, I know it''ste but thank you! Thank you for believing in me and dragging me out of the mess I never knew I''d ever survived. Thank you." For some reason, Hannah Gan''s hands trembled as a cold sweat broke from her forehead. She was just expressing her gratefulness but, why was itced with nervousness? Was it perhaps, Hannah Gan was uncertain who was the real Lexi?


    "Hannah¡­" Staring at the bowing figure, her eyes unhurriedly blinked. "If you wanted to thank me, keep your name as clean as it can be and always seek improvement in your field. Being famous is easy but keeping the same poprity is harder than what you think." Giving her a piece of advice, Lexi tly said.


    Indeed, Hannah Gan right now opened a lot of opportunities for her. However, the entertainment industry''spetition was tough. There would always be a much fresher beauty that woulde out with exceptional talent. Therefore, Lexi''s only advice for her was not to ck around, be humble, and improve on where she wascking.


    "About your father, I truly think you need to talk to him as his only family. No matter what grudges you kept through the years¡ª he''s still your father even though he never acted like one." Lexi added which made Hannah Gan slowly raise her head, confusion disyed on her face.


    "Miss Yang¡­" Biting her lower lip, Hannah Gan meekly called out. "Did you¡­" Trying to ask if Lexi personally met her father, she felt a little shame for that. After all, she already treated her father as her shame. Regardless, no matter how she despises her father for what kind of father he was, Hannah Gan could neverpletely turn her back against him because of some unknown reason.


    Maybe, she never truly despised her father but rather, his actions. For being such a mess and shameless, leaving her in her grandmother''s care. Nevertheless, the phrase was right: blood is thicker than water.


    "I might have disagreed with your father''s ideals but, it''s good for you if you try to straighten things up with him. Anyways, I''ll excuse myself first. You too, rest because your schedule will be packed in the next few months." With that said note, Lexi resumed her steps and tapped Hannah Gan''s shoulder when she brushed past her. Well, having Hannah Gan''s image as a loving daughter despite theck of father''s love would be put to use in the future to make her name freshly bloom even more.


    ****


    After six hours, Lexi finally tended to all her duties for the day. Indeed, it has been six hours since she left AL entertainment''s grounds and received an email from Abigail Fan that Avah Tong had been there three hours ago. Therefore, Lexi spared her time which was supposed to be spent with the twins.


    Inside the elevator lift, going up to where Abigail Fan''s office was located, Lexi along with Nico Zhuang never uttered a single word. The entire lift was filled with nothing but pure silence. After a while, three floors before arriving at their destination, Nico Zhuang finally opened his mouth open.


    "Madam, that woman¡­ don''t agree if she demanded that you two should be alone." As usual, Nico Zhuang''s tone doesn''t have any changes. However, despite the relentless work of the two of them, exhaustion was out of the picture as he took this situation in high regard.


    He met Avah Tong with Lexi and heard the unsettling words she spouted on their first encounter. Thus, Nico Zhuang''s impression of the woman was bad. He could not leave someone like that with Lexi alone. In that case, whatever the woman''s intention, he could stop it even before she could do it.


    "She won''t have the right to demand, Nico. Don''t worry, I''ll chase her out of our lives¡ª adding to the minus of troublemakers on our end." Without turning to his direction, Lexi nced up at the lighting numbers above. After a second, a loud ding was heard, indicating that they reached the floor before the door panels slowly slid open.


    Lexi didn''t hesitate for a second as she stepped outside and headed to Abigail Fan''s office. On the other hand, Nico Zhuang''s hostility gradually rose as he focused all his attention towards Lexi''s surroundings. It has been a while since he was this solemn, bringing back memories of when he was just looking after Lexi from the shadows under Kong Shuren men''s threat.


    Soon, Lexi reached the office. She didn''t knock as she proceeded to open the door. Inside the room, Abigail Fan and Avah Tong were just casually conversing to kill time waiting for Lexi. Lexi''s eyes didn''t travel around as it instantlynded on thex Avah Tong''s figure.


    By the looks of it, Avah Tong didn''t mind waiting for her for whatever reason she was there. In just one nce, Lexi figured that she must have had the idea of why she was there in the first ce and she wasn''t anxious about it.


    "Lexi, finally!" Relieved, Abigail Fan eximed. She had been keeping Avah Tongpany. To be honest, although she was suspicious of the woman, their conversation was rather fun and the woman''s perspective on things wasmendable. If not for the fact that she was hinting that she bore ill-intention, Abigail Fan would like her.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting, Abi. But, will you give us time to talk in private? I assumed that Miss Tong and I have a lot to talk about." Lexi cast Abigail Fan a side nce before asking her a favor to leave the room in the calmest way as possible¡ª not sounding rude in any way.


    "Oh, okay¡­?" Frowning a little, Abigail Fan felt a little dejected. However, knowing that their discussion must be private and personal, she agreed and left.


    "Silly. There''s nothing much we can talk about as Ethan must have told you our love story. Also, did you purposely made me wait twice longer?" As Abigail Fan was leaving, Avah Tong faintly chuckled before lightly shaking her head sideways.


    "Indeed, but, cing you back in the mental hospital won''t be easy, no?" Taking her seat on the sofa opposite Avah Tong, Lex arched her brows as she humored.


    Meanwhile, Abigail Fan heard their first banter which left her bbergasted beforepletely shutting the door.

 Chapter 427: Youre crazy, do you know that?

    <h4>427 You''re crazy, do you know that?</h4>


    "Haha," Chuckling upon hearing Lexi''s sass, Avah Tong mildly shook her head. "Well, no one wants to be back into some hell hole, would you?" Avah Tong arched her brows as shefortably ced her leg over the other as she slightly tilted her head to the side.


    "Huh," Watching howx the woman opposite her was¡ª as if they were just friends casually chit-chatting¡ª a soft scoffed escaped Lexi''s mouth. "Miss Tong, don''t you think stepping into my territory is still the same?" Lexi marginally raised her brows, casting her a knowing look with her lips stretched a little wide.


    "I don''t think so." Feigning ignorance, Avah Tong nonchntly shrugged her shoulders. "Aside from you, owning the ce¡ª this agency isn''t half bad. I mean, you offer an allowance, free lunches, training and all! I can live here forever, to be honest." Avah Tong highlighted the benefits she had been receiving in the short amount of days she had joined AL entertainment.


    Well, considering that AL entertainment wasn''t included in the top agencies, still, the facility and management were undoubtedly great. Not to mention, the artists they hadunched were slowly making their names in each field.


    Lexi remained silent for a while as her gaze was glued to the woman across her. She observed her bodynguage and Avah Tong''s every change in facial expression. However, no matter where she looked, Avah Tong didn''t give her enough clues for her to read.


    "Do you want my husband back?" After some time, Lexi''s mouth slowly opened as these very words caused Avah Tong to pause from smiling. This little change of expression, Lexi arched her brows as her eyes slightly narrowed.


    "What?" Avah Tong knitted her brows before she scoffed in disdain. "Why? If I say, I do¡ª will you give him back?" Unlike her carefree tone earlier, this time, Avah Tong''s voice wasced with pure disgust. Still, she didn''t forget to humor her as her question wasughable to her.


    "Then, shall I take your sudden intrusion in my life as your death wish?" Unfazed by the strange response from Avah Tong, Lexi half-heartedly guessed.


    "Why? Do you kill?"


    "I would if it means protecting my family. Unlike a certain someone who would harm her own child instead of protecting him." This time, Lexi shrugged her shoulders as she unhesitatingly spouted. As those words were dropped, the smile on Avah Tong''s lips gradually faded away.


    "Oh? Did I hit a nerve?" Lexi smirked witnessing the gradual change of mood emanating from Avah Tong.


    Although there was a small change when she mentioned Ethan Lu, but, this time, it was different. It was as if she was offended and hurt at the same time but, thetter emotion was not something to take seriously as Lexi was informed about the ending of the tragic story of Avah Tong and Ethan Lu.


    ''Wow, the nerve¡­'' When Lexi heard those words, she couldn''t help butment inside her mind. Shouldn''t she be the one asking that and not the other way around?


    "Miss Tong, I think you misunderstood ¡­" Pausing, Lexi chuckled as she found this conversation a little silly. "No, maybe I am unintentionally harassing you but it''s just me trying to be polite." Bearing the same entertained smile, Lexi shrugged her shoulders once again.


    "You''re wasting my time, Madam." Avah Tong sarcastically responded as she jolted from her seat and picked up her bag. However, just as she turned, Nico Zhuang was already blocking her way like a strong, indestructible pir.


    "You''ve wasted my time as well¡ª I didn''tin." ncing at her figure, Lexi indifferently muttered. She leaned her back against the sofa as she watched Avah Tong stubbornly attempt to push Nico Zhuang. But to no avail, her petite figure would never match Nico Zhuang''s trained body.


    "Step aside!" ring daggers at Nico Zhuang, Avah Tong''s true colors began to unfilter as she pushed Nico Zhuang once again. s, just before her fist couldnd on him, both of her wrists were restrained tightly by his hands.


    "My master is not done talking to you yet, Miss. Don''t make me drag you back to sit." Carrying the sameposed tone, Nico Zhuang threatened. A glint shed across his pair of eyes as he could not be that lenient to her like he always does. After all, Avah Tong imposed a threat to Lexi and her beloved ones. Hence, it was supposed to be his job not to let her get close to her. However, things already happened and this situation was inevitable.


    "Nico, don''t be harsh." Shaking her head sideways, Lexi was conflicted about whether tough or worry that Nico Zhuang seemed he could hurt a woman. By the looks of it, Nico Zhuang didn''t particrly take a person''s gender into ount if he got a whiff of danger to that person.


    "Huh," Despite the pair of perilous eyes looking down on her, Avah Tong scoffed in disdain. Turning back to Lexi''sckadaisical sitting figure, her hands slowly curled into a fist.


    "You¡­" Grinding her teeth as her jaw tightened, Avah Tong paused for a second before she hystericallyughed.


    "Hahahaha! I just realized that you and Ethan suit each other¡ª No, you are well suited in their whole rotten n." In between her chuckles, Avah Tong spouted. Her peals of unsettlingughter resonated across the whole office as she held onto her stomach.


    "Miss Yang, do you really think that Ethan will protect you? Oh please, I was told the same but what did he do? He imprisoned me in a mental hospital! Hahaha!" As Avah Tong wiped the corner of her eyes, she unreservedly stated the sweet nothings she received from Ethan Lu. Whether she was in her proper state of mind or not, Lexi didn''t care because right now, what Lexi sees in her eyes was that she could not let this woman freely walk out tonight. She''s crazy.


    "You''re crazy. Do you know that?" Blinking her eyes, Lexi was unfazed by the unsettlingughter reaching her ears as she tantly uttered.


    "Crazy? Well, I can only tell you:? I told you so if that dayes." Avah Tong sneered as she crossed her arms under her chest while thrusting her chin forward.


    Lexi didn''t respond any more as her agenda for tonight was halfplete. Although she nned to read what this woman has inside her head, now that she confirmed that Avah Tong''s rationality left her¡ª Lexi doesn''t have any reason to drag this conversation anymore.


    "You can''t tell me anything if you''re where you belong." Picking up her phone, Lexi dialed Aubrey Ning''s personal contact number. By the way, Lexi decided to contact her instead of Ethan Lu, she already thought about this a hundred times.


    "Speaking. Miss Yang called me at this hour¡­ Make sure it''s interesting." After several rings, the moment the line connected, Aubrey Ning''s seductive voice was heard.


    "Stop." Gritting her teeth, Avah Tong meekly muttered which made Lexi swallow the words she was about to say as she arched her brows yet, she didn''t hang up the call.


    "I don''t want to y anymore." Under Lexi''s gaze, Avah Tong swallowed her pride because one way or another, part of her told her that Lexi wouldn''t let her off that easily.


    Moreover, who knows what she could do? After all, Lexi''s main reason for her downfall in her acting career in the past was because she attempted to hit her love rival in her car. Set that aside, what''s important to Avah Tong was her freedom.


    "Pardon my sudden phone call, Miss Ning. However, it''s a misclick. I''ll try topensate you next time." With that said note, Lexi hung up the call which rendered Aubrey Ning speechless.


    "Hmm?" Putting down her phone, Lexi then raised her head as she waited for whatever Avah Tong would say. She wouldn''t mind listening to her for a bit and be the judge if it was worth the time or just a waste.


    "What do you want to know?" Slowly, Avah Tong returned to the sofa where she was initially sitting on as she asked. "You want to know if I want your husband back? No, never. Your husband is a real jerk. I will be the happiest person if you leave him and be his karma." Recalling Lexi''s earlier question which disgusted her, Avah Tong bluntly stated as if she was merely saying it to her friend and not to Ethan Lu''s wife.


    "What do you want from me, Miss Tong? How did you know that I am part of AL entertainment? And, why did youe back?" Lexi treated what she just spouted as weird noises but, she felt the authenticity of the heavy hatred she bears dropping each word. Hence, giving her a shot, she asked away.


    For a minute, Avah Tong just stared at Lexi and didn''t respond immediately. They had a battle of gazes for a good one minute before Avah Tong scoffed.


    "How did I know? me it on your business partner for running her mouth while I am stalking her." Rolling her eyes, Avah Tong chuckled. She wasn''t powerful enough or had tons of money. After all, she just came out of the psychiatric ward.


    Upon hearing her first answer among the three questions that were thrown, Lexi could not help but furrow her brows. She had numerous guesses and this particr one was not one of them. Hence, she could not help but question the legitimacy of her answer.


    "Believe me or not, that''s the truth. So, instead of applying to your skincarepany, it''s still wiser to choose this building since you don''t pay much attention to it. Who would have thought that we would meet earlier than I expected?" In a matter of fact tone, Avah Tong continued to exin her side as she was left with no choice.


    "Why?"


    "Huh? What do you mean why? Why am I insisting on squeezing myself in your business? Isn''t it obvious? Because I need protection. You and everything about you are being protected by that guy and you yourself. Ethan owes me that protection." Staring at Lexi with extreme disbelief as if she was staring at a stupid person, Avah Tong exined.


    "Protection?" Arching her brows, Lexi was trying to spot any holes in her rather simple excuse. However, her consistency wasn''t faltering so far thus, she kept throwing follow up questions until she found any slight mistake.


    "Miss Yang, if I came back, that means people wille after me."


    "Then, why did youe back?" Lexi felt zero emphatic towards whatever dilemma Avah Tong carried as she just wanted to confirm if she was lying or not. Also, to gravitate whether she could let her go or not.


    "Are you really asking me that question? Really? You''ve heard our story and you''re starting a family with him¡ª you should''ve figured it out." Sounding exasperated, Avah Tong remarked with a slight scoff. Her remarks made Lexi''s brows knit even more before a sudden guess struck her.


    "Yes! I want my son, my only family back from his father. I don''t know where he kept him hidden but I want him back. No matter how much I hated that father, my child is not to me. I can''t let him raise my son." In the middle of her sentiments, Avah Tong''s voice cracked as the corner of her eyes formed beads of salt liquid. Still, she managed to finish her sentence without breaking down just like in the past years.


    "I can''t let another Lu be raised in that rotten family." Avah Tong firmly added as a determined glint shed across her eyes. Upon hearing her statement, the whole room fell into pure silence as Lexi and Nico Zhuang were both baffled at the same time.

 Chapter 428: Continue being a leech to my riches

    <h4>428 Continue being a leech to my riches</h4>


    "Shocking, isn''t it? I bet it is to you but well, what can I do? I''ve been with him before, it''s just that my stupid heart, beat for your husband which is the biggest mistake of my life. Now tell me, how can I protect myself if I didn''t make you notice me? Would you even be sitting here right at this moment and be willing to listen to me? Will your husband even bat an eye when he sees me? No. He would get rid of me as well. How can I remain sane, tell me, Lexi Yang! Tell me!" From ridiculing how things were too messed up, Avah Tong''s manner escted as her voice raised to the top of her lungs. She ground her teeth as her grip on the armrest tightened, digging her nails into it.


    Indeed, although her initial n was to stay low after scaring Ethan Lu for here back, she never thought that she would meet Lexi the same day she was epted in AL Entertainment. After all, she truly thought that Lexi never bothered in the affairs of the said agency and never visited even once. Thus, she was confident.


    However, it just so happened that she already made hereback known to Ethan Lu. Therefore, she had no choice but to resort to her n B: make Lexi Yang notice her. Whether it was to harass her or calmly talk to her, she doesn''t care because Lexi was the closest person to Ethan Lu who has ess to the Lu family¡ª specifically, to Dennis Lu.


    "You will understand what I am saying once you''ve be a mother. The despair of having my child taken away from me. He owes me that¡ª Ethan owes me that." Keeping everything together, Avah Tong was near her breaking point again. Lexi hit her hard when she mentioned her child and how she has to live every single day being a cursed mother. However, she didn''t want that to happen.


    "If I told him to meet me back then, will hee? No. He hated me because I deceived him but I needed him¡ª me and my son needed help. If he truly cared, even if it was not to me just for my child, he should have arrived at that time! I hate him and everyone in the Lu family. If you refuse to help me, I swear you won''t like what I will do." Letting out all the umted grudges in her heart through the years, Avah Tong''s gaze never once left Lexi. Now that everything wasid in the table, she would not go home crying. She must benefit in any way, even though she knew full well that her threats were nothing but empty words. After all, she wanted her child back and to forget the bad memories that happened.


    Lexi absorbed all Avah Tong''s sentiments; whether they made sense or not. She didn''t respond immediately as she stared at the woman across her. Her pair of eyes didn''t give any hint of what was currently going on inside it. After a good one minute of silence, Lexi finally broke the quietness.


    "Have you ever been lied to? It''s one of the worse feelings in the world. Still, you have the gall to me everything on him? Huh, funny aren''t you?" Feeling little to no empathy, Lexi criticized how Avah Tong rationalized things to make it reasonable. She hated it when she was being lied to many times in the past. Thus, she could totally understand her husband not because she loves him but because it''s a natural response for a normal human being with feelings.


    Does she think that Ethan Lu was a mindless robot? In her eyes, Avah Tong was nothing but a selfish woman who refused to ept that the root of her dilemma was herself.


    "Regardless, the information you gave me is quite interesting¡­ even though I don''t fully trust them. Nevertheless, I''ll give you the benefit of the doubt." Staring back at Avah Tong, Lexi added as she habitually tapped her finger on the armrest. "Say, Miss Tong, shall we negotiate? For the peace of our lives? I want your full detailed side of the story back then." The corner of Lexi''s lips stretched into a smirk as a glint shed across her eyes.


    "Fine!" Staring back at Lexi''s sneering eyes, Avah Tong hesitated for a second before conceding in the end. She began detailing the urrence she remembered that night, plus how she initially approached Ethan Lu, and the whole schemed.


    "I see. Well, if that''s the case, I have another demand..." Studying Avah Tong''s determined front, Lexi nodded her head as she absorbed every little detail of the other side of the coin. Hence, she began spouting her conditions.


    "What¡­?" Upon hearing hertter demand, Avah Tong''s eyes slowly widened while Nico Zhuang, on the other hand, knitted his brows.


    "Hmm? Aren''t you a loving mother as you im you are? Then, I don''t think this is something you''d be unwilling to do." Feigning innocence, Lexi indifferently shrugged her shoulders as her sneer was hidden under her downturned lips.


    "You''re cruel¡­ you really suited for each other." Avah Tong could only scoff at Lexi in disdain. Yet, it didn''t give any impact to Lexi as she has the upper hand. Moreover, she was the one who needed her and not the other way around. Thus, she doesn''t have any other choice even if Lexi would trash talk her.


    "Well, as I said, you brought everything to yourself, didn''t you?" Still bearing the same nonchnce, Lexi was unbothered by the res of the woman opposite her. Well, since she doesn''t fully trust her, she wouldn''t mind using her like cannon fodder to have an eye to the side of the Lu''s that they were unable to see.


    "That''s it for today. You can continue being a leech to my riches but, don''t forget what I am asking of you." Diverting the subject, Lexi finally ended this meeting as she benefited a lot of unexpected information. Without further ado, she picked up her handbag and was about to leave the room. However, just as she reached the door, Lexi turned around as if she had forgotten something.


    "By the way, don''t try doing something funny¡ª you already made me notice you so, I''m watching your every move. Enjoy your uing days!" With that said mocking note, Lexi resumed on exiting the office while Nico Zhuang followed from behind.


    ****


    Inside Ethan Lu''s car, the coldness of the inbound breezeing out from the air conditioner could not bepared to the dreaded chilliness emanating from Ethan Lu in the back passenger seat. Lyrick Jiang constantly nced through the rear mirror as he was somewhat bothered by his master''s silence.


    After all, he could freshly remember the urrence earlier as his master, for the first time, beat someone that bad. It didn''t stop there as he was harassed by Jarred Guo which was his forte by the way. Nevertheless, Lyrick Jiang''s fright towards his master had taken to another degree.


    Although he knew full well that Ethan Lu was merely doing that as his way of retaliation, still, what if another Lu member tried to physically harm Lexi or the twins? What kind of transformation would he be like then? Thus, Lyrick Jiang was afraid and at the same time, worried.


    "Master, about Sir Dennis¡ª" Clearing his throat, Lyrick Jiang could not take this silence anymore. They haven''t nned yet which was the most crucial part of all of this. Ethan Lu hadn''t talked about what he has in mind and what he wanted to do to Dennis Lu.


    "Lyrick¡­" Without averting his eyes away from the shing side of the road via the window, Ethan Lu emotionlessly called. Lyrick Jiang had instantly shut his mouth, swallowing the rest of his words down to his throat.


    "Drive me to the main residence. I need to meet grandpa." Still staring outside, Ethan Lu meekly ordered.


    "Yes," Nodding his head along with his response, Lyrick Jiang immediately executed the orders while Jarred Guo wordlessly made a turn and drove towards the main residence.


    Meanwhile, as the two busied themselves, Ethan Lu slid his hand inside his suit and picked up his smartphone. Speed-dialing Lexi''s contact number, he ced the device in front of his ear as he waited for the call to be picked up.


    "Hey love, have you arrived at our parent''s ce?" The moment the line connected, Ethan Lu was graced with Lexi''s lovely voice which slightly calmed his muddled mind.


    "Mhmm, not yet. I''ll be there a littlete¡ª meeting with grandpa tonight." Humming a tune, Ethan Lu meekly replied after a sigh escaped from his mouth.


    "Something wrong?" Noticing his odd tone, Lexi slightly creased her brows as she instantly distinguished his current mood by the tone of his voice.


    "No, I mean, yes. I will tell you the detailster okay? I just called to say that I''ll be homete."


    "Okay, I also have something to tell you. Take care, okay? I love you." Not pressing on the matter anymore, Lexi mildly nodded her head a little even though he was not seeing her gesture.


    "Alright, I love you more." With that said note, the brief call came to an end. Her genuine care and bottomless understanding was enough to bring a little smile on his lips. God¡­ she was his haven, indeed. Just hearing her voice soothed the tangled strings in his head.


    "Lyrick, what''s your deduction for the information we gained today?" As Ethan Lu ced his phone back in his pocket, he nced at the back of the seat of the front passenger seat where his assistant perched.


    "Huh?" Lyrick Jiang was a little in trance hence, it took him five seconds to absorb the question thrown at him. Clearing his throat, Lyrick Jiang rummaged his mind as he kept his thoughts about earlier to the side. "Based on my observation, David Choi is mostly telling the truth as the investigations our men did earlier matched that Mr. Choi had been recently going out with Charlie Mao, Sir Dennis Lu''s assistant." Giving out the confirmation he received earlier, Lyrick Jiang unfalteringly reported.


    "No, not that." Shaking his head sideways, Ethan Lu let out a faint sigh as he turned to look at the window again. "Do you think Uncle Den is really the person behind it? It just doesn''t make sense that everything was being pointed at him. He might be ambitious and stupid but he''s not reckless. His ways were old fashioned and he would rather take things slowly than letting his scheme backfire on him." Finally opening his mouth, Ethan Lu gave him the details of what Dennis Lu was in his eyes.


    Indeed, Dennis Lu might not be that likeable but, he wouldn''t survive in the Lu family if he was that stupid. All his schemes would beid out on the table the moment Ethan Lu took over but so far, all the people he caught doing corruption in thepany ended up with them. They were never linked to Dennis Lu nor has it been proven he was associated with him. Hence, he was still free.


    Regardless, that just means to say that all the efforts Dennis Lu did to conceal his involvement in any shady business inside thepany, would all be for naught just to scare Lexi. It never made any sense¡ª no matter which angle he looked at it¡ª and he wouldn''t benefit in many ways.


    The very reason why Ethan Lu needed his grandfather''s advice. After all, even though Edward Lu was the father of Dennis Lu, he was never biased. Well, one way or another, he was but in this case, Ethan Lu believed that his grandfather would be fair and just.


    ''That¡­ I overlooked that part.'' Murmuring his thoughts inside his mind, Lyrick Jiang pursed his lips into a thin line as his brows creased. What his master''s thoughts made was a clear point which was quite fascinating. He overlooked that part as his patterns were always going forward but, he was amazed that Ethan Lu took a step back to think and rationalize things.


    It was not that Lyrick Jiang wasn''t as keen as he was supposed to be but, it just so happened that he was well-versed about Dennis Lu''s greed to conquer the whole Lu Corporation. Furthermore, he only knew that side of Dennis Lu. Therefore, his perspective was slightly different from Ethan Lu.

 Chapter 429: Endless Questions

    <h4>429 Endless Questions</h4>


    [Lu main residence]


    "Hmm¡­" Humming a dawdling tune, Edward Lu rubbed his nched bearded chin as his eyes narrowed. Thirty minutes ago, his ever cute grandson surprised visited him and now, the conclusion of the visit was a huge dilemma. Well, it was?not that surprising as he was always there to save the day, anyway.


    "My grandson, what are the things you want to hear from me then?" Raising his gaze, Edward Lu set his wrinkled eyes to Ethan Lu''s poker face while his right brow arched.


    "Grandpa, you know what I came here for: what do you think about my conclusion? Is your son that dumb?" Ethan Lu bluntly intrigued as his gaze never once left his grandfather. In his eyes, Edward Lu was oddly calm despite hearing that his beloved granddaughter-inw had encountered such a situation.


    "Hey, is that how you should talk to your grandfather? Tch. I knew it I shouldn''t have transferred the majority of my shares to you. My dearest precious Lexi should have just been my heir!" Humphing, Edward Lu''s focus had been diverted. Instead of delving into Ethan Lu''s main concern, heined his displeasure as his grandson and granddaughter-inw were too busy.


    Fortunately, Lexi never forgot about him and asionally give him a call whenever she could. Moreover, Lillian Yang would always send him her homemade tea, hence, his frustration wasn''t that severe. Still, he was displeased that this grandson of his would only go to him every time he needed his help. How unfilial!


    "Grandpa, you know everyone''s eyes were on me. Your position as the former master should not be questioned as biased. Our men have beencking activities and before my rules are implemented, we cannot risk anything just yet." Still bearing the unfazed front despite his grandfather''s whims, Ethan Lu exined the obvious.


    Although he really didn''t need to verbalize this because Edward Lu must have figured that out, still, he did.?After all, his grandfather had been rather emotionaltely hence, Lexi would often give him a call.


    "Humph!" Letting out another humph again, Edward Lu peered at his uptight grandson with disdain. Just how long had it been since they had conversed? Why does his grandson seem he matured¡ª?too matured¡ª?overnight? Oh well, being the head of the Lu family, it was automatic that he needed to consider everything.


    "Your Uncle? Tch," Going back to the real subject, Edward Lu snapped his tongue in mockery. "Didn''t I tell you the reason why?I never picked him as my heir? He was easily manipted without his knowledge. What a fool of a child." Edward Lu shook his head sideways as some memories shed across his mind which made him scoffed. If not for the fact that Dennis Lu was his biological son, he would have already banished him from his sight.


    "No, son." Without batting an eye, Edward Lu shook his head as he responded which threw Ethan Lu in a pond of question marks. Thus, he remained silent as he patiently waited for his grandfather''s boration.


    "You''re deductions are more or less what I will think if it was me. Granted that your uncle is indeed?a fool for being greedy of greater power and control for authority, but not to the extent of revealing his true colors. If so, I, myself would skin him alive." Edward Lu nonchntly shrugged his shoulder as he uttered his words in a matter-of-fact tone.


    Although he was lenient to his son, it would be a challenge in his power and leadership if he gave some extra privileges to his sons. Therefore, he was extra strict with his kindred, especially to his sons when they were just boys until both Ethan Lu''s father and Dennis Lu grew up and started their own family.


    Regardless, that doesn''t mean he didn''t know Dennis Lu''s ambitious personality. He just turned a blind eye on it because, well, he wasn''t as unbiased as they thought he was. He still loves his sons in his own unconventional way, that is.


    "To what I see, my boy, your uncle is being used as?someone''s shield to divert your eyes from them. Your uncle will never order his assistant to personally hire someone to threaten my precious Lexi knowing what you might do. Well, my assumptions may be right or wrong as the information is too vague but, I survived all these years thanks to my hunches." Edward Lu continued as he ended his statement with a ratherplex tone. That was just to say that it was just his personal?opinion since it was not a secret about the constant disagreement of Ethan Lu and Dennis Lu.


    "I see¡­" Slowly, Ethan Lu''s eyes blinked as he nodded his head in understanding. At the very least, he and his grandfather''s thoughts matched. Hence, that gave him the conviction to judge properly and thoroughly investigate the matter.


    "But, if it''s proven that your uncle is involved in some corruption in thepany, Ethan, I beg that you''ll give him to me. I think it''s partially my fault as his father." At this point, Edward Lu''s nonchnce and cheery aura slowly transformed into a solemn one. Since Ethan Lu was now the family head, even if he was the former master, Ethan Lu still has thest call on what punishment he wanted to do for those people who schemed from behind him; especially those core members of their family.


    "It is your duty to discipline your child, no need to beg me, grandpa." With that said solemn note, Ethan Lu slowly rose from his seat as he got what he needed to know.


    "Tch, brat." Clicking his tongue, Edward Lu shook his head sideways as he watched his grandson prepare himself to depart after slightly bowing his head to give his respect to his old man.


    Just as Ethan Lu was on the door, he turned back as if he had forgotten something. "By the way grandpa, please stop calling Lexi your precious ¡ª she''s my precious." After saying his piece, Ethan Lu resumed his tracks and left ¡ª rendering Edward Lu speechless by nitpicking the small details.


    "That brat!" Edward Lu ground his teeth as he unintentionally mmed his fist on the surface of the table. The teacups and utensils cked and shook from the impact as the old man was throwing a huge fit.


    ****


    [Back in the Yang Mansion: Lexi''s Room]


    It was already ten in the evening and yet, Ethan Lu has not yet arrived at the yang''s manor. On the other hand, Lexi already helped her parents ¡ª by watching them ¡ª put the twins to sleep as they read some children''s books.


    Soon, both Frederick and Lillian Yang resigned to bed after catching up with their daughter about her day and the current urrence in Yang Company. Still, after all that, Ethan Lu hadn''t arrived?and neither was he picking up his phone.


    Waiting for her husband to arrive, Lexi perched on her original room''s balcony. With a ss of wine to chill her body and rx her mind, while wearing a bathrobe with a dumpling print on the sleeve part.


    "Dennis Lu¡­ where did you hide the child?" Under her breath, Lexi mumbled as her gaze stared at her winess while she mildly twirled it.


    Recalling her earlier meeting with Avah Tong, Lexi was genuinely concerned about the child. Avah Tong might not know it or was just pretending not to, but Lexi was also a mother. She could imagine the grief of her twins being taken away from her.


    Perhaps she wouldn''t just turn into a deranged woman, but she would wreak havoc?if necessary. Avah Tong''s story and everything was surprisingly?consistent?but that didn''t single out the fact that she was not trustworthy.


    Even so, upon hearing the details of that night where she lost everything and was even put inside a psychiatric ward, Lexi was more or less intrigued. What Avah Tong told her was just vague memories of that night as she was under the influence of some kind?of strong drugs.


    Therefore, she too was uncertain who took the child away from her as her vision yed with her. Still, knowing that Dennis Lu has been ordering her to make an abortion or just leave the country, Avah Tong was certain that he took the child. In that case, no matter how much Avah Tong screamed that her child was his, there wouldn''t be any proof since the child''s whereabouts were unknown.


    Or so¡­ that''s what Avah Tong''s assumption was that made her so certain that Dennis Lu took her child away. However, no matter how the pieces fit together, Lexi had this unsettling feeling that?there was more in it.


    Let''s take it in Lexi''s perspective:


    Certainly, Dennis Lu knew from the start that he was the father. Still, from the very beginning, he had foreseen that Avah Tong''s ns were all for naught with Edward Lu around. Yet, Avah Tong was one step ahead of him as she foolishly made it known to Ethan Lu that she was pregnant.


    Hence, enters the dilemma. Dennis Lu could not send Avah Tong away just like that because Ethan Lu was protecting her?at that time. If he daringly does, he would expose his affair with someone half his age and his scheme to control Ethan Lu by using Avah Tong to make him fall for her.


    Surely, this alone was a pure humiliation for Ethan Lu''s ego as a man¡ª?having his woman at that time?being in bed with his uncle¡ª?it''s sickening! Even Lexi feels extremely?disgusted just with the thought.


    Regardless, Avah Tong was left untouchable for her whole pregnancy until her plot was exposed by Edward Lu. Now, after losing the Lu family heir''s good graces, Avah Tong was left defenseless. Hence, it would be natural that Dennis Lu would enter the picture again.


    However, the one thing that Lexi questioned about the whole situation was that: why didn''t Dennis Lu send Avah Tong and her child away? Why take the child alone and let her stay?


    Why would he let Avah Tong be discovered by Ethan Lu and make her be admitted as a crazy person? Just why?


    After all, he could''ve sent his woman and an illegitimate child far away from the country. Dennis Lu wasn''tcking in wealth, so supporting the child wouldn''t hurt his pockets. Therefore, it would be a neat move if he resolved it that way instead of taking away the child and let Avah Tong run freely after many years.


    Just as Lexi was deep in her trance, she somehow didn''t notice that Ethan Lu''s car arrived minutes ago and already headed inside. After several minutes, Ethan Lu finally reached her room that the two of them used as their room after they got married.


    "Penny for your thoughts?" Seeing that his wife was mindlessly staring at the ss of wine, Ethan Lu slowly made his way towards the balcony where she was at before leaning on the sliding door''s jamb.


    Upon hearing the sudden interruption of the silent air, Lexi snapped from her stupor and immediately turned towards her smiling husband. However, instead of jolting from her seat and giving him a warm wee home hug, Lexi raised her unreadable gaze and halted it on his eyes.


    "Why stare at me like that?" Furrowing his brows by the way?she looked at him, Ethan Lu reached for the empty ss of wine before pouring himself a drink. As he took a sip, he nced back at her with a confused look.


    "Love, did you know you were sharing one woman with your uncle?" Blinking once, Lexi unhesitatingly blurted out which made Ethan Lu nearly choked on his drink and let out a series of painful coughs.

 Chapter 430: I mean, what the f*ck?

    <h4>430 I mean, what the f*ck?</h4>


    "Hmm¡­" Watching her husband struggle to recover, Lexi hummed a tune as she calmly nodded her head before taking a sip of wine.


    "I have somewhat gained an Ally that can turn against me at any given time?if she will. So, are you ready to hear Avah''s side of the story?" Lexi arched her brows as she leaned her back against the cold marbled chair on the balcony.


    "Ah?" Blinking his widened eyes numerous times, Ethan Lu tilted his head to the side as he slowly went to take the other small chair just across her.


    "You and Avah? Ally? Uh¡­ why? I mean, what the f*ck?" As he plopped down, Ethan Lu''s bewilderment wouldn''tpare to his encounter all day. First, Lexi''s shocking greeting and now, she was telling him she made an alliance with his ex?


    Just what the f*ck was going on? He was just separated from Lexi for half a day and now, she carried this shocking news. Oh, dear...


    "I just found out that Avah is looking for her child and she believed that it''s in your uncle Dennis''s care. Yes, she was sleeping with him before and during her intercourses with you¡­" Lexi nkly stared at her spouse as she stripped all the sugarcoating and delivered all information that she obtained


    She could clearly?see every change of his expression from shock to disbelief, to utter disgust, and until they reached the part that Lexi spoke her conclusion which made the two of them share a solemn atmosphere.


    "What do you think? Avah can most likely do nothing under my watch aside from benefiting as a trainee. Also, Her, throwing herself back to your uncle''s arms to have a closer eye attached to his every move is a good trade, correct?" Lexi began to mildly twirl the good wine again before she elegantly sniffed it and took a sip.


    "If she ends up going back on her words and colludes with your uncle, then, we can just use that to put your uncle in a disadvantage by having an affair and an illegitimate child. I won''t lose anything anyway if worsees to worst." ncing back at her husband, Lexi marginally arched her brows as she let him have a moment of silence.


    ''The night howl is quite?lonely tonight.'' As she let her Ethan Lu absorb everything¡ª?including the disgusting part that they shared with one woman in the past¡ª?Lexi turned her head towards her right where she could see the view of the Yang Mansion''s garden.


    "If that''s your n then, let''s do it with extra discretion. Damn, that piece of¡ª!" After some time, Ethan Lu finally spoke as he gently nodded his head before he was reminded that he was using the same woman that was his uncle''s leftover. Disgusting and degrading for a man! On a second thought, perhaps, that was karma for his reckless sex drive.


    "What? Love, no! Urgh! This is pure humiliation! I don''t even want to be linked to the two of them¡ª?jeez!" Ethan Lu protested as he looked at Lexi''s side profile with disbelief.


    If he was given the chance, he would like to unhear that single part. However, this only proved that Lexi was still bugged at Avah Tong''s existence and she indirectly wanted him to leave whatever lingering feelings¡ª?whether it was love or hate¡ª?that he has.?After all, having any type of?emotion to a person means, one way or another, that person has a ce in one''s heart no matter how big or small it was.


    Regardless, Lexi''s decision had made sense. With Avah Tong under her keen watch, it was easier for her to take action if she noticed one slight suspicion. Just like the phrase: "keep your friends close and your enemies closer."


    "Ethan, how was your meeting earlier?" Diverting the subject in the middle of her husband''s uprising boiling point, Lexi slowly cast him a side nce.


    "Ah? It went well." Slightly distracted, Ethan Lu indifferently shrugged his shoulders before drinking a mouthful of wine to satiate his thirst to set Dennis Lu and Avah Tong on fire.


    "I meant the caller earlier, you met him?" Arching her brows, Lexi transparently inquired which made Ethan Lu almost choked from the wine, again.


    "*coughs* what?" In the middle of his coughs, Ethan Lu patted his chest as he raised his head to his wife. Surely, Lexi had been too blunt and her timing was always when he drinks something¡ª?catching him off-guard, again.


    "Are you going to deny it?" Feigning innocence about her purposeful mischief, Lexi knitted her brows.


    "I mean, how did you know that I was able to track him down?"


    "Because I''m your wife?" Lexi responded in a matter of fact tone as she slightly tilted her head to the side.


    "Uhh¡­ well, I did and I don''t want to go into the details of our meeting but yeah, I did. Long story short, it turned out that the person who called you was hired by Dennis''s assistant and was tasked to have a lovely chat with you." Ethan Lu let out a deep sigh as he raised his white g.


    His wife was too smart for him and before he knew it, she would already know things before she would ask him. Good thing he has practiced transparency since day one or else, their rtionship would be in a dire, shaky situation.


    Regardless, Ethan Lu still saved her the details of how he literally beat up a man to the extent of being unrecognizable.?After all, it was not something he should unt as he was nearly blinded by his rage.


    It was still a good thing that he had forbidden himself to carry weapons or Ethan Lu was afraid that he would have murdered someone already. Surely, he learned a lesson today: he must continue not to carry weapons as it might lead him to an unsightly situation if his bottom line was touched again.


    "Dennis again¡­" Nodding her head in acknowledgment, Lexi mumbled as Dennis Lu''s image got another ck mark to his already tainted character to Lexi''s eyes.


    "Love¡­" Slowly, Ethan Lu reached his hand to Lexi''s hand that?was on herp. Caressing the back of her hand with his thumb, the corner of his lips stretched a little upward.


    "Dennis will have his day and it will not be long when I turn him in to grandpa so he can properly discipline his son. That man earlier as well¡ª?he will never bother you." Ethan Lu offered a genuine and reassuring smile as he made friction with her cold hand.


    He had been telling her countless sorrys and thank you''s for her efforts just like today. Still, no amount of thanks could express his gratitude for having such an amazing wife. Truly, he was blessed.


    Therefore, he too must act. Whether he needed to be ruthless and heartless, if he could protect Lexi, their beloved twins, and save them from all these problems, he would undoubtedly be the most wicked man alive.


    He has been too lenient and his aggressiveness wasn''t enough to make them cower in fear. He needed to toughen his heart even more and not just imnt fear to the troublesome family members. He must impose his true power and the consequences if they did something silly under his nose.


    "You didn''t kill him, right? The man earlier." Pursing her lips on a thin line, Lexi finally mustered her courage and asked the one thing that bothered her until now.


    "Of course not. I can''t do that." Smiling, Ethan Lu shook his head sideways as he gently replied as if her question was silly. He then slowly dragged his chair towards Lexi as he ced soft kisses on the back of her hand.


    "Then, what did you do to him?"


    "Hmm? Let''s just say he has learned his lesson today in the most memorable and hardest way possible. I made him regret that single phone call for the rest of his life." Ethan Lu paused from showering her hand with love before he slowly raised his head to meet her lovely pair of eyes.


    Unbeknownst to him, as he spouted his response, a malicious glint shed across his eyes while the corner of his lips slightly curved into a vicious smirk. He revealed a glimpse of his inner dark side which Lexi wasn''t surprised to see.


    "That''s good to know then." Staring at his pair of dark orbs, Lexi retracted her other hand away from the wine ss before she lifted it to cup his cheek.


    "Don''t worry, I will never let another person threaten you or they will note back in one piece. Will you still love me if I''ve be the most wicked man?" cing his other hand on top of her that was cupping his cheek, Ethan Lu''s eyes slightly shook as his grip tightened a little.


    "I will kill to protect our family as well¡ª?how can I hate you?" Lexi meekly smiled as Ethan Lu''s facade was slowly shattering before her eyes.


    Indeed, Nico Zhuang was doubtlessly wrong. Ethan Lu was a good man but only to those he cared for and those who never had any ill-intention towards him.


    But, to others especially those he was against¡ª?he''s entirely a different person. Even Lexi would have a hard time distinguishing where her husband has gone off if she ever confronted the face of the dark side of him.


    "Jeez¡­ how can you give me butterflies in my stomach every day?" Ethan Lu slowly grinned as he could not help his moved heart disy on his flushed cheek.


    "Natural talent, I guess." Humoring back, Lexi chuckled as she shrugged her shoulders. Soon, the atmosphere between them lightened up as the two teased each other and nned in between their night quality time.


    ****


    [BONUS SCENE: GRAND LUXURY HOTEL]


    "Weird¡­ a misclick? Oh well, that means I''ll get easypensation." Baffled as to?why Lexi would call her at this hour, Aubrey Ning tossed her phone to the side with a shrug and an intrigued expression was stered on her entire face.


    Well, she heard someone on Lexi''s background saying she didn''t want to y anymore. Therefore, how could Aubrey Ning not be intrigued by that cliffhanger? Just how?!


    "Lexi?" Suddenly, a man''s hoarse voice was heard on the other side of the bed before his muscr arms wrapped around Aubrey Ning''s toned, naked hips underneath the nket.


    "Uh huh, and she left me with the biggest cliffhanger. I don''t know if she''s teasing me or what since she knew I am pretty much?boredtely." Aubrey Ning rolled her eyes as she turned to the man on her side.


    There, Benjamin Shao with his rare sight of unruly hair, bare shoulders that were left uncovered by the nket, and his eye ogling side profile.


    "Bored?" Upon hearing the word ''bored'', Aubrey Ning saw his brow slightly crease before he made an effort to turn to face her. "Are you bored even now?" Tilting his head to the side, Benjamin Shao innocently asked as his gaze pierced through her eyes to the depths of her soul.


    "What if I am?" Challenging him, Aubrey Ning arched her brows as the corner of her lips curled up into a sly smirk.


    "Oh?" Not surprised, Benjamin Shao slowly nodded his head in understanding. After a second, in just a blink of an eye, Benjamin Shao pulled down the nket that was covering Aubrey Ning''s naked body before he showed up on top of her.


    "Were you teasing me, Miss Ning? If so, don''t beg for moreter." Staring down at Aubrey Ning''s lovely eyes, her long curled eyshes fluttering, a smirk formed on the corner of Benjamin Shao''s lips before he leaned down and dominated her alluring lips.

 Chapter 431: Correct. I am asking you to be my date.

    <h4>431 Correct. I am asking you to be my date.</h4>


    Several dayster, it was finally the day Frederick and Lillian Yang departed for their business trip and Mr. Tang''s birthday celebration at night. Within the past few days, Lexi and Ethan Lu had temporarily resided at the Yang Mansion as they could not bear to go back and forth every night from the Yang residence to their home. Moreover, perhaps because they are already parents, they were still having this strange separation anxiety.


    "Take care Mom, Dad." Smiling, Lexi''s eyes softened as she gently reminded her parents to enjoy the trip and not exhaust themselves too much over the call. She wanted to personally drop them off but her father insisted that there was no need.


    "Don''t worry about us, dear. We will keep in touch and ask for updates of our adorable twins." Lillian Yang chuckled as she mildly shook her head. Lexi has been such a worrywart still, Lillian and Frederick Yang were moved?regardless. She wasn''t like this in the past but ever since she had grown more matured and became a mother herself, Lexi sometimes acted as her parent''s mother.


    "Anyway, dear, we prepared a gift for Mr. Tang and it probably arrived at home. Should we send it to your office or you''ll pick it upter?" Diverting the subject, Lillian Yang was reminded of thete delivery of their supposed gift to their business partner. Hence, she asked Lexi so she could ask someone to deliver it to her as Lillian Yang was unsure of Lexi''s tight schedule.


    "I''ll pick it up since I have to run an errand near the house."


    "Okay¡­ oops, time to board. See you in a week, dear~ Kiss the twins for me~!" Despite Lexi not seeing her every gesture, Lillian Yang nodded her head before she chuckled and reminded her again to kiss the twins for her.


    "Yes, see you in a week, Mom. Take care." Lexi meekly smiled before she heard the beeping sound indicating that the call finally ended. She ced down her phone back to one of the drawers in her desk before a heavy sigh escaped her mouth.


    Tonight, she has to attend a party and make a public appearance for the first time in a long time. It was not that Lexi was against it as she was doing it on her own volition but rather,?she still preferred that Ethan Lu would be there to apany her.


    Sadly, he has an important deal that concerns the government as Ethan Lu had been firming his ties to some politician he was supporting. Regardless, it would be a waste to deliver the good news to Mr. Tang about their rtionship if the other was not there.


    "Whatever¡­ it is what it is." Lexi shrugged her shoulders as she threw her thoughts to the back of her mind. Before turning to face herputer screen before checking some articles regarding the scandal of HG Holdings'' CEO and Cherry.


    Nevertheless, it was safe to say that Hannah Gan was back in the limelight¡ª?her shine gleaming brighter with every project and photoshoot. Of course, since Lexi wanted to make her the ultimate superstar and AL entertainments biggest money tree, she made sure to keep track of her projects and each script that was offered to her.


    "Oh? Che Diayu?" While Lexi was scrolling down, something was caught from the side of her eye which made the cursor move and click the interesting article. The title? It was "Facts about a celebrity heiress you didn''t know."


    Although the name wasn''t dropped, the person who posted this article didn''t even exert effort to choose a picture that could make Che Diayu recognizable. It was just a slightly blurred photo but just with a nce, those who knew Che Diayu would know it was her.


    "So, here are the facts about this celebrity sh an heiress of XX Holdings, and we better give her the alias of Miss Jewel, that you didn''t know:


    Miss Jewel likes jewelry that she would d herself with shining, shimmering, splendid essories to cover up her very rotten attitude. This girl, Miss Jewel, was known as the bubbly sweet girl but behind that sweet, innocent smile, Miss Jewel was the darkest character that could shake the heavens!


    Miss Jewel once imed a man beyond her reach as her beloved boyfriend while seducing other men on the side. What??:O"


    Lexi could not help but chuckle as she read the amateurishly written article that was too creatively blunt with his/her words. Perhaps, it could be considered just a in blog to diss Che Diayu for fun.


    However, what Lexi was certain of was that the person behind this has deep grudges against Che Diayu. Well, it was?not that shocking as Che Diayu had a hateful character that would lead her to her own doom one of these days.


    Hence, that day has slowly arrived. Too bad, one way or another, Lexi also took part in her downfall as she literally dragged her father''s name in her artist''s scandal to salvage their situation. Still, she felt zero guilt about it.?After all, Lexi just merely returned the issue that was theirs?in the first ce.


    "Huh, Rika must see this. I''m sure she''ll love this." Shaking her head sideways, Lexi was reminded of her best friend who also resented Che Diayu''s big head.


    Just then, Lexi heard a knock from outside her office before she permitted the only person who would knock on the door instead of hearing Nico Zhuang''s voice over the telephone.


    Slowly, the door silently creaked open and revealed Nico Zhuang''sposed figure. He slowly headed inside after a slight bow and carried another batch of documents that Lexi needed to be reviewed for their next productunch.


    "These are thest batches to be signed and approved for today before we proceed to Mr. Tang''s birthday celebration." As usual, he bore his stern voice intact as he put the documents on the other side of the desk.


    "Alright." Lexi nodded her head in nonchnce as she nced at the few documents she must review and approve for the next two hours. Looking up, Lexi knitted her brows as she sees Nico Zhuang not leaving like what he usually does after delivering some paperwork.


    "What?"


    "Madam, I am still bothered about your deal with Miss Tong. Is it really?alright to let her get in contact with Sir Dennis?" Nico Zhuang hesitated for a second but ryed his thoughts out loud?in the end. Well, he was present when Lexi was negotiating with Avah Tong.


    Nico Zhuang might not say it aloud but after thinking about it for quite some time, he could not keep his thoughts in his mind anymore.?After all, what they were dealing with was undoubtedly concerning. Plus, letting Avah Tong partake in it would just add with their worries if she ever betrayed them.?After all, Avah Tong was clearly?not a person that they could take her words seriously. She was shameless enough not to see her wrongs therefore, it would not shock him if she ended up colluding with Dennis Lu.


    "Hmm? That Dennis might get rid of Avah himself, save me the trouble of appearing as a bad person. Also, that woman was selfish, she must have known by now who she should side with even if it means swallowing her nonexistent pride. Don''t worry about it, Nico." Lexi arched brows upon listening to what concerned him before she lightly shrugged her shoulders and leaned her back against the chair.


    Usually, Nico Zhuang would keep his thoughts inside him but now, he did otherwise. Therefore, Lexi figured that he was truly bothered.?After all, Nico Zhuang had this not-so-surprising mentality to protect the person he epted as his master. The transparency of their rtionship was just an added bonus as Lexi first knew him as her ssmate and friend.


    "I am just concerned, Madam." Slightly bowing his head, Nico Zhuang expressed his worries that might befall her.?After all, Lexi might be smart and wise but, the people she was about to mess with were also vicious and scheming. Even his master has to take a few steps back or else, he would be ensnared by their traps.


    "Thank you, Nico. I have everyone watching my back, including you. Is there something I should be worried about if I have tons of eyes looking out for me?" Lexi briefly chuckled as her gaze slightly narrowed, as if smiling. The corner of her lips curled a little upward as well which slightly relieved him.


    "No."


    "See? As long as we don''t forget to be wary, then, I don''t think they can even get close to me or to Ethan. Anyway, you''ll have to apany meter but with some distance. Ask Miss Chang to be your date since I can''t let others know I sneaked my bodyguard inside the event¡ª?Mr. Tang will be displeased." Diverting the subject, Lexi spun her chair and faced the monitor. She closed the unnecessary tabs as she muttered her orders which made her fail to notice Nico Zhuang''s twitching brows.


    "Why would I need a date?" Cringing to her orders, Nico Zhuang''s stoic face slightly scrunched, showing his displeasure of the idea. Well, it was?not that he was against Andy Chang as hispanion, but rather,?the idea of?having a date.


    "I''m ying as a cupid, duh? Don''tin, I need more invites for tonight''s party." Lexi rolled her eyes as she humored the upset Nico Zhuang. Regardless, she would really need more people as the party forter would be quite?interesting as a little diversion from the tension in the Lu family affairs.


    "Huh¡­" Rendered speechless at Lexi''s teasing remarks, Nico Zhuang slightly knitted his brows. "Okay." Nevertheless, Nico Zhuang still nodded his head as he agreed to Lexi''s orders. He knew her ns forter hence, he didn''t give much thought about her humor: whether she was serious or just purely teasing him. With that said note, Nico Zhuang wordlessly left the office and didn''t nce back at Lexi.


    ****


    [Beauty DR: HR Department]


    Thirty minutester, Nico Zhuang finished some documents that only needed to go through him and his approval even without going through Lexi. Hence, knowing he only has another one?and half hour left before Lexi would prepare herself to the said party, Nico Zhuang decided to head to Andy Chang''s office.


    Arriving at the HR Department, Nico Zhuang, as usual, was greeted by employees with a bow. Though his surface never changes with this kind of treatment, inside him, he would never probably get used to it.?After all, the only respect he received was due to his strength and skills to make the shadow guards in the Lu Family respect him¡ª?he subdued them all and gained his position as a captain. However, now was entirely a different situation or to what he believed. Even so, that was one of his least concerns.


    As Nico Zhuang arrived in front of the HR Director''s office, he lightly knocked three times before he heard Andy Chang''s gentle voice say "Come in". Thus, ignoring the fact that she didn''t even get to know who was outside nor the absence of her assistant, Nico Zhuang slowly opened the door.


    "Pie, can you¡ª" As the door opened, Andy Chang was unsmilingly going through some folders before she was about to order the person that entered; which she assumed as her assistant to run an errand for her.


    However, the moment she lifted her head towards the direction of the door, Andy Chang was momentarily stunned seeing Nico Zhuang''s ssic inexpressive front while looking straight at her.


    "Mr. Zhuang!" Andy Chang instantly jolted from her seat as she unintentionally raised her voice. "Uhm, I''m sorry I didn''t know you''d being. Is there something you need?" Hurriedly, Andy Chang made her way to properly wee one of her bosses before her big boss Lexi. Since she was slightly shaken by his sudden visit, she clumsily hit a few folders that slid down to the floor.


    "I''m sorry, oh dear¡­" Flinching at the crashing noise of the folders to the floor, Andy Chang felt ridiculously anxious as she didn''t know whether to tend to whatever needs Nico Zhuang has or to fix her desk and files on the floor.


    "I came here because I need a date for tonight''s event." As he watched her pick up the scattered papers on the floor, Nico Zhuang uttered without batting an eye. When those remarks were dropped, Andy Chang''s movement ceased as her head unconsciously raised to see his ever inexpressive front.


    "Huh?"

 Chapter 432: Powerpuff girls and boy

    <h4>432 Powerpuff girls and boy</h4>


    [Queen''s Citadel Hotel]


    The irony of some grandest hotel in the country was to set up an odd yet, beautiful establishment outside the busy city of country X. Despite the location, socialites from the top chain of the socialdder mostly picked ces like this to celebrate whatever events they have.


    Why? Due to the privacy it offered and top-notch facilities, the two and a half hour trip and hassle to arrive at the said location was considered worthy. Regardless, of that fact, since one of the well-known business figures, Mr. Tang was celebrating his 60th birthday, media outlets took it seriously to gain gossip.


    After all, Mr. Tang was not just a leading person of one of the establishedpanies in the country that wasn''t far behind the Lu Corporation. Not to mention, his daughter had owned one of thergest entertainment agencies, Crown Jewel, in the entertainment industry. Therefore, knowing that a huge celebration like this would happen, the outside of the venue was crowded by reporters.


    "Wow, just as expected from the Tang Family! The security was high!" Outside the grand venue, a group of reporters were camping to the other side of the ce as they found a safe yet the closest ce to see the people attending. One reporter that was peeking at the tall wall by standing on hispanion''s shoulder, muttered in awe.


    "It is?but that just makes our jobs harder." Clicking her tongue, the female paparazzi nced around out of habit.


    "Woahh! Woah!" Just then, the man that was nonstop clicking his camera abused the click button upon seeing the person who just hitched out from the car.


    "I never knew that Mr. Tang was also associated with Mr. Shao! Wow." As the woman took a peek at the reason why?her colleague was in awe, she took a peek and caught a glimpse of Benjamin Shao''s side profile while heading towards the door.


    "s, I don''t think we can have anything worthy for a headline." Despite her glittering eyes uponying her eyes on one of the eligible bachelors in the country, the female paparazzi slightly frowned. Well, of course, although she wanted to do her job, still, it would be hard to achieve it sessfully just by standing outside these walls and taking photos of the attendees.


    "Huh, you thought?" One of the men in the group that was just standing idly on the side while his colleagues were fulfilling their duties faintly chuckled. "Haven''t you heard that the Tang Group of Companys has close ties with the Yang Company? Maybe, we can see Lexi and Mr. Lu''s appearance today. That is worthy of a headline!" The man crossed his arms under his chest as the corner of his lips curled upward.


    Therefore, everyone would surely take an interest if that kind of headline would wee their day. Well, people liked to pry on other people''s lives especially those most private people they had known.


    "We''ll see about tha¡ª?Woah! Isn''t that Rika Song? Quick! Take a photo she''s with her fiance!" Just as everyone was nodding their head in agreement regarding their chief''s main agenda, the man who had been diligently taking photos was interrupted on what he was about to say when the next car revealed the ever beautiful Rika Song.


    She was being gently assisted by her fiance whose public appearance was also rarer than a pokemon. Thus, the thrill of these two lovely people that received many supports from Rika Song''s fans.


    However, the surprise has just begun because just as the vehicle Rika Song rode, the next car slowly revealed Elliot Gong''s eye-catching figure hitching out the car. They saw him wave at Rika Song who was currently?fixing her long sparkling champagne gown hence, the dy of her entrance.


    Just then, the other door of the back passenger seat where Elliot Gong was from slowly opened. The reporter''s eyes lit up while they tirelessly abused the click button of their cameras. There, the tall figure slowly departing the car was none other than Morris Liu!


    Morris Liu! The CEO of the reestablished Liu Empire! The second leading business magnate next to Lu Corporation! In an instant, even the chief of the group of reporters had to struggle to take a peek at Morris Liu.


    "The most viewed article tomorrow morning will be ours!" Excited, the man''s eyes lit up while his mind immediately constructed scenarios of Lexi, Ethan Lu, and Morris Liu''s meeting in a single event.?After all, Lexi and Morris Liu''s engagement in the past might have been buried in the sea of gossip but, that doesn''t mean it would never pique the interest of the people as she was now engaged to her ex''s friend.


    It was a real-life plot that could only be seen in the movies and read in novels.


    ****


    Meanwhile¡­


    "Yo, why are you stalling your time here?" As Elliot Gong departed the car, he approached the two figures that were standing in front of the venue''s door. Of course, he had seen Rika Song even before he exited his ride hence, he immediately headed to their direction.


    "Ah¡­ making a perfect and grand attendance. Typical Rika." Elliot Gong nodded his head in understanding as he witnessed the ever gentleman Jaime Liao spreading the long tail of her sparkling dress.


    "It''s good to see you too, Eli." Standing up, Jaime Liao offered a gentle smile as he got a bit?closer to Elliot Gong and Lexi as his fiance treated them as her main squad. She secretly called it PowerPuff girls and a boy.


    "Yes, I am practicing for my grand walk as a bride. Shut up Eli if you don''t want to practice as a father walking her daughter down the aisle. Don''t ruin our moment." On the other hand, Rika Song red daggers at Elliot Gong. His remarks instantly irked her which made her grit her teeth in annoyance. It has been a while since shest met up with Elliot Gong but the moment he sees her, he instantly mocked her. The nerve!


    "Whatever." Staring back at her in disdain, Elliot Gong slightly shook his head as he resumed in his strides. When he got close to Jaime Liao''s figure, Elliot Gong halted his steps as he ced his hand on the doctor''s shoulder.


    "It must have been tough for you. Respect." Elliot Gong pursed his lips on a line while he nodded his head, seemingly?encouraging and sympathizing with Jaime Liao at the same time. "I''ll see you guys around." Patting Jaime Liao''s shoulder a few times, Elliot Gong retracted his hand and slid it inside his pocket.


    "Scram, I''ll pretend you did not attend¡ª?shoo!" Rika Song ground her teeth upon hearing Elliot Gong''s taunting remarks towards her fiance. Duh? She has been a very loving and kind fiance yet, the way he talked was ndering her immacte image.


    He nced back at Morris Liu who just closed the back passenger seat of his car before he slowly headed inside. Seeing that Morris Liu was notgging?behind, Elliot Gong resumed on his tracks and entered the venue.


    Meanwhile, as Morris Liu made his way inside, he cast Rika Song and Jaime Liao a nce but said nothing. For some reason, Rika Song just arched her brows as her gaze met with Morris Liu''s cold nce. Yet, no words escaped their mouth as Morris Liu continued to head inside.


    "Tch, how arrogant." Rika Song discreetly watched Morris Liu''s back for a good two-seconds and scoffed.


    "Honey, let''s go?" She then turned to Jaime Liao and sweetly smiled before inviting him in.


    "Mhmm¡­" Smiling back, Jaime Liao nodded his head before he offered his arm for her to cling on to. With that, the couple slowly made their entrance.


    ****


    "Have you arrived, my darling, my love?" From the other end of the line, Lexi heard the deep sigh that escaped from his mouth along with his dejected tone.


    "Mhmm, waiting in line." Inside the back passenger seat, Lexi nced at the window where she caught a glimpse of a famous celebrity heading inside. Yet, from her perspective, there were at least five to seven cars ahead of hers, hence, it would take a while for her turn.


    "I see¡­" Once again, Ethan Lu exhaled a heavy sigh. "Don''t forget to have fun, okay?" Forcing a smile on his lips, Ethan Lu failed to cheer her on as he was too dejected to brighten the mood. Well, he wanted to apany her but could not.


    "Yes," Despite Ethan Lu not seeing her gesture, Lexi mildly nodded her head as the frown on her lips could not help but show.


    "Okay, update me love. Bye¡ª"


    "Wait!" Just as Ethan Lu was bidding his farewell, Lexi interrupted which made him knit his brows and shut his mouth. "Stay on the line. I am bored and¡­ a little sad." Swallowing a mouthful of saliva, Lexi sighed once again.


    For some reason, she truly?wanted his attendance in tonight''s event.?After all, even Nico Zhuang had managed to have a date which was waiting in the car behind hers. It''s quite?disappointing in a way.


    "I''ll hang up when it''s my turn."


    "Love¡­" Moved and disappointed at the same time,?Ethan Lu has the urge to bolt his way to her and escort her inside. However, he greatly?tried to stop himself from doing so.


    "It''s fine, love. I just want to talk to you for a little more." Trying to sound cheery, Lexi forced a meek smile on her lips but failed, miserably.


    "Aww~ how I wish I had superpowers to teleport to your side this very second."


    "Silly." Lexi chuckled as she shook her head. Soon, the two of them just spouted their usual sweet nothings that made Lexi forgetful of the long wait. Just like her request, Ethan Lu apanied her by staying on the line and just threw silly topics.


    Meanwhile, as Lexi was giggling by hisme jokes, Jarred Guo, who was Lexi''s driver for tonight, could not help his brows but twitch. He has high regards towards Lexi, and how cool of ady she was.


    However, that image of her was slowly being shattered as Lexi was acting like a teen in love.?After all, Lexi had always disyed her ssy nonchnce and wise mind. Therefore, seeing her in this kind of mood, Jarred Guo could not fathom what his master had been doing to influence her.


    ''Master, why must you also shatter Madam''s image to your loyal subordinate? Where''s the justice?'' Weeping inwardly, Jarred Guo felt bad for his cooldy boss that turned too sweet like a colorful candy.


    "Madam, we''re almost there." Soon, despite how upset Jarred Guo at?his master, he cleared his throat as they neared the entrance of the ce. ncing at the rear mirror, he saw Lexi smiled as she slowly spouted her?sweet "I love you" as her farewell remarks before she slowly put down her phone.


    When their car finally reached the grand entrance with huge pirs on the side of the door entrance, Jarred Guo hitched out from the driver''s seat as he jogged over to the back passenger seat to open the door for her. As soon as Lexi came forth, the group of reporters were momentarily in awe before a series of clicking noises filled their ears.


    "Stunning¡­" One reporter murmured as he zoomed in his lenses to capture her natural elegance despite her simplicity.

 Chapter 433: Wheres Mr. Lu?

    <h4>433 Where''s Mr. Lu?</h4>


    It only took a nce and everyone who set their eyes on her had one thought in mind: a literal angel without wings. She was wearing a in yet elegant white one-shoulder fitted dress, highlighting her lovely proportions.


    Compared to Rika Song''s grand champagne dress that has a long tail, slightly shorter than a bride''s wedding dress, Lexi''s in white dress''s length was enough to cover her heels but not the carpet of the floor.


    From her low tied ponytail, simple pair of earrings, and light makeup that made her almost look barefaced, down to her shoulder with one sleeve covering her entire arm and wrist while the other was left exposed¡ª?unting her fairness and letting other''s imagination run wild.


    She just departed from the car with her driver''s assistance and yet, the fleeting moment the instant she stood graced the whole ce with beauty and elegance. Hence, the group of paparazzi nearly used up their camera''s memory clicking nonstop on the capture button.


    She wasn''t posing for a magazine shoot and yet, her photos were surprisingly?great for a cover photo. From their standpoint, Lexi''s side profile as she stood while carrying her small silver purse was everything.


    No wonder no one could have guessed that Lexi was already a mother of two chubby and adorable twins.


    "Thank you, Red. You''ll know where I''ll beter." ncing at Jarred Guo, Lexi offered a meek smile which was received by a courteous bow before Jarred Guo returned to their ride and slowly sped away.


    After a beat, Lexi was weed by two butlers and two other guards that?were on the entrance that greeted every guest that arrived. She handed the small invitation card which they checked before politely smiling and let her enter.


    "This way, Miss Yang." One butler gestured as he raised his arm and led the way.


    "Thank you," Nodding once, Lexi slowly followed the butler and headed inside. Little did she know, her arrival alone was now being gossiped and questioned by the group of reporters.


    ****


    "Huh? Miss Yang attended alone? Where''s Mr. Lu?" When Lexi was out of their sight, one reporter knitted his brows as he turned to his chief beside him.


    "How will I know?" The chief batted his eyes as a face of intrigued shed across his front. "I am also waiting for Mr. Lu''s appearance. My articl¡ª?eh?" Feeling upset, the chief almost broke down as his imagination earlier vanished. However, just as he was about to weep for his article, something struck his mind which made his eyes lit up.


    "Wait, Mr. Liu attended, right? But not Mr. Lu... oh!" Narrowing his eyes, the chief loudly murmured before his knocked the bottom of his fist on his palm, as if he decoded a puzzle.


    "Hah! This one will still be a good topic. Bwahaha!" Filling his head with different scenarios of someone else''s private life, the chief maniacallyughed as he was certain that their unpopr establishment would be known for this.


    ****


    Meanwhile, back at the Queen''s Citadel Hotel, Lexi was only leaded by the butler at the door of the hallway, which leads to the function hall. He then courtesy bowed his head again and left.


    ncing at the two men wearing their formal suit, they nodded their heads before slowly opening the door for her. With that, Lexi was immediately weed by the aristocratic ambiance surrounding the elegantly arranged hall.


    With the huge sparkling chandelier hanging at the center apanied by the small-sized chandeliers from each side, plus the dangling decorations, it was just noble. From chairs and tables, carpet and floor, food and service, everything was oozing of money spent for a single night. If no one knew better, one would think that?it was a royal family''s banquet.


    ''I didn''t know Mr. Tang is interested in this kind of grand celebration.'' Out of habit, Lexi calcted the cost that the Tang Family shelled out tonight and her estimated sum didn''t surprise her.


    ''Well... not my business.'' Shrugging her thoughts off, Lexi unhurriedly entered the premises.


    The gracefulughter of each guest with their sparkling dress in different colors, young master''s on their best tux, celebrities making connections to the elites, respectable businessmen, and even a few politicians filled the crowd. However, for some reason, when the door opened, people nearby subconsciously turned their heads to her who was now heading inside.


    Regardless of the stares, Lexi discreetly looked around to find the host of the event so she could pay her respect first. However, when she spotted Mr. Tang conversing with another well-known politician, Lexi refrained from approaching him as she respected their time.


    As a waiter carrying a ss of wine and champagne approached her, she was offered to pick her drinks for tonight. Hence, Lexi picked a ss of champagne before she headed near Mr. Tang''s vicinity so she could talk to him after his greetings to the politician.


    Just then, Lexi heard a lovely familiar voice that made her turn to its source.


    "Bestie~!" The moment Lexi turned around, she was blessed by Rika Song''s gorgeousness as she carefully made her way to her.


    "Aww, I missed you~!" When Rika Song approached her standpoint, she unhesitatingly gave Lexi a sweet hug as she expressed her yearning for her best friend.


    "Hey, how are you? Did youe alone? Where''s Dr. Liao?" Returning her hugs, Lexi gently patted her exposed back before she slowly let her go. She nced at Rika Song''s back but Jaime Liao''s shadow could not be seen.


    "No, I left him with the diva named Eli when I saw you entered." Rika Song chuckled as she waved her hands off while exining where she left her fianc¨¦.


    "Gosh, bestie! How can you do this? You came looking all simple yet, you made everyone be your backdrop¡ª?even me!" After a beat, Rika Song pouted as she gazed her best friend from head to toe. Admittedly, Lexi was indeed?stunning, especially up close.


    "Silly. What do you mean, even you? The attention from others will neverpare to the attention of we have from out certain partners." Shaking her head, Lexi chuckled at her ever-so honest best friend. Even so, Rika Song was truly the epitome of women''s empowerment as she never felt threatened if someone else''s crown was shining a little brighter than hers.


    "Hehe. Well, that''s right. As long as I am the most beautiful among everyone in my Jaime''s eyes, I don''t mind being your backdrop." Blushing, Rika Song giggled like a little girl that had fallen head over heels.

 Chapter 434: CEO duties

    <h4>434 CEO duties</h4>


    "I see..." Upon hearing her best friend''sst remarks, Lexi slowly nodded her head in understanding. Yet, her expression slightly changed into an awkward manner.


    "Hmm? Hmm?" Rika Song tilted her head to the side as she blinked her eyes as many as she could. "What is this I am smelling? Bestie not ready to face that fridge?" She added as she arched her brows.


    "No, I am just thinking about something." Lexi shook her head sideways as the side of her lips curled into a smile that didn''t reach her eyes.


    "Let''s drop it forter. By the way, I happened to stumble to a very interesting article this morning. It''s about your friend CD." To avert Rika Song''s focus, fortunately, Lexi was reminded of the blog she read earlier that day hence, knowing Rika Song and her dislike to a certain Che Diayu, she brought it up.


    Effectively enough, Rika Song didn''t press any longer. In a slowly but surely pace, the corner of her lips curled into a huge grin, exposing her even white teeth as she giggled.


    "You liked it?" Sounding like a meanie in the movies, Rika Song covered the sly smile stered on her lips by the back of her hand. If not for the fact that they were in the middle of an noble event, Rika Song was probablyughing like a evil viin.


    "What do you mean I liked¡ª wait, don''t tell me..." Lexi raised her brow by the unexpected response she received. However, just as she was about to asked what does she mean by that, a thought suddenly struck her mind which made her narrow her eyes in suspicion.


    "Hihi~ shhh!" Still giggling at her own mischief, Rika Song ced her forefinger in front of her glossy lips, gesturing Lexi to keep her secret just to them.


    "Well, I can''t help but fan the mes, you know. She has too many offenses, I can''t help but take advantage of her karma." Rika Song showed zero sign of remorse at her ''childish'' revenge at Che Diayu. Hence, Lexi was rendered speechless as she could only shake her head.


    "No wonder the writing seethed deep grudges to the subject." Sounding helpless, Lexi took her thoughts back regarding Rika Song being the epitome of women''s empowerment. Perhaps, just some days.


    Alright, best friend was also wed like any other human being and she got the luxury to be entertained at the downfall of a hateful person such as Che Diayu. Even so, Lexi''s views towards Rika Song didn''t change the slightest.


    Just the two peacefully continued to catch up, a sudden voice that made Lexi''s under-eye twitched reached their ears.


    "Lexi!" Ste Du loudly called as she approached them. Her surprisingly?evolved hips waved with every step she took. She bore this harmless smile yet, Lexi had sensed that trouble herself was walking towards her.


    "My gosh! It''s been a while since west met each other! How are you?" When Ste Du reached her, she smiled brightly and acted as if she was a close friend.


    "Good. You?" Forcing a smile on her face, Lexi asked out of etiquette.


    "Good, I mean great! Mypany had been progressing so fast, I have to sacrifice some sleep. CEO duties, heh." For some reason, Ste Du seemed she had let go of theirst encounter back in Ethan Lu''s event. Still, Lexi was not a fool to fall for whatever game she was ying.


    "Wow, happy for you, then. Hehe!" Still smiling, Lexi briefly raised her brows before casting Rika Song a side nce¡ª seeking her help which her best friend understood.


    "Right, about the coboration I am talking about¡ª"?Rika Song chimed in that Lexi instantly turned to her bearing an eager and solemn look stered across her face. Luckily, Rika Song had mastered the craft of suppressing herughter hence, she managed to keep her acting despite Lexi''s obvious act.


    However, even before Rika Song could finish her sentence, she was abruptly interrupted by Ste Du.


    "Uhm, I''m sorry. Who is this?" Appearing clueless, Ste Du inquired as she darted her gaze from Lexi to Rika Song.


    "Huh," For some reason,?Rika Song was triggered. It was not a huge deal with her if someone could not recognize her¡ª?she would be d instead. However, she sensed the clear mockery from her tone.


    "I''m sorry for thete introduction. Myst name is Song, Rika Song, Miss...?" Regardless of how she was annoyed by the woman''s presence that spreading difort in her vicinity, Rika Song calmed herself down and introduced herself as humble as she could.


    "Du, Ste Du; Owner of Ster Cosmetics. Nice meeting you but, I am having a conversation with my friend, Lexi. Would you mind?" Still carrying her smile, Ste Du boasted her title before she raised her brows, indirectly telling Rika Song to step aside.


    "Oh? Is that so, Miss CEO? Of course, I won''t! Go ahead," Shocked at the audacity of this shameless girl, Rika Song ced her hand on her chest as she profusely shook her head sideways.


    "Thank you," Confident as she was, Ste Du smiled as she returned her attention to Lexi. "Anyways, as I am saying..." However, just as Ste Du was about to continue her boasting about herpany, Lexi had turned to face Rika Song.


    "Right, about the coboration of your own starting your own cosmetic line, the samples will be ready in a few days. You can either drop by at the office or I will send it to your house if it willplicate your schedule." Ignoring the presence of?the Ste Du, Lexi solemnly spoke to Rika Song as if they were initially talking about business-rted stuff.


    "Ahem! Miss Yang?" Ste Du coughed to snatch Lexi''s attention once again. Her bright smile slightly faded at Lexi''s high?and mighty act and her patience enormously reduced.


    "Oh? Miss Du, my apologies as I can''t cater you right now. Miss Song here forgot to mention that she''s also my client. So, if you don''t mind, I have a ''CEO duties'' to fulfill." Casting Ste Du thest halfhearted attention she could give, Lexi acted sorry as she exined her current ordeal. Of course, she didn''t forget to use the ''duties'' Ste Du was so proud of.


    "Thank you. Let''s go, bestie?" Seeing the offended look slowly creeping out from Ste Du''s facade, Lexi pretended not to notice as she courtly smiled at her before turning to Rika Song.


    "Bestie, is it really?alright to leave your friend?" As the two leaves, Rika Song innocently inquired yet, her voice was audible enough for Ste Du to hear.

 Chapter 435: Its been a while Mr. Liu

    <h4>435 It''s been a while Mr. Liu</h4>


    As the two left, Ste Du''s jaw tightened as hand long nails dug into her palms. ''You¡­ how dare you humiliate me even with my kind approach?'' Grounding her teeth, Ste Du internally spat her cursed Lexi to the bones.


    ''You and your best friend will see... '' Watching them fade into the crowd, Ste Du scoffed inwardly. ''Cosmetic line? Huh, as if I''ll let you seed.'' Ste Du hid the sneer that was threatening to show on her lips. She calmed herself down as she didn''t want to make the same mistake she had done a year ago at the Lu Family event, hence, her approach to Lexi.


    However, when Ste Du looked around her surroundings, some people were staring at her with obvious ridicule shing across their pair of orbs. She arched her brows as she thrust her chin forward, imposing her arrogance.


    "What?" She arrogantly asked, her eyes scanning each face of some familiar young misses which showed her strained rtionship with them. A group ofdies who were irked at her dauntlessness just responded by mocking scoffed before they retracted their gaze from Ste Du before they resumed gossiping.


    "Young misses who only know how to spend their family''s riches." Ste Du vented her rage to Lexi by dissing thosedies not far away from her. If not for the fact that she cared for her reputation, she would unhesitatingly confront them and make a scene.


    However, she was not the same Ste Du that was reckless with her action anymore¡­ or what she believed.


    ****


    "Gosh, did you see the look on her face? Pfft-! The girl needs to restrain herself." Restraining herself fromughing out loud, Rika Song giggled as the priceless expression that was stered on Ste Du shed inside her mind.


    "Shh, she''s just like that.'' Lexi shook her head sideways as a faint chuckled escape her mouth. She was slightly amused at something small like this but, tonight, she felt particrly entertained for serving the cold tea Ste Du deserved.


    After all, deep down, Lexi still held a grudge at Ste Du''s scheme back at their product showcase. Hence, Ste Du''s experiencing Ethan Lu''s wrath before was not enough. Lexi might have asked him to let her go not because she forgave her but because she wanted to deliver teach her a lesson herself.


    And this? This was just the beginning as she would be entering the cosmetics industry where Ste Du was so proud as if she was reigning it. Of course, it was not just solely for Ste Du but also because Aubrey Ning had been meaning to enter the industry. It was just that herpetition to a certain Benjamin Shao was too tough that she wanted to use Lexi''s brand to enter instead while earning on the side¡ª?typical cunning Aubrey Ning.


    "Excuse me for a bit, bestie." Without looking at Rika Song, Lexi whispered before heading her way towards the cluster of men in their tux.


    "Oh, sure. I''ll see you around~" Nodding at the already retreating Lexi, Rika Song muffledly cheered before she turned around and walked her way where she left her future husband with the ever so dramatic Elliot Gong.


    "Should I ever know he ndered me in front of my honey, I will surely deliver him to hell." Being reminded that Jaime Liao was with Elliot Gong, Rika Song hastened her pace to save her name from being ndered to the heavens.


    ****


    "Good evening, Mr. Tang, and Happy Birthday!" Stopping several steps away from them, Lexi approached bearing an elegant demeanor before she slightly bowed her in respect to the host of tonight''s grand celebration.


    "Miss Yang! Oh, I''m d that you made it here! Haha!" Uponying his eyes on Lexi''s ethereal being, Mr. Tang''s eyes lit up in glee as he heartily chuckled while gesturing her to raise her head. "I had my doubts when Mr. Yang told me you''ll be representing the Yang Family because I heard that you''ve been truly?busy with your flourishing business. Congrattions!" he added.


    "Mr. tang, you''ve underestimated your ce in our family''s heart. How could I dare not to celebrate your important day?" Chuckling, Lexi covered her lips with the back of her hand as she humored the old man.


    "Hahaha! I am honored, truly moved!" Gleeful at Lexi''s flowery remark, Mister Tang smiled in satisfaction before he turned to the group of men apanying him.


    "Any gentlemen, I assumed you must have heard Miss Yang''s name but I will still dly introduce you to her. Mr. Yun, Senator Xie, Mr. Liu¡­ this is one of the most sessful businesswomen in the growing skincare line, Lexi Yang¡­" As Mister Tang introduced his friends to her one by one, Lexi unconsciously nced at the tall figure standing beside the senator.


    There, Morris Liu was just coldly staring while he let Mr. Tang enjoyed Lexi''s presence. None could be read across his frosty mien, he only shot Lexi a nce before he averted his eyes as if he didn''t see her.


    Of course, Lexi noticed it all. From the moment he nced at her and when he turned away when Lexi was about to look in his direction. She caught everything.


    Yet, Lexi ignored that slight move as she resumed on smiling and exchanging praises with the people Mister Tang introduced. Fortunately, although Lexi was certain that Mister Tang was well-informed about her history with Morris Liu, he acted ordingly,?making the atmosphere less awkward than it should be.


    "Pleasure to meet you, Miss Yang." After the men exchange greetings with Lexi, Morris Liu slightly smiled, as if it was his first time meeting her in this lifetime.

 Chapter 436: The cursed fate of a beauty

    <h4>436 The cursed fate of a beauty</h4>


    "It is, it''s been a while." Morris Liu meekly smiled at her. He instantly noticed her the moment she stepped her foot inside the hall.?Despite theck of glitters to make her dress shine and her light makeup, Lexi''s presence alone was enough to deem everyone to be her backdrop.


    Staring at her from afar, Morris Liu already felt mixed emotions having her in the same space as his. However, now that she''s within his reach, his yearning heart wanted something more. Fortunately, he was clear-headed enough to know the line which she drew?a long time ago.


    "Right! Well, Miss Yang, will you join us for dinner?" When Lexi and Morris Liu exchanged greetings, the businessmen around Mr. Tang''s circle and Mr. Tang himself remained quiet. This simple gesture only meant they knew their history.


    However, no one dared scrub some salt to someone''s else still wounded heart. Moreover, how could they?


    They were merely there to celebrate Mr. Tang''s birthday and connect with more fellow businessmen; that includes getting on the good graces of the elusive CEO of Liu Empire, Morris Liu, and the CEO of a flourishingpany in the growing global market of the skincare industry. Not to mention, Lexi being the future madam of the Lu Corporation. Therefore, it was not a smart move to mention such an affair in the past as they wouldn''t just offend one but three powerful people at the same time.


    "It is my honor, Mr. Tang." Averting her gaze to Mr. Tang''s wrinkled yet bright mien, Lexi smiled as she mildly nodded her head once.


    With that, their group began heading towards the special long table where Mr. Tang''s immediate family members perched for dinner while they filled the rest of the seats with close and important guests for tonight. Truly, as the dinner went close, each seat that filled the long table just highlighted Mr. Tang''s influence in every area of the business industry and political connections.


    Since the star of the event was Mister Tang, everyone''s attention was on him. Seeing the people walking with him, some were in awe at the circle of friends he has. Still, half of the guests'' attention was?unconsciously caught by the goddess walking with them.


    Understandably, because Lexi was the only young female figure that was qualified to enter this veteran''s group. Hence, she received murmuring praises while those who were just silently envious by the status she possessed discreetly scoffed.


    Not that just, with Morris Liu''s presence in the group, others who knew about their previous affairs could not help but talk about them ¡ª leading others who were initially clueless about it gained the knowledge through the other group''s gossips.


    "Didn''t you hear? Recently, Mr. Lu was hanging around with Senator Wang''s daughter."


    "Shh! Keep it down. Remember, Senator Wang''s political rival is here."


    "But, that''s true!"


    "Gosh¡­ poor Miss Yang. Being cheated twice, ouch¡­ the cursed fate of the beauty, I guess?"


    "Not surprised. Mr. Lu was infamous for changing his girlfriends faster than he changes his clothes. I feel bad for Miss Yang though." One woman nonchntly shrugged her shoulders. Even her tone for sympathizing with Lexi sounded insincere, as if she could not care less about someone else''s love life.


    "Well, maybe she doesn''t deserve a great man?after all." Ste Du who overheard?the conversation of the group of young misses audibly uttered for them to hear.


    "Who needs a man if a woman is independent herself? I still love Beauty DR''s products so¡­"


    "You use it as well? OMG!"


    "I know, right? It''s been part of my daily life!" Since there were also discussions about Lexi around, the group of elite women didn''t give much attention to Ste Du, whosement wasced with malice. However, now that they diverted?the subject to something else, their talkspletely went the other way, as if they never gossiped about Lexi''s private life.


    "Knowing that it was Miss Yang''s brand, I am not surprised that she is surrounded by influential people. Still, she remained friends with Rika Song! Saw them earlier."


    "Now that you mentioned it, I heard earlier that they wereunching a cosmetic line! Gosh! I''m so excited~" As women with great inclination about maintaining their youthfulness and desired to look the best every day, a trusted skincare brand like Beauty DR releasing cosmetic products were something they look forward to.


    Even though there are popr brands on the said line, Lexi''spany was one of the hottest and hyped brands recently. Hence, the expectations for Beauty DR''s take on cosmetics rose to the heavens.


    Ste Du who was hearing the conversation made its huge turn, and now listening to how they loved Lexi''s products and how they were excited about it, her heart pounded as her boiling point was nearing its limit.


    ''Cosmetic line? Lexi with that mere actress? Ha! Don''t make meugh!'' Scoffing inwardly, a glint shed across Ste Du''s sharpened pair of eyes. ''As if I''d let them!'' She added as she ground her teeth and averted her gaze to Lexi''s direction, who was now sitting on the table while conversing with Mr. Tang.


    "Hmmph!" Expressing her displeasure about the turn of events she didn''t expect, a loud humphed escaped Ste Du''s nose before she turned to find her ''ally''. Soon, she found Benjamin Shao mingling with a cluster of your masters'' who also excelled in their fields.


    "Mr. Shao!" Approaching him, Ste Du formed a sweet smile on her lips as she gracefully made her way to them. Her way of catching one''s attention was effective because she made Benjamin Shao and the rest turn to her iing figure.


    "Miss Du," Smiling, Benjamin Shao returned his gaze to the men he was talking to, "Excuse me, gentlemen." He politely excused which they?responded with a cool nod before he left the group and tend to his business partner.


    "Miss Du, I didn''t know you''d be here. If only I did, I''d ask you to be my date instead." As Benjamin Shao stopped in front of Ste Du, he humored.


    "Hehe, Mr. Shao." Ste Du giggled at his usual jokes, which she had grown used to. Hence, she didn''t take it to the heart, fortunately.


    "Anyway, doesn''t matter." Benjamin Shao mildly waved his hands off as he chuckled along with her.


    "Mhmm¡­ Mr. Shao, have you heard that Beauty DR isunching a cosmetic line?" Without beating around the bush, Ste Du hid her real intention by sounding innocent as she ryed the gossip she heard. Knowing Benjamin Shao, Ste Du was certain that he would be furious as his mortal rival, Aubrey Ning, had teamed up with Lexi and still earning being a shareholder in Beauty DR.


    "Oh?" Blinking once, Benjamin Shao briefly knitted his brows. Ste Du expected a cunning expression that usually formed on the man''s face. However, the next second was not what she anticipated.


    "Hahaha! Really¡­" When Ste Du''s news processed in his head, Benjamin Shao gleefully chuckled as he was truly amused at his cunning fox. "I''m sorry, Miss Du. Don''t worry, morepetition means more fun. You just have to learn how to. Anyway, I must excuse myself first. I saw a familiar face." With that said note, Benjamin Shao mildly patted Ste Du''s shoulder before he left to god knows where.


    Meanwhile, Ste Du?was rendered speechless by the unexpected advice she received. She just stood rooted on the ground as his advice rang inside her head in repeat. She could only stare at the retreating figure of her business partner in a daze as she could not believe what she heard.

 Chapter 437: He never changes

    <h4>437 He never changes</h4>


    Meanwhile¡­


    "Right! I remember meeting Miss Yang through Mr. Tanaka. If not for him, I''d probably missed a greatpany to work with. Haha!" In the middle of the dinner, Mr. Tang eximed as this wonderful memory suddenly struck in his mind. Turning to Lexi, she was chuckling?as she wiped the side of her lips by a napkin.


    "Mr. Tang actually?surprised me as I imagined him as someone who''s strict ¡ª No offense, Mr. Tang." Shaking her head, Lexi expressed as her yful gaze nced at Mr. Tang, who heartilyughed at her honest remarks.


    "Haha! with Mr. Tang''s reputation, he was frequently mistaken as an old-fashioned old man! Haha! Well, at the very least, he''s old that''s for sure!"


    "Now that you mentioned it, I almost had a heart attack when I first had a meeting with him back in the days¡­ *sigh* now, we''re old."


    "Mr. Tang is a humble man. He reminds me to not judge the book by its cover." One after another, after hearing Lexi''s unreserved impression towards the old man, theyughed along with them as they shared their own impression of the said man.


    As they freely expressed themselves, it only showed how strong their bond was, because these statements could strain a flimsy tie if they didn''t know who they were talking about. Fortunately, Mr. Tang wouldn''t take these teasing to the heart. In contrast, he even enjoyed hearing their almost the same impressions about him.


    "Hey, are you forgetting it''s my debut today?" Pretending that he was?displeased, Mr. Tang humored before another waved ofughter filled the whole table.


    "Now that you mentioned it, I wondered why Mr. Tanaka didn''t attend." Lexi harmlessly inquired as she has been meaning to ask about it.


    She expected to meet Wren Tanaka tonight knowing his connections with Mr. Tang.?After all, she hasn''t thanked the man that indirectly helped her find partners to help the Yang Company during its crisis. Moreover, she wanted to ask that very man an important question.


    "Hmm¡­" For some reason,?Mr. Tang rubbed his nched beard as he momentarily pondered.


    "Actually, he just sent me a birthday gift and greetings with a half-hearted excuse of why he could not attend. Thatd is surely enjoying his prime years." Mr. Tang indifferently shrugged his shoulder as he didn''t show any displeasure about his absence.


    Lexi only nodded in understanding and didn''t probe any further. Little did she know, Wren Tanaka wasn''t enjoying his ''prime years'' just like what Mr. Tanaka assumed because, in reality, he was just stuck with a troublesome person whom Lexi was very familiar with.


    Soon, the dinner smoothly neared its end as each of them shared their happy memories with Mr. Tang. Surprisingly, no one talked about serious business-rted stuff, and no one inquired why Ethan Lu didn''t attend. Hence, the dinner''s atmosphere was lighthearted ¡ª just as Lexi wanted.


    ''He never changes¡­'' She thought inwardly before Lexi returned her attention back to the conversation she was in. She didn''t know why, but,?for some reason,?she didn''t feel awkward around Morris Liu just like what she had expected.


    After all, she once gave her whole heart to him and was willing to give everything she could offer. Thus, even though Ethan Lu was now dominating her heart, she could not help but wonder what kind of scenario would happen if she faced her former fiance again.


    Yet, these feelings?circting around her heart, it was the least she expected. It was as if she wanted to talk to him?as if nothing happened between them. Perhaps,?what she yearned was the closure the two of them deserved like how adults end things. However, Lexi took her time as different people currently?surrounded them and she was certain that there would be free time for them to talk tonight.


    What time would it be? No one knew. If it happens, it would eventually.


    "Oh, Mr. Tang¡­ My father would truly feel?guilty if you put it that way." Throwing the thought she has seconds ago aside, Lexi shook her head as she chuckled and humored back towards Mr. Tang''s statement.


    "Haha! Miss Yang, you should not forget what I just said to Frederick to guilt-trip him. Bwahaha!" Sounding mischievous despite his age, Mr. Tangughed out loud. Meanwhile, Lexi could not help but think that?her grandfather-inw would surely enjoy thepany of Mr. Tang as they were both easy-going despite their respectable yet intimidating reputation.


    ****


    "Yes, I see them both here and you''re right. Your cousin is not around." Inside the same event, Mia Chen, who wore the least morous dress she has, matched with heavy makeup, and a short wig to avoid someone from?recognizing her, spoke through the phone.


    "Heh, well, I did my part. Now, Miss Chen, will I be hearing good news tonight?" At the end of the line, Dn Lu''s cunning voice was heard.


    "No, start celebrating because, by tomorrow morning, their rtionship will be over" With that said note, Mia Chen unreluctantly ended the call. A smirk slowly formed on the corner of her lips as her gaze?rested on?Morris Liu''s very noticeable figure among the men around the table he was in.


    "Brother Mo¡­ you''ll understand my love for you tonight, don''t worry." Through a whisper, Mia Chen murmured before she turned around and left the hall. Just as she left the function hall, Mia Chen''s phone vibrated again, which made her check who it was.


    Seeing that it was the foolish Kevin Woo, Mia Chen looked around at her empty corridor before she picked up the call.


    "Hey, how''s the party going?"


    "It''s fun." Forcing to sound cheery and soothing, Mia Chen faintly responded.


    "Mhmm¡­" Kevin Woo nodded. "Mia, I''m sorry." Sounding disheartened, Kevin Woo expressed.


    "Sorry? For?" Mia Chen knitted her brows in confusion as she didn''t recall any problems between them.


    "For letting you attend your friend''s party alone. I wanted to apany you, but you know¡­"


    "You¡­ Why are you even sorry if what you are doing is for our future? It''s fine, I already told you. Also, all my circle of friends is here so, there''s nothing to worry about. I''ll see you tomorrow?" Though she sounded like an understanding girlfriend, Mia Chen could not help but internally scoff at how foolish Kevin Woo was.


    Who needs hispany?


    "Alright, I''ll see you tomorrow then. I love you, Mia."


    "Mhmm, bye." With that, Mia Chen hung up the phone before putting it in silent mode and ced it back on her purse.

 Chapter 438: Lexi, Im sorry.

    <h4>438 Lexi, I''m sorry.</h4>


    After the dinner, Mr. Tang had to excuse himself as he has some other visitors he wanted to greet. Hence, together with his wife and children, Mr. Tang left while the rest of the men that surrounded him had dispersed with the crowd ¡ª either to get to know a prospective business partner or just to widen the range of their connections.


    Before they went on their way, they invited Lexi toe with them. s, she politely rejected because, at the same time,?Jarred Guo was ringing her phone. Thus, she had a good reason to refuse.


    Letting her phone continuously vibrate, Lexi found her way outside the function hall to find a good and silent spot to hear whatever Jarred Guo wanted to report. Fortunately, her unfamiliarity about the ce led her to a serene garden.


    Great spot!


    The night wind gently caressed her exposed shoulder and face. It was cold, yet?the temperature was enough for a person to bear; just to indulge the sight of the moon reflecting on the still pond nearby.


    There was a modernized Chinese style pavilion with its foundation pirs having approximately half or a meter long from the pond''s surface. It stood over in the middle of the huge pod to like the typical?ancient?times. There were white lotuses floating on to it and?gave the illusion that the lonely moon had somepany.


    Thus, Lexi wanted to see the rare view up close.


    As she walked towards the pavilion, there were pagodanterns around, small lights that clung to some trees and trimmed bushes that added some serene lights to enjoy the area without interrupting the real catch of the wholendscape. Still, it baffled her that no one was in this area as it appeared that?it''s a better area than the grand function hall, especially at this hour.


    "Yes?" Reaching the small bridge that connects the pavilion and the garden, Lexi finally picked up her persistent vibrating phone.


    "Madam, I''m sorry for bothering you. The preparation wasplete." Sounding more professional than ever, Jarred Guo instinctively mimicked how Lyrick Jiang usually delivered his reports to their master. Unbeknownst to him, Lyrick Jiang rarely calls Ethan Lu more than three failed attempts before sending him a personal email instead.


    "Alright, thank you." Lexi faintly chuckled as she nodded her head in understanding before ending the call that soon. It was her first time hearing Jarred Guo sound so awkwardly stiff,?which was?amusing in a way.


    She assumed that maybe Jarred Guo was just ufortable dealing with the reports, as he was not used to it. Not to mention, he was temporarily working under Lexi''s orders tonight. Therefore, he was conscious of how he would appear more appealing than his peers.


    "Ethan''s subordinates are truly?amusing in their own way¡­" Heading towards the pavilion, Lexi murmured as the corner of her lips curled into a smile.


    Standing on the corner, Lexi stared down at the reflection of the moon, which was oddly bright tonight. Regardless, with the mild howl of the wind along with the slight motion of the leaves, it was truly?rxing. If she only has the choice, Lexi would remain in here to clear her head from all the things that were keeping her mind upied, instead of going back to the lively event inside.


    Lexi just stood there in delight as she stared at the pond and its beauty without noticing that ten minutes had already gone by. Actually, for some odd reason, staring at the white lotuses, she could not help her past shed across her eyes.


    In the past, theybeled her as a white lotus b*tch for having a beautiful shell while having a rotten personality; Her, for acting innocent, but was truly?scheming.


    It was a creative title that this generation had cooked up.


    However, now that she was seeing these blossoming flowers, Lexi felt bad for it. How could they use its name hastily, if it was this pretty? It beautifully bloomed from the deepest, thickest mud, and musky waters. Thus, doesn''t that mean how precious and strong it was?


    Despite all the odds, it bloomed in the most beautiful and captivating flower. Well, now that she thought it that way, Lexi somehow liked her former title. Because, just like the white lotus, despite all the dirt and trouble, she could say that she too has bloomed just like it.


    "It''s cold out here." Just then, Lexi heard Morris Liu''s voice from behind her which made her snapped from her deep thoughts. Turning around, she saw him walked closer while he was taking off his zer suit.


    "Oh, is it?" Surprised at his sudden arrival, Lexi heedlessly responded as she ignored the fact that he took off his zer suit. She returned her attention back to the pond?and shrugged her shoulders.


    "Well,pare the view inside, this is better. It''s worth it."


    "Is it?" As he drew closer to her, Morris Liu, with his usual cold tone that could lower the temperature, responded. Without further ado, with no short notice, he ced the zer over her shoulders, which made her turn to look at it.


    "Your husband will be furious if you ever catch a cold. I don''t want to hear his nagging." Morris Liu exined as he stood next to her. He first cast her a side nce before turning to look at the pond she had been staring at since thirteen minutes ago.


    "Huh," She briefly chuckled. "I don''t know which reason will he get more furious: me catching a cold or another man offering his zers to me." Thinking of her beloved petty husband, Lexi shook her head as she humored Morris Liu.


    "Either way, even if he would be displeased?by my gesture, I wouldn''t mind as long as you''re well." When he uttered those words, Lexi pursed her lips on a thin line as she slowly turned to face him. Staring at his side profile, she could see the reflection of the moon that mirrored on his eyes.


    It was as if, in his eyes, he has apletely?different understanding of the view before him and it felt... lonely.


    "Brother Mo¡­"

 Chapter 439: I loved you, but that broke you.

    <h4>439 I loved you, but that broke you.</h4>


    "Lexi, I''m sorry."


    Upon hearing those words that the old Lexi had been longing to hear, it made her unconsciously swallow. She felt his apologies¡­ she felt it as it came out straight from his heart.


    Staring at the pair of well-defined eyes before her, Lexi could see her own reflection through his emotional orbs. Actually, for some reason, it felt that it was her first time meeting them; these very eyes that she once loved was now nothing but a pair of eyes whom someone her heart recognized as a¡­ stranger.


    "I''m sorry¡­" Repeating it for the third time, Morris Liu paused before a light scoff followed it. "It''s not enough, right? For all the pain I''ve caused you, words will never be enough for you¡­ and I." His brows slightly creased as he tightened his jaw, suppressing that rage that umted inside him.


    The grudge he held for himself.


    There were thousands of reasons why?he should apologize to her. However, it was too many that only the words "I''m sorry," were the only ones he managed to say.


    Will she even go back to him if he says sorry? Never.


    Indeed, until today, Morris Liu could not forgive himself. Until now, he remained shackled by the strong chains of their past. It was hard¡­ and painful. Yet, bearing this wounded heart made him only neglect himself and despised his whole being even more.


    After all, how dare he feel these angsts if, in the first ce, it was his own fault.


    He caused this¡­ everything that happened between them; it was him to me.


    "No¡­" Shaking her head, Lexi gently murmured. Her eyes could not help but sting and yet, her heart was certain that the reason, why it felt like it was being clenched by someone, was not because she still loved him.


    It was because she didn''t anymore. Hence, she was emphatic, for he hadn''t moved on yet.


    "I¡­" Lexi paused. She wanted to say it was alright, that everything was all in the past. s, will that even make him feel a little better? She guessed not.


    Because obviously, Morris Liu was not just regretting his decision from the past, but also the oue of those today.


    "Huh," Averting his eyes away from hers, Morris Liu looked down on her linked hands. She wasn''t wearing any ring, but still, he could sense the invisible red string attached to her finger that connected her to Ethan Lu, her husband.


    "If only I was more honest, if only I told you back then that someone had his knife pointing at my throat... if only I didn''t neglect your capabilities and treated you vulnerable that should I should protect¡­ if only I took the risk and didn''t cower," Still staring at her hands that he had been yearning to hold, Morris Liu murmured.


    In just one nce, no matter how mature Lexi had grown and how she blossomed to her best version, at this very moment, in his eyes, she was still the same crybaby.


    "I shouldn''t have lied. I shouldn''t have pushed you away until I broke your heart to pieces ¡ª you never deserved that. I should have loved, cherished you better because that is what you deserved." Balling his hand into a tight fist, Morris Liu restrained himself from having any physical contact with her.


    He missed her, yes. He longed for her, her scent, the gentle touch of her hand, the moist of her lips, her smile that was for him; he missed every little detail about her. God knows how much he wanted to just pull her frail figure to his embrace.


    However, it was?not that he couldn''t, but he shouldn''t. Because if he does, he might not let her go and if that happened, he would only hurt her, again.


    She had experienced enough pain from him and if her happiness would bring him pain, then, he''d just embrace being a masochist.


    "Brother Mo¡­ I''m sorry," Lexi gritted her teeth as her words cracked, which made her lower her head. His words... the emotions attached to every word were just too heavy and overwhelming.


    When was thest time he felt so warm? Seven, eight years ago? Lexi could not remember. Hence, her heart knew that everything he was saying was nothing but the truth.


    Morris Liu, for the first time, wasying himself open, regardless if he would appear vulnerable and helpless.


    "Silly. You don''t have to apologize ¡ª no, you shouldn''t be sorry. You would have been married?to me, and maybe, we already have our own kid or kids. Maybe, we could say we were happy and in love¡­ but, I ruined our ns ¡ª I ruined everything. So, you shouldn''t be sorry because you fought for us even if it meant losing yourself?in the process." Morris Liu''s hand lifted to pat her head. However, he stopped inches away from her and retrieved it away.


    "I loved you, but that broke you. But Ethan, his love mended yours. Part of me regrets, the man that holds your heart right now should have been me." Taking a step back, Morris Liu forced a smile on his lips. "But the other part of me was relieved, that the man you married was him and not me. Because his love brought the best in you while mine reeled out your worst."


    At this point, whatever sentiments Lexi practiced in the past, she could not deliver everything. Lexi could only bite her lower lip as little tears fell from her eyes.


    All the questions: "Did you ever love me?""Why did you lie?""Why didn''t trust me?" and so on gradually vanished?into thin air.?Because even without asking, even without detailing what happened, Lexi finally got her answers.

 Chapter 440: I loved you, and still loves you.

    <h4>440 I loved you, and still loves you.</h4>


    "It took me a long time to realize that, didn''t I?" A heavy sigh escaped from Morris Liu''s mouth as the side of his lips ironically curled upward. "So, I''m sorry," he added.


    "Brother Mo," Lexi lifted her head up and shook it sideways as she pursed her lips. "I already forgave you for everything. What happened before, both of us learned a lesson which made us both stronger as an individual. So, thank you." she said, followed by a meek yet genuine smile.


    "It has been hard for both of us¡­" Lexi took a step forward without a second hesitation. "Brother Mo, I forgave you so please, forgive yourself." Slowly, Lexi raised her arm and reached out for his hand. It was cold with beads of sweats on his palm, showing that he was probably nervous this whole time.


    The moment her hand touched his, Morris Liu momentarily stiffened. He had been avoiding to make any physical contact with her, and yet, he could not shrug her gentle hands away. He knew the longer he could feel her warmth, the more he would desire for more.


    "Lexi¡­"


    "Gosh, if I didn''t know any better, I would think your hand was the hand of a dead person." Interrupting him to whatever he would say, Lexi humored to lighten up the atmosphere.


    "Brother Mo, you know that I loved you, right?" Staring at his pale hand with his veins bulging beneath his skin, she smiled. On the other hand, Morris Liu remained silent as he let her thumb mildly rubbed the back of his hand.


    "And you will always be a part of my life." Slowly, Lexi raised her head again to see the pair of emotional eyes staring down on her. "Our rtionship as lovers might have ended a long time ago but, I hope when the timees, we could be good friends." All the words that came out from her mouth originated straight from her heart.


    Indeed, no matter how much he hurt her in the past, or how Lexi loved him so dearly, Morris Liu would always be a part of her life. Hence, if he ever moved on and found his own happiness, Lexi was more than willing to ept him as her friend¡­ or, a big brother; just like their initial rtionship before it escted to them being engaged.


    "I know someday, you will find your happiness."


    Morris Liu peered at her kind heart that reflected in her eyes. He remained silent for a moment before he slowly pulled his hand away from her.


    "I''m sorry, but I think that would be impossible." Morris Liu mildly shook his head as he responded. As usual, although he sounded cold, his tone had a touch of gentleness. Thus, Lexi was more confused than upset about his response.


    "Brother Mo,"


    "Lexi, I loved you¡­ and still loves you." Without further ado, Morris Liu stated. He didn''t even blink an eye as he confessed. Even so, there was this invisible line he clearly?drew between them.


    She didn''t expect that. He caught her off guard as Lexi knew that he would rather keep his lingering feelings to himself ¡ª like he always did.


    "Just standing in front of you, you know the amount of effort I am doing just to respect your husband. I want to embrace you, pat your head, kiss you, and make you the happiest woman." With every word he dropped, the emotional atmosphere suddenly made its huge turn as it gradually became tense.


    Shortly, Morris Liu took a step forward, which made her take a step back. However, being reminded of the trust that he wouldn''t do anything, Lexi stopped retreating as he drew closer.


    "If only there''s another way to repent, I''d do it if it means not entirely losing you." Slowly, Morris Liu tilted his head as he leaned his head forward ¡ª closer to hers.


    Time seemed to stop. Lexi''s heart pounded that surpassed a person''s normal heart rate. He drew closer and closer to her face, and Lexi''s body seemed it was not listening to her.


    "But clearly,?there isn''t any other way because even before you can think, your instinct was to?reject me." Inches away from her, Morris Liu stopped as Lexi turned her face to the side.


    It was clearer than the day that his sudden aggressiveness caught her off guard, again. Hence, she could not move. However, she protected the one that she believed would be vited by someone.


    This move of his, Morris Liu knew that it would just be another dagger going to pierce his heart. However, he needed to do it. At the very least, he wasn''t just honest by words, but also by action. Sadly, his transparency was not needed anymore.


    Retrieving his head back, he faintly chuckled in mockery. "Again, forgive me. I know my limitations but, I don''t think I will ever stop loving and longing for you from a distance." He ced his hands back inside his pocket as he took a step back to give her some space.


    "You¡­" Still in the process of?recovering, Lexi slowly looked at the gentle smile on his lips.


    "Shameless, aren''t I? I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to go overboard." Acting as if he was innocent and meant no harm, Morris Liu nonchntly shrugged his shoulders.


    "Tch," For a brief second, Lexi red at him. All that emotional vibe they had earlier waspletely ruined by him. "Yes, you went overboard. Nice talking to you." Rolling her eyes, Lexi grabbed the hem of the zer on her shoulders before she returned it to him.


    "I''m serious though." As he received the zer suit, Morris Liu inexpressibly murmured. s, Lexi didn''t reply anymore as she turned her back against him when he had his hands on the zer.


    As she was walking away, Lexi stopped on her tracks before she opened her mouth and then resumed her steps. Whatever she said, no one heard aside from him. But, by the looks of his reaction, it was intriguing as he chuckled.

 Chapter 441: The almighty name of Eli

    <h4>441 The almighty name of Eli</h4>


    Meanwhile¡­


    As the two people on the pavilion began returning inside the establishment, a person who was camouge in the dark was continuously snapping pictures of them. From the time Lexi arrived at the garden to the time Morris Liu appeared, the person caught everything in his camera.


    He didn''t stop pressing the click button as they talked until they ''kissed''! Yes, from the perspective of his standpoint, he believed they kissed! Hence, whatever his eyes witnessed,?was also caught in his camera.


    Even though Lexi and Morris Liu left the area, the person could not help his body but tremble in excitement. What he caught, it was everything he needed. Lexi and Morris Liu''s love affair; their infidelity behind the head of Lu Corporation, Ethan Lu''s back!


    What a great headline!


    Before the person could even forget, he immediately searched for his phone and rang a person who hired him. After several rings, the line finally connected that soon followed by Mia Chen''s voice.


    "What?"


    "Miss Chen, you wouldn''t believe what I just witnessed." His voice was still shaking as his adrenaline rush ran through his veins up to his head. "I caught Miss Yang and Mr. Liu kissing!" Since the spicy gossip for tomorrow was too overwhelming, the man unconsciously raised his voice.


    The reason he immediately covered his mouth and looked around. Fortunately, not a single fly was in this ce as Mr. Tang booked the whole ce and all the guests were inside. Thus, he heaved a sigh of relief.


    "What?" Surprised by the news Mia Chen received, her brows creased. "Are you sure?" She asked to confirm if she heard him right.


    "Yes, 5000%! I''ll send you the copy."


    "Send it to me right away." Having mixed emotions by the news, Mia Chen didn''t want to take any particr?feelings for now as she wanted to see for herself. Just before she could end the call, the man from the other end stopped her.


    "Wait¡ª!"


    "What?" Annoyed, Mia Chen arched her brows as she was in the middle of something. Hence, she didn''t find the pleasure to listen to whatever chitchat he would say. After all, she was only interested in concrete evidence that could separate Ethan Lu and Lexi. Therefore, she didn''t think there was still a need for him to stall her.


    "Uhm¡­ I can use this for tomorrow''s headline right? I''m sorry, Miss Chen. I just wanted to be clear about our deal." The man scratched the back of his head as he wanted to be sure that he could use these photos. After all, he was afraid that Mia Chen would be against it.


    "Use them well but give me the copy." With that said note, Mia Chen ended the call. Soon after, she received an email containing photos of Lexi and Morris Liu in the pavilion.


    One after another, Mia Chen checked everything. From the photos that the two were seemingly conversing, to the time they kissed and left the garden. As she checked, its effect slowly formed a smile on her lips because what her informant told her was true!


    "Who would have thought that he will be useful?" Chuckling at the pictures she received, Mia Chen''s grip on her phone shook as her shoulders trembled.


    Initially, she didn''t expect much from the person she snuck in as she knew the two of them would be more careful. However, just to be sure, Mia Chen still hired a person to follow them and if a miracle happened, he must take advantage and take as many pictures of them together.


    It turned out that she was a ''genius'' for even reconsidering it! Now, she only needed her final scheme to be a sess to achieve whatever she wanted to aplish. Just the thought of tomorrow''s oue excites her to the bones.


    Finally, her dearest Morris Liu would be happy with the woman he loved. Just a little longer, he would appreciate her. Mia Chen believed, inside her twisted mind, that she was setting things back to where they should belong.


    ****


    [Inside Ethan Lu''s car]


    "Hey brother, can we meet tomorrow?" Sitting in the back passenger seat, Ethan Lu asked the moment the call connected to the other end of the line.


    "Uhh, what time?" Kevin Woo asked with his brows furrowed as Ethan Lu''s sudden call and invitation slightly surprised him. "I have some paintings to finish so, I don''t think I can¡ª" Right after his first inquiry, Kevin Woo was about to reject as he nced at his sketches on the side. However, just before he couldplete his sentence, he heard a deep exhale from Ethan Lu''s end.


    "What happened?"


    "It''s¡­ ah, sh*t!" Sounding distress, Ethan Lu massaged his temples. "It''s about Eli¡­" Once again, a heavy sigh escaped Ethan Lu''s mouth.


    "What about Eli?" Curious why Ethan Lu sounded that he was in a big dilemma, Kevin Woo patiently waited for whatever he would say.


    "He had an ident and was currently?in aa. I just heard about the news and ordered everyone not to leak any information just yet. I am going to country J tomorrow morning so¡­"


    "What?!"


    "Uhh¡­ I don''t know, man. It''s a long story. You''reing with us?" Still bearing the wretched tone, Ethan Lu vaguely exined.


    "Alright."


    *****


    [Queen''s Citadel Hotel]


    "Achoo!" Out of the blue, Elliot Gong sneezed as a chill run down his spine. "Is one of my fans fantasizing about me, again?" He murmured as he rubbed his nose.


    "Eww. Get away from us or my darling might get infected by whatever virus you carry." Dissing Elliot Gong, Rika stood in a protective stance in front of her beloved Jaime Liao as she shooed her friend away.

 Chapter 442: Good thing comes in pair

    <h4>442 Good thinges in pair</h4>


    When Lexi returned inside the function hall of the hotel, they had lined important guests including the immediate family members of the Tang Family up so they could personally?present their gifts to the celebrant. Although Lexi was also considered an important guest, thankfully, she didn''t need to take part in this activity that was just a masquerade of humble bragging.


    Furthermore, this was also meant for Mr. Tang to judge his descendant''s personalities by the present they prepared for him. So, in other words, this was a lowkeypetition between the Tang family members to add some points to gain more favors from old man Tang. Hence, Lexi would do nothing for the moment and just enjoy the show.


    Meanwhile, from the other entrance of the ce, Morris Liu had finally returned minutes after Lexi''s arrival. Both of them acted as usual as if they didn''t have an emotional encounter as they had gone to their separate ways; Lexi on the side alone since she could not sight her best friend while Morris Liu joined a group of middle-aged businessmen who''re part of Mr. Tang''s circle earlier.


    "Grandpa¡­" One reserved yet beautifuldy courteously bowed her head as she greeted Mr. Tang. Upon seeing her approach, Mr. Tang smiled as he slightly waved his hand gesturing to her to lift her head which she did.


    "Please ept my gift. I wish you good health and long life, Grandpa." The woman meekly smiled as the butler on the side carried her wrapped gifts for him. Mr. Tang nodded in acknowledgment as a smile revealed on his lips that was hiding beneath his nched beard.


    Soon, as a ''tradition'' in this kind?of?grand celebration, the crowd watched the butler carefully unwrapped what lies beneath the covers of the gift that Mr. Tang received from this unpopr granddaughter of his.


    "This is a renowned masterpiece of Bernard which I luckily got my hands¡­" As they revealed the gift, the woman began exining what it obviously?was and highlighted how previous it was. Of course, even the Tang Family had their own family drama going on as the situation slightly escted.


    On the other hand,?Lexi, who was witnessing everything, got less and less inclined to watch this drama. It was not a melodramatic situation, but clearly,?Mr. Tang''s offspring were fighting to the death to be the favored one.


    One major problem of some wealthy families.


    "I wonder if I also have a sister or brother, what rtionship will we have? Probably, a good one since we have Mom and Dad as parents." As Lexi watched the next granddaughter unts her shocking ten of millions worth gift to her grandfather, Lexis slowly looked around to find her friends instead.


    Just then, she felt her purse vibrate from the inside. Hence, Lexi checked her phone and answered Jarred Guo''s call.


    "Oh, dear¡­ I guess a ss of wine is not enough?" She murmured as the side of her lips slowly curled into a devilish smirk. A muffled chuckle then followed it as she restrained herself fromughing out loud.


    Fortunately, everyone''s attention was on the stage where Mr. Tang was receiving all the rarest gifts while the members of his family showcased their wealth and connections as an individual that they concealed by the words?''gifts to show sincerity''. Truly, people in the upper society were amusing in a way.


    As Lexi sipped another round of wine, she didn''t pay attention to the current urrence inside the same space as her as she was deep in her thoughts. Every person who sees her could not help but admire her from afar.


    Lexi was just too elegant, especially when she was nonchnt; she''s akin to a masterpiece. They could only grace their eyes by looking at her beautiful existence but reluctant to approach her, afraid they would ruin the art.


    Just as Lexi was deep in her own thoughts, she snapped from her trance when she heard the Lu''s name over the mic. Arching her brows, she turned to the stage where an unfamiliar-looking man stood in front of Mr. Tang as he slowly bowed his head.


    ''Who is this?'' Lexi inquired inwardly as she hadn''t seen this person''s face. Aside from Lyrick Jiang, Jarred Guo, Nico Zhuang, and a few men of her husband, Lexi could not remember that she had seen this man before.


    "Good evening, Mr. Tang. Our Master, Mr. Ethan Lu, is sending his apologies to Mr. Tang because there were conflicts with our master''s end, so he could not attend this special day. Thus, to express his sincerity, he sent a little gift to Mr. Tang." The man tonelessly spoke as he gestured the gifts to be carried in. Since there wasn''t just one gift, the other men in a uniformed suit just like the one who spoke helped the lone butler that had been carrying each guest''s gifts.


    "Hahaha! Mr. Lu is always as grand as ever!" Seeing seven gifts being carried towards him, Mr. Tang heartilyughed. His reaction wasn''t the same reserved attitude he bore earlier as he showed an excited response.


    "I see, his chosen theme is ''good thingse in pairs''!" Nodding in satisfaction, Mr. Tang gleefully remarked as he appreciated the fact that Ethan Lu recalled that he believed in superstitions.


    However, just right after he chuckled, his brows knitted as he realized that they were only 7 gifts instead of eight. Not that he was being greedy, but if Ethan Lu wanted to wish him good things by his gesture, his numbers were inurate or rather, it gave off a different unpleasing meaning.


    Upon this realization, Mr. Tang frowned while a batch of murmurs slowly filled the whole ce.


    "Mr. Tang might wonder why there are just seven gifts instead of eight; the eighth and most precious one was already in your possession ¡ª our Madam''s present, Miss Yang''s. On behalf of our masters, we wished Mr. Tang for abundant fortune and great health." The man courteously bowed his head as he ryed Ethan Lu and ''Lexi''s'' regards.


    For a moment, the crowd including Mister Tang took a minute to process the Lu Corporation''s representative said. Some that saw where?Lexi was standing earlier, slowly turned their attention to her direction in a daze.


    ''In the end, he would let no one think that they could snatch what''s his¡­'' Meanwhile, Morris Liu slightly shook his head sideways as he had foreseen thising.

 Chapter 443: What are you thinking?

    <h4>443 What are you thinking?</h4>


    "Hahahaha!" When Mr. Tang finally recovered, he cracked up, filling the whole hall with his pearls ofughter. Because of the indirect message of his good friend of what he wanted to ry even from kilometers away, Mr. Tang could not help but p his hands as heughed.


    "I see, I see! Now, that''s eight! Hahaha! Please send my regards to Mr. Lu, Miss Yang." Grinning from ear to ear, Mr. Tang remarked as he turned his head to the crowd. Since Lexi stood out among the rest, he instantly caught her figure standing on the side.


    ''His possessiveness sometimes is amusing.'' Chuckling inwardly, Lexi nodded her head a little to Mr. Tang''s direction as a response.


    With that said and done, Mr. Tang gestured the men to leave the presents on the side as he didn''t open them in front of everyone since it was a lot, and there are still people lined up. Soon, they resumed to finish the eptance of gifts.


    Regardless, after that skit Ethan Lu''s men did and proimed, the majority attention of the guest were turned to the indifferent Lexi. Despite the gazes she received and indistinct murmurs, Lexi remained nonchnt as she could not care less.


    What''s important to her was that her love, her husband dearest was just too charming. Perhaps, it was the wine that she had the sudden urge to cling on his neck and shower him kisses until they go to the next phase.


    Now, with that thought in mind, Lexi finally retracted her back from the wall as she needed to give her husband a call. Considering his kind gesture, it tempted Lexi to flirt with him through a sweet, loving call.


    Meanwhile, as Lexi left without care from the many eyes on her, their murmuring grew louder.


    "Am I the only one who noticed that they addressed her as Madam? As in Madam without Lu?"


    "Gosh... just when I thought they secretly split."


    "So, does that mean ¡ª wait, Mr. Liu is here, right? OmO!"


    "Ha?? What''s all the fuss? It''s just an indirect confirmation that they are still together, so what?"


    "Stupid! Do you really think it''s as simple as that? Let me exin: first, for the seven gifts that were?supposed to be eight which means?''good thingse in pairs'', Mr. Lu purposely gave seven then added Miss Yang''s present to make it eight. In other words, he meant that Miss Yang and Him, was one ¡ª so Miss Yang''s gifts were his and vice versa.


    Second, regardless if Mr. Lu knew that Mr. Liu is here or not, I''m pretty sure that it was also a threat not to touch what''s his. And what''s his is none other than Miss Yang, obviously! You get it now?" One smalldy rolled her eyes at her friend as she exined in full?detail as if she was told about the whole story.


    "Huh? How did you know that?"


    ****


    After Morris Liu gave his gifts to Mr. Tang, all the gossip going around and the odd stare that were set on him, he treated them all as noises ¡ª irrelevant noises. Hepletely understood why Ethan Lu did what he did; to remind him not to go overboard.


    Well, he was afraid he already did and could imagine how he would react tomorrow. Still, that was not important right now as he caught a glimpsed Lexi drinking wines. Thus, he was worried that she might drink a little too many.


    Looking around, Morris Liu could not track Lexi''s shadow hence, he discreetly headed out while keeping his cold front. As he exited the ce again, he slid his hand inside his pocket suit and picked up his phone to call someone.


    "Where is she?" The moment the line connected, Morris Liu emotionlessly inquired.


    "She''s on her way to the?east wing of the ce. Sir, Miss Yang seemed she had drunk a little too much and stagge¡ª"?Even before the man on the other end could finish his report, Morris Liu ended the call as he rushed his way to Lexi''s current location.


    What was she doing? A little too many? How? He caught her earlier downed two sses of wine. But, knowing Lexi, that was not enough to intoxicate her.


    ''Lexi, Lexi... what are you thinking?'' On his way towards the east side of this hotel, Morris Liu''s mind was filled with worry as he knew a thing or two of what was going around. He once again contacted his informant to know her current location.


    After God knows how long, the moment Morris Liu turned to one corridor, Lexi was standing in front of the elevator as she abused any buttons she could press.


    "Lexi!" Out of worry, Morris Liu called her out to catch her attention. He saw her slowly turned her head to his approaching figure before a huge smile slowly brightened her face.


    "Hey!" Waving her hand in the air, Lexi unreservedly greeted.


    "You...! What are you doing?" Morris Liu gritted his teeth as his eyes darkened. By the looks of it, Lexi was indeed?drunk as her face was flushed and he got a whiffed of her breath.


    "Hehe, you said you''re noting? Ethan, you¡ª!" Still grinning from ear to ear, Lexi pouted before she suddenly threw herself to him.


    That instant, Morris Liu stiffened as his eyes widened. Her sudden hug, it immobilized him as if he was undergoing some shocks. His ns... what was she doing?


    "Stop..."


    For a while, neither of them moved until Lexi buried her face on his shoulder. Fortunately, no one was around or rather, they saw no one spying on them.


    "Alright, I''ll drop you in your room ¡ª you''re really?cruel." After some time, Morris Liu hanged his head low and murmured. At the same time, the elevator slowly opened, and he assisted Lexi to step inside.

 Chapter 444: Doraemons pocke

    <h4>444 Doraemon''s pocke</h4>


    "Hey, careful." Morris Liu reminded as Lexi almost slipped to the side as she seemed she was having a hard time walking her way, despite that he was assisting her.


    "Yes, yes, I''m careful~" Still grinning, Lexi''s eyes formed on a thin line as her lip was stretched from ear to ear. She patted Morris Liu''s shoulder like a barbarian as she chuckled.


    "Tsk," Ignoring her strength and how she was acting, Morris Liu slightly shook his head as he clicked his tongue in annoyance. He was rarely gets annoyed at Lexi, but this time, he did. "Let''s go." He emotionlessly said as he helped Lexi by the shoulder and headed to ''her'' hotel room.


    Soon, the two arrived in front of the room. Not having the keys on him, Morris Liu paused as he nced at her. "Keys," He mumbled. However, Lexi slowly retracted herself from him as she searched for her keys like a snail.


    "Uh¡­ where is it¡­? Keys, keys¡­"


    "It''s not with you?" Arching his brows, Morris Liu bluntly asked. Well, her purse was too small and yet, she was searching for a single ess card as her purse was as vast as Doraemon''s pocket. Only a fool would have the patience to wait for her to find something that wasn''t in her possession.


    "Oh¡­ it''s not?" Slowly, Lexi raised her head. Her eyes slightly erged as the gleam within it flickered across her pair of eyes; she''s doing a puppy eye! For a second, Morris Liu was once again stunned by her action.


    Why not? Lexi was already stunning enough even doing nothing. But when she was purposely acting cute, she''s too adorable. God¡­ she was torturing him, doesn''t she? Not just him but, also, her husband.


    Cruel. Cruel evil woman, she was.


    "Stop¡­ you''re going overboard." When Morris Liu recovered, he cleared his throat as he slightly averted his eyes to the side. He could not stare at her for long or else, he might not treat this a mere joke anymore.


    "What? What did I do?" Frowning, a heavy sigh escaped her mouth as she hanged her head low.


    "Nothing. Let''s exchange rooms. Stay in my room and I''ll ask someone to fetch your ess card, sounds good?" Shaking his head, Morris Liu offered. After all, no one was around at this moment and even if he was to?contact someone, it would take a good while before they could arrive at the floor where they were in. Hence, to avoid that others would see them, it would be safer that Lexi would stay in his room.


    "Okay¡­" Lexi pursed her lips on a thin line as she nodded her head once. With that said note, Morris Liu nodded his head as he assisted her in his room. Fortunately, their rooms were on the same floor hence, it didn''t take a lot of time to reach Morris Liu''s room.


    Opening the door by tapping his card, Morris Liu turned to Lexi on his side. But, just as he turned to face her, Lexi suddenly tripped causing her to stumble on him. Thanks to his reflex, he was able to catch her on time.


    "Mhmm¡­ my bad." Lexi murmured as her tone grew lower. "I feel hot, it''s hot." Breathing heavily, Lexi added as she raised her head to meet his sharp orbs. That instant, Morris Liu''s eyes darkened and without further ado, he swiftly carried her in his arms before he kicked the door and entered the room.


    ****


    Meanwhile¡­


    Through the screen, Mia Chen saw the door opened and after several minutes, Morris Liu''s figure with Lexi on his arms entered the slightly dimmed room. She had been watching them since earlier; from the time they exited the elevator to when they arrived in front of Lexi''s room.


    However, just as expected, Lexi wouldn''t know where her card was. After all, she''s was drugged, and she was incapable to know that they snatched her card on her way there. Therefore, knowing Morris Liu, he would certainly?offer his room to her as he was generous as that.


    Although she nted cameras in both of their rooms, still Lexi inside Morris Liu''s room would give a different meaning when these photos reached Ethan Lu. After all, having Morris Liu inside Lexi''s room might make Ethan Lu think that he was the one who took advantage of her.


    But Lexi on Morris Liu''s¡­ that would be a different story.


    Mia Chen had thought of many angles and problems as she prepared this very day toe in fruition. Hence, she was confident that everything was going with her ns. Now, it was only a matter of seconds before the drug on Lexi to kick in.


    If that happened, no matter how Morris Liu would restrain himself, he wouldn''t be able to seed as the woman before him, would be aroused to the heavens. Who wouldn''t dly ept Lexi''s heavenly body if she was offering it herself?


    "Hahaha!" While Mia Chen watched Morris Liu helped Lexi on the bed, she could not help butugh as Lexi pulled his tie along when shended on the bed. Therefore, the two of them were now on the bed and Morris Liu was on top of her.


    "Great! Give me a nice show! Hahaha!" As the two people on the screen weren''t moving as if they were talking about something, Mia Chen''s waves ofughter grew louder and louder. Soon, she saw Morris Liu leaned down and submit to temptation.


    And that was the start of their affair¡­


    Mia Chenughed, seeing that they began undressing while not breaking their kiss. Yet, her heart wasn''t deceived as tears fell from her eyes soon followed her maniacughter. Still, she didn''t sob butughed a little louder.


    "Right, it''s alright. I am fine." She consoled in between herughter. However, seeing that the scene on the screen became intense, she instinctively turned off the monitor.


    "It''s okay¡­ I don''t need to see the whole of it?as I intended it for Ethan Lu to see." Mia Chen leaned her back on the chair where she was sitting on. She wiped the tears that were still staining her cheeks ¡ª smudging her heavy makeup and leaving traces on her face.

 Chapter 445: Good morning, Miss Chen.

    <h4>445 Good morning, Miss Chen.</h4>


    The next morning...


    Mia Chen mindlessly stared at the ceiling all night. She didn''t even notice that her dark hotel room has gained some source of light from the window as the day was about to break.


    After turning off all the monitors that disyed different angles of Morris Liu''s room, Mia Chen justy in her bed all night. She wasn''t able to sleep as the scene she saw ¡ª Lexi and Morris Liu being intimate with each other ¡ª kept repeating on her head.


    Wasn''t she prepared to return the happiness he lost? Mia Chen was certain that she was. However, why does her heart ached? Why was it betraying her?


    "You''re doing the right thing... we are different. Lexi is selfish, she would do anything just to keep him with him even if he says he doesn''t want her anymore. While I, on the other hand, is selfless..." Murmuring in the air, Mia Chen convinced herself that what she did shouldn''t make her feel hurt.


    She wasn''t remorseful for what she had done. But she was more like consoling her broken heart for doing the "right" thing.


    "Yes, we are different. I will sacrifice my own?happiness for him. I am better... always." She added as thest drop of tear fell from the side of her eyes.


    Closing her eyes, Mia Chen deeply inhaled and then exhaled. She had been crying every once in a while throughout the night. Fortunately, the party next door was loud enough so her cries weren''t heard outside these walls.


    "Well..." Just as she wiped her tears, Mia Chen felt the vibrations of the mattress her phone caused by her side. Turning to its direction, Mia Chennguidly reached for her phone to see who was calling her early in the morning.


    Upon seeing that it was Kevin Woo, her brows knitted. It was just five in the morning and Kevin Woo wouldn''t call her in this hour.


    "Did something happened?" She muttered before letting it ring for three more times before she answered, sounding weary.


    "Brother Kevin...?" Thanks for her uncontroble emotionsst night, Mia Chen''s voice sounded believable as her throat was hoarse as if she just woke up.


    "Goodmorning..."


    "What time is it? Did something happened?" Arching her brows, Mia Chen patiently waited for an exnation for this sudden call.


    "Uhm... There''s an emergency and I have to leave the country for a while so..." Sounding sorry as ever, Kevin Woo exined.


    "What? Where? I mean, why?" Knitting her brows, Mia Chen slowly rose to a?sitting position as she nced at the light fog through the huge window.


    "To country J with Ethan... Mia, have you seen the news?" Kevin Woo could hardly exin what was going on with her, but in the end,?he ended up asking her such questions.


    "News? What news?" Feigning innocence, Mia Chen checked her manicured nails with less interest.


    For a while, there was this pure silence on both ends of the line as neither of them uttered a word. It was only broken when Mia Chen spoke.


    "Brother Kevin, I know it''s unbelievable and maybe, it''s all just a misunderstanding. Let''s just hope that there''s a reason for that." Mia Chen gentlyforted yet, the sneer on her lips was a terrible reminder that she was a heartless maniptor.


    She knew what kind of news he was talking about. It was the news that she herself took part in it to be exposed. Well, not just exposed,?but she orchestrated it to happen. She was just lucky that Lexi and Morris Liu were cooperative that made things a lot easier.


    "It''s fine. Don''t worry about me. Be a good friend to Mr. Lu. I''m sure he needed one." Continuing her act, Mia Chen didn''t press about the matter further as she could not care less. Kevin Woo only responded with a low hummed before they bid their usual farewell and the line was cut short.


    "Oh, poor Mr. Lu..." Imagining how broken Ethan Lu must have felt,?it gave her pleasure in a way. At the very least, she wasn''t the only one who was left with a wounded heart.


    Mia Chen then began freshening herself up as this should be a good day for her. She wanted to look at her best as she witnesses Lexi and Ethan Lu''s rtionship crumble down to bits. After that, she turned on all the monitors and saved all the files into a single sh drive as she would release this in theter dates.


    After all, she had already tipped a few people that were now waiting in front of Morris Liu''s front door. Since these people that she snuck inside were only a?few, it wouldn''t gather much attention. Moreover, there weren''t many guests on the said floor as it was for VIPs only.


    After doing everything and making sure that she left nothing important, Mia Chen hummed her way out of her room. Unlike the mncholic atmosphere she left inside the room, Mia Chen''s mood had a 180-degree change.


    Just as she left the room with a fake content heart, Mia Chen''s steps halted as her heart recoiled in surprise. Her eyes moved from the person''s shoes up to his sharp, cold pair of eyes that was standing in front of her door.


    "Bro ¡ª brother Mo? Why¡ª" Stuttering, Mia Chen''s heart pounded as her heart fluttered, and?at the same time, she had a gut feeling that this would not end well.


    "Why am I here and not... there?" Morris Liu coldly stared down on her as he slowly erected his forefinger, pointing up, referring to the floor above them which he and Lexi "should be" at this moment.


    "Oh? Good morning." Just as Mia Chen was in the process to understand what was going on, the door next to her room that was booming until three in the morning suddenly opened.


    There, Lexi appeared with a cup of coffee on her hand and a sly smirk to greet her a good morning.


    "What..." Unable to muster a word, Mia Chen took a step back, but before she could run away, Morris Liu mmed his hand on the closed door behind her ¡ª on her ride side?¡ª?giving her no way out.

 Chapter 446: Tight budget, I pressumed?

    <h4>446 Tight budget, I pressumed?</h4>


    Just then, Mia Chen heard her phone rang, resonating throughout the whole empty hallway. ncing at Morris Liu and then to Lexi, she saw Lexi briefly raised her right brow, gesturing her to answer the call.


    "Well, Miss Chen? Won''t you answer?" Smirking, Lexi insinuated. "Is it something that we shouldn''t hear? Don''t worry, we respect your privacy." Lexi added.


    Slowly, Mia Chen picked up her phone and saw a familiar contact person; it was one of the media people she hired! Picking it up, Mia Chen said nothing and let the person speak.


    "Miss Chen, are you sure about the room number? The people inside are not Mr. Liu and Miss Yang but different couples! They said they will sue us!" From the other end of the line, a panicking man eximed through his shaking voice.


    Mia Chen heard him grumbled on and on but, she could not finish everything as his voice faded because she helplessly put down her phone. Her eyes dimmed from any expectations and her lips slightly paled.


    "Miss Chen! Miss Chen!" Not just Mia Chen but also, Morris Liu and Lexi heard the man from the other end calling her name as loud as he could. s, Mia Chen already ended the call that returned the stifling atmosphere in the air.


    "Not a good morning call, I see¡­" Lexi humored as she purposely poked a nerve. Well, it was enjoyable in a way as she really didn''t like this woman from the beginning. Not just that, even after trying to be civil and kind, attempting to forget whatever happened in the past and moved on, she still pulled this scheme. Thus, Lexi wouldn''t mind epting the challenge.


    "What do you think the two of you are doing?!" Just then, Mia Chen ground her teeth as she red at Morris Liu and then moved it to Lexi''s direction. "This is harassment!" As her defense mechanism kicked in, Mia Chen harshly pped Morris Liu''s arm, causing it to swing to the side.


    "I don''t know what the two of you want but I don''t have time to spare. Get out of my way!" Still bearing her res as her real colors slowly revealed, exposing her ws and fangs beneath her fragile surface, Mia Chen scoffed as she turned around and was about to storm her way out.


    However, just as she took two steps, Morris Liu caught her wrist but, she aggressively flung her arm to get him off her. "You know what I was before, so, you can''t keep me here whether you like it or not." Reminding him of her former upation, a skilled mercenary, Mia Chen warned.


    After all, even if these two joined forces, without anybat skills, she still has the upper hand. Hence, Mia Chen was confident that even if her beloved Morris Liu would try again, she would not hesitate to cause him some minor injury.


    Unfortunately, she wouldn''t be able to witness it in the front seat. Still, that wasn''t important at the moment. As long as Lexi and Ethan Lu would split, that was good enough for her.


    "Alright," Raising both his hands in the air, Morris Liu conceded in defeat. Despite her sudden aggression and the slight pain on his arm, Morris Liu''s stoic front didn''t change a bit.


    "That''s sad¡­" As Mia Chen began walking away, Lexi''s dejected voice reached her ears. However, Mia Chen couldn''t care less as she needed to get away from these two as soon as possible.


    However, just as she hastened her pace, it suddenly came to a full halt upon seeing a figure ahead approach her. There, Chris Yu''s nonchnt figure was walking opposite her with a slight smile on his lips.


    "Hello there, sexydy." Chris Yu slightly waved his hand as he maliciously greeted her ¡ª staring at her from head to toe. "Nice skirt," Heplimented as he drew closer and closer to her.


    "You¡ª!" Balling her hand into a fist, Mia Chen''s jaw tightened as she swallowed a mouthful of saliva. She took a step back before she pressed some pressure on her heel, pivoting back to where Morris Liu and Lexi stood.


    "It''s sad, isn''t it? Whether you like it or not, you don''t have a choice to make." Lexi tilted her head to the side as she slightly frowned, acting sorry for Mia Chen''s tight situation.


    "Don''t have any choice? Haha!" Upon hearing Lexi''s words, Mia Chen scoffed before a burst of maniacughter that could send a chill run down to one''s spine resounded across the whole floor.


    "You think so, Miss Yang? Hahaha!" Mia Chen held her stomach as sheughed even louder. If they didn''t know any better, they would think that she has gone crazy.


    s, she''s already crazy! Hence, the woman before them was jus the real Mia Chen.


    "Brother Mo, I can''t believe you chose someone as crazy as her as your props. Tight budget, I presumed?" Watching Mia Chen transformed into a deranged woman, Lexi murmured in disdain.


    "No, bad decisions." Morris Liu cast Lexi a side nce before he averted his gaze back to Mia Chen. Even to him, it was his first time seeing her act like this as she was now cornered.


    The next second, Mia Chen stoppedughing as she suddenly bolted towards Lexi. She was fast, talking about experience ¡ª Mia Chen was indeed?skilled.


    For normal people like Morris Liu and Lexi, this sudden act caught them off-guard as they could merely stare at the figureing at them like a bolt of lightning. However, neither of them showed the slightest fear.


    Just then, a figure behind Lexi shed forward, no one could see him as his speed was unbelievable that it produced a gust of wind inside this closed space.

 Chapter 447: Exclusive P*rn

    <h4>447 Exclusive P*rn</h4>


    "Let me go! Let me go! This is illegal ¡ª Help!" Retaliating despite that Nico Zhuang was restraining her by her wrist as he pinned her down, Mia Chen screamed at the top of her lungs.


    If one didn''t know the full story, they would think that Lexi''s group was harassing a fragile woman. Thankfully, with Morris Liu and Lexi''s mindbined, they secured this whole floor; meaning, the only people on this floor was them.


    "Mia, do you want to talk while being pinned down? Well, we don''t mind, you know. I''m just concerned about that unsightly position ¡ª Nico might get numb." Lexi marginally raised her brows as she tilted her head to the side.


    She had already foreseen that they couldn''t invite Mia Chen by using peace and words. Hence, Lexi wasn''t surprised that Mia Chen attempted to assault her. Yet, knowing that not only Chris Yu was there, Nico Zhuang was on standby?as well.


    And if Mia Chen got away, Jarred Guo was just around the area hence, it would be impossible for her. She''ll only exhaust herself with three gentlemen chasing at her.


    s, what Lexi didn''t expect was that Nico Zhuang would deal with her with zero gentleness. That was what caught her off-guard. Truly, Nico Zhuang could be a gentleman and,?at the same time,?he would turn that off?if necessary.


    "You¡ª!" Mia Chen could only grit her teeth as she red at Lexi''s direction. She felt the pressure on her back got heavier and Nico Zhuang''s grip tightened as if he would unhesitatingly break her wrist at Lexi''s signal.


    "Hmm?" Slowly, a smirk formed on the side of Lexi''s lips as she cast her a knowing look. On the other hand, Morris Liu''s cold stare showed zero empathy as he nced at Chris Yu whonguidly approached Mia Chen and Nico Zhuang''s standpoint.


    "Don''t y hard to get, woman. Your luck had run out, and he got his hands on you first before me. He''s not as gentle as me ¡ª you can tell." Clicking his tongue multiple times, Chris Yu shook his head sideways as he showed his half-hearted concern towards her.


    *****


    "Let me warn you, I''ll know even before you can think of something funny. I won''t show you mercy ¡ª sit still." Forcing Mia Chen to sit on the bed of her own hotel room where she stayedst night, Nico Zhuang threatened as a dreading glint shed across his eyes.


    She could tell that he was dead serious. These eyes... they were akin to the eyes of a reaper that had delivered millions of souls to hell. Little did she know, Nico Zhuang was just intimidating her.


    ''Who was he again? Right, Lexi''s assistant. Who would have thought he would have someone like him as an assistant?'' Mia Chen scoffed as she overlooked this particr angle. Since she was staring at him for a while now, Mia Chen finally recalled where she saw him.


    "I''ll kill you one day." ring at the emotionless eyes looking down on her, Mia Chen vindicated. However,?Nico Zhuang then retreated and stood to the side as he wouldn''t waste his energy on her anymore.


    He treated her threats as mere noise as he knew she would not be capable to do so after this.?Moreover, Nico Zhuang would be more d that she would turn her grudges to him instead of Lexi. In that case, she wouldn''t have to bother Lexi and he could deal with her in a battle of life.


    "Well, this is quite a morning for all of us, isn''t it?" Perching on the chair opposite Mia Chen, Lexi slowly ced her leg over the other as she nonchntly smiled. Meanwhile, Morris Liu positioned himself on the side as he leaned his back on the huge floor to length window with his arms crossed under his chest.


    Lexi slowly scanned Mia Chen''s room and stared at the monitors that were on the side. "I wonder if you liked the exclusive porn we directed just for you." Based on the position of the monitors and the bed, Mia Chen could see everything that was going on?on the monitors even if she wasying down. Therefore, out of pure curiosity, Lexi wondered.


    "Directed just for me...?" Under her breath, Mia Chen murmured, repeating the keywords on Lexi''s statements.


    "Mhmm..." Lexi hummed a tune as she gently nodded her head. "I''m mildly surprised that you didn''t notice that the people you were watchingst night weren''t us. Though they have the same built like me and brother Mo, unfortunately for you, that''s not us."


    "Impossible." Scoffing in ridicule, Mia Chen retorted. "You can deny it all you want and try to cover up what you didst night, but..." She paused as her lips stretched a little upward.


    "I have evidence of the two of you together ¡ª being intimate with each other." Mia Chen spouted in mockery.


    To her, since she turned off the monitorsst night, and hadn''t reviewed the whole recording, Mia Chen guessed that Lexi and Morris Liu must have figured that they were being filmed. Thus, with that possibility, they must have used their power and influence to track the culprit: HER.


    If she thought it that way, Mia Chen was more convinced as Morris Liu was always like that. Not to mention, Lexi cherished her rtionship with Ethan Lu and would do?everything she could to cover her sin. Just like what she did back when she was crazy over Morris Liu.


    "Evidence? The two of us being intimate? Are you sure?" Blinking her eyes numerous times, Lexi tilted her head to the side. Just then, a knock from outside?was heard?and without further ado, Jarred Guo arrived carrying a tray of coffees and teas.


    As Nico Zhuang helped him distribute the coffee for the people inside, except Mia Chen, Jarred Guo handed the takeout tea to Lexi.


    "Thank you, Red. Leave a note to the Rika and Jaime?that I''ll join themter ¡ª also, to Andy and Eli." Smiling, Lexi slightly nodded her head as she epted the tea she requested. Jarred Guo only nodded his head as he departed from the room to execute his menial task.


    Lexi then returned her gaze to Mia Chen before she chuckled. "I''m sorry. We were partying all night and I have a slight hangover ¡ª so, apologies if we bothered you a little all night."


    Upon hearing Lexi''s statement, Mia Chen lifelessly stared at her as she took a sip of her tea.

 Chapter 448: Behind the scenes I

    <h4>448 Behind the scenes I</h4>


    "Wow, you''re really shocked, aren''t you?" Examining Mia Chen''s aghast expression, Lexi mused. "Actually, I didn''t want to waste even a little energy exining why you failed." Lexi paused and took a sip of her tea before she hummed in satisfaction upon its taste.


    "But, it was a memorable experience not to share. Right, Miss Chen? I know you''re itching to know as well..." Using her middle finger, Lexi gently traced the tea''s mouth as the corner of her lips slowly curled upward.


    *****


    Weeks ago...


    "Okay, let me hear your n." As Ethan Lu locked eyes with Morris Liu''s pair of cold eyes, a sudden glint shed across his eyes.


    "My n is to know what she truly wanted and by knowing that, I might need Lexi''s participation." Morris Liu didn''t break away his gaze from the pair of Ethan Lu''s devil''s eyes as it emanated a thirst for chaos every passing second.


    "Why?"


    "As I''ve said, I don''t know what that woman has in her head but, what I am certain is that she is waiting for a perfect time to strike so, we must give that to her." Morris Liunguidly leaned forward, cing his arms over his legs. "A perfect timing where Lexi and I are in the same space and... where Ethan Lu is not around."


    Ethan Lu absorbed his vague n yet, upon careful consideration, the corner of his lips slightly curled into a smirk.


    "Mr. Tang''s birthday celebration is near, and you must have heard it. As you know, the Tang Group of Companies has been associated with the Yang''s and recently partnered with the Liu Empire." Stating the obvious, Morris Liu slightly raised his right hand as he exined.


    "I see... if you and Lexi would attend the same event, it would be less suspicious since both families are connected to Mr. Tang." Nodding his head, Ethan Lu understood Morris Liu''s rational thinking.


    From the past year, Lexi and Morris Liu haven''t had their chance encounter. Hence, it would be suspicious if they suddenly meet.?Also, it would be more believable if whatever happened in the event would look natural.


    So, if they executed their ns on the same day which Mia Chen must have been anticipating as well, they could take advantage of it and turn the tables. Not to mention, it wasn''t a secret to everyone whose political party the Lu''s were supporting and the Tang''s.


    Therefore, to avoid further conflicts, Ethan Lu would surely have to reject the invitation and would resort topensate his friend, Mr. Tang, so as to not strain their rtionship. With that, the old man Tang would surely understand Ethan Lu''s position.


    "Although I am not a hundred percent sure, but prevention is better than cure. Also, I don''t think she works alone." Morris Liu nodded his head in satisfaction as he sees Ethan Lu clearly understood. Thus, he dropped another grenade.


    "Alright," Slowly, Ethan Lu closed his eyes before he opened them again. Beneath his pair of orbs lies the zing thirst to send someone to where they belong ¡ª six feet under the ground.


    He unhurriedly rose from his seat and slightly tugged the hem of his suit as he prepared to leave. Ethan Lu then nced at Morris Liu''s unchanging front before he grinned and spoke.


    "Whether she is working with someone, they will voluntarily give me clues. Anyway, thank you for informing me." With that said note, Ethan Lu unhurriedly turned his back against him.


    "Will she agree?" As he watched Ethan Lu retreat, Morris Liu solemnly inquired.


    "Huh," Without turning his head back, Ethan Lu briefly chuckled at his silly question. "Brother Mo, didn''t we just discuss it earlier? You don''t know how she worries me these days... and, at the same time, she terrifies me a little." Recalling his distress earlier, Ethan Lu said before he resumed on his steps and left him alone.


    Indeed, that was probably the root cause of his dilemma. It was not because he wasn''t confident about Lexi''s capabilities or personality. But, he was worried that once Lexi goes ck, she might not go back and just fall deeper and deeper into the endless darkness.


    Regardless of his worries, Morris Liu was right; Lexi has her own mind and heart. She has the freedom to know everything and then decide. He loved her for what she was and whoever she''d be, anyway.


    All he needed to do was trust their marriage, trust his wife, and share their burden with each other.


    ''Kevin... I have to apologize in advance because the saddest day of your life is approaching.'' As he walked away, Ethan Lu muttered inwardly as he recalled his friend''s well-being.


    Kevin Woo might hate them for what they were about to do but, Ethan Lu needed to do it regardless. He would be a hypocrite if he said he was doing it for Kevin Woo''s sake because Ethan Lu wouldn''t take action even if he knew that Mia Chen was just fooling him.


    Even so, he might give him advice but not to the point he would exert some effort to expose her. He''ll just let Kevin Woo realized things.


    However, since Mia Chen posed a threat to his wife and family, Ethan Lu wouldn''t just sit still. They would have to send Mia Chen to her doomsday ¡ª a day that she wouldn''t be able to crawl her way back because he would certainly let her feel his wrath.


    "Lyrick, move the meeting with the executives tomorrow. It''s been a while since I went fishing."

 Chapter 449: Behind the scenes II

    <h4>449 Behind the scenes II</h4>


    By the time Ethan Lu arrived at their home, Lexi was already on the bed, with herptop beaming on herp as if she was reading something. She was too immersed in whatever she was reading and purposely ignored Ethan Lu, who just arrived.


    "Hey..." Slowly, Ethan Lu dragged the nearby chair from the side and ced it beside the bed.


    "Hmm?" Raising her brows, Lexi hummed a tune as she slightly turned her head to his direction yet, her eyes were still glued on theptop''s screen.


    "What are you reading, my love?" Ethan Lu smiled as he slightly leaned forward and took a peek of what kept her upied. There, he caught a glimpse of an article regarding the scandal about Abigail Fan''s artist.


    "Just some article ¡ª what is it?" Lexi nonchntly shrugged her shoulder as she now turned her head to face him. Laying her eyes on his exhausted yet still dashing front, Lexi leaned forward as she ced a peck on his lips.


    "Have you eaten dinner? Let me prepare some." Smiling at the man before her, Lexi mildly patted his cheek before she closed herptop and put it on the side. However, just as she was about to get out of bed, Ethan Lu gently held her on her hand which made her stop and looked at him with questioning eyes.


    "It''s fine, love. I had dinner with Brother Mo." Ethan Lu shook his head as he stretched his lips upward. "If there''s anything I want, that''s you." He humored as he winked at her.


    "Really?" Lexi chuckled at hisst remark before she crawled her way to hisp. "That''s sweet." Snaking her arms around his neck, Lexi clung on him as she rested the side of her head on his shoulder and sniffed his refreshing minty odor.


    "What happened?" After some silence, Lexi softly inquired. He was her husband thus, she knew that there''s something he wanted to talk about something in just a nce.


    "Did you two argue?" Guessing what happened with his meeting with Morris Liu, Lexi asked. Well, she wouldn''t be surprised if they had a little disagreement as both of them had their egos and talking about business, they have a different style of dealing with things.


    After all, her husband was quite aggressive ¡ª like apulsive gambler despite all high stakes. On the other hand, Morris Liu might be a risk-taker as well but, he wasn''t as daring as Ethan Lu.


    "Surprisingly, we didn''t." Ethan Lu chuckled as he shook his head sideways at the first thought that came to her mind.


    "Then, what is it?"


    "We had an interesting discussion ¡ª he wanted to borrow my wife." Recalling his meeting with him, Ethan Lu said the same exact ridiculous remark Morris Liu spouted. Upon hearing that, Lexi''s brows slightly knitted as she slowly drew her head away from him.


    "Borrow your wife? You mean me?" Arching her brows, Lexi thoroughly scanned his side profile that revealed nothing but amusement.


    "It''s about Mia Chen. Apparently, she''s now Kevin''s woman. Brother Mo is not convinced that she bears goodwill. Not to mention, we just reconciled with Kevin but until now, his rtionship with brother Mo and Chris is severed. Suspicious, isn''t it?"


    "So? What''s that got to do with him ''borrowing'' me? Also, what does she wants?" Lexi tilted her head a little to the side as her brows were still arched in bafflement.


    "Exactly, my love. What does she want? We don''t know so, we must know." Poking the tip of her nose, Ethan Lu grinned as he found her endless curiosity adorable.


    "Does she want brother Mo? I don''t think so. She might be a bad person but, I don''t think she''s stupid enough not to know that regardless of what she does, brother Mo would never fall for her. Then, why was she clinging to Kevin? Did she really fell in love with him? Maybe, maybe not. That''s why we will find out."


    "Huh?" Lost at the moment, Lexi tried to put the pieces together. She currently has Hannah Gan''s issue at hand and then Avah Tong. Thus, adding another crazy like Mia Chen on the list, she needed more time to absorb another scheme.


    "Mr. Tang''s birthday ising soon. Brother Mo will surely attend ¡ª Mom, and Dad will attend as well. If our assumptions are correct, Mia Chen was waiting for the right time where you and brother Mo will be in the same event. So, we can assume that she''ll strike on the same day. What she will do, I don''t know but, at the very least, I can make sure you''re safe." Summarizing their n and Mia Chen''s possible attendance on the said day, Ethan Lu reassured.


    He looked at her, who remained silent as she processed everything in one go.


    "If nothing happened, we can assume she is truly in love with Kevin. But, if she made a move just like what we expected, we might gain pieces of information more than we expected." Cupping her cheek, Ethan Lu gently smiled.


    "She won''t fall for Kevin." After some silence, Lexi emotionlessly uttered as if she was told about it. Which made Ethan Lu furrowed his brows in surprise.


    "Alright, I''ll cooperate. I''ll contact brother Mo via emails." Ignoring the ''how did you know'' expression stered across her husband''s face, Lexi smiled as she agreed to be ''borrowed''.


    However, what Ethan Lu failed to notice was the oddness of her smile and the faint glint that shed across her eyes.


    "But, are you sure you''re letting him borrow me?" Arching her brows, Lexi asked for thest time.


    "Never." Ethan Lu shook his head as he responded without batting an eye. "But, I''ll let you team up with him, just this once." As he added histter remarks, Ethan Lu smiled as he corrected the term. s, it was all toote as Lexi already perceived it as he was letting another man borrow her.

 Chapter 450: Behind the scenes III

    <h4>450 Behind the scenes III</h4>


    After that night, Lexi and Ethan Lu resumed their current dilemmas at hand. While they seemed they didn''t prioritize that said event, Lexi constantly exchanged emails with Morris Liu via Nico Zhuang, as he was the one who delivered them under Lexi''s instructions.


    Everything went smoothly as Lexi suggested things to spice things up. During their nning, it just so happened that Frederick Yang and Lillian Yang had a scheduled business trip for a week around the same date. Thus, it worked well for Lexi as she would attend unguarded... or what Mia Chen would think. Also, to make things more thrilling.


    After all, the more Mia Chen thinks that Lexi was carefree and confident that her night would be peaceful, the better. Just giving her the idea of having the upper hand would surely make a person feelx. That''s what Lexi wanted to achieve: to make Mia Chen taste sess, not knowing its bitter aftertaste.


    [LC Golf and Country Club: the next day]


    "Isn''t the weather a little nice?" Looking up at the clear blue sky, Ethan Lu cheered as he narrowed his eyes and hid it under the shade of his hand.


    "It is, Master. Hehe," One elder that was invited to Ethan Lu''s leisure meetings, he agreed with a bright smile.


    "Master, I feel honored for this invite. Let''s enjoy our time today!" Another one eximed because Ethan Lu only invited a few ones. Some are his solid people in the core and some that were secretly against him.


    Regardless of his motives, whether it was good or bad, no one knew. Still, those who were neutral in these silent power struggles in the Lu Family perceived this invitation as honor and opportunity.


    It''s an opportunity to solidify their connections to the head of the family and get on his good graces. After all, it was rare for him to invite selected few into such activity. Moreover, if one didn''t bear ill-intentions, whatever hidden agenda Ethan Lu has, they were safe from his wrath.


    "Oh, no, Mr. Xue. It''s my pleasure to have a quality time with my people. Let''s enjoy our day!" Bearing his business smile, Ethan Lu feigned as a good and pure ruler.


    He knew that some of them had their assumptions about why he invited them. And surely they weren''t wrong. He wouldn''t waste his time with these old geezers if not because one of them might be colluding with Mia Chen.


    Gathering a few of his trusted people, then mixing them with the ones he knew were against him, and then some of those undecided which side they choose ¡ª Ethan Lu gathered them all today.


    One, to lessen the range of the suspected people who were backing up Mia Chen. And second, to reel in these neutral parties on his side. That''s hitting two birds with one stone.


    **


    Although Ethan Lu''s extra kindness and consideration were suspicious, no one dared to point it out. They could only obey his wants without a question being asked.


    Around the round table consist of Ethan Lu, Dennis Lu, Gerald Huang, Henry Lu (Louis Lu''s father), and some core members of the Lu family.


    "Master, about the bidding led by Miss Wang, I heard the Sun Corporations had put up their bid." In the middle of their meal, Gerald Huang, Ethan Lu''s uncle, broke the silence that was bouncing across the whole private diner.


    "Oh ho! The Sun Corporation again. Haha! Until now, they wanted to take their glory back, ha!"


    "Master, the Sun Corporation had been growing daring and had been firming their ties with Senator Wang. They must have known about your rtion with the other parties so, they could use that to waver Senator Wang''s trust towards our Lu family!" Since the discussion was opened up, one after another, everyone left theirments aside from Dennis Lu and Henry Lu.


    Ethan Lu let them speak their mind as much as they want as he continuously enjoyed their meal. After some time, he wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin before he smiled.


    "I understand your concerns, gentlemen. So, I am keeping distance with Mr. Wang''s rival parties. And by that, what I meant was that all my friends that supported the other party, though I respect their political views and beliefs, were included." Reassuring them with a smile, Ethan Lu linked his hands together, his elbow on the surface of the table, as he rested his chin over them.


    "For example, I already refused Mr. Tang''s invitation next week." Out of the blue, Ethan Lu said.


    Actually, it was not necessary that he would bluntly say what he was stating and what kind of rtion he wanted to keep. After all, he was always like that.


    However, it was baffling that he was saying all this as if he needed to. After all, no one cared if he refused a birthday invitation or not. All they care about was that they retain Senator Wang''s trust and mutually benefit from him.


    As Ethan Lu uttered those words, his gaze slowly scanned their reactions, some had their ''we don''t care'' kind of face, some had ''what are you saying'' expression stered across their faces, while a few like Henry Lu remained as unfazed he enjoyed this meal as if he was alone.


    ''Interesting, Uncle Hen. You really intrigue me in what''s going on with that head of yours. More importantly, to whom will you send this information to? Directly to Mia Chen? Or to another decoy?'' Returning his smile to his people, Ethan Lu murmured inwardly. After all, the difference between Henry Lu and Dennis Lu''s unconcealed ridiculing eyes was vast.


    In one nce, Ethan Lu could read Dennis Lu''s cloud of mocking thought while, on the other hand,? Henry Lu would make you keep thinking.


    Fortunately, Lexi pointed this out to him. Hence, the more he give his attention to him, the more he wanted to unravel if he was a foe or a friend, or just like Louis Lu who didn''t care about the Lu Corporation as long as he was earning.

 Chapter 451: Behind the scenes IV

    <h4>451 Behind the scenes IV</h4>


    Finally, Mr. Tang''s birthday celebration arrived. Having their ns and set back ns if anything happened, everyone of them acted nonchnt.


    Lexi being alone and enjoying thepany and praises of these influential men. At first, they didn''t sense anything amiss yet, no one put their guard down.


    Jarred Guo surveyed the area to confirm if Mia Chen went into a full crazy mode and hired people to kill Lexi or Morris Liu. Of course, they prepared for the worst hence, they had to check these things as Morris Liu and Ethan Lu insisted.


    However, although Lexi wasn''t against the idea. She already told them that Mia Chen wouldn''t be that foolish to do that. After all, she already guessed what might Mia Chen wanted to achieve. Regardless, since these two insisted, she didn''t prolong the discussion and just agreed.


    On the other hand, Nico Zhuang was assigned to blend in inside while keeping a close eye on Lexi. If he ever sees that someone posed a threat to her, he could prevent that from happening. Of course, that resulted in a boring date as he had Andy Chang on his side that has zero knowledge on what was going on.


    With those two on standby, Lexi daringly put her guard down as she headed outside to hear Jarred Guo''s report. Actually, that wasn''t on their n, about her emotional encounter with Morris Liu.


    It just so happened that he took advantage of the fact that he got the once in a lifetime opportunity to apologize to her and send his best wishes. Until, Morris Liu suddenly turned aggressive.


    "If only there''s another way to repent, I''d do it if it means not entirely losing you." He said as he leaned forward, tilting his head to side and stopped inches away from her cheek.


    "But clearly, there isn''t any other way because even before you can think, your instincts will automatically reject me." Under his breath, he murmured. However, as he said those words, Lexi noticed that his eyes were cast somewhere else.


    "Someone is taking a photo. From his angle, it might seem we are kissing¡ª didn''t you say you want her to feel what heaven feels like? Then, when these photos reach her, she''ll lose her mind." Whispering to her ears, Morris Liu slowly retracted his head back and resumed his sentiments.


    Actually, he didn''t need to do this. But, being reminded of Lexi''s words, he tried just to see what she''ll do. In the end, he was just hurt. Regardless, he immediately concealed it with a chuckle.


    "Again, forgive me. I know my limitations but, I don''t think I will ever stop loving and longing for you from a distance."


    "You..."


    "Shameless, aren''t I? I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to go overboard." Being honest, Morris Liu admitted as his action was just a spurt of the moment and maybe, to try his luck but to no avail, he already lost her, entirely.


    Well, that wasn''t nned but, oh well, Morris Liu has a point.


    She wanted Mia Chen to celebrate the whole night. She wanted her to feel a crazy roller coaster ride of beyond happiness, sadness, stress, annoyed, and everything. Partially, it was because Lexi was truly irked at her and half of it was because Lexi detested the fact that she was manipting other people''s feelings.


    Hence, as a revenge, she wanted to make her have a taste of her own medicine. She wanted to control her feelings since it seemed it revolved around Morris Liu.


    As Lexi was walking away, her tracks halted as she opened her mouth. "You figured what my other agenda, huh? Well, he too needed to learn." With that vague note, Lexi left Morris Liu chuckled.


    ''Ethan, you''re right. Your wife is terrifying¡ª even to you, she won''t show mercy.'' Murmuring inside his mind, Morris Liu chuckled as he shook his head.


    He wouldn''t know about Lexi''s other agenda for tonight if not for all the hints she dropped. Hence, the reason why he garnered enough courage to be bold and attempt to kiss her.


    One, was for Mia Chen''s informant and the other, was for Lexi''s personal reason. Nevertheless, he felt renewed after talking to her. At the very least, they had their closure because they wouldn''t know when they will be able to meet again.


    ****


    As the two of them left, the man who was snapping photos of them reported to Mia Chen and giddily sent some photos to her. After he did what he was told, the man kept on giggling in the dark as he looked at the photos in his camera.


    The longer he looked at them, the intense his shoulder shook as he mildly stomped his feet on the ground to calm himself down. Little did he know, there was also another person watching him act funny¡ª like aedian doing his ownedy skit alone.


    "Hihihi! I should start writing the conte¡ª" Just as he turned, the man jolted as Jarred Guo was already standing on his side and taking a peek at the photos he took.


    "Ahh!" Feeling his soul almost leave him, the man clumsily jumped to the side and identally tripped which made him crash and his camera to the grass.


    "Interesting photos. I wonder if this is legal?" Picking up his camera, Jarred Guo checked the photos of Lexi and Morris Liu in the pavilion. Even after seeing these misleading photos, he wasn''t surprised as he was well-versed of the n.


    Although he didn''t know if this skit was approved or not, Jarred Guo trusted Lexi. Therefore, he wouldn''t believe these photos.


    On the other hand, he was provoked that if these were toe out, Lexi''s reputation would surely be tainted again. Hence, he wouldn''t let this man off easily.


    When Jarred Guo raised his gaze and to the man still in shock on the ground, a vicious smirk formed on the side of his lips.


    "Say Mister," Slowly, Jarred Guo squatted down, staring at the man''s terrified eyes. "Do you want to continue working for Mia Chen or you want to work with the Lu''s? If you chose the first one, you, yourpany, your whole family will go down. But if thetter, my master might reconsider your fate" Out of ''politeness" Jarred Guo offered, specifically mentioning the surname Lu to cloud whatever hope the man has.


    "I¡ª I"


    "This is a decision of a lifetime and sadly, you only have five seconds to decide. Five. Four. Thre¡ª"


    "Sir! I''m sorry! I will cooperate with you and willing to say whatever I know! Please!" The man pleaded as he kowtowed, his forehead touching the grass yet, he could not careless.


    Despite that the man hadn''t recovered from the shock upon hearing the Lu''s involvement, the pressure when Jarred Guo began counting down snapped him from his trance.

 Chapter 452: Behind the scenes V

    <h4>452 Behind the scenes V</h4>


    By the time Lexi returned to the function hall, she traveled her gaze to find if Nico Zhuang was around. Seeing that he was just on the other side, boring Andy Chang that wasn''tining and just standing beside him, Lexi chuckled inwardly.


    ''Now, I feel bad for Andy for dragging her here. I just want him to loosen up with Andy but, theplete opposite happened. *sigh*'' Inside her mind, Lexi thought of ways topensate Andyter for wasting her time.


    After all, Nico Zhuang seemed he was killing whatever conversation Andy Chang opened up. Hence, even with the distance they have, Lexi could feel the awkward atmosphere between them.


    Well, Lexi was certain that Nico Zhuang was too dense not to feel the awkwardness but Andy Chang was a sensitive person. Poor Andy.


    ''What got inside my head anyway when I decided to y as a cupid?'' Guilty for cing Andy Chang into such situation, Lexi wondered as she felt that it wasn''t usually her.


    Although Lexi wanted to invite as many people for their party tonight, Lexi wouldn''t just mindlessly invite Andy Chang just because she felt like it. Regardless, it already happened. Hence, she''d just have to apologize to herter or tomorrow.


    Shrugging the thoughts off her mind, Lexi watched the battle of humble bragging take ce. In the midst of Mr. Tang''s kins showcasing their gifts, Lexi felt her phone ring which she answered immediately.


    "Madam, you are right. Mia Chen had nted cameras in your room and Mr. Liu''s room. Also, I had the camera that held the photos of you and Mr. Liu in the pavilion." Jarred Guo reported from the information he gathered from the reporter. Since he already received the orders ahead, as if Lexi had already foreseen everything, Jarred Guo already took matters in his hands.


    "As per Madam''smand, I already requested for a new room and another one for your after party. Your new room is on the same floor as Mia Chen and was already approved by the staff. Also, there are already staff that was guarding your room and was just waiting for you; just like what Madam ordered." With that said, Lexi just wordlessly cut the line short.


    Just as what she expected, Mia Chen''s scheme was not to kill her. Ironically enough, perhaps, because she spent most of the days bullying Mia Chen and paying more attention to her in the past thus, Lexi seemed to understand her more than anyone of them.


    The reason how Lexi had countered everything she had nned¡ª as if Mia Chen herself told her about it.


    ncing up, Lexi saw Nico Zhuang slightly raised his ss of wine before he thrust his chin to the waiter approaching her. Getting that signal, Lexi gestured to the waiter and he handed her a ss of wine.


    If not for Nico Zhuang''s signal, Lexi wouldn''t confirm that Mia Chen was indeed trying to drug her. Amateur. Although she mustmend Mia Chen for noticing Lexi''s odd habit.


    In parties like this, Lexi always drinks champagne first, just to look ssy and she only drinks one throughout half of the event. She would then switch to red wines to condition herself for a good hour of partying.


    Hence, Mia Chen had surely ced a drug on that single wine ss which would only be served to her. Of course, to cause less suspicion, the waiter would wait for her to ask for it.


    Unbeknownst to Mia Chen, Nico Zhuang had double bribed her aplice hence, no matter what she drinks, no drug would get on her system. Moreover, since Ethan Lu was a little paranoid, he secretly ced men everywhere to keep watch on their foods and drinks.


    Soon, as the current activity on the stage reached its peak, Ethan Lu''s men just announced his indirect message which moved her a little. However, that wasn''t enough to give her naughty husband a lesson he would never forget.


    Acting a little tipsy, Lexi headed out as if she was not on her right mind. Fair enough, she wouldn''t be able to crack this little mind games of Mia Chen if she didn''t think a little crazy, right?


    ****


    Lexi''s action, her, and going out alone and going to the east wing wasn''t part of the n. Well, it was part of her n but, Morris Liu knew nothing about it. To her, the best and the most believable acting was: if one person wasn''t acting at all.


    Hence, to give the best show ever, Lexi chose to give Morris Liu the shock of his life as she knew someone, somewhere were watching them.


    Soon, as expected, Morris Liu was able to track her down. His face was filled with worries, as his chest moved in an in and out motion¡ª panting, out of breath.


    Good. Just like what Lexi wanted to see.


    "Lexi!"


    "Hehe, you said you''re noting? Ethan, you¡ª!" With that said note, Lexi unreservedly threw herself at him.


    She was conscious, yes. Yet, she was acting something she wouldn''t do. Well, wasn''t that what Mia Chen wanted to see? Lexi under the influence of a drug?


    In an instant, Lexi felt that Morris Liu stiffened as he was shocked. Great! Morris Liu wouldn''t react like this if he knew.


    "Stop..." After minutes of his internal struggle, Morris Liu was finally able to subdued whatever desired she ignited within him.


    He wouldn''t take advantage of her even if Mia Chen managed to drug her. No. Never. However, just as he uttered those words, Morris Liu heard her chilling whisper that almost made him push her away to check if she was the same Lexi or just a devil in disguise.

 Chapter 453: What is love?

    <h4>453 What is love?</h4>


    [PRESENT TIME]


    "But I saw you two! You entered brother Mo''s room!" In an utter disbelief, Mia Chen argued as she was hundred percent certain that Lexi and Morris Liu entered his room and sinned.


    "You did witness us entering a room, Miss Chen. However, how are you certain that it was that particr room?" Raising her brows, Lexi tilted her head to the side.


    "It''s¡ª"


    "Hmm?" Lexi smirked. Seeing that Mia Chen stopped just as she uttered a word. By the looks of it, a realization suddenly struck her.


    "You just realized it now? Establishment like this, aside from the top floor, the rest were designed the same. Did you really believe that Brother Mo will stay in the second best room in this hotel? Dear, you underestimated elite men and their egos." Lexi chuckled as she covered her lips by the back of her hand.


    Why did she thought that other guests of Mr. Tang chose not to stay? Aside from their earlymitments for the next day, it was because the presidential suites were upied.


    It was not because they needed to brag about their wealth but, it was more about their pride and dignity. After all, all the respectable guests of Mr. Tang excelled in their fields of business and politics. Hence, they had their pride to protect. If they didn''t get the best, there''s no option for the second. Not unless, the hotel was owned by the Lu''s or the Liu''s.


    It was their secret rule they set for themselves.


    Therefore, Lexi wouldn''t believe it if someone told her about Morris Liu humbling himself. After all, the Liu Empire had their own hotel chains¡ª way better than this establishment.


    But, the reason why they were confident that Mia Chen would believe about the deliberate leak of information about Morris Liu''s stay was because Lexi would also stay.


    "While we are heading our way next to this room..." Slowly, Lexi stood up from her seat as shenguidly strode towards the monitors on the side.


    Tracing her fingers on top of one of the monitors, Lexi resumed after she turned on the monitor. "You, on the other hand, was watching, believing everything that was shown to you."


    Just then, Nico Zhuang approached the monitors and inserted a USB that immediately revealed the same angles of each camera that Mia Chen had. Upon seeing this, it caused another wave of fog to dim whatever sliver of hope Mia Chen has.


    It entirely scratched the possibility about her usations earlier as her cameras that were her eyes were tampered from the very beginning.


    "Say, Miss Chen, were you too excited about the sess of your n that you failed to notice the hint I purposely left?" Lexi slowly turned around to face the clueless front of Mia Chen. Satisfied with her helpless reaction, Lexi smiled that didn''t reach her eyes.


    Just like the recording that was put on paused on the screen, all the room numbers corrted with which floor they were. Everything started with the floor number but only thest one¡ª on the farthest side from the camera''s perspective¡ª has a different starting number.


    In simple terms, Lexi and Morris Liu daringly mocked her by stopping on the same floor as Mia Chen ¡ª instead of the floor above¡ªand continued to give her the show that she wanted. She was so immersed watching the two figures that she failed to notice something important as that obvious hint.


    After gaining such information, it was easy to guess that when Lexi and Morris Liu entered the room, their decoys that were on standby on Morris Liu''s supposed room continued the show.


    "Did everything make sense to you now?" Offering nothing but coldness, a glint shed across Lexi''s eyes. "Mia Chen, did this convince you that you and me are different? Are you satisfied?" Despite not receiving a response from her, Lexi inquired.


    "Do you really believe that you can fix everything by brute force? If destroying someone else''s happiness believing that it is in the name of love, then that''s not love; it''s pure cruelty." Just like what Lexi said, she had guessed the reason why Mia Chen had cooked up this scheme. That was to make her beloved Morris Liu happy.


    After all, Mia Chen doesn''t have any deep grudges towards Lexi. If there''s any, that would be Mia Chen not wishing to be close to how Lexi dealt with things in the past.


    Hence, that only left Lexi with the assumption that Mia Chen believed that what she was doing was selfless¡ª contradicting how selfish Lexi was.


    Unbeknownst to her, the more she wanted to be selfless, the more she turned out to be the most selfish person. Not only she would hurt Ethan Lu, but also Lexi, Morris Liu, and Kevin Woo. That would leave the five of them with a tragic ending if her n was a sess.


    "Love is not meant to destroy but to mend a heart that makes a person grow. Sadly, you don''t know that." Lexi''s gaze never once left Mia Chen''s eyes that has tears forming on the corner of her eyes.


    At the very least, Lexi and Morris Liu learned this lesson about love. The very reason they eventually epted that their love was never meant to work because it was only a phase in their life to teach them these valuable lessons that made them grow.


    After Lexi''sst remarks, silence enveloped the whole room to the extent that it was deafening. Just then, Morris Liu finally broke his silence and stated three sincere words he was meaning to tell her.

 Chapter 454: Lies

    <h4>454 Lies</h4>


    "Brother Mo..." For a long time, Mia Chen stared at Morris Liu and his usual cold front. Nothing changed in his expression yet, she felt his words.


    It struck her heart that triggered her eyes to permit the tears she had been suppressing while hearing Lexi''s advice about love.


    Did she really fail? But her intention was pure... for him. She just wanted him to be happy as she could not bear to think about his usual long nights, alone. No matter how eager she was to fill the void in his heart, Mia Chen knew she could not as the only person who could was Lexi.


    "I shouldn''t have dragged you in it before because, in the end, I destroyed you as well." Not breaking his gaze away from her, Morris Liu uttered.


    For some reason, Morris Liu felt that Mia Chen also deserved an apology. Although her participation in their fake rtionship was a mutual agreement, still he needed to say sorry.


    Perhaps he carried bad luck to people that lead them to their brink of self-destruction. Regardless, Morris Liu knew deep down that Mia Chen also deserved a sincere apology from him.


    However, that doesn''t mean he would let this matter slip. After all, the consequences of her n would be dire if they didn''t prepare for it. Not to mention, she used Kevin Woo, who only sees the good in her.


    "No... no..." Mia Chen profusely shook her head to the side as she mustered her strength to stand up. As she does so, Nico Zhuang was about to ce her back to where she should be.


    s, he stopped as Lexi slightly raised her hand, before she shook her head as a gesture to let her be. Thus, Nico Zhuang could only retrieve his foot back and let Mia Chen desperately made her way to Morris Liu.


    "Brother Mo, you don''t have to apologize. No, I did it because I want you to be happy so you don''t have to be sad anymore." Mia Chen held tightly on Morris Liu''s suit, creasing it as she looked at him and uttered her words in desperation and reassurance. She forced a smile on her lips as she continued.


    "I know you understand that I am only doing this for you. But, you don''t have to apologize to me!"


    "Why¡­" Staring at the delusional and helpless eyes looking up at him, Morris Liu creased his brows as he coldly muttered.


    "Don''t worry, brother Mo. Whatever happens to me, the news about you and Lexi was already out in the public! She¡ª" As Mia Chen entered her delusional state, she brightly smiled as that fact couldn''t be undone even if they caught her.


    However, just as she turned and pointed her finger at Lexi, the rest of her words were stuck in her throat as she saw two new figures at the entrance of the room. There, stood Ethan Lu and Kevin Woo. Ethan Lu was nonchnt at the words that weed him, but Kevin Woo, he was too overwhelmed that his face went pale.


    "Why did you have to drag Kevin in it as well? Of all people, you know being dragged into someone else''s problem will not lead to any good, so, why did you have to drag him in as well?" Continuing what he wanted to ask, Morris Liu nced at Kevin Woo''s conflicted front before he shifted his gaze to Ethan Lu who just gave him a brow raised as a greeting.


    "Brother Kevin, what are you doing here? I thought you and¡ª" Shocked at Kevin Woo''s sudden appearance, Mia Chen murmured. s, when she was about to mention Ethan Lu''s name, she felt a strong force wrapped around her neck as Ethan Lu nced at her.


    Although Ethan Lu said nothing, Mia Chen sensed his silent threat of not calling his name using her disgusting mouth. How could he do this? Right, she was a former mercenary that had tons of life and death experience. Hence, her subconscious mind could easily detect a person''s level of threat and Ethan Lu''s was way higher than Nico Zhuang.


    No wonder she automatically shut her mouth.


    "I thought so too until hours ago." After swallowing a mouthful of saliva, Kevin Woo balled his hands into a fist as his shoulder trembled. However, he maintained a calm voice as he responded.


    "Mia, have you been lying to me all this time?" Through his gritted teeth, Kevin Woo asked. "From the time you held your hand out to support me, or all those times I thought I made you happy and satisfied, were all those lies? They are, right?" Recalling the start of how he totally pursued his current career with Mia Chen on his side, Kevin Woo asked and also answered them in a bitter tone.


    "That aside, even before I believed there was us, during the time I didn''t know that your rtionship with brother Mo was a big lie as well, should I assume that your kindness back then was also fake?" No one aside from Kevin Woo spoke the moment he came. They respected that the person who was truly hurt by all this was him and not Mia Chen.


    Mia Chen bit her lower lips as she turned to look at Morris Liu''s icy pair of orbs before she returned them to the most genuine eyes that bore nothing but pain staring back at her. Hence, for some reason, all she could do was hang her head low.

 Chapter 455: Not a gentleman

    <h4>455 Not a gentleman</h4>


    Mia Chen''s world began shaking until it slowly crumbled while she was in the middle of it. She could vividly hear its crisp cracking sound followed by a thunderous bolt of lightning.


    "No¡­" A lifeless word escaped her mouth as her knees gave way. A loud thud immediately followed as she copsed on the floor.


    The only assurance she has to break Lexi and Ethan Lu apartpletely failed. No, it was already impossible in the beginning. All her efforts, all her wasted time waiting for this very day, everything were all for naught.


    Looking up at Kevin Woo''s pair of hurt eyes, her gaze slowly shifted to Lexi, then to Ethan Lu. Aside from Kevin Woo, all eyes on her bore nothing but nonchnce.


    They weren''t enraged nor they looked at her with sympathy. To her, what lies beneath their eyes was nothing¡ª they were empty. It was as if all these time, they didn''t care about her very existence.


    Her value to them was nothing. That''s for sure.


    ''I see...'' Her subconscious mind whispered. How could she not see this?


    Lexi already moved on and continued to what''s up ahead of them. Therefore, this small skit of hers, Lexi just dealt with it because it''s on her way.


    To Lexi, this was just something that should be dealt with to avoid unnecessary problems in the future. However, if Mia Chen chose not to interfere with her life again, Lexi wouldn''t as well.


    It was as simple as that. And it only proved that Mia Chen was nothing but a blind fool.


    "You..." Just then, Ethan Lu who was nonchnt from the beginning began walking towards Mia Chen''s figure.


    Instinctively, Mia Chen shifted her gaze to Ethan Lu''s that were akin to Satan''s thirsty eyes that were ready to devour anything¡ª bit by bit¡ª even her soul.


    Upon reaching her standpoint, maintaining his distance from her, Ethan Lu unhurriedly squatted down. Staring straight at the hopeless eyes before him, the corner of his lips slightly curled into a smirk.


    "I hope you''ve prepared for the worst because there''s only one person that can save you... me." Keeping his tone low, Ethan Lu made sure that only Mia Chen could hear him. "Hmm? Did you think your aplice will help you?" Smirking, Ethan Lu purposely muttered.


    Upon hearing hisst remarks, Mia Chen''s eyes widened. He knew that as well? They knew that she has an aplice? Or he was just baiting her?


    "I¡ª"


    "You don''t have one? Are you saving him? Miss Chen, if you''re so willing to spend the rest of your life behind bars, no one is stopping you." Ethan Lu scoffed as he could not believe that Mia Chen still has the heart to lie.


    She was already cornered and facing Ethan Lu and Morris Liu, Mia Chen would surely face tons ofwsuits. Even if she managed to find herself awyer, with the Lu Corporation and Liu Empire''s legal team, her win would be a miracle.


    "Was it Henry, or perhaps, Dn?" He added.


    Upon hearing hisst question, Mia Chen was so shocked that her mind seemed to short circuited. Hence, her front couldn''t be more shock.


    Little did he know, Mia Chen was just too surprised that he guessed it right, that''s why she was rendered dumbfounded.


    He knew? No, he was uncertain but, he already has his eyes on Dn Lu.


    "You better start talking¡ª we don''t have the whole day." Disappointed that he didn''t get what he wanted, Ethan Lu urged as Mia Chen was his key to know if Henry Lu was the person she colluded with.


    Actually, Ethan Lu was more certain that Henry Lu would be more likely be her aplice. He just merely added Dn Lu''s name since he was suspicious of him as well. Regardless, he didn''t expect that Mia Chen''s contact was Dn Lu.


    "How¡ª" Just as Mia Chen slightly recovered, she halted when a sudden phone ring resonated across the room.


    Everyone subconsciously nced at Mia Chen''s bag that was left on the bed, as her phone was inside it. No one cared if the phone should be answered except Nico Zhuang.


    He kindly approached the bag and then picked up the call. As he answered, he didn''t say a word nor did Mia Chen as she was puzzled who might be the caller. After all, she doesn''t have any friends.


    "Hey Mimi! How are you?" Hearing a cheerful guy from the end of the line, Nico Zhuang furrowed his brows as he drew the phone away from his ears and put it on speaker mode for everyone to hear.


    "Are you still on your trip? *sigh* Sis, when will you go home?" As Mia Chen listened to the person from the other end of the line, her already widened eyes grew bigger even more.


    "*sigh* I guess you''re still busy and still don''t want to talk to me. *sigh* Anyway, I already arrived at school, so I''ll hang up! I''ll talk to you again bis sis!" The person''s voice sounded disheartened and seemed he was used to her cold treatment. Hence, he seemed he tried to sound cheerful before the call was cut short.


    "You have a brother?" Just like everybody else, Ethan Lu was slightly surprised as he could not recall that Mia Chen having a brother. Although it was possible as her data being a mercenary didn''t need any information about her family.


    Still, even if it was needed, she could just lie to protect her loved ones because her previous job often faced crucial missions.


    "Get out." Hanging her head low, Mia Chen whispered that only she heard. All her wavering resolve to tattle immediately vanished after the call.


    After a second of not seeing any obedience, Mia Chen shouted.


    "Get out! Get out! Leave me alone!" Like a person who lost her mind, Mia Chen hysterically screamed.


    Fortunately, just when she was about to pounce on the nearest person from her, Ethan Lu swiftly jumped backward before heunched a paramount kick on her cheek. In an instant, Mia Chen lost consciousness as her body was tossed to the side.

 Chapter 456: Love, dont anger me further.

    <h4>456 Love, don''t anger me further.</h4>


    "What? She''s going to attack me? It''s self defense." Arching his brows, Ethan Lu shrugged his shoulders as he nced at Kevin Woo''s bbergasted front before he shifted it to Lexi''s.


    By the looks of it, Ethan Lu felt no guilt of hitting a woman on the face! Of all people, none of them would have thought that he raised a hand to a woman. And yet, they were wrong because even if he said it was ''self-defense'', he seemed to have been meaning to do that if an opportunity surfaced.


    "Although it seemed I went overboard. My bad. Nico, send her to the hospital and tell Rick to tell his people to wait for her to wake up again. Do what needs to be done. I don''t want her causing trouble again." Ignoring the fact that his wife and friend were astounded by his aggressiveness moments ago, Ethan Lu ordered Nico Zhuang as if he didn''t do something shocking.


    Nico Zhuang just wordlessly nodded his head as he received his orders. And contact Lyrick Jiang who was on standby.


    Ethan Lu then looked at Lexi who carried this disbelief gaze. He wasn''t surprised that his wife looked at him like this but, the moment their eyes met, Ethan Lu also bore this unusual coldness beneath his eyes.


    Count to think of it, Ethan Lu and Lexi didn''t interact from the moment the two came. They just shared a few seconds of stare before both of their attention turned to Mia Chen.


    The usual sweetness wasn''t seen in both of their eyes as if they weren''t there in the first ce. He was mad, Lexi instinctively thought, and so was she.


    She never saw him this mad yet, he wasn''t saying anything as both of them knew, deep down, they needed to settle it in private. If, they wanted to settle it.


    After giving out his orders bearing a poker face, Ethan Lu slid his hand inside his pocket before he began walking out.


    "Ethan, you¡ª!" Snapping from his stupor, Kevin Woo gritted his teeth as he rushed towards Mia Chen''s lying figure. Seeing that she lost a tooth and her lips were bleeding, Kevin Woo''s grip on her shoulder tightened as he turned his sharped gaze to Ethan Lu''s back.


    However, just as he was about to protest, Ethan Lu looked back bearing a never before seen glint that shed across his eyes. He never saw him like this hence, he instinctively swallowed the words he was about to spout.


    "If you decided to ept that woman despite what she had done, I don''t care. Just make sure you don''t ever show your face or even your shadow to me, ever again." Ethan Lu warned. His voice was void of any emotion yet, everyone of them felt that he meant what he said.


    Heartless. He just forced Kevin Woo in a tight situation. A situation where the man should decide whether he wanted to keep his friendship with them or, continue being a lover to a soon to be convicted woman.


    With that said note, Ethan Lu resumed on his tracks and cast Lexi a nce.


    On the other hand, Morris Liu narrowed his eyes as he observed Ethan Lu''s retreating back until he could no longer be seen. He then moved his eyes towards Lexi who showed no expression on the surface.


    Surely, these two needed to settle something as Lexi went overboardst night. However, he could not fully understand why she did what she had done.


    Meanwhile, Nico Zhuang and Chris Yu just stared at each other before they looked at Lexi''s figure at the same time. Both were clueless on what was going on and didn''t want to know.


    It was a problem between husband and wife this, prying about it was not a good idea. That''s why Nico Zhuang decided to execute the orders that was given to him instead of being a busybody. On the other hand, Chris Yu lended his helping hand to carry Mia Chen back to bed.


    "Nico, cancel all my ns for the day." After a minute of silence, Leximanded before she nced at Morris Liu''s worried eyes. However, she didn''t say anything as she also left the room without saying further.


    "Lexi..." As Morris Liu whispered out of worry as he watched Lexi leave bearing an inexplicable aura.


    *****


    Lexi knew where Ethan Lu could have gone: to her room. Even so, despite knowing that, she chose to take the other way¡ª opposite her room''s way as a protest to him.


    However, as she turned right, Lexi''s steps came to a full halt as her sharp eyes raised to the figure leaning on the side.


    "Trying to escape?" Ethan Lu turned his head to her direction as he slowly retracted his back from the wall.


    "Escape? From you? Oh dear, I just want to cool my head." Lexi scoffed as she let him approach her.


    "My love, you sure know how to make me happy and mad at the same time." Stopping in front of her, Ethan Lu kept his distance as he stared at her face before traveling his eyes on her neck down to her body and hands.


    In his eyes, he could see the invisible traces of Morris Liu''s marks that he left on her. He never felt his blood boil like this and he hated it.


    His pettiness was already known to everyone, even if it''s a simple thing. How much more if someone dared touch his wife, and his wife voluntarily throwing herself to another man?


    Indeed, he was updated about everything as he told Jarred Guo to report to him. Even the photos taken on the pavilion, and thetv cameras where Morris Liu was carrying Lexi¡ª he saw everything.


    He doesn''t care if it was Morris Liu or any other man because his anger would always be the same.


    "Love, I''m near my limit. Don''t anger me further." Deep and intimidating, Ethan Lu warned which made her tighten her jaw and ball her hands into a fist.


    "Follow me," Ordering her, Ethan Lu took a step forward and tucked her hair behind her ear. "I know you''re mad and I am too. Don''t drive me crazy even further, my love." He whispered as a smile formed on his lip yet, it didn''t reach his eyes.

 Chapter 457: Last warning

    <h4>457 Last warning</h4>


    Ethan Lu dragged her back to her room in silence. On the other hand, Lexi remained silent and ignored the slight pain on her wrist.


    He wasn''t gentle, at least, not as gentle as he usually was. This was the first time he has been rough to her. Still, he was trying his best to keep himself as calm as possible.


    It was just that his emotions were raging inside his heart and any minute; he would explode. Indeed, Lexi could make him the happiest man on earth and, at the same time, make him the craziest person on the entire.


    Lexi''s room was two rooms after Mia Chen''s. Just when they neared their destination, Morris Liu just exited Mia Chen''s room. Hence, Morris Liu instantly noticed the two approaching figures.


    Looking at Ethan Lu''s furious eyes, Morris Liu''s gaze moved to his hand that he was using to drag Lexi. In an instant, Morris Liu''s eyes darkened as it wasn''t hard to guess what he was doing.


    "Ethan," said Morris Liu, "What do you think you''re doing?" as usual, his tone was cold yet, this time, his temperament was more intimidating and imperious.


    Despite hearing him, Ethan Lu seemed he didn''t hear him as he continued to walk, dragging Lexi with him until they passed by Morris Liu. However, their tracks stopped when Morris Liu caught Lexi''s other wrist and used a little force, enough to pull her to him but not hurt her.


    "You''re hurting her." Morris Liu coldly uttered as he watched him turn his head, bearing his devastatingly fiery eyes.


    Ethan Lu said nothing immediately.? His zing gaze stared at his frosting pair of eyes before it moved to his hand where he was holding his wife.


    "Brother Mo," Meanwhile, upon being stopped by Morris Liu, Lexi nced up on him. By the looks of her eyes, she was warning him to stop, but to no avail, Morris Liu ignored her silent warning as he peered at Ethan Lu''s pair of diabolical eyes.


    "Morris Liu, let go." Piercing Morris Liu''s hand by his gaze, Ethan Lu clenched his teeth as his grip on Lexi''s wrist tightened.


    This was bad... Ethan Lu was losing control and at any moment, he might snap and lose his rationale.


    Ethan Lu slightly tugged Lexi to him yet, Morris Liu remained adamant. Unlike Ethan Lu, Morris Liu nced at Lexi who just gritted her teeth by the slight sudden pain her husband has caused. She did not make a sound as she was always been like that ever since.


    "You are hurting her." Morris Liu repeated as he slightly loosened his grip on Lexi''s wrist. "You are mad at me, don''t vent it on her." He already figured why Ethan Lu was acting as if Satan himself manifested on him. It was the urrencest night. Thus, he wanted to be held ountable for it as it was his idea in the first ce.


    After all, her issue and Ethan Lu''s were for them to settle. Regardless if Morris Liu was involved or not, Lexi''s resolved was final.


    "Vent on her? Huh, I just wanted to clean my wife from someone else''s residue..." Upon hearing his statement, Ethan Lu could not help but scoff in mockery. He slowly took steps forward and stopped several steps before the iceberg. "Because, apparently, you took advantage of our deal. I told you to keep your hands away from her and yet, you didn''t give me a little respect." If imagination could kill, Ethan Lu had strangled him to death multiple times inside his head.


    "Don''t make me repeat myself, let go." Ethan Lu didn''t break his eye contact on him as he ground his teeth and threatened for thest time. However, Morris Liu showed no sign of backing down until Lexi meekly called him out before she shook her head.


    "Brother Mo," Slowly, Lexi pulled her hand away from him which she didn''t need to exert some effort as he wasn''t holding on her that tightly. "It''s fine." She reassured, which didn''t sit well on Ethan Lu''s edgy mood.


    "This is thest time you touch her. The next time you attempt to take what''s mine, even lifting a pen will be a torture." Ethan Lu tried his hardest to keep his head cool. Although he managed as he didn''t strike Morris Liu out of impulse, still, his warning was something Morris Liu should heed.


    After all, he trusted him and yet; it was clear as the day that he attempted to kiss Lexi on the pavilion. No matter what angle he looked at it, it was Morris Liu who started it. Therefore, their already strain rtionship just got more a little shaky.


    With that said note, Ethan Lu turned his back against him before casting Lexi an emotionless nce and resumed on their tracks. On the other hand, Morris Liu could only ball his hands into a fist as he watched him roughly drag Lexi away.


    Meanwhile, Chris Yu was leaning on the wall inside Mia Chen''s room. Since Morris Liu left the door slightly open, he heard everything and had a glimpse of what transpired outside. Surely, Ethan Lu was furious about the n they cooked up and now it came back to bite him.


    "Nico, aren''t you concern about your boss?" Arching his brows, Chris Yu asked as he nced at Nico Zhuang who just got out from a call.


    "It''s a personal issue between Master and Madam. I don''t think I should concern myself about it." Soundingposed as usual, Nico Zhuang was rather calm about Lexi''s well-being. If there would be anything, he could say he was more worried about Ethan Lu''s well fair.


    He believed that no matter how enrage Ethan Lu and Lexi could be, at the end of the day, their love for each other would triumph.

 Chapter 458: I hate you

    <h4>458 I hate you</h4>


    When they reached Lexi''s hotel room, Ethan Lu harshly dragged Lexi inside before he mmed the door with a loud bang. He didn''t stop there as he immediately resumed to head towards the bathroom.


    "Stop." Upon reaching the bathroom, Lexi finally spoke to him as she pulled her wrist from his clutches, but to no avail, she didn''t fully retrieve her hand as his strong grip has locked her. Still, her action caused the two of them to stop in their tracks.


    "You''re hurting me." Staring right in his clouded eyes, Lexi uttered. Her tone wasn''t someone who was hurt, butmandant. Well, her wrist was indeed in pain as one could see the red marks caused by him. Regardless, that wasn''t important to her at the moment.


    "Am I?" He looked at her dead in the eye and replied. Ethan Lu didn''t let go of her hand but loosened it a little. "Will you listen if I tell you to strip?" Not caring if his words could bring harm to her, Ethan Lu inquired.


    When Lexi heard hisst remarks, her jaw tightened and before the two of them knew it, her hand alreadynded on his cheek. Her p was unreserved that made his head tossed to the side a little. Still, hearing his mocking and mindless demand, that one p wasn''t enough to quench her anger.


    "Huh," Scoffing, Ethan Lu wiped the speck of blood from the corner of his lips that was caused by her ring. "Why? You don''t want? Should I do it for you then?" Slowly, he returned his eyes to face her displeased front.


    "You¡­" Seeing that he wasn''t out from his clouded judgment, Lexi raised her hand again but before she couldunch another p, Ethan Lu stopped it by catching her other hand. Now, both her hands were held by him, tightly.


    "I told you, I am angry as it is." With that said note, Ethan Lu pulled her on him before he swiftly let go of her hands, as his arms circled around her waist while his other hand positioned on the back of her hand ¡ª stilling it for a rough, raw kiss.


    Lexi''s fist tried to push his chest away, but her strength wasn''tparable by his ¡ª it wasn''t even close to him. The gap was just too vast. He was just too strong for her to break away from a painful and bitter kiss she never thought she would feel from him.


    Out of the painful mockery, he made her feel, Lexi resorted to biting his lips until it bled. Both of them tasted the iron vor of his blood. Still, despite that he inflicted another injury, Ethan Lu could not care less as he pressed his lips even deeper before lifting her body back to bed.


    No matter how much she struggled, Lexi could helplessly feel her fragile body be carried before she wasid on the bed. She had slept with him numerous times, she couldn''t even count. However, why does she felt so vited?


    Lexi didn''t care if Ethan Lu was the most wicked man on earth as long as he loved her. But she doesn''t want their love to end in destruction. She couldn''t bear it.


    As she was having her sentiments while being harshly undressed by him, tears formed on the side of her eyes as she stopped struggling. Her heart ached. It was beating so fast that it was painful.


    However, what was more painful was the reason: HIM. There was no love or passion, their current situation was just oozing with bitterness. That was what her heart was crying about.


    Soon, she felt Ethan Lu stopped forcing himself to him as he slowly leaned back. Staring down on her sweating eyes, his brows knitted into a painful crease.


    "I hate you¡­" Lexi''s voice cracked as tears fell on the side, staining her temples as her vision got more and more blurry by the amount of tears forming and falling from her eyes. She could not properly see his pained glint that shed across his eyes.


    "I hate you¡­" She muffledly repeated. His gaze stared at her face before it moved down to her exposed corbones and disheveled blouse that was half-opened. If someone else was in his position, they wouldn''t show any mercy despite that Lexi began crying.


    In a sick-minded man''s perspective, they would find her more alluring in her current state. Even her hateful remarks weren''t enough to stop any man from doing what they wanted to do with her fair and fragile figure.


    "Have you ever thought about this?" Still staring at her, Ethan Lu slightly calmed down as he lowly asked. "Throwing yourself to someone, have you ever thought that they might do what I am doing to you right now?" He swallowed a mouthful of saliva as he slowly helped himself to sit on her side.


    "Are you being reckless and dumb or did you just underestimate a man''s strength?" Loosening his tie, Ethan Lu heavily sighed his frustrations. "I am mad at the thought of you in another man''s arms but, what truly made me mad was that you don''t seem to think of your actions." Looking down, Ethan Lu murmured as he ran his fingers through his hair.


    Baffled at what he was blurting, Lexi slightly wiped her tears as she hupped. She turned her head to the side where he perched before she bit her lower bit and helped herself to sit. She then leaned on the bed''s headboard while covering her almost bare body with the nket.


    "Even if it''s not Morris, someone will always take advantage of you if you mindlessly throw yourself at them. You have Nico, yes. But, can you protect yourself if he''s not around? No. You can''t even break free from me, even if you use brute force and I am still trying not to hurt you. Imagine if I struck you, you won''t even know if I already vited you or not." Ethan Lu exasperatedly turned to look at her and how she was trying to hide her body from the shame he had caused her.


    He knew he would hurt her one way or another. However, if he wanted to demonstrate the consequences of her heedless action, he must be a little rough. After all, crazy enemies surrounded them and it would only take one wrong step for him and her to fall to their traps.


    He could not let Lexi repeat this again. He trusted her, yes. But, how could he fully give his trust if Lexi would do something stupid and couldn''t even protect herself afterward? He was not always with her all the time. So, what if he knew about itte? He could kill and avenge. Still, he could never return the thing that they took away from her if that happened.

 Chapter 459: Curse word: Washboard

    <h4>459 Curse word: Washboard</h4>


    A very long silence dawned on the whole hotel room as neither of them talked for a long time. So, all this, what he did was just to borate on what would be the oue if Lexi didn''t give more thought of her action?


    Was that it? To teach her a lesson in the cruelest way possible yet the most effective so that she wouldn''t forget about it? Truly, both of them had their own different way of seeing each other''s shorings and make them realize it in their own way.


    Still, the mystery remained to Ethan Lu on why Lexi just did what she had done. After all, they didn''t need to be that intimate as Mia Chen only needed for Morris Liu to be in the same room with Lexi if the supposed drug kicked in.


    "What were you thinking?" After the long pure silence, Ethan Lu finally broke the inexplicable atmosphere around them before henguidlyid down. He stared at the ceiling as images ofst night shed across his eyes. "Have you thought about me when you threw yourself to him? Have you considered what I would feel? You know that I would see them so, why? What are you thinking? To drive me crazy?" He let out a series of questions that he could not wrap around his head no matter how deep he pondered.


    He just couldn''t understand. No matter what her reasons, he didn''t recall doing something unforgivable to push her to do this.


    "You. I did. I did. The agreement. You and yes, to drive you mad." Lexi hanged her head low as she answered each of his questions from the beginning in perfect order.


    Indeed, she was thinking about him that''s why she did had this ''great'' idea. She knew for a fact that even though Ethan Lu was not present at that time, he would surely see that would enrage him. After all, there was a reason why Lexi and Ethan Lu''s life remained private, that''s because his men were always around her, her parents, and the twins from a distance.


    In other words, Ethan Lu would always know what was happening to them. Hence, since he and Morris Liu originally nned this arrangement, none of his men interfered when Morris Liu attempted to kiss her. They didn''t know the full details hence, they would think that it was part of the n.


    "Why? What did I do?" Still staring at the ceiling, Ethan Lu lowly asked. Basically, she knew and considered his feelings but, why?


    "I asked you multiple times if you are letting him borrow your wife, not just once Ethan."


    "And you agreed."


    "And you agreed as well." Lexi softly argued. Well, now that she was thinking about it, her resolve and the reason that drove her to make such a decision felt a little petty. Still, that didn''t mean she would let it go of her reasoning.


    Unlike her nonchnt stare she used at Mia Chen, unlike the warning eyes she set on Morris Liu, and from the furious set of eyes that peered at Ethan Lu earlier, her eyes right now spoke a volume of what her heart wanted to express: Sadness and a little disappointment she had for her stupidity.


    For a second, Ethan Lu stopped himself from saying anything and remained silent. He recalled the time he told Lexi about the n, she was reviewing Hannah Gan''s case despite howte it was. And yet, he wasn''t careful with his jokes and neglected the part that Lexi might not like the absurdity of Morris Liu''s term.


    Perhaps, deep down, he knew and turn a blind eye on it. After all, deep down, she wasn''t totally against it but notpletely agreeing as well.


    "And so, I did something silly just for something so petty. I''m sorry." Ashamed of her silliness, Lexi could not even look at him as she remained hanging her head low while hugging her knees while she apologized.


    Sure, she was angry that Ethan Lu had to do something unexpected. Still, that didn''t mean she wasn''t at fault as she deliberately pushed him too far. She couldn''t even fully me it for the stress she had undergone with all these schemes, as it was she signed up for when marrying him and also, not considering Ethan Lu''s and Morris Liu''s feelings out of her own selfishness. Shameful.


    This showed that she needed more room for improving her sense of judgment. Regardless of what she thought about other ways to deal with Mia Chen, she didn''t have to go such measures just because something so small upset her.


    After several seconds when she apologized, Lexi felt the mattress moved as Ethan Lu unhurriedly sat up. Letting out a heavy deep sigh, he looked at her figure that appeared to be strong in contrast to her usual dignified temperament.


    "Are you really sorry?" Frowning, Ethan Lu asked and Lexi only nodded her head as a response like a behaved little kitten. "Alright." Seeing that Lexi wasn''t raising her head, Ethan Lu slid his hand inside his suit pocket to get his phone. He then speed-dialed Lyrick Jiang''s contact number, which was instantly answered before the first ring ended.


    "Yes, master?"


    "Rick, bring a washboard in Lexi''s hotel room. ASAP." Arching his brows, Ethan Lu purposely raised his voice for her to hear. However, Lexi didn''t retaliate he frowned even more.


    "Washboard? Master, what have you done to be punished again?!" Shocked upon hearing the traumatizing and curse words ''washboard'', Lyrick Jiang gasped. One could imagine his dismay towards his master as he assumed that he upset his madam goddess, the heroine again.


    "No, don''t overthink. I am disciplining a naughty wife." Shaking his head, Ethan Lu briefly drew his phone away from him before returning it in front of his ear. To his surprise, Lyrick Jiang firmly, adamantly, and strongly refused his request for the first time in history.


    "Master, I apologize in advance, but I can''t grant that request. Anyway, Miss Chen was already being transferred to Jin Medical Hospital and everything will proceed as n when she regains consciousness." With that said note, not only Lyrick Jiang didn''t heed on his master''s demand, he also hung up on him! Shocking!


    "Aish! This¡ª!" Hearing the beeping noises that came afterward the call urged Ethan Lu to curse the out of Lyrick Jiang as he had grown bolder. Yet, he didn''t as he tossed the phone to the side before plopping his back on the bed again.


    He spread his arms open and his hand reached on Lexi''s foot that was hidden beneath the nket. "Come here." He said as he slightly poked her. s, there was no response from her.

 Chapter 460: Okay, I love you.

    <h4>460 Okay, I love you.</h4>


    Slowly, Lexi raised her head a little to meet the forgiving pair of eyes that were looking back at her. Although he was meekly smiling, and inviting her to his embrace, Lexi was hesitant.


    How can he forgive her like that? To her, kneeling on a washboard for half a day wouldn''t suffice for the torture she had caused him. After all, she estimated the time that Ethan Lu first saw the images and thinking that it was probably several hours ago, she could imagine the pain and rage that engulfed his heart from that fraction of time.


    Regardless, he didn''t throw a huge fit and waited so as not to interrupt the traps they set for Mia Chen. He matured, despite his rage. He kept his head clear and looked at the more important detail of her action, which she failed to see.


    Indeed, she was dumb with a poor judgment of things. Not to mention, she was selfish and heartless, just like before. How embarrassing and shameful on her part. It was as if she hadn''t matured throughout the course of everything that transpired in her life to make such a silly decision.


    "You know, Rick just disobeyed me for the first time and gave me cold shoulders. He indirectly just said: I won''t let you abuse my original master." Seeing that Lexi didn''t move a muscle, Ethan Lu chuckled as he turned his gaze back to the ceiling. "Your move was reckless and, well, stupid ¡ª that''s for sure. But I don''t believe my wife is aplete airhead, you know." He added as if he had read what''s currently going on inside her mind.


    "Rick¡­?" Upon hearing him, Lexi finally responded as she slightly knitted her brows. Of all people, the great and the most loyal subordinate of his, Lyrick Jiang, just disobeyed his master''s request? And that''s because of her? He didn''t want Ethan Lu to make her kneel on the washboard. Despite that, she silently agreed to it?


    "Mhmm," Humming a tune, Ethan Lu let out another momentary chuckle as he recalled how Lyrick Jiang firmly objected about his request.


    Well, it was not that he was serious about it as he already made his wife cry. He just attempted to liven up the mood as Lexi''s resort whenever he was about to do something silly was to threaten him about the washboard. Oddly enough, it was effective in a way.


    "You might not know this but Rick, he had always thought that there''s not a perfect match for me. That there''s no one that was worthy of his respect and the title of Madam Lu until he met you. All the girls I dated, he''d always raise his brows like a judging mother and you''re the exception." Reminiscing the times that Ethan Lu would cough his lung out whenever Lyrick Jiang interrogate the girls he dated, and how he acted like a queen dowager, Ethan Lu could not help but chuckle.


    "But that doesn''t mean I''m not mad anymore because I still am. I can''t help but think if something within you sparked when you talked with Morris. But, aside from that, I am more afraid that you''d choose him over me. I trust you, but sometimes, it''s hard not to have such negativity, especially if my wife can smile while being held by someone else." Bitterness lingered in his voice as he spoke what his heart was expressing, not his mind.


    Aside from the initial jealousy he felt towards Morris Liu, Ethan Lu was more hurt that Lexi could make her feel so insecure. He didn''t even like it when Laurel Wang gets inside the personal space he set for himself. Hence, he bluntly told her to keep her distance, which she was now abiding.


    That''s why he was hurt because Lexi could not do the same. Or rather, she could, but perhaps Morris Liu was an exception? He was uncertain about it and this uncertainty; he didn''t like it. It made him fearful and extremely insecure.


    Lexi stared at him as she bit her lower lip. She''s guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Hence, Lexi mustered up her shamelessness as she slowly crawled to his side. Resting her head to his chest, Lexi''s arms gently wrapped around his waist.


    "I''m sorry and I love you." She softly murmured as her eyes softened. "I chose you and will continue to choose to be loved and love you every day. I know ''sorry'' will not suffice for what I made you feel, and I never wanted to turn back time to correct it until today. I''m sorry, love." Her grip tightened as she buried her face on his chest.


    "I''m sorry, I''m sorry." She meekly repeated over and over again until her voice cracked. Her shoulders began to tremble and Ethan Lu''s clothes got soaked where she was silently crying like a little girl.


    Ethan Lu pursed his lips on a thin line before he heavily exhaled. He then slowly turned his body to the side and embraced her petite figure. Sniffing and kissing her head, he rested his chin over her head as his hand stroked her back.


    "Wrong. From now on, you won''t say I''m sorry, but I love you. In that case, you will remind me how you''re head over heels at this suave macho." Smiling, Ethan Lu would be lying if he said he had forgotten about it.


    However, being able to hold her, love her more, and resolving whatever misunderstanding they had, that was what''s important. Correcting and forgiving each other of their mistakes instead of adding it to their problems.


    Furthermore, wasn''t this part of marriage? It wasn''t all rainbows and butterflies, but also how they would stand side by side under any circumstances.


    "I love you. I love you¡­" Ignoring the fact that he was boasting, Lexi repeated this new rule that he implemented just now.


    "Just don''t repeat it again, okay? I might just go berserk the next time." Chuckling at how obedient his wife was, Ethan Lu rubbed her back as he reminded.


    "Okay, I love you." Lexi just nodded her head before she squeezed her body to him even more.

 Chapter 461: Single for life club

    <h4>461 Single for life club</h4>


    That early morning was spent with Lexi and Ethan Lu cuddling. She repeatedly said ''I love you'' and even cried like a little girl for being an utter disappointment. Ethan Lu, on the other hand, also apologized for slightly hurting her to prove his point and disregarding some important points because of his anger.


    Both willingly forgive each other and spent the morning talking about Lexi and Ethan Lu''s whims. They even got a subject about Rika Song, who almost bit Elliot Gong''s head offst night because of something they weren''t surprised.


    Well, since it was Morris Liu''s idea to throw a party to bug Mia Chen all night, Lexi invited her friends over ¡ª including Nico Zhuang and Andy Chang on the list. The very reason how they got in in Mr. Tang''s party even though they didn''t know the celebrant.


    Soon, Lexi stopped crying for a while and they settled the case with the promise of not doing it again. They then agreed to head down in the hotel''s lobby where they were serving buffet breakfast. Since her eyes were slightly swollen, Lexi had to cover it up by a concealer so that she wouldn''t look shameful.


    Little did she know, no matter how good she put on a makeup to look natural as if nothing happened between her and Ethan Lu, her friends, Rika Song and Elliot Gong would notice it.


    ****


    Meanwhile¡­


    Lyrick Jiang walked back and forth in the hotel''s lobby while biting the nail of his thumb. Utter worry was stered across his face as he anxiously waited for any news from his master and madam. How could Ethan Lu ask him to bring him a washboard? No, that''s not the point.


    "Why would he punish my madam?" Lyrick Jiang blurted out with a loud humphed. His remark caught Jarred Guo''s attention as he nced up.


    "What are you saying? Talking to your paparazzi demons again?" Furrowing his brows, Jarred Guo shook his head sideways as he assumed that hisrade was having a meeting with his inner paparazzi.


    After all, Lyrick Jiang was absentst night as he had another task he was working on in the Lu Corporation affairs. Hence, this extra-curriculum was led by Nico Zhuang and Jarred Guo''smand. All positions of their squad members and potential harm that might happen, they were the ones that took care of things.


    Surprisingly enough, Mia Chen didn''t scheme to cause any physical harm towards Lexi or to Morris Liu. Although she has the capabilities base from her history and the environment she moved in the past, she still schemed a simple one.


    "Shut up, Red." Lyrick Jiang red daggers at him as he gritted his teeth. "Should I tell the old master about master''s tyranny?" Waving his hands off, he pondered as he continuously paced back and forth. Each passing second, his anxiousness grew more and more thinking that Lexi and Ethan Lu were probably having a fight at this moment.


    In an instant, Lyrick Jiang gasped in disbelief uponying his eyes on Nico Zhuang and Andy Chang walking beside him. He blinked his eyes numerous times just to be sure that his eyes weren''t deceiving him.


    After a second, they saw Nico Zhuang offered Andy Chang a smile before his lips moved, stating something which made her nod her head. With that, Andy Chang resumed her tracks towards the hotel''s restaurant while Nico Zhuang headed to their direction.


    "Oh, my god¡­" In utter disbelief, Lyrick Jiang murmured. "What is the meaning of this?" Saying these, Nico Zhuang was only several steps away from him. Hence, he heard what was said.


    "Rick, about the incidentst¡ª" Ignoring hisrade''s remark, Nico Zhuang was about to discuss the photographs and recording of Lexi and Morris Liu to confirm if they were already gone. However, even before he could finish, Lyrick Jiang aggressively held on his shoulders before he shook him.


    "You! What is that? What''s going on?" Still shaking Nico Zhuang without the intention of making feel dizzy, yet, Lyrick Jiang could no longer control his emotions as he overwhelmed to the core seeing Nico Zhuang with Andy Chang.


    Not just that, he smiled! Although it was a meek forceful one, still, he tried! He never does that as he would never smile, no matter what asion. His face was already cemented to be cold and hard. How was this possible?


    "Nic, don''t tell me you betrayed our single for life club?" Suddenly, Lyrick Jiang stopped as he gasped, his face scrunched up in disbelief.


    "Betrayed? Ha?" Despite Lyrick Jiang''s action, Nico Zhuang disregarded it as he knitted his brows in bemused.


    "What ''ha?!'' Why are you with a woman?" Mortified, Lyrick Jiang slowly covered his gaped mouth by his hand.


    "Master''s former cleaner at that. Truly, you can''t fully know a person even if you know them for years." Jarred Guo chimed in as he shook his head. Unlike Lyrick Jiang, Jarred Guo noticed that the woman he was with was Ethan Lu''s formerdy cleaner, hired by Lyrick Jiang. The root cause of how they were graced the opportunity to witness their master and his right-hand man to kneel on a washboard.


    What a memorable night that was.


    "I don''t know what about the club I didn''t sign up to but, Rick, did you noticed somethingst night?" Pushing Lyrick Jiang''s hands away from his shoulder, Nico Zhuang stoically shrugged their irrelevant concern as he gazed at Lyrick Jiang since he was with Ethan Lust night.


    "Ah?"


    "It feels weird that Mia Chen didn''t notice a thing about her n. If she has an aplice, he/she would have told her already. Unless that person has his eyes on other things and not on the event or they were both stupid. I doubt thetter though." Giving out his deduction about the urrencest night, Nico Zhuang could not shrug the inexplicable feeling inside him.

 Chapter 462: Red Beams

    <h4>462 Red Beams</h4>


    "Hold on. I have to pick up this call ¡ª I''ll follow you." On their way to the hotel''s breakfast buffet, Ethan Lu slightly raised his hand before he waved it, gesturing her to go ahead first. Lexi just stretched her lips upward and then nodded her head before she resumed on her tracks.


    Soon, she reached the hotel''s restaurant. Since there are only a few guests, the area wasn''t crowded. Actually, it was near to empty. Seeing a few young masters and misses that she has the chance to converse withst night, Lexi offered a slight bow and a polite smile which was returned in the same manner.


    Looking around, Lexi spotted Rika Song, Jaime Liao, Elliot Gong, and Andy Chang sharing the same round table. Lexi wasn''t surprised that her best friend adopted Andy Chang as she was her fan. Moreover, they got to bondst night, so knowing her best friend''s friendly nature, she''d surely apany Andy Chang.


    Regardless, Andy Chang still seemed awkward around these two famous stars in the entertainment industry. After all, Lexi remembered Andy Chang telling her that everything felt surreal because she said even in her wildest dream, she never thought that she would be at the same ce with Rika Song and Elliot Gong.


    Not to mention, interact with them like¡­ friends. After all, these two stars are akin to royalties in the entertainment industry. No one in the country doesn''t know them or seen even one of their projects because everything that Rika Song and Elliot Gong starred was all a hit. Hence, Andy Chang was overwhelmed.


    "Bestie~!" Noticing Lexi''s approaching figure, Rika Song gazed up and then waved her hand in the air. Upon her calling, everyone on that particr table nced at her. Andy Chang bowing her head, Elliot Gong rolling his eyes at Rika Song''s pretentious sweetness, and Jaime Liao who nodded his head once as a greeting.


    "Good morning." As soon as Lexi reached their table, she smiled. She didn''t take a seat first as she just wanted to greet them first before she would grab breakfast for herself and her husband.


    "Best ¡ª ha? What happened to you?" Sweet as ever, Rika Song''s bright smile eventually faded the moment Lexi drew closer. Staring at her concealed swollen eyes, Rika Song narrowed her eyes as she thrust her chin forward.


    "What happened to me?" Lexi slightly furrowed her brows under the investigative gaze that was cast on her. Shifting her gaze, she saw Elliot Gong do the same and then Andy Chang with an inquiring expression stered across her face. The only person who didn''t have a change of countenance was Jaime Liao, as he somehow guessed what happened but chose not to press on the matter.


    "You cried." Rika Song crossed her arms under her chest as she leaned her back on the chair.


    Truly, these two were overprotective towards one another, although they rarely get together these days. Their friendships were not just being friends, but over time, they were like siblings.


    "Oh¡­" Slowly, Lexi nodded her head in understanding. They saw through her. Although Lexi''s swollen eyes were properly concealed by the makeup, these people seemed to know her from inside and out. Thus, there was no point in lying. "I just had an argument with Ethan and I got a little emotional, but it''s fine. It''s my fault, anyway."


    Lexi briefly exined as she shrugged her shoulders, gesturing that it was not a big deal. She also didn''t forget to admit that she was in the wrong so they wouldn''t get the wrong idea. However, regardless of what she said, Rika Song and Elliot Gong just added Ethan Lu to their blocked list ¡ª in real life and in any form of social media; he''s canceled.


    "You two, behave alright? It''s my fault." Lexi arched her brows. By the looks of her friends, Lexi somehow sensed that these two weren''t listening to her.


    "I am behaving. Really, if there''s one person who has a malicious thought right now, that would be Eli." Rika Song smiled. She slightly shook her head before pushing what she has in mind to her reliable scapegoat of all time named Elliot Gong.


    "I won''t deny," Elliot Gong raised his hands in defeat. "But I will behave." he added as he surprisingly ignored Rika Song''s y pretend.


    Lexi could only heavily sighed as she watched these two lie in front of her. They didn''t even try their award-winning acting to make her believe that they would listen to her. Still, knowing they were harmless, Lexi just shook her head sideways.


    "Whatever. I''ll get something to eat." With that said note, Lexi sighed once again before she turned and left the table. s, instead of heading straight to the tray of foods, Lexi headed to the bathroom to check if she really looked obvious.


    ****


    Meanwhile, as Lexi headed to the bathroom, Ethan Lu arrived at the restaurant. He looked around to search for his wife, but to no avail, he couldn''t find her. "Fortunately," he spotted her friend''s table hence, he walked towards it to ask if they saw Lexi.


    "Hey, did you¡ª" The moment he drew closer to them and was about to ask Lexi''s whereabouts, Ethan Lu instinctively took a step back as he swallowed his inquiry.


    There, Rika Song and Elliot Gong raised their head and the instant theyy their eyes on him, it seemingly beamed some red lights matched with a wide grin that was akin to the viin in a horror movie. Somehow, Ethan Lu heard them eerily giggled, which made all his hair raise.


    ''Uh¡­ why does this feel familiar?'' Going through his memory, Ethan Lu was reminded of Lyrick Jiang. Earlier when he approached him, Lyrick Jiang has the same red beam in his eyes as if he was triggered by something.

 Chapter 463: Lexis militia

    <h4>463 Lexi''s militia</h4>


    Lexi let out an audible cough as the atmosphere around the table somehow got a little dark. Rika Song and Elliot Gong who would usually banter at this time that oddly made the surrounding liven up remained quiet. None of them talked, especially Andy Chang, and Jaime Liao who were mutually thinking they''re not in the right ce to link them together. Hence, the ''peacefulness''.


    Lexi felt awkward as she had guessed that her friends were giving her husband a cold shoulder. After all, Ethan Lu might have gone overboard earlier, but she did as well. Besides, she already said that it was her fault!


    ''*sigh* what a position did I put my husband to? *sigh*'' Realizing more than she expected, Lexi pitied her husband. Regardless if it was her fault or not, just because she cried, her friends were already treating Ethan Lu coldly.


    Surely, her pettiness and arrogance not only hurt her husband, but it also put him in a tight position. How na?ve of her. Still, she appreciated Ethan Lu even more because he was being too understanding towards her friends.


    After all, no one would dare offend him as he was one of the most respected men in the business industry. People would immediately curry favor to him if they get the chance to share the same space as him.


    However, right now, he was being deliberately ignored by her friend. Little did Lexi know, not just her friends were beaming red eyes on Ethan Lu, but also his subordinates on the other table.


    "Anyway, I wanted to thank you guys foringst night. I can''t tell you the full details, but it''s very much appreciated." Attempting to strike a conversation that they could all rte, Lexi awkwardly chuckled, bearing an awkward smile.


    "I don''t mind. I''m on a break, anyway." Waving his hands off, Elliot Gong was the first to answer.


    "You don''t have to thank me bestie~ It was fun and what are friends for, right?" Rika Song sweetly smiled as the corner of her lips curled into a grin, exposing her even white teeth that were whiter than a paper. "Also, my fiance enjoyed the partyst night although he irked me in the afterparty." Shrugging her shoulders, Rika Song added with an eye roll. Jaime Liao just meekly smiled at his fiancee''s remark because it was true. He enjoyed the morous celebration of Mr. Tang as he met interesting businessmen that were inclined in the medical field.


    Andy Chang, on the other hand, just smiled and nodded, expressing to her boss the same thing as everyone wanted to imply: it was not a big deal and everyone enjoyed, anyway. Although she was now a little awkward with the stone-cold Nico Zhuang.


    "Anyway bestie, are you free today? I can finally see my wedding dress today and it will be fun if you can see it with me!" Giddy as she was, Rika Song''s pair of eyes sparkled as her custom made dream wedding dress will arrive today.


    "I don''t ept ''no'' as an answer though. You too, Eli. You have to see how beautiful my wedding dress so you won''t be surprised on my wedding day ¡ª I need you two to keep level-headed on my day, okay?" Rika Song said in a matter of fact tone. After all, she was too confident in her dress. She wouldn''t be surprised if it would stun her friends to the extent of questioning the Lord on how could a person be so beautiful in a wedding dress.


    "Bwahaha!" Just thinking about their expression, Rika Song loudlyughed while covering her lips by the back of her hand. She then almost choked, which made her coughed.


    "You are beautiful enough." Elliot Gong cast her a side nce as hispliment sounded insincere. "So, I don''t think I need to¡ª" He added, revealing his obvious intention to refuse. However, he was interrupted midway as Rika Song red at him while grinding her teeth.


    "I mean, of course! Lexi, you can''t refuse your best friend." After clearing his throat, Elliot Gong instantly changed his attitude as he urged Lexi toe as well.


    Both of them treated Ethan Lu as if he wasn''t there. Aside from ignoring him, they didn''t throw any shades to him or badmouth him. After all, they knew that Lexi would be more hurt if they did what they wanted to do to "avenge" her. Still, they wouldn''t be so forgiving for making their friend cry no matter what reason he has.


    Furthermore, if Rika Song and Elliot Gong noticed the red marks on her fair wrist, Lyrick Jiang, Nico Zhuang, and Jarred Guo noticed it too. Therefore, Ethan Lu was surrounded by people who wanted him dead right at this moment. Even his subordinates were giving him a deadly re, which never happened before.


    "Of course, I will." Meekly smiling, Lexi nodded her head once before she slid her hand on Ethan Lu''sp. She lightly squeezed it out of habit and he mouthed, ''I''m sor ¡ª I love you.''


    Ethan Lu turned his head to her side after he wiped the corner of his lips using the table napkin, "Have fun." Ethan Lu smiled. He didn''t mind the istion these two were giving him as he understood them. Well, he too was a friend, and it reminded him how he would use his title and surname to protect his friends.


    Although their ways were not the same, the intention was. Therefore, he didn''t take this to his heart. He knew for certain that Rika Song and Elliot Gong ¡ª his former friend now his wife''s best buddy ¡ª would calm down after a few days.


    "I''ll be backter."


    "Take Nico with you." Ethan Lu reminded but Lexi mildly shook her head to the side.


    "I''ll be borrowing Red today. Nico will have to drop Andy in her ce." Lexi exined which Ethan Lu agreed. Well, Jarred Guo was just as reliable as Nico Zhuang in terms of protecting Lexi. Hence, there wasn''t anything to discuss further.


    Soon, the meal ended with Lexi''s friends still ignoring Ethan Lu, and Ethan Lu remainedposed. Still, what transpiredst night and that morning, both husband and wife realized something.


    In marriage, friends, loved ones, and family sometimes got themselves involved in it one way or another. In this case, Lexi had her own militia and if Ethan Lu crossed the line, they would hound him without a question, while he has none.

 Chapter 464: Reliable friends

    <h4>464 Reliable friends</h4>


    "You guys, stop treating Ethan like that. It''s my fault, okay? Also, I cried not because he hurt me or anything of the sort. It''s because I am so ashamed of my actions." Letting out a deep sigh, Lexi could not let this situation get out of hand any more.


    Currently, they were inside Rika Song''s van, which her manager switched to the car she usedst night. She already nned to drag her friends along with her today.


    "Bestie, I don''t know what you did, but that doesn''t mean it''s okay for him to be violent towards you." Rolling her eyes, Rika Song argued as she crossed her arms under her chest. Her statement made Elliot Gong and Jarred Guo from the front passenger seat nod their heads.


    "For the record, this is the first time Ethan disappointed me. I like him and root for him but well, I don''t want to hear that my friend will be a battered wife in the future." Rika Song added with a heavy sighed.


    Indeed, Ethan Lu disappointed her upon seeing the red marks on Lexi''s wrist ¡ª the swollen eyes would be understandable, but not if she has little marks on her, that''s an entirely different case. Lexi has this milky whiteplexion that the slight reddish marks on her or anything would be very noticeable. One could tell that someone harshly grabbed and dragged her by the wrist.


    "I''m always disappointed with him." Elliot Gong chimed in with a shrug. Well, Ethan Lu used to threaten him and even put him in debt just touching Lexi. One of the main reasons why, although he was friends with Lexi, he would keep his distance with her, afraid that her husband would go on a rampage.


    "You guys, you don''t understand." Deeply sighing once again, Lexi shook her head in helplessness. "I threw myselfst night to brother Mo just to enrage him. Although he went overboard, I did too." Lexi summarized their argument, leaving the details of ensnaring Mia Chen along.


    She didn''t find the reason to let her friends know the scheme toward herst night, as it wasn''t important. Also, Lexi didn''t want to worry them further.


    Upon hearing the real reason they argued, Rika Song, Elliot Gong, and Jaime Liao suddenly looked at Lexi, rendered speechless by her exnation. They didn''t know that because, throughout the night, Lexi and Morris Liu had kept a significant distance from each other.


    When did that happen?


    "Before the party." Guessing what inquiry they had in mind, Lexi uttered after a sigh escaped her mouth once again.


    For a minute, the inside of the car was filled with nothing but the inbound breeze from the air-conditioner. None of them talked as they processed the statement they would never hear from her.


    Lexi? Throwing herself to a man aside from Ethan Lu? What?


    "What? No." Lexi''s under-eye twitched when she heard the ridiculous question. She didn''t have to think twice about her answer as she has no lingering feelings with Morris Liu anymore. In her eyes, he was just a person she could be close to and also could not. Depends.


    "Then, how can you just throw yourself at him just like that? No wonder Ethan is enraged." Rika Song gradually calmed down as she arched her brows.


    "I ¡ª I don''t know." For a second, Lexi was taken aback at Rika Song''s question. "Maybe, the level of trust I have for him will always be there."


    Actually, she never thought about thatst night. It was just her natural instinct to trust him, regardless of what situation. After all, she wouldn''t even think about doing it to another man unless it was necessary. For example, she swallowed her disgust towards men back when she was in the entertainment industry, so she could do what needed to be done.


    "I''m still disappointed in him. He can''t treat you like that regardless of what you did. I am also utterly disappointed in you for pushing him too far." Shaking his head, Elliot Gong solemnlymented, which shocked Rika Song to the core.


    "Hey, both are at fau¡ª"


    "How can you call yourself a true friend if you turn a blind eye on your friend''s misconduct? Mind you, when Lexi married him, he should be our friend whether or not we like it. Although this matter is supposed to be discussed between them, let''s not fan the mes anymore." Casting Rika Song a side nce, Elliot Gong was surprisingly cool for having thought this far.


    Not just Rika Song, but also Lexi was rendered speechless by his remark. They were used to him being the clown in their group. Hence, seeing this serious side of him was startling.


    "Not just this time but also, when you and Jai tied the knot, expect the same advice from us. Although I had already foreseen that most roots of your problem will be, tadaa! You."


    "Hey! Are you saying I am petty?!" Offended, Rika Song peered at him with utter disgust. She then narrowed her eyes before she jerked her chin up. "Tell me, you''re still in character with the one you''re portraying...?"


    "So what?" Ask your future husband if what I''m saying made sense." Elliot Gong shrugged, nonchnt at her usation. With that, Rika Song and Elliot Gong threw shades at one another, as usual.


    Meanwhile, the corner of Jaime Liao''s lips curled upward. This just proved that unlike what these girls think, Elliot Gong was more mature ¡ª like a real big brother ¡ª than them, and he was the one that was actually looking after them. Not the other way around.


    "Eli, thank you, also, Rika. I''m thankful that you''re my friends. I just hoped I met you earlier." Lexi slowly smiled as Elliot Gong''s statement oddly moved her heart. Her friends were just reliable and even if they were biased, at the very least, they see things clearly.


    Jarred Guo had his lips curled into a subtle smile as Rika Song turned her attention into spouting sweet nothings to Lexi. Although he knew the reason why Ethan Lu was furious, he also thought that Lexi went overboard. Regardless, he also agreed that his master shouldn''t hurt Lexi even the slightest, Lexi as well.

 Chapter 465: Breaking News

    <h4>465 Breaking News</h4>


    Three weekster...


    "I miss you," Lexi said. "Two more days felt like forever." Indistinct noises came from the other end of the line. She wasn''t able to analyze them as Ethan Lu''s reception wasn''t particrly good at the moment.


    It''s been almost a week since Ethan Lu went on a business trip for seven days. It was his fifth day today that he wasn''t around. Hence, Lexi missed him more than she could say it. However, since she also needed to manage Beauty DR, especially now that she was taking part in formting cosmetic samples, she couldn''t fly to country M.


    "Love, you don''t know how I missed you too. Also, the twins ¡ª aya! I don''t think I can stay here for another day." Dejected, Ethan Lu frowned as he truly yearned to hug Lexi and his children.


    He went to Lu Corporation''s branch in Country M for a specific reason. Although he wanted to go home, he needed to settle the problem that urred in this branch of theirpany. Also, to broaden his connections in this country.


    Country M, a well-known country to be one of the most dangerous countries. Not just that, it was said that other mob bosses live around the country. Despite that, this branch was one of the strongest pirs of Lu Corporation as they monopolized this particr country.


    Therefore, now that Ethan Lu had be the new head, he wanted to personally firm his ties with government officials and some powerful individuals. After all, although they respected Edward Lu, Ethan Lu must also gain their trust. It just so happened that a problem urred in the said branch that he had to settle and investigate the matter along with his other motives.


    Nevertheless, it would save him the trouble since he would hit two birds with one stone. Hence, the duration of his visit.


    "Haha," Lexi chuckled, "thene home. You know, Lara had been looking for you." She teased. Well, it was true though. Lara had been a little grumpy when her father left for business purposes.


    Although the twins were seven months old, Lexi''s heart magically understood them. Perhaps, it was because of maternal instinct. Hence, whenever Lady Lara Lu cried, she would let her hold on her father''s photo or video call him if he was avable.


    On the other hand, Evan Lu would also asionally throw a tantrum. However, he was always like that. He would only stop when his sister would stop crying or when he was held by his grandparents or his mother.


    What a sweet, clingy child.


    "Ahh¡­ my daddy''s girl~" More frustrated by Lexi''s teasing, Ethan Lu frowned even more. How could he not go home if his little angel was looking for him? How hard it was to earn money.


    Well, even she wasn''t convinced of her remarks. However, what could she do? Ethan Lu was there for business purposes and not for a vacation. Thus, she fully understood the reason for his upied time. At the very least, he would update her from time to time and make time for her.


    "Mhmm," Humming a tune, Ethan Lu responded. "I love you. I''ll see you in two days."


    "I heart you too. Alright, you might miss your meeting. Bye~" Reluctant to end the line, Lexi waited for his reply, which she answered with a "take care" before the line was sadly cut short.


    "Well," After some time, Lexi exhaled heavily before forcing a smile on her face. "Two days will pass, in a blink of an eye." She repeated her words earlier just to motivate and convince herself. With that said note, Lexi stood from her seat and then headed out of her office.


    She went straight to theboratory of Beauty DR where the magic of the best product happened. Little did she know,ter that night, she would receive the most shocking news she would ever hear in her life; it would turn her life around and drag her to the deepest part of the darkness.


    ****


    "Master,"


    "Ah, yes. I heard." Looking up at Lyrick Jiang who approached him, Ethan Lu briefly raised his brows up. "Have you told Red to fetch me?" He asked as he pulled up the handle of his luggage.


    "Yes." Nodding his head, Lyrick Jiang was extra solemn by the sound of his voice.


    "Alright." Stretching his lips to a smile, Ethan Lu began taking strides to the departure area of Country M''s airport. However, he stopped when he heard Lyrick Jiang call him out.


    "Master!" Lyrick Jiang saw him turn his head around, bearing an inquiring front. "Nothing. Safe flight." He wanted to stop his master from leaving the country without him. But, who could stop a father and a husband from surprising his family with his early return?


    Maybe he was just used being on his master''s side all the time that he was nervous. Since this n was unprecedented, the earliest flight back to their home country was fully booked. Meanwhile, the Lu''s private choppers were under maintenance and Edward Lu used the other one that supposed to fetch Ethan Lu in two days.


    Hence, Lyrick Jiang would have to take the next flight as his master couldn''t wait to see his children and lovely wife.


    "Haha. I somehow think I have a mistress because of you. See youter." Ethan Lu chuckled as Lyrick Jiang''s thoughts were stered across his whole face. Shaking his head, he resumed on his tracks before he waved his hand on the side as he bid his farewell.


    ***


    Later that night¡­


    "Breaking news: A ne crash in the border of Country M¡­" On her way home, Lexi was listening to the radio and suddenly a newssh about a ne crash interrupted the station.


    Upon hearing that it was near where her husband was staying right now, Lexi''s interest was piqued. The more she listened to it about the sharp jump of deaths, Lexi heaved a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Ethan Lu scheduled flight was after two days.


    Just as Lexi sighed in relief, the next words the report stated made her entire world stopped.

 Chapter 466: Chisaka Tora

    <h4>466 Chisaka Tora</h4>


    [Heavenly Realm]


    "Mhmm," Churu, now on her original form, turned towards the woman she ''killed'' more than she could count. Unlike her usual action whenever the woman would regain consciousness, Churu remained sitting on top of the rectangr marble table where she first woke up: It was ced in the middle of this pure white space, nothing fancy at all.


    "Did you have a nightmare?" Furrowing her brows, Churu inquired as the woman was struggling to assist herself to sit.


    "Huh," The woman scoffed with the ridiculous remarked. "How dare I? The real nightmare is here." She slowly stretched her neck in a circr motion. Cracked bones were clearly heard being linked back together.


    If she was a mere human, the woman had long been dead as Churu vented all her anger on her. From skull to the tip of her toe, all her bones inflicted minor and major injuries. Hence, the sound was the noise while her bones regenerate at a ridiculous pace.


    Despite those injuries, the woman shed no blood in this sanctuary, that Churu kept on taunting its holiness ever since she came back. Regardless, the woman couldn''t care less as she felt no pain, not a tad bit.


    "So, are you done venting your anger?" Slowly, the woman stood up as if she wasn''t struggling seconds ago. Flipping her shiny, curly, and full of volume blonde hair, the woman subtly smiled.


    "Done? No, I''m not. You''re just boring to toy with." Churu shrugged her shoulders as she nonchntlyy on the rectangr marble table. Staring at the purest white ceiling that appeared endless, Churu sighed. "My constion price for being a cute dumpling¡­ too bad, I didn''t get it." She murmured.


    Back when she agreed to be Lexi''s guardian dumpling to the so-called system they just came up with, her initial wish was for her to die. Living as a fallen angel, working under Lucifer; the manager of hell, and these scars on her body ¡ª she wasn''t living anymore.


    Every breath she took, every little move of her body, and anything that touched her skin ¡ª including air ¡ª it was pure torture. Although she got numb from all the pain, now that she has returned to that daily life of a demon, Churu was slightly disheartened.


    "I''m surprised though," Staring at the fragile scarred demon appearing as a human, the woman slowly took strides towards where shey. "Giving your once in a lifetime wish to a human; what a good thing to do. It surprised me you''re not in mes." The woman humored because thest time Churu did something good, she was burnt to a crisp.


    "Is this even allowed in this sacred ce?" Feigning innocence, Churu uttered. "I mean, you being an angel albeit fiend beneath? No wonder, I wasn''t struck by lighting while cursing." In a matter of fact tone, Churu smoothly threw shades on the woman.


    No wonder she was the scariest demon that an angel should avoid. She challenged an angel''s systematic good heart by taunting them from time to time. One reason that her scars filled her whole body was, there was a phase in her life she would break all the rules and sneak in the space separating heaven and hell: humans called it purgatory.


    It was a ce where grim reapers lead spirits; a ce where a spirit would know whether they were on the way to hell or heaven. In other words, there were angels in that ce that were guarding the path to heaven.


    If one was destined to go to the world full of torture, the route wasn''t like the peacefulness towards the paradise and the warm wee of angels, but they would free fall andnd on a boilingva.


    "Anyway, where''s Lucy? He promised me to pick me up when my mission isplete. What a liar ¡ª he truly deserved his title." Ignoring that the woman stood on the side, Churu''s eyes never once left the endless white ceiling.


    "If he hears you, he''ll surely dip you in theva for days. Fortunately, someone like him isn''t allowed in here. You''re the only exception since you''re an instrument in Father''s wishes. So, he isn''t lying." The woman shook his head as she exined.


    Yet, Churu seemed to figure that out and knew that Lucifer was the most honest creature she met. She was just bbering nonsense as it still frustrated her that she has to leave Lexi with no short notice.


    "Right. Howe the system just ended? They should get married first ¡ª that''s thest task, right? The happily ever after?" ncing at the woman''s pair of blue orbs, Churu arched her brow that was beneath the facial mask.


    "But, they are now married and have a twin." The woman tilted her head to the side as her memory brought forth the information regarding Lexi. "s ¡ª" Just as the woman would have to give her an update and informed her of the reason why she was here, Churu shushed her.


    "A twin¡­ I see. That''s good to hear. At least, she ended up happy in this lifetime. Can you give me some time alone? I want to cry but your aura is ruining the moment." Churu''s pair of silver eyes gleamed as it softened. She was relieved that unlike in the past, the fragment of Tora had her happy ending in this lifetime.


    The curse of Tora was now lifted: Lexi was now happy. That''s what''s important. Slowly, her silver eyes had images of a beautiful story of the past that tragically ended.


    ****


    Thousand years ago, before the time of men ruling the world and women must submit to the men''s rule, there was an era where ¡ª just like in the modern-day ¡ª men and women were equally acknowledged, by the kingdom and by the citizen.


    "Taiga-dono!" A man, d in heavy, thick armor called out. His steed stopped meters away from the woman, dust scattered on his steed''s hoof.


    She was looking down the ins beneath the nk. The woman slowly turned to meet the worried face of his subordinate.

 Chapter 467: The Systems history: Where it all began

    <h4>467 The System''s history: Where it all began</h4>


    "Taiga-dono, the emperor had summoned you to the court today." The man stiffly bowed his head as he saluted with his fist on his chest. He was tall and his physique was quite petite, yet all warriors under him respected him as the general''s right-hand man, which he gained through his impablebat skills.


    The woman before him smiled. Her in yukata was unlike any other nobilities had worn. It was already worn out yet, it gracefully flowed along with the soft breeze of the wind ¡ª making it look elegant in a way. The tip of her ck hair that was tied in an up-do, tangled in the air while her samurai clung on her waist.


    Regardless of the in geta she wore, with her position and status, one would anticipate a noblewoman. However, Tora Chisaka wasn''t as noble as the nation thought. She would usually wear something in, just like a normal civilian whenever she would wander around the capital. Thus, they wouldn''t even know that the person they would casually converse with or share a drink was the general of the kingdom.


    "The emperor¡­" Tora nodded her head before she turned to look at the ins she was initially gazing at. "Saionji, if this is about marriage, ry my word to the emperor that if he won''t be my bride, forget about it." The corner of her lips curled into a smirk.


    In this era, a shogun or also known as the general, a true military ruler and powerful regional families ruled. It just so happened that Tora was the most powerful person in the kingdom, as she was the General, controlling seventy-five percent of the kingdom''s military and she came from one of the powerful families in the capital.


    In simple terms, the General held more power than the Emperor. One could say that the emperor was a mere figurehead, cowering in fear just the thought of her existence. Therefore, the Emperor had been trying to arrange her in marriage to one of his kins ¡ª to get her under control.


    Still, despite having so much power on her hands, Tora Chisaka didn''t want the throne or any of the sort just like what the emperor had feared. What she wanted was the peace of this nation she dearly loved ¡ª nothing more, nothing less.


    Despite her pure intention, that wouldn''t ease the emperor''s worry that she might someday snatch the crown away from him because she has all the capabilities. The reason Tora had been taunting him that he marries her instead.


    But, the emperor wouldn''t see the good side of it. Instead of thinking that he would have gained all her powers, he thought that Tora would devour the remaining influence he has and have her full control over the kingdom.


    Nevertheless, this dy of Tora''s marriage was nothing but a nuisance to the emperor but worked well on her side.


    "General, "


    "General, what a pleasant way of proposing." Just then, they heard a meek voice from behind.


    When Tora heard the familiar voice of the emperor, the king of this kingdom, her brow arched before she turned her body to face him. There, Sumeragi wore casual noble clothing instead of his blinding imperial suit. A ck veil that clung on his straw hat covered his face.


    Slowly, he took off his hat that revealed his face ¡ª resembling Morris Liu. None other than a few officials had seen the king''s face. The only time Tora saw his face was when she pressured him: how can she trust a faceless emperor that she would serve if he could not trust her in return. Hence, Tora had already seen him.


    Surely, the emperor was surprisingly good-looking, just like what the rumors said. His wless facial feature and alluring demeanor of a natural aristocrat were top-notched. However, that wasn''t enough to attract Tora as he sees him as a child despite that he was older a few years.


    "Greetings to the emperor." In unison, Tora and Saionji knelt down as they greeted the emperor. Well, regardless of what everyone thought, Tora still abided on manners and proper etiquette before the king.


    "Rise," Sumeragi said, "General, I presumed your Daimyo hasn''t reported about our marriage." Holding his hands on his back, Sumeragi took slow strides towards her as he brushed past Saionji.


    "Your grace," Leaving the dust that clung on her yukata when she knelt down, Tora subtly smiled. "What an honor to be summoned by you." Referring that she was being summoned but the king himself bothered to go to her instead, Tora deliberately poked some nerves that might hit this stone-cold dummy of an emperor.


    "I yearned to see my future bride." Ignoring the usual annoying statement that usually escaped this udylike woman''s mouth, Sumeragi notably humored as he looked at her insincere smile.


    "Is that so, my king?" Taking a step forward, Tora smirked. "s, even if his grace yearned for me, this filthy hand wouldn''t dare touch him." She raised her hand that was filled with dirt as she deliberately touched the ground for this kind of purpose ¡ª repelling the emperor.


    "That''s alright. Seeing my loyal general is enough to fill my yearnings." ncing at her hand, Sumeragi, the emperor subtly smiled as he took a step back. He then turned his back against her and began taking his leave.


    "General, I''ll let you know when''s the wedding date is set. I wish you good favors on your journey." Sumeragi noted as he walked away and returned the hat that had a veil to cover his face.


    Tora and Saionji bowed their heads until they could no longer see the emperor.


    "What kind of trick does he have on his sleeve?" Tora scoffed as she shook her head sideways. "s, whatever it is, it doesn''t pose a threat to me." With that said note, she began dusting off her hands and then on her clothes that left a little stain on it.


    "Saionji, I''ll be traveling to the north. Keep an eye on him." ncing at her subordinate on the side, Tora instructed before she took strides without waiting for her right-hand man to respond.


    ****


    Meanwhile, in the heavenly realm, a child that appeared around the age of a ten-year-old child was staring down a well. She was watching Tora from the surface of the water with a smile on her thin lips.


    She might appear as a child, but she had lived for more than a thousand years. And now, she was Tora''s guardian angel: the first human she would ever guide. Her pair of silver eyes gleamed, innocence was stered on her child-like face.


    "She had grown to a beautiful woman." Churu, her child version proudly said while staring at the undeniable beauty and strong demeanor of Tora. "I wonder if I can meet her one day¡­" She murmured before arge grin slowly formed on her lips.


    She had been watching Tora from this well ever since Tora was born. Lately, because of the conversation, she identally overheard that ignited her curiosity. Churu had been very curious if she could do what her father does ¡ª descend to the human world.

 Chapter 468: The Systems history: Where it all began II

    <h4>468 The System''s history: Where it all began II</h4>


    That very day, Tora began her journey towards the northern border. It took her ten full days and nights to reach the town near her destination. The golden ray of the sunset glowed on her lower face as her hood shaded her eyes from it. She pulled the strap of her ride, drifting it to a full halt.


    Staring down from the edge of the brae, Tora seemed to imagine the liveliness of the town. It has been five years since the war ended and this particr town was one of the ces that first to inflict the highest casualties as the enemy nation first invaded the northern border.


    But now, from the view of her standpoint, she could see torches slowly brightening the whole town as the dusk came close. This progress of the town, Tora, was satisfied that it slowly returned to normal. Hence, the reason she constantly focused on their borders to avoid repeating history.


    Moreover, the northern border was the closest to the neighboring country that they waged a war with. Hence, Tora particrly watched over this ce. After all, even if their enemy would attempt to attack the other borders, they wouldn''t seed as the military forces in those areas were higher than the north.


    There are still warriors that were under training to increase their forces so that they could strengthen this border instead of weakening all borders to aid the north. Regardless, the victory she led as a daimyo/lieutenant and set her the title of the general had increased their nation''s morality, and their enemies would have to think twice before attacking their kingdom again.


    "Kaze, let''s go visit the town." With a smile, Tora said before her horse, Kaze let out a loud nicker before it turned and gait and then it galloped like a wind towards the town.


    By the time Tora, together with her steed Kaze arrived at the town, the night was already in and only the torches from the soldier''s surveying its vicinity weed her. Tora trotted her pace before she stopped at the entrance of the town that was being guarded by a group of elite warriors.


    The moment the soldiers saw her figure drew closer, looking all mysterious with her face covered with a hood. Just looking at her, the elite warriors that were stationed in the said town turned hostile.


    They seemed to smell her intimidating aura as they were elites that sensed if someone posed a threat or not, and Tora had her inconceivable aura seeped throughout her very being.


    "Who are you?" One guard had his hand on his sword''s handle and by the looks of it, one wrong answer from her, he would sh her to pieces. Surely, the security in this area had tightened.


    "My, my," Amused by the hostility, Tora murmured before she hopped out of Kaze. Tapping its fur, she didn''t turn to look at the guard that was questioning her but searched for someone else.


    There, on the other side where darkness lies, with no fire to give it some light, Tora slowly removed her hood before she grinned. Since the torches gave her the dim lightness, the person she was looking at from the dark immediately recognized her and her steed Kaze.


    "At ease. Salute to the General." With that note, a man wearing an all-ck suit came out from the dark with his hands'' raised. Seeing that the Warlord or lieutenant gestured them to ease, the guard loosened his grip on his samurai before he bowed his head in silence. However, upon hearing his lieutenant''ster remarks, the guards flinched before widening their eyes.


    This woman, she''s the famous general? The Hero of the war five years ago? Surprised by the sudden visit of the general who wore nothing fancy and only has her horse as herpanion, the soldiers bowed their heads with their fist on their chest.


    "Good to see you, Arakaki." Smiling, Tora watched him drew closer and stopped several steps away from her.


    "Your Grace," Saluting, Arakaki was about to kneel to the person whom he believed as the true ruler of this kingdom. However, he was stopped when Tora spoke.


    "Stop ¡ª no need for formalities." Waving her hands off, Tora shook her head sideways. "I came to check the border. I intend to do it unannounced, albeit I see the patrol indeed toughened." Sighing, she muttered as her n to check if Arakaki had beingzy but to no avail, he wasn''t.


    "Be at ease, I ought to take a rest tonight in this town before heading to the border."


    "Then, I will¡ª" Nodding, Arakaki was about to offer hispany and prefer the best inn in the town where she could restfortably. After all, the journey from the capital to this town would take twelve days.


    But, knowing the general, she must have traveled with little rest. Plus, with Kaze as her ride, it probably took her at least ten full days and nights to reach here. He guessed urately.


    "No. Proceed with your patrol. I can find myself a ce to stay for the night." Guessing what he was thinking, Tora refused. "Also, don''t let the townsfolk know that I am here. I''ll be leaving Kaze in your care, though. Is that alright, Kaze?" Turning to her horse, she patted his side.


    She wanted to take Kaze with her and find him a stable to rest. However, with Kaze''s kind, he would surely be too noticeable. Moreover, she could trust Arakaki to look after him for the night and throughout her stay in the town.


    Kaze nickered as its tail moved sideways as if it understood her. With that, Tora smiled before she turned to Arakaki and nodded her head, showing that Kaze would behave.


    *****


    Entering the lively town, the traces of the war five years ago left little trails. The townsfolk, with some guests like merchants and travelers, filled this small town. Inns were brightly lit with torches as the jeered of drunken men resounded in the air.


    Hearing her stomach growl as she has no proper meal for the past ten days, Tora licked her bottom lip, sniffing the aromatic scent of meat. It led her to an open-air restaurant. As she entered, there seemed to be amotion inside. Curious, she tiptoed and saw two men arm-wrestling.


    "Will you challenge him for a free meal?" Just as the man won, a small girl around ten years old perked up at her, which slightly made her jolt to the side.


    "Ha?" Peering at the little girl bearing a sparkling pair of eyes, Tora knitted her brows.


    "That master will pay for anyone''s meal if you beat him in the battle of arm''s strength!" Churu, now on a child''s form that looked entirely different from her, giddily said. By the tone of her voice, she wasn''t asking her to join but hoping she would.


    "Free meal?" Furrowing her brows, Tora turned to the person who won. Upon setting her eyes on him, it quite surprised her. She thought that the most handsome guy in the country was the emperor, but she thought wrong.


    The guy with his hands in the air as he cheered for his victory with utmost happiness and pride was as dashing as the emperor hence, it caught her interest. Partially because of his good looks, but also the vibe she was getting from him.


    "Only a fool would let go of the opportunity of getting a free meal." She grinned and headed towards the crowd. After struggling to squeeze herself in, Tora finally reached the seat where the challenger sat earlier.


    Without saying a word, Tora plopped down and position her arm. But, the man before her seemed startled as he blinked his dark eyes numerous times ¡ª as if surprised to see her. She just raised her brows, gesturing him if he would ept her challenge or not.

 Chapter 469: The Systems history: Suzuki Akihito

    <h4>469 The System''s history: Suzuki Akihito</h4>


    "I concede." After some time, the undefeated champion of arm wrestling suddenly conceded in defeat. His sudden deration made Tora arched her brows while the crowd had tons of question marks in their cloud of thoughts.


    Nani?


    "Huh," Insulted by the man''s action, Tora scoffed in ridicule. "A free meal for me then," Despite that she felt insulted, Tora didn''t provoke him or press on the matter. After all, her opponent already backed down, hence, there was no point in prolonging a one-sided battle.


    Just like in a war, if the enemy raised their white g, that only meant the war was over and they won. s¡­


    Just then, when Tora was about to retract her hand and rxed her shoulders, the man suddenly grabbed her hand and pressured it down. However, instead of taking her down while she wasn''t on guard, it remained firm on its stand and only moved a little.


    "You jest," Smirking, Tora clutched on his hand, stilling it on the right arm-wrestling position.


    Just like in the war, even though the enemy raised the white g, that doesn''t mean they would lower their guard. Contempt was one characteristic to consider in a war thus, Tora, though showed she believed him. She didn''t ¡ª not a bit.


    Therefore, to a general like her, everything could rte to the war tactics one way or another.


    "Haha," Surprised, the man shook his head as he chuckled, revealing his small teeth. "My apologies, I can''t lose. s, I underestimate you." Tightening his grip on her hand, the man exerted strength to her overwhelming energy emanating from her.


    By the looks of it, if not for the fact that they knew her current situation, the crowd would think that she was just rxing under a tree with the wind brushing past her face. However, that wasn''t the case as Tora was now battling on an arm''s strength and she was more rxed than anyone.


    ''Just who was this woman?'' They thought in unison.


    "You have a good eye. However, we have a mutualprehension of losing and winning. Regardless of whatever cheap trick we must use." Grinning like a madwoman, Tora added pressure on her elbow to strengthen her hand. At the same time, the man did the same with a smile.


    Ten minutes had passed, and their linked hands didn''t move a muscle. One would think that they were just ying. But, because of their trembling hands and their protruding arm muscles beneath their skin, they knew that there was an overwhelming power to defeat one another.


    Unbelievable!


    The crowd was in awe, rendered bbergasted by the woman''s strength. Those who challenged the man earlier knew the man''s strength, or rather, just the slight of it. After all, he easily won, looking all rxed as if he didn''t need to use even half of his strength.


    "Young Miss, I must say I''m impressed. May this lowly one know your name?" Beads of sweat formed on the man''s forehead as his back was already sweating buckets. Although he was smiling, gritting his teeth, he must admit that she was giving him a hard time.


    She''s strong, no doubt.


    "My lord, isn''t it improper to ask for someone''s name without giving yours?" Just like what the man, Tora must admit that she never met someone who could par her strength ¡ª he''s just as strong as her. Although she was nevercent about her capabilities because she knew that someday, someone would match her in terms of strength and tactics.


    However, she was more inclined to know this man who piqued her interest. She wanted to know more about him.


    "Suzuki Akihito." Akihito smiled, without lowering his guard.


    "I must remember your name, Suzuki Akihito." Nodding her head, Tora acknowledged him. "Yamada Hanako." However, although it was improper for her to give a false name, Tora wouldn''t be that stupid to reveal who she was.


    After all, Chisaka Tora was known across the whole kingdom. Even the neighboring country must be wary of her. Furthermore, she came there to keep a low profile to survey the progress of the border unannounced. Although the soldiers must have known by now that the general was present, the citizen didn''t.


    Besides, she didn''t want to cause fear in this small town because aside from being a known war hero, rumors about how ruthless the current military ruler was attached to it. Hence, the people had some vague fears imnted deep down.


    "Shall we end this and see who''s the victor, Yamada-san?" Aki nodded his head once as he acknowledged the name she gave him. His grip tightened even more, and so did she.


    "Little one, your head out of the table." Without turning her gaze away from the man, Tora uttered. She was referring to the child whose arms rested on the edge of the table with her chin over them ¡ª she was too small that the crowd didn''t notice her watching on the front line.


    "Ah? Alright!" ncing up to Tora, Churu saw the evil grin from the side of her lips before she shifted her gaze to the man who bore the same expression. Since she heard that they would end this match, Churu knew that she must keep her distance.


    She didn''t want to be caught in the middle of the crossfire.


    "Distance, keep your distance!" Using her little hands and tiny voice, Churumanded the crowd, which they did for some unknown reason. Perhaps, it was because they sensed the aura emanating from the two that they took a few step backs.


    "It''s nice knowing you, Suzuki-Kun." Stating herst words, Tora''s arm muscle stretched as she has gone all-out.


    "It''s an honor, Yamada-San." Just like her, Aki went all out.


    Their hands trembled as Aki pressured her hand down, but to no avail, Tora would get her momentum and pressure him. Their hands continued to go back and forth for a minute before they heard a crack that was immediately followed by the sudden break of the wooden table.


    It split in half because of the amount of pressure their elbows caused.


    Everyone: ¡­


    Aki: ¡­


    Tora: ¡­

 Chapter 470: The Systems history: Suzuki Akihito II

    <h4>470 The System''s history: Suzuki Akihito II</h4>


    "Ahh¡­ this is great!" Eating the first proper dish she had for thest several days, Tora eximed. Steam came out from her gaped mouth as she tried to cool the food down while chewing ¡ª very udylike.


    Earlier, after the table broke in half, the crowd went from shock to a loud cheer. The old auntie that owned the small establishment also went crazy and urged them to pay. Hence, Aki paid her a pouch of silver which made her shut up and let them be.


    After that, Tora and Aki called it quits since they might break all the tables and they wouldn''t see the victor. Regardless, that was quite a fun experience Tora never expected. Still, although it was a draw, Aki still insisted to pay for her meal as he had a fun time with her.


    It''s still a free meal, so Tora dly epted his offer like a shameless peasant.


    "You have a rather vast appetite, Yamada-san." Aki gracefully downed his cup of sake after he nced at the glutton eating before him. "I wonder where that all goes?" He humored with a faint chuckle.


    "Ayah, I haven''t had a proper meal for the past ten days!" Spooning the hot pottage, Tora said in a matter-of-fact tone. "This is good." She added after gulping down the soup that instantly brought the heat to her stomach.


    "Huh?" Aki furrowed his brows upon hearing the knowledge. "Does that mean your strength earlier was marginally reduced due tock of meals?" He frowned as he gave his all earlier. He was healthy and eating properly while Tora, on the other hand, was deprived of food for thest ten days?


    "Ah, no. that''s all I have." Shaking her head sideways, no one knew if she was lying or stating the truth. She was too busy shoving foods inside her mouth that she nearly choked.


    "Say, why are you deprived of food for ten days?" On the other side of the table, their littlepany that never once left Tora''s side, sweetly smiled as she asked. To Aki, he already assumed that she was Tora''spanion as she didn''t bother to shoo the little girl away.


    However, why was she asking such a question as if she didn''t know?


    "I traveled here, that''s all." ncing at Churu, Tora shrugged her shoulders after she sessfully cleared her airways. "I hunt for food on the way, but it''s still iparable with this kind of food. So, it''s safe to say that you fought me in my hundred." Smiling, Tora briefly raised his brows.


    She wasn''t lying though because, during the war, eating was a luxury. Hence, she was used to reserving her strength no matter how little her food intake and little rest she has.


    "Are you a soldier?" Suddenly, Aki asked because of the little information she said, it was enough for him to assume that she was a soldier. After all, with her strength, her ways of thinking, and her characteristic was just like what a trained soldier.


    "I''m a merchant from the Capital. I am here to deliver some goods and also purchase herbs that could only get from the north." Dropping the matter of Tora being dead hungry on their match, Aki smiled again before he poured himself a sake.


    "Ahh¡­" Tora nodded her head in understanding before turning her attention back on her food. It would make sense if a wealthy merchant like him would travel to the north to purchase or trade goods.


    After all, the northern border might be the first that was invaded five years ago, still, some rare herbs would usually grow in this ce because of its weather. Hence, that helped this town to regain its prosperity, slowly but surely: plus her aid to protect its process of healing.


    After Tora''sst remark, both of them didn''t utter a word as Tora chowed down all her foods while Aki enjoyed his sake. The silence has only broken when Aki spoke,? "If you don''t mind, may I know the duration of your stay or are you stationed here?"


    "Why?" Knitting her brows, Tora shoved thest dumpling inside her mouth.


    "If I am correct, you lived near the capital. So, if you would like to join us when we return to the capital, you may. Journeying alone is quite troublesome and lonely." Bearing a pure intention, Aki offered with a smile.


    He had figured that ten days of travel time, she probably came from the town near the capital. There are only a few towns that would take less travel time to the north. Hence, regardless of which town she came, they would still take the same route.


    He had grown fond of Tora as she was a great person. It would be a waste if their ''friendship'' would stop so suddenly. This only showed that Aki was interested in her the more they talked to each other.


    Little did he know, Tora came from the Capital and her destination to return would be the same ce. It only took her less time as she and Kaze rested only for a few hours before continuing on their journey.


    "I will reconsider the offer¡ª" Just as Tora was about to politely reject the offer, the great Churu that the two nearly forgotten her presence chimed in.


    "We will join you!" Churu smiled brightly as she eximed. Both Tora and Aki turned their head to the little girl. Aki bearing a satisfied smile while Tora was rendered speechless.


    Who was this child again? No, that''s not what''s important. But why was she deciding for her? For the General of this nation? Moreover, what does she mean ''WE''?


    "Alright then. We will leave in eight days. After that, you can meet us outside the town at dawn." Pleased, Aki reminded her with a grin.


    "Okay!" Churu responded before casting Tora a nce, moving her brows in an up and down motion.? This foreign word confused the two as they never heard it before, still, they heed it no mind as it wasn''t important.


    "My apologies but¡ª" Surprised by this deal that she never agreed, Tora was about to reject and exin but once again, Churu interrupted her.


    "Yamada-san, you won''t go back on your words, will you?" Pouting, the side of Churu''s eyes seemed to form tears that would fall any minute. Tora contemted whether she would sumb to her cuteness, but seeing that she''s on the verge of crying, it poked her soft spots.

 Chapter 471: The Systems history: The beginning of the strong bond

    <h4>471 The System''s history: The beginning of the strong bond</h4>


    "Child, why do you keep following me? Go home." On her way to find herself something to eat, Tora stopped and turned. Gazing down, she looked at the puzzled and innocent little girl. It has been two days when Tora set her foot in the northern town. After her unprecedented experience that night, she somehow gained a tail whom she didn''t know.


    At first, Tora shooed this little girl away and did her duties the next day. However, for two consecutive nights now, this little girl would just show up like a mushroom. Just like right now, she appeared out of nowhere and was following her to wherever she goes.


    Churu pursed her lips in a thin line as she wordlessly looked at her. She fiddled her forefingers around each other as she cast her a pitiful look. Tora could only arch her brow before a frustrated sigh escaped her mouth.


    Squatting down, her elbow rested over her left knee while her other knee on the ground, Tora sighed once again. "Your mother must be worried about you. I''ll take you back to your manor."


    "I don''t have a mother," said Churu. Her response made Tora''s brows furrowed.


    ''She''s an orphan?'' Tora thought inwardly. Yet, she didn''t assume her initial thought and asked. "Then, your fathe¡ª"


    "I flee from our home." Just before Tora could finish her sentence, Churu shook her head sideways as she interrupted her. "I was just eager about how to travel here, I wandered too far."


    "From what town you came from? Howe you were able to reach the north?" Tora knitted her brows. For all she knew, the nearest town in the northern town would take several days to reach. Hence, if this little girl came from there, then it would take her days to reach this certain town.


    With her young age, it would be impossible for her to survive with no food and drink to give her a source of strength to travel. Not to mention, it would be impossible for her to hunt for food as she was vulnerable. Thus, howe she survived?


    "From the capital. I wanted free transportation and sneaked in inside someone else''s carriage. Then, I fell asleep and before I know it, they were already far from the capital''s border." Churu exined.


    It was true, though. She fled from the heavenly realm because of her curiosity if she could descend from heaven. However, she woke up in this child''s body that was sleeping inside a carriage filled with goods.


    Gaining the memories of this ve child that died to the trauma from her little head, it was nearly the same as her situation. The only difference was that her host fled because of the abuse while Churu because of her curiosity and eagerness to meet Tora.


    The reason she knew Tora was on her way to the restaurant and decided to reunite with her in this town.


    "It must have been tough for you," Upon hearing her sensible exnation, Tora sighed as she raised her arm and lightly patted her head. She didn''t press on the matter anymore as she got the gist of it.


    This kind of situation wasmon in the capital and any other town in this kingdom: especially for ves that received abuse from their masters to the point that they would just die without knowing it.


    Although the kingdom was prosperous, only those who have power and influence enjoyed most of it. ves like Churu, they were born and raised and die serving a certain master. Regardless of how tyrant or abusive he/she was, they must abide.


    It was a sad fact. But, it has been like that. Those in the top just gets more powerful while people living under has no qualms on their fate. Tora couldn''t just change it on a whim, no matter how she wanted to.


    Churu, using her little rough hand, she reached out to the hem of her clothes and clipped her forefinger and thumb in it. Staring straight to Tora''s emphatic pair of eyes, she just pursed her lips and said nothing.


    "Will you join me for a meal?" Tora smiled, inviting her since Churu would always tag along with her even during her dinner. Still, Churu ate nothing, and she didn''t offer her, anyway. But now that she knew a bit of this child''s life, it would be heartless of her to give her nonchnce.


    ves were deprived of love and affection ever since they were born. And now that Tora paid more attention to her, her little hands were rough ¡ª signs that she had been working menial chores. Her small body was a little thinner than her age.


    Although she was adorable and cheerful all the time, Tora''s heart ached to know that they forced this little girl to run away because of obvious reasons. To her, Churu must be enjoying her every moment being a free human being, without those chains that bound her to her master.


    "Hmm!" Churu''s face brightened up as she profusely nodded her head. Her reaction made Tora smiled as her eyes softened.


    "Alright, let''s go." Nodding in acknowledgment, Tora slowly stood before she turned. ncing on her side, Churu clung on the hem of her clothes before she returned her gaze ahead. With that, the two headed to Tora''s current favorite restaurant for a feast.


    On their way to the restaurant, both Tora and Churu stopped in their tracks upon seeing a figure standing in front of a whorehouse. There, Aki stood smiling, fanning himself while some beautifuldies fawned around him.


    "Men, they were, all the same, don''t you think?" Seeing that Aki seemed to enjoy the attention he garnered from thedies, her under-eye twitched in disgust. Churu didn''t verbalize her thoughts, but she had the urge to cut the man''s hair to humiliate him.

 Chapter 472: The Systems History: The meaning of Chu

    <h4>472 The System''s History: The meaning of Chu</h4>


    "Slow down, little one." Tora reminded as she was more afraid that she might choke to death. She had been watching Churu slurp her noodles like she had eaten nothing since day one, and it surprised her that her appetite seemed much bigger than hers.


    "We have more than enough, take your time and savor every moment." Coming from someone who ate like a madwoman on her first night in this town, Tora advised which Churu abided after a nod.


    "Anyway, do you have a name?" Pleased that Churu slowed down, Tora leaned forward with her arm on the edge of the table. Churu just looked at her while blinking her eyes many times.


    Churu contemted for a while as she could not give her real name to her. She could not either say the name of her host as she has no name. Hence, her silence while staring at Tora gave a misconception.


    "How silly of me," Chuckling, Tora shook her head sideways. To her understanding, the little girl didn''t have a name yet as she was originally a ve. Thus, her question was a little silly. "Hmm¡­" She pondered on what kind of name shall she give to this little girl.


    However, Tora was worse remembering names, especially if they were aplicated one. What more? She was bad at giving names either. Hence, as she contemted for a name that suited the little girl, she watched her slurp the noodles. Though she slowed down, she still made a light feminine slurping sound.


    "Churu." Grinning, Tora humored. She wasn''t actually serious about that name, as it was a ridiculous name to have. However, upon hearing that name, Churu slowly raised her head as her cheek blushed. Her innocent young eyes twinkled as if she liked it.


    "Ah, no¡ª" Shaking her head, Tora waved her hands as she attempted to scratch the idea. However, Churu brightly smiled and murmured.


    "Churu¡­ I like it." Moved to the extent that she was on the verge of tears, Churu felt something warm circling around her heart.


    Even though in the heavenly realm, Chu meant, "I am a sinner". However, the name didn''t give her that kind of disgust. In contrast, she liked it more than she liked the name, Alvah. Unbeknownst to her, being named by a mere human had its own consequences, which she failed to remember.


    "Aya¡­" A helpless sighed escape Tora''s mouth seeing that Churu genuinely liked the troll name she gave her. "At the very least, I don''t think I can ever forget that name." She shook her head sideways as she shrugged.


    Well, if she liked it, then so be it. No one would make fun of her name anyway if she was under her wings. Who would want to offend the general, anyway? Hence, Tora was confident that it wouldn''t deter Churu''s life.


    "Churu¡­" Tora murmured, casting the appeased little girl. "It suits her, though." The corner of her lips curled into a smile as she began picking up her chopsticks and ate with her.


    Both would wreak havoc and even go beyond their means, breaking all the walls and boundaries just to protect each other in their own ways. That would be the bond they wouldn''t even know would exist in this era.


    As the two ate to their heart''s content, Aki smiled as he turned his head away from the window where he was watching them outside. He purposely went in this particr ce to challenge Tora to an arm-wrestling as he was bored.


    Thepany of the courtesans wasn''t as fun anymore, just like before. He would rather battle with Tora, curious if she could defeat him, now that she had regained her strength. Aki didn''t believe her when she said she was fighting him on her best that night.


    However, seeing her being gentle to the little girl, something inexplicable was ignited within him.


    "Your maje¡ª, My Lord, his highness request you to return to the capital." Suddenly, a shadow came out from the dark, wearing an all-ck suit akin to an assassin.


    "Huh," Without turning to the figure, Aki fanned himself as he took a slow stride to who knows where. "In six days. I have an important matter to tend to." He muttered, bearing a smile while Tora''s gentle side profile shed across his eyes.


    ****


    [Heavenly Realm]


    "Father, this is a grave crime." A woman d with a silky white dress bowed her head. Her curly golden hair matched the color of the small metal te on her shoulder. Although it has been a thousand years from the present time, she still looked the same.


    She was the woman that weed Churu after being a guide to Lexi!


    "I beg you, Father. Permit me to descend and bring her back to receive her punishment." She begged to their father, whom no one had seen as his light would blind them.


    Still, he was their creator and father, the Absolute One who created heaven and earth, sea and sky, moon and sun ¡ª even the inhabitors of the earth. No one could go up against him. They must obey his words. That''s their Father. Yet, he was also loving and merciful. Hence, angels like Lucifer and Alvah often do what they wanted.


    "My child, Yael, you don''t need to." A deep voice, almost like a person speaking through a broken microphone said. "Alvah, it''s her time to embrace the right meaning of her name." The Absolute One added before he slowly faded away.


    Yael swallowed a mouthful of saliva as her jaw tightened, gritting her teeth as hard as she could. Alvah has an allure and uniqueness for a name. However, it has also a dark meaning behind, SIN.


    Indeed, Alvah was named Sin. No one knew why as no one could guess what has the Father has in his own mind. Yael had foreseen that this would happen if she let Alvah out of her sight. She was only gone for a minute and Alvah already sneaked outside the heavenly realm.

 Chapter 473: The Systems History: First sign of danger

    <h4>473 The System''s History: First sign of danger</h4>


    For the next four days, Tora would often bring Churu along with her even if she goes to the military base. Fortunately, Churu showed no sign of being frightened of being around with equipped samurais and warriors.


    Although there are some odd nces and questioning look stered across their faces when they saw a child walking next to the general, holding the hem of her clothes. Tora paid them no mind as she has no obligation to exin herself.


    "Arakaki, join the defense." From a distance, Tora ordered. She watched the two groups of equally skilled soldiers infiltrate the border and one group to defend it. It was a small drill she came up with to reassured that the preparation in the border could not be easily invaded just like five years ago.


    "Yes, Taiga-dono." Arakaki bowed his head upon themand before he hopped from the tower where they were watching the drill. Tora remained her eyes on the urring drill down the tower, for some reason, she felt unsettled by what she was seeing.


    ncing to the other side for a brief moment, Tora saw Churu watching the other soldiers do their daily routine with a smile. The corner of her lips subtly curled upward. Churu never asked what''s her position and why she was being treated with high respect and neither did she told her.


    One reason she had grown fond of the little girl as she never pressed on whatever matter. Perhaps, it was because she was a former ve without any name or status that she has this habit of not asking.


    "Let''s see¡­" She murmured. Tora stretched her neck in a circr motion. It has been a while since she arrived in the northern border and she was mostly preupied with the soldier''s routine, materials being used in solidifying the border, and anything of the sort.


    After stretching her neck and shoulders, Tora hopped from the not too tall tower. Her hooded cape flowed, the tip of her ck up-do hair tangled in the air as her eyes sharpened. Little did she know, she quite caught the attention of some soldier as she flew down like a demonic angel without wings.


    Toranded on the infiltration squad, which slightly shook the batch of soldiers that were fighting to defend and infiltrate the border. Arakaki instincts instantly sharpened as he shouted that snapped hisrades back from their momentary daze.


    "Protect the north!" Shouted Arakaki before the soldiers in the defense team roared loudly.


    Tora joining the infiltration squad only meant that she wanted them to battle thinking of a life and death situation. After all, she was a ruthless general. Once her sword was tainted even with a drop of blood, she would go on a killing spree.


    Despite that, she was holding a wooden sword, that never meant they were safe from getting hurt. After all, Tora might be a woman, but her agility, strength, and the indomitable will to win was enough to subdue any man blocking her way.


    Jolting from his ce, Arakaki dropped his defense and went on offense ¡ª particrly attacking Tora. Containing Tora was his initial instinct as she already made five soldiers fly back. To him, if he could buy time for his team to reduce the number of the infiltration squad, they could hound her all at once.


    "I must say, your leadership ismendable." Tora grinned. Arakaki wasn''t holding back as he indeed attacked her using a real sword. She only blocked it by shing her wooden sword to the side of the sword''s body.


    Still, her strength was enough to make Arakaki hopped back. Indeed, Tora was truly exceptional. Even with her attack, her wooden sword should have been broken by now and yet, it didn''t. His hands slightly trembled as he could still feel the impact of how she avoided the attack.


    "I must protect the border, My Lord. Regardless of who''s before me." Stern and emotionless, Arakaki positioned himself in an offensive stance, his arm slightly raised, and made a slight gesture. To his eyes, Tora wasn''t the general he was looking up to, but an enemy trying to infiltrate the base. Hence, he showed no signs of backing down even if his life was on the line.


    Tora smirked. ''So, he''s going all out.'' she thought inwardly. Soon, the archers from the top of the borders readied their bows and arrows. Although the tip of their arrows was protected by a cloth, it would still hurt.


    A momentter, the drill area was raining with arrows. Amazingly enough, mostly aimed at the infiltration group''s vicinity. Somended on their heads and shoulders, inflicting pain to them. Meanwhile, Tora dodged Arakaki''s attacks while avoiding the arrows that were aimed at her.


    Arakaki took advantage of the situation as he showed no mercy. However, the next second, Tora docked ¡ª smoothly dodging his sh attack. Her sharpened eyes seemed to glow in red as she ced pressure on her heel before she jerked forward.


    Instead of using her wooden sword, Tora''s palm was opened, her fingertips were folded against the bottom''s knuckles and struck him in the chin by the ridge of her palm. It was too fast that Arakaki couldn''t keep up with it.


    He could only witness, in a slow-motion about the attack before it nearly knocked him out by the solid assault that could bring as much damage as a closed fist assault. Thus, his body helplessly flew back without restraint.


    Arakaki crashed with a loud thud, dust scattered beneath his body as he was temporarily out of his wits.


    Due to this, everyone suddenly stopped as they turned their heads to their captain''s figure lying on the ground before they shifted it to Tora. However, upon setting their eyes on her, their eyes widened in disbelief.


    There, the palm that Tora used had an arrow clipped in between her fore and middle finger. Blood dripped down from it as it passed through the soft spot of her fingers, and the arrow''s tip was inches away from her eye. If she didn''t attack Arakaki and made him fly back, they were certain that it would already be embedded on the back of his head or nape.

 Chapter 474: The Systems History: First sign of danger II

    <h4>474 The System''s History: First sign of danger II</h4>


    Tora didn''t waste a second as she headed, almost jogged her way back to the tower. Their drill that wasn''t done abruptly came to an end as they could only watch the general head back to the tower.


    They were utterly shocked at the sudden turn of events as this was supposed to be a safe drill. Although they shed using real weapons, they knew the limits of their attacks. Hence, the worst-case scenario was that they would get wounded.


    That has been part of the war and the world they were moving to. Hence, a simple wound was just another training to their body and mind. However, that attack was fatal if Tora didn''t notice it.


    Moreover, the arrows should be safe. So, why was there''s an arrow that wasn''t secured with a cloth?


    "General¡ª" As soon as Tora arrived at the tower, she was weed by the panickingmandant of the archers. Fear engraved across his entire face as buckets of sweats pooled on his forehead.


    Tora just cast him a side nce as she snatched a bow and arrow from the nearest archer she could reach. By the looked of her face, she was utterly furious. After all, the arrow was aimed to kill Arakaki not her which enraged her even more.


    She ced the arrow across the middle of the bow with the bowstring in the arrow''s nock. Pulling it back to shoot, the bow limbs flexed, storing stic energy. Tora narrowed her eyes as she recalled the direction of the arrow that attacked Arakaki.


    Within a split second, she released the arrow, and the archers were rather in awe. They were astounded that she could shoot so far they lost sight of it. All they could do was look at the direction where it faded away.


    "Send people to survey the area where I shot that arrow." Tora shoved the bow and arrow back to its owner before casting themandant a cold, dreading nce. "The drill adjourned." She added before she began walking out.


    Blood trailed her steps as it dripped down from the wound on her palm. Although it wasn''t a matter of life and death, it was still deep, which would surely leave her another scar on her body. Regardless, that wasn''t enough to deter a woman who survived the war five years ago.


    ****


    "Yamada-san, why¡­" When Tora came back to pick up the little girl she nonverbally adopted, Churu frowned seeing a white cloth wrapped around her right hand. A red liquid stained it hence, she could clearly see that she was wounded and still bleeding.


    "It''s nothing," Tora nced at her wounded hand before offering a reassuring smile towards Churu. "Just a small wound while ying around. It won''t kill me." She added as she chuckled. Fortunately, the arrow wasn''t poisoned thus, Tora wasn''t worried.


    Perhaps, the person who shot her the arrow was certain it would go straight Arakaki''s head. Therefore, it wouldn''t matter if it was poisoned or not. Fortunately, she was around when this happened.


    Although that doesn''t mean she doesn''t get wounded, Churu was less emphatic as she just watched her from afar. She hasn''t had this stronger connection with her back then, unlike now that she bond with her.


    "Churu," Tora forced a smile on her lips as she squatted down to meet the teary eyes of the little girl, "I am a warrior. Inflicting wounds is inevitable, my thick skin is numbed of it." Using her left hand, Tora gently patted her head.


    For some reason, Churu who was initially supportive of her great ventures as a general, wavered. Maybe it was one reason an angel must keep their distance to the humans they were guiding as they could grow feelings.


    Now, Churu began worrying at the dangers lurking around Tora. After all, although she was now closer to her, she felt that her blessing as an angel was slowly reducing. Moreover, she could not see the things she could only see from that well.


    "It''s my fault..." Wiping her tears, Churu''s voice cracked.


    "Silly," Tora chuckled at the concern she was receiving. She was known as a strong, ruthless general. Hence, there are just a few people who were concerned about her falling into an enemy''s trap. But none of them couldpare to the one Churu was showing her. "I am stronger than you think¡­" Grinning, she paused as she raised her bandaged hand.


    "The scar is nothing if it meant that I saved a life." Still staring at her hand, there was not a bit of regret Tora showed. The emotion that was stered across her face was proud. "So, instead of condemned, you must revere it as an honor that I, your friend, saved a life."


    Churu stared at her proud front. Indeed, Tora has a golden heart and boundless dignity within her. There was no doubt that she reached her position not entirely because Churu was abundantly blessing her, but because she was capable with that selfless heart of her.


    In the end, her blessing seemed it only helped Tora stretch her strength beyond normal human limits and take her away from danger. Regardless, whatever that Tora has in her heart was all on her ¡ª Churu had no control over it.


    *****


    Later that night¡­


    After Tora finally coaxed Churu from crying her heart out, they decided to eat out before seeing the group of performers that were scheduled to perform at the center of the town. In the middle of their meal, Tora heard a lively familiar voice of Aki that she hasn''t seen for thest four days despite that this town was small.


    "Yamada-san! What a pleasant night to see you!" Behind her,? Aki carrying his fan, fanned himself as he smiled brightly and shamelessly approached them.


    "Suzuki-kun," Turning to his direction, Tora just offered a forced smile.


    "What a feast! Will you mind if I join you?" Still has his lips from ear to ear, Aki shamelessly requested which Tora just ignored and shrugged her shoulders.


    "Have a seat." Although her interest in this man reduced in great numbers, Tora hasn''t forgotten that he treated her to a meal. Hence, it would be impolite not to return the favor. However, Aki didn''t speak for a second as he glimpsed at her bandaged with a red speck seeping from it.

 Chapter 475: The Systems History: Unraveling their guise

    <h4>475 The System''s History: Unraveling their guise</h4>


    "Suzuki-kun, I might not travel with you back to the Capital''s border." As they dined, Tora stared down on her half-consumed dish as she interrupted Aki''s jubnt storytelling. What happened today, she just couldn''t leave the north unless she thoroughly investigates the incident.


    "Is that so?" Aki stretched his lips a little up. "How unfortunate." He added as he nced on her bandaged hand that showed a stain of blood.


    "It is unfortunate, indeed." Shrugging her shoulders, Tora said in a matter-of-fact tone.


    Actually, it wasn''t unfortunate for her as prolonging her stay in the north meant she wouldn''t have to deal and see the emperor. Not to mention, her interest in Aki enormously extinguished to none as she perceived him as no less different from other men she had encountered with.


    Although in this era, men and women were equally had the same privileges and rights, there was still discrimination about gender. After all, most of them saw women as fragile things and there are only a few numbers of women warriors.


    However, ever since she became the general, it encouraged dauntless women like her who were more inclined to fight enlisted in the military. Those women who weren''t blinded by shiny pieces of ornaments and silk dresses. Regardless, for Tora, it only made a little change: Men still thought they were above women, not equal.


    "What can I do? I am guessing you have gained a good position in the imperial military and it was inevitable to be tangled down with its affairs." Sigh after another heavy sigh, Aki shook his head sideways, disheartened to hear the news. Still, he didn''t thoroughly press on the matter as he wasn''t in ce to question her.


    Furthermore, he had guessed that with Tora''s strength and the current general''s influence, she must have gained a good position in the military. He would even mistake her that she may even be a daimyo if he didn''t know that no woman had taken that position at the moment. Thus, he guessed that she may be a captain of her own little squad.


    "Regardless, I must thank you for inviting me." Tora smiled without a touch of displeasure. "Fret not, my little Churu here is enough as apanion." Turning to Churu, the little girl smiled back. Churu ignored Aki ever since he came and only bowed her head as a greeting. After that, she said no words and ate to her heart''s content.


    "Churu?" Furrowing his brows, Aki cast Churu a nce with a conflicted look.


    In his mind, it was quite an odd name to have as it meant ''slurp'' or something like that. However, he didn''t dareugh by it as it would be impolite and might offend the two, especially Tora who has her brow arched as if one wrong word, he would snap his head.


    "If the heavens allowed, we will meet again." Insincere, Tora never wanted to see him again. Not that she despised him or anything of the sort. She just found him a little troublesome to have around. After all, he was quite sharp despite his happy-go-lucky facade.


    "Must I hope I will see you again, then?" Slowly, the corner of his lips curled into a sly smirk. "I believed our encounter wasn''t an ident. Thus, the heavens would allow it." he confidently said, which made Tora''s brows twitch.


    ''What a true phnderer.'' Tora hissed inwardly.


    ''No, I forbid it!'' Churu secretly ground her teeth as she was utterly disappointed at Aki''s misconduct.


    After all, he sabotaged himself for being caught with the courtesans from the other day. However, no matter how she desired to shoo him away, she doesn''t have the ability as she didn''t bring her full powers when she descended on earth.


    Going to the mundane world from the heavenly realm required for her to store her powers back. Although she was immortal with little powers now, she didn''t have the ability to bless or curse any human. Well, not that she cursed people as she rarely intervened in Tora''s life ¡ª unless it was a life and death situation.


    "Let''s hope not." Speaking what''s on her mind, Tora bluntly responded. Surprisingly enough, Aki showed no sign of displeasure. Rather, he seemed he already expected that kind of response which truly pleased him.


    "My, Yamada-san, don''t be heartless." Aki heartily chuckled as he didn''t take her words to the heart. "s, I still hope we can meet again. If I may excuse myself first," Slowly, Aki stood from his seat as he politely bowed his head. "I must tend to thest preparation of our journey back to the capital. I am grateful for your treat tonight. I will certainly return the favor when the timees." Still bearing his smile, Aki sounded as if he would do it for sure. Or rather, he sounded as if he was certain that they would meet again.


    "I will not look forward to it, but, I must bid you a safe journey." Smiling, Tora distinctly revealed her unwillingness to meet him again yet, she hoped for a safe trip without encountering bandits. Well, he reached the north without having any problem hence, he must have reliable guards to protect him and his goods.


    With that said note, Aki left the two with a smile.


    Outside, Aki continued to take the route to the darkest alley of the town. He faded to the dark where no one would notice that there was a person d in an all-ck suit with his face covered, waiting for him.


    "My Lord, the assassination of the daimyo failed." The man d in ck stiffly reported.


    "He''s sharp, I am not surprised. s, it is enough to dither their base." Aki, bearing a vile smirk, slowly formed on the side of his lips.


    "My Lord, I am afraid it won''t. Our man was injured." Dreaded to deliver the news, the man gulped a mouthful of saliva as he added to his report. "Unfortunately, a female warrior noticed the iing arrow and stopped it by the skin of her teeth. Afterward, she shot an arrow back from the border tower and injured our man. She knew it didn''te from the military archery."


    "A woman? From that distance?" Furrowing his brows, Aki''s smirk gradually vanished. For some reason, Tora shed across his mind.


    To his knowledge, the only person who was capable of doing that was the general. However, he had reports that the general was in the capital. Thus, he threw the thought of Tora being the general to the back of his head.


    ''Yamada-san¡­ you''re really interesting.'' He chuckled inwardly before he waved his hands and spoke.

 Chapter 476: The Systems History: Unraveling their guise II

    <h4>476 The System''s History: Unraveling their guise II</h4>


    "Taiga-dono, there were trails of blood found on that hill and a piece of cloth. However, we recovered nothing but that." Arakaki stood behind Tora who was watching two samurais par. Their swords shed, satisfying enough for leaders like them to have as a warrior.


    After the blow he received from the strongest general he had ever known, Arakaki took quite a few minutes to snap back to reality. Hence, he was lost when Tora left and shot an arrow. The thing he only witnessed was Tora shooting an arrow to a specific area.


    He then hastily headed to the tower where she stood. Upon reaching it, he saw her hand dripping with blood as she had a deep wound. Therefore, he insisted on treating her wound, which she agreed after he persisted.


    "Arakaki, continue strengthening your base and tighten your patrol." Without turning her gaze away from the two warriors parring, Tora ordered. "Task a small group of soldiers to thoroughly conduct an investigation regarding the incident but don''t let your guard down."


    "Yes, Taiga-dono." Bowing his head, Arakaki heeds her orders.


    "Whoever the person behind it, he/she sought for a distraction of this base by imnting doubts within your people. Fortunately, their cheap trick won''t work on me." Slowly, a smirk formed on the side of her lips.


    Indeed, it was a good thing that Tora was present when it happened. Or else, Arakaki would also think that a rat managed to sneak inside the base. After all, the arrow though seemed it came from the top of the archery tower, it actually came further behind it.


    Still, that was more rming because it meant that someone has a terrifying skill in shooting an arrow from an extended distance. It could be considered that he was as good as Tora in terms of archery.


    "I''ll be heading back to the capital tomorrow at dawn. I can entrust the affairs here to you, can I?" Tora turned, her hands were held behind.


    "I wish for your safe return to the Capital, Taiga-dono." Saluting with his fist on his chest, Arakaki bowed his head before hismander.


    It has been a month since Tora arrived on the northern border. She initially nned to stay for several days only, but after the incident, it prolonged her stay in the town. However, since the envoy of the emperor came to request for her presence in the capital, they mandated her to return to join the court.


    "Arakaki, our enemy¡­" She paused as Tora scanned her eyes around the surrounding. "I have a feeling that they won''te from outside because they were already inside." With that said remark, Tora set her eyes to Arakaki, who knitted his brows before his pair of eyes widened and sharpened.


    "Taiga-dono, are you implying that there would an uprising?"


    "Yes, my king." Arakaki offered her another salute as he lowly muttered.


    An uprising meant that another blood bath would take ce to fight for the throne. Although the current emperor was just a mere figurehead, Tora was mandated to fight on the frontline to protect him.


    After all, the emperor was still sitting on his throne because Tora let him. But, that didn''t mean he was the true ruler. Everyone secretly acknowledged the general as the real ruler of the kingdom. Hence, a revolt was to challenge the one true king: Tora.


    ****


    The next day: DAWN.


    "Churu, are you certain you''re prepared to return to the Capital?" Squatting down, Tora asked Churu for thest time. Tora thought hard about it if Churu should go back to the capital with her or she would leave her here under Arakaki''s protection. However, although she decided to choose thetter, Churu cried her heart out.


    Therefore, Tora was rendered helpless before this little girl. She didn''t know what kind of magic Churu has to bend her decision and be helpless before her requests. In the end, Tora decided to take her along with her.


    "Yamada-san is with me, so I am not afraid!" Churu smiled brightly, nodding her head determined to go back to her host''s birthce where she was born and died.


    "Tora, that''s my real name." Tora corrected. She realized that Churu still didn''t know her real name and still addressed her using the false name she gave to Aki. "Call me that when it''s just the two of us, alright?" She smiled, which made Churu smiled.


    "Hmm!" It was not surprising that Churu didn''t press on the reason why she used a false name as she has been like that. After all, Churu knew Tora from the day she was born. Meanwhile, Torapletely assumed that because Churu was a former ve, she had a habit of not probing.


    "Let''s go," Tora grinned. She lifted Churu up on Kaze''s back before she hopped on it after she jumped. Churu swayed sideways, but because Tora stilled her little frail body, she didn''t fall. "Our journey will take a few rough days but endure it." Tora reminded her as they would travel back to the capital without a carriage.


    Hence, it would surely be rough on Churu. Regardless, Churu was prepared to go to the ends of the world if she was with her.


    "Kaze, head forth." Pleased with the enthusiasm of Churu, Toramanded her ride before it neighed and sped away from the northern town.


    ****


    Three dayster, Tora and Churu weren''t even halfway to the Capital when they saw an empty carriage ahead. Slowing down, Kaze came into a full halt several steps away from the carriage. By the looks of it, a group of bandits ambushed the carriage as some rotten vegetables, squashed fruits scattered around.


    "How unfortunate¡­" Tora murmured as she felt bad for this group who were robbed. Merchants usually faced this kind of danger whenever they travel to deliver their goods.


    Hence, Tora didn''t take this route as it was a long road to take and she didn''t want unnecessary trouble. If not because she has a little girl with her, she wouldn''t take this smooth road and go to the rough yet short route.


    Just as Tora was about tomand Kaze to continue on their journey, she caught a figure on the side of her eyes.


    Turning to the figure, Kaze trotted forth near the figure who was sitting, almost on the brink of his death. Tora hopped out of Kaze and sprinted to the elderly man sitting while leaning on the tree.


    "Mister, what happened?" Tora asked as she immediately offered him water to drink. Just then, she heard Churu screamed, which made her turn her head.


    "Yamada-san!" Churu screamed as she was being taken away by an unknown man on a horse as he dragged her inside the forest on the side of the road. On the other hand, Kaze followed their tracks despite not having a rider.


    "Hehe," The elderly man chuckled but the next second, Tora''s pair of devilish eyes met his ¡ª momentarily taking him aback. She lifted him by his neck as her grip around him slowly tightened.

 Chapter 477: The Systems History: Their second encounter

    <h4>477 The System''s History: Their second encounter</h4>


    "Let me go! Let me go!" Churu screamed at the top of her lungs as she aggressively shook the man off of her. However, no matter how she struggled, it was all for naught. She wasn''t as strong as before. She doesn''t have her divine powers. Just what kind of problem did she put herself to?


    "Let me¡ª"


    "Silence!" Before Churu could even scream her nth shout for help, her vision went ck as a strong impactnded on her nape. She was certain that he never intended to kill her, but that moment, Churu died. Or rather, her host''s body died for the second time.


    "Oy, did you kill her?" Just then, two men riding on their horses appeared behind the man who silenced Churu.


    "I didn''t. I just silenced her ¡ª she''s too loud." Confident that he held his strength back so to not kill her, the man was unaware that although he held himself back, it killed Churu''s frail body.


    "Be sure not to kill the good, that was what the master ordered." The other man from behind muttered as he sped towards the deepest part of the forest.


    "That steed was tailing us ¡ª kill it!" Still hearing the noise Kaze was making not far away from them, the man who held Churu captive emotionlessly uttered. The other man executed his order as he made a turn to kill the horse that was tailing them even without a rider.


    Little did they know, a monster was on her way to wreak havoc.


    ****


    "Churu, wait for me," Tora whispered as she hopped from one tree to another at lightning speed. Although she doesn''t have her steed Kaze with her, Tora''s pace wasn''t any less slow than the men as her adrenaline rush kicked in.


    Aside from an unexinable rage that overwhelmed her heart that slightly made her vision turn red, her worries towards the little girl ovey every other emotion in her heart. There''s only one thing she has in mind, retrieve Churu in one piece ¡ª alive.


    "I''ll certainly send these vermin forth to the other world!" Tora swore, made an oath which she would surely do. How dare they try to harm Churu, not to mention, under her watch? She would kill them, exterminate every single one of them and make them regret it for the rest of their lives.


    Tora continued on her pace to where the elderly man instructed. However, as she followed Churu''s abductor, she saw Kaze''s figure lying on its own pool of blood. Hence, she immediately jumped from the tree andnded near Kaze.


    "Kaze!" Her steed was still alive, but he had inflicted injury on his foot and a deep shed on his body. Kaze wasn''t d in its armor hence, there was nothing to protect it. If it was a normal horse, it would have died.


    Tora''s boiling point had reached its limits as a dark aura exploded within her. By the looks of it, Kaze dodged the fatal attack, but it was enough to immobilize it. Abducting Churu was one thing, but now they showed no mercy to her steed as well.


    "Don''t die, Kaze. I will return to tend to your injuries." She whispered as she stroked Kaze''s fur. Kaze weakly nickered as a response. Tora then broke her wooden container in half by her sword and poured water in it ¡ª cing it beside Kaze''s head so he could drink.


    After stroking him a bit more, Tora slowly stood. The night wasing and it would be her advantage as she could easily find the group of imbecile''s hideout. Tora''s eyes sharpened and afterward, she sprinted towards the direction where they took Churu.


    She noticed that the group left her tracks to follow hence, from sprinting Tora resumed on hopping from one tree to another. Fortunately, she noticed those tracks because the information the elderly gave her would lead her astray.


    She went deeper and deeper into the forest until the night came.


    Tora heading forth despite that the surrounding was nothing but utter darkness, until the full moon shone, giving light to the dark night. Soon, from the distance, Tora stopped. She stood on the tallest tree''s branch as she gazed forth to the area of the forest that had torches as light.


    "Huh," She scoffed inwardly uponying her eyes on the g. It was the mark of the infamous underworld group that her people had been keeping an eye. However, the leader of the group was elusive and none could locate his real base.


    After all, the war five years ago caused enormous casualty to the imperial military. Hence, Tora wasn''t focused on this group yet, and they could only arrest their foot soldiers. However, since they lure her in their own volition, she would dly serve them what they deserved.


    After a second, Tora leaped to another tree, heading towards the base. She soonnded on thend after minutes of jumping from one tree to another. As soon as shended, three men who were patrolling the outer base jumped back from the figure that appeared.


    "Who are you?" One man said, his guard instantly rose.


    "He sent me here." Tora raised her hand before she slowly reached from her behind. However, the men already drew their sword. Hence, Tora dropped her sword to ease them temporarily. Since she has no weapon that could be seen around her, they thought that she would bring out an invitation letter from the master.


    s, the next second, Tora didn''t show a letter but a pouch. She tossed it forward, which made the thing inside it rolled to the man''s feet: it was a dismembered head! The head of the elderly that was tasked to distract the merchants and travelers.

 Chapter 478: The Systems History: Their second encounter II

    <h4>478 The System''s History: Their second encounter II</h4>


    A loud thud immediately followed as the two bodies she assaulted crashed down to the ground. The only survivor whom she deliberately let alive had his sword wield, yet it was shaking as he witnessed hisrade fall in a fraction of a second.


    "You! Wh-what..." Stuttering, the man took a step back as Tora''s figure slowly strode towards him. When she came out from the dark and the torch that burning on the ground illuminated light on her side, the man noticed the distinct mark on her exposed scarred shoulder.


    The Chisaka family mark!


    The moment the man realized where she came from, his heart shook in fear. The Chisaka family had handled the military for many generations now. Still, they have different marks depending on their ranks: its size and specific mark could discern it. Tora having the biggest inked mark, a beast, on her entire shoulder than the ones they had encountered meant she was the current head of the family.


    The first known woman that had acquired the position of the general five years ago: Chisaka Tora! The ruthless, cold-blooded of a monster that ughtered every enemy before her. The man was certain that he correctly identified her because only one woman from the Chisaka Family was as skilled as her.


    They were considered skilled warriors, but they couldn''t even keep up with her when she slew hisrades in cold blood. It only showed the vast difference of their strength and skills. How could he face her head-on? He couldn''t, he would die even before he knew it.


    Therefore, the man''s first instinct was to flee. His master needed to know so he could desert their base. However, just as he cautiously took a step back, a small dagger pierced near the side of his foot, which petrified him in his stance.


    "If you reckon I missed, I didn''t. Take me to her." Toramanded. She had been holding back not to annihte the three as she needed information. Despite that, her mind had began being clouded as it oozed with destruction.


    "He ¡ª her?" Baffled, the man stuttered as the air gradually turned stifling the more she drew closer to him. But he didn''t dare take a step back, afraid that she wouldn''t miss the second time.


    "A little girl was abducted earlier. Where did you take her?" Tora flung her sword forward, its sharp tip pointing in between the man''s eyes. "Take me to her." She added.


    Tora could just prance inside the base and kill everyone that would attempt to stop her. However, her priority was to save Churu. Hence, confronting a whole underground militia would stall time to reunite with her. After all, she needed to secure the little girl first before anything else.


    The man''s lower lip trembled as his eyes crossed, staring at the sharp tip of her sword. She only needed to push a little, and it would surely pierce through his head. He got the gist of what she meant.


    It just their misfortune that their victim this time was apanion of the general. This¡­ this unfortunate encounter, the man knew, deep down, tonight would be theirst night before they would all cease to exist.


    ****


    "Oy! Who''s that?" As they headed inside the camp, some members of the infamous group halted Tora and the man. Tora, who was bound with rope while the man dragged her in with her head hang low.


    "We saw her roaming around outside the camp. Souma ordered me to bring her along with the new goods." After clearing his throat, the man named Chiharu tried his best to sound as natural as ever.


    Earlier, Tora offered him a one-sided deal. Regardless of how unjust the term, the man had to follow her instructions. He has no other option. Hence, with her instruction to infiltrate the base without garnering attention so she could with Churu as soon as possible.


    "Roaming outside?" The man who was questioning them narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Pacing around the two, he tilted his head to the side to see her face under her disheveled, dangling hair ¡ª covering most of her face.


    "She was looking for her daughter." Chiharu''s shoulders stiffened as he spouted another lie. He knew that if hisrades knew that the woman with her was Tora, it would sabotage her ns and buy time for his master.


    However, in a time like this, Chiharu was only thinking of himself because even he knew that even before he could inform them, Tora would kill him in an instant. Either way, he believed that if she got what she needed, it would leave her a little vulnerable while protecting a little child.


    "Ah, the one that arrived earlier. Too bad, she''s dead." Recalling his memory, the man nodded in acknowledgment before he nonchntly shrugged his shoulder. "Well, at the very least, we had a recement." He added in glee as they enraged their master for the sudden death of the child. Hence, to please their master, this woman was enough. After all, she doesn''t look that bad.


    Upon hearing his statement, Tora''s shoulder''s trembled, which the man noticed. On the other hand, Chiharu gulped a mouthful of saliva as his feet were deep-rooted on the ground.


    "Fret not. You''ll be able to see your daughter''s body anyway. Go." The man waved his hand off as he let them pass through. For a moment, Chiharu didn''t move as he didn''t know what would happen.

 Chapter 479: The Systems History: Their second encounter III

    <h4>479 The System''s History: Their second encounter III</h4>


    Reaching the farthest area of the camp, Tora and Chiharu stopped in the huge cage where there were women inside. Most of them seemed traumatized with their current situation as their shoulders slightly shuddered just the sight of Chiharu.


    Seeing that another woman was held captive, Tora saw the glint of pity shed across their helpless eyes. Yet, none of them made a single noise as they had lost all hope of their future.


    Every single one of them gave up on life, that''s for sure.


    "Where is she?" Tora murmured. Her tone was toneless. She didn''t have a single emotion that could be discerned in her voice, which made Chiharu swallowed a mouthful of saliva.


    Chiharu looked inside and sees that these women were the only ones inside. Knitting his brows, he pondered where they ced Churu''s body. After a beat, he recalled that they somehow caged a few men merchant which their master held hostage for his own reason.


    "I ¡ª I think it''s on the other side." He stuttered lowly and led the way towards the other cage.


    Soon, they reached the cage that contained a few men, three to be exact. Tora nced at the three and she caught a figure that inflicted the most injuries.


    By the looks of it, they used him as a sandbag to release the frustration of whoever was upset. He had his head hanged low yet, the bruises on his arms were evident, his disheveled hair dangled down his face, and blood smeared on his stained silk clothes.


    Regardless, Tora didn''t even blink an eye as her gaze shifted to the side. There, a small figure that was covered by a cloth which made her eyes softened. By the looks of it, the beaten man used his haori as the cloth seemingly matched his kimono.


    She didn''t wonder why Churu was ced in this cage and not in the female''s cage. Regardless of the reason, Tora wanted Churu''s body to be properly buried as she would set this whole camp on fire. She couldn''t let Churu''s body burned to a crisp along with her abductors.


    "Huh," Sensing the presence of Tora and a member of this damnable group, the man who was already beaten ck and blue scoffed in mockery. "After you brought a dead child, now a woman? You vermin''s are truly fascinating." Slowly, he looked up, his lips mangled and his face was a little swollen.


    Still, he was recognizable: it was none other than Suzuki Akihito.


    zing mesy beneath his eyes as a smirk formed on the side of his lips. Earlier, a group of men tossed a child inside their cage. Their reason? To mock them and witness how a child''s body began to decay to make them feel powerless.


    In normal days, Tora would have been surprised to hear Aki''s voice. However, even after distinguishing his identity, Tora remained unfazed as her gaze locked on the small figure. Taking a step forward, Chiharu snapped as he opened the cage and let her in.


    Still, he remained standing outside as he watched Tora approach and kneel in front of the child''s body. Her hand trembled as she reached for the haori that was used as a cover of the body.


    Tora hesitated. She had seen numerous lifeless body and yet, her heart seemed she couldn''t bear to see Churu just yet.


    "Don''t look at her if you can''t." While she hesitated, Aki muttered while his sharpened gaze was set on Chiharu standing outside. Since Tora didn''t speak a word and her hair covered most of her face, Aki didn''t recognize her.


    But he was certain that the child was Churu. The moment they tossed her inside this thick wooden cage, he recognized the little girl that was akin to a tail to Tora. He didn''t know how they abducted her or where was Tora, but he discerned that the woman who came didn''t emanate the same aura as Tora.


    "Why are you still here?" Ridiculing the man by his tone, Aki scoffed. "Will it delight you to witness a grieving woman for losing a child? You animal." He added as his grip tightened.


    For his own reason, Aki purposely let himself get captive with this group. He even found a little time to kill while being used as their frustration sandbag because he mocked them to his heart''s content. However, today, uponying his eyes on Churu''s body, he already decided to stop his y pretend.


    To him, he must return to the north to return Churu''s body, back to Tora so she could have a proper burial. Just as Aki would exert force to break the thick rope that bound his hand, he stopped upon hearing Tora''s familiar voice.


    "Suzuki-Kun¡­" Tora murmured. She already uncovered Churu.


    There was no doubt she was dead as her lips were pale, almost turning purple. Her temperature had reached the lowest point and upon checking her pulse, it wasn''t beating anymore. Hence, Tora slowly returned the cloth and covered her face again.


    "Will you bring Churu with you?" Slowly, Tora stood as she looked down at the surprised Aki.


    "Yamada-san?" Surprised, Aki turned his head to meet the eyes of the devil. Although her whole face was hidden under the shade of her hood, he got the glimpsed of the red gleam that glowed in her pair of eyes.


    "Follow Chiharu and get out of here." Ignoring his shock, Tora instructed, which made Chiharu flinched.


    "No, how ¡ª" Aki furrowed his brows, but she interrupted his sentence midway as she spoke.


    "Shall I behead you too?" There was no sign of human emotion in her voice as she threatened him to follow hermand. Still, there was no doubt she would kill Aki if he didn''t listen to her.


    Truly, she was a tyrant.


    Seeing that Aki didn''t speak and just stared at her, Tora turned to Chiharu and handed her hand out. As if on cue, Chiharu passed her sword that he carried on his waistband. He knew he was now a traitor to their group and helping her even more, felt like he was going deeper and deeper on his grave.

 Chapter 480: The Systems History: The resurrection of the dead

    <h4>480 The System''s History: The resurrection of the dead</h4>


    Although Aki wanted to refuse, he chose not to speak as his instinct tells him no one could stop her. Not just that, but also, he sensed the strong aura of death circting around her figure. Hence, he just agreed with the nod of his head.


    "Also, you," Slowly, Tora strode towards the entrance of their wooden cell as she muttered. "Let go of all your hostages and bring them all with you. At the east side of this forest, there was a hill¡ª camp there." With that said note, the rope that was used to lock down their hostages was cut, instantly flowed down to the ground, and the entrance waved as it slightly opened.


    "Ye ¡ª yes!" Stuttering, Chiharu could only listen to themand of Tora. His shaking eyes shifted behind her figure and saw Aki lifting up the little girl''s body. "But, if we go outside we will be expo¡ª"


    "Heed my orders, animal." Tora emotionlessly interrupted as she headed out of the cage without waiting for them.


    Chiharu, though was insulted by her address, could only bow his head in shame. Meanwhile, Aki watched her retreating figure before shifting his gaze to the two of his subordinates. The two only nodded.


    They were capable to protect themselves, and also the victims on their escape n. Hence, they weren''t worried that they would get exposed. However, what worried Aki was Tora. Nevertheless, he understood her concern about Churu''s body. The reason why he must secure the victims first before giving her his aid.


    ****


    After a minute, when the two of Aki''s subordinates were free from their shackles, they decided to head out and rescue the other hostages. With their guards all up, they cautiously went out. However, their tracks halted upon seeing the sight outside.


    There, numerous bodies had already scattered, lying in their own pool of blood. Meaning, their way was already secured as Tora extinguished the danger of their route. Therefore, Aki''s group went to the other cage not far away without a problem.


    "This¡­" As they reached the cage, Chiharu talked the women down as he instructed them that they came to rescue them. He vaguely exined the situation, but what he ascertained was that they could escape their damnable fate of being sold off.


    On the other hand, Aki could not care less aboutforting the women as his gaze peered at the dead bodies nearby. He noticed that every one of them died with a single sh on their bodies ¡ª in their weakest point.


    It was too simr how the general fight as she was known to kill an enemy in a single sh of her sword. Although it was hearsay, only those who were close to the general and fought alongside her knew if it was true or not.


    ''Yamada-san¡­ is that your real name?'' He questioned inwardly as the female hostages were being guided out.


    ***


    "Waah!" A loud shrilled resounded across the whole camp ce as Tora shed another man down. She was being surrounded by warriors of this group and every passing second, their numbers were being reduced.


    "Imbecile!" Despite his shuddering shoulder, one man shouted as he sprinted forward with his wielded sword. However, even before his sword couldnd on her, he felt a striking pain in his abdomen. In a second, he coughed up blood as his eyes slowly moved to the woman holding the sword that pierced him.


    As she pulled out, the thud of his body was heard, adding to the number of lifeless corpses on the ground. She flung her sword in the air, producing a little gust of wind. Tora slowly scanned her surroundings, counting the men that were around her.


    Fear crept out on their countenance as everyone that attempted to take her down, they would die in a fraction of seconds. No matter if they attack her in groups or one by one, they would all perish. The oue didn''t change.


    "You! What are your intentions?" Despite the fear that slowly shaking his heart, one man demanded in a shout.


    Ever since they were rmed by the infiltration, Tora never once spoke a word while she goes on a killing spree. No one knew what she wanted, and everyone had their own assumptions on her intentions. Some assumed that she was there to rescue the captive, and others thought that she was sent by an enemy group.


    However, just as he asked, Tora disappeared from her standpoint before a series of loud scream was heard. One after another, they slumped to the ground with blood oozing out their bodies. No one saw how and where was sheing from as she was akin to a bolt of lighting.


    Her speed was faster than earlier and each second, their numbers were reduced until thest person standing knelt down, holding his neck that was slit even before he knew it.


    "Reasons? Shall I have any other than your demise?" Looking down on thest man whom shest executed, Tora emotionlessly said.


    This was her of way of grieving, and revenge for the unjust death of Churu.


    Churu''s pale face shed across her mind as the blood from every member of this group trickled down on the tip of her sword. This sword would be the only witness of this group''s death. With that, Tora heard more footsteps heading to her, hence, to save themselves the trouble, she sprinted to its direction.


    That night, the whole forest was filled with resounding screams and the shing of swords, before the crisp sound of fire burned the whole area. That very night, the town near the forest caught the noticeable light of a wildfire ¡ª turning the night into a day.


    Even from the northern town, Arakaki saw the fire that brought light around. Hence, together with a few warriors, they headed towards the area to investigate the matter. After all, it has only been three days since the general set off. Hence, she was probably nearby.


    Meanwhile, Aki, who stood on a hill where they camped as per her instruction, watched the whole territory of the group that was supposed to be his prey burn into mes. No one could read what he has in his mind.

 Chapter 481: The Systems History: Suspicions

    <h4>481 The System''s History: Suspicions</h4>


    Churu was alive! She was gasping for air as she panicked and look around. For a moment, Aki''s mind malfunctioned.


    How could she be alive?


    Earlier, he confirmed that she was dead. He checked her pulse and even tried to revive her, but to no avail. An hour before Tora arrived, he tried checking her once again and her body had gone cold while her lips were already turned into a purple hue. Hence, with great effort, he took off his piece of clothes to use as her cover.


    But now, her colors had returned to normal as if she just woke up from a temporary sleep. Impossible.


    Aki was too distraught about the supposed dead child that he couldn''t think straight for a moment.


    "You!" As Churu looked around, she saw Aki''s tall figure staring at her direction with shock engraved on his front. Trying to stand up, Churu wobbled back as her strength hasn''t returned. "Where''s To ¡ª Yamada-san?" Almost slipping out Tora''s real name to him, Churu corrected and asked.


    "How are you alive¡­?" Under his breath, Aki whispered in disbelief. Slowly, he strode forward, to Churu''s direction. He could not believe his eyes even when she talked to him. Soon, he reached the small figure that was sitting on the tree.


    "Impossible¡­" He added in a murmur as he raised his arm and reached to touch Churu. Just a slight poke on her cheek, Aki immediately retrieved his hand as if he was scalded. Yet, he felt that she wasn''t as cold just like earlier. In contrast, she seemed she was running a fever by her body temperature.


    "Suzuki-sama, why are you here? Where''s Yamada-sama?" Worried, Churu asked. She held on the hem of his kimono tightly as if she was begging him not to say a piece of bad news. After all, herst memory was that she was being taken away before the man knocked her out.


    Hence, she didn''t know if Tora found her as she could not see her around. Instead, Aki was there and a few women from a distance. They were gathered around the bonfire to have some heat in the night''s coldness.


    "She¡­" Clearing his mind from the sudden mind-blowing scene before him, Aki stuttered as he cleared his throat. However, Churu mistook it that it was some kind of bad news.


    "She''s dead?" On the verge of tears, Churu gasped as her heart pounded heavily.


    "What? No," Shocked at her assumption, Aki shook his head. He would think about this mysteryter, before Churu cry for worrying for nothing. "Here," he softly added as he carried Churu in his arms.


    He then strode to the spot he was standing earlier where they could clearly see the wildfire. "She''s there," he said, pointing his forefinger to the direction of the camp of the underground group earlier.


    "Suzuki-sama, what do you mean she''s there? Was she caught on fire?" With a trembling lip, Churu''s voice cracked before she chewed her lower lip as tears escaped from the eyes.


    Everything was in a blinding color of tangerine. Even from their distance, Aki could vaguely hear the indistinct crisp sound of burning woods and the shrill of the dying people. It was akin to hell ¡ª the terrifying sight of hell.


    ''Tora¡­'' whispered Churu inside her head.


    ****


    At dawn, Aki hasn''t slept while the victims and Churu rested. At this time, the fire was still on and it grew wider thanst night. By the looks of it, the whole forest was gone for. Yet, Tora hadn''t returned.


    "My Lord, you shall rest as well." One of his apprentices approached him as he bowed his head. "I will scout the ce and see if the young miss was safe." He added. Although he wasn''t worried about Tora, he thought that Aki was concerned about her wellbeing.


    "Don''t." Without taking his eyes away from the zing wildfire, Aki rejected. "It''s not safe." He added emotionlessly.


    "I will ¡ª" Just as the man would argue with him, Aki interrupted him.


    "Not about the fire, but that woman." Aki vaguely added. If his suspicion was correct, if the woman was indeed Tora, it was not safe to go down this hill for now.


    After all, the rumors about the general killing her enemy with a single sh were true. Then, they should be cautious to let herself cool-off. After all, they were hearsays that after the war five years ago; the general was forced to lock herself for a period of time because of the aftereffect.


    Hence, after this whole incident, the demise of a whole infamous underground group meant that it might trigger Tora. Whether or not he was right, Aki couldn''t let his men die on her hands.


    "Just look after the child and her steed," Aki instructed which the man abided before disappearing like he wasn''t there in the first ce. As his subordinate disappeared, Aki stared at the fire for a while with his hands held behind.


    After some time, he turned and strode away from their temporary camp. He could not let her beast consume her as there are women and a child with them. They have no proper clothes and the food supply Chiharu stole from his group wouldn''tst.


    Therefore, he decided to set off to find Tora and snap her back to reality. The loss of Churu must have had a great impact on her heart. He needed to ry the news that she was alive.


    Aki was confident in his strength and experience. He was only held captive because he allowed them to. He and his subordinates could break the group apart, but since he was stalling time, he entertained them a little. But now, he couldn''t let here back in a month or so as they have other people that needed shelter and proper foods, as soon as possible.

 Chapter 482: The Systems History: Shuren

    <h4>482 The System''s History: Shuren</h4>


    Aki searched for Tora to the areas that weren''t affected by the fire. However, the sun had already risen and yet; he hadn''t seen even her shadow. He even reached the nearest point of the original ce, but to no avail, he didn''t see any tracks she might have left.


    "Where could she have gone off to?" He murmured as he looked around. Just then, he noticed a stick not far away from his standpoint. Turning his head to its direction, Aki knitted his brows as he squinted his eyes.


    There was something that was ced over the stick. Blood still tricked down it, and long hair of a person swayed upon the slightest blow of the wind. Since the dismembered head wasn''t seen as he could only gaze the back of the head from his position, Aki gazed up.


    There, above the head that was put on the stick, Tora was sitting on the tree branch. Her right foot swayed while her left was bent up for her arm to rest. She had her back leaning on the tree as her head was turned to god knows where.


    For some unknown reason, Aki was relieved to see that she was indeed safe after everything. Hence, he unhurriedly strode towards the head that she hanged. Soon, as he reached the tree where she was sitting, Aki walked around the dismembered head.


    Upon seeing the mangled face, he instantly recognized the man despite the gruesome fate he received in the hands of Tora. He was the leader of the group, a man that was known as Shuren. Aki''s face scrunched up a little before he looked up to her.


    Deep down, he knew that Tora had already noticed his presence, but she chose not to say anything and ignore him. Seeing her calm after wreaking havoc, it relieved Aki in a way. After all, he assumed that she would assault anyone that neared her vicinity: just like the fearsome general.


    However, aside from sensing the mncholy of the air, she wasn''t as a monster he thought she was. Granting that she did what she did, but well, it was already normal in this era as the timeless rule of the world: the strong eat and the weak be the meat was already applicable ever since.


    "Yamada-san, until when will you dilly dally in here?" Still looking up at her, Aki inquired with a subtle smile.


    "I am hunting," Tora responded after some time of silence.? She didn''t let her eyes away from the direction she had been looking. "The daimyo from the north were on their way here. They might take days, so I''m hunting for food." Tora added in a matter of fact tone.


    Well, she set this whole ce on fire and it would surely catch the attention of Arakaki from the north. After all, the fire made the night looked like a day and from her position, she could feel the heatwave of the nearing fire.


    Therefore, it was wise to stay in the farthest area of this forest until Arakaki''s group would arrive and give aid. At the very least, they could have an enormous supply of woods to be their source of light and heat, fighting against the night''s breeze.


    "Hunting?" Aki furrowed his brows in puzzlement. How could she think of hunting after what she didst night? She was already thinking of their welfare even after that? No, that wasn''t the case because she still thought that she lost a goodpanion.


    "Yamada-san, about the little girl¡­" Just as Aki could mention about the miracle that happened to Churu, Tora suddenly leaped to the direction she had been staring at. "Hold on!" He could just frown as she was gone, just like that.


    A heavy sigh escaped his mouth as he nced at the dismembered head before he faintly scoffed and jumped, and reach for the tree branch she perched. As soon as he stood on the branch, Aki gazed at the direction she had been staring at.


    From his position, he saw Tora standing. Beneath her, a beast of the jungleid unconscious. "Hunting, huh?" He whispered as he slightly chuckled. "So, she was saying the truth."


    In his mind, he somehow understood what she was doing: she was diverting her attention to other things instead of thinking for her loss. That was a true soldier''s instinct. They must put the people first before themselves and their own family.


    "s, your kindness wouldn''t matter in the imperial court." He whispered. To him, his resolved about Tora being the general wavered. Hence, he gave her the benefit of the doubt of just being just a soldier with great skills.


    Perhaps, it was his beliefs and his own personal wish that Tora was just what he thought she was. He didn''t wish for her to be more than that, as he didn''t want to end a brewing friendship he wanted to seek on her.


    "Bring this with you." Soon, Tora returned carrying a huge livestock with her. She tossed it near the tree where Aki was resting while waiting for her.


    "Aren''t youing with me?" Opening his one eye, Aki asked.


    "The daimyo would use this route, I''ll wait for them here and report what urred." Shaking her head, Tora said. "Don''t let the women under your care feel famish."


    "Yamada-san, you must go with me." Slowly, Aki stood before taking little steps to her. As he drew closer, he leaned his head forward and scrutinized her small face.


    Upon a closer look, Tora looked beautiful in some ways despite the dried blood on her face and neck. She usually had her hair up, but right now, even if her hair was a mess, and she smelled blood, her loosed hair made her look more feminine.


    "I never noticed it before but you look beautiful, Yamada-san." Speaking his mind, Akiplimented out of the blue, disregarding the dead animal and dismembered head around.

 Chapter 483: The Systems History: Do you plan to marry my mother?

    <h4>483 The System''s History: Do you n to marry my mother?</h4>


    "My apologies, I am perhaps famished." Sensing the dark aura that was repelling him to go away, Aki shook his head as he took a step back. Truly, Tora was like a tomboy that wasn''t as feminine just like most women he encountered.


    However, that made her shine among the rest. She never considered herself as a woman who needed to be pretty all the time. Instead, she would think of other people''s welfare despite her own loss, just like a true soldier.


    Not just that, but she was also exceptionally skilled for a woman. If he would just assume, he would really think that she was the general. s, the general was a heartless tyrant while the woman before her was a selfless soldier.


    "My steed,"


    "Oh, right." Nodding his head upon hearing her concern, Aki cleared his throat. "Fortunately, that traitor of that group brought herbs as he was good with it thus, your steed was fine and only needed some time rest." Bringing the good news, Aki proudly announced as if he was the one who tended to Kaze''s wounds.


    "Is that so?" Relieved at the news, Tora''s eyes softened. On the other hand, Aki caught the relief front that shed across her face for a split second.


    "Churu was also relieved that it was alive." Slowly, the corner of his lips curled into a smile as he saw Tora slowly raise her head in disbelief. "That little girl is alive. The reason I am inviting you toe with me. The little girl was worried."


    "Impossible¡­" Through a whisper, Tora stared at Aki''s certain front. Just like Aki''s reactionst night, Tora was speechless. It was impossible. After all, she saw her. There was no way she could be alive.


    "You¡­" Sharpening her eyes, Tora grit her teeth as she swallowed. "Are you trying to fool me?"


    "See and know if I am deceiving you or not." Aki just shrugged his shoulders before he bent down and carried the animal she hunted. He didn''t miss a beat as he began walking away, back to the area where he came from. "You can kill me if I am not telling the truth." he didn''t give her another nce back as he added.


    Tora just watched his retreating back for several seconds as she pondered. It rendered her conflicted whether or not to believe him. Regardless, he put his life on stake hence, she could just go back in this area after bringing him his demise if he was deceiving her.


    "Don''t ask for mercy if you''re lying." With that, Tora followed Aki''s tracks and kept her distance from him, afraid that his smooth, flowery tongue would be cut off if he used it topliment her without thinking twice. Call her ungrateful, but a womanizer like Aki was the type of man that disgusted her the most.


    She wouldn''t fall for whatever flowery words that woulde out from his mouth. She would rather mute him for the rest of his life.


    ****


    "Churu¡­" Seeing her small figure run towards her with her arms wide open. Relieved, d, and yearning instantly engulfed her already rotten heart. Squatting down, Tora weed the little girl to her embrace.


    Churu jumped a little and instantlynded in her embrace. If one didn''t know, they would surely mistake that they were blood-rted, or they have known each other for a long time as what they were showing was something heart-warming despite the terrifying experiencest night.


    Meanwhile, Aki smiled, seeing the two reunite. Tora had been treating him cold-shoulders since earlier and threatened him to cut off his tongue if he used it once again. Yet, she had aplete change of attitude upon her reunion with this little girl.


    "I told you," He muttered as his two guards helped him to carry their food. But Tora ignored him as she stared at Churu''s adorable face.


    "You''re alive¡­" She murmured in relief. "How can that be?"


    "Yamada-sama, I don''t know why everyone assumed I am dead if I am alive." Smiling brightly, Churu lied for the very first time of her existence. She knew she died. However, she''s immortal and no matter how many times she dies, she woulde back alive like it was nothing.


    "Regardless, I am d." Not caring how, Tora just smiled as she stroked her hand on the little girl''s head. They only knew each other for a month, but Tora''s heart felt more attached to Churu more than anyone she knew in her life.


    "Forgive me for not protecting you. You wouldn''t be abducted if not for my negligence." After some time, Tora frowned as he felt ashamed. She promised that she would protect Churu, but just after three days when they departed from the northern town, Churu was already ced in danger.


    "Yamada-sama, you came for me and were together again. That''s what''s important, isn''t it? Also, Kaze is fine." Still bearing her bright smile that could melt the coldest heart, Churu said. She then hugged Tora more tightly as her sleep felt like forever.


    "Mhmm¡­" Subtly smiling, Tora rubbed her little back as she hummed a tune. "Churu, when we returned to the Capital, you will be my adopted daughter." Actually, Tora had been contemting about this for quite some time and considered what needed to be considered.


    However, after this incident, Tora finally decided as she couldn''t let Churu be in-danger. Although there might be dangers thate after she entered their family, the Chisaka family member has to think twice before touching her daughter.


    "What?" As soon as Aki heard her, he knitted his brows in disbelief. A woman having a child without a father was considered dirty ¡ª whether it was adopted or not.


    Therefore, women who had children without a spouse would have to live alone as no man would want her to be their wife. And yet, Tora would just give her right to marry and have children of her own to adopt Churu?


    "Really? Yamada-sama, no, mother!" d to hear her offer, Churu''s bright smile turned even brighter. She could not contain her happiness that she shook Tora''s arm as she hugged her.


    "You''ll lose your rights to marry if you do that, are you aware of that?" Frowning, Aki reminded. He too was unsure why he was concerning himself with this matter but deep down, he was displeased. It was not that he has something against Churu but there were other ways to protect a child without legally adopting it.

 Chapter 484: The Systems History: The prophecy

    <h4>484 The System''s History: The prophecy</h4>


    "No!" After letting out a series of coughs, Aki profusely shook his head sideways as he eximed. Churu yfully arched her brows as she shrugged her shoulders and chuckled.


    "Mother, I think Suzuki-sama likes you~" Giggling, Churu whispered and yet, her voice could be heard up to the next town.


    "Mother only adore little Churu." Smiling, Tora didn''t bat Aki an eye as she subtly smiled at the yful Churu.


    In her life, she never thought of being a mother or even bear kids. However, having Churu call her mother, she instantly unlocked this maternal instinct which she never thought she would ever feel.


    She liked that she calls her mother. It just sounded so right as if Churu was meant to address her like that.


    "Churu only like mother as well!" Churu grinned, her lips stretched from ear to ear.


    Granting that she lived for years, that she even forgot how long, Churu never felt ecstatic about having to call someone a mother. She has a father, but she had never seen his face. She was never close to her father, anyway. Hence, having someone be a parent figure, it ted Churu.


    "Huh, don''t address me as your father in the future." The corner of Aki''s brows twitched by the public disy of affection of the two. Therefore, he humored just to irk Tora who showed obvious dislike towards him.


    What did he even do in the first ce? In retrospect, Tora never felt this distant on their first encounter. Rather, she was more open and friendly. But after that, her treatment towards him changed; it was a mystery he needed to decode.


    "I will only address Suzuki-sama if mother epts him!" Humoring him back, Churu innocently smiled at Tora. Tora only smiled back at her as she gently patted her head, before she raised her eyes and in a split second, Aki saw her piercing gaze, as if telling him to shut up.


    ****


    Three dayster, Tora together with everyone that escaped from the felons was forced to evacuate the from the hill as the fire never subsided. In fact, it literally burned the whole forest hence, Tora''s group was back to the road where Churu was abducted.


    Chiharu, who was the only survivor of the group, offered his body to service everyone from cooking, tending to their wounds, and any other chores. On the other hand, the women slowly regained themselves from the trauma they had after being held captive for several weeks.


    Meanwhile, Kaze was still weak and limped as it walked, but still, it was a miracle that it was still alive and Tora; she was contented having to look after Churu while she ys with her favorite steed.


    Nevertheless, the three fleeting days that had passed were akin to a short healing time. The women had given great respect to Tora whom they have known as Yamada and to Aki. Also, although they despised Chiharu at first, some women felt pity so they helped him with chores that they could help him with.


    Not just that, they also meditated together and Churu would often mimic Tora whenever she was training her body. It was still a wonder that Tora only inflicted little injuries from that night three days ago.


    Was she that good in fighting? Aki wondered.


    "What should I teach her then?" Arching her brow, Tora asked. Actually, aside from fighting and strengthening her body, Tora didn''t have any talent on other things to teach Churu. Well, she could teach her how to strategize a war, but she''s still too young for that.


    "Knitting? Dancing, perhaps?" Just bbering whateveres into his mind, Aki shrugged his shoulders. How would he know? He doesn''t have a child yet. Not to mention, he wasn''t betrothed yet! Hence, all he could think about was what the women in his huge manor do at this young age.


    "Knitting?" Furrowing her brows, Churu turned her inquiring eyes to Tora.


    "Knitting is not what a woman shall do ¡ª don''t listen to him." Tora shook her head sideways as if she was truly concerned about the bad advice Aki spoke off. Her statement instantly caused his under eye to twitch.


    ''Not a woman shall do? Was she raising a little girl or a future warrior?'' Disbelief on what had spoken, Aki peered at Tora in extreme disdain. She had adopted a little girl and by the looks of it, Churu''s future wouldn''t be a surprise if she turned out to be a soldier.


    Just then, the three''s attention was caught as they saw Arakaki''s group approach. Their pace was fast that fog of dust clouded the view behind. Slowly, Tora and Aki stood as they watched them drew closer and closer until their steed''s footsteps came more distinct.


    "Arakaki-sama." The moment Arakaki stopped several steps before Tora, she instantly addressed and courteously bowed her head.


    The unusual gesture from his general slightly took aback Arakaki. Moving his eyes around, he saw unfamiliar faces with her hence, he got the gist that his general must have used another false name and identity.


    "What happened here?" Stern and emotionless, Arakaki asked as he looked down on the bowing general. God knows he wanted to kowtow in front of her and ask for punishment for showing no respect for her.


    Now, Arakaki understood Saionji''s dilemma every time Tora would wander around and get herself in trouble.


    "I killed Shuren." Tora pondered for a proper report that would take less energy to exin the matters. She was a daimyo five years ago but being a general for thest five years, Tora had adapted the hobby of reporting in the bluntest way possible.


    "I see." Nodding his head, Arakaki understood the main point with just those simple three words. ncing back at her, he pondered which name she used this time. But, recalling that she often changes name every time that even Tora forgot that she used it, Arakaki chose the safe rode in great distress.


    "You, follow me." Hemanded and wept inside his mind as he never thought that he would experience treating his boss as if she was lower than him. He then began striding to the entrance of the forest by his steed while Tora nced down to Churu.


    "I''ll be back." She smiled and reassured. Tora then shifted her gaze to Aki who has his eyes on Arakaki. "Can you look after my child?" Unlike her usualmandant and cold tone, Tora asked which snapped him from his trance.


    "Ah¡­" Aki just heedlessly nodded before he heard her send her gratitude and followed Arakaki. Before he could even realize that he was tasked to babysit Churu, the little girl spoke.


    "Suzuki-sama, do you like my mother?" Out of nowhere, Churu sincerely asked as her eyes examined every move of his face. To her knowledge, Churu knew that this man would eventually end up with Tora.

 Chapter 485: The Systems History: The Emperor

    <h4>485 The System''s History: The Emperor</h4>


    After Tora ordered Arakaki to take the women to the northern border and give them shelter until they were capable to live on their own, Tora together with Churu and Aki set to go on her journey back to the capital.


    Meanwhile, her steed Kaze was also transported to the northern border as he couldn''t travel for a long time as his wounds were still fresh. On the other hand, Chiharu was forced to travel with Tora for her own reason, which no one knew.


    The original seven to eight days to travel to the capital took a little longer as they traveled by group. Nevertheless, they reached their destination without running into bandits.


    On their journey, Aki mostly remained silent as he just watched the mother and daughter duo did what they usually do. Looking at the direction of Tora, she was riding on a horse with Churu in front of her while Chiharu guided it as he walked.


    Recalling the memory days ago, Aki sighed.


    After Churu asked him such a question, he instantly denied it as it was true. Granted that he was somehow amused at Tora and her exceptional skills, s, that doesn''t mean he bore romantic feelings towards her. After all, who would want a woman who wasn''tdylike that would take good care of him?


    "I reckon this will be the end of our journey together." Slowly, Tora turned as soon as they reached the Capital''s gate.


    "Mhmm," Humming a tune, Aki just nodded before Tora''s steed resumed on her tracks. Aki nced at Churu, who didn''t nce back at him.


    "Suzuki-sama, if you won''t adore my mother, please don''t bear any feelings for her." was what Churu said back then. However, Aki was bothered as to what does she meant by that. Any feelings? Like what exactly?


    Moreover, how can a child speak like that? For a split second, she sounded mature and certain on the words that came out from her mouth.


    As they reached the Capital after confirming their identity, Tora together with Churu and Aki with hispanion bid their farewell to each other, again. As they went into separate ways, they were certain that their fate wouldn''t cross again.


    However, little did they know, their encounter would be more often than when they were in the northern border.


    ***


    Two dayster: Imperial Pce


    "General," As Tora patrolled the pce after she attended the imperial court, she heard the emperor''s voice from behind.


    "Greetings to your Majesty." As she turned, Tora knelt down to the king. As usual, there was a veil that covered his face while his legion of servants followed wherever he goes.


    "Rise. I heard about what happened." Gesturing her to stand up, the emperor held his hands behind him. "Will you apany me to a walk?" He asked. Tora just pursed her lips in a thin line before she followed his highness towards the pavilion.


    "General, is it true that you adopted a child?" The emperor peered on a certain blooming white lotus as he calmly asked.


    "If his Majesty gives me his blessing," Standing behind the emperor, Tora said. She already announced that Churu would be her adopted daughter. God knows what kind of ruckus that took ce in the Chisaka Family two nights ago.


    Some elders even fainted for the ridiculous decision of their family head, even without asking for their advice. After all, although Tora was the family leader, she was still a woman. The most eligible candidate to be the Queen of this nation at that. Hence, how could they let her give away her right to marry if she has a daughter?


    Regardless, since she remained adamant in her decision, all theints and sweet talk were all for naught. Now, Churu was being taken care of as the first young miss of the Chisaka n. Despite the dislike they had towards Churu, Tora already made sure that not even a mosquito must touch her or else.


    Now, all Tora needed was for the emperor to acknowledge and bless that she adopted a child. It was for the very reason that if the emperor approved, Churu would be known as a legal first daughter of her generation. It would secure her future and title.


    "General, you already know that we are already seeking the divine sign of our wedding date." Still staring at the pond, the emperor lowly said. "Are you that against to acknowledge me as your king?" This was the first time Tora heard the emperor sounded so gloomy that she was slightly taken aback by it instead of the words that were dropped.


    "I dare not go against you, your Majesty." In an instant, Tora knelt down as she bowed her head. "Even if I will not wed in this lifetime, I will stake my life to protect his majesty and his subject." Firm and sincere, Tora humbled as she hoped that for once, the emperor takes her words seriously.


    She had been hinting him that she never wanted to snatch the throne. However, it appeared that the emperor never once believed her words. In contrast, he was indeed a fool to believe his advisors and see her as a threat.


    Tora knew that once she took Churu in, it would put a wedge between the already strained rtionship she has with the emperor. However, whatever the emperor would perceive her action, she could never care less. He never trusted her anyway.


    "Is that so¡­?" The emperor just whispered before he began staking strides away from her. He never said a word after that until he vanished from the pavilion where Tora was kneeling down. He didn''t bless her or reject it. Either way, as long as he won''t intervene, that was fine.


    ****


    As Sumeragi headed back to the pce, he raised his hand, which made the eunuchs slowly leave. Slowly, without anyone around, Sumeragi, the emperor Tora knew, headed inside the imperial library.


    As soon as he entered, there, a dashing figure was sitting while reading a book. Although Aki sensed the "emperor''s" presence, he didn''t turn his head to his figure and remained flipping the pages.


    As the emperor approached Aki''s figure, a mind-blowing scene that would take everyone aback if they witness it: the emperor knelt down before him.


    "Your majesty," Sumeragi, the emperor Tora knew politely addressed him.

 Chapter 486: The Systems History: The brewing of winter and spring.

    <h4>486 The System''s History: The brewing of winter and spring.</h4>


    "I heard the general is adopting a daughter?" Momentster, Aki unhurriedly ced the book down as he turned to the man that was acting as the emperor of the nation.


    "She''s determined to defy the heavens just to not submit to you, your majesty." Sumeragi or rather, Kei, the original emperor''s shadow guard who was pretending to be the emperor while Aki, the real king go around the kingdom, strengthening his forces.


    "Is that what she said?" Arching his brows, Aki sighed. The image of Tora whom he knew as Yamada shed in his mind. Why was it whenever he would want to give her the benefit of the doubt, there would be an incident that was likely to the general?


    "Where is the general?"


    "I believed she has returned to patrol the capital."


    "Kei, send a proposal invitation to the Chisaka Family, offer a betrothal to the first miss of the general." Without a bit of hesitation, Aki ordered, which slightly took Sumeragi aback.


    "Your majesty,"


    "She had been mocking the royal family for bending the requirements of the queen. The king could never ept a queen who has a child but given with their status, her daughter would suffice. I won''t spare that family of traitors." Uttering his words with deep-rooted hatred towards the Chisaka n, Aki was determined to make them kneel before him.


    The royal family had always sumbed to the Chisaka n''s power. Although it all started in the past, it still affected the current generation. Hence, if only the Chisaka ancestors weren''t greedy for powers, this nation would have been united.


    However, it could never happen as the Chisaka Family held most of the military power. Having to control the imperial military forces, even the words of the king wouldn''t matter if they have to choose which they wanted to side with.


    And Tora, although she has done nothing, her existence shouldn''t have existed as everyone looked at her as the real ruler. Making the whole royal family aughingstock. Humiliation, hatred, betrayal, were the only ones that the royal family had for generations.


    Hence, Aki swore he would stop it. Hence, after the war five years ago, he fled with the name Suzuki Akihito and left his guard to be the acting emperor in his stead. Since the pce walls were mostly filled with contemptuous greedy officials, Aki had to strengthen his forces in secret all the while weakening the Chisaka''s power.


    He would use every means to gain power: whether he has to investigate the minister''s misconduct and use it as ckmail to get them on his side or make acquaintance with felons under his false identity ¡ª he had used every mean.


    At the very least, there were still advantages for the emperor against these powerful noble families.


    "Yes, your majesty." Kei bowed his head in respect to his king''s order.


    ****


    "My, my, isn''t this Yamada-san?" Later that night, Aki headed off to the capital''s main city. On his way to the pub, he caught Tora''s figure looking around at hairpins stall. She wasn''t wearing her uniform but in civilian clothes.


    The moment Tora heard his familiar voice, her ear twitched before she turned to meet him. "Suzuki-kun, what a pleasant night to bump into you." She greeted with a forced, fake smile on her lips.


    "You''re looking for hairpins?" ncing at the hair ornaments and essoriesid on the table''s merchant, Aki arched his brows. It was quite a surprise for him that Tora would go to ces like this to find a hairpin. Perhaps she still has some feminine side hidden in her, he thought inwardly.


    "For my daughter. I haven''t given her anything yet." A faint sigh escaped her mouth. Well, she wanted to gift Churu a personal item she had chosen and thinking that aside from her weapons and skills, she has nothing more girly to give.


    However, all these hairpins before her looked so ugly in her eyes. Well, aside from her dangerous toys, all these things could not par with the beauty of the sharpest sword. The reason it conflicted her which to choose.


    Tora wanted Churu to be strong, but also, she wanted her to have the freedom to choose on the path she wanted to take when she had grown older. Hence, Tora could train her into a strong woman who could protect herself and, at the same time, enjoy the women''s activities if ever Churu has grown fond of it.


    "Should I help?" Aki seemed to understand her dilemma as she appeared that she was pondering hard while staring at the essories. "This would look good on little Churu," he said, pointing at the pair of pink small lotus ornament. It has a few gold thin strands, dangling two pieces of beads of the same hue and a mini fan on its tip.


    It looked exquisite and eye-catching. Even with just a nce, a noblewoman would have already purchased it the moment theyy their eyes on it. And yet, Tora seemed she didn''t appreciate its beauty.


    "Is it?" Innocent at his suggestion, Tora leaned closer at the pair or hair ornament he suggested. Well, upon closer look, it doesn''t look that bad at all. "I''ll take this." She smiled as she lifted her head to the merchant.


    Aki didn''t realize that a subtly smile formed on the side of his lips while he watched her carefully observe the merchant wrap the gifts for her daughter. He nced at her up-do hair and traveled his gaze on her body.


    He never noticed it before that Tora doesn''t have a single essory on her. If one didn''t know, she would be mistaken as a beautiful nobleman. After all, her clothes were like a man''s clothes.


    "Thank you for your help," As Aki was on his trance observing her, Tora turned to him and courtly bowed at him as she ryed her utmost gratitude. Aki just nodded with a meek smile stered across his face before Tora began taking her leave.

 Chapter 487: The Systems History: How she captured him

    <h4>487 The System''s History: How she captured him</h4>


    "Yamada-san!" After purchasing the ornament, Aki followed her tracks which led him to one of the pubs in the capital. Hastening his pace, he soon reached Tora''s continuous strides.


    "Hmm?" Baffled that he followed her, Tora stopped as she tilted her head to the side.


    "I ¡ª uh¡­" Attempting to give the ornament he bought for her, Aki suddenly choked as his words wouldn''te out. He was a smooth-talker and yet, it seemed the words were stuck in his throat.


    "Do you want to drink?" After some time, Tora offered. In normal days, Tora would just ignore him. However, since he helped her in choosing a gift, she wanted to return the favor. Moreover, she somehow felt that she wanted someone to talk to.


    "Oh¡­" Surprised by the sudden invitation, Aki blinked his eyes numerous times before he saw Tora resumed on her strides that snapped him and followed behind her. Well, that was quite rare of an invitation hence, why would he reject?


    ****


    "What a lively town¡­" From the upper floor of the establishment, Aki stared at the bustling nightlife of the town. It was night, but unlike other small towns, nobles, peasant, and othermoners of the kingdom were out, watching a group of performers.


    Since the Emperor''s birthday wasing, performers were performing to honor thete king and his venture. And yet, despite the respect they were showing, no one was fond of that tyrant king. Regardless, it has been a tradition and this, this had just be a mere entertainment without taking the "great" achievements of the royal family.


    "It is," Gazing down, Tora subtly smiled at the peacefulness of this ce as if they were free from fear of war.


    "s, it was bustling if people are ridiculing the royal family." Staring at the performance, Aki knew that this performance that was a facade to honor thete emperor was a mere show for entertainment. It wasn''t encouraging the people to hail the royal family, despite the obvious message of how great the former king.


    "The royal family huh¡­" Without turning to him, Tora remained her eyes on the joyous area down the establishment. "I wonder if there''s a day that his majesty would see this." her tone was low and if Aki wasn''t keen enough, he wouldn''t be able to hear her.


    "Huh?" Aki slightly creased his brows as he slowly turned to see her side profile. "Why would you want to his royal highness to see that his kindred were being mocked?" Insulted a little, a frown shed across his face for a split second which Tora didn''t notice as her gaze was glued on the urrence below them.


    "No, but for him to be aware of other''s perspective. What thete king had done, or the previous ruler of this nation, his majesty should believe in his own capabilities ¡ª he is not them. People mocked thete king, but not the current emperor."


    "His Majesty, the King¡­" Tora paused as the years of serving this country from being a small-time captain, to being a daimyo, until she became a general shed across her mind. Although Tora sometimes looked at the King as a child, deep down, she understood him.


    Being born in a royal family, the moment he was born in this world, many people had attempted to take his life away from him. As he grew up, his environment was filled with contempt, all the while having a powerless father of a king. Hence, his days were a daily battle.


    No wonder he has trust issues. After all, Tora being born from the Chisaka family, although it was a powerful family, it was not the same as the young emperor''s situation. She had climbed the ranks without any pressure as she was a woman while the emperor was born, knowing he might end up just like his father.


    Despite that, she would still often irritate the emperor just because he was too stubborn. Tora knew that she was somewhat petty sometimes and shouldn''t do that. However, she couldn''t sweet talk the king thus, maybe, she could let him know that she was an ally by being a bluntd.


    "¡­I prayed that he could see that he is different from the rest and move forward so he can lead the people." Tora murmured. Indeed, she had hope that the emperor wouldn''t be blinded by the past and move forward. If only he could do that, Tora would willingly stand with him side by side.


    The thing was, the scar from the past generation had been deep-rooted that five years of being a general wasn''t enough to show that she could be trusted.


    "Yamada-san¡­" Aki''s heart was moved. All his life, no one said that he could be different because his fate was already set in stone. He knew that one day, the ministers from the powerful family would have their hands around his neck whether or not he was against it.


    "Hmm?" Humming a tune, Tora just subtly smiled as she continued to watch the show. Just then, she felt that Aki put something on her hair which diverted her focus to him.


    "Even with just one ornament, ady must have it." With a smile, Aki was right. The jaded hairpin looked elegant with her.


    "Huh?" Tora touched the tie of her hair and felt a hairpin inserted in it. Just as she would pull it out to see what kind of hairpin he ced on her hair, Aki raised his arm and held on the hand that was on her hair.


    "Simple yet when worn by the rightful person, it would be elegant than all the gold. Keep it, Yamada-san. It might serve you as your protection charm." Aki looked at her with a smile, staring straight at her blinking eyes.

 Chapter 488: The Systems History: Beautiful fleeting days before the end

    <h4>488 The System''s History: Beautiful fleeting days before the end</h4>


    Five monthster¡­


    "Hanako-san¡­" Aki dearly called as he strode towards Tora who was meditating under a tree in a manor''s garden. It had been five fleeting months since he started pursuing Tora and after his eagerness to love her freely, he had done extreme measures.


    And now, he could say that everything was worth it as Tora had opened her heart and epted him as her lover.


    "Aki," Slowly, Tora opened her eyes and a blooming smile instantly stered on the side of her lips upon seeing the person approaching her. Until now, Tora could not believe that she would be intimate with him. Well, actually, she was more surprised that there would be a man who would capture her heart just like how he dominated hers.


    "Father!" Suddenly, Churu peeked from behind the tree where Tora was meditating. Seeing that Aki had arrived at Tora''s secret manor ¡ª their little secret haven ¡ª where only peace and love existed. She ran towards him with her arms spread wide, which was weed by lifting her in his arms.


    "Little Churu, how was my little Churu?" Just like how a dotting father, Aki carried her towards Tora.


    "Churu missed father just like how mother yearned for him!" Grinning from ear to ear, Churu blurted out that instantly brightened up Aki''s mood to another degree.


    "Is that so?" yfully smirking, Aki cast Tora a knowing look which made her shook her head. Aki stared at the healthy, adorable little girl with tenderness. The first time he saw Churu, although she looked like a dirty peasant, she has her own unique charms.


    However, after she was groomed and fed, she was radiating with cuteness. Herplexion turned fairer and though she gained weight, it just made her look so huggable. Actually, Aki wondered how a mere soldier could afford to sustain such luxury of Churu. But he never asked.


    Because what''s important to him was this little family of his. Tora being the wife and epting Churu as if he was his own. The three of them were happy and contented. Sometimes, Tora and Aki had their own questions in their mind, but perhaps it was the fear of breaking this dreamlike family of theirs that they would pretend not to have such thoughts.


    They were foolish ¡ª foolishly in love with each other that even the obvious hints; they pretended not to hear or see.


    "Hanako-chan, have you preserved your strength? I think we would proim a victor today!" Aki grinned as he showed his fist with oozing confidence. Although he and Tora had be lovers, their bonding wasn''t like any normal lovers.


    Their bonding was usually arm-wrestling, a sword fight, or a horse race ¡ª although they would often end in a draw. After all, Tora was only inclined in those things which Aki never saw as an inconvenience. After all, he doesn''t have any hobby aside from reading and Tora''s routine helped strengthen his body and mind one way or another.


    He never opened up about their marriage and neither did he mentioned her adoption to Churu. Thus, Tora and Churu''s life run smoothly for the past months they were here. Moreover, Churu hasn''t encountered any trouble in the Chisaka main residence as they were all afraid of Tora and how far she could go if they touched even the tip of Churu''s hair.


    "Oh¡­" Nodding his head in understanding, Aki altered his gaze from Tora to Churu.


    "Little Churu, can you y with Kaze for a while?" Tora smiled as she turned to Churu. The little girl returned the smile and nodded her head as she obediently abided her mother''s wishes for privacy.


    When Churu left, Aki just arched his brows, secretly worried about what she wanted to talk about. "Hanako-san, is there''s something wrong?"


    "No," Tora mildly shook her head sideways as she stretched her lips upward. "When Ie back, I want to confess something." Her hand slid over his, holding on it tightly before loosening her grip.


    It has been a few months since they officially got together and yet, Tora hasn''t revealed who she truly was. The reason? Nothing in particr. It just her instincts and whenever she tried to reveal her real identity, there would be an incident that would interrupt her.


    Therefore, she decided to be honest with him after everything settled in the pce. After all, talks about an uprising had been circting around the capital and as a general, she had to go to the bottom of it.


    "Hanako-san, will you stay if I asked you?" Guessing the reason she was being called out in the military base, Aki figured that it was the rumored uprising. And as a ''soldier'', every single one of them was being gathered to prepare and investigate its validity.


    "Fret not, I am stronger than you think." Tora chuckled as she perceived his remark as his concern. "After this, let''s go somewhere, somewhere far away from the capital. You, me, and little Churu." Determined to this decision that she contemted for a long time, Tora proposed.


    She had been selfless for the nation and served it with all her heart and strength. However, after gaining her own family, Tora had this fear slowly imnted in her that her position might put Churu and Aki in danger. Therefore, she would be selfish for the first time and give all her power and status, and live as a normal wife and mother.


    "Hanako¡­" Surprised by her sudden proposal, Aki stared at her in disbelief.


    "You don''t have to answer me now. Hear what I would have to say when Ie back. Regardless of your decision, I will respect your it wholeheartedly." Squeezing his hand once again, Tora shook her head sideways as she smiled.

 Chapter 489: The Systems History: The start of the end I

    <h4>489 The System''s History: The start of the end I</h4>


    Three dayster¡­


    "... when the first daughter of the Chisaka n came to her rightful age, she would be betrothed to his Majesty and join the imperial harem¡­" Tora''s world slowed down as the words of the emperor''s messenger gradually volumed down.


    Earlier this morning, just after she came back from the military department after days of being on-duty, and arrived at the Chisaka main residence, these people came in her manor and announced the emperor''s blessing regarding her adoption.


    However, even before she could celebrate, the news was followed by a dreading piece of news. The emperor would add Churu to his imperial harem. She clearly understood that he was taking her daughter as a hostage.


    Churu, being a concubine of his majesty, Tora dreaded what her daughter''s future lies ahead. After all, the imperial harem was one of the most dangerous ces in the pce as women schemed with one another. They would do anything to be favored and reducepetition. Hence, how could a young girl protect herself?


    "Receive his Majesty''s edict!" After finishing the emperor''s order, the eunuch eximed and scrolled the scroll in front of the Chisaka n who were bowing while receiving the emperor''s benevolence.


    Tora didn''t speak a word as she kept herself together. She could not stop her shoulders from trembling as her fist on the ground tightened. The other elders of their n had mixed emotions of bliss and displeased at the same time.


    After all, Churu was considered as a lowborn peasant. Hence, it has been a humiliation for them to consider her as the first young miss of their n. But now, it seemed that there was still a chance to gain more power if Churu joined the imperial harem.


    "I ¡ª I thank the emperor for his benevolence." With great effort, Tora whispered as she controlled her emotions intact.


    "The Chisaka n wished for the emperor''s health! Long live the emperor!" She was then followed by the elders of their n as they praised and epted the emperor''s grace.


    "The Young Miss shalle with us so she could learn the etiquettes in the imperial harem until she officially wed His Majesty." Pleased that Tora didn''t retaliate just like what they expected, the eunuch ryed the message of the emperor.


    With that said note, servants began packing Churu''s stuff so she could depart with them. On the other hand, Tora didn''t say a word while holding Churu''s hand as they watched them prepare her departure.


    "Mother¡­" Churu''s hand trembled while holding on the hem of Tora''s clothes. "I don''t want to leave mother." She murmured as the corner of her eyes formed tears.


    Churu didn''t know what happened, as she was certain this wasn''t supposed to happen. However, her, being a hostage of the emperor, Churu somehow regretted descending to earth. If only she didn''t meet Tora, there would nothing that could be her weakness.


    "Little Churu," Swallowing all the curse words that were tempting toe out from her mouth, Tora squatted down as she looked at Churu''s teary eyes. "Mother will find a way to bring little Churu home, alright? Until then, behave and always be careful. Remember all the things I taught you?" Patting Churu''s head, Tora forced a reassuring smile on her lips.


    "Mother¡­" Churu bit her lower lip as she suppressed the tears trying to escape her eyes. She was more emotional about being away from Tora instead of what kind of situation would she be put. "Churu remember everything that mother taught me. I will be a good girl." Sounding brave, Churu smiled, which only broke Tora''s heart.


    Tora wanted to say more and apologize for putting her in this kind of situation. However, all she could do was pull her to her embrace and hug her as tight as possible. She gritted her teeth as she prayed for divine protection to protect her child.


    Indeed, it was impossible for her and the emperor to have a mutual understanding as the scar in the past was way too deep. He never trusted her, no matter how she showed him that she bore no ill-intention to him or to the throne. However, if he could do extreme measures just to protect his throne, she too would do everything to protect her love ones.


    Even if she has to choose between being a good general or a mother, she would, without a second hesitation, choose Churu. May she be treated as a traitor ormit treason, she could never let himy a hand on her daughter.


    "Mother, don''t be afraid. Churu can protect herself also, I heard the pce was big. I can able to y to a bigger manor while I wait for mother." Churu sensed the guilt and utter sadness emanating from Tora. Hence, she attempted to cheer her up by sounding alright about the matter.


    Well, she could wait no matter how long it would take. She has forever and even if they would put her life in danger, she would always return alive.


    "Mhmm¡­" Holding herself back, Tora never once loosened her embrace to her daughter as it would take a long time to retrieve her from the pce. Moreover, right after Churu entered the pce, there would be rules to follow and Tora could not just run freely on the imperial harem that the emperor owns.


    "Wait for mother, alright?" She repeated under her breath.


    "Yes!" Smiling brightly, Churu nodded her head as she wrapped her little arms around Tora. They remained like that for a long time until Churu departed in a pnquin together with the royal eunuchs.


    Tora could only watch them go further and further away from the Chisaka main residence until she could no longer see them.


    "Taiga-dono¡­" As Tora remained standing, one elder approached her as they sensed the temperature dropped into negative zero. "The young mi¡ª"

 Chapter 490: The Systems History: The start of the end II

    <h4>490 The System''s History: The start of the end II</h4>


    After Tora dropped her deration, she didn''t care if someone heard her or not as she left the manor without saying a single word. Meanwhile, the elders sent servants to make sure that no one heard the family head as it would be regarded as treason.


    Although it was a surprise that Tora now showed interest to the throne which was too close yet so far in their hands, deep down, they would support the n''s master. After all, the Chisaka n was the most powerful n, and to them, it was only right that their family should be the one ruling the kingdom ¡ª not the ipetent royal family of fools.


    Regardless of what''s in their heart, Tora only wanted her child back. She knew that merely talking it down to him would just a waste of energy. After all, the royal seal already sealed the edict and they could consider it as something already set in stone.


    Therefore, if the emperor didn''t want her to be his ally, then so be it. She would be his greatest enemy that he wouldn''t be able to sleep at night knowing she was existing. She would show him how fear feels like every day for using her child as the bargaining chip.


    Later that night, Tora headed to Aki''s private manor so she could inform him that she would be away for a very, very long time. However, just as she reached the ce, she noticed an unfamiliar pnquin while people were guarding it.


    Thinking that it was Aki''s guest, Tora didn''t enter the manor via the main entrance, but rather, she climbed over the wall that she would often use whenever she wanted to visit Aki unannounced. Tora made a faint noise as shended on the narrow space. She then tiptoed her way to the direction of Aki''s bedroom as she was certain that he received his guest on the other wing of this residence.


    However, just as Tora could exit the narrow shortcut to Aki''s room, she noticed some men, d in ck clothing which made her halt from her tracks. Slowly, she took a peek at them and seeing their physique; the swords clung on their waistbands, and their covered face with a ck cloth, Tora instantly discerned that they were assassins.


    ''What happened to him?'' She thought inwardly as her initial thought was that Aki was being held captive or he has entangled himself with assassins. With that concern on her head, Tora was about to make a move and take them down.


    However, just before she could execute her n and rescue Aki, she heard Aki''s voice chuckling. Tora was relieved to hear that he was fine, but the next second, she heard the cracking sound of her world that was starting to crumble down.


    "The royal edict has been received and the general''s daughter had probably arrived at the imperial harem." Tora was certain that the voice of the person who uttered such remarks was none other than Sumeragi, the emperor she now despised.


    But, what was the emperor doing in this ce? And sounded as if he has close ties with Aki?


    Atrocious, but everything must put at stake if he wanted to rule and protect his loved ones. Little did he know, Aki wasn''t protecting his adopted daughter and lover, but instead, he unknowingly destroyed the little family he was eager to protect.


    Tora was rendered speechless at the conversation she was hearing. She felt that someone had her heart in their grasp, clenching it tightly by the minute. s, just as she thought she was shocked enough, the next second flipped her world upside down.


    "Your Majesty, I am afraid that the general would just sit still knowing we took her adopted daughter in the Imperial Harem." Kei uttered his concern as offending Tora was akin to waging a war to another nation. Yet, even if he was concerned about it, Kei knew that it would be inevitable.


    "She can''t do anything for now¡­" Aki emotionlessly muttered as he looked at his reflection on the cup of sake he was holding. "Or rather, what can she even do? I couldbel all her efforts as treason. Unless, the general could sacrifice her whole n for a mere child."


    Tora could not believe her ears that she was hearing such vile wordsing out from his mouth. How could Aki, the man she loved, the man that Churu called as her father could say such a thing? Didn''t he adore Churu? Or everything was just a facade to deceive her?


    Regardless, Tora''s heart was pulverized by this revtion of betrayal. The emperor she knew wasn''t the real one, but Aki? The man she spent herst several months loving? Does he also know that she was the general? Did he do what he had done knowing that the person he wanted to bring despair was her?


    She could not wrap everything around her head as this was too much for her heart to handle. She didn''t know what to think, but what she was certain was the excruciating pain in her heart was caused by Aki.


    Tora had the urge to barge in, y the fake emperor, Aki, and everyone she could see. However, she didn''t. She couldn''t. She was in pain and yet, her foolish heart could not bear to kill him in this instant.


    Therefore, instead of wreaking havoc by knowing the truth, Tora returned to the wall she came from. She left; the once safe haven she acknowledged for the three of them with a wounded heart and tearing eyes.

 Chapter 491: The Systems History: The start of the end III

    <h4>491 The System''s History: The start of the end III</h4>


    After Tora left Aki''s manor, she aimlessly wandered around the capital with a bottle of sake in her hand that she was chugging down. If one could recognize her as the general, it would literally bring shame to her name by acting like a mindless drunkard on the street.


    As she took the dark route near the slumps, Tora saw a group of men beating an old man ahead of her way. If she wasn''t tending to her nonexistent heart, she would have already shouted and rescued the poor man.


    However, she was tired. She was tired of being the hero, fighting for what was right and defeating the vile man. After all, no matter how good her heart wanted to be, people would still see her as the fearsome general.


    The true and rightful owner of the throne. Hell. She never wanted the throne in the past but because of that, she had ced Churu in a tight spot. She even let a man that only wanted her demise in their life. How foolish of her.


    "Please! Spare me!" Tora heard the old man desperately plead for his life as she drew closer and closer.


    "Ha?! Do you know who you just offended? You peasants dared asked for mercy after staining our master''s silk clothes! You can''t even pay for that even if you used all your life working in our young master!" Despite the pitiful old figure and his pleas, the man hissed as heunched a kick in the old man''s abdomen.


    Tora heard the pitiful sound the old man was producing and yet, she continued to walk, her steps swayed on the other side of the wide empty road. She didn''t even nce at the atrocity, as if she didn''t have an eye to see the injustice before her and passed by them.


    "Peasants like you don''t matter in this world! Every one of you shall perish!" The man shouted as he continued to beat the old man without any restraint. Tora wanted to keep on walking, but her feet stopped, and her mouth opened.


    "Who are you to decide if one shall be punished and perish?" Slowly, she turned to them who stopped hounding on the man and looked at her direction.


    "Ha?! Who are you? Boy, continue walking and don''t look for trouble." The man scoffed in disgust as he magnanimously warned her. In his eyes, Tora was just a hopeless drunkard despite that her clothes looked a little decent.


    "Trouble, huh¡­" Tora faintly scoffed at the word. Well, her body wanted to blow off some steam actually, which she just realized until she heard those remarks. Tossing her bottle of sake to the side, Tora stretched her neck in a circr motion before lifting her arms, gesturing them toe at her.


    "This ¡ª"


    "What? I am looking for trouble. I might as well blow some steam in a facade of bringing justice for this old man." Blunt as ever, Tora spoke her mind as she deliberately taunted them. "Oh, you can attack me all at once so we can get over it as soon as possible," She added in a matter-of-fact tone.


    After a beat, one man was knocked down and crashed to the ground with a loud thud. Upon hearing it, the four men that were left turned to its direction and without further ado, Tora used the handle of her sheathed sword and knock another man down.


    "Man, here I thought you could give me a little diversion." Disappointed, Tora muttered as she shook her head. "This is tiring ¡ª truly a waste of time." She flung her sheathed sword over her shoulder as she turned, uninterested at the three men who remained standing.


    However, just as she took two strides towards the elderly, Tora turned and grabbed the attacking sword with her bare hand. Blood instantly flowed down from her palm to her elbow and yet, her front wasn''t fazed.


    Instead, the man who should be d at the injury he had caused was petrified. He tried to pull the sword from her grip but to no avail. Hence, all he could do was let go as he plopped down while keeping his distance from her.


    He wasn''t mortified about Tora being able to stop his attack, but her eyes seeped of overwhelming danger. He sensed it firsthand. Hence, his instincts screamed that he must run away from her. Meanwhile, the other two who witnessed this took a step back with their swords shuddering in fear.


    "The next time you think about doing this injustice, I will exterminate you and your whole n. Scram!" Giving them a piece of friendly advice, Tora warned before she scooted them away. Of course, the three men run for their lives with their tail in between their legs. They didn''t even think about their unconsciousrades as they saved their own lives.


    "Young master, thank you for saving me!" Kowtowing, the old man uttered his utmost gratitude to his savior. And yet, Tora just nced at him, bearing no emotions.


    "No need to thank me." Shaking her head, Tora said as she fetched her sake that she tossed on the other side of the rode before sitting next to the old man. "I just did what I did due to personal reasons. It''s a mutual gain so, no need to thank me," she said as she gulped a mouthful of sake.


    The elderly stared at her, who just sat next to him as if they were close. Despite that, he looked baffled. He courteously bowed his head.


    "Still, young lord, I must thank you for saving me." After some time, the elderly insisted which only made the corner of Tora''s lips curled into a bitter smile. "Although I don''t have riches to offer, I prayed for your young lord''s good health." He sincerely uttered that only made Tora faintly scoff.


    "I don''t wish for good health," Tora humored. However, the old man suddenly asked.

 Chapter 492: The Systems History: The start of the end IV

    <h4>492 The System''s History: The start of the end IV</h4>


    "My wish huh¡­?" Tora lightly chuckled at the old man''s sudden question.


    It was quite silly to be asked for someone''s wish, especially if it came from a peasant like him. Regardless, for some unknown reason, Tora wondered, and images of Aki and Churu during theirst several months together shed across her eyes.


    "If someone asked me before, I''d say the peace of this nation. However, perhaps, I am no different from the rest and I am as selfish as them." Looking at the unconscious man she knocked down, a glint of bitterness shed across her eyes. "Because right now, what I just wanted, was for my kin to meet an honest person ¡ª no," She paused as it reminded her that she was never that honest to Aki as well.


    She hid the fact that she was the general of this nation and even used a false name; just like what he had done. If only she and Aki were transparent since day one, they might have saved themselves from this heartache. However, it was all toote.


    "Rather than meeting an honest person, I desire that they meet an honest love. A love that can make them bloom and flourish, a love that wouldst until the end; regardless of whatever catastrophe that maye. The kind of love that heals their heart and soul, not destroy." As she uttered her wish, Tora was initially thinking of her daughter, Churu.


    She didn''t wish for Churu to experience the same heart-wrenching pain she was currently undergoing as it was painful than a physical wound she had ever inflicted. In her mind, she epted that the family they wanted to build, it may only happen in the next lifetime.


    Therefore, if this love of hers ended in tragedy, she hoped that her kins wouldn''t have to experience the same. The same disappointment, the same pain, the same betrayal, and so on. If she could only have just one wish, she would use it for her family instead of other people.


    Indeed, Tora wasn''t that different from anyone. She was also selfish when ites to her family''s concern, especially to her daughter Churu. But she doesn''t have the slightest regret about it.


    "The deity hears your request, young lord." The old man just smiled as he nodded his head. Tora just cast him a side nce as she chuckled. She assumed that he was a loyal devotee of whoever deity he worshipped and didn''t take his words to the heart.


    "Did he?" She humored before downing the sake she had been drinking before she assisted herself up and bid her farewell to the old man.


    When Tora left, the old man remained staring at the direction in which she faded away. He smiled gently before he slowly disappeared. If one witnessed how he vanished into thin air, they would think that he was a wizard or used some ck magic. However, none witnessed it as the time suddenly stopped from ticking for a moment.


    ******


    Two dayster¡­


    Despite the situation she was well aware of, Churu wasn''t worried about that. Instead, she was more worried about Tora and what she has been doing. After all, she swore to take her home. Moreover, she missed her and Aki.


    She missed their peaceful days together, just like a real family. If only she could travel back to the time, she would have done it. However, she couldn''t.


    Churu could attempt to kill herself so they could just dump her host''s body and then she could crawl back from the grave and return to their home. But that was silly. Tora and Aki weren''t suspicious the first time she returned from the dead but, the second time? She was afraid that it would scare the two.


    "The emperor is here to see thedy-in-waiting! Give respect to his Majesty." Just as Churu thought of a ridiculous escape n, she heard a eunuch''s announcement regarding the arrival of the king. Thus, Churu turned her head to the entrance of the pavilion and saw a tall figure approaching.


    ''Troublesome human,'' She hissed inwardly before Churu followed the proper way to wee the emperor ¡ª by bowing her head and lifting her arms at shoulder level.


    "Greetings to his Majesty." Churu half-heartedly greeted. Kei, who was now known as Sumeragi the emperor, looked down at her small bowing figure.


    Such a small innocent child and yet, she was caught in the power struggle of the kingdom. Also, she was forced to marry the emperor who was thrice her age. It was her misfortune to be loved by the emperor''s number one nemesis.


    "I ¡ª lift your head." Trying to sound less scary, Kei ordered which Churu slowly abided without making a single noise. He hadn''t seen the face of the low-born child Tora took in under her wings.


    If he didn''t know better, he would think that Churu was born in a noble family as she knew how to act like one. Not just that but also, she seemed she was properly groomed ever since. Truly, with enough riches, even a low-born peasant could look like a noblewoman.


    "Will you apany me for the time being?"


    "It''s my honor, your Majesty." Keeping her manners intact, Churu didn''t dare lift her head up as she epted the invitation she could never refuse even if she wanted to.


    With that said note, the fake emperor and Churu shared an afternoon tea in silence. Kei not knowing what to say to this child as he wasn''t good at talking with children, while Churu was immersed in her own thoughts of what Tora might have been doing now.


    It also shed in her mind about Aki: did he hear about the news?


    "Are you worried about your mother?" Kei broke the silence which made Churu for the very first time make an eye contact with him.


    "Your Majesty, how was my mother?" Blinking her eyes once, Churu worriedly inquired.


    "She has been acting odd. That''s why I came here." Without further ado, Kei bluntly exined as he thought it was the perfect timing to control Churu while she was mentally vulnerable. "The general was worried about her daughter''s well-being. If she could only rest assured that you''re being treated fairly here, I believed that she would be at ease."


    Churu just stared at the veil that covered his face. Since she wasn''t seeing his face, it was harder for her to discern if he was telling the truth or not. After all, considering what Tora did to Shuren''s group, it wasn''t impossible that she might cause a ruckus.


    "Although you are a low-bornmoner, the general had adored you so dearly. Thus, she had been causing problems, and I am concerned that my general mightpletely destroy the reputation she built."

 Chapter 493: The Systems History: The start of the end V

    <h4>493 The System''s History: The start of the end V</h4>


    Churu let Kei state whatever he wanted to say in silence. On the other hand, Churu cursed him inwardly the longer they were together. The longer they share this afternoon tea, the more Churu realized that Kei was aplicated man.


    One minute he wasplimenting Tora and the next thing, he sounded as if he was criticizing her decisions; including the fact that she adopted a child. Overall, one thing that Churu understood was that if it wasn''t for her, Tora would remain untouchable.


    Thus, her existence was Tora''s weakness. Coming in her life, it put Tora in a tough situation. Obviously, the fake emperor made sure that she would feel like that as it was the truth. Churu knew that as well because she, being Tora''s adopted daughter, was the downside of the fearsome general.


    Soon, the emperor departed, leaving Churu in the pavilion with a sullen heart. Although she somehow hated the emperor, s, what he was implying was all true. He didn''t say it directly, but she was smart enough to understand the hidden message: she was a hostage.


    Churu''s hope of leaving the imperial harem, it was more impossible than getting blood from stones. Even though Tora was a general, she wouldn''t be able to set herself free because, once a person entered the pce, there was no leaving.


    "Tora¡­ don''t do something foolish." Churu whispered.


    In a few days, the emperor set a date where Tora could visit her. Churu would use that time to tell her that she liked this ce, and she must calm down.


    After all, dying inside this host''s body, Tora might turn this whole pce upside down ¡ª that was what her enemies wanted so they couldbel her as a criminal ¡ª Churu wouldn''t want that to happen. Hence, the only thing Churu could do was to reassure her so she wouldn''t do something foolish.


    Even if she has to be away from Tora, Churu would prefer that instead of bringing a series of misfortune just because Tora deeply loved her as if she was her biological daughter.


    ****


    Later that night: Aki''s private manor.


    When Aki arrived at this private residence, which he often stayed as beautiful memories in this ce kept him motivated, he sensed someone''s presence. However, since he got used to Tora''s presence, his mood brightened up knowing she was inside.


    Upon arriving at the garden, Aki knitted his brows as he saw Tora, sitting outside with a tray of sake as herpanion. Regardless, he thought that she was just trying to chill from several days of working nonstop.


    "Hanako-san, will you mind if I join you?'' Smiling, Aki slowly strode to her direction before he perched beside her. Tora just turned her head to him before she meekly smiled. Aki took it as she was exhausted hence, the odd aura emanating from her.


    "Mhmm," Humming a tune, Tora stared at the tree where she would usually meditate with Churu, while Aki would usually read a book or sleep next to them. "It was true." without a second hesitation, Tora bluntly said, which caused Aki''s brows to knit.


    The rumors were just mere rumors. So how could it be true?


    "Someone will covet the throne." Without taking her eyes away from the tree, Tora added. Her tone was rather calm and unconcerned for the arising problem in the kingdom.


    "What?" Surprised at herst remarks, Aki frowned. Although he knew that everyone wanted to covet the throne for their own greed, it still displeased him that Tora seemed she could not care less.


    Wasn''t she on the emperor''s side? She should be the first who was enraged about this. Yet, granting that she had been working, Tora might just be exhausted to show emotions.


    "Aki, let''s forget about each other." Slowly, Tora turned her head to face the puzzled Aki. When he absorbed what she had just said, Aki instantly frowned, showing displeasure about her joke.


    "Hanako-san, what are you saying? Was it because of that?" In his understanding, Tora was breaking up with him because she might die if there''s an uprising happened. Hence, she didn''t want him to be tangled with her and just find someone else.


    However, how could he do that if no one could rece her in his heart?


    "Yes," Tora slowly nodded her head in response. "He took my daughter away from me so I will take everything from him to get her back." ncing at her reflection on the sake''s surface, Tora''s grip tightened, breaking the cup in her hands.


    The sudden shatter of her cup and her statement momentarily stunned Aki. "Daughter? They took away Churu? Who?!" A glint instantly shed across Aki''s face as he ground his teeth in anger. Little did he know, he was the one who he took Churu and made her his concubine.


    "The emperor." Slowly, Tora stood as she removed the fragments of the cup in her bleeding hands. "I will ascend to the throne and kill the emperor sitting on it." Taking off thest piece that pierced through her skin, Tora slowly raised her raging pair of eyes to meet his shocked front.


    "What¡­" His heart was pounding, faster and louder with every beat. He could not believe the words that escaped her mouth and the pair of zing eyes, determined on her vendetta. What she was saying, Churu being taken away by the emperor, Aki only knew one child whom he took and that was the general''s daughter.


    And this, Tora saying the emperor took their daughter away from her¡­ she''s the general all along? The hints he disregarded were correct all along? And he, Aki, just ced his beloved child in a situation?


    This revtion, Aki felt that his breathing was limited as if being strangled by reality. No, this could not be.


    "I, Chisaka Tora, the general of the four season military, the shield of this nation will draw out my sword and y anyone whoes in my way, even if the real emperor stands before me." Looking at him dead in the eye, Tora neglected her aching heart as her jaw tightened as she gulped. "The next time I see your face, I won''t be merciful anymore, Your Majesty." With that said and done, Tora started walking away from him.


    Every step turned heavy as she tried to suppress the tears falling from her eyes. She could not break down, not in front of him. Giving him mercy for saying her ns and not killing him was herst gift to him.


    On the other hand, Aki could only stare at her retreating figure drew farther and farther away from him. He could not say a word as they were stuck in his throat, stinging his eyes as his heart felt being clenched by someone.

 Chapter 494: The Systems History: The start of the end VI

    <h4>494 The System''s History: The start of the end VI</h4>


    Several dayster¡­


    "Mother!" Seeing Tora for the first time after Churu moved to the pce, her face brightened up as soon as she saw Tora''s figure approaching. Tora''s eyes instantly softened as she weed Churu in her embrace.


    "Mother! I missed you!" Hugging her tightly, Churu eximed as the suppressed emotions she had been keeping exploded, crying in relief that Tora had done nothing foolish.


    "How is my little Churu?" Feeling the warmth that only Churu could give her, Tora leaned her head to her little shoulders as she rubbed her back. "Have you been well here?" She added softly.


    Slowly, Churu drew away from her head as a bright smile formed on the side of her lips. "Hmm! The dishes here are delicious! Every day is a feast and everyone is nice to me!" She showed any signs of displeasure orints in her stay in the pce.


    However, Churu''s life here wasn''t any better in the Chisaka main residence. Rather, it was worse than that. After all, back in the Chisaka main residence, although none of them tried to touch or directly offend her, she could still feel their disapproval in the title she gained.


    But now, in this ce where Tora''s jurisdiction couldn''t reach, women who were waiting to be favored by the emperor boldly scoff at her. They never conceal their jealousy towards the little girl that entered the imperial harem as the emperor would often visit her.


    Although those encounters with the emperor were merely about keeping an eye of her and brainwashing her, the concubines were utterly jealous. Hence, they used Churu''s original birthright to insult her and even guilt-trip her for being the general''s weakness.


    Regardless, Churu was more than willing to lie in front of Tora just so she would not do any foolishness. After all, Tora might be smart and capable but, because of that, people were wary of her and never trusted her.


    "That''s a relief then." Tora just smiled as she patted her small head. However, despite that she appeared she believed her, Tora knew that she was lying.


    Churu was her daughter and her heart knew when she was alright or not: and right now, her maternal instincts tell her Churu was having a tough time.


    It wasn''t a surprise, though. After all, it''s the imperial harem she had entered. A ce where they destroy each other, whether physically or mentally. And for a child, Churu was brave. Truly, she''s her daughter, Tora proudly thought inwardly.


    "That''s why mother should not worry about Churu because Churu is doing well here." Relieved that Tora seemed to believe her lies, Churu smiled. "Mother, how was father?" After looking around, Churu whispered as she hasn''t heard anything from Tora''s end and she was wondering how Aki was doing.


    Churu never once felt that she was different by being loved by the two. Thus, she only wished for the two of them to have a peaceful life together, even if she wasn''t with them anymore.


    "Little Churu," Upon hearing her query, Tora''s mood slightly turned gloomy than it already was. "Will you do mother a favor?" Stretching her lips a little upward, Tora resumed.


    Churu tilted her head to the side as she stared at her pair of mncholic eyes. "Mother?"


    "Will you die for me?" Without further ado, Tora said with a bitter smile on her lips. When Churu heard those words, she was slightly taken aback for a moment as she stared at her front. Never once in her life as a human has she ever thought that she would hear those wordse out from Tora''s lips.


    However, she was not mistaken. Tora indeed asked her to die for her. Why¡­?


    "Will you die for mother¡­?" Tora repeated as she examined the shocked countenance stered across Churu''s face. s, the next second, Tora was surprised when Churu gently smiled and nodded her head in understanding.


    "Yes." Without showing a bit of hesitation, Churu agreed.


    If Tora wanted her to die, Churu would dly ept her request. After all, she shouldn''t be in this world in the first ce. Moreover, Churu shouldn''t have defied the heaven''s rule by descending to earth. If only she didn''t, Tora wouldn''t be this sad because of her.


    "My daughter¡­" Seeing that Churu didn''t probe and just agreed just like that, Tora''s heart was heartbroken.


    What did she do to deserve such a kind child? "Forgive me for being an ipetent mother. I never deserved to be a mother of such an innocent child. Little Churu, forgive mother for putting you in a tight situation." Gritting her teeth, Tora pulled Churu back in her embrace. Her shoulders shuddered as she hugged her tightly.


    Pain, regret, and nothing but sadness engulfed Tora''s heart. Her heart grieved for the pain that she might cause to her love ones and the whole nation. However, Tora had decided to do what must be done.


    She had decided, and she would execute her ns just like what she wanted. And with that, she knew that Churu wouldn''t be safe if she lingered with her. Hence, sacrificing her own happiness, Tora had chosen her own greed. And that was¡­


    "Mother, I am d that you were my mother." A tear fell from Churu''s eyes as she relished thest moments she could ever have with Tora. She didn''t know what will happenter or tomorrow, but what Churu was certain was that this would be thest time she could embrace Tora.

 Chapter 495: The Systems History: The start of the end VII

    <h4>495 The System''s History: The start of the end VII</h4>


    One yearter¡­


    "Long live Her Majesty!" Tora looked down, her face was devoid of emotions. Her eyes traveled to all ministers kowtowing before her while she sat on the throne.


    Indeed, Tora sessfully ascended the throne with the blood of many royal family members and royal servants that were loyal to the royal family on her hands. During those times, everyone who supported her scheme to covet the throne had gained power in the imperial court and almost every department of the pce.


    "Your Majesty, please reconsider your decision to execute all the former royal members of thete emperor."


    "Your Majesty, please reconsider your decision!" When one minister spoke his plea for mercy, everyone then followed and repeated it.


    Tora knew their concern. After the uprising, many died, and the citizen had conflicted emotions on her method on how she ascended the throne. Now, Tora was beingbeled as a greedy general who coveted the throne and not the hero of the nation anymore. Hence, executing more people for the obviously false usations, it wouldn''t end well on her reputation.


    "Heed my orders and execute anyone who doesn''t acknowledge me as their Queen." Without blinking an eye, Tora heartlessly ordered.


    Not just the minister who sumbed to fear by acknowledging her as the ruler but, also, the ministers who supported Tora''s n were shaken. They wanted more power by being on her good graces but this, her already tainted reputation would only end on the bad side.


    "Your Majesty¡ª" Just before the minister could say his plea once again, Tora raised her hand and as if on cue, the soldier on the side unsheathed his sword and pointed at the minister.


    "Shall I behead you too for you to understand my orders? Execute anyone who doesn''t acknowledge me as their Queen: be it soldiers, ministers, or even lowlymoners." Adamant on her royal decree, Tora didn''t falter on her orders.


    "Y¡ª yes, Your Majesty!" Stuttering, the minister''s body shuddered at the mad queen looking down on him. Just what kind of person did they put on the throne?


    Tora, though was known as a ruthless general, they knew that her concern for the kingdom was iparable. The reason why everyone thought that she should be the rightful ruler instead of the royal family. However, even after gaining the throne and being the ruler, Tora wouldn''t let everyone off the hook who doesn''t acknowledge her!


    She''s mad. A tyrant, merciless and incapable of being the ruler. s, it was all toote because no one could defeat a tyrant like her. She executed all the people that have the blood of the royal family running in their veins instead of banishing them.


    *****


    Meanwhile¡­


    "Your Majesty¡­" One guard of Aki muttered as he watched his king chugged down a bottle of sake early in the morning. It has been a year since he turned his back to his people and watched how Tora ascend the throne on the sidelines.


    Numerous of his people, and even the few ones who knew his real identity were killed by the uprising including the acting emperor, Kei. No one saw their bodies as Tora didn''t give them a proper burial as she degraded them as traitors.


    It was one hell of a turn for the whole kingdom and yet, Tora wasn''t done bringing disaster in this kingdom as she killed anyone who doesn''t acknowledge her. She gave an order that if one spoke ill on her name, they will be executed that instant.


    Hence, the whole kingdom was now living in fear under the mad queen''s rule. And yet, Aki seemed he could never care less.


    "Daisuke, if someone hears you, you''ll die." Burping after drinking a load of sake, Aki muttered. He doesn''t look as dashing just like a year ago as he had grown a beard and his appearance wasn''t as decent. If one sees him, they would think that he was just a wasted nobleman waiting for his death toe.


    "Your Majesty, how long will stay like this? The whole country is now in chaos and Kei ¡ª Keita-Kun''s sacrifice to protect your throne¡­ are you also turning your back on us?" Frustrated at the king he acknowledged, Daisuke gritted his teeth as he mustered his courage to speak his mind.


    He grieved for losing many of hisrades in the pce, especially Kei, who acted as the emperor. He died, in the hands of Tora and she didn''t even give him a proper burial. None even saw the body of the King as she ruthlessly burned him alive.


    Just thinking about it, Daisuke''s heart was filled with nothing but hatred to the current queen and ruler of the kingdom. She didn''t bring peace and order in the pce because until now; she was causing havoc and despair to everyone.


    "The throne¡­" Aki whispered before a chuckle followed it. "She ascends the throne because of her child. What she was doing, that''s her revenge for touching her child. She will be a good ruler when everyone settled down."


    In his mind, Aki understood the situation his daughter must have gone through. Hence, Tora wouldn''t let them all off. Also, he believed that Tora would be a good ruler if the matters cooled down.


    He was tired seeking for power and control as the king. Because of his ambition, not only he put his daughter, Churu, in a twisted situation, he also broke their little family apart. If only uttering all his ''what ifs'', would bring the time back, he would have done it for a whole week without rest.


    s, the damage has been done and none of them could return to those beautiful days even if they were built with lies.

 Chapter 496: The Systems History: The start of the end VIII

    <h4>496 The System''s History: The start of the end VIII</h4>


    "The child died a few days ago¡­" For a moment, Aki''s world stopped. These words repeated over and over in his head until he could hear his own heartbeat pounding.


    "They were rumors going around in the pce that it was because of the child''s failure to acknowledge her mother for her misconduct. No one knew what happened, and these were mere rumors. However, all maidservants who were tasked with the princess died and were all reced by new ones." Daisuke detailed the things he heard and carefully noted that they were just rumors.


    However, smoke begins if there''s a fire. Thus, the strangeness of the situation made him suspicious of its validity. The reason he had been keeping a close watch on the servants and guards that were near the princess''s manor.


    "Impossible¡­ Hanako, I mean Tora wouldn''t do such a thing to our daughter." Aki shook his head in disbelief as he doesn''t want to hear another word from Daisuke. However, just the thought of Churu, who upheld justice just like how Tora taught her in the past, it was not a surprise if she questioned her mother kill many innocent people.


    "Your Majesty¡­ permit me to investigate the matter more." Bowing his head, Daisuke hoped deep down that this would be true. After all, this might ignite a fire within his king that already gave up the throne and maybe, he might reim what''s rightfully his.


    It might a selfish wish for him but, this was a matter of the kingdom''s life. If Tora continued to use force to make people submit to her, this country would eventually die. After all, bodies had been piling up on the streets and soon, it might cause a gue because of it.


    Not to mention, the heat of this season, it would not be a surprise if it gues by drought and disaster. Truly, nothing right had ever happened when Tora ascended the throne that even the heavens punish their country for cing such a vile person to lead its people.


    Aki just nodded his head in disbelief as his heart was rendered conflicted. He hoped that it wasn''t real and Tora wouldn''t be that blinded with power that she could even kill her daughter. No, the person he knew was a selfless soldier that loved her daughter and him.


    The woman whom he had hurt.


    "She wouldn''t do such a thing¡­" He murmured while Daisuke left him alone.


    ****


    Several dayster¡­


    "Your Majesty, regarding the prin¡ª" After investigating more of the matter, Daisuke returned to give Aki the details of his investigation. However, he halted as Aki interrupted him midway.


    "I know. I heard it." Unlike his mien in the past year, Aki had shaved his beard, took a proper shower, and back to looking decent and clean. Regardless, that doesn''t mean it also tended his broken heart upon hearing the news of the princess''s death.


    They were being punished for all the blood that had been shed in the hands of the current ruler and now, even the princess had paid a huge price. Tora, taking away the throne to the royal family, the people would rather choose the figurehead of a king instead of this tyrant mad queen.


    The drought had gued small towns outside the capital, and many people had died due to starvation. Even the food supplies had be limited, and yet, the queen turned a blind eye and let her subject die doing nothing.


    The people''s hope for this country, they didn''t have any hope anymore. Having a ruler as heartless and selfish as Tora, this country was done for.


    "Your Majesty¡­" Daisuke bowed as he swallowed a mouthful of saliva. He nced at Aki and saw the royal family crest he has on his hand. It was the crest of that the former emperor has.


    Back when Kei was serving him as the acting emperor in his stead, the only thing Kei didn''t ept was this family crest that was meant for the real king to hold. Hence, with this, Aki could prove his real identity.


    "The minister of finance and minister of education, they were still alive. Send them my word and meet me tonight."


    "Yes, Your Majesty." After hearing Aki''smand, Daisuke didn''t waste a second as he departed to meet the ministers that were forced to acknowledge the new queen as a wise decision. Fortunately, they did what they did because if not, Tora would have executed them and all their kindred.


    As Daisuke left, Aki continued to stare on the royal family crest that he had been hiding. Most of the people who knew his identity was killed. Still, there were still a few ones who were left and made a wise decision to follow Tora.


    Aki knew that with what was Tora had been doing, they must have been dreading to stop the tyranny of her ¡ª even those who joined hand in hand to support her, they must have had regretted their foolish decision as Tora indeed gave them titles but those were just mere empty titles.


    However, Aki doesn''t care about their own regrets as he must stop her. He must stop this insanity before this country would die. He doesn''t understand why must she kill their daughter and even if he tried to make a positive view regarding it, he just couldn''t ept it.


    Churu, he loved her just like his real daughter. He loved her just as much as he loved Tora. Therefore, how could he ept that letting Tora, iming the throne to protect their child from him, still cost her her life in the hands of her mother?


    Was he wrong about everything? Indeed, he was. He knew nothing about and his resolve would always waver. However, since he couldn''t protect Churu, at the very least, he must protect Tora by stopping her from destroying her beloved country by her own hands.

 Chapter 497: The Systems History: The start of the end IX

    <h4>497 The System''s History: The start of the end IX</h4>


    Another three months had gone by¡­


    "Your Majesty, the group of revolutionaries had been growing stronger. Even citizens had supported the leader of the group¡­" Staring at the pond from the window of the royal library, Saionji reported. "Your Majesty, even soldiers who initially supported you waned. You must flee before they could arrive in the pce. Their numbers had grown and continued on growing."


    "Saionji," Without turning her eyes away from the direction she was looking, a subtle smile formed on the side of her lips. "Don''t you see? We united everyone to defeat evil."


    "Your Majesty, why¡­ why must you do this?" Hanging his head low, Saionji''s shoulder shuddered while his hand balled into a fist. Tora had done things that defied her beliefs and even turned her back to her morals because of her own selfish wish.


    Saionji could only listen to hermands as he watched her fall deeper and deeper into the trap she had set for herself. To his understanding of her perspective, to bring peace and order in this kingdom, it must unite while its subjects must be willing to stake their lives and faith to their ruler.


    "If they arrived here, serve the rightful king with all your life. Protect him and guide him to be a wise ruler."


    "Your Majesty," Gritting his teeth, Saionji mustered his courage to listen to her. However, how could he do that? He knew that the king he acknowledged would die in a war she would fight alone.


    Saionji had sided with Aki''s group under Tora''smand. Although they were still wary as they knew him as a loyal right-hand man of the Queen, however, they knew how righteous of a man he was. Hence, using the excuse that he could not bear the queen''s insanity, they let him in as his words weigh heavier to the soldiers under him.


    With that, Saionji''s crimes for following the queen''s orders were sworn to be forgotten when Aki reimed the throne. Also, he had been giving pieces of information and preparing his troops for their attack to take Tora down, which she was well-aware of.


    "Your Majesty¡­!" Saionji could not control his emotions as he knelt down, unsheathing his sword and cing it in his neck. "Imitted treason, which was punishable by death. Your Majesty, I shall be punished for colluding with the enemy!" with that said note, Saionji was about to slit his throat but before he could, Tora clipped her fingertip on it, stopping him while shaking her head.


    Although Saionji said those words, both of them knew that he had done what he did because she ordered him to. Still, Saionji felt he had truly failed Tora in every angle of being a right-hand man. She had tainted her hands while trying to keep her trusted one''s hands as clean as possible.


    "Your Majesty!" Sobbing, Saionji broke down, showing his vulnerability for the first time. His heart ached, even if Tora was still alive. However, knowing that her life would end soon, Saionji could not help but weep.


    Truly, Tora was his one and only king. She only thought of this country even if she has to used extreme means to bring the right order and trust to the rightful owner of the throne. She had grown tired of peoplebeling her as the true ruler, the suspicions of the emperor, and all the schemes that followed her name.


    To her, as long as she lived, even if she didn''t do what she did, Aki would forever be wary of her. Not just that, he would continue to live in fear and lived as a figurehead. Hence, Tora had chosen what her heart wanted.


    And what her heart desired was a peaceful life for Churu, Aki, and for this kingdom she dearly loved. She knew that desiring a peaceful life together was impossible. Aki and Her, their rtionship had already left a deep scar on their heart and they couldn''t share the same lifetime.


    Therefore, Tora decided to let them live free from fear without her in their lives. That was what she chose in the end: Churu and Aki. They might get a little sad, but the world would continue to revolve even if she would perish. Not just that, but they wouldbel Aki as the savior of this nation from this curse regimen of hers.


    Overall, it would finally set everything in their rightful order. Churu, living in peace on the northern border and would be raised with a normal life as a normal little girl. On the other hand, Aki would reim the throne with a clean te and could prove that he was a capable ruler.


    "Don''t let him know about it. I want him to live hating on me." Tora was surprisingly calm despite the situation she was about to face. Holding on Saionji''s shoulder, Tora let go as she slowly stood.


    Looking down, Tora ced her fist on her chest as she made a salute to the new general, Saionji. Saionji lifted his head to see his former general made a salute as respect. Mustering his strength and steeling his heart, Saionji slowly stood, saluting to her with the utmost respect he could only offer to her.


    "Your wish is mymand, My Queen." Through his gritted teeth, Saionji swore to do herst wishes without fail. Upon seeing this, Tora subtly smiled before heading out of the imperial library.


    In several days from now, Aki''s group would have reached the pce. Therefore, Tora wanted to make some preparation before she would stand before the new king because if dying was her ending, she would rather die in his arms and by his sword.

 Chapter 498: The Systems History: The start of the end X

    <h4>498 The System''s History: The start of the end X</h4>


    Four nightster, the pce was more packed than it already was as the shing of swords resonated in every direction of the pce. The thudding of bodies crashing to the ground with blood oozing out their bodies, shouts of the Queen''s side along with the shout of the new regimen of the rightful king could be heard everywhere.


    Aki nced up, his sword was tainted with blood as he stared at the court where the throne was located. Inside theseyers of gates, he would soon reach where Tora was waiting for him. For the first time in a long time, he would finally see her again.


    However, this time, it wouldn''t be a lovely reunion because this meeting, one of them must perish. Today, a victor would be proimed that would stand as the ruler of this country. And yet, Aki''s heart bled inside as he drew closer and closer to his destination.


    As soon as they arrived at the open space before the imperial court, they were weed by a few soldiers that were tasked to protect the queen. s, when ites to numbers, Aki''s group greatly outnumbered them.


    Still, behind them, Tora stood, with her sword on her hand. Just her alone, numbers didn''t matter as she was capable of defeating every single on of them.


    Yet, she wasn''t wearing any battle gears just like when she was a General but rather, she was wearing the beautiful red imperial clothes of the Queen. She looked mesmerizing with it, actually; she looked more feminine than thest time Aki saw her.


    For a moment, Aki and Tora''s eyes met. Thoughts of the past shed across their eyes which gradually turned the atmosphere gloomy.


    "Invading my pce, you havemitted treason punishable by death. Stop this ruckus at once and receive your punishment!" Still staring at Aki, Toramanded. She moved her gaze to the people behind him and saw familiar faces, including Saionji.


    "The pce wasn''t yours. Coveting the throne, depriving your people with the protection the king must give, and caused the whole nation nothing but utter despair, I asked you to step down on your own ord and face proper trial!" Aki''s eyes sharpened as he gritted his teeth and announced that they must not shed more blood tonight.


    "Step down? Ha!" Tora maniacally chuckled that sent a cold chill down their spine. "No one will take away the throne from me. If you want it, then, you shall face my sword!" Slowly, Tora unsheathed her sword that killed many people ¡ª good and evil. Her response of not conceding in defeat was already foreseen hence, Aki also drew out his sword.


    "Get back. I should be the one to face her." Leaving a note to his people that apanied him through and through to make tonight a sess, Aki never once left his eyes on her. He must take her down because none of them, even Saionji, could stand a chance before Tora.


    "You, get out of my way." Tora stared at Aki as she hissed before she turned to Saionji. "Saionji, turning your back against your Queen, I shall decapitate you with my bare hands." With that said note, Tora leaped from her standpoint and soon appeared in front of Saionji.


    Saionji''s initial instinct was to block the sword upon sensing the iing danger. However, Tora was indeed fast and before he could protect himself, Tora appeared in front of him with her sword assaulting for a sh.


    Saionji realized that Tora''s attack was meant to kill him hence, he instantly epted his fate as it was an honor to die in the hands of the king he truly acknowledged. However, the next second, Tora''s sword shed into another sword because Aki came to block the iing attack.


    "The audacity¡­" Leaping back several feet from them, Tora scoffed as her sharpened eyes pierced through Aki. "Are you that impatient to meet your death, your royal highness?"


    "Saionji, I will only repeat my words once, get away from here." Through his gritted teeth, Aki distinguished that Tora intended to kill Saionji, revealing that Saionji indeed betrayed her. If he was a secondte, Saionji had died that instant.


    ''Your Majesty¡­'' Saionji could only nce at Tora as he gritted his teeth and leaped as far away from the two. He realized that Tora attacked him to break thest straw of Aki''s suspicions towards him. It wasn''t meant to kill him, but it was an attack that would absolve him from a lesser punishment when Aki ascended the throne.


    "I see¡­ everyone had colluded behind my back." Tora sneered as a deadly glint shed across her eyes. "I will make you regret going up against me!" She eximed and dashed forward, attacking Aki which he blocked by the skin of his teeth.


    "Huh, until when can you block my attacks?" Tora ridiculed as she put pressure on her sword that was in contact with his. "Few more swings and it will break ¡ª leaving you open, waiting for my sword to pierce through you." Tora maniacally chuckled until Aki pushed her sword away and jumped back.


    ''She''s strong.'' He thought inwardly. Tora wasn''t this strong in their friendly fights back then. Actually, it wasn''t even close to what he had seen. Meaning to say, she was greatly holding back in the past and deliberately let their score be a tie.


    However, this only ignited a strong will to protect this kingdom from her. Because if he died, everyone who supported him and those who ced all their faith in him would also die. It would be safe to say that this kingdom would be done if he failed. Therefore, he couldn''t fail.


    "Tora!" Through his gritted teeth, Aki shouted before he stood in an offensive stance and dashed forward. He knew he must stake his own life if he wanted to defeat her. Even if he would die, Aki knew that Tora shouldn''t live as well. Hence, he let go of his defense and went all out.

 Chapter 499: The Systems History: The promise end

    <h4>499 The System''s History: The promise end</h4>


    Tora held her sword in a horizontal position to block his attacks. Aki, shouting his will to take her down while she effortlessly blocked each of his attacks.


    Truly, the difference in their strength was vast. Not just that, but also Aki''sck of experience on the battlefield put him at the disadvantage. After all, Tora fought for years to win the war several years ago.


    "Tora!!" Through his gritted teeth, Aki continuously attacked her like a maniac but to no avail, she easily blocked all his attacks.


    Leaping several feet away from her, Aki panted as he stared at her nonchnt figure. All his attacks required strength hence, after those series of attacks, his body was exhausted.


    Yet, the woman before her showed no signs of tiredness. If there''s anything that she was showing, that was boredom.


    "Is that all you can do? Blindly swinging your sword, ha!" Tora scoffed as she stared at his exhausted figure. Her gaze moved from his pair of determined eyes to his already bleeding knuckles caused by his recklessness.


    How does he think he could beat her just by swinging his sword using brute force?


    If Tora was serious, she calcted that he had died multiple times in her hands. That was if she took advantage of the openings he had giving since they started fighting. Still, based on her observation, Aki had a good fighting foundation. She was certain that if it wasn''t her who he was facing, he would give his enemy a hard time.


    "Say, did you really kill..." As he caught up for his breath, Aki wiped the sweats on his forehead as he straightened his posture with his sword in his right hand. "Did you really kill little Churu?" Mustering his courage to ask this very thing to her, Aki gritted his teeth as he intently looked at her.


    "What if I did?" Arching her brows, Tora deliberately taunted. "Didn''t you arrange my daughter to be your concubine? Or, have you forgotten?"


    Aki''s shoulder trembled as he held on his sword as tight as he could ever hold in his life.? He ground his teeth as his heart pounded faster and louder.


    He came here not just to reim the throne, but hoping that the rumors about Churu''s real cause of death were false. Because, if Tora indeed murdered their child, he wouldn''t be able to forgive her.


    He loved Tora, yes. He loved her until right at this moment she''s standing before him. However, he also cared for Churu like his own biological daughter. The reason he let Tora and his people be killed by her hands as he desired to take responsibility for using Churu as leverage.? He thought it was his retribution for using his own child.


    s, how could he ept the fact that even though he remained quiet on the sideline, he was unable to protect the vulnerable Churu? She''s just an innocent little girl who did nothing wrong but to love the two of them.


    "I did use her as a leverage but, if I knew it was her ¡ª I''d use every mean to lift the royal decree." Aki''s voice cracked as the side of his eyes welled up. "But, you... what did she do so wrong to send her to her end?"


    In his eyes, Tora had truly turned into a monster. The Yamada Hanako he knew and loved wasn''t there anymore. All that remained was a greedy, mad queen who only loved killing people and bringing despair to everyone.


    Aki''s emotions overwhelmed him and soon took control of his heart and mind. He couldn''t forgive her. Neither of them deserved Churu or this country.


    "What did she do so wrong?" Tora scoffed before she loudly chuckled. "Because she reminded me of you! That''s her crime!" The curl on her lips gradually faded as Tora''s front turned colder.


    "You!" Upon hearing her response, Aki gritted his teeth as he could not believe her. Until now, Tora was pushing all the me to him, justifying her actions as righteous.


    She''s crazy!


    "I will kill you!" With that said remarks, Aki held his sword as he dashed to her direction. His speed multiplied as the enormous will to kill her has reached the heavens.


    In his eyes, she''s the monster that he shall seize tonight. The beautiful memories in the past slowly cracked until it vanished ¡ª forgetting every little lovely lie those days had.


    For a second, Tora was caught off guard as his speed was faster than earlier. Fortunately, her instincts were fast enough hence, she was able to block his attack.


    "Such a big word for a coward." Grinning like a maniac, an unreadable glint shed across her pair of eyes. "Sure, try to kill me, that is, if my sword doesn''t pierce through your flesh first."


    Tora pushed his sword by hers, which made him leaped back. Without wasting a second, Aki once againunched an attack and this time, Tora altered on offense and defense.


    Their sh never faltered nor did it pause as both of them tried to kill each other, or so, what everyone thought. However, Tora was just creatively pointing at his usual mistakes and the openings he was leaving, which he picked up after Tora shed him a couple of times in the same area.


    "I won''t forgive you!" After noticing that Tora had been attacking him in the same direction repeatedly, Aki managed to see his own opening while Tora wasn''t giving any.


    Oddly enough, he somehow observed how she fights and how she altered from offense and defense. Hence, Aki baited for another opening, which she bit.


    At that moment, Aki knew that he wouldn''t be able to live tonight unscathed. Therefore, he staked his arm to put a stop in this battle.


    Blocking an attack on the opening he left, Aki thrust his sword forward, straight to her abdomen. However, moments before his sword could pierce through her, Tora''s lips curled into a subtle smile before the shriek of flesh was heard.

 Chapter 500: The Systems History: The promise end II

    <h4>500 The System''s History: The promise end II</h4>


    The next second, Aki heard a cracking sound of metal until it crashed to the concrete ground. Tora''s sword broke just right after it injured his arm a little, instead of cutting his arm off forever.


    "You..." Slowly, Aki whispered as the corner of his eyes had tears that instantly fell. Before he thrust his sword to her, Tora knew that he was bluffing and yet, she took the bait and let herself be killed.


    "Tora!" As Tora feel the striking pain that pierced through her body, she gasped for air as every second, blood gushed out from her wound as she coughed.


    She felt coldness seeped through her bones as her vision shook. Still, she saw him approach her with tears falling from his eyes until her body lost its bnce. Fortunately, Aki was there to catch her slowly dying body.


    "Why... you..." Holding on her as gently as possible while trying not to touch his sword that was on her, Aki bit his lower lips as he looked at her pale face.


    "How could you..." His voice cracked as he watched her weakly chuckled.


    "How insulting. I got killed by a mere inexperienced man." Tora murmured as her tone sounded as if she was insulting him until the end.


    Regardless, Aki ignored her insults as he held her in his arms until he heard the loud sound of drum, indicating that Tora''s reign was over. He heard the loud roared around grew louder as his troops'' morale grew stronger.


    However, although earlier he hated Tora for what she had done, his heart ached. He was certain that he would not shed a tear if he slew her, but now, he was tearing like a child.


    He could not understand why she let him kill her, just like that. She could have blocked his attack just like how she easily blocked all his attacks. But she didn''t. Moreover, it seemed she was d to take that blow as the subtle smile that appeared on her was relief and calm.


    Just what was she thinking?


    Was this to show him that he would never win against her? Thus, she deliberately made him win? Just like how she reduced her strength in the past for them to have a draw?


    Was this her way of mocking him? Or did she already nned this?


    "Tora, answer me, why?! You can block my attack, but you didn''t! You know I am bluffing, but you took the bait!" Through his gritted teeth, Aki roared as his grip on her shoulders tightened and his eyes produced unstoppable tears.


    Tora only responded with a chuckle and whispered, "Fool," while raising her hand to reach his face. s, even before she could touch his cheek once again, Tora''s hand lost its strength before it fell.


    "We are foolish..." These were thest words that escaped her mouth. ''My love¡­''


    Aki grabbed her falling hand as he guided it to his cheek, "No, no, don''t..." it was ironic for him to beg at that moment for her not to die, but, after realizing stuff within the short span of minutes, Aki wept.


    Just then, out of the blue, everyone heard the tiny voice of Churu. "M-mother...?" Slowly, Churu came out from the imperial court.


    Her eyes altered from Aki''s utterly shocked front uponying his eyes on her small figure to Tora lying with an erected sword on her abdomen.


    "No..." Taking several steps forwards, Churu gasped as her steps halted and she covered her mouth.


    "You mustn''t¡ª!" Just as Churu was processing the scene before her, a tall figure suddenly appeared beside her and immediately covered her eyes. The man, although had the half of his face covered by a ck cloth, in just a nce, Aki and Daisuke recognized him: it was Kei!


    He was alive!


    Seeing Churu and Kei alive, Aki felt that a hand tightly clenched his heart. So it was true, Tora nned everything, and they all moved ording to her ns. How sly.


    Aki might have been foolish until now, but he wasn''t dumb enough not to figure out everything. What happened, what Tora did, and even thest moments of her life, she did her best to help him and im what''s rightfully his.


    Everything she had done, taking the lives of many people ¡ª good and bad, turning her back against her beloved country, putting the ambitious Chisaka n in their ce, and closing her eyes as she ignored her morals and beliefs; Tora did everything for him?


    Even if it meant losing her life in his own bare hands, she did it anyway. Truly, she was aplicated woman.


    A woman he could never handle and yet dared to squeeze himself to her life. How can the two of them be so foolish and hard-headed? Or was their love not strong enough that could ovee anything?


    "Tora..." Aki sobbed as he held on her. Instead of jubtion, just like what his followers might have been feeling right now, he was grieving. "You''re right, I am a blind fool... I''m sorry for you to have loved a man like me." Aki whispered his words to her ear, although he was well aware that she wouldn''t be able to hear him anymore.


    Although the rest of hispanions were baffled why he was so emotional, none of them tried to interrupt him as the mncholic atmosphere filled the whole area.


    "If our paths have ever crossed in our next lifetime, under the same sun and moon, let''s meet again¡­ and let''s live happily, do you hear me? I will be a better man whom you can rely on to protect you." Grieving for the loss of his one and only woman, Aki swore an oath the impossible and yet, he believed that someday, perhaps, after a hundred or even after thousands of years, if there''s a miracle that they would reincarnate in the same timeline, Aki would surely love her and would keep an honest love.


    "We will be together for sure¡­ be it heaven or hell, I will surely find you. Wait for me, my love." As Aki said those words, time stopped. All of them remained in their position as if they were statues.

 Chapter 501: They Systems History: The promise end III

    <h4>501 They System''s History: The promise end III</h4>


    Or to be exact, Churu''s host body was still standing still even after the time stopped ticking. yet the real Churu, the upant of the child''s body was able to get out of her host and strode to Tora''s figure. Her every step slowly changed her appearance.


    Slowly, her disconste eyes turned pale as it transformed from ck to silver; and her height eventually turned taller than she first left the heavenly realm. She stopped growing when Churu appeared to be a full-grown woman.


    "Mother¡­" Soon, Churu reached Aki and Tora''s unmoving figure and copsed on the opposite side of Aki. Her gaze moved, examining Tora''s face before she reached out for her other hand, checking her pulse.


    However, even though Churu doesn''t know how to check human pulses, she knew, with just one touch if Tora was dead or not. Hence, the moment she touched Tora''s skin, her heart sank even deeper. Tora was dead, but her soul was still there ¡ª within her, waiting for whoever woulde to pick her up.


    "This shouldn''t happen¡­ why¡­?" Shaking her head in denial, Churu''s voice cracked as she choked on her own words. "This shouldn''t happen."


    "Alvah¡­" Suddenly, out of nowhere, Yael''s figure appeared several feet away from the three.


    "Yael, why did she die? She shouldn''t die, it''s not her time! Why?!" Churu lifted her head up, casting her confused eyes towards Yael''s angelic figure. However, Churu only saw in response was the sympathetic pair of eyes that were staring right back at her.


    "Alvah, I''m sorry," Yael said as his gaze darted from Churu to Tora; the first human who met an angel. "When you descended to meet that human, the course of her fate changed¡­ along with yours."


    "What¡­?" Clueless at what Yael was suddenly spouting, Churu peered at her. "I know it''s my fault but, Yael, she can''t ¡ª I can''t let my mother die." Still, regardless of the cluelessness she has, Churu''s heart had already known that it was her fault.? But, Tora has nothing to do with it.


    Everything was her fault. The reason why she snuck out from Kei''s manor was that she figured that Tora was lying to her. That everything that Tora told her, were all nothing but lies.


    But she was toote. She couldn''t leap high enough, nor could she just magically appear at the pce at her will.


    She came toote using her small little feet, stopping from time to time to catch for her breath. She camete because she''s nothing but a mere human with eternal life.


    But, what''s so good with having many lives if she couldn''t even protect the people she cared about? What''s the use of it if the reason why she gave up on so many things was already dead?


    "Alvah," said Yael with his brows creased. "She''s not your mother. She''s a human you must be guiding. You defied the boundaries that we and those humans shall have. Don''tmit further sins."


    Yael was rendered speechless at herst remarks. She didn''t know how to respond to her query as she herself was clueless. Yael had always followed the Father''s will without questions. She never broke anyw and despite that she was fond of Churu, she didn''t make a move while she stayed in the human world.


    "Yael, I can''t understand Father." As Churu looked down at Tora''s lifeless front, tears continued to blur her vision as her hand touched her face.


    "No one canprehend Father."


    "Indeed," Churu bit her lower lips as her hand could feel Tora''s temperature slowly drop. "He created everything, he was the Absolute One that one must not defy. However, why did he have to create us and these humans if he would let them die and suffer?"


    "Alvah¡­"


    "Alvah, right." Upon hearing Yael call her name, Churu slowly nodded her head as she scoffed in mockery. "I am Alvah, not Churu. If Father can turn a blind eye to this, I can''t. I won''t let her die just like this¡­" Slowly, Churu ced her palm on Tora''s chest and a faint glow was built.


    "Mother, don''t cry anymore alright? Little Churu will protect you this time ¡ª you and father." Churu whispered as she ced all her life energy to her palm, hoping that giving Tora her life forces could somehow revive her.


    "Alvah, stop!" Seeing what Churu was trying to do, resurrecting the dead, Yael was rmed. Hence, she disappeared from the standpoint and appeared behind Churu, attempting to stop her. But to no avail, Churu used her other hand and with just a swing, she caught Yael off guard, making her fly several meters away.


    "Alvah, no!" Yael grunted as a striking pain on her abdomen stung. "You mustn''t¡­ she won''t ¡ª!" Shouting her pleas, Yael was forced to shut her eyes as the faint glow on Churu''s palm exploded.


    After several seconds, the beam slowly subsided. Yael carefully opened her eyes to see if Churu was able to revive Tora. However, as soon as she regained her vision, Yael furrowed her brows seeing that nothing happened.


    "What¡­ why isn''t she awake?" Disbelief at the failed attempt, Churu was certain that she could revive her. After all, she felt that her energy was drained and yet, Tora wasn''t moving a muscle.


    Churu then tried to check her pulse which only left her heart in a dire situation. Tora, her soul wasn''t there anymore! How could that be?


    "Tsk tsk," Suddenly, Churu and Yael heard a series of disappointed tongue clicks which made the two turned their direction from the source.


    To their surprise, the figure that was approaching them was Lucifer ¡ª the epitome of evilness or so, what everyone thought. Their eyes widened in disbelief as Churu''s heart ached as it pounded.


    "I don''t understand Father for favoring Yael. She can''t even do her job properly." Several feet away from Churu, Lucifer nced at Yael in disdain before looking down on the new form of Churu.

 Chapter 502: The Systems History: The promise end IV

    <h4>502 The System''s History: The promise end IV</h4>


    "Huh?" Arching his brows, Lucifer crossed his arms under his chest. "I''m picking up ¡ª"


    "No! I won''t let you bring her to that damn ce!" Assuming that he was there out of boredom, Churu posed a protective stance on Tora''s lifeless figure.


    Her emotion had already taken over her head, clouding her mind for rational deductions. All she thought at that moment was they were trying to punish Tora for her misconduct. Thus, she wouldn''t let them even if she has to defy more rules.


    "Interesting..." Nodding in acknowledgment, Lucifer scrutinized the crying fallen angel in amusement before he nced at Yael''s hostile countenance. "I must thank you for doing your job halfheartedly. I wouldn''t be able to witness this interesting circus in this world! How refreshing!" He chuckled as he turned his gleeful front back to Churu.


    "That human..." Lucifer pointed at Tora''s figure. "You took all her sins ¡ª actually, you just devoured everyone''s sins." His lips and eyes curled upward because all he could see was the darkest aura that was shrouding Churu.


    "Thus, that human''s soul and its punishment were absolved. Her soul was wandering somewhere, I amzy to track. Aya! Our Father dear is truly biased and at the same time, unbiased. What aplicated being." Lucifer dawdled as he shook his head in disbelief while Churu and Yael processed his words.


    "Is this what they call mercy?" Lucifer rubbed his chin as he pondered the purpose of why he was now the devil that managed hell and not someone else.


    After a beat, Yael slowly moved her gaze to Churu before her eyes widened and her heart sank. How could their Father do this? He permitted her to settle Churu and make her voluntarily return for a lesser crime.


    However, her most dreading fear still happened. The aura that around Churu, it was the same hue and vibe that was in hell. The prophecy, Alvah''s name, had finally shown its purpose: SIN.


    In another perspective, Yael would have thought that this would be the Father''s mercy to this world. However, what about Churu?


    For taking this world''s vile nature, she would have to take responsibility for everything ¡ª whether it was Tora''s or someone else, she would have to pay for this world''s sins for it to be saved.


    "Stop sulking, Alvah. Come to my manor ¡ª it will be a st to have you in!" Ignoring whatever these two felt, or about the whole situation, Lucifer stretched his lips from ear to ear as he invited Churu as if he was just inviting her to a party.


    "Lucy, what do you mean?" Still trying to wrap his words around her head, Churu muttered.


    "Little demon..." Repeating on what he addressed her, Churu whispered in disbelief. She knew that her crimes were not enough for her to be a demon.


    However, with the thought that Tora''s sins were absolved, it somehow calmed her heart. Still, it was a surprise for her to be acknowledged as a little demon because Lucifer scoffed at the angels most of the time.


    He was only lenient to beings with his kind. Well, at the very least, he was more bearable to be with if you''re one of the residents in his ce called Hell.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll treat you with extra care." Even though Lucifer sweetly uttered his words matched with a sweet smile, one must know that his meaning of care was aplete opposite of how others show their concern.


    "Lucy¡­ are you sure Tora''s soul will be fine?" Churu disregarded everything, even the fact that she was now a demon without knowing the whole reason. Because what''s important to her was Tora''s soul. After all, she could not feel that it was inside her anymore, nor could she sense that it was just around.


    "Uh-huh,"


    "How¡­? You''re not lying, aren''t you?" Churu rified, but her pure intention offended Lucifer. She saw him scoffed as he frowned with his right brow arched.


    He said, "Oh-ho!" after he snapped his tongue in disbelief. "Little demon, you might not know this but one thing this being despised the most are liars, thus, I don''t ¡ª I never lie. That human''s soul shot up somewhere far away when you gave all your purities to her, causing that blinding explosion. Fortunately, I have exceptional eyesight, unlike you pampered cherubims."


    Indeed, Churu was still considered young if it based on Lucifer and Yael''s age. Therefore, unlike the two of them, Churu didn''t know how to control their powers as angels and demons. The reason she didn''t know that she forcefully extracted Tora''s soul.


    Also, since she doesn''t have full control of her powers, Churu identally made it fly somewhere far, far away. Well, it was not like Lucifer was interested in a pure soul or any added work. That''s why he didn''t stop it, even if he saw what happened.


    "Is that so?" Relieved to hear that Tora''s soul was left unscathed, Churu heaved a sigh of relief. Little did she know, after that day, every millisecond of her life would be nothing but utter torture which led her to her appearance to this very day.


    ****


    [Heavenly Realm: Present Time]


    After Churu followed Lucifer at that time, her host''s body still remained alive for a few months and died due to natural causes. After all, what they left on Churu''s human host was just a fragment of Yael''s hair. In that case, it wouldn''t cause another ruckus if she suddenly disappeared.


    Even so, Churu would sometimes eavesdrop what happened in the human world; particrly at the country, Aki was leading. She heard that after he ascended the throne, a decree about a woman must remain at home and could never study or learn was ordered. Yet, Churu didn''t probe further and let the humans with their business while she does hers.

 Chapter 503: Four years later...

    <h4>503 Four yearster...</h4>


    "What are you bbering? Isn''t that''s why I was sent to be a damn dumpling because they finally lived at the same time to fulfill Father''s will?" Letting out an exhale, Churu said in a matter-of-fact tone.


    Indeed, Tora''s soul had been wandering and she would reside on dead babies inside a woman''s womb and grow as that person, then repeat after dying on its host. If Tora was just a lost spirit, she would have turned into an evil creature. But since it was Churu who made her fly, wandering to find its new host, Tora''s soul persevered and live into different bodies ¡ª different ethnicity, country, and gender.


    The only catch was that there''s only a span of a period that Tora''s soul could wander. After all, Churu''s life energy that she passed on to protect it had been weakening after time. Hence, Tora''s soul that was inside Lexi was only a small fragment left.


    "Do you think I have forgiven you for making me look like a dumpling? Didn''t I tell you I want to look like a popstar ¡ª a cute idol, not a damn food!" Now that Churu was reminded of what form she looked like back on earth, she fumed as she jolted from her lying position and red daggers at Yael.


    "Mistake often happens." Yale just shrugged her shoulders as she nonchntly flipped her hair to the side. "Also, although your look was quite peculiar, it''s safe to say that you''ve sessfully be an idol." Opening her palm, Yael showed Churu''s banner, posters, and even videos of fans fighting their way to buy Churu''s merchandise ¡ª angel, demon, and all creatures in the heavenly realm and ces that reached their jurisdiction.


    "Wow," Seeing that she was like a real-life idol, Churu''s eyes sparkled. There were photos of her in a different dress that Lexi personally made. It was more or less how Elliot Gong or Rika Song were being treated in the human world.


    "I really think I should send my resignation to Lucy and start my own agency." Nodding her head in acknowledgment, Churu pondered hard enough to start a new career. After all, they promised her that she''d die afterpleting the task or have a new career since the heavenly realm took a huge turn and copied the human''s lifestyle ¡ª just for the lulz.


    "I''m afraid you can''t do that."


    "Huh?" Immediately, Churu raised her investigative eyes up to Yael''s front. Did they go back on their words? That''s impossible, as Churu was well-aware of the heaven''s rules and even Hell''s.


    "Apparently, your work on earth is not done yet." Yael once again shrugged her shoulders as she informed her of the situation. "Why did you think you returned to this sacred ce instead of waking up next to Lucifer? Because I can''t go there. And why would I need to wee your return, anyway?"


    "Well, the thing was, while I am trying to fix a bug in the system, I identally¡­" Yael scratched her nape as she paused and gulped. "... I pressed the wrong button."


    "What did you just¡­ you pressed a wrong button?" Knitting her brows in disbelief, Churu blinked her eyes numerous times as she processed Yael''s words. "You mean¡­"


    "Mistakes happen all the time, right?" Yael awkwardly smiled. "That''s why I am here to inform yo¡ª"


    "Why did you just tell me now?!"


    "What? It''s your fault! You literally incapacitate me the moment you saw me! And then asked me to shut up, so I did!" Rolling her eyes, Yael remarked in a matter-of-fact tone. Well, that was true though as she would have sent Churu back to earth to finish the system''s task but Churu just did whatever she wanted which dyed her to deliver the news.


    "No way¡­" Under her breath, Churu could only stare at Yael in disbelief. She was already in this ce for several minutes. Therefore, she could guess how many years had already passed in Lexi''s time.


    "Well, since it has been a while since you returned here, there had been an automatic change in the system¡­" As Churu was processing her words, Yael took advantage of it by exining the changes and note some important notes.


    "Well, did you understand me?" Yael smiled as she looked at the puzzled Churu. When Churu just heedlessly nodded even without understanding the whole thing, Yael exhaled before the corner of her lips curled into a gentle smile. "Alright then, you can''t waste any more time here or I''m afraid your beloved human will grow old ¡ª chop chop!"


    "Hey, Yael ¡ª"


    "Bye!" Just before Churu could finish whatever she wanted to ask or say, Yael snapped her finger and Churu disappeared in an instant, leaving no trace that she was there in the first ce. "Enjoy your time off, dearest Alvah." Still looking from where she was sitting earlier, Yael murmured with a smile before she slowly disappeared as well.


    ****


    [EARTH: 4 YEARS LATER]


    "Ouch! That ange¡ª !" Churu harshlynded on a concrete surface as Yael''s way of sending her back here was unreserved, it was more like throwing her back on earth. However, even before she could curse the angel, she halted upon hearing Lexi''s voice. Hence, she immediately turned her head to where her voice wasing from.


    "Should I repeat myself or will you shut up?" Cold, devoid of tenderness, Lexi nced at her side as she arched her brows.


    "Madam, I am just merely saying my concern. My apologies." Gulping a mouthful of saliva, a man, to be precise, Dennis Lu reasoned before he shut his mouth and obeyed her.


    Baffled, Churu scanned around as she realized shended in the middle of a huge meeting room. However, she doesn''t remember anyone inside except Lexi who was sitting at the head seat. "Lex¡ª!" Regardless, Churu didn''t try to study her surroundings as she stood in the middle of the long table and waved her small hands, trying to catch Lexi''s attention.

 Chapter 504: Welcome back, Sissy.

    <h4>504 Wee back, Sissy.</h4>


    "Dead¡­?" Churu repeated Louis Lu''s words over and over again, making sure that her ears weren''t deceiving her. Looking up the stoic front of Lexi upon hearing that remark, Churu bit her lower lip.


    Thest time she saw Lexi, she doesn''t bear this aura around her. She illuminated with blissful, innocent aura. Thus, it was easier for Churu to leave knowing that Lexi was happy with Ethan. But now, that light around her was gone.


    Only a dim mncholic fog revolved around her. It was too painful for Churu to see, as it was worse than the first time they met.


    "Dead? Have any of you seen my husband''s remains?" Arching her brows as Lexi cast Louis Lu a cold stare, Lexi tilted her head to the side as she rested her jaw by the back of her hand. "If not, I will never register his death."


    Just as Lexi scanned her eyes to the disapproved expression that shed across this old men''s faces, her gazed stop upon catching the small figure sitting in the middle of the long table. It startled Lexi seeing a small, white, and sad creature looking back at her. Not long after, memories she had forgotten rushed inside her head ¡ª making the surrounding voices fade away.


    The memories started when shemitted suicide and heard the most ridiculous statement she never thought she would hear after death. Then, the time she came back from the dead, with a system within her, then everything that happened afterward.


    Everything... especially the time she was building her lost confidence and heart up, she remembered wasn''t alone. She has the strongest support that was with her through and through. Churu''s little hugs and blunt advice, even her absurdity, were the things that apanied her in the past.


    "Churu¡­" Lexi whispered as she suppressed the tears that were tempting to slip in front of everyone.


    "Lexi¡­" Staring right back at Lexi, Churu bit her bottom lip as tears fell from her eyes. She didn''t know why, but her heart ached, it felt that it was clenched upon hearing that Ethan Lu was dead. Perhaps it was the effect of reminiscing the past that it reminded her heart that a person''s life was unpredictable.


    "Madam?" Seeing that Lexi suddenly stopped, delved into a momentary trance, and her usual cold countenance had a slight change, the directors of the Lu Corporation followed her gaze but to no avail. They didn''t know what she was looking hence, Harold Lu gently called to snap her back from her trance.


    "I don''t want to talk about this again. Leave." Snapping back to reality, Lexi lightly shook her head sideways as she waved her hands off, putting an end to this nonsense meeting. "Go," Knowing they will remain adamant, Lexi said once more that caused them to swallow their persuasion and abided her orders.


    "Lexi," Even though most of the directors left, Louis Lu remained in his seat. His leg rested over his other leg, his back in a proper posture of leaning against the chair, and his gaze never left Lexi''s direction.


    "Lou, shall I kill Vic? The same way my husband has gone missing and tell you it''s fine?" Sensing that Louis Lu was still there, Lexi retracted her glued eyes away from Churu and turned her unforgiving pair of eyes to Louis Lu. "Tell me if you agree ¡ª I''ll make you feel the same misery."


    "Then, until when will you continue to deny his death?" As stubborn as her, a glint shed across Louis Lu''s eyes. "Do it for yourself, Lexi."


    It has been four years since Ethan Lu has gone missing in a ne crash. Although there were no remains of Ethan Lu were found, still, there are only a few bodies ¡ª almost unrecognizable ¡ª that were recovered. Nevertheless, it was hard to believe that anyone would ever survive that ne crash.


    "Lou," Lexi lightly tapped her finger on the chair''s armrest as she arched her brows. "Who are you again?" The corner of her lips curled into a mocking smirk which made Louis Lu thrust his chin forward as he heavily heaved.


    "I see," Nodding his head slowly, Louis Lu rose from his seat and walked away out of the huge meeting room without looking back or saying a single word again.


    "Nico, I need to be alone." As Lexi watched Louis Lu depart the ce, she ordered. Nico Zhuang who was wordlessly standing to the side bowed his head and left as well.


    Slowly, Lexi turned her pair of eyes to the small dumpling who was walking towards her, her head hanged low. Her steps were little hence, it took her quite some time to reach Lexi''s vicinity.


    "Lexi¡­" Churu looked up, her tears overflowed from her eyes as she chewed her lower lip.


    Lexi stared at the crying dumpling and her emotional voice and figure affected her in an instant. "Sissy¡­" Meek and low, Lexi whispered.


    The container where she ced all the emotions she had suppressed for thest four years slowly cracked ¡ª making her whole body shudder as she stopped herself from breaking down.


    "Lexi!!" Hearing the usual address from Lexi, Churu loudly sobbed as she flew to her arms. "Lexi!!" As soon as Churu stuck to Lexi''s cheek, she cried her heart out and only spoke her name.


    "Churu¡­" Little tears sessfully escaped from Lexi''s eyes as she rubbed Churu''s back with her finger. How could she even forget about this fluffy being? Both didn''t mention other things than their names as they didn''t know where to start.


    "Lexi," After some time, Churu finally managed to stop crying and wiped her tears. Flying backward, Churu plopped down on the surface of the table and stared at her.


    "I''m back." Smiling brightly, Churu announced which made Lexi''s eyes softened.

 Chapter 505: Did you just...?

    <h4>505 Did you just...?</h4>


    Just as the two exchanged gentle smiles while holding their questions back for each other, they heard a faint knock before the door opened.


    ncing at the entrance of the meeting room, Lexi''s front returned to its cold demeanor as she thrust her chin forward.


    "My, my, I knew you''re still here." Slowly, Dn Lu gently smiled. His hand inside his pocket as he strode towards Lexi''s standpoint. "After all, it''s the time of the year that you lose your cool." Surprisingly enough, unlike how wary everyone was around her, Dn Lu seemed rxed as he perched into the nearest seat.


    "Lexi, who is this animal?" Scrutinizing Dn Lu''s facial features, Churu must admit that he doesn''t really look bad. Although he was not as dashing as Ethan Lu nor he had the unique charms of Morris Liu, Dn Lu doesn''t look bad at all.


    However, the reason Churu found him a little unappealing was that he interrupted her precious reunion with Lexi; and the way he talked to her as if they were close irked Churu in many ways.


    Regardless, Churu could also smell the stinking scent of danger around him. Hence, she carefully examined his danger level.


    "Huh," Although hearing Churu''s insults, Lexi ignored it as she scoffed. "You knew and yet, here you are offering yourself as the tribute. Say, should I register your death certificate in advance?"


    "Aha!" Dn Lu heartily chuckled upon hearing her humor. "Oh dear, my heart is caught off guard, again. Sure, if I''d die by your own hands ¡ª why would I refuse?" He humored back with arge grin on his lips.


    "Wow, what a masochist..." Bemused at his ugly humor, Churu cringed in disdain. She was always attracted to dangerous men ¡ª Elliot Gong was an exception ¡ª but to this particr guy, Churu had this urge to tear him apart by her bare hands.


    Once again, a faint scoff escaped from her mouth as she stared at the gleeful front of the man. Slowly, she stood from her seat and took small strides towards his direction.


    Seeing here closer and closer, her hips swayed a little, Dn Lu smirked. "You''re seducing me." He noted as his eyes traveled down to her exposed fair legs.


    As soon as she stopped in front of him, Lexi ced her palm on the chair''s armrest and leaned down. Her other hand traced his jaw down to the side of his neck and slowly wrapped her hands around it.


    "Dn Lu, was your neck too small or my fingers are too long? It feels frail." Lexi''s thumb nail stroked his neck before she unhurriedly pressed it against his skin. "Too bad, my ws are enough to make you bleed a little but not enough to kill you." As she pressed her thumb nail against the side of his neck, Lexi glimpsed at the little blood on it and yet, Dn Lu still bore his smile.


    "Oy oy oy!" The baffled Churu watched everything unfold which startled her tiny figure.


    For several seconds, Churu was certain that Lexi''s desire to kill the man wasn''t just a mere joke. It was real! After all, Churu was an angel turned into a spawn of a demon. Hence, it was easy to see how ck a human heart was.


    "I really think we are a match made in heaven. Too bad, I met you a littlete." Ignoring the slight pain on his neck, Dn Lu nonchntly stated in a matter of fact tone.


    Lexi''s eyes nced up before she retracted her hand away from his neck. She then ced it onto the other side of the armrest as she stared at Dn Lu''s front for a long time.


    "Lexi, what are you doing?!? Why are you so close to him?!" Churu snapped and in an instant, she appeared in front of Lexi, blocking the center of Dn Lu''s face which made Lexi chuckle.


    Of course, since Dn Lu could not see the floating dumpling on his face, he clearly saw Lexi genuinely grinned before she chuckled for her own reason. Seeing her realugh for the first time in four years, he knitted his brows in confusion.


    "Such a cutie," Lexi whispered as she stared back at Churu. She didn''t care whether Dn Lu would misunderstand her. Well, to her, it would be better on her end if he did.


    Just then, Lexi heard another faint knock from outside and without further ado, Lyrick Jiang intruded. Uponying his eyes on Lexi''s figure and Dn Lu, Lyrick Jiang just bowed his head down and apologized before giving them their private space.


    "I wonder if he curses you inside for having an illicit affair with me." As Dn Lu watched how Lyrick Jiang remained quiet even though Lexi and his position could spark some misunderstanding, he wondered and used the circting rumor about Lexi and him.


    "Illicit ¡ª what?!? Hey, shut your mouth already and leave us! I have so many questions for her and you just have to ruin it!" Disgusted at the word, Churu turned around as she attempted to shove her bby stomach inside his mouth, but to no avail.


    Aware of the ongoing rumor, Lexi was unfazed as she smirked and drew away from him before she straightened her posture. She looked down on the triumphant smile stered across his lips as she had figured that he deliberately provoked her for Lyrick Jiang to see.


    "Poor thing." She said before turning and walked away from him. She could have said many insults and threats towards him but Lexi decided to show him pity.


    After all, he had been hitting on her for his own reason and though Lexi sometimes gave him a little hope, she would instantly take that away from him. Hence, now, what he was doing was deluding himself with hise up false rumors about ''their rtionship'', because he could never win against the dead.


    "Disgusting little creature! Pwe!" Pleased at Lexi''s elegant insult, Churu spat in front of Dn Lu before she flew and perched on top of Lexi''s head.


    ''He is, a disgusting motherf*cker.'' Humoring Churu back, Lexi loudly thought in her mind which made Churu gasped in disbelief.

 Chapter 506: If only they can see you

    <h4>506 If only they can see you</h4>


    Lexi meekly scoffed and didn''t respond to Churu as she headed to her office. As they headed to the chief executive officer''s office ¡ª Lexi''s office ¡ª everyone who was on the way would automatically bow their heads and step aside.


    It continued like that until they reached Lexi''s office. On the other hand, Churu kept on throwing questions that Lexi ignored until they reached their destination.


    "Lexi this ce is huge!" Stating the obvious fact, Churu frowned as she was displeased that she was being ignored. She noticed that whenever the employees would see Lexi walking from the distance, they would scurry away or avoid her.


    It reminded her of Tora that everyone feared back in the day. Now, Lexi seemed like a different person and not at the same time. Just what happened? Also, was Ethan really dead? Churu was clueless, but regardless, she didn''t want to jump into conclusion.


    Instead, Churu observed her inner energy. After a beat, her white forehead creased. "Weird," She whispered before closing her eyes and concentrated again. But to no avail, she could not find the system.


    There were no tasks or anything of the sort. What''s she brought with her was only herself? Was that it? But, how? Churu was only allowed to crawl out from hell and be a guide system because of the system itself! Hence, how could she descend on earth if she has no task at all?


    Meanwhile, Lexi didn''t mind Churu as she picked up her bag and coat before heading to the elevator inside her office that would lead her straight to the establishment''s parking space. Even after hearing Churu''s puzzlement, Lexi seemed she was alone as she speed-dialed a person''s number.


    "Lexi, why are you ignoring me?" Frustrated at the bug in the system that Churu assumed, she was more upset that Lexi was ignoring her as if she wasn''t there.


    ''Everyone is watching me. Don''t worry, we''ll lose themter.'' Lexi responded inwardly as she waited for the call to be picked up by Morris Liu.


    "Ohh¡­" Nodding in understanding, Churu looked around in the small space of the elevator. ncing up, there was a camera above which made Churu fly in front of it. "Lexi, is Ethan dead?" As Churu examined the camera, she asked.


    Lexi''s slightly arched her brow up and pursed her lips. Just then, the line on the other end stopped ringing as it was picked up. "Yes?" greeted Morris Liu with his usual cold tone.


    "I''ll be going today." Without beating around the bush, Lexi said that confused Churu. Her senses were still heightened. Thus, Churu turned her head to Lexi when she heard Morris Liu''s voice.


    Truly, she was a lost dumpling as she could not understand a thing. Neither was Lexi gave her a detailed exnation of the current situation. "Lexi, what''s going on¡­?" Churu sighed heavily.


    ''Sissy, remember the time when we attended Miss Yue''s party?'' Lexi nonchntly strode to her car and asked.


    Churu furrowed her brows as she recalled her memories about what she was referring to. After a beat, memories of that traumatic night Lexi and Ethan Lu experienced shed inside her mind before she nodded her head.


    ''Can you survey the area for me? Just like what you didst time.'' Lexi said, while looking for her keys inside her handbag. Though perplexed at the idea, Churu nodded and flew away while Lexi hitched inside the front passenger.


    As soon as Lexi entered her car, a heavy exhaled escaped from her mouth before she leaned down and opened thepartment, where a burner phone was ced. She picked it up and dialed a number before it rang once and it was answered.


    "Madam, the person you wanted is in custody." A man from the other end immediately reported as the only contact he has in this particr contact number was Lexi.


    "I see. Treat him with extra care ¡ª I''ll meet him tomorrow morning." Lexi sneered as a devious glint shed across her pair of eyes. The moment her orders were given, she heard the loud scream of a man from the other end before she ended the line.


    Lexi returned the burner phone back to thepartment and chuckled as the loud scream from the other end of the line earlier repeated in her head. "Another knight down, Lin." Lexi muttered in a satisfied tone.


    Just then, Churu returned with a frown. "Lexi, I didn''t see anything wrong." Churu surveyed the area multiple times. Unlike back in Seraphina Yue''s event several years ago, Churu didn''t sense any iing danger just like what she assumed what Lexi''s concern.


    "That''s good to hear." Sounding relieved, Lexi smiled before she started the car''s engine.


    "Where are we going?" Satisfied that Lexi''s mood slightly lightened, Churu giddily asked, her hips moved sideways.


    "Home. You haven''t seen the twins, right?" Casting the adorable Churu a side nce, Lexi winked. Churu grinned from ear to ear with the thought of the twins. She nearly forgot that Lexi and Ethan''s love has borne two seeds.


    "Really? Really? OMO! Twins! I want to see them! Also, Mommy Yang and Daddy Yang! I missed them so much!" Churu''s whole white bby body trembled in excitement. She saw Lexi''s smile changed but Churu chose to ignore it as the car started moving.


    "If only they can see you, haha." Lexi humored as she drove to somewhere far away from the city. Churu smiled from ear to ear and asked Lexi about things regarding the twins from time to time. Meanwhile, Lexi patiently answered all her questions including the twins'' name, birthdate, their likes and dislikes, and so on so forth.

 Chapter 507: Chapter 4: years earlier

    <h4>507 4 years earlier</h4>


    It took them two hours before they arrived somewhere Churu was unfamiliar with. Looking around, Churu knitted her brows upon seeing the surrounding. It was peaceful, away from the city, and was surrounded by trees.


    The mild whisper of the wind stroked her cute cheeks, the leaves hummed in sync, and the tree canopies shielded them from the midday sun. Overall, it was a nice ce to unwind as it seemed it was isted from the busy world outside.


    ncing up to the nearby stone stairs where Lexi parked, Churu caught the small tip of a temple. "Lexi, why are we here? Aren''t we going to meet the twins?" Churu asked as she turned to Lexi, who changed her heels intofortable sneakers.


    "They say today is the fourth death anniversary of Ethan." Stretching her lips a little up, Lexi secured her car before a heavy exhale slipped from her mouth. "It''s not true though." Lexi shifted her gaze to the direction where she could see a glimpse of the temple.


    "Let''s go." Lexi invited and began taking stride towards their destination. However, Churu didn''t move a muscle as she remained floating in the same position. "Also, the twins, mom and dad were probably there." She added with a gentle smile.


    "Churu?" Sensing that Churu wasn''t following behind, Lexi turned around and tilted her head to the side. "Something wrong?"


    "Lexi, is he really not dead?" Churu stared at the bitter glint that shed across Lexi''s eyes. Churu had already noticed that something was wrong. She just couldn''t pinpoint it out and her reunion with Lexi distracted her.


    But now, now that Churu got two hours alone time with Lexi and while staring at her more, Churu finally understood what was happening. Hence, she was sorrowful.


    "Of course!" Lexi gritted her teeth, tightening her jaw beneath her cheeks. "He''s there, in the temple."


    "How about the twins? Are you sure they are still alive?" Churu''s eyes dimmed in pity. Upon hearing the audacious question, Lexi scoffed in disbelief as her eyes sharpened.


    "How can I not be sure that my children are still alive? I was with them just a few days ago!" Despite that Lexi was offended on Churu''s remarks, she exined. Searching for her phone, Lexi tapped on it a few times before showing the screen to the flying dumpling. "See! That''s them, alright?! Do you believe me now?"


    Churu stared at the photo Lexi confidently showed. s, that instant, her heart broke to pieces. The pain in her heart was so painful that it rendered her speechless.


    In the photo, Lexi was smiling brightly with two toddler size dolls beside her. What''s more? Churu noticed the individual portrait of Lillian and Frederick Yang in the background. By the looks of it, they also passed.


    Still, what''s more heartbreaking of all was that Lexi believed that they were all alive. Just how much damage had they caused Lexi to leave her state of mind to such extent?


    "Let''s go." Lexi ced her phone back to her pocket before she led the way. Churu just silently followed as she wiped the overflowing liquid falling from her eyes.


    ****


    "Hey, Love¡­" Lexi gently ced her hand onto the man''s bandaged hand as she gently smiled. She lovingly stared at Ethan, who was unrecognizable by all the bandages wrapped in his whole body and face.


    "Mom and Dad were probablyte again but don''t worry, they will arriveter ¡ª for sure." She talked to him as if Ethan Lu was alive, which left Churu''s heart in a state of enormous pain as she bit her lower lip as hard as she could.


    On the way here, Lexi prepared a private facility under the temple where she could hide Ethan Lu''s body. However, just by looking at the pitiful, withering figure of Ethan Lu, Churu was certain that he passed on. The only thing that sustained him was the technology this era could offer, but if one takes those off, Ethan Lu would stop breathing as well.


    So, technically, he was undoubtedly dead.


    "See? Ethan is doing well and recovering. I''m sure he will wake up one of these days." Proud, Lexi nced at Churu before she returned her loving gaze to her husband.


    By the looks of it, Lexi knew about his condition, but she was waiting for an impossible miracle. Or maybe Lexi''s mind had be too messed up that she deluded herself that everything would be fine.


    Churu could only watch Lexi and Ethan Lu''s figure as she slowly drew away from them. She could not bear to watch them any longer, she just couldn''t. Her heart was being pierced every second just seeing them.


    "Yael, why?" When Churu passed through the wall, she mumbled to the nurse outside. "What is this you''re showing me?"


    "This is what will happen to your beloved human if you fail your new task." The male nurse snatched a nce at the sullen demeanor of Churu as she hanged her head low. "And it will not end there because eventually, that Lexi will end up in a psychiatric ward without getting her justice."


    Churu didn''t respond for a while as she processed everything in one go. "Yael,"


    "You know, you''ve been stalling time since earlier. Fortunately, your previous human saved Father hence, he''s giving her special favors." Unaffected to Churu''s gloomy mood, Yael smiled as she stated in a matter-of-fact tone.


    She then snapped her fingers as a shed pierced inside Churu, giving her information about the new tasks. Just as she was about to snap her fingers again to redirect Churu, Yael stopped upon hearing Churu''s whisper.


    "Thank you, Yael."


    "As if a demon is ever sincere." Though surprised that Churu acknowledged her efforts for the first time, Yael humored before she unhesitantly snapped her finger with a genuine smile on her lips.


    ****


    4 YEARS EARLIER.


    Ethan Lu chuckled with the thought of Lyrick Jiang and his worried face. Fortunately, his assistant was a man, or else Lexi would kill him. Once again, Ethan Lu heard the call for the passenger of the flight while he used his passport and ticket as a fan.


    Just as he was on his way, his tracks stopped upon hearing a very unusual minion voice calling his name. Turning to find the source of it, Ethan Lu flinched when Churu suddenly appeared in front of him.

 Chapter 508: Battle of Life System

    <h4>508 Battle of Life System</h4>


    "Ethan Lu, you better not ride that ne if you still want to live!" Churu disregarded the shock she had caused him, as she reminded him like a mad mother.


    Ethan Lu peered at her in disbelief and his eyes scrutinized her small floating figure. "A bun ghost..." He whispered in bafflement as he couldn''t believe in his eyes and ears that a bun was talking to him.


    "Haha! Hahaha!" After a second, Ethan Lu loudlyughed as he looked around. His peals ofughter caught some the attention of passersby as he was acting weird. "Now, I''m reminded that I haven''t eaten anything. Haha! Guess I''m starving that I am seeing a talking dumpling..." Ethan Lu tried to rationalize the reason why he suddenly saw a talking dumpling before he returned his attention to Churu''s direction.


    He thought that he was hallucinating for a moment due to hunger. Hence, he was certain that when he looked at the dumpling''s direction again, Churu would be gone. However, the moment his eyesid on Churu for the second time, he gasped in distress.


    Churu arched her nonexistent brows as she watched him go in denial, and then shock once again took over his face. Understandable because Churu''s first encounter with Ethan Lu was entirely different from how she abruptly appeared in front of him.


    "I''m real, alright?"


    "No way..." Under his breath, Ethan Lu took a step back as his heart pounded to an extent. A dumpling was really talking and... floating! It doesn''t even have wings!


    "Master!" Just then, Ethan Lu snapped from his daze as he heard Lyrick Jiang from a distance. Turning to his assistant''s direction, he knitted his brows as Lyrick Jiang approached.


    "You left this in the car." Relieved as he panted, Lyrick Jiang handed out Ethan Lu''s gifts for Lexi and the twins that he left in the car.


    Actually, he didn''t need to catch up to Ethan Lu as Lyrick Jiang could just bring it with him on his flight. However, he was truly worried and anxious about this flight for some unknown reason.


    "Rick, can you see this?" Ethan Lu nced at the small pouch in Lyrick Jiang''s hand before he looked up. Instead of receiving the present he forgot, he pointed at Churu and asked.


    "Huh?" Lyrick Jiang followed the direction his master was pointing at but he saw nothing.


    "Rick, you really can''t see the dumpling? Is it possible that thest thing you ate wille and hunt you?" Blinking many times, Ethan Lu asked as fear slowly clouded his heart. For a moment, he was thinking that stress was finally taking a toll on him and affecting the tranquility of his mind.


    "Master, are you alright? Should I get you something to eat?" Although confused at the nonsensical query, Lyrick Jiang offered worriedly.


    When Ethan Lu heard it again, he was reminded that he has a flight to return to his beloved family. However, just before he could panic and head to the departure area, Churu spoke.


    "I said you can''t get on the ne if you truly want to return to Lexi in one piece!" Adamant to stop him, Churu flew closer to his face which made him leaned back and step back. "This flight will kill you and everyone that you cared about¡ª do you want that, ha?!"


    *****


    In the end, Ethan Lu had the urge not to listen to the talking dumpling which he still couldn''t believe he was seeing. But, for the sake to calm the cute turned violent dumpling, he listened. Therefore, he decided not to go and dy his flight for the next day.


    Now, back to his hotel room, Ethan Lu sat on the dining table while Churu perched on top of the table. He wasn''t saying anything, neither did Churu utter a word as she let him stare at her for like forever.


    "So, you''re saying that you''re real?" Breaking the silence, Ethan Lu asked.


    "Yes!"


    "And only I can see you?"


    "Yes, chu~."


    "And I''m not crazy or hungry?"


    "You are not and you are." Sounding mature and elegant little dumpling she was, Churu gave a precise answer to his series of questions.


    "Oh god..." In great distress, Ethan Lu heavily sighed as he massaged his aching temples. How could she answer all his questions as if she was truly real?


    How could that be possible? A talking and flying dumpling? Was he dreaming?


    Ethan Lu pinched himself enough to wake him up to this ridiculous dream, he thought he was trapped in. Sadly, he was wide awake and he was in reality.


    "This is impossible... I can''t believe Lexi''s favorite plushy hase to life." Ethan Lu looked at Churu that was followed by a disbelief sigh, then repeat several times.


    Was this because he identally destroyed one of Lexi''s collection that until now, he kept a secret while he sent it away for it to be repaired? Did the plushy eventually die?


    Ethan Lu''s mind was too mind-blown that he has to take other possibilities in ¡ª even if they were ridiculous, he has to look at them to have a logical reason.


    "First of all, I am not a plushy ¡ª I''m a beauty! Second, everything will make sense if you look up!" In a matter-of-fact tone, Churu corrected before giving him instructions for him to understand.


    "What...?" Out of instinct, Ethan Lu looked up before his eyes widened. There, written words floating above him! What the heck?

 Chapter 509: Hold on, Chacha.

    <h4>509 Hold on, Chacha.</h4>


    "Churu... fairy what?!" Upon hearing her cheerful introduction, Ethan Lu''s nose scrunched up. "Fairies don''t look like dumplings! Where''s your butterfly wings?!"


    Ethan Lu''s mind was too muddled that he didn''t know what relevant question that should be asked first. Thus, his first thought was what escaped from his mouth.


    "This¡ª!" Grinding her teeth, Churu had the urge to smack him in the head as his question sounded more as an insult.


    "How dare you insult my beautiful being, hah?! Do you have problems with dumplings?! Wasn''t that your favorite since you always add that dish in every date you had with Lexi?!" Churu protested without a pause as fumes blew out from her little nostrils. "Is this how you treat your savior?!" She added, pointing her tiny forefinger at him.


    "Huh? How did you know that?" Startled at her remarks, Ethan Lu quickly recalled every date he had with Lexi ¡ª from the start until the recent one. He realized that he would purposely order dumplings as he noticed that ever since he met Lexi, she seemed to be in high spirits whenever she sees dumplings.


    He didn''t know the reasons but to him, if Lexi was pleased with it, he would dly add dumplings and enjoy them with her. Still, he was taken aback that Churu had been talking to him as if he knew him for quite some time now.


    "Hah! You don''t know my hard work!" Churu brimmed with pride. It reminded her how she pushed Lexi to him until Lexi epted him in her own ord. "Just so you know, Lexi wouldn''t ept you if not because of me! She wouldn''t even ept your first offer for a noodle dinner if not for me!"


    "Huh?!?" Lost at her statement, Ethan Lu remembered how everything started with Lexi. Therefore, he instantly discerned what she was referring to.


    "What ''huh''? This one and only, and irreceable beauty had been shooting love arrows since day one! And now, I am here to save chuu~!" Churu first pointed at her chest by his thumb with pride. And posed with different poses whileplimenting her wonderful existence.


    "..." Ethan Lu was rendered speechless as he could only watch her poses and listen to whatever she says. Until now, he could not believe that he was literally talking to a dumpling with little arms and feet!


    "While you are speechless with my beauty, I''ll take this time to exin the system inside chu~!" Slowly, Churu flew upward, in a circr motion like a whirlwind with her mini hands wide open.


    "Unlike the otome love system, yours is different. It is called the Battle of Life system and its main task is, charaaan! Your life, of course!" Since Churu''s skills also upgraded, she managed to have a change of clothes and props. Hence, right now, Churu was dressed just like an outdated teacher, with round sses around her eyes, a stick in her hand, and a small ckboard behind.


    "This system is rather easy because you only have one task: not to die chu~! Oops, I mean, it easier said than done~!" Churu giggled at her ownme humor.


    Indeed, Ethan Lu has only one main task and that was for him to live. After all, the consequences when he died was the doom of Lexi and everyone she dearly loved.


    Churu wouldn''t let that happen as they only have this one shot. She wouldn''t let him die though she was slightly sad that she was transferred to be in his side instead of Lexi. Regardless, this was still better than knowing the tragic end of Lexi if Ethan Lu died.


    "Don''t worry~! As long as you have me, I won''t let you die! Chichichi~!"


    "Hold on! Hold on, chacha!" Overwhelmed by the enormous, ridiculous information she had ever heard in his entire life, Ethan Lu run his fingers through his hair several times. His gaze shifted from the context above him and to Churu.


    "You mean system, this system?" Wrapping the information around his head, Ethan Lu raised his hand and tried touching the context above. However, the letters only faded when his hand passed through and then returned afterward.


    "Yes!"


    "And you''re the fairy guide ¡ª you don''t look like a mother though¡ª for... guidance? Like a manual?" Taking it slow, Ethan Lu rified one step at the time.


    "Exactly!"


    "And my task is not to die? Why would I die though?" Confused at the simple yet hard to believe task, Ethan Lu was left more confused. Who would want to die anyway? Of course, he had been doing his best not to die as he has a family to protect. So, what''s the need for it?


    "Oh-hoh, Mr. Host!" Churu scoffed. "Apparently, you would have died earlier if you get on that ne~!" Winking, Churu noted in a matter-of-fact tone. "If you don''t believe me, check the news~!"


    Although Ethan Lu was in doubt, he listened to her. To him, even a slight validation that he was sane, he would do it. Hence, he reached out for the television''s remote control and turned it on.


    "Breaking News! A ne crash in the border of Country M..." The instant Ethan Lu turned on the TV, his eyes widened in disbelief as his heart raced. "In the flight BN XXX..." The report continued with all the details they gathered at the moment.


    "See? Isn''t that the flight you''re supposed to be in~! Aya~! I saved you from burning into a crisp by the skin of my teeth~ oh! I don''t have teeth!" Churu was rolling on the table as she giggled at her own joke.


    "No way..." His eyes were glued on the news report as Ethan Lu had mixed emotions circling inside his heart. He would be one of those passengers if Churu didn''t aggressively bit his nose while sticking her body to his eye¡ª blocking his sight.


    She was too extreme and stressful that Ethan Lu was forced not to fly back today. But now, what she did, was actually to save him?

 Chapter 510: A piece of dough

    <h4>510 A piece of dough</h4>


    "In the flight BN XXX, we are still confirming if the CEO of Lu Corporation was one of the victims..." Ethan Lu, though mortified upon watching the tragic news and hearing his name being dropped, his focus was on the fact that he just escaped death.


    Was he just fortunate and lucky to have a flying dumpling stop him? Was the ident just a coincidence? Was the cause of the deaths of hundreds of people were because of the ne''s engine malfunction or, they were used as mere casualties to conceal whatever shreds of evidence for his death?


    His mind has a series of questions that rendered him speechless. He couldn''t muster any words to say as they were all stuck in his throat. And he could not even care to the giggling dumpling while rolling on the table like a piece of dough.


    Just then, Ethan Lu snapped from his trance as his phone rang. Turning his eyes, searching for his phone, he instantly spotted it and rushed to pick it up ¡ª unable to see the caller.


    "Ethan!" The instant the call was picked up, Lexi''s worried voice came out from the other end. "Love, are you alright?!" She added. By the sound of her voice, Lexi must''ve had heard the news and utter fearced on her tone.


    "Love... yes, I am."


    "Ah, thank God!" Upon hearing his voice, Ethan Lu heard her heave a sigh of relief as if a torn was pluck out from her throat. "God... I thought I lost you." After a beat, Lexi said in between her heavy breaths, her voice cracked as she sniffed.


    Lexi wiped the tears of joy as she never felt this kind of relief in her entire life. At the same time, her tears were mixed with fear of losing her love ones out of blue.


    It was just crazy. Just the thought that she was just talking to him, and then hearing the shocking news after several hours ¡ª how could she keep her heart at bay? She didn''t even know what she would do if Ethan Lu didn''t pick up her call.


    "Me too..." Ethan Lu''s eyes softened as he was relieved to hear Lexi''s voice once again. Simr to her worries, Ethan Lu had the same thought because he would have died if not for the great Churu.


    "Why was your name even on the flight? Didn''t you say you''ll be back in two days?"


    "I just wanted to surprise you ¡ª that''s all. Luckily, something unexpected happened so I failed to board the flight." Ethan Lu smiled a little as another sigh of relief escaped from his mouth.


    ncing at the smug grin on Churu''s face, Ethan Lu cleared his throat. "Anyways Love, as much as I want to talk to you longer, I am currently in the middle of a formal meeting so,"


    "Alright, I understand. I''m just relieved to hear your voice. I also have something to do. I love you." Nodding in understanding, the corner of Lexi''s lips could finally stretch upward, and her pounding heart settled at a stable rate.


    He was never been this grateful to live another day. Sure, Ethan Lu was well-aware that his life might be in danger every day but, today''s example was truly an eye-opener.


    In an instant, it magically changed his views, perception, and matured about valuing his life. He has been too focused on protecting Lexi and everyone he cared about ¡ª slightly neglecting his own security.


    But today, he realized things he couldn''t see or rather, he neglected to take into ount.


    "You''re wee," Just as Ethan Lu ended the call andid his eyes on Churu, the little dumpling magnanimously waved her hands off, even before he could say the word ''thank you''.


    "How did you know that there will be a ne crash? And, what do you want from me?" Ethan Lu solemnly asked as he ced down the phone to the side, ignoring how cute of a dough she was, or how cheerful she looked.


    "Huh?" Churu tilted her head to the side and blinked three times. "I just told you, because I am your reliable guide of the system, and I will certainly make sure you will live." In a matter-of-fact tone, Churu said.


    "If you are having silly thoughts about why I didn''t stop those passengers from boarding, unfortunately, even if I want to heroically inform them that the ne will crash, only you can see me." Guessing one of the heedless thoughts he has in mind, Churu stated. "In simple terms, even if you instantly believed me, no one will believe you and you might ce yourself in a tight position as it will make you a suspect for the ident." Churu shrugged.


    It was a pity that a hundred of lives were on the way to hell or heaven. However, that''s just life. After all, her question before: ''why the creator made them and then let them die'' was never answered.


    "Then, why me? Why do I have the system?" As Ethan Lu listened to Churu''s reasoning, he must admit that she was right. No one would believe him and neither would he believe that he was seeing a dumpling until now.


    Still, although he was emphatic for the passengers'' lives, and felt a little shame to feel relieved that he failed to board the flight, Ethan Lu was intrigued why he was chosen as the system''s host.


    "Why you? Hmm..." Churu pondered on what to answer. "Oh! Want to hear a fun fact?" After a second, Churu''s lightbulb shone as an idea struck her.


    Although she has upgraded skills and additional props, Churu still has some restrictions on the information she must say. Since she could not say that he was chosen to protect the system''s original host, it was not stated that she could not let him see.


    "Fun fact?" Ethan Lu knitted his brows at her sudden offer. He watched him slowly fly, closer and closer to him.


    "Did you know the world was on a pause for 4 years and only resumed earlier?" Churu, who was now several inches away from his face, grinned ¡ª her lips from side to side.

 Chapter 511: L.O.V.E. Ethan Lu~

    <h4>511 L.O.V.E. Ethan Lu~</h4>


    Just as Churu''s bald, soft, and white head collided with his, a chain of events shed before his eyes like a projector summarizing the oue of his death.


    It started from the time the airne experienced abrupt turbulence before if crashed ¡ª having hisst thoughts of his family. Then it skipped to the part where Edward Lu secretly informed Lexi on how he recovered his body and showed her Ethan Lu''sst will ¡ª transferring all his property to Lexi andpany shares to the twins if they reached their right age. Until then, Lexi would be the one who would be the acting CEO.


    It then skipped to Lexi, receiving the news of a car crash of Lillian Yang and Frederick Yang, together with the twins, where the four of them, and several of the nannies and the driver died. Not to mention, Edward Lu also died weeks after the twin''s death.


    And then, another skipped where Lexi was coping with all her losses, denying the series of unfortunate events which eventually made her half sane and insane. Despite that, she remained strong and did her duty as the Lu Corporation head. However, she had gone mad and violent ¡ª crippling everyone who defied the sick family rules and even tainted her own hands with blood.


    It didn''t stop there as he witnessed how Dn Lu hit on his wife ¡ª showing his real colors and desire to get under Lexi''s pants just to mock him.


    Lexi, his poor wife had experienced miserable days after he lost his life on that ne crash. Yet, she remained strong and endured everything, she even made wise decisions despite everything that happened to her.


    For example, she married Morris Liu in papers and if she died, her shares and everything would be transferred to him. Thus, she lived longer for seven years before her mind snapped.


    Ethan Lu vividly witnessed everything, as if he was truly there. An invisible dagger pierced his heart, watching Lexi treat two dolls as her twins, and taking care of his lifeless body.


    It was too painful to watch. The longer he watched them, the more the grip around his heart tightened.


    He screamed and shouted but no one could hear him. He wanted to give his wife a hug and save his twins from the abrupt end of their lives. However, he couldn''t do anything because these were the urrences that happened when he passed on.


    "Love..." Watching Lexi inside a psychiatric ward, pampering two dolls with a bright smile on her face, Ethan Lu whispered as tears slipped from the corner of his eyes.


    "That''s my answer to your question." Suddenly, Churu appeared beside him while she looked at Lexi''s figure. Churu''s memories about this possible oue from what Yael showed hersted until Lexi died at 42.


    Slowly, the surrounding Ethan Lu was seeing vanished and they returned to reality. All the images and scenes he saw only took one minute in the real world.


    Yet, that one minute was pure torture. Ethan Lu felt the most excruciating pain he had ever experienced in his entire life, feeling every deep cut in his still beating heart.


    "You know, there is something wrong with your head if you doubt my credibility." Out of nowhere, Churu broke the silence as Ethan Lu hanged his head low without saying a single word.


    Well, it was not that she was truly thinking that Ethan Lu would doubt the scenes she showed him but, just to make it clear to him.


    "I don''t care." After a minute, Ethan Lu responded. He raised his head and his gaze, zing fire beneath his pair of eyes, met Churu''s.


    "You don''t care, what you don''t care?" Churu frowned, sensing the enormous dark aura emanating within him.


    "I don''t care whether they are true or not. I won''t let them touch even the tip of her hair." A statement full of unbending resolve, Ethan Lu swore while staring at Churu, as if pledging an oath.


    "Oh-hoh~! That''s the spirit chu~!" Churu grinned, seeing how determined he was. With a snap of her fingers, she was now wearing a cheerleader outfit, exposing her bby tummy while holding a pair of pompoms.


    "Go Ethan~! Go Ethan~! Fight for your life~!" Cheering, Churu willingly performed in front of him as she exhibited her jumping skills in the air.


    "Dn..." Fortunately, Ethan Lu ignored Churu''s cheerleading skit as Dn Lu''s face and the way he looked at Lexi shed in his mind.


    Whether the scenes were true or not, Ethan Lu had already taken them into ount and deep down, he believed that they were real.? Hence, he positively perceived that Dn Lu was one of his silent enemies. Now, Ethan Lu wouldn''t just blindly guess.


    "L.O.V.E. Ethan Lu~! Go! go! Ethan Lu~! Battle of life, here we go~! Here, here, here we go~!" Just as Churu was in high spirits as Ethan Lu''s energy affected her, he heard hurried knocks from the door before it opened without permission.


    "Master!!" As soon as Lyrick Jiang intruded inside, he knelt down as he has an emotional breakdown upon hearing the news.


    "Master! I''m so d you postponed your flight!" Crying his heart out, Lyrick Jiang sounded more as if he was grieving for his lost child than being relieved.


    Ethan Lu''s line of thought paused, the corner of his brows uncontrobly twitched. Aside from the cheering dumpling, doing an acrobatic backflip from the surface of the table, and then jumping high up to the ceiling, while screaming "Ethan Lu"; Lyrick Jiang was sobbing while addressing him as Master.


    "Aish, I''m just lucky no need to worry." Forcing a smile, Ethan Lu waved his hands off as he chuckled while shaking his head.

 Chapter 512: Churu is a perver

    <h4>512 Churu is a perver</h4>


    The next day...


    "Ahh... that was a weird dream." Ethan Lu mumbled. He had been awake for almost half an hour and yet, he justy there, staring at the ceiling with his arms open wide.


    Last night, Lyrick Jiang''s emotional breakdownsted for an hour or two. Hence, he has to babysit him until he calmed down.


    Now, Ethan Lu realized the weight of taking care of a troublesome big guy. In short, he somewhat understood what it was to be like in his assistant''s shoes.


    Still, Ethan Lu could not believe that he was talking to a dumpling. The reason why he was contemting about his state of mind.?He thought of reasons why he failed to board the ne despite that he clearly remembered that a dumpling stopped him. Indeed, he was still in denial until now.


    Moreover, he hadn''t seen a dumpling around the moment he woke up. Thus, Ethan Lu was more or less convinced that Churu was just a figment of his imagination.


    "Silly me... of course, it''s impossible to have a talking dump¡ª"


    "Wow~ I can''t believe foreigners are so damn hot~" Just as Ethan Lu chuckled at his "silliness"st night, Churu appeared with a ''poof'' in front of him.


    "Say, can we go to the gym as a reward for helping you~?" Flying closer to him, causing his eyes crossed, Churu suggested with a sly smile on the side of her lips.


    Ethan Lu helplessly closed his eyes as he heavily exhaled. "She real..." He murmured in distress.


    He wasn''t shocked that Churu appeared in front of him and even suggesting a sleazy idea. Perhaps, deep down, he knew that he was seeing a living dumpling and he was just denying it.


    "Did you say... yes~?" Slowly, Churu''s radiance shone brighter as she blinked her eyes numerous times.


    "No," Ethan Lu whispered as he rolled to his side and buried his face on the pillow. "Damn it, she''s real..." He added through his gritted teeth, sounding in great distress.


    "Hey, hey, Ethan Lu~ stop sulking~" Churu bounced, up and down on Ethan Lu''s broad back as sheforted him.


    She must admit though, Ethan Lu was more stubborn, unlike Lexi. Perhaps, it was because she didn''t meet him in the checkpoint where Churu first met Lexi.


    Regardless, how can he be so in denial? And neglect her cute existence?


    "Ah... she''s even jumping on my back." Bearing the same distress tone, Ethan Lu could feel her small little feet and her weight on his back.


    "Sure, you can sulk all day and stay here forever~! Don''t go home and just stay here, sulking until you grow old and die~!" She said, using his back like a trampoline, though in this case, Churu''s body was the reason she was bouncing.


    "Right!" Ethan Lu suddenly raised his head as he recalled that he booked another flight today. Without further ado, Ethan Lu hurriedly sat up, ignoring that there might be a dumpling that would fall.


    "Sorry, Chacha! I forgot my flight is in two hours!" Without looking back on Churu, Ethan Lu hastily took off his t-shirt as he rushed to the bathroom.


    He didn''t really think that Churu would get hurt as she could literally fly. Hence, he didn''t think it would hurt her. Still, for some reason, he got the gist that she was faking it.


    After all, she had been joking andughing at her own jokesst night. Therefore, for an observant person like Ethan Lu, he could more or less gravitate what kind of personality this small dumpling has.


    "Hey, that''s rude!" Upon the shutting of the bathroom door, Churu growled. "How can you only take off your shirt?! If you get undress in front of me, do it all the way~!"


    Of course, her remarks somehow got through the door. Hence, Ethan Lu''s whole body shuddered. ''Pervert!'' was the first word that entered his thought process.


    Another emotion about the dumpling instantly added to his heart: Fear. Not the type of fear that he usually has but the fear that Churu might molest him!


    Not to mention, no one would believe him if that happened. What a poor future for him, but he wouldn''t let that happen¡ª never! He must think of ways to bribe her.


    *****


    "Are you sure I''m safe today?" As he boarded the ne, Ethan Lu asked for the nth time.


    Actually, even if he managed to survive yesterday without Churu''s help, Ethan Lu was certain that it would have an impact on him.


    "Don''t worry~! Didn''t I tell you as long as I''m here, you won''t die?" Flying on his side, Churu made a peace sign, as her almost nonexistent brows yfully moved up and down.


    "Jeez... how can you even do that?" Whispering so he could not catch too much attention, Ethan Lu acted normal as he found his ce to seat.


    "For example, while you were walking your way here, I inspect this specific ne''s engine three times. I even look through the pilots and FA''s background and emotional stability ¡ª even all the passengers!" Like a proud detective, Churu giggled as she stated what she had done in a short amount of time and worked at a supersonic speed.


    Upon hearing her great measures as Churu continued to tattle her merits, Ethan Lu stopped for a moment as he stared at her. He was in awe. She was too detailed and precise; she even did things in a short amount of time.


    Whether she was telling the truth or not, Ethan Lu didn''t even think that she was lying. He didn''t know why but, he actually believed her deep in his heart.


    "So, in short, this flight is very much safe. Even if I happen to overlooked anything, I still have a trump card. Hehe~" With confidence, Churu ended her detailed report.


    "Thank you," Ethan Lu didn''t give any thought of his action and patted her small head that has the same size of his fist. Despite the sudden awkwardness from the gazes around, Ethan Lu just smiled.


    "You know, you can talk to me telepathically..." Churu said as she pursed her lips while her cheek slightly blushed, and her heart heated.

 Chapter 513: Dead mea

    <h4>513 Dead mea</h4>


    Several hourster...


    Lexi paced back and forth as she anxiously waited for Ethan Lu to arrive. Since Ethan Lu informed her that he would be going home today, even though Lexi was worried, she couldn''t even tell if the ne that he would ride would crash or not.


    Therefore, Lexi could only pray tirelessly for his safety. Also, she wanted to see him safe and sound. Still, waiting for only several hours felt forever.


    "Madam, Master''s flight had arrived. You should sit first." Jarred Guo said. He had been watching Lexi walked back and forth, sometimes, looked at the arrival area from time to time.?Hence, he could not bear to watch her any longer as Ethan Lu''snded safely. Moreover, he was already dizzy watching Lexi.


    "Thank God," Lexi heaved a sigh of relief upon the news that the ne where her husband boardednded safely. Even after hearing that her husband wasn''t on board in the ne crash yesterday, she got paranoid about his safety.


    Imagine, she nearly lost her husband! She almost became a widow and her twins nearly lost their father. Thus, how could she sleepst night after having that fear creeping out from her heart?


    Could anyone me her? Not to mention, the whole Lu Corporation was in chaos after the news, and Lexi had to go to the main residence to reassure Grandpa Lu.


    Overall, it was an unpleasant experience. Still, one way or another, Lexi''s maturity blossomed because of that fear. It reminded her of her childishness.


    If Ethan Lu died yesterday, she would regret theirst argument that she caused. If he diedst night, Lexi would have left with many regrets for not spending more time with him, and for not expressing how much she love him.


    There would be a never-ending ''I should have''. Hence, Lexi wanted to prioritize her family ¡ª making them feel her love every second of every day.


    Because life was unpredictable, andst night was a true eye-opener for her to realize that.


    Soon, from the corner of her eyes, Lexi caught Ethan Lu''s figure dragging his luggage. She turned and confirmed that it was truly him.


    Relief, pure bliss, and yearning enveloped her heart in a snap. "Ethan..." she whispered along with a sigh of relief.


    Yet, her eyes stung, causing tears to build up from the side of her eyes as a lump was stuck on her throat. She watched him drew closer and closer to him as her tears blur her vision.


    ''Thank God...'' She thanked internally. Lexi wasn''t a religious person but, sincest night, she got to know how to sincerely pray for her family''s safety and thanked the Absolute One for all the underrated miracles she never noticed.


    The every day miracle of being able to wake up, be with her loved ones, and end the day with them. She had never appreciated it more than she appreciates it now.


    "Jeez, why are you crying?" Ethan Lu stopped two steps away from her, his lips stretched from ear to ear, and his heart warmed up.


    Their reunion was as if they were away for a long time. Though technically, based on Churu''s not so ''fun'' fact, they were away for four years as the world was on a pause for that long.


    Churu never told him the exact reasons but, it wasn''t important because four years was nothing if he could still see his wife and watch the twins grow into great individuals.


    "I''m so d..." In between her hups and sniffing, Lexi wiped her tears that were akin to waterfalls. She didn''t care if her makeup would smudge on her face as she could not stop her tears.


    Ethan''s eyes softened. His wife was crying like a little girl again but, it was undoubtedly tears of joy. "Come here," Slowly, Ethan Lu raised his arm and reached his hand to her shoulder.


    "I''m sorry for worrying you." Ethan Lu gently pulled her into his embrace, and without wasting a second, he wrapped his arms around her while kissing, and sniffing the scent of the top of her head.


    "I''m so happy you''re safe," Feeling this familiar warmth of him, Lexi buried her face on his chest as she cried. Her hand clenched on his shirt, creasing it. Her emotion fromst night just exploded and now, they were all over the ce.


    "I missed you..." Lexi whispered though she could barely speak.


    "Me too, and I''m d to have another day to be with you." Ethan Lu hummed a tune as he rubbed her back. ncing up, Churu was doing her own thing while shaking her booty and giving him thumbs up ¡ª as if telling him good job.


    ''Thank you,'' Ethan Lu internally said again which Churu loudly heard. To him, he owed this little mischievous dumpling because if not for her, Lexi would have to take the path that Churu showed him yesterday.


    He wouldn''t let that happen. He would fight for his life even if it meant being extra ruthless than he already was.


    "Love," Slowly, Ethan Lu held Lexi by her shoulders and he slowly pulled himself away from her.


    Seeing that she still has tears and smudge mascara under her eyes, he chuckled as he wiped her tears. "I don''t know if I can tell you that you don''t have to worry but, I promise I won''t die anytime sooner." Ethan Lu reassured with a meek yet confident smile on his lips.


    "I won''t leave you and the twins. Didn''t I tell you, you''re stuck with me forever? Same goes with me, I am stuck with you forever and I won''t die without your permission." Lexi watched him utter his statements with unbending conviction.


    She nodded as he let him wiped every tears and smudged mascara away. Somehow, his words were akin to a spell that calmed her heart. Most importantly, he''s with her now.


    "You have to stick with your promise or you''re dead meat." Biting her lower lip, Lexi weakly warned out of habit which made Ethan smiled.


    "Huh? Isn''t that what they call double dead? If you didn''t keep your promise, that means you died and because you died, she''ll kill you the second time? Wuuut?!" Upon hearing Lexi''s sentence, Churu who was floating on the side rubbed her chin as she pondered on the situation.

 Chapter 514: Clarification

    <h4>514 rification</h4>


    Memories that were locked, hidden, and buried deep in her mind resurfaced. It started from the beginning when Churu congratted her on her death day as if it was a day to celebrate, and began spouting nonsense.?Her memories with Churu, from the start until the day she vanished right in front of her came fresh, as if everything happened just yesterday.


    Meanwhile, Churu was equally surprised because not just Ethan but also Lexi could see her! She blinked her eyes many times as she was as confused as them due to this unexpected turn.


    If she remembered correctly, only the system''s host could see her. Hence, Churu was slightly sad that Lexi wouldn''t be able to see her even though she would stay on her side for a long time.


    However, who would have thought that Lexi could still see her?


    After a second, Lexi and Ethan Lu slowly turned to look at each other, both were surprised that they looked at the same direction at the same time.


    ''Was it a coincidence?'' They wondered inside their mind.


    "Hello~?" Churu, still in doubt despite that she made eye contact with Lexi, spoke to get their attention.


    Just as expected, Lexi and Ethan Lu wordlessly turned their heads back to her, and then the two looked at each other again as shock slowly crept out from their faces.


    "You can see her?!" Lexi and Ethan Lu asked in unison.


    When Ethan Lu heard the same question that escaped from Lexi''s mouth, he gasped in disbelief. On the other hand, Lexi blinked her eyes as she absorbed this event in her mind.


    "Lexi~!! I missed you~!!" As the two were processing that their other half''s could see this perverted dumpling, Churu was beyond d to know that Lexi could still see her.


    Hence, without further ado, she flew towards Lexi, throwing herself to Lexi as shended on her cheeks and rubbed her cheeks against Lexi''s.


    "What the..." Appalled that Churu and Lexi seemed to know each other, Ethan Lu was rendered speechless.


    Does his wife have a third eye all this time? And he didn''t know? Wow, Lexi was truly amazing that he would never get tired exploring and discovering secrets that lies on her.


    *****


    "So, you are saying that Ethan has a system?" Lexi rified as she needed to know if everything that wasid on the table was true.


    "Yes..." In unison, Ethan Lu and Churu nodded their head. Ethan reclining on the long couch, Lexi on the single-seater sofa, while Churu in the middle of the small round table.


    Earlier, though they were shocked that both husband and wife could see Churu, they decided to talk privately. After all, this matter shouldn''t be discussed in the open, nor it was okay for it to be talked about when other people were around ¡ª that includes their assistants.


    "And you also had a system called, what is it again?" After Lexi, it was Ethan Lu''s turn to ask a question and then turned to Churu who diligently answered without any dy.


    "Otome Love System ¡ª I mentioned it when I exined Battle of Life to you." Churu answered in a matter of fact tone. With that, Ethan Lu recalled that Churu did mention another system''s name that she used topare with his.


    "Otome love... what''s that for?" Ethan Lu knitted his brows as he somehow got the gist of the system was all about: about love of course.


    However, he didn''t want to assume as this whole fiasco was too unpredictable that it was not a good idea to just assume. He needed to hear it straight from Lexi''s mouth.


    Lexi and Churu cast each other a nce before Lexi meekly smiled. Well, since now that Ethan could see Churu, she could exin it to him. Although she was afraid that he might feel a little betrayed after hearing the whole story.


    "Well, remember when Imitted suicide? I died, but didn''t."


    "What?!" Surprised, Ethan Lu gasped. Does that mean Lexi was what? A beautiful and intellectual zombie? An undead?!


    "I know! But, that''s when I received the system and her, as the manual. To make things short, instead ofpletely dying, I didn''t." Lexi jerked her chin to Churu''s direction as she contemted the most precise and shortest exnation. "Unlike Battle of Life, Otome Love System has different tasks to achieve every level¡ª everything, to make you fall for me." Slowly, Lexi raised her eyes to meet his speechless countenance.


    She yed with her fingers because the more she spoke the truth, the more her heart raced. She loves Ethan, yes. However, just the thought that he had been honest to her and yet, Lexi didn''t even mention this to him guilt her.


    "It has these points, perks, and ridiculous task but now that I think about it, all task was for you and me to get closer..." Lexi continued to exin every detail of the so-called system and everything she remembered.


    Although she was hesitant, Lexi trusted him and even if he might get mad, she knew he would eventually understand. Therefore, Lexi didn''t leave anything behind as she came clean.


    "So, that''s the Otome Love System. Iughed at it at first but, I am thankful for it because it led me to you." After some time, Lexi finally finished exining. "No, it didn''t lead me to you but actually, it pushed me to you. It was the type of push that I will always be thankful for."


    A bitter smile formed on her lips as she looked at him, Ethan hanging his head low. She didn''t know what he was thinking nor she was seeing his expression. But one thing was for sure, he was displeased or so Lexi thought.


    "Oy, are you mad?" Churu, who remained silent and let Lexi take the floor, tilted her head to the side as she was slightly worried.


    "Why..." Slowly, Ethan Lu raised his head as he whispered. Both Lexi and Churu gulped a mouthful of saliva. "Why didn''t I have the same system? I want to have the same system where I can see how many allure points I gained and watch my wife fall for me!" Frustrated to the core, Ethan Lu grumbled in distress.

 Chapter 515: Because its You.

    <h4>515 Because it''s You.</h4>


    Both Churu and Lexi were surprised seeing his passionateint regarding the difference between Lexi''s former system and his. Based on his reaction earlier, they were certain that he was disappointed.


    However, by the looks of it, Ethan Lu was displeased at the fact that he didn''t have the same exciting system. Although Battle of Life was what he needed, his wants were that the same Otome Love System.


    "You''re not mad?" Churu innocently blinked her eyes as she asked.


    "Huh? Why would I?" Stopping from his series ofints, Ethan Lu nced at the dumpling perching on the table. "Anyway, good job." Ethan Lu offered his knuckles for a fist bump.


    Though appalled at his reaction, Churu willingly bumped in his fist by hers. Little did she know, Ethan Lu recalled her statement "shooting love arrows since day one" yesterday.


    Hence, Ethan Lu somehow understood Churu''s proud statements yesterday. Nevertheless, he truly owed Churu a lot ¡ª not just because she saved him yesterday but also, for pushing Lexi to him and ying as their cupid.


    "Ethan, are you sure you''re not mad? I mean, I''m not really that honest to you while you''ve been transparent to me ever since." Confused, d, and curious, Lexi muttered.


    If she was in Ethan Lu''s shoes, she probably needed a day to process everything. After all, knowing that she only let him inside her life at first, was because she was forced to do the tasks she needed to aplish.


    "Hmm..." Ethan Lu pondered as he produced a long humming. "If I look at that perspective, it''s quite disappointing. However, my love..." Slowly, Ethan Lu stood as he took light steps towards her.


    cing his palms on the armrest, Ethan Lu leaned down as he drew closer to her. When his face was inches away from hers, he spoke; "Even if you stand naked in front of me, if I don''t like you, I''d never fall for you nor will I ever touch you ¡ª no matter what you do." A sly smirk formed on the side of his lips.


    Lexi could see the cunningness of his eyes and yet, a touch of happiness glinted across his pair of dark eyes.


    "What I''m saying is, the only thing you did for the system is to let me linger around you. The falling in love part, that''s our responsibility. Have I told you the reason why I fell for you?" Ethan Lu tilted his head to the side as he watched Lexi''s front slightly flush ¡ª it was barely noticeable but, after being with her for a long time, he could see through her.


    Even the beat of her heart, Ethan Lu seemed he could hear it. Lexi was good at concealing her emotions with her poker face. But, even if she does let him see her genuine side, only he has the ability to go beyond and feel the sincerity of her soul.


    "Because it''s you." Slowly, his eyes softened as he memorized Lexi''s facial features and thought to spot any difference from their "four years" separation.


    He told her many times, that she couldn''t even count, of how much he loved her. He alreadyplimented her numerous times and even shout how lucky he was being her man.


    However, Lexi never really gave a thought about why does he love her so much. If someone asked why she loved him, perhaps, Lexi would give them a long list that was longer than a novel.


    But Ethan, his answer was short. It has noplicated answer, no long backstories, and longpliments. Yet, that simple three-word response has thousands of untold stories to tell.


    Regardless, everything goes down to "HER".


    Perhaps, his answer was the answer of many couples on why they chose and kept choosing their partners: they would probably also answer the simple "because it''s you," as well.


    "Well, that''s my cue I guess." Sensing the built-up spring on the atmosphere, Churu whistled and with a poof, she disappeared. Still, before Churu left, a satisfied smile form on her lips.


    "How can you be so kind and sweet?" Lexi helplessly sighed as she smiled. "Sometimes, I ask myself if you''re actually real because you''re too good to be true." She humored.


    Her hands slowly reached for his firmed cheeks as she leaned closer. "I can find out, can I?"


    "Hmm," Humming a tune, Ethan Lu voluntarily leaned closer and gently pressed his lips against her.


    It was just a ten seconds peck and yet, both Ethan and Lexi were satisfied with it as his forehead rested on her forehead.


    "Did you find out that I''m an alien?" He humored which made her chuckle.


    "I did." She humored back along with the waves of their lovely chuckles.


    "What? No, I should prove that you''re wrong!" Retracting his head, Ethan Lu grinned and without further ado, he carried her on her waist that made her squeal.


    "No, I''m sure you''re an alien!" In between her peals ofughter, Lexi continued to tease him as both of them crashed to the long sofa.


    Ethan on top of her tickled her as he forced her to take her yful usations back. After a minute, he stopped as he lovingly stared at his wife.


    "Mrs. Lexi Lu, I love you." Out of the blue, he expressed his feelings for her.


    He already said these words as many times he repeated a sentence in his entire life. Each time, the meaning of these three words weigh heavier and deeper ¡ª along with his sincerity to love her for the rest of his life.


    Ethan Lu, he would never get tired of saying it to her and hearing the same words be uttered by her lips. Although at first, he thought that these words were an understatement but actually, the longer he repeated them, the more he understood what it meant to love someone; as well as the responsibility and obligations when you said these words to someone.


    "I love you too, Mr. Ethan Lu." An answer full of affection and sincerity, Lexi responded as she leaned her head forward and ced a peck on his lips.


    Their rtionship and marriage life, it wasn''t perfect¡ª it was actually far from that. They had bad days, a busy schedule to follow, a career to pursue, and so on so forth.


    However, those were all nothing if they were in the right person, right time, and right love.

 Chapter 516: Blackmail

    <h4>516 ckmail</h4>


    Beauty DR HQ: Lexi''s Office


    "I really like this one." Testing out samples for her own cosmetic line, Rika Song pressed her lips together, feeling the texture of the lipstick manufactured by Beauty DR.


    "It''s lightweight, not too dry just enough moisture." She gave out herment before ncing up to Lexi and a smile stretched on her lips. "Bestie, how can I not love you?"


    "Haha, I''m d you liked the samples." Lexi chuckled, satisfied that out of twenty samples, Rika Song approved fifteen. She even gave her honest feedback on it which was a reliable response.


    After all, Rika Song had lived most of her days using different brands of cosmetics. Hence, she practically knew more about it as she was an avid consumer herself.


    "These products can beunch any time, whenever you''re ready. But since your wedding ising, I will suggest we''ll have to wait after your honeymoon." Going down to business, Lexi suggested which Rika Song agreed.


    "Gosh... Bestie, why don''t we have a double wedding?" Rika Song heavily sighed.


    Indeed, she was getting married and she was excited and a little anxious about it. However, now that she thought about it, Lexi and Ethan Lu haven''t yet had a grand wedding.


    Although they were already husband and wife, Rika Song still wanted to see them have a grand wedding just like hers. Moreover, she was displeased that Ethan Lu seemed he had forgotten that Lexi was a woman and a wedding of her dream was necessary.


    "As much as I want to, but, how can I spoil your day? It''s you and Jaime''s big day, and that day will only be about you and your groom." Lexi shrugged which caused Rika to pout her lips.


    "Bestie, when will you get married?" Not pressing on the matter because Lexi made sense, Rika Song asked. "I mean a grand one." She rified.


    "Hmm..." Humming as she pondered, a bright smile stered on Lexi''s face. "No idea!" Without showing a bit of displeasure, Lexi answered.


    To her, whether she got to remarry Ethan Lu or not, does it really matter? They already had the twins and they were already legally married couples in the eyes of thew and God. Therefore, what''s important to her was to nurture the love they had in their home and raise the twins with love.


    "Sometimes, I don''t understand you." Rika Song could only shake her head sideways. "Anyway, I got to go. I will have to pick up Jaime from work." With that said note, Rika Song stood from her seat as she waved her hand off as she left.


    Lexi chuckled as she shook her head sideways. She found Rika Song and Jaime Liao''s rtionship cute. They equally do their duty as partners and they never seemed to give a thought about gender roles.


    "How life surprises us sometimes," Lexi whispered as a subtle smile formed on the side of her lips.


    She hasn''t said this before but, actually, Lexi had always thought that Elliot Gong and Rika Song might end up as lovers. After all, they had this chemistry that one wouldn''t doubt.


    However, ever since Jaime Liao came into the picture, Lexi realized something: the reason why Rika''s past rtionship never worked before... and when it''s time,?love would lead two souls to meet.


    Regardless of how unconventional the situation was or unexpected, nothing could stop them. It could be just the person around you all this time or, a new character that would sweep you off of your feet ¡ª despite the short time you knew the person.


    Just then, Lexi heard her phone vibrate which snapped her from her reverie. ncing at her phoneid on the table along with the sample products, Lexi arched her brows.


    Picking it up, Lexi saw an unknown number yet, instead of ignoring it, she decided to answer the iing call; "Yes?"


    For a moment, only silence came out from the other end of the line until secondster, a man''s voice was heard. "Good day, Miss Yang."


    Lexi arched her brows hearing an unfamiliar caller. But this time, Lexi wasn''t as careless anymore as she stood from her seat and headed to her desk, pressing the telephone that connected to Nico Zhuang''s desk.


    "Who''s this?"


    "Who am I is not important. But, I believe the information I have is." The man from the other end of the call said.


    "Information?" Lexi snorted. "I''m sorry but I don''t have time for people like you." Just as Lexi was about to hang up, the man uttered something that stopped her from dropping the call.


    "Ethan Lu." Just mentioning Ethan Lu''s name, the man knew that Lexi would linger for a while to listen to him. "I have photos of your boyfriend and his mistress."


    "Oh? ckmail?" Lexi arched her brows upon hearing his ridiculous ckmailing. Although she only knew vague details from the system as Ethan Lu and Churu were restricted to give out details, Lexi still understood that people are desperate to get her husband in trouble.


    Still, she wondered why they always targeted her first instead of directly striking Ethan Lu.


    "I sent you a clip and photos. Contact me in this number if you don''t want them to fall in the hands of other people." The man noted before he unhesitatingly ended the call.


    Just then, Lexi received a notification on her email which made her brows crease. But since she could not ask any longer, Lexi headed to her desk and checked the email on herputer.


    The moment she saw the top email in her inbox, she clicked it which revealed the attached files in it. Lexi didn''t waste a second as she clicked on the file and yed it.


    There, right before her eyes, a five-second video of Ethan Lu kissing a woman inside his car. It wasn''t her and since the video was on zoom in, only the car''s windshield could be seen in it. Therefore, although the color of the car and model was the same as Ethan Lu''s, Lexi could not confirm if it was his or not.


    "..." Lexi didn''t say anything for a while as she stared at the video on pause for a while. Only the side profile of the two people, in an intimate act, was seen and yet, the man really resembled her husband.


    Not just that but also the woman in it, Lexi recognized her: Laurel Wang.

 Chapter 517: A mission from Ethan

    <h4>517 A mission from Ethan</h4>


    Ethan Lu leaned his back against the executive chair. He looked at Churu who waszily rolling on the top stack of documents he has to finish.


    "What a boring life..." As Churu interfered with Ethan Lu''s concentration, she shamelessly dawdled before shended on the next pile of documents that were a little lower in level.


    "What do you want me to do, Chacha? I have a family to support." Ethan Lu massaged his temples as he took a break from reviewing each document.


    He was the one doing all the work and yet, by the looks of it, Churu seemed more tired than him. For Pete''s sake! She did nothing but lie there andin!


    "First of all, I''m not Chacha." When Churu lied her back, she turned her head back, which could make her see him from an upside-down perspective. "Second, you have me in your system but, we would die with all these workloads!"


    "Aya, get used to it." Ethan Lu responded to both of her replies. Well, he got used to calling him Chacha just because it sounded cuter. Moreover, he couldn''t just ditch his work just because they were too much.


    After all, he wasn''t the old Ethan Lu that would run away whenever things get tough. Also, thepany that he leads was huge. Hence, he needed to work extra smart and hard than most of the employees.


    Just then, Ethan Lu heard a knock from outside before the door slowly opened, revealing Lyrick Jiang.


    "Master, the initial investigation of the ne crash had shown results and it was due to a technical malfunction. We were still verifying the legitimacy of it." When Lyrick Jiang stood in front of the CEO''s desk, he tipped his sses and reported.


    "Did they epted our help?" Raising his brows, Ethan Lu inquired.


    Although Ethan Lu was safe from that crash, he wanted to know if it was orchestrated or not. After all, Churu was clueless about it since she just arrived when he first encountered her. Thus, she couldn''t tell.


    Furthermore, Ethan Lu needed to make the people behind it pay if it was intentional. His instincts had told him that this wouldn''t be the first one. If he has the system, that meant it wouldn''t stop there.


    At the very least, he somewhat uncovered Dn Lu''s motives. Which to say, Ethan Lu had a lead and could use him to discover more¡ª that includes his aplices.


    "Yes," Nodding his head, Lyrick Jiang''s demeanor was solemn. Upon hearing his master''s suspicions, Lyrick Jiang executed his duty precisely.


    If Ethan Lu was correct, then, Lyrick Jiang would be more merciless as he had already steeled his heart. This attack, whether it was a pure coincidence or intentional, he needed to get to the bottom of it.


    "I see." Ethan Lu offered a meek smile as he nodded in satisfaction. "Anyway, do you have any idea if Uncle Den is in his office?"


    "Alright." Ethan Lu stretched his lips up and nodded. With that, Lyrick Jiang bowed his head and left the office.


    As soon as Lyrick Jiang closed the door, Ethan Lu nced at the rxing dumpling on his desk. "Chacha, did you say you''re bored doing nothing?"


    "No, I am dead bored."


    "Heh, then I''ll give you a mission." Slowly, a cunning smile formed on the side of Ethan Lu''s lips.


    Churu rolled andid in a prone position with her head up, looking at the sly expression stered across his face. Seeing it clearer, her mood gradually brightened up.


    "Can you eavesdrop at my uncles'' office? I wanted to visit him but, I just need to load my guns." Ethan Lu winked and clicked her tongue to the excited dumpling.


    In a blink of an eye, Churu had already had a change of clothes. This time, it''s not an outdated professor or a cheerleader; Churu''s get-up was akin to an assassin.


    More or less, her whole costume seemed to be inspired by a Hollywood movie ck Widow. The only difference was that Churu was still bald which made Ethan Lu''s under eye to twitch.


    "What''s the need for the costume?" Feeling his whole face distorting, Ethan Lu asked. The teacher and cheerleading get up still made her look cute. However, Churu wearing a sexy outfit but failing miserably, Ethan Lu felt bad for her.


    "Because I have a wardrobe!" In a matter of fact tone, Churu shrugged. "Also, it helps me to be in character~" as if Churu haven''t guessed what was inside his mind, she proudly added as her whole figure sparkled with pride.


    "Right, right. His office is not that far from mine so I can still hear you. Just tell me if you heard anything interesting." Ethan Lu sighed heavily while staring at Churu. He decided to let her be to whatever that made her happy and instructed her to the mission he gave out.


    "Aye aye~!" Churu saluted, and with a poof, she was gone.


    Ethan Lu didn''t bother to tell where''s Dennis Lu''s office because Churu made her rounds earlier to safeguard the whole Lu Corporation headquarters. Therefore, she obviously memorized its whole blueprint and each department and offices ¡ª including Dennis Lu''s office.


    "Well, I must admit that she''s too reliable." Ethan Lu sighed once again as he closed the documents he finished earlier. Just then, he heard a notification from his phone which made him nce at him.


    Seeing that Lexi sent him an email, he knitted his brows. After all, Lexi rarely sent him official emails because she would either call or chat with him if she missed him.


    Opening the email, Ethan Lu''s puzzlement grew vivid in his front seeing that she sent him a video file. He yed it and his eyes slowly widened with the short five-second video.


    On the screen, he repeated the video and Ethan Lu gasped. Why does the man on the video look exactly like him?

 Chapter 518: This is not the time to flir

    <h4>518 This is not the time to flir</h4>


    Lexi''s email didn''t have any other message aside from the attached files in it. Hence, without a second dy, Ethan Lu rang up Lexi''s personal phone which was answered almost immediately.


    "Love, why am I kissing another woman?!" Furious, Ethan Lu asked. For a second, Lexi''s brows twitched.


    Why was he asking that if she should be the one who should be asking?


    "Ah no, no, no. It''s not me but why does he look like me?" Ethan Lu shook his head because for a moment, he felt that Churu manifested to him.


    Surely, Churu''s personality was too strong that it corrupted him unknowingly. Regardless, Ethan Lu''s dismay on the damn video for using his face was enough for him to throw a huge fit.


    "I don''t know but it was sent to me as ckmail ¡ª I''m waiting for that person to call again." Ethan Lu heard a disconste sigh from the other end of the line after her reply.


    "Who?" He asked, knitting his brows while his lips curled downward.


    "No idea. Love, I don''t feel good about this." Lexi let out another heavy sigh once again.


    If she received this before that airne crash, Lexi would have had thousands of emotions if she saw the video. However, after everything that happened, Lexi learned to pause first until she could think straight.


    "Hmm?" Upon hearing Lexi''s worried words, Ethan Lu drew his phone away and briefly looked at it before cing the phone back to his ear. "You''re not mad?" He asked.


    Although Ethan Lu''s first two questions were quite ridiculous, still, he instantly realized the heaviness of the situation. After all, Lexi was an emotional person and things like this, it would be impossible if she wasn''t affected by it.


    "Why would I?" Rolling her eyes, Lexi clicked her tongue. "You won''t cheat on me." A statement full of confidence, Lexi responded as she pursed her lips.


    "Eh??" Ethan Lu blushed, as he brightly smiled as if there was no problem at the moment. "Why so?" Suppressing his giggle, Ethan Lu rested his cheek by his palm, waiting for Lexi''s sincere love confession.


    Aya~! How nice would it be if he also had that love system; he would definitely love to hear the ringing bells notifying him his love points.


    "Love, this is not the time to flirt." Lexi rolled her eyes as she could imagine how he must have looked like just by hearing his tone. Thus, although she was worried, her anxious heart rxed a little.


    "Come on, love. Tell me, hehe~" Still carrying the same bright smile, Ethan Lu urged.


    "Well, because you''re simple." Conceding in defeat, Lexi raised her brows as she yed with her pen with her fingers.


    "Ha?" Baffled at the connection, Ethan Lu frowned. Was she teasing him? He was so sure that she would say all kinds of cheesy lines she learned from him.


    Her heart just knew that his eyes and heart only belongs to her and their twins. Just like hers, most of the space in her heart was being upied by her small family.


    "Also, you can''t fight me in court." This time, Lexi humored that was followed by an evilugh.


    When Ethan Lu heard herst remark, he cringed. Well, that was true though ¡ª he couldn''t win against her, not just in court but in everything.


    "*sigh* here I thought, I will be blessed by a heartwarming word." He sighed, yet, his lips curled into a subtle smile. "Love, I''ll deal with him, don''t worry." Going back to the main concern, Ethan Lu reassured her.


    However, Lexi shook her head sideways even though he wasn''t seeing her. "I''ll stall him. I swear, I won''t ce my life in any danger. Just leave him to me, alright?" She offered with confidence.


    Lexi knew that even with Churu''s help, Ethan Lu had a lot of things going on. Hence, he has to look ahead and continue to move forward while she covered his back.


    "Love..." Perhaps, deep down, Ethan Lu had already guessed that she would say this. Yet, he still felt concerned. "Alright, just be careful okay? Don''t meet him, and tell me if you feel ufortable." In the end, Ethan Lu still agreed as he wanted to fully trust her capabilities and her growth.


    "Yes, I promise." d that he understood her heart, Lexi subtly smiled before they exchange ''I love you''s'' and ended the line without any misunderstanding.


    Just as Ethan Lu put down his phone, he heard Churu''s voice rang inside his head. "Actually, listening to how he boosted his ego is more tiring than watching you all day."


    "Have you heard anything interesting?" Replying telepathically, Ethan Lu slowly rose from his seat and began taking strides outside.


    "What kind of interesting are you referring by the way? So far, aside from his hateful remarks to Engr. Choi for meddling too much on the materials for the construction of your branch, and cursing you for your audacity ¡ª nothing much." Bored as hell, the ck widow Churuzily reported while staring at Dennis Lu and then shifted it to the other directors around the table.


    Based on what she heard, Engr. Choi was hired by Ethan Lu, rmended by Lexi as he was the one who renovated Beauty DR''s headquarters. Obviously, since he owed the couples a lot, he does his best to contract great raw materials at a lower price.


    So, it wasn''t a surprise that Dennis Lu''s corruption was affected as he could not have a kickback. Regardless, Churu couldn''t sense or even smell Dennis Lu''s rotten scent. If anything, he just smelled corrupt but not to the extent that he had killed a person.


    ''Will he kill me?'' Ethan Lu solemnly asked. When he passed by Lyrick Jiang''s post, he slightly raised his hand and gestured Lyrick Jiang not to follow him.


    "Yes, he will kill you by his shamelessness!" Well, Churu was already displeased on how hypocrite Dennis Lu just by listening to them for several minutes now. Hence, even though it was unintentional, Dennis Lu could kill her or Churu would silence him herself.

 Chapter 519: Best spy in the world

    <h4>519 Best spy in the world</h4>


    "Director Lu, there are still ways to get rid of that Engr. that master ced as his extra eyes. We just have to be wary for now and wait for the right time to strike." One of the executive directors said, making Edward Lu feel good about himself.


    "Hmmph!" Still displeased, Dennis Lu fumed. "That brat had been acting too cocky! He is lucky that he wasn''t in that ne crash!" He scoffed in dismay.


    Ever since Ethan Lu took over thepany, Edward Lu and his illegal deeds eventually put on a pause. After all, Ethan Lu''s eyes were everywhere.


    He already fired and even pressed charges in many of the employees ¡ª mostly, working under them to embezzle money. Fortunately, Dennis Lu was careful enough not to reveal that he was the mastermind of these corruptions inside the Lu Corporation.


    After all, the money he had been embezzling was small amounts. They were too small that thepany wouldn''t even notice that they''ve been missing money. However, every small transaction, if it happened many times at the same time, it would umte a good amount.


    And all those good days were put on a halt because Ethan Lu would literally kill them if he found out about it. Although they were upset, deep down, they were relieved that Ethan Lu hadn''t caught them red-handed.


    "ne crash? Do you have anything to do with it?" Upon hearing that remark, Churu''s interest was instantly piqued.


    "Indeed, but Director Lu, even if he died in the ne crash, it will not benefit our Lu Corporation."


    "I also heard that even before the official take over, Master had made hisst will. Who knows who would receive all his shares and properties." One after another, each executive director that was inside Dennis Lu''s office dropped theirments about the incident days ago.


    When they heard the news about the said crash, it rmed everyone in the Lu Corporation. Some were truly concerned about Ethan Lu''s safety, others could not be bothered by him as they were more concerned about who would be the next master, and the rest were neutral and just waiting for the confirmation.


    Edward Lu even fainted upon hearing the news. Thus, Lexi had to go to him and reassure him because Ethan Lu''s phone was dead after their short conversation.


    "Huh, even that woman thinks she''s something." Dennis Lu recalled how Lexi acted as if she was officially the Madam of the family that night.


    Just then, without short notice, the door abruptly opened, which startled their fragile hearts. Subconsciously, they turned their heads to the entrance and their eyes widened in disbelief.


    There, Ethan Lu with his hand slid inside his pocket, smirked at them as a greeting. His expression gave off a sign of hearing their conversation, and also not ¡ª it was hard to distinguish! But what''s clear to them was that Ethan Lu was more or less in a good mood.


    "Whose woman?" Ethan Luzily entered the office as he nced at Churu, sitting on top of the table.


    "Woman?" Feigning innocence, Dennis Lu questioned as he automatically stepped aside to give the head seat to Ethan Lu.


    Until now, Dennis Lu hated this every time. However, he couldn''t retaliate without being cautious because deep down, he knew that Ethan Lu was only waiting for him to make a mistake.


    "The woman that thinks she''s something," Churu repeated what she heard which Ethan Lu copied, uttering the same exact words of Churu.


    "The woman that thinks she''s something." The corner of Ethan Lu''s lips curled into a smirk upon witnessing the change in their expression.


    Theirplexion paled, as their eyes dimmed, and they were stunned. This office was soundproof, it was impossible for Ethan Lu to overhear them even if he stayed outside.


    Unless he has nted a bug inside this office! Just that thought that struck them, each of them gasped.


    They mostly talked about confidential matters inside this office. Hence, Dennis Lu had always had someone to check this office to make sure it was a safe ce.


    So, when did he put a bug in his office? Did he do it after the cleaning? Before? Or during? No one knows. Little did they know, Ethan Lu didn''t need those things because he has the best spy in the entire world: a dumpling named Churu.


    "M-master¡ª"


    "Whatever." Just as Dennis Lu stuttered, Ethan Lu waved his hands off and shrug the matter off. "Anyway, if Uncle can make time for me, I would like to discuss an important matter... privately." Ethan Lu scanned each old geezer''s faces with a smile.


    "Of course, yes, master. We can discuss our concern at some other time." One of the directors awkwardly chuckled before the other''s remarks followed it.


    With that said note, they stood from the seat and bowed at Ethan Lu, giving respect to their master before taking their leave in silence. Still, as they left, Ethan Lu discerned the obvious worry on their faces which made him and Churu smirk.


    "Master, what is it that we need to discuss that you bothered to visit my office?" Anxious, Dennis Lu''s heart raced a little. Thest time Ethan Lu had his eyes on him, it cost his son''s leg. Hence, Dn Lu limped when he walks because he was beaten mercilessly.


    Damn family rules.


    "Mhmm..." Ethan Lu rubbed his chin as he pondered where to start. "Recently, I caught someone that threatened my wife." Setting his eyes on the clueless Dennis Lu, Ethan let out a sigh.


    "What''s that got to do with me?" Knitting his brows, Dennis Lu sensed that where Ethan Lu was going would be either bad or worse for him.


    "Because he revealed something interesting." Ethan Lu chuckled, seeing that his poor ambitious uncle was being used as cannon fodder without realizing it. "Any idea who hired him?" Tilting his head to the side, Ethan asked.


    Dennis Lu remained silent as he contemted if he was suspecting him or not. It was hard to tell just by looking at Ethan Lu''s deceiving expression.


    "Rowan Go." Ethan Lu brightly grinned, as he uttered Dennis Lu''s assistant''s name who was just outside this office, clueless about the talk inside the four corners of the room.

 Chapter 520: A nephews advice

    <h4>520 A nephew''s advice</h4>


    When Dennis Lu heard his trusted assistant''s name, his brows knitted even more. Rowan Go was someone he truly trusted in many things. Hence, that just meant that this assistant of his was worthy of his trust ¡ª even entrusting important, illegal transactions with him.


    But one thing that Dennis Lu was certain, was that Rowan Go only made action under his orders. Hence, does Ethan Lu implied that he was connected to threatening Lexi?


    A frown formed on Dennis Lu''s lips, "Master, what are you implying? I am not involved with it and I''m sure someone is framing my assistant and me!" Although Dennis Lu knew it was futile to deny the false usations that were being thrown at him, he still defended himself.


    "Do you have evidence to prove your innocence, Uncle?" Ethan Lu furrowed his brows as he watched Dennis Lu''s front gets ugly by the second. He then showed his phone and after several taps, a voice recording began ying, resounding across the room.


    Based on the recording, it seemed that it was a recorded conversation of two men. Upon hearing the first man, Dennis Lu''s forehead wrinkled, his frown getting worse. He recognized the other person''s voice; it was undoubtedly Rowan Go.


    [ "Did you do what I told you to do?"


    "Yes," David Choi, the person that threatened Lexi and received a sweet, nice beating from Ethan Lu stuttered. Still, despite that his voice was shaky, Rowan Go ignored it. "Sir, who is this Miss Yang you asked me to call? Are you sure she''s just a normal madam?" He added since he was told to talk to him as if there were no people recording their conversation.


    David Choi was promised that if he cooperated, Ethan Lu might withdraw other charges against him. It wasn''t specified what charges exactly, but he doesn''t have that many choices, does he? Hence, if it meant lessening his punishment, David Choi obeyed Ethan Lu''s orders.


    "Don''t ask questions. Send your resignation tomorrow and leave the country for now." Without giving him any hints, Rowan Go nklymanded without a pause.


    "But ¡ª"


    "It''s for your own good. I will send you your payment for that and also rmend you to a goodpany." Rowan Go didn''t give David Choi the chance to refuse as he resumed on his instructions. "Remember, this never happened." After giving out his orders, Rowan Go remarked, his tone sounded firm and threatening in a way.


    Dennis and Ethan Lu only heard silence from the recording audio for a minute. It rendered David Choi speechless that he was being disposed of after they used him to offend the people he mustn''t touch.


    Granted that the offer of giving him his fee and even a rmendation to a newpany sounded good, however, would he start another upation with his age? He worked hard for years to reach wherever he was. But, because of his greed, he got involved in a shady operation inside the Lu Corporation.


    "Alright, sir." David Choi finally spoke and agreed to his demands before the recording stopped. ]


    "Well?" After some time, Ethan Lu broke the silence as Dennis Lu never uttered a word after hearing the whole recording. He has to take his time to absorb everything and think of Ethan Lu''s intention.


    "Master, I''m sorry but I don''t understand what do you want with me. Although the person sounded like Mr. Go, how can I know if it''s legit or not?" Since Dennis Lu''s life was also ced on the line because Rowan Go was working under him, and it would only make sense if Dennis Lu was the mastermind ¡ª at the very least, that''s what everyone would think.


    "Want with you?" Ethan Lunguidly leaned his back, cing his leg over the other as Churu flew and sat on hisp. "Uncle, you know that you''d be in trouble whether or not you''re involved¡­ why bother about its legitimacy?" Smiling, Ethan Lu was unusually calm.


    "Uncle, when did you think I got this? Just now?" Tilting his head to the side, he asked. "No, it''s been a week or so, but why didn''t I take action?" Ethan Lu answered his own question and then dropped another question since Dennis Lu and his dumb mind couldn''t process everything.


    "Ethan, what do you want?" He solemnly asked once again as he stared at the sly pair of eyes staring back at him.


    In Dennis Lu''s understanding, Ethan Lu was solely targeting him. Whether Rowan Go made a move on his own or not ¡ª it would still impact him regardless. To him, this was probably the mistake that Ethan Lu had been waiting for to happen.


    "Hmm, let''s see¡­" Ethan Lu rubbed his chin as he pondered.


    "Ask him to eat a truck of sh*t~!" As Ethan Lu contemted how to word his demands, Churu suggested as a mischievous grin formed on her lips. "Or, make him do a thousand push-ups without rest~!" Churu''s sadistic remarks made Ethan Lu''s brows subconsciously twitch.


    ''Chacha, keep quiet, alright? I don''t n on murdering him.'' He responded inside his head. Although Ethan Lu disliked this Uncle of his, for some reason, aside from his greediness and ambition to be on the top, those were already his worst traits Ethan Lu could see in him.


    Still, just like in the phrase: Blood runs thicker than water, Ethan Lu was still lenient to him. After all, he was just a mean old man, but that''s just about it. At the very least, aside from making unnecessary trouble for Ethan Lu, Dennis Lu never tried to go to his bottom line as to drag Lexi with it.


    "Why don''t you visit the temple and reflect?" Ethan Lu returned his gaze to the anxious and solemn Dennis Lu before he grinned. He then began assisting himself to stand and dusted off his office. As he does so, Ethan Lu spoke. "You know Uncle, although you''ve been very careful, did you really think I wouldn''t know everything that''s happening in my territory?"


    Dennis Lu could only listen and watched Ethan Lu dust off his suit before he fixed his posture. For some reason, Dennis Lu could not muster the strength to stand up upon hearing Ethan Lu''sst remarks.


    "Take my advice while I am being lenient. Don''t disappoint Grandpa even further."

 Chapter 521: The Lus favorite son

    <h4>521 The Lu''s favorite son</h4>


    "Are you sure you''ll just let him be?" Churu asked as she followed Ethan Lu back to his office.


    "Hmm," He hummed a tune as he smiled to the bowing employees that he passed by. ''That''s enough for him today.'' He added in his mind.


    The sole reason Ethan Lu dropped by at Dennis Lu''s office was to let him know that he too was being targeted. Not to mention, Dn Lu, Dennis Lu''s son, seemed to be involved in it.


    Therefore, Ethan Lu had to prepare Dennis Lu for what''s ahead of them. After all, he wouldn''t let everything slip ¡ª especially if they kept on dragging Lexi in it.


    And by meeting Dennis Lu, he would surely realize that; that he was being used as cannon fodder, and whoever was involved in it, had touched Ethan Lu''s bottom line.


    "Even if he stole money from you?" Churu could not understand how Ethan Lu''s mind works. He surely knew what was Dennis Lu had been doing and yet, he hadn''t touched him. Instead, Ethan Lu''s action was merely to put a stop to his uncle''s operation.


    ''I''m giving him to Grandpa. He''ll handle his favorite son himself.'' Ethan Lu replied through his mind.


    Indeed, if it wasn''t for Edward Lu, he would have given Dennis Lu the torture of his life that he would not forget. However, since Edward Lu asked him a favor, how could he reject it?


    Thus, he had been lenient and turned a blind eye most of the time. But, if he wanted to, he had exposed Dennis Lu for a long time.


    Soon, Churu and Ethan Lu arrived at the floor where his office located. However, instead of going straight to his office, Ethan Lu went directly to Lyrick Jiang''s post.


    "Yo," Ethan Lu knocked on the assistant''s table, snapping him out from his working rhythm.


    "Master!" Lyrick Jiang jolted from his seat. He was too immense working on a document that he didn''t notice Ethan Lu''s presence.


    "Aren''t you working hard?" Smiling from ear to ear, Ethan Lu teased. "Anyway, can you arrange a meeting with Miss Wang? Preferably, today."


    "Miss Wang?" Lyrick Jiang''s brows slightly furrowed. He didn''t like that woman.


    Lyrick Jiang was never this annoyed to a woman, but to this senator''s daughter, he was. He could tell that Laurel Wang was interested in his master.


    After all, the way Laurel Wang interacted with him and the way she looked at Ethan Lu, it was no doubt that she liked him. Hence, if Lyrick Jiang could sense it, Ethan Lu must''ve sensed it as well.


    Therefore, Ethan Lu had confronted her by telling her to keep her distance as he already has someone. Fortunately, Laurel Wang seemed to be someone rational because she kept her distance from Ethan Lu.


    But now, why does Ethan Lu wanted him to arrange a meeting with Laurel Wang? If he remembered correctly, Ethan Lu''s formal affairs with Laurel Wang was near its end. Hence, there shouldn''t be any major matter to discuss.


    Ethan Lu understood Lyrick Jiang''s train of thoughts more than anyone. Hence, to give him peace of mind, Ethan Lu has to say hisst remark.


    "Who is Miss Wang? Who is that~?" Confused, Churu wrinkled her spotless forehead as she tilted her head to the side. Since she was gone when Lexi called earlier, and she returned to the heavenly realm when Ethan Lu officially took over the Lu Corporation, this name was new to her.


    ''A woman that someone looked like me is kissing.'' Ethan Lu answered without a pause, throwing Churu to a pool of confusion.


    ''What?! Kissing?!''


    "Chacha, your spying mission isn''t done yet because..." As soon as Ethan Lu closed the door behind him, he ignored Churu''s question and immediately headed to his desk.


    Ethan Lu then picked up a spare phone inside the drawer. Upon turning it on, messages came flooding its inbox.


    Meanwhile, Churu was curious thus, she flew closer to the phone and read the short message that came from the contact name Lou. The message Churu read was just a single capital letter "K"


    "You have to follow him." Just then, Ethan Lu nced at Churu and gave out her next mission.


    "You mean, Louis Lu?" Knitting her nonexistent brows, Churu narrowed her eyes as she stared back. Of course, she remembered him, the weird cousin of Ethan Lu.


    It was then the time when Churu bid her goodbye to Lexi when Louis Lu''s character came into the picture. Seeing that Lexi and Ethan Lu were doing well, Churu assumed that that suspicious cousin wasn''t bad news.


    "You know him?"


    "Duh? I''m Lexi''s former guide." In a matter-of-fact tone, Churu rolled her eyes. "What about him?"


    "He''ll lead you to someone, someone whose real colors I haven''t seen." Upon uttering those words, Ethan Lu''s grip onto the phone tightened.


    Deep down, his instinct told him that there was something with Lincoln Lu that more than meets the eye. He doesn''t know exactly but, Ethan Lu''s instincts were always right.


    He already had this thought in mind for a long time. However, Ethan Lu didn''t know how to expose his real colors as he was more discreet than anyone. But now that he has Churu, Ethan Lu finally has a way to see deeper.


    "Okie doks~" Churu shrugged her shoulders. "Just don''t get in trouble while I''m away ¡ª remember, BOL." Raising her tiny finger up, Churu reminded.


    "Mhmm... the battle of life." Ethan Lu nodded his head in understanding before returning his attention back to this boring paperwork.


    His enemies wereing from left and right. Fortunately, he had an added ally which was ten times more reliable than anyone, even better than him.


    Therefore, Ethan Lu mustn''t waste time as he needed to step in his game. Or else, not just him, but everybody he held dearly would fall to his enemies trap.

 Chapter 522: Nico is worth it!

    <h4>522 Nico is worth it!</h4>


    Meanwhile, in Beauty DR main headquarters...


    Lexi could not focus anymore after seeing the video. Although she already confirmed to her husband that the man wasn''t him - and she trusted him a hundred percent, it still bothered Lexi.


    "Laurel Wang..." Lexi whispered the woman''s name. She never realized it until today that that woman had this inexplicable aura back in Ethan Lu''s event.


    The way Laurel Wang looked at her husband and acted as if she was privileged to be treated differently by him... Lexi didn''t notice it back then. But now that she refreshed her memory, it came differently to her.


    It was no doubt Laurel Wang''s eyes bore covetous intentions. Lexi knew, because once in her life, she bore those very eyes.


    Back when she was dead in love with Morris Liu ¡ª the man she thought that she owned. The time when she eyed Mia Chen as someone who couldn''t stand on the same ground as hers, and someone undeserving with Morris Liu''s affection.


    Therefore, Lexi''s concern heightened. A woman with that kind of strong belief was dangerous. She felt that she could do anything in the name of love ¡ª even doing extreme measures to attain her objectives.


    "Nico, can you find out Laurel Wang''s schedule? The senator''s daughter." Lexi pressed the telephone that connected to Nico Zhuang''s post, and she ordered.


    Nico Zhuang, although baffled by the sudden requests, responded with a stern "alright,". Since he has ess to Lu Corporation intelligence, knowing this would be an easy task.


    However, Nico Zhuang was intrigued. He heard one or two things about this senator''s daughter from Lyrick Jiang. Well, Ethan Lu''s assistant often shared gossip with them in spite of not asking him.


    Still, whether or not Nico Zhuang wanted it, the information registered in his mind. Therefore, he somehow got the gist of it. But why so sudden?


    Regardless of the questions in his mind, Nico Zhuang paused all works rted to Beauty DR and executed to find out Laurel Wang''s schedule. Not just that, but also, he contacted few members of his squad to confirm the said woman''s location.


    Surely, the raise he received from Lexi was all worth it. Nico Zhuang was WORTH IT!


    ****


    Hourster...


    "Madam," Nico Zhuang meekly called out as he nced on Lexi''s back. Currently, Lexi was shopping right after they left the office.


    Sure, he knew why they were here. After all, Laurel Wang was scheduled to have attended a dinner in one of these fancy restaurants. However, his concern was that Lexi seemed to enjoy shopping ¡ª forgetting the reasons why they were there.


    "Follow me," Ignoring him, Lexi nearly skipped her steps towards the luxury retail jewelry shop. Nico could only let out a faint sigh as he followed the gleeful young madam while he carried several boxes in different sizes.


    "New collection?" Giving thedy a side nce, Lexi smiled as she turned her pair of sparkling eyes and paced towards the ss disy cab.


    "Yes," Thedy offered a warm smile as she assisted Lexi. Since Lexi was still famous and whenever she would make a public appearance, Lexi would still make it to the headlines ¡ª the salesperson treated Lexi with high regard.


    Although there had been rumors that were still left unanswered regarding her love life, the sales representative remained professional.


    "This looks pretty..." Stopping at a particr ss disy cab, Lexi caressed the ss as if stroking the white gold floral ne that has a diamond pendant.


    Thedy smiled, "You have great eyes, Miss Yang." However, right after, her smile slowly vanished and was reced by an apologetic frown. "But a client already reserved it."


    "That''s sad to hear," Lexi still offered her an understanding smile, showing she wasn''t displeased.


    Well, it was her fault for not making an appointment here. Fortunately, they still epted walk-in clients as the owner of the shop has her reasons ¡ª which Lexi was uninterested about.


    Seeing that Lexi wasn''t displeased and still looked at the other disy, thedy sighed in relief. After all, it was her fault for not pulling the disy out earlier today.


    With that, thedy prompted to pull out the disy to not cause a problem, if other clients that might take a liking on it. It would be a huge problem, especially with their elites client who has the wealth to unt.


    However, just as she carefully withdrew the said jewelry piece, a loud voice of a woman caught her and Lexi''s attention.


    "Hey! What are you doing?!" Ste Du stomped her way towards Lexi''s standpoint, altering her gaze from Lexi to the sales representative when she stopped ¡ª her hands on her waist as her brow arched at its peak.


    In her perspective, the clerk would let Lexi try the luxury piece, although it was already reserved by someone else.


    "N¡ªno, ma''am. I¡ª" Upon seeing Ste Du''s infuriated front, thedy clerk stuttered but was interrupted midway.


    "What? I caught you in the act! Where''s your manager?!" Sounding as if theymitted a grave crime, Ste Du went hysterical.


    Meanwhile, Nico Zhuang who was resting on one lounge darted his eyes from Lexi to the woman walking behind Ste Du, Laurel Wang. He studied Lexi''s unsurprised side profile, and then it came to him that Lexi expected this.


    But how?


    "Miss Du, you''re as lively as ever." Lexi sweetly smiled at the fuming Ste Du. She then nced at the noble mien of Laurel Wang as thetter ced her gentle hand on Ste Du''s shoulder.


    "Ste," Laurel Wang softly called, and she mildly shook her head. "I am sure there has to be a misunderstanding here." As expected from a politician''s daughter, and government personnel, Laurel Wang was a humble, understanding person... or so, what she was portraying.


    "Hmph! You are lucky Miss Wang is kind!" Calming down a little, Ste Du spat and red at thedy clerk before she scoffed at the sight of Lexi.


    "Miss Yang, it''s a pleasure to meet you here." Laurel Wang then shifted her gaze to the smiling eyes of Lexi. She smiled gently as if she was more motherly than mother earth.


    "Me too," Lexi responded sweetly, they could not see a stain of negativity in her eyes.

 Chapter 523: Ethans mistress?

    <h4>523 Ethan''s mistress?</h4>


    "I see Miss Yang is here to look for a jewelry piece?" Bearing a magnanimous tone, Laurel Wang smiled.


    "No, I am looking for a pair of socks." Slowly, Lexi''s lips stretched from ear to ear as she humored. "Kidding, obviously I am." Although she was the only one who found her joke funny, Lexi still chuckled as she nced at the jewelry disy.


    "Hey, Lexi Yang! This is not a ce for you to act high and mighty. Keep your manners in ce!" Ste Du ground her teeth as she scorned, displeased at Lexi''s obvious sarcasm.


    "I am just sharing my liberties with Miss Wang. I didn''t think you''d mind such a harmless joke." Lexi marginally raised her brows and stared at Laurel Wang,pletely ignoring the bbering Ste Du.


    "Did I offend you, Miss Wang?" Tilting her head to the side, Lexi harmlessly inquired which Laurel Wang answered by a warm smile.


    "Of course not." Laurel Wang mildly shook her head sideways before taking a step forward, stopping at Lexi''s side while her gaze on the piece of jewelry in the clerk''s hands.


    "Miss Yang, will you mind if I ask you to apany me for a while? You see, I am the client who reserved this ne so..." Just as Laurel Wang could finish her sentence, Lexi gave her an immediate "Sure," reply.


    With that, even though Ste Du hated the idea of Lexi tagging along with Laurel Wang, she didn''tin. After all, Laurel Wang was the one who invited Lexi, which Lexi shamelessly epted, knowing she was just being asked out of politeness.


    Hence, the three were assisted by the manager in their VIP rooms. As expected of a luxury retail shop, the room didn''t disappoint them.


    By the looks of it, Ste Du and Laurel Wang were regr clients in this ce. On the other hand, Lexi was considered new.


    After all, Lexi had stopped shopping for herself because she has a husband that shopped for her in his own volition ¡ª his way of spoiling her on top of showering her with love. Not to mention, her parents- and grandfather-inw had taken up the obligation for shopping for the twins.


    Therefore, Lexi, though a little ashamed, the gifts she bought for the twins could be counted by her fingers. Still, she would rather save her money for the twins'' future than go on a shopping spree since the twins had enough supplies.


    Surely, being a mother changed her perspective on so many things, including the way she spent her money, and so on, so forth.


    "What do you think, Miss Yang?" Staring at the mirror, a satisfied smile formed on the side of Laurel Wang''s lips. The ne suited her fairplexion, showcasing her slender neck and corbones.


    "It looks good," Leximented genuinely. It looked good on her, as if they customized it for her to wear. Hence, Lexi didn''t have to lie about it.


    "But Sister Laurel..." Obviously against about the idea, Ste Du frowned. In her eyes, Laurel Wang was too kind that she was being taken advantage by it.


    After her humiliation back in Ethan Lu''s event, Ste Du held a grudge on Lexi, especially to that pampered Evelyn Lu. Fortunately, Laurel Wang was there to save her and the whole Du family from being crushed by the Lu family.


    Therefore, she owed Laurel Wang a huge one. The reason she always tagged along with her and even curry favor to her, to be her friend and also to benefit from the Wang family influence.


    After all, Laurel Wang''s father was a senator. Or to be exact, the whole Wang n was in the line of politics. Thus, being friends with Laurel Wang out of the blue was one of Ste Du''s achievements ¡ª absolving her from her father''s wrath for almost angering Ethan Lu.


    "No, it''s fine." Lexi faintly chuckled as she waved her hand. "It is indeed pretty but, I don''t have the intention to covet things from others, Miss Wang," Lexi exined in a low, understanding tone. She specifically used the word ''covet'', giving another meaning to her statement.


    "Besides, it''s just a piece of jewelry, not a person," Lexi added, still bore the smile on her lips but Laurel Wang''s brow slightly twitched, understanding what she was referring to.


    "Can you leave us alone for a moment?" Laurel Wang turned to the puzzled Ste Du and then shifted her gaze to the manager.


    "Sure, Miss Wang." The manager courtly abided without question. On the other hand, Ste Du''s sullen mood grew worse as it showed on her face.


    "Ste, will you?" Still sounding gentle, Laurel Wang inquired yet, it was more like an instruction instead of cajoling.


    "Alright," Though disappointed by the sudden call for privacy, Ste Du obediently abided and dragged her feet out of the VIP room.


    Soon, the room was filled with nothing but silence. Lexi was calm as she sipped a cup of tea while Laurel Wang arched her brows when Ste Du closed the door.


    "Miss Yang, I see that you want to talk to me about something? Although, I must admit that I don''t know if I deserve your poor treatment." Laurel Wang confronted. Her tone sounded the same, yet her aura was entirely different from earlier.


    Lexi just arched her brows as she picked up a small envelope from her handbag. She then tossed it on the table, in front of her, as Lexi gestured for her to see it for herself.


    Knitting her brows, Laurel Wang slowly reached for the envelope and opened it. It only took her several slow seconds for the pictures ¡ª from the clip, Lexi received earlier ¡ª graced the eyes of the woman.


    "Miss Wang, are you my Ethan''s mistress?" Lexi''s lips curled into a scornful smirk, deliberately using the word mistress for a better result.

 Chapter 524: Fifty million

    <h4>524 Fifty million</h4>


    Laurel Wang''s hand trembled, almost crumpling the photos in her hand. It quite surprised Lexi that her reaction seemed she was truly shocked ¡ª as if she was exposed about something really bad.


    "Hmm?" Yet, Lexi resumed on her instigation as her right brow arched.


    "N-no," Laurel Wang stuttered, unable to raise her gaze to meet Lexi''s pair of piercing eyes.


    "Then, exin." Cold, devoid of emotions, Lexi ordered. "Why are your faces in there?" Pushing it to reality, Lexi''s jaw clenched.


    "Miss Yang, I don''t know. We can''t conclude if these are even real." Mustering her courage, Laurel Wang balled her hand on herp.


    These photos shouldn''t be in Lexi''s possession. If anything, it should be released in public without short notice. That was the talk she had with Dn Lu ¡ª make a sudden scandal, including her and Ethan Lu.


    True, it would affect her name if that happened. However, her feelings towards him, after spending more time with him, grew deeper.


    It was just an initial deep attraction at first but, the more she knew him, the more her feelings developed. He was just too manly and gentle.


    Laurel Wang knew deep down that he was just a nice guy. Despite that, she still deluded herself that she was being treated differently ¡ª that Ethan Lu had felt something, even just a tiny bit, for her.


    "That''s true," Nodding in understanding, Lexi calmly responded. "But, if there''s smoke, there''s fire. Miss Laurel Wang, if you don''t want these photos to be released, tell me the truth!" Yet, Lexi''s tone wasmanding, making Laurel Wang would wonder what''s her action afterward.


    Hence, Laurel Wang remained silent. She said nothing as she hanged her head down, staring at the photo where she made out to someone who looked exactly like Ethan Lu.


    These photos were real and even if someone sent it to the most skilled tech, the result would not change: the photos were not edited.


    It was Dn Lu''s idea as he didn''t want to overlook any mishap with their ns. Thus, after numerous persuasion, Laurel Wang finally agreed to act with a man that looked like Ethan Lu.


    However, who would have thought that she would be carried away and actually make out with him? Perhaps it was the few shots of alcohol or the suppressed desire that her feelings exploded while acting with Ethan Lu''s look-alike.


    Laurel Wang gravitated Lexi''s aura, pondering the pros and cons of her answer. After all, if Laurel Wang admitted it, there was a fifty-fifty chance that Lexi would confront him, or just break up with him without exnation.


    Recalling Lexi''s history and how she dealt with Morris Liu and Mia Chen, Laurel Wang swallowed a mouthful of saliva. She then courageously raised her head up, meeting Lexi''s cold eyes.


    "Me and Ethan... Lexi, I''m sorry." Starting her second remark, Laurel Wang truly epted her role as she knelt down in front of her.


    ''Shameless,'' Lexi scorned inwardly while looking down on the woman.


    Fortunately, this happened after Churu''seback or else, Lexi would have taken this matter in a different take. After all, she has the habit of being overly emotional, repelling all rational exnations.


    "Sorry?" Although Lexi''s tone was still cold, Laurel Wang was certain that she was sensing the suppressed emotion in her heart. Therefore, every word that came out from Lexi''s mouth were perceived as real.


    "I don''t want those photos released. I promise I will distance myself ¡ª though it will hurt. Just..." Laurel Wang''s words trailed off as she choked, akin to a martyr lover.


    Seeing her act as if she was a damsel in distress, the legal wife, and the original, it irked Lexi to the core. She nearly prayed to the almighty God to keep her in the right path or else she mightmit murder at this disgusting human being.


    Just then, Lexi felt her phone vibrated from inside her handbag. Letting her continue to kneel, Lexinguidly picked her phone up.


    It only took a nce at the caller ID to know who it was: the ckmailer. Perfect timing.


    "Twenty million." As soon as the line connected, Lexi offered without batting an eye. For several seconds, silence was the only sound that could be heard on the line.


    "Thirty," Since the man didn''t respond, Lexi raised her offer.


    "Forty," Still no response, Lexi raised her offer once again. She didn''t hesitate to raise her offer nor did she showed any pang just the thought of shelling out that huge money.


    "Fifty million in exchange for all the evidence of their adultery. Take it or leave it." Lexi offered onest time, without a second thought.


    Once again, silence came from the other end of the line for a minute. Just as Lexi was about to hang up, she heard him respond with ''OK''.


    "Don''t make any copies or else, you''ll have to face the Wang''s wrath."


    "Huh, whatever. I got my money ¡ª I''ll send you instructionster." The man yfully scoffed before cutting the line short.


    "You hear that, Miss Wang? Fifty million if you''re truly sorry to me and love him ¡ª I prepared you a good deal. I''m sure Ethan will appreciate your efforts." Unaffected by it, Lexi slowly stood from her seat with confidence.


    She could see that Laurel Wang''s shoulder shook uncontrobly. Well, fifty million yuan wasn''t a joke ¡ª it would surely sting her pocket.


    "Also, you can have him. I am doing the two of you a favor ¡ª I''m done with people like you." Nonchnt, Lexi began walking away carrying the grace of a woman who learned her lesson the first time.? Little did Laurel Wang know, Lexi just copied the dialogue a role she once portrayed years ago.


    ''Let''s see how messy this will get,'' Lexi smirked as she walked away. She had thought of many possible connections of Laurel Wang to the ckmailer, thus, Lexi had thought of ways to milk her until there''s nothing left on her.


    This would also serve as a warning to anyone who desired to covet her man. She might not react hysterically but, her take this time would be more ruthless and heartless, leaving no escape from her clutches.

 Chapter 525: Thank Stella

    <h4>525 Thank Ste</h4>


    As soon as Lexi left the VIP room, Ste Du was leaning near the door. When she saw Lexi exit the room, she straightened her posture and had her arms under her chest.


    "What scheme are you plotting again?" Ste Du jerked her chin forward as her brow arched.


    Lexi deeply inhaled as she stared at the using pair of eyes. For a moment, Lexi pondered if it''s worth talking to the thick-headeddy.


    Upon careful consideration, Lexi chose not to. After all, nothing would get through her head no matter what she says. Hence, Lexi took a step forward yet, Ste Du blocked her way.


    "If you think you can take advantage of Sister Laurel, I won''t let you," said Ste Du with firm resolved.


    "Oh?" Arching her brows, Lexi tilted her head to the side as her thought bubble showed a huge question mark. "Why do I need to take advantage of her though?"


    "Because �don''t start me with your smart mouth. If I know, you are here just to annoy us!" Irked by Lexi''s question, Ste Du scoffed. Although she only said those to use Lexi, little did she know she hit the bullseye.


    Lexi''s encounter with them was not an ident. She knew that they would be in the jewelry shop. Hence, instead of ambushing Laurel Wang in the restaurant where she had a meeting, Lexi roamed around until the estimated time.


    After all, the said luxury jewelry shop was the perfect ce to have a private talk with Laurel Wang. Well, Lexi was right though as she cornered the woman without causing a scene.


    "Miss Du, I think you forget that I didn''t invite myself to your quality time with your Sister Laurel. So, how can you say I wanted to annoy you?" Feigning innocence, Lexi raised her brows as she shrugged her shoulders. "Aren''t you the CEO of your ownpany now? Why don''t you try acting one? Maybe by that, yourpany will get through your current crisis?" Lexi sweetly smiled as she poked a few nerves of the egotistical Ste Du.


    "You�" Upon hearing herst remarks, Ste Du ground her teeth.


    True, Ste Du''spany was in a critical time. The decrease in their sales, the negative ie from the past month and so on, was the reason Ste Du was trying to destress.


    Benjamin Shao had warned her that if this problem wasn''t fixed, he wouldn''t finance her anymore. Not just that, but if herpany wouldn''t get through this crisis, Ste Du would have to witness Benjamin Shao benefiting all her hard work. It was in their contract, after all.


    Ste Du could not rely on Benjamin Shao nor she coulde crying home to her father as she would be literally disowned. Therefore, with no one to turn to, Ste Du was currying favor with Laurel Wang so she could persuade her to invest in herpany.


    Yet, Lexi brought it up as if it was something funny. Moreover, how Lexi looked at her as if she was someone below her, it hurt her pride.


    For some reason, the time seemed to slow down for Ste Du as her hand came closer to Lexi. In her mind, Lexi deserved it.


    She deserved the p. From the time Lexi took Nico Zhuang''s attention back when they were still studying, and then all the urrences after that �she deserved this p, Ste Du thought.


    s, before her hand couldnd on Lexi''s face, her wrist was grabbed by Lexi. "Are you sure you''re prepared for the consequences if your handnded on me?" Lexi''s tone and countenance turned stern, her grip on Ste Du''s wrists tightened.


    "So what?! You deserve it anyway!" Frustrated that her p was unsessful, Ste Du roared. She wriggled her hand away from her, but Lexi''s grip didn''t bulge. "Let me go!" She screamed as she red daggers at her.


    With that, Lexi tossed her hand back to her. Her eyes slowly turned piercingly cold. "I will tell you this once, ignorance will lead you nowhere. When you lead apany, hire people and such, the responsibility of their lives is the weight you must bear. If you fail, not only you are affected but also your employees and their families."


    "Miss Du, this is just a sincere piece of advice from a fellow businessman in the same field. Spend your money whatever you like, I don''t care. But, don''t expect people''s praise just because." Lexi added as her gaze never left the stunned pair of eyes.


    "Move," After giving her her two cents, Leximanded. Yet Ste Du remained rooted on the floor.


    She already knew that. Ste Du was well-aware of what Lexi was saying. However, the way Lexi deliver her words, her aura, and the emotions on her eyes �it was too dominating like a true queen.


    That second, Lexi showed her the difference between them for the first time. Therefore, how could Ste Du ept that upon witnessing their vast difference? It only made her feel all inferiority she hid for so long.


    "Move or be ready for a literal face p." Without batting an eye, Lexi ordered and threatened. Her tone didn''t even waver upon stating such a warning, showing that she was capable to handle the consequences afterward.


    Without a word, Ste Du dragged her feet to the side, giving way to Lexi. She couldn''t even bring herself to raise her eyes for whatever reason or she could say anything. Perhaps it was her instinct telling her not to humiliate herself further.


    "Also, if I were you, stay away from her �you might get caught in the crossfire." After Lexi took several steps ahead, she paused and reminded the poor Ste Du. She didn''t even wait for her to respond as she resumed on her tracks.


    ****


    "How did you know she''d be here?" When Lexi returned to the main shop, Nico Zhuang''s curiosity weed her.


    "Tss," Lexi chuckled. The look on Nico Zhuang revealed how curious he was. After all, he had gone through all the troubles to know Laurel Wang''s schedule and whereabouts and yet, Lexi also did.


    "People always update their social media ounts no matter how nonsense it is. Thank Ste, because she''s our lead." Lexi leaned over and whispered in a matter-of-fact tone. Her answer, however, caused Nico Zhuang''s brow to twitch.


    So she only stalked Ste Du''s social media ount? That easy?

 Chapter 526: Lillian Yangs Favorite

    <h4>526 Lillian Yang''s Favorite</h4>


    Later that night, at the Yang Mansion.


    "Hey, sweethearts..." Lexi''s heart instantly melted the moment she entered her parent''s house.


    There, Lillian Yang and Frederick Yang, as usual, carried each of the twins; Lady Lara Lu on Frederick Yangp as they perched on the head seat while Evan Lu on Lillian Yang''s arms.


    "Who is that? Mommy?" d to see her daughter, Lillian Yang, baby talked to Evan Lu who was obviously d to see his mother. He had his small hands reaching to the approaching Lexi; Lillian Yang wiped the drop of drool slipped from his mouth.


    "Baby cutie cutie~" Moved at the usual clinginess of her son, Lexi carried Evan Lu from her mother''s arms. "How is my baby Evan? You miss mommy?" Rubbing his back, Lexi ced a light peck on his head.


    Evan Lu chuckled in glee. His hands were in a constant close and open motion. "Hi, mom." Lexi then greeted her mother who responded with a smile before Lillian Yang rested on the long sofa.


    "What color is this? Red!" Meanwhile, Lady Lara Lu and Frederick Yang could not care less at Lexi''s arrival as he taught the seven-month-old baby how to differentiate colors.


    Unlike Evan Lu, who was clingy and giddy whenever Lexi and Ethan Lu arrived, Lady Lara Lu was more of a grandparent''s girl. She would behave with the yang parent''s and Edward Lu around and let Evan Lu act cutesy-cutesy to their parents.


    But that doesn''t mean to say that Lady Lara Lu disliked her parents. The only conclusion they came up with was that Lady Lara Lu seemed to understand her parent''s exhaustion. Hence, she would rarely cry and bother them.


    Still, that was just the assumption the adults concluded because Lady Lara Lu was just a child, and it was impossible for her to exin things, right? Regardless of the difference of the twins, they were equally showered by love from Lexi and Ethan, Lillian Yang and Frederick Yang, Edward Lu, and their Uncles and Aunties.


    "Wow, my baby pumpkin is learning colors now?" While carrying the chubby Evan Lu, Lexi peeked at the children''s book in her father''s hand.


    Frederick Yang was pointing at a huge apple that upied most of the thick page while Lady Lara Lu pped it with her small cute hands.


    "Yes, that''s an apple." Satisfied by his granddaughter''s focus, Frederick Yang nodded his head before ncing at Lexi.


    "Yes, because she was asking me how our business works �I''m diverting her attention." Frederick Yang whispered his humor, which made the three share a goodugh.


    "She''s my baby genius," Lexi humored back as she shrugged her shoulder, and then headed to the sofa opposite Lillian Yang''s.


    "Ma ma" Aware that his sister had been taking all the attention, Evan Lu showed off by speaking his first words with great difficulty.


    "Aha! Come on, Van van. Can you say it again?" ted, Frederick Yang''s eyes lit up as he readied his ears to hear him speak again.


    "Ma ma," Lillian Yang mimicked with a huge smile on her lips but to no avail. It was just a one time trial for Evan Lu as he chewed his hands afterward.


    "That''s okay, baby. No pressure." Though a little disappointed, Lexi still smiled in satisfaction while pulling Evan''s hands away from his mouth. Well, Evan Lu and Lady Lara Lu were too young, and they would have a lot of chances to hear them speak in a conversation soon.


    No rush.


    Just then, Ethan Lu arrived at the living area of the yang mansion, the light atmosphere of his family weed him.


    "Good evening, Mom, Dad." As usual, Ethan Lu greeted his inws first with a slight bow, before he proceeded behind the sofa Lexi and Evan Lu perched.


    "Hey pumpkin, my love �I''m home." He mildly pinched Evan Lu''s chubby cheeks before cing a soft peck on Lexi''s forehead. "My baby Lara!" After that, Ethan Lu spread his arms wide open, his energy returned to a hundred percent as he happily called his little girl.


    "Daddy''s girl," Lexi smiled, seeing that Lara''s face brightened up as she let Ethan Lu carry him. Surely, these twins had already shown their favoritism.


    "Of course!" Proud at Lexi''s remarks, Ethan Lu cast the innocent young miss of the Lu family a knowing look.


    With that, everyone chuckled as they shook their head sideways. This was just one example of how peaceful Lexi and Ethan Lu''s lives inside their home.


    The reason they had to show their fangs, bite their enemies if necessary, and be ten times clever than them was to maintain their home like this. Both had a rough day, problemsing from left and right but being able toe home with such warmth �they could be the coldest person outside just to protect this warmth.


    Just then, they heard a loud sound of boxes falling, along with Lyrick Jiang''s squeal. "Ahh!" His sudden cry caught the attention of the family inside, making them to turn their head to him.


    "I told you just carry one box." Passing through, avoiding the boxes that fell, was Nico Zhuang carrying Lexi''s purchases for the day.


    "Tsk tsk, I''m not helping." After Nico Zhuang, Jarred Guo clicked his tongue as he informed him in advance.


    Jarred Guo and Nico Zhuang then ced Lexi''s purchases and Ethan Lu''s things on the corner of the living area. They''ve been going in and out of this ce that they were alreadyfortable even with the Yang parent''s around.


    "Madam Yang," Tired, Lyrick Jiang was on the verge of breaking down. He looked at his only ally in this manor, which was Lillian Yang.


    "Look at him," seeing his assistant having aplete change of attitude with Lillian Yang around, Ethan Lu peered at him in disdain. "Jeez, I think he is forgetting that I am the son-inw, not him." Ethan Lu plopped down next to Lexi as he whispered his statement.


    "Shh, she''s mom''s favorite �we don''t mess with the favorites." Lexi shushed before a chuckle escaped from her lips.

 Chapter 527: Churus dangerous mission

    <h4>527 Churu''s dangerous mission</h4>


    "Lou..." From the other end of the line, a faint sigh was heard. "Juste home, okay...?" Victoria Tang worriedly reminded that was answered by a baritone hum.


    After that, Louis Lu hung up the call. His face was devoid of emotion. On the other hand, Churu floated and scrutinized his front.


    "I knew there''s something wrong with you the first time I saw you," Churu stated while nodding her head in acknowledgment.


    Back then, Churu''s senses deteriorated to Yael''s meddling in the system. Hence, she couldn''t smell the danger lingering around Louis Lu. However, Churu now that she could smell the dangers within this man ¡ª no doubt he''s a dangerousd.


    Earlier, Louis Lu and Ethan Lu met. Their meeting was brief, it was short that they only exchanged envelopes containing information that held each of their interests.


    The few words that Ethan Lu said to his cousin were, "I''m sorry..." Louis Lu just nodded his head in understanding without a word being said.


    "Boss, we''ve arrived." The driver maneuvering Louis Lu''s car lowly announced as he nced at his boss via the rear mirror.


    Louis Lu nced outside. The foreboding aura of the house where he grew up refreshed his memories in the residence. The memory shed across his eyes like a bolt of lighting before he blinked ¡ª erasing it in his mind in an instant.


    Without a word, Louis Lu departed the car while Churu followed from behind. "Your parent''s house smell filth ¡ª jeez!" Churumented as she scanned the grandiose mansion.


    The mansion was amazing just by its structure. However, no matter how beautiful it was, if the people who lived in it were animals ¡ª the stinking smell would cloud its beauty.


    "Young master," from the entrance of the mansion, a butler in his mid-50s bowed his head and greeted Louis Lu.


    As usual, Louis Lu was a cheapskate in words hence, he just gave the butler a side nce before he entered the manor. Used by the usual cold treatment of the young master of the house, the butler courteously followed from behind.


    "Where is he?" Looking around at the gloomy living area, Louis Lu inquired.


    "The master is in his study. Young master ¡ª" The butler answered, but before he could finish his warning, Louis Lu began walking towards his father''s study room.


    "Young master," The butler rushed to follow him but Louis Lu raised his hand, gesturing the elderly to stop tailing him as he paused in his tracks.


    Louis Lu slowly turned his emotionless pair of eyes to the elderly butler. Upon meeting his eyes, the butler bowed his head as his shoulders trembled, swallowing a mouthful of saliva at the dominant aura emanating from his young master.


    Well, the butler thought that Lincoln Lu must have expected that. Still, the butler was mostly concerned about Louis Lu.


    "Young master..." The butler murmured as he raised his head to the direction where Louis Lu headed.


    ****


    "This ce is really creepy ¡ª it''s rxing!" Tired of flying, Churu rested on top of Louis Lu''s head as she yawned.


    Well, she''s a fallen angel after all. Hence, ces that emanated danger and dark aura made her more rxed than ever.


    She sensed the odd interaction Louis Lu had with the butler and the fear that glinted across the butler''s eyes. Churu was somewhat intrigued by what''s ahead of them because she could not guess just by studying the emotionless expression on Louis Lu''s face.


    Soon, Louis Lu stopped at the wood door, carved with a flower design in the middle. Justing close with the room, Churu''s spotless forehead creased.


    Within a second, Louis Lu''s cold expression sharpened, revealing a different vibe as if another soul took over his body. Without further ado, Louis Lu reached for the door''s handle and the wooden door creaked open.


    "What? What? What''s going on here?" As soon as the door opened, Churu rushed inside to see what shocking scene would wee them.


    However, there was no one inside. Only antique furniture, bookshelves, a desk, a lounge for guests, and anything inside a normal study room could be seen.


    "Ehh?!" Appalled and disappointed, Churu frowned as she turned to Louis Lu''s keen front. "That butler lied to you, chu!" Displeased, Churu grumbled. Yet, the emptiness of the study room didn''t surprise Louis Lu.


    Resuming in his tracks, Louis Lu headed directly towards one of the old shelves. He raised his forefinger, seemingly choosing which book he has to pick; his finger then stopped at a particr book.


    The next moment, he ced his finger on top of the book and exerting no effort, he pulled it. As soon as he did, a loud creaking noise assailed both their ears.


    Unlike the unsurprised reaction of Louis Lu, Churu gasped as she saw the wall behind the desk opened ¡ª a secret passage!


    "Wow, these things surely exist in real life, huh?" Amused by the surprise, Churu''s cheeks blushed, excited to venture the secret passage Louis Lu opened. "Come on, Lulu! I want to see what''s down there,~! I need apany though because I''m scared,~" Churu shamelessly said as she giddily poked his lean cheeks.


    Well, no one could me the little dumpling as she was automatically drawn to dangerous people. She would literally do everything to bewitched them or turn coquettish ¡ª although they couldn''t see her.


    Louis Lu stared at the passage before a mocking scoff escaped his mouth. Only he could understand how deep that single scoff meant.


    Slowly, he took a step forward, yet; it was a heavy one. Every step towards the secret underground basement, faint screams assailed Churu''s ears. The voices soon turned clear and audible ¡ª adding creepiness to the ce they were heading.


    "That Ethan Lu sure doesn''t worry about me for sending me to a dangerous mission~! I''m scared, ~!" Churu hid and clung on Louis Lu''s shoulder as she murmured her lies.

 Chapter 528: Lincoln Lu

    <h4>528 Lincoln Lu</h4>


    Unlike what Churu expected, the medieval times underground dungeon she imagined wasn''t what weed her. It wasn''t being lighted by torches, there were no rusting cages or unrefined walls.


    Rather, the underground base appeared to be just an extension of the house. However, though there are furniture and lounges, there were also doors that one must see to know what lies inside.


    The noises Churu heard earlier, sadly, it was just the opera song resounding across the spacious hall. And yet, no inhabitant could be seen around to listen to the song. The only one in there was Louis Lu who was heading to a certain door.


    When Louis Lu arrived in front of a metal door, he looked up ¡ª specifically to the CCTV. The camera slightly moved as if scanning the person standing in front of the door before a loud mechanical sound assailed their ears.


    "You know, I''m getting pretty hyped up about this, only to be disappointed in the end." Bemused, Churuined as she rested on Louis Lu''s shoulder and prick her nose.


    Meanwhile, Louis Lu pushed the door opened, revealing an almost empty room. Though it was almost empty in furniture, there were quite a few people inside; four in total.


    Two bodyguards standing on the side, one man in a suit that seemed to be in his early 40s, standing behind the chair where a man in his mid-50s perched. Although the person standing behind the chair turned to Louis Lu and slightly bowed his head, Lincoln Lu ¡ª the man sitting ¡ª kept his gaze in front of him.


    Churu scrutinized their profiles before she followed the gaze where they were looking. There, a floor to length one-sided mirror that was used as a wall graced Churu''s eyes.


    Unlike how tidy and spotless this ce was, the other side was itsplete opposite. It was a mess, a bloody mess as a man was being tortured while they watched him without remorse.


    "Oh my..." Churu murmured, seeing a dismembered finger on the corner of the floor. Although it wasn''t as worse than hell, it was still considered as gore to humans ¡ª and to showed no reaction as if it was a normal urrence, Churu had second thoughts if she had done her evil services rightpare to this four.


    "Director Fei, a family acquaintance, and partner for years is now suffering. Give him the taste of torment, as per master''s request." After a minute of silence, Lincoln Lu spoke. His tone was stern and solid, not taking his eyes off from the beaten man on the other side of the transparent wall.


    Director Fei was one of the directors who was proven embezzling money from the Lu Corporation and other illegal activities. Thus, now he was being punished before they would turn him in.


    Regardless of how obvious his scars were, one of the advantages of the Lu Family was that they could get away from their small crimes. They don''t kill but, that doesn''t mean they never knew how to teach people a lesson in the Lu''s way.


    And speaking of tradition, since the Lu Family was vast, each core member had important roles to y. For example, Lincoln Lu''s duty was for punishing, torturing, or interrogating traitors.


    Thus, the reason for a ce like this. After all, even if the Lu Family go down or been tangled by a huge problem that involved the authorities, the main residence would remain clean of blood.


    Although both Edward Lu and Ethan Lu didn''t have a n tomit any mortal sin, it was still preferable to be safe than sorry.


    "Tell me it wasn''t you," Ignoring his father''s remarks, Louis Lu vaguely said. "You''re not the person behind that crash." He added, piercing his father''s temple by his cold gaze.


    When the news about Ethan Lu''s supposed flight crashed, Louis Lu asked some of his friends in the country where Ethan Lu was, to investigate the matter. Although the information was limited, it was still enough for him to put the pieces together.


    After all, Country M was filled with dangerous people ¡ª it was akin to a vast mobs'' turf where only the strong could live. And Lincoln Lu''s connection there was considered vast.


    "Does it matter if it was me or not?" Slowly, Lincoln Lu turned his head at Louis Lu. Aside from his thick straight brows, and few visible wrinkles, Lincoln Lu seemed to be just the older version of Louis Lu.


    "What''s important was that he''s alive isn''t it?" He shrugged, not giving clear answers to his inquiring son.


    "So, are you the one orchestrated it?" Flying forward, Churu asserted for clear answers because that''s her purpose here.


    Louis Lu studied his father''s front. If he was a stranger, he wouldn''t be able to spot the hint. Never once his father admitted to doing things, yet he had the habit of tapping his finger on the armchair as if he was ying the piano.


    He only does that whenever he was amused by twisting the truth. Hence, Louis Lu got his answer despite not hearing it from his father''s mouth.


    "Son, don''t interfere with my business if you don''t want me interfering with your life." Lincoln Lu returned his eyes to the poor state of Director Fei. "You don''t want me near my grandson, after all." He added, which made Louis Lu tightened his jaw.


    "Your ambition will lead you nowhere." Louis Lu warned, which was replied by a meek scoff. "Ethan is not a child anymore ¡ª don''t tell me I didn''t warn you." Despite the arrogance of his father, Louis Lu warned him onest time.


    For a second, Ethan Lu''s image and his cold tone shed across Louis Lu''s eyes. "I''ll make him apany Satan," words of Ethan Lu once again rang in his head.


    "I appreciate your visit, son." Without ncing at his son, Lincoln Lu''s lips curled into a sneer. "If you may, I am still in the middle of executing our master''s orders," said Lincoln before Louis Lu left after piercing him with ring daggers.

 Chapter 529: Im only yours

    <h4>529 I''m only yours</h4>


    "Love," After Lexi freshened up, she saw her husband sitting on the balcony, deep in his thoughts. Hence, instead of drying her hair and changing to her nightwear, Lexi headed towards him.


    "Hmm?" Looking up at the approaching beauty, Ethan Lu smiled. "My wife is so fine." He mused.


    Despite the usualpliment, Lexi smiled because of the way her husbandpliments her never changed; it still bore the same sincerity with a touch of yfulness.


    Lexi trudged to him, and without saying a word, she was weed to sit on hisp. "What is it, love?" He asked softly.


    "I hate it," Staring at his dark, bewitching eyes, a heavy exhale escaped from her mouth. She carefully wrapped her arms around his neck as she buried her face on his shoulder, "I hate Laurel."


    Indeed, although Lexi found it funny to listen to people tantly lying while she knew the truth, part of her was still vexed. After all, the involved party here was her husband, and Laurel Wang lied about being his mistress.


    It might be all Laurel Wang''s delusion, and Ethan Lu might not even nce at her. Still, Lexi wanted him only for herself. She didn''t like the idea of another woman iming her husband and going so much as manipting photos or whatever method they used for that scandalous clip.


    Not to mention, Ethan Lu truly resembled the man in the clip. Hence, how could she not hate it if her husband''s face was kissing another woman ¡ª even if it''s not really him?


    "Hmm," Ethan Lu chuckled in amusement. Although he wasn''t at fault and he was two hundred percent clean, he somehow understood his wife.


    After all, if it enraged him when he saw Lexi and Morris Liu''s misleading photos back in Mr. Tang''s event, what more if there was a video of them kissing? Even if they say it was Lexi''s look-alike, his heart would have been torn into pieces.


    "Don''t ''hmm'' me, I''m really in a bad mood." Lexi didn''t retract her face from his shoulder as sheined. She was truly upset and he wasn''t helping.


    "I heard you met her earlier?" Still chuckling, Ethan Lu''s mood was theplete opposite of Lexi''s. He was moved, ttered, and proud that his beloved wife was head over heels on him that she even get upset with his look-alike and Laurel Wang.


    "Huh, don''t even mention it. I wonder if she will lose fifty million or it will just circle around. I won''t lose anything, anyway." Slowly, Lexi drew her face away from him as she frowned by the sight of the bright grin on his lips.


    Lexi was still unsure whether Laurel Wang was an aplice. After all, her reaction seemed to be genuine, which Lexi didn''t expect.


    Regardless, if she was involved or not, she would lose nothing. After all, she was not the person who would shell out millions tonight.


    "Hehe, I''m so proud with my first baby." Satisfaction and pride danced in his eyes as he was proud of how she dealt with the matter.


    Although it wasn''t what he nned to do, he must admit that Lexi''s method this time was better and less brutal than his. Hence, there was this mixed positive emotions around his heart.


    "Really, how can you be so fine that women go gaga over you?" Still frowning, Lexi sighed as she peered at his facial features.


    She must admit though, Ethan Lu looked more attractive after two years of being together. He looked more mature and manly, though a bit yful. No wonderdies were going gaga over him.


    "This is unfair," Lexi muttered.


    "What? You want other men wooing you too?" Knitting his brows, Ethan Lu narrowed his eyes as he waited for Lexi''s response.


    "No, it''s unfair that you look good without even trying." She said helplessly after a sigh.


    Upon hearing her, Ethan Lu''s lips stretched into arger grin. "It is unfair," he said, leaning closer to her, "that you look gorgeous without even trying." Ethan Lu repeated her words.


    Just like how she felt, the feeling was mutual. To him, Lexi was the most beautiful and wonderful woman on earth. Even if he has topare Lexi''s morning look to a woman in the magazine, she would still look thousand times lovely.


    He knew and was certain that even if someone strip in front of him, he might as well cleanse his eyes for seeing the damn thing.


    "I love you," the tip of his nose poked hers, as his gaze tenderly caressed her face. "Forever and always." He added as his eyes softened and his hand gently tucked her hair behind her ear.


    "You''re so sweet..." Lexi pursed her lips as she suddenly buried her face again on his shoulder. "I can''t stay mad at this rate." She murmured.


    "Hehe," Ethan Lu chuckled as he enjoyed this rare moment with the cute frustrated Lexi. "Love, you know Churu is not around." Slowly, his mischievous hand stroked her back that gave off his intention.


    "Right! I have to dry my hair." Just one stroke, Lexi''s back shuddered involuntarily. Ethan Lu''s signal was too strong that her reflexes felt instant danger.


    With that said note, Lexi immediately jolted up and was about to escape. However, at the same time, he pulled her wrist causing her to plop down on hisp.


    "Nah ah, my love. You''re not going anywhere." A sly smirk reced his bright grin that made Lexi gulped, almost hearing the sound it produced.


    "Hehe, I¡ª" awkwardly, Lexi chuckled as she pondered on what excuse she would use of how she reacted. However, the following words failed to escape her mouth as they were shoved back when his lips touched hers.


    "I''m only yours," He whispered to her lips, reassuring her heart that the one who held his heart and soul and everything ¡ª that the owner of the real Ethan Lu was the one and only Lexi Yang.

 Chapter 530: Stupid

    <h4>530 Stupid</h4>


    Meanwhile...


    *PAK*


    A loud, resounding p echoed across the room. Laurel Wang breathed heavily as she curled her hands into a fist while she red at the man before her. Dn Lu let out a faint scoff as he wiped the blood on the corner of his lips.


    "It was your idea, isn''t it?" Through her gritted teeth, Laurel Wang asserted. "Did you know what you did?!?" Her tone suddenly escted to a scream as she recalled how she has to kneel in front of her love rival.


    "Huh," Dn Lu scoffed as he returned his gaze to the woman''s hysterical countenance. "So what?" Instead of remorse, amusement shed across his eyes.


    "You¡ª!" Grinding her teeth, Laurel Wang raised her hand and was about to assault him with a p again. However, her wrist was stopped midway before Dn Lu aggressively grabbed her jaw.


    "What are you going to do then? Tell your dear daddy that you had s*x with someone who looked like the man you fantasied?" The corner of his lips curled into a chilling sneer as his grip on her jaw tightened, hurting her even more.


    "Now, not only those photos were useless but also, you spoiled my n!" He hissed as he tossed her face to the side. Loosening his tie, he run his finger through his hair in frustration.


    Earlier, when he received the news about Lexi willing to buy the shreds of evidence for fifty million, he was in cloud nine. Although it wasn''t his initial n, fifty million was a tempting amount. Therefore, his man that contacted Lexi agreed.


    However, his thought bubble was popped after hearing that Laurel Wang was tricked. Not only he has no fifty million but also, Lexi was demanding the evidence.


    Sure, he could break the promise and change the conditions. But it would all end if he did. How? It was because Laurel Wang agreed with Lexi''s condition and even tantly lied that she was a mistress. If he suddenly changed the deal, Lexi''s suspicion that Laurel Wang''s involvement behind the scene would solidify. And if it does, they would have a lead to him.


    Dn Lu didn''t expect that Laurel Wang would be too stupid to do such a thing. Her, surrendering her body and soul to a stranger just because he looked like Ethan Lu was one thing. But, he never actually thought that she would fall for Lexi''s cheap tricks.


    Who was in their right mind to admit that they were someone''s mistress? Does she think Lexi and Ethan Lu wouldn''t discuss it like adults? If those two could be separated that easily, Mia Chen would have been sessful by now.


    Dn Lu was merely nting doubts in Lexi''s heart. If that happened, the distrust in her heart would be easily manipted. However, that was impossible at this point.


    Hence, he was infuriated at the woman before him. If only Laurel Wang used her head.


    "How can you be so stupid?!" He spat as he kicked the nearest chair to blow off some steam.


    Not in her life, her parents hurt her. His father treated her like a treasure yet, Dn Lu hurt her just like that. How infuriating.


    "Oh?" Slowly, Dn Lu turned to the infuriated Laurel Wang. The corner of her eyes gathered mist as fury grew stronger and solid. "Then what are you going to do about it?" He sneered, vileness glinted in his pair of upturned monolid eyes.


    Dn Lu took slow steps towards her. Laurel Wang instinctively stepped back. However, just as she did, her shoulder was violently grabbed making her wince in pain.


    "I ask you, what are you going to do?" His eyes widened while his grip tightened, almost breaking her thin shoulder. "Laurel Wang, if you think you can still back out, you''re wrong. We''re on the same boat now. If it sinks, we will both drown." Through his gritted teeth, he reminded the ''stupid''dy.


    "Don''t forget, I can end your life if I wanted to." Dn Wang leaned closer and whispered his threats before tossing her arm away. "Continue with your lies." As he ran his finger through his hair again, Dn Lumanded.


    For a second, Laurel Lu didn''t respond as she tended to her hurting arm. Not just by words, but also, Laurel Wang realized how wrong she was for epting his offer.


    Initially, Laurel Wang didn''t bear any covetous intent. Granting that she liked Ethan Lu, however, after he saw how he looked at Lexi with those gentle eyes he only has for her, Laurel Wang stepped aside.


    She merely helped Ste Du that time so he would notice her, but to no avail, Ethan Lu''s eyes didn''t carry the same fondness when he looked at Lexi. But just several dayster, Dn Lu approached him.


    Of course, she didn''t agree easily. Yet, "to help her decided" he arranged several projects where she could work with the Lu Corporation, where her false hope started to bloom ¡ª also, her feelings for Ethan Lu.


    And now, her decision unraveled, revealing that the man she joined hands with was a Satan incarnate.


    "If Ethan confronts you, lie. Might as well seduce him just like how wild you were with that guy." He ridiculed as he peered at her with extreme disgust. The way he looked at her, belittling her, Laurel Wang returned the mutual dislike.


    "Disgusting." She scorned. "Remember this Dn Lu, I aim to be the Lu madam. You better reflect on your actions because I''ll never let you off the hook." Laurel Wang''s objectives though were the same as before, her determination now was more stable and solid.


    She not only wanted to be dotted by her beloved Ethan Lu, but now her deep urge to make this man kneel in front of her. That would only happen if she could have Ethan Lu wrap around her palms. She''ll do it ¡ª no matter how low she needed step.


    "Good. Whatever." Laced with sarcasm, Dn Lu mocked as he saw the determination in her eyes. He wasn''t fazed that Laurel Wang threatened him because, at the end of the day, he has a different n.


    All these people involved, Mia Chen, Laurel Wang, and so on were merely a diversion for a greater cause. Hence, if Laurel Wang could do what she was asked to and seed, it would work well on his side.

 Chapter 531: Churu and Morris

    <h4>531 Churu and Morris</h4>


    At the same time...


    Churu followed Louis Lu back to his house where she met the new face, Victoria Wang and their son Vincent Lu. Unlike how stiff and unsettling the vibe Louis Lu gave off before he arrived at his home, it all vanished as if they were not there in the first ce.


    If only Churu couldn''t smell Louis Lu''s sin, she would believe that he was just as what he appeared to be. Regardless, Churu didn''t think that he was not capable to love and protect people he held dearly.


    With that, Churu left Louis Lu and his family alone. After all, there wasn''t much of anything to know that concerned Ethan Lu.


    Still, unlike Louis Lu, who understood Lincoln Lu best, Churu only got vague information. Despite that, she was certain the Lincoln Lu was bad news ¡ª truly a person she would hate to be around her host. The best option she could advise to Ethan Lu was to confront Louis Lu to counter whatever Lincoln Lu was ying.


    However, when Churu returned to Ethan Lu''s ce, she saw Lexi and him kissing on the balcony before he carried his wife inside. Knowing full well what would happen next, Churu didn''t want to disturb the two.


    After all, they must have missed each other. Thus, she didn''t want to interrupt their quality time, which led her to where she was.


    "Why am I even here?" Churu murmured as she watched Morris Liu skimmed through a document with a wine on the side.


    Unlike how he drowned himself thest time, Morris Liu seemed pretty normal. Though he still emitted sadness, he was better than thest time. By the looks of it, it''s just an ordinary night of him working until he falls asleep.


    "Say, how are you?" Flying down to the side of hisptop, Churu tilted her head to the side and waved her hand.


    Yet, Morris Liu ced down the document near her and typed in hisptop. Surely, he seemed cool bearing his serious work mode.


    Churu never thought that the level of his icy countenance would have different levels than the expression he usually bore. Regardless, as if she cared about it. She just went here for maybe, to see how he was doing?


    After all, the prize she should have gained after the otome love system wasn''t attained to spare his life. Churu bore no romantic feelings towards him or anything of the sort.


    If anything, her concern was because he truly resembled Kei, the fake emperor in Tora''s time. Aside from Tora and Aki, Churu had grown fond of that Kei because of many reasons.


    The reason she also hated him at first, not only because he hurt Lexi but also for having the same face as Kei. Kei, the man who had to live as if he never existed after Aki ascended the throne.


    It just so happened that Churu''s host body that time was gravely ill and was doomed to die. Hence, the person who looked after her and grieved aside from Aki was Kei. To speak, Kei was like a big brother to her.


    Morris Liu pinched his nose bridge as he leaned back and closed his eyes. It waste, and he seemed exhausted, yet there was no sign of him stopping.


    "Jeez," Churu clicked her tongue and shook her head. "I didn''t give my greatest wish to you just so you can die because of exhaustion!" Upset, Churu flew in front of him and bumped her bum on his forehead.


    To her surprise, she felt her bum touched his forehead instead of going through him like a ghost. Not just that, but also Morris Liu''s head tilted back by the sudden light force.


    "Huh?" Surprised, Morris Liu rubbed his forehead as he looked around. He was certain that he felt something crash on his forehead, though soft like a palm pushed his forehead back.


    "Oh, my..." This unprecedented phenomenon mortified Churu. Aside from Lexi and Ethan Lu, she couldn''t touch anything or anyone as she would just pass through them like a spirit.


    Therefore, howe she couldnd on him without passing through him? What did Yael do this time?


    "Hey, you can''t see me, right?" Carefully, Churu flew closer to him. She waved her hand, but to no avail. He was just looking around, confused about what happened.


    "Let''s see..." Churu murmured as her arm carefully stretched, aiming for his lean cheek to poke it. Her finger stopped a few centimeters away as her chest heaved heavily.


    "It''s just a one time..." Churu muttered again as she resumed, hoping that her finger would pass through his cheek. However, it didn''t!


    She could poke him!


    "Haha," Upon feeling a very slight pressure on his cheek, Morris Liu chuckled, though awkwardly. "I think that''s the sign for me to sleep." He whispered as he closed hisptop and arranged the scattered documents on the small s table.


    Normally, he wouldn''t speak his mind. However, for a moment, he felt fear ¡ª literal fear. Morris Liu doesn''t believe in ghost or supernatural things but, with an experience he couldn''t exin, he shrugged it and assumed that it was the effect of hisck of sleep.


    Morris Liu then downed the wine in the winess and poured himself another ss before he resigned to bed. In his mind, he had lived in this ce for a long time alone. Hence, the more he thought about that, the more he was convinced that he was just tired.


    On the other hand, Churu didn''t dare follow him to bed as she stayed in her position. She blinked repeatedly as she processed what happened.


    "Heck..." were the only words that seeded to escape her mouth as she watched his retreating back.

 Chapter 532: First public pos

    <h4>532 First public pos</h4>


    In the middle of the night, Lexi turned her head to her sleeping husband. Her hand caressed him as her eyes softened, and her lips curled into a loving smile.


    ''He looks so harmless when asleep,'' Lexi whispered internally. If she didn''t know better, she would mistake him as a different person to the man who took her body tonight.


    Though there was a touch of gentleness and love, Ethan Lu was very different in bed. Just thinking about it, Lexi chuckled because regardless, her heart could recognize him whether he was acting as her sweet doting husband, the CEO of the LU Corporation, or a pure beast in bed.


    ''Now that I think about it...'' Lexi sighed as she recalled their current status. "We had protected our privacy to the extent that it almost appeared as a secret marriage." She murmured as she recalled that only a few people know that the two of them were already married.


    Lexi was unaware of the rumors outside as her focus was on her business and her family ¡ª no time for more showbiz. However, although Lexi had been away from the limelight, her name would never vanish from the entertainment industrypletely.


    There were still fans and curious people who would revive forums about her, especially her love life. There are even those diehard EliXi fans that were still delusional that their ship would still sail.


    Lexi was unaware of all this hence when she checked her official ount and checked forums, she could not help but shake her head. There was an almost dead thread from months backpiling the missed hints about her rtionship with Ethan Lu.


    In one photo, Lexi chuckled upon seeing that it was a screenshot of Rika Song''s post about Lexi and Ethan''s engagement. Lexi remembered that time when media flocked outside the Lu Corporation and Beauty DR. Yet, all reporters left with nothing as both of them didn''t bother to have a word.


    Thinking about it now, Lexi somewhat regretted not confirming it. Now, everyone thought that her rtionship with Ethan Lu had gone sour ¡ª giving openings to others like Laurel Wang to take advantage of their private life.


    Lexi nced at the peaceful ball of love beside her and a faint exhale slipped from her lips. Turning her head back to her phone, Lexi for the first time attempted to update her ount.


    She had gone through her phone''s gallery and scrolled thousands of photos, picking which photo to share to her fans that were waiting for her to update. Most of the photos on her phone were the twins'' moments.


    There are a few shots of her and the twins, then Ethan Lu with the twins, and their whole family. Everything captured their priceless moments together as a family and them as a married couple.


    Hence, Lexi kept scrolling, hoping there''s a photo she could use. After minutes of going through the images, then pausing when she found something cute that would make her giggle, one set of photos caught her eyes.


    She clicked at the photo, and her lips curled into a warm smile. It was a photo she took back when she was pregnant.


    In the photo, only her husband''s side profile was seen despite the obscurity of the surrounding. It was the time they were having azy night, watching a TV series the two of them followed and Lexi''s feet were on hisp while his hand was on them, massaging her foot while his eyes were glued ahead.


    The photos were nothing fancy; it was a simple photo of her husband multitasking ¡ª she captured it because she found it cute. It reminded Lexi that despite their busy schedule, the two of them still had this kind ofid back days.


    Reminiscing how that day ended, a muffled chuckled escaped her mouth before she excitedly added the photo to upload. She pondered for a caption for a second as bit her lower lip.


    "That''s my heart right there


    She didn''t hesitate despite having Laurel Wang at the moment. After all, there was no use in pretending they broke up because she didn''t want that woman to have more silly thoughts.


    Moreover, the fifty million was on her hands now so, who cares? There would be tons of things Lexi had cooked up and Laurel Wang was bound to doom, anyway. After all, the biggest mistake Laurel Wang did was lying, attempting to mislead her.


    "Oh, my god!" The very next second, Lexi felt her phone vibrate before a notification showed. The very first person whomented on the photo was none other than her best friend, Rika Song.


    "That''s so sweet~! Did Ethan possess you, bestie~?" Rika Song added via anotherment. Lexi giggled upon reading her friend''sment because they mostly see Ethan Lu being the sweet partner while Lexi the timid one.


    Lexi only replied with aughing emoji followed by a smirking emoticon. For sure, Rika Song would understand her humor, which her best friend did as Rika Song giggled before she shared the post and added a caption: "Late night PDA. Jeez, you two give @Eliofficial a break! ugh emoji*"


    Tagging the forever single Elliot Gong, mischiefced on Rika Song, and Lexi''s giggles. It didn''t take that long for Elliot Gong to see the tagged post from Rika Song.


    Upon seeing the photo and Rika Song''s caption, his eye twitched and nearly tossed his phone out of his car. "Why can''t these two leave me alone?" He gritted his teeth as he could imagine his two girl friends giggling like two little mischievous girls.


    In his mind, he also cursed their lovers, Ethan Lu and Jaime Liao, for letting their partners get bored. Hence, the two ended up teasing him ¡ª venting their boredom to him!

 Chapter 533: She showed off for the first time

    <h4>533 She showed off for the first time</h4>


    After Lexi posted something personal for the very first time in a long time, herrge fan base including Rika Song and Elliot Gong''s fans took notice of Lexi''s single update.


    Therefore, it obviously bombarded her phone the next morning. Good thing Lexi put it in silent mode because she kept having notifications minutes after she posted Ethan Lu''s photo.


    "This photo is so sweet~ I want to see more!!"


    "Ahh, goddess! Even Mr. Lu will massage her feet!"


    "At this rate, I won''t find myself a man as sweet as Mr. Lu."


    "Guess I''ll be single for life too *shrug*"


    "A queen will always be a queen."


    "UwU Mr. Lu is goddess Lexi''s heart


    "More interaction please!!"


    "Love is in the air~"


    "Goddess, thank you for blessing our single hearts early in the morning T.T I''m having mixed emotions about this."


    "Ahh, my poor heart~ these two are too cute and the goddess is so sweet~"


    "Are we going to ignore the cute friendship of the Taming Heart''s leads? My goddess Rika tagging my baby Eli~"


    These were just the example of Lexi''sment section and every second, there are newments that were being added. It made sense because not only Lexi posted on her ount, but it was shared by the ever-supportive Rika Song and tagged Elliot Gong''s official ount.


    It wasn''t a serious news sh and yet, the lone post took quite the attention of the many. After all, it was Lexi who posted it and her man was the number one top picked "bachelor" in the country.


    Upon arriving at the dining table, Ethan Lu saw his wife giggling while staring at her phone. "What are you smiling about, love?" He asked, walking to her side to take a peek of what made her happy early in the morning.


    "Morning," Just as Ethan Lu took a glimpsed on the screen, Lexi turned it down as she looked up, assisting herself up a little and ced a soft peck on his cheek.


    "Hmm," Narrowing his eyes, Ethan Lu was quite suspicious of this extra sweetness of his wife. Though Lexi was sweet, but rarely.


    His wife was hot and cool, after all.


    "What?" Staring at his pair of squinted eyes, Lexi raised her brows as she grinned. Just then, the twins along with their nannies arrived at the dining area.


    "Hey lovelies, good morning~!" Catching the figures of the nannies carrying the twins from the corner of her eyes, Lexi turned to them and stood, weing her main source of happiness.


    Meanwhile, Ethan Lu nced at his wife while approaching the twins before he shifted his gaze to the phone. Pondering for a second, Ethan Lu''s curiosity triumphed as he snatched the phone and checked what was his wife was looking at.


    When he unlocked her phone, his brows creased seeing loads ofments. Most of them addressing him and Rika Song.


    That instant, the corner of his lips curled into a subtle smile as his heart melted. Lexi said nothing to the public about their rtionship. Not that he minds as Lexi wanted to keep their rtionship private.


    Regardless, this gesture of her has moved his heart. It was as if she just announced to the world who held her heart and that he was hers alone.


    "Sneaky Lexi..." He whispered before he returned her phone from where she initially put it. At the same time, Lexi turned to him ¡ª unable to catch that he took a peek of her postst night.


    "Love?"


    "Yes," He nodded and jogged to them. "Morning pumpkins." He tenderly greeted the twins and carried Evan Lu while Lexi carried Lara Lu.


    This was their usual morning routine before dropping the twins to the Yang Mansion with their nannies. Not that grand morning and just like any normal household yet, they were satisfied with this life.


    A lot had changed since having the twins. Ethan and Lexi needed to adjust, especially their time because they could not neglect their twins no matter what. So far, they''d been doing well on splitting their strict time for work and family.


    With that, Lexi and Ethan Lu ate their breakfast while feeding the twins at the same time. The husband and wife, of course, avoided serious discussions that were not appropriate for the twins to hear.


    Thus, Ethan Lu and Lexi mostly talked about silly encounters they had whenever they spent their quality time with the twins ¡ª no business-rted talks, no scheming character talks, and so on.


    "Right, Nico and Andy..." When Lexi was reminded of something to tell to her husband, her phone rang, catching their attention.


    Since she already put her social media in a mute so she couldn''t get the notifications anymore, she set her phone back to normal. Hence, the reason for hearing the iing call.


    Upon seeing the caller, Lexi excused herself as she brought her phone along with her and headed out to the garden. Meanwhile, Ethan Lu watched the change of his wife''s expression hence, he instructed the nannies to watch over the kids before he followed his wife.


    "Where''s the evidence?" Upon answering the call, Lexi''s mood, and tone gradually changed.


    "I sent you the ce where you can leave the fifty million. After that, you''ll receive another location where I left the evidence." A stern voice of the man she talked to yesterday came from the other end of the line. Based on his tone, he didn''t sound that excited anymore, which made Lexi''s lips curled into a smug smirk.


    "No," Shaking her head, a faint chuckle escaped from her mouth. "I want you to personally hand it over to me." She audaciously proposed. Herst remarks, however, were the first thing Ethan Lu heard, which made him furrow his brows.


    "Haha, Miss Yang, you''re getting bolder, aren''t you?" The man scorned. "It''s either you follow my instructions or the clips will be sent to someone else." Sounding smug, the man challenged.


    "Sure. If you don''t want to personally hand it to me, send it to someone who will buy it with a higher price ¡ª I don''t really care it''s not my scandal, anyway." Lexi shrugged as she turned to Ethan Lu, who was puzzled at their conversation.

 Chapter 534: He really can see me

    <h4>534 He really can see me</h4>


    Silence was the only sound they heard on the line before the beeping noise, indicating the call was cut short came. Lexi meekly scoffed as she foresaw thising.


    "Hand it to you?" Ethan Lu arched his brow, displeased at the conclusion he has in mind. "Love didn''t I¡ª" Shaking his head, he was about to lecture and remind his ever so lovely wife of the things they have discussed numerous times.


    However, just before he could do so, Lexi sweetly smiled, brightening the obscure mood surrounding her. She then leaped towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck.


    "I know," said Lexi as she kissed the apex of his nose. "I''m just messing with them," she added as the corner of her lips curled.


    Amusement danced in his eyes as he stared at her yful wife. "Messing with them?"


    "Did I mention Laurel imed that she''s a mistress ¡ª your mistress, to be precise?"


    "ahh ¡ª What?!" Disgusted to the core, Ethan Lu''s face distorted just with the idea. "Are you sure?" Yet, his tone wasced with disbelief.


    Based on the projects he coborated with Laurel Wang, it would be very unlikely of her to im such a thing. She''s a smart woman and even though Ethan Lu gets the creeps on her gaze, she remained professional anyway.


    Therefore, how could Laurel Wang admit that she was a mistress? Who would be proud to be someone''s mistress? Unbeknownst to Ethan Lu, his cousin Dn Lu had the same query.


    "Hmm, I asked, and she answered ¡ª she even knelt down and apologized for your adultery." Lexi chuckled as he satisfied her with the expression on his husband.


    Lexi told him about her arrangement with Laurel Wang. However, she didn''t get to the details because they had a long day and it was time to give their full attention to the twins.


    Therefore, no scheming discussion was allowed. The reason why he was shocked to know this irking details he wished he didn''t hear.


    "Anyway, I won''t meet him or them. I''m just ying hard to get." Lexi humored, mischiefced in her voice as Ethan Lu heaved a sigh of relief.


    "Really?" He asked, a helpless smile formed on his lips.


    Ethan Lu was relieved that they wouldn''t need to discuss and prolong another argument with his mischievous wife. After all, although he fully trusted her, still, their situation right now was much more different.


    "What''s the use of our partnership if I won''t rely on you?" She teased, surprisingly making him flustered.


    Lexi had been doing things on her own. Starting apany, doing this and that, not asking for his help. Although he understood that she was doing it for herself, Ethan Lu was still slightly disappointed that she wasn''t relying on him that much.


    "I''ll hand him over to you..." She said proudly. "Whether or not he made a copy, I''m confident that it wouldn''t pass Mr. Lu''s hands, yes?" Lightly swaying, Lexi witnessed the gentle smile on his lips as he shook his head helplessly.


    "Yes, my Wifey." With that said note, Ethan Lu leaned forward and caught her lips within a second.


    Lexi didn''t give him instruction as she knew her husband already had something in mind. Whether or not the ckmailer would agree, they had nothing to lose, anyway.


    In actuality, they were the ones who gained the most. Whether it was the fifty million or having the man in custody ¡ª it wasn''t a bad trade.


    Lexi gently pushed his chest away before their kiss would deepen and could lead elsewhere. "As for that woman, I can handle her." After pressing her lips together and heaved, Lexi mused.


    "Oh," Quite displeased that she broke the kiss, Ethan Lu just heedlessly nodded his head. Well, he''s good with whatever her wife''s wanted, as long as it wouldn''t bring her into danger.


    Moreover, he was disgusted at Laurel Wang. God knows what he would do if she ever appeared in front of him. He might as well cut ties with the Wang family.


    But, he''ll leave it all to Lexi so she could show off. Well, he liked that she low key bragged about him.


    "Anyway, where''s Churu?" Upon recalling someone''s absence, Lexi looked around but to no avail.


    "Right, I sent her to follow Lou, but she should''ve been back by now." Realizing the missing being today, Ethan Lu knitted his brows.


    ****


    Morris Liu massaged the space between his brows. Last night was a restless night for him. Despite the minimal alcohol intake, in normal days, it was enough for him to sleep.


    However,st night was the exception. He felt some cold pressure around him, sometimes even poking his feet, hands, and face.


    Not just that, but somehow, he could hear a faint minion voice whispering in his ears. The small voice was even talking to him yet, her words were vague and nearly indistinguishable.


    He didn''t believe in ghosts and was never afraid of them, but heck! The experiencest night was a mind changer.


    "I really can touch him..." Not just Morris Liu was in a state of shock, but also Churu.


    She never once had dark circles around her eyes because she doesn''t need to sleep. But now, she felt so haggard that her usual spotless white being had dark bags under her eyes.


    "I should stop drinking," Morris Liu murmured as he tried to brush off the idea of ghosts. He denied the unexinable urrencest night and med it all on the alcohol as he dragged himself out to bed.


    However, just as he did, Churu who was on the side was unintentionally kicked. She was tossed out of the bed causing her to squeal, "Ouch!"


    That instant, Morris Liu''s distress eyes widened. He heard it again ¡ª the minion voice; he heard it again! He felt his heart raced at full speed as he clenched his jaw.


    After a second, he immediately picked his phone up and called his assistant, "Book me a room at the Grand Hotel ¡ª I''ll move out."

 Chapter 535: The scumbag

    <h4>535 The scumbag</h4>


    "What a groggy dumpling..." Ethan Lu murmured as he stared at Churu on the couch of his office.


    He hasn''t heard her report fromst night because Churu wasn''t in her right state of mind. Despite her current state, Ethan Lu respected her time to grasp whatever she has in mind.


    Perhaps, the news she discovered following Louis Lu was too much hence, she became like this. Although Ethan Lu was worried, he didn''t want to press about it now.


    Until she recovered and regain her cheerful self, Ethan Lu would be patient. After all, even if his enemies were scheming behind his back like usual, he trusted that Churu wouldn''t let that get out of hand.


    To him, he sort of assumed the reason why Churu was protecting him. It was probably because she was originally Lexi''s guide. Thus, after seeing what happened after his supposed death ¡ª both Churu and Ethan Lu had the mutual goal of him surviving.


    Both of them didn''t want Lexi to end up like that, right? Therefore, Ethan Lu had this highest level of trust towards the reliable yet now a shocked dumpling.


    "Hey, are you alright?" Clearing his throat, Ethan Lu slowly stood from his seat and strode towards her. He perched on the space beside her and looked down.


    At the same time, Churu slowly raised her nk gaze, meeting his inquiring eyes. "He can hear me..." Her words trailed off being reminded how Morris Liu rushed out of his house and went to who knows where.


    "Huh?" Knitting his brows, Ethan Lu pondered for a second before his eyes widened in disbelief. "You mean Lou can hear you? How is that possible?" Just like how aghast Churu''s reaction, Ethan Lu gasped in disbelief.


    He entirely misunderstood her as he was unaware that Churu went to Morris Liu''s cest night. After all, he instructed her to follow Louis Lu and report to him after and not wander around.


    "No, it''s the scumbag that can hear me," Seemed terrified, Churu''s lips trembled. She doesn''t know why she was scared out of her wits with this.


    Perhaps it was because she didn''t like things that she couldn''tprehend. After what happened back when the system suddenly ended, and the cluelessness she had back in Tora''s lifetime ¡ª Churu hated being clueless.


    It terrified her more than the evilness in hell!


    "Scumbag...?" Relieved that she wasn''t referring about Louis Lu, Ethan Lu was still trapped in the loop of puzzlement.


    "You don''t need to know," Churu shook her head as a heavy exhale escaped her mouth. How could she say that she went to Morris Liu because she didn''t know where to gost night?


    Moreover, even if she stayed out of Lexi and Ethan Lu''s room, with her senses at its peak again, she would be able to hear their moans. On the other hand, aside from sadness, Morris Liu''s ce was more peaceful for her.


    "Also, that Lincoln Lu is really suspicious. I didn''t get any useful information but I''m sure Lulu knew a thing or two." Diverting the subject, Churu muttered her report bearing the same sullen tone.


    "I see..." Nodding his head, Ethan Lu was just hopeful that Churu would know a thing or two but he didn''t entirely put any valuable feedback from it.


    If anything, it was to assure if Louis Lu would be truly on his side or not. After all, Lincoln Lu was still his cousin''s father and Ethan Lu believed blood was thicker than water.


    Use him and Dennis Lu for example, or Ethan Lu and Dn Lu, Edward Lu and Dennis Lu. Although they weren''t like any normal happy family, Ethan and Edward Lu would still turn a blind eye on their misdeeds. They still have some soft spots for them regardless of how the other party thought of them.


    "Also, you know that Lulu killed people before?" Perhaps, Churu''s intention was to divert her focus as well hence, although she didn''t need to ask such questions, she asked anyway.


    Stunned, a sudden traffic took ce in his throat. He knew that Churu was reliable but, how did she know?


    Ethan Lu didn''t know the details, but what he was certain was that his cousin had his hands tainted with red. It was the time when Louis Lu was abroad and knowing his cousin, Ethan Lu knew there must be a reason behind it. Still, he knew it was entirely wrong no matter which angle he looked; he was not to judge.


    "Right, I didn''t mention it but I can smell people''s odor ¡ª not body odor though." Getting the answer just by his reaction, Churu shrugged her tiny shoulders. "I can smell someone''s threat level, the reason I know if someone around is dangerous." Churu exined as her ability also has its pros and cons.


    Before, back when she was still Lexi''s host, this ability of her was useless. But now, with the current system, she was reminded of something they should be wary about.


    "So, if someone who hasn''t tainted their hands, or an amateur approached to kill you ¡ª I wouldn''t be able to detect it."


    Meaning to say, if Lincoln Lu somehow smacked his head and hired someone who has no experience in killing, Churu wouldn''t know. Still, this possibility was unlikely to happen since no one would even know that Ethan Lu has a dumpling guardian.


    "I see..." Nodding his head in understanding, Ethan Lu got the gist of her point. Although the possibility was low, he couldn''t neglect it. It was also to remind him to tighten his security.


    Just then, Ethan Lu''s phone rang, which startled him for a second. Checking who it was, Ethan Lu knitted his brows seeing it was Chris Yu.


    "What does he need?" Ethan Lu murmured before he answered the iing call. "Yo, what is it?" He greeted the instant the line connected.


    "Bro, they rushed brother Mo to the hospital ¡ª he wasn''t breathing..." Under the state of shock, Chris Yu''s shaken voice mustered his strength to deliver the news.


    "What?!?" Although Ethan Lu''s rtionship with Morris Liu worsened, he was shaken to hear the sudden news.


    Little did he know, Churu''s core suddenly felt a painful sting, as if a sharp dagger pierced it.

 Chapter 536: Son, we need to talk.

    <h4>536 Son, we need to talk.</h4>


    "Yo, what is it?" Just as Ethan Lu dropped these words, Churu felt that her soul suddenly dwindled out from her. Right after, her core within her tightened, as if someone squeezed it tightly.


    "What?!?" At the same time as Ethan Lu''s cry, Churu felt her flesh being cut open.


    ''How is this possible...?'' Unable to say a word, Churu could only whisper internally. She had long forgotten what physical pain felt like.


    After being tortured every single day, gaining all the scars on her body that never truly healed, it already numbed Churu. Hence, she could freely move around back when she was a demon despite having fresh wounds.


    But now, she was under pain. She didn''t know, but every passing second has bing intolerable.


    "I''ll be there." Hearing the distraught man from the other end of the line, Ethan Lu didn''t bother to ask further questions. He would find out for himself.


    With that said note, Ethan Lu dialed Lyrick Jiang''s number and instructed him to ready his vehicle. Sure, Ethan Lu was still displeased ¡ª or rather, still furious about what Morris Liu did ¡ª still, he was concerned.


    Ethan Lu immediately headed out of his office yet, he returned and picked up Churu''s unmoving figure. He assumed that she hasn''t moved on about the "scumbag" she was talking about. Thus, he was unaware that the reason Churu was not moving was because she was in pain.


    Churu could not also say she was experiencing utter pain as she could not find the strength to speak. Therefore, she let him pick her up like a small teddy bear and then he ced her inside his pocket.


    Fortunately, Ethan Lu was considerate enough to let her head out to breathe. Hence, Churu looked like a key chain, but only for Ethan Lu to see.


    *****


    "What happened to him?" As soon as Ethan Lu arrived outside the emergency room, Chris Yu stopped pacing back and forth.


    "They said it was cardiac arrest!" Anxious as usual, Chris Yu exasperatedly eximed as he run his finger through his hair.


    "What?!" Shocked to hear it, Ethan Lu was rendered speechless for several seconds. "Why?!" Silly he might sound but, he couldn''t properly absorbed the information.


    "I don''t know!" Upon hearing the question, Chris Yu''s stress level multiplied.


    Just earlier, they were on the way to Morris Liu''s business meeting. Although he looked a little restless than usual, Chris Yu didn''t pay attention about it.


    However, Morris Liu suddenly called his name as he sped his hand on his chest. Everything escted after that, and thest thing Chris Yu could remember was that Morris Liu was being wheeled inside the emergency room.


    Just before anxiousness and stress could devour the two men, the emergency room opened. A doctor came out, heaving a sigh.


    "The patient''s condition has stabilized. But we will have to monitor his condition and examine him. For now, be at ease as he''s out of danger." To their relief, the doctor''s news wasn''t the one that they dreaded to hear.


    "Thank God..." Chris Yu and Ethan Lu felt a torn was pluck out of their throat. After that, they thanked the doctor and Chris Yu arranged some important stuff for Morris Liu''s room.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu had to attend a business meeting. Hence, after he discussed matters with his friend Chris Yu, he left.


    Meanwhile, Churu''s pain slowly subsided. She felt that the pain gradually reduced when they arrived at the hospital. Although her energy deteriorated, she knew deep down that she just needed to rest.


    Still, before going to her slumber, she ced all the remaining energy she has to her alertness to danger. With that, she would be alerted if danger approached Ethan Lu.


    ****


    "F*ck!" Dn Lu threw his phone directly at the wall, breaking it in an instant. He just received a call from his man in-charge of the trade with Lexi and yet, Lexi was giving him a hard time.


    "B*tch!" He growled as he swept off the vase on top of the table. His eyes zed with fury with the thought of Laurel Wang and Lexi.


    One woman was stupid while the other was too cunning he wanted to end her. Deep down, he knew Lexi already assumed that Laurel Wang was involved with this scheme. Hence, knowing that she has the fifty million, she was taking advantage of it.


    Dn Lu could just release the information and let the fifty million go. After all, it wasn''t his money. However, he knew very well that the chances of the scandal going out to the public had reduced to zero.


    Ethan Lu must have been notified about it. Therefore, with his vast connections, the scandal would remain suppressed. Truly, Laurel Wang sabotaged his n. He worked hard for nothing.


    Just as Dn Lu was making a fussed ¡ª like a hurricane messing his whole study room ¡ª he heard a knock from outside. "Young Master, Master Dennis is here." The muffled voice of the butler of the house assailed his ears, which made him knit his brows.


    "Why is he here?" Displeased as he already was, Dn Lu stared at the opening entrance which soon revealed his father.


    "What do you want?" Showingck of affection to his father, Dn Lu frowned as calmed himself down and acted as if he wasn''t throwing a huge fit.


    Dennis Lu looked around and wasn''t surprised about his son''s messy study room. Even beforeing inside, he already heard him cursing, vases and brittle materials shattering, and other solid stuff falling down harshly.


    "Son, we need to talk." Regardless, Dennis Lu ignored the sight of this room as he cleared his throat and turned his solemn gaze at him.


    Although they hardly connect as father and son, Dennis Lu was concerned about Dn Lu''s involvement to Lincoln Lu. After all, he investigated of who his son has been spending his time with.


    To Dennis Lu''s surprise, he came to know that Dn Lu had been meeting one of the most cunning man in the Lu family ¡ª Lincoln Lu. If this was correct, then he was afraid that not just him but also his son was being used as a decoy.


    The most terrifying thing was, they wouldn''t even know that until all pieces pointed at them.

 Chapter 537: Father and son

    <h4>537 Father and son</h4>


    "Talk?" Dn Lu snorted at the ridiculous invite from his father. He was already in a foul mood, and his father just showed up; his day couldn''t be any worse. "That sounds new." He mocked as he shrugged his shoulders.


    Dennis Lu would haveshed out on him or discipline his son for his tone. However, could he really me Dn Lu? After all, he wasn''t a family man and had neglect on how to be a loving father to his son.


    Yet, in Dennis Lu''s mind, it was still justifiable as what he was doing was for the greater cause; be the Lu Family headmaster. If Dennis Lu had gained that, they would treat not only him but his son as someone that anyone couldn''t offend.


    Regardless, this wasn''t the time for him to exin and argue with his son because he didn''t drop by in his son''s ce because of that. Dennis Lu was there to know whatever brainwashing Lincoln Lu did to him.


    "Well," Dn Lu waved his hand as he gestured to his father to take whatever seat he could upy. He then perched at the long sofa, reclining his back and rxed. He watched his father take up the one-seater sofa before Dn Lu heard him clear his throat.


    For a minute, none of them talked and the deafening silence slowly dawned on Dn Lu''s study room. The time that Dennis Lu was taking while he gravitated what to say bore Dn Lu to the core. It has only been a minute, but it felt forever.


    "Rowan Go," Dennis Lu spoke, just before Dn Lu opened his mouth and hisints could escape from his mouth. Dn Lu''s brows arched as it piqued his interest. What about his father''s assistant?


    "Dn, if you''re conspiring with Lin, you better stop now." Dennis Lu was about to ask his son if he has something to do with Rowan Go''s recent scheme towards Ethan Lu. Although he still kept his assistant, that was only to monitor him.


    After all, Rowan Go''s free life was at Ethan Lu''s mercy. Once Ethan Lu decided to end it, Rowan Go would be put behind bars in an instant. Dennis Lu understood that his nephew wanted him to do all thebor of disciplining his own people.


    "Huh," Upon hearing his father''s sudden remark, Dn Lu chuckled in ridicule. Never once his father meddled with his life, but now, he sounded as if a concerned, loving father. How funny!


    Has he forgotten why Dn Lu''s life got harder than it already was? That was because Dennis Lu''s stupidity was a major epic fail, causing Dn Lu to suffer in his stead. Still, he never once asked him if he was alright or apologized for how ipetent of a father he was.


    And now, he was trying to dictate his life?


    "Dn, if you think Ethan is the only person you should be wary about, you''re wrong. Lin is more ruthless than Ethan. At the very least, Ethan fights fair and square, but Lin¡­" Dennis Lu''s voice trailed off as Dn Lu suddenly burst out ofughing.


    In Dennis Lu''s perspective, he might sound like he wasplimenting his nephew, but he wasn''t. He was justparing the difference of the two men with facts.


    Although everyone schemed behind Ethan Lu''s back, his methods of dealing with them would abide by the family rules and the government.


    On the other hand, Lincoln Lu was the shadiest of them all. Dennis Lu knew it as they lived in almost same timeline. Although there was nothing much about Lincoln Lu, Dennis Lu still knew a thing or two about his cousin. Therefore, he couldn''t advise his son to get close to the said man.


    "So what then?" wiping the small drop of tears from the corner of his eyes, Dn Lu spat his sarcasm.


    Instead of talking more, Dennis Lu just stared at his son and examined him. It was already an achievement to him that hested this long, talking to Dn Lu while being disrespected with every passing second. By the looks of it, Dennis Lu understood that no matter what he would say, it was all for naught.


    Dn Lu wasn''t a child anymore and he wouldn''t abide by whatever his father''s wishes easily. In Dennis Lu''s eyes, his son had grown this much, but he barely knew him.


    Was this what Ethan Lu wanted?


    ''How dare that brat try to teach me how to be a father if he''s not a father himself!'' Dennis Lu humped internally with the conclusion he had in mind.


    "Do whatever you want. Go to me if you find yourself being Lin''s scapegoat." Dennis Lu waved his hands off before he assisted himself up. There was no point in talking to his son because the two of them would only have another huge argument.


    The side of Dn Lu''s lips curled into a mocking sneer as he watched Dennis Lu''s departing figure. His father''sst remark, he wasn''t surprised that Dennis Lu belittle him and assumed his undecided failure.


    "Why should I be a scapegoat if your son can be my shield?" As soon as Dennis Lu''s figure left the room, Dn Lu spat; a vile glint shed across his pair of eyes as he chuckled at the thought.


    How dare everyone think so little of him? Do they think they were the only ones who has a brain to use?


    These kinds of thoughts made Dn Lu chuckled in hatred. He hated every one of them; Ethan, Dennis, Edward, and the rest who showed no regard to him. And that hatred had been his fuel to go deeper, to achieve his goal; to devour the whole Lu Corporation.


    "Since you think so little of me, let''s see if you can still speak after I became the headmaster." Dn Lu eerily chuckled, momentarily forgetting that he has a current problem with Lexi.

 Chapter 538: Why is she back?

    <h4>538 Why is she back?</h4>


    Inside Dennis Lu''s car, a heavy exhale slipped from his nose. He could only shake his head as he recalled how arrogant and stubborn his son was. "Such a foolish child," he muttered.


    He could only hope that whatever situation his son might end up with, he could salvage it. After all, Ethan Lu had been too lenient with them and if it proved his son guilty about his involvement in Rowan Go''s scheme, then he could only beg Edward Lu and his nephew to let him off the hook just once.


    Although Dennis Lu had been vying for the position of the headmaster, he never considered dragging other people ¡ª for example, Lexi ¡ª to this war he was fighting. He knew that it would be an unwise move to push someone to the edge.


    Who knows what a person would do if his loved ones got involved.


    Moreover, he was a man with a little dignity left in him. Stooping so low, he wouldn''t do it again. It reminded him of how he sent his mistress years ago to be his nephew''s whore.


    Just thinking of the oue back then, it had been his constant reminder of his mistake. Hence, Dennis Lu had avoided such cheap tricks again because it might only work in his disadvantage.


    Just then, Dennis Lu felt his phone vibrate from inside his suit pocket. Checking who it might be, he knitted his brows seeing an unknown phone number. Not many knew his personal contact number and all people in his contacts were the only people that knew it. Hence, who was calling him?


    Dennis Lu pondered whether he should answer. After contemting for several seconds, he decided and pressed the green button before cing his phone in front of his ear.


    He didn''t talk and waited for the person from the other end of the line to speak. Yet, silence was the only sound he could hear from both ends.


    Therefore, Dennis Lu without a word was about to end the call as the ambiance on the line had grown suspicious. However, just then, the person from the other end spoke.


    "It''s me." Upon hearing the familiar voice of Avah Tong, Dennis Lu''s eyes stretched twice its size. How long has it been since she vanished after her crazy stunt back then?


    "Still remember me?" Avah Tong asked after her momentary pause.


    Dennis Lu''s heart raced, not that kind of fluttering beat but the dreading kind of pace. Avah Tong, the woman he had feared to resurface in his life, came back!


    What does she want? Why did she return? Why didn''t she remain quiet to wherever she had gone?


    His mind was filled with a series of question, and hisplexion paled. His grip on his phone trembled as he swallowed a mouthful of saliva. Words were stuck in his throat as it overwhelmed his mind with questions.


    In the end, Dennis Lu cut the line short without a word. His chest heaved in a heavy pace as his shoulder moved along with it. "Why is she back?" he whispered through his shaking wrinkled lips.


    *****


    Was she afraid of Dennis Lu? Never. Was it the unforeseen things that he might do to her? Definitely, not that.


    The source of Avah Tong''s fear was because her move would reconnect her to the past; be entangled with the people she despised all these years. However, Lexi''s words about being a mother often struck her opinion.


    Of course, she wanted her child back; that''s the reason she returned in this damn ce. Still, it took her a load of time to muster her courage and put on a brave front. "For my son," she would always remind herself.


    Hence, after telling that to herself countless of times, Avah Tong finally mustered enough courage to contact the father of her son. Yet, she heard nothing from him, and he just cut the line short.


    Regardless, Avah Tong was unfazed. She had been his mistress and knew a thing or two about him. Hence, with her knowledge about him, sheposed a message bearing a poker face. She already made her existence known to him thus, there was no going back.


    "Meet me. Tonight at 7 pm, river lounge restaurant." Afterposing her message, Avah Tong unhesitatingly sent her message. After seeing that it was sessfully delivered, she searched for Lexi''s contact number and called it.


    s, Lexi didn''t immediately answer. Thus, she called once again and yet; it was left unanswered. "What is this b*tch''s doing?" Annoyed, Avah Tong cursed Lexi as she didn''t appreciate this kind of treatment.


    Just as she was about to call again, she received a message from Lexi stating: "Meet me at Beauty DR now."


    "Huh?" Puzzled at the sudden invite, Avah Tong arched her brows. She just wanted to tell her that she already contacted Dennis Lu via call. What''s the need for a meeting? After all, they were not friends to meet more than once.


    "I can''t. Will meet DL tonight." Avah Tong responded, nearly rolling her eyes at Lexi''s overbearing attitude.


    "Now." After a second, Avah Tong''s brows twitched seeing Lexi''s reply. Why would she even need to listen to her? s, being reminded that all her resources and protection came from Lexi, Avah Tong gritted her teeth as she cursed.


    "This B*tch ¡ª God, I hate her!" Avah Tong nearly threw her phone out of frustration. Fortunately, she controlled her temper as she only fumed before preparing herself to go to the said location.


    Little did she know, she would see someone whom she avoided for years. Actually, never in her life she would realize how the world was vast and yet small at the same time.

 Chapter 539: Miss Chang, what are you doing?

    <h4>539 Miss Chang, what are you doing?</h4>


    Lexi chuckled as she somehow could hear Avah Tong''s curses and hateful remarks to her. Well, it was not that she necessarily need to meet the woman.


    If anything, she didn''t want to see Avah Tong anymore. However, since Lexi assumed that she was being watched from afar, having Avah Tong be caught seeing her would raise awareness of their enemies action.


    After all, Avah Tong still knew a thing or two in the Lu Corporation ¡ª especially since she was once Dennis Lu''s woman, she knew who are the people scheming with the said man. Therefore, this meeting would lead them to think twice of their action.


    Since they couldn''t just mindlessly make a move, that would lead her and Ethan Lu to be a step ahead of them. Despite its cons, its pros were worthy to take the gamble.


    "Who would have thought she would be useful in other ways too?" Lexi chuckled as she shook her head. Well, not that she was toin about it.


    Just then, Nico Zhuang knocked from outside before he entered her office. The moment he opened the door, Lexi''s faint chuckle assailed his ears.


    Upon hearing it, his under eye twitched. Her chuckle just sounded so scheming that he had the urge to question if he was following a heroine or the viin. Regardless, that thought vanished just as it intruded his mind.


    "Madam, about the distribution to C Mall branch, we had a mimunication with the person in-charge and the stocks are now in pending." As usual, Nico Zhuang bore his t tone as he reported to the still chuckling Lexi. Knitting his brows, he prompted to ask questions but held himself back.


    "Alright, I''ll go contact Aubrey about it." Lexi cleared her throat as she nodded her head in understanding.


    "Okay..." Nico Zhuang nodded his head. Usually, he would leave after hearing her response, but for some reason, he stayed for a while and just stared at her.


    "What?" Sensing his unwillingness to leave, Lexi nced up at him and tilted her head to the side.


    "Nothing," Shaking his head sideways, Nico Zhuang shrugged and prepared to leave.


    "Ah! By the way, Avah Tong will drop by here. Inform the front desk to assist her in." Before he could leave the office, Lexi noted which made him turn around with a furrowed brow.


    "Avah Tong?" Nico Zhuang frowned at the thought of that troublesome woman. Well, he was present at their encounter and wouldn''t forget how delusional the woman was.


    Therefore, although he said nothing back when Lexi kept her around AL''s entertainment, he disagreed with her. But now, she was letting Avah Tong inside Beauty DR as well?


    "Mhmm," Lexi hummed a tune as the corner of her lips stretched into a meek smile. "Don''t worry, it''s not a big deal. If you''re worried, you meet her instead and report to me whatever she said. I only need her to be seening here, anyway." Lexi indifferently instructed.


    "Alright," Nodding, Nico Zhuang preferred her suggestions. In that case, whatever silly thoughts the said woman has, it wouldn''t work on him. With that agreement, Nico Zhuang left her office.


    "I sometimes think they got this part of them from Ethan." As the door closed, Lexi chuckled while she shook her head sideways.


    Be it Lyrick Jiang, Jarred Guo, or Nico Zhuang, these three musketeers were equally selfless it worried her. They usually put her and Ethan''s safety first before themselves. Therefore, how could Lexi make them always worry?


    ****


    [BEAUTY DR''s Lobby]


    After an hour drive, Avah Tong arrived at the establishment. Chinned up, she headed inside with poise. The click of her stilettos apanied her every step, her waist motioned sideways along with it.


    With a confident aura, Avah Tong caught a few attentions of the employees around. Since her face seemed new, others peered at her with interest ¡ª trying to find out if she was a celebrity as well.


    After all, their big boss was the legendary Lexi Yang. Hence, few of their clients that appeared in this building were celebrities; Rika Song, for example.


    "I''m here to see Miss Yang." Ignoring the interested gazes that were set on her, Avah Tong leaned her arms on the front desk with a slight smile on her red tainted lips.


    "May I know your name please?" Already trained by Lexi''s beauty, the front desk clerk courteously smiled as another beauty didn''t surprise her anymore.


    "Avah Tong." Upon stating her name, the employee looked up the schedule and expecting clients that has an appointment with Lexi. Avah Tong patiently let thedy do her job and looked around while she waits.


    "Hi Miss Chang!" Not far away from the front desk, Avah Tong arched her brows as her gaze moved to the direction where she heard the voice.


    After a second, Avah Tong saw a woman ¡ª a very familiar one ¡ª smiling as she greeted some employees back in the same light manner. Avah Tong''s eyes slowly widened upon seeing Andy Chang, her whole body froze in a second.


    "Miss Tong, the CEO is still in a meeting. But, I can assist you to her office where you can wait for her." The clerk said yet, Avah Tong failed to hear her as her gaze was fixed at the smiling Andy Chang.


    "Miss Tong?" Tilting her head to the side, the front deskdy softly called out to snap her from her daze but to no avail.


    Andy Chang somehow felt a strange stare from somewhere hence, she turned her head to the direction. To her surprise, the person that was staring at her with an equal surprised front seemed so familiar. "Big sis...?"


    "Ugh," Avah Tong snapped back to reality the instant she had an eye contact with Andy Chang. Without further ado, she turned her back and took hurried strides out of thepany.


    "Wait¡ª!" Seeing that Avah Tong was hastily leaving, Andy Chang called as she followed her figure. However, with their original distance, Andy Chang couldn''t catch up on her.


    Regardless, with a feeling of desperation, her gaze was fixed on Avah Tong''s distant figure without concerning herself to her own steps. Thus, when Andy Chang bumped into another employee, she tripped and fell face front.


    Fortunately, a petite yet strong arm wrapped around her, stopping her impending fall. "Miss Chang, what are you doing?" Nico Zhuang asked.

 Chapter 540: You dont drink coffee, Miss Chang.

    <h4>540 You don''t drink coffee, Miss Chang.</h4>


    "What are you doing?" Nico Zhuang''s deep cold voice assailed her ear. Yet, the shock of nearly falling and the woman she was trying to chase after caused her to be in a momentary daze.


    Raising her head, Andy Chang mindlessly looked at the direction to where Avah Tong headed but to no avail, Avah Tong was gone. "Why...?" She whispered which made Nico Zhuang to knit his brows.


    "Are you alright?" Despite the abrupt intrigue, Nico Zhuang asked as he assisted her light body to get back on her feet. His inquiry, fortunately, snapped Andy Chang back to the present time.


    "I ¡ª thank you," Awkward as she may sound, Andy Chang forced a smile on her lips. "I just thought I saw someone I know." She vaguely exined.


    Nico Zhuang nodded his head in understanding before he nced behind her. "I see. Be careful next time..." He reminded, and she responded by another "thank you", and a nod.


    He didn''t dwell on Andy Chang''s odd behavior as he had a much important task: meet Avah Tong.


    With that said note, Nico Zhuang excused himself as he headed to the front desk. He was notified about Avah Tong''s arrival but, since he didn''t see her around, he thought she was assisted somewhere.


    "Where''s Miss Tong?" Nico Zhuang lightly knocked his knuckle on the surface of the front desk to catch thedy employee''s attention.


    Upon meeting her gaze, Nico Zhuang stretched his lips a little, attempting to conceal his nonchnce in interactions. Although Nico Zhuang has a respectable reputation in Beauty DR, he was mindful of his demeanor so he wouldn''t scare away Lexi''s employees.


    "Oh, she just left. She said she''ll contact Madam Yang." Thedy answered, which caused Nico Zhuang''s brows to crease. Yet, he didn''t ask further questions as he knew thedy employee wouldn''t know, anyway.


    "Is that so?" He nodded slowly.


    Just then, Andy Chang appeared on his side. "Miss Wei, have you seen thedy here earlier? The one wearing a white blouse?" She inquired. Her eyes glinted with hope as she set them on thedy clerk.


    "You mean Miss Tong?" Puzzled at the sudden inquiry, Miss Wei tilted her head to the side as her thought bubble was filled with question marks.


    "Miss Tong...?" Andy Chang repeated with a questioning tone. Her earnest to know the person she saw standing in this spot dwindled.


    Did she mistook someone else as that person?


    "Do you know her?" Arching his brows, Nico Zhuang watched Andy Chang''s reaction with discretion. It was weird for her to bear such an expression just with the sight of Avah Tong.


    "I''m not sure..." Shifting her gaze to Nico Zhuang''s delicate facial features, a faint sigh escaped her stretched lips. "Maybe, I mistake her for someone else." Andy Chang helplessly sighed once again.


    "Miss Chang,e with me." His sudden invitation snapped Andy Chang from her muddled mind. Looking up, she saw Nico Zhuang turned and began taking strides towards the main entrance and exit of the building.


    "Yieee~" While Andy Chang mindlessly stared at his tall figure, Miss Wei cast her a knowing look as she raised her brows in an up and down motion. "You can do it, Manager Chang~!" Miss Wei added, holding her fist up as a sign of encouragement for Andy Chang.


    "Miss Wei," Although Andy was sad about the uncertainty of the person she saw, she could not help but helplessly sigh at the teasing of her colleagues.


    Even though Andy Chang was certain that Nico Zhuang asked her toe because of formal reasons, her colleagues mostly teased her about him. She was unsure where it began and she didn''t mind being teased as it wasn''t true.


    Still, it would be embarrassing if this would reach Nico Zhuang. Regardless, she must first follow the man or she''s afraid he would be displease. He''s still her superior after all.


    "Miss Chang,"


    "Y-yes!" Just as Andy Chang decided to follow him, Nico Zhuang called her out again which made her stutter for a bit and took hurried strides, following his trail.


    ****


    To Andy Chang''s surprise, Nico Zhuang led her to the coffee shop one block away across Beauty DR. She shouldn''t have to think of other things, but somehow, part of her was assuming unnecessary thoughts again, which was distracting her focus.


    "What do you want?" ncing to his side, he saw her flinch, snapping from whatever thought upying her mind.


    "Uhm," Distraught, Andy Chang turned to look at the menu as she cleared her throat. However, she couldn''t decide, but knowing she was with her boss, she just blurted out the first thing on the menu.


    "Double espresso."


    "One hot chocte and one espresso, please." After nodding, Nico Zhuang ordered as he handed his card that was clipped between his middle and forefinger to the cashier.


    Andy Chang snuck a look at his side profile. She didn''t know if he heard her wrong as she was certain she said double espresso. Still, she didn''t correct him because she wasn''t that fond of coffee so there''s no difference.


    Surely, she''s being such a dumb girl with him around.


    After that, they perched at the corner table he specifically chose. There were some employees from Beauty DR that has seen them together, which caused them to whisper to one another.


    With that, Andy Chang nced at Nico Zhuang''s stoic front. He was staring at her yet, he wasn''t saying anything! She was beginning to feel self-conscious about this.


    "Uhm..." Clearing her throat, Andy Chang attempted to strike a question but to no avail, words wouldn''te out from her throat.


    Just then, the waiter arrived with their order and a single slice of chocte cake. The waiter assumed that the yummy hot choco was for her hence, he ced it in front of her.


    "No, that''s not mine." Andy Chang softly said, waving her hands which was answered by an understanding nod.


    The waiter then carefully ced the hot choco in front of Nico Zhuang then the espresso to her. After cing the slice of cake on the table, he courteously bowed and left.


    "No, it''s yours." When the waiter left, Nico Zhuang finally open his mouth and spoke. As he said so, he carefully slid the hot choco in front of her while he picked up the espresso for himself. "You don''t drink coffee, Miss Chang." He indifferently said.


    Little did he know, that small gesture made her heart leap to her throat.

 Chapter 541: Sister?

    <h4>541 Sister?</h4>


    ''He knew...?'' Stupefied, Andy Chang stared at him. ''How...?'' Not many knew about this fact about her or rather, no one noticed that she never drank coffee.


    Yet, he did? But how? After all, although they worked in the same building, they rarely interacted with each other as they worked in the different departments.


    Moreover, Nico Zhuang was often by the big boss''s side. Hence, their encounter was rare and mostly under formal circumstances.


    "You like sweets, don''t you? This is yours." Unaware of the turmoil of feelings he had been unconsciously stirring in her, Nico Zhuang slid the slice of chocte cake beside her hot choco before he nced up.


    Upon seeing her daze front, he furrowed his brows. "Hmm? Is there something wrong?" He asked.


    Nico Zhuang was just acting as a kind gesture. After all, Andy Chang had shown sadness and disappointment earlier when they were on the front desk.


    Therefore, as a concerned colleague, he wanted to treat her to make her feel better. Furthermore, he wanted to ask questions that might be a little personal, hence he was setting up the mood.


    So, why was she staring at him weirdly? Did he do something wrong? He wondered.


    "Ah, nothing." Snapping from her daze, Andy Chang meekly smiled as she stared at the hot choco and slice of cake. "Thank you, but how did you know?" Trying to sound natural, Andy Chang forced her meek smile to widen, concealing her conflicted feelings.


    "I noticed." Short and precise, Nico Zhuang didn''t bother with the details. After all, they trained him to be extra observant.


    Should he exin that the first time he dropped by in her office, he noticed the empty cup of chocte frappe on the trash bin? Or when he asked her to be his date and noticed the half empty cookies and cream frappe?


    Should he need to detail that when they had breakfast after Mr. Tang''s birthday, he noticed that she ate more sweets than the main course? Should there be a need to detail it to her?


    It was not like he was particrly invested in her likes and dislikes. He was just a natural observant, and he easily noticed simple details.


    "Ahh¡­" Nodding, Andy Chang let out an awkward chuckle. She didn''t want to dwell on these simple things and yet, her heart was beating so fast as if it aimed to be a gold medalist in track and fieldpetition.


    ''Andrea, stop this right now!'' Yet internally, Andy Chang apprehended herself from her silly thoughts. ''He''s just like this, nothing special! Also, aren''t you ashamed of yourself? Remember, your body will never be clean!'' Andy Chang realized that her internal dialogues were harsh ¡ª too harsh even.


    Still, it was true though. She was a former escort and serviced men with her body. How could she think of liking someone when there''s nothing much left on her dignity? Also, she''s thinking of Nico Zhuang of all people!


    "Aww!" Andy Chang hastily ced down the hot cup despite her fingers in pain. After putting it down without spilling more, she shook her hand as if to lessen the pain before she blew on it.


    "Here," handing out some tissue, Nico Zhuang had been observing her and he could tell that she was really acting weird. "Wait, let me¡ª"


    "No, it''s fine." Andy Chang''s defense wall spiked up as soon as she saw his hand reached for her scalded hand. She immediately held it closer to her and smiled awkwardly.? "It''s fine, boss. I''m sorry, I just had a lot of things in my mind recently." She reasoned, giving justice to her clumsiness.


    Nico Zhuang didn''t mind her abrupt refusal as he nodded in understanding. "It''s okay. I don''t mind." He nodded again to reassure her, easing her mind. However, how could she ease her mind if the main reason it was in haywire was him?


    "By the way, you said earlier that you mistook someone as the person you knew?" After some time, Nico Zhuang watched her wipe her hands before she raised her head and smiled. Taking up that opportunity, Nico Zhuang delved on his main agenda for asking her out.


    "Ahh¡­" Although surprised that he was inquiring about this, Andy Chang didn''t mind giving him an answer as this thought would bug her, anyway. "I thought I saw my elder sister earlier." Looking down, Andy Chang memories of her elder sister shed across her mind.


    A bitter smile formed on the corner of her lips as those memories grew darker and tragic. Regardless, it still excited her when she thought she saw her elder sister once again.


    "Sister?" Arching his brows, Nico Zhuang examined Andy Chang''s face and demeanor. She doesn''t have any resemnce of Avah Tong¡­ well, they have the same eye structure. But, that''s just it.


    "Hmm¡­" Andy Chang softly hummed a tune as she nodded her head. "She ran away from home when she''s 16 and I''m 14. We have a very simple life back in our hometown, but it never satisfied my sister. She always told me that she wouldn''t settle in this kind of life¡­ maybe that''s the reason she ran away." A heavy sigh escaped from her nose as she forced a smile on her lips.


    "Now I wonder if she got rich just like what she aimed. It''s not like I have grudges with her ¡ª just that, I hoped she didn''t leave me." Andy Chang bit her lower lips because thinking about her elder sister, it brought out emotions she had been hiding in the deepest part of her heart. Her vision blurred as forming tears clouded her eyes.


    Suddenly, Nico Zhuang showed his phone that has an image of a woman. "Does she look like this person?" he was just trying out his luck by showing her Avah Tong''s portrait. But, he wasn''t hopeful.


    He just wanted to be sure that Avah Tong was just like Andy Chang assumed; she''s just a resemnce of her sister... and not the real person.


    Andy Chang, though teary eyed, shifted her eyes on the screen of his phone. Staring at it for several seconds, her eyes widened as she slowly turned her surprised eyes back to him.

 Chapter 542: Wheres my son?

    <h4>542 Where''s my son?</h4>


    Even without words being said, Nico Zhuang got his answer. It might not show on the surface, but it surprised him. Andy Chang and Avah Tong being sisters? Never in his uncreative imagination had he thought of this connection.


    "If this is your sister, her name now is Avah Tong." Slowly, Nico Zhuang retracted the phone away from her and ced it inside his suit pocket. He gazed over her speechless front as if she was processing and arranging her series of questions.


    "She''s now a trainee in AL entertainment ¡ª you know who owned that, right?" Nico Zhuang cleared his throat as he gave her some of Avah Tong''s information.


    He pondered and fished out the details that weren''t too sensitive to her. "Miss Fan made her run an errand for the things Madam needed from the agency." Though this excuse might sound so absurd, Nico Zhuang had already thought of an escape answer if she ever questioned him. Fortunately, she didn''t.


    "Avah Tong..." Andy Chang whispered the unfamiliar name her sister used. Part of her was relieved that her sister was trying her luck in the entertainment industry, and she was even under AL agency''s management.


    Andy Chang recalled how Lexi dealt with Hannah Gan''s scandal back then, which she took part in one way or another. Therefore, knowing that her sister was working under good people, she could sigh in relief.


    At the very least, her sister didn''t end up in the industry where Lexi saved Andy Chang from.


    On the other hand, Andy Chang was a bit bitter. She often tried to search for her sister and even go to social media hoping to find her, but to no avail.


    Who would have thought that fate would make a move and let them see each other again? Not just that but also, the two of them were working under the same person yet, in a different field.


    "I''m so d¡­" Even before Andy Chang could realize, tears trickled down from the corner of her eyes. Her voice cracked, nearly choked on her remark.


    Regardless of the unprecedented events and the realization of how the world could be huge yet small at the same time, her relief of knowing her sister was doing well triumphed in her heart.


    She wanted to stop crying, stop embarrassing herself in front of Nico Zhuang. But her tears wouldn''t stop. It continued to fall from her eyes and she continuously wiped them away.


    "Here," after some time, Nico Zhuang offered his handkerchief. She had been wiping her tears using her hands, smudging her light makeup. Meaning, her hand wasn''t helping her and only making her look like a mess.


    Also, he didn''t want anyone to think that he''s a heartless person for not trying tofort her. He might be bad at it but, well, at least she wouldn''t look like aplete mess.


    "Thank you," not thinking straight, Andy Chang epted the handkerchief without a second hesitation. Without further ado, she spread it and wiped her tears.


    "I understand," Nico Zhuang stretched his lips a little up as he nodded his head.


    Now that made sense why they had no useful information about Avah Tong. Apparently, her name Avah Tong was not her real name, and she was an ambitious country bumpkin who wanted to crawl up in the upper echelon.


    No wonder she stomached being a sugar baby.


    Until now, Nico Zhuang felt bad to his ''former'' master for being cuckold by his uncle and her. Avah Tong was definitely not a woman worthy in his eyes. Regardless if she was Andy Chang''s sister or not, there''s only a small possibility to change how Nico Zhuang sees that woman.


    *****


    "What is she doing there?" Avah Tong bit her thumb nail to calm herself down. The woman she saw inside Beauty DR was her sister Andrea, no doubt.


    "Of all ces she can work, why there?" She grumbled, making the driver of the cab nce at her via the rear mirror. "Did that b*tch also know? No, no, I used a different identity ¡ª it''s impossible she''d know." Avah Tong ignored the odd look from the driver as she continued to murmur.


    Although she wanted to believe that Lexi must have set this up, however, her rational thinking was against it. It was indeed impossible because she did everything to erase her poor life behind her. Plus, with the help of Dennis Lu, they manipted her history that was stated in Ethan Lu''s intelligence.


    "She didn''t see me clearly, right?" She wondered.


    Andy Chang and Avah Tong had quite a distance in between. Hence, even if Andy Chang had a glimpse of her, if she asked the front desk, Andy Chang''s assumptions would definitely dwindle.


    Just then, Avah Tong flinched when she heard her phone ring. Checking who it might be, her brows knitted seeing an unknown number. Since Avah Tong learned her lesson, she declined the iing call.


    Who knows who it might be? After all, she was surrounded with crazy people that could end her life¡­ she could do that too but, with no solid backing, her efforts and knowledge would all go to waste. Therefore, unless it was Dennis Lu or Lexi or her assistant, she didn''t need to receive an unknown call.


    When she declined, her phone rang again, but this time, it ended even before she could press the red button. Right after, a notification popped on top of her screen from that unknown number. It says: "I know where you can find him."


    The message was vague yet, for some reason, her heart pounded as her instinct automatically thought about her missing child. Without a second hesitation, Avah Tong called the person''s back which was answered after five rings.


    "Where''s my son?"

 Chapter 543: Our deal

    <h4>543 Our deal</h4>


    "Interesting¡­" Lexi nodded her head in understanding. ncing up at Nico Zhuang, Lexi curled the corner of her lips upward. "So you went on a date with Miss Chang?" out of nowhere, Lexi asked, causing his brows to twitch.


    "No," clearing his throat, Nico Zhuang shook his head. Lexi was starting with him again. She''s taking his action to a different meaning again when obviously, she knows why he does things.


    "That''s all. I got to check the production andb for the new samples for Miss Ning." Nico Zhuang diverted the conversation and yet, Lexi''s twinkling eyes suggested more teasing. That''s his cue to head out before Lexi could tease him further.


    Therefore, after stating his remark, he slightly bowed his head and left his boss''s office. Until now, he couldn''t get the grasp of Lexi teasing him with Andy Chang. Even if he recalled all interactions he had with the said woman, Nico Zhuang couldn''t think of events that might mislead them to think he liked her or vice versa.


    Perhaps, Lexi was just bored? Or stress, so she was de-stressing herself by teasing him? Might be the case. With that in mind, Nico Zhuang shrugged his shoulders as he closed the door behind him.


    Meanwhile, Lexi chuckled upon seeing his reaction. Well, Nico Zhuang''s thoughts were more or less right. But, Lexi was merely trying to open his heart to express his feelings. After all, Nico Zhuang was more lenient and his tolerance level towards Andy Chang was something Lexi haven''t seen him doing to others aside from her.


    He was her people thus, she knew. Moreover, before she got to know that Nico Zhuang was Ethan Lu''s shadow guard, they became friends. Lexi was certain that if not because he was tasked to keep a close eye of her, Nico Zhuang would keep his distance from her too.


    "Hay¡­" Shaking her head, Lexi reclined on her office chair and swiveled it slowly. Tapping her fingers on the armchair, Lexi stared at the ceiling with a satisfied smile. "So, Andy and Avah are sisters? Interesting¡­" Lexi murmured.


    Maybe the heaven had been rooting for her, for letting her meet Andy Chang. Who would have thought that Andy Chang''s existence would help her in some ways? First, the Hannah Gan''s scandal and now, she might help her with Avah Tong.


    Truly, the world wasn''t that huge at all, eh?


    "Let''s see¡­" Lexi straightened her posture as she opened one drawer on her desk and fished out her phone. Having the thought to call Avah Tong, however, an iing call showed just before she could.


    "Oh?" Arching her brows, Lexi thought that her ckmailer had already given up. Well, she thought wrong. Letting out a sigh, Lexi unhesitatingly answered the call and ced it in front of her ear.


    "Yes?" as if she was just answering a friend''s call, Lexi leaned her back on the office chair as she swung it a little from left to right.


    "Make sure you don''t call the cops or you wouldn''t like what will happen." After a minute of silence, the man threatened. However, his threats were nothing but empty words that didn''t even affect Lexi.


    "Sure, that''s all?" Looking at her nails, Lexi indifferently dawdled as if he was wasting her time.


    This attitude of hers, although the man wasn''t Dn Lu himself, she annoyed the hell out of him. He couldn''t intimidate her any longer, and because the money he would receive was actually their aplice''s money, the man was more concerned about himself.


    Gritting his teeth, the man was about to hung up but stopped when Lexi spoke again. "Is your boss there?"


    "..."


    "You know you''ll be a scapegoat, right?" Since he wasn''t responding, Lexi inquired as she arched her right brow.


    Actually, she was unsure if there''s really another person behind this man or he''s the sole perpetrator. Regardless, Lexi wanted to try her luck. She wouldn''t lose that much anyway ¡ª it would only give him a bit of information that she didn''t entirely uncover this whole scheme.


    "I mean, you can always enjoy that 50 million yourself if you give me the original copies and destroy other copies. Why do you have to return the fifty million to its owner and end up behind bars in exchange?" Lexi said in a matter-of-fact tone. Clearly, she was trying to manipte him as it was the best chance because she cornered them.


    Although Lexi wouldn''t know if this person would listen to what she was bbering, but she was just suggesting. After all, she didn''t want those fifty million to return to Laurel Wang''s hand ¡ª if she''s truly an aplice.


    Moreover, if she would put herself in the man''s shoes, Lexi would probably betray them instead of taking all the bullets. They were facing her and Ethan Lu so the exchange was surely a trap. The reason Lexi thought she wouldn''t hear from her ckmailer again because that trap was already obvious.


    Therefore, no sane person would willingly jump into a trap unless they needed the bait so much. Well, fifty million must be too tempting indeed. Even a woman like Laurel Wang that came from a wealthy family would still have second thoughts if they should let go or not.


    "What do you think? Instead of dealing with me under your employer''s orders, why don''t we have a deal of our own?" Lexi suggested but to no avail, she only heard silence before the call ended followed by the beeping tone.


    "Well," shrugging her shoulders, Lexi chuckled as she spun her chair once. "I guess I''ll get my answer some other time." she muttered before she hummed and closed her eyes to rest a little.


    Although she didn''t get his answer now, Lexi knew that deep down, a seed was sessfully imnted on the man''s mind.

 Chapter 544: You can see it?

    <h4>544 You can see it?</h4>


    "Mhmm¡­ alright, see youter. I love you too." Ethan Lu heard the beeping sound from his phone, indicating that the call ended. Turning his head to the door of the private ward, he saw Chris Yu''s figure exiting the room before he closed the door behind him.


    "How was he?" Ethan Lu inquired, as he ced back his phone inside his pocket.


    "They were just checking up on him, but he''s fine." Nodding his head, a relief sigh escaped from his mouth. Morris Liu just regained consciousness earlier, exactly the time when Ethan Lu arrived at the hospital.


    "I see¡­" Relieved by the news, Ethan Lu nced at the slowly opening door. The doctor and a few staffs came out right after. Uponying their eyes on Ethan Lu, they slightly bowed their heads as a greeting.


    Ethan Lu returned the same courteous gesture before the attending physician discussed Morris Liu''s current condition. Ethan Lu didn''t pay much attention to the details as he trusted that Chris Yu wouldn''t let Morris Liu down.


    As for Ethan Lu, he was just there to visit a friend. He hadn''tpletely forgotten what happened back in Mr. Tang''s event and he would never be. The reason he was there was because his soft spots for the guy triumphed.


    It annoyed him, but well, considering the experiences they shared, their brotherhood was undoubtedly strong. Also, although Ethan Lu wanted to push all the me to Morris Liu, he couldn''t. After all, Lexi was also at fault too.


    Ethan Lu nced at the retreating medical staff after they left some notes to Chris Yu. Although he didn''t pay much attention to their discussion, Ethan Lu still got the gist that Morris Liu was fine to receive visitors.


    "I''ll go say hi," He gestured at Chris Yu.


    "I''ll settle something in the register. Don''t stress him too much." Chris Yu nodded his head as he reminded Ethan Lu to be cautious of what he would say before he left.


    "Jeez," Ethan Lu watched Chris Yu''s departing back, a faint chuckle escaped from his lips.


    He was grateful that Chris Yu really looked after Morris Liu. Although Chris Yu was thest person who got into their original circle, he stayed at Morris Liu''s side through and through.


    Unlike Elliot Gong, Kevin Woo, and him, Chris Yu remained solid with Morris Liu. That''s probably the reason Ethan Lu wasn''t that worried about Morris ¡ª he has Chris.


    Shaking his head sideways, Ethan Lu slowly slid the door open. Stretching his lips a little wider, he thrusted his chin up as a greeting to Morris Liu.


    Morris Liu nodded his head once as he blinked his heavy eyes. He still felt how drain his body was but since he has a visitor, he thought he should apany him for a while.


    "Hey," Stopping on the side of the bed, Ethan Lu traveled his gaze on Morris Liu''s pale countenance. "You''ve been visiting hospitals rather often." He humored thinking of the time Morris Liu was in aa.


    However, a person''s life was unpredictable. Who knows when a person''s life would end.


    Morris Liu was just d that he could live another day. Although it makes little sense but, he really thought the reason he has such a turn in his health was because of all the fright he hadst night.


    "Maan¡­" Dragging the chair not far away from him, Ethan Lu ced it on the side of the bed and plopped down on it. "If you don''t take care of your health this time, Chris will surely nag you." Ethan Lu teased which made the two of them chuckle at the humor.


    Just then, Ethan Lu noticed that there was something in his pocket. Looking down, his eyes shook. He nearly forgot that he has a dumpling on his pocket, and she seemed she was suffocating.


    Since Churu has been quiet the whole day, Ethan Lu almost forgot her existence. Hence, feeling bad about forgetting her, Ethan Lu pretended to fish something from his pocket so Morris Liu wouldn''t think he was acting weird for fishing out something that Morris Liu couldn''t see.


    "Nice key chain." Hoarse and weak, Morris Liuplimented as he noticed that Ethan Lu has a huge key chain clinging in this pocket. It was quite new to him to see Ethan Lu carry around something life that. Thus, he has to take notice.


    However, in contrast of how Morris Liu imagined him returning the humor, Ethan Lu paused. Slowly, in a robotic pace, turned his attention to Morris Liu.


    "Y ¡ª you ¡ª what did you say?" Ethan Lu stuttered as he blinked his eyes many times. "Keychain? This? You can see it?" Aghast, Ethan Lu carefully scrutinized Morris Liu and saw him darted his eyes from him to Churu.


    Because of his parched throat, Morris Liu just blinked his eyes as he was puzzled by Ethan Lu''s reaction. Of course he could see it. How would he even notice it if he couldn''t?


    Yet, although Morris Liu wanted to answer, he didn''t and just gave him a knowing look.


    "Does it look like a dumpling?" Ethan Lu asked, his gaze waited for him to answer which he did by nodding after a beat.


    "No way¡­" Under his breath, Ethan Lu''s mind went nk for a second. How could that be? How could Morris Liu see Churu?


    Lexi seeing Churu was already understandable. Although it was never been officially exined, the three of them assumed the reason Lexi could still see Churu was because she''s Churu''s former host. However, what about Morris Liu? How could he see her?


    Just then, Churu slowly opened her eyes after her long nap. Feeling recharged, she yawned and flew away from Ethan Lu''s hands. Little did she know, a set of two eyes followed her small floating figure; Ethan Lu in utter shock while Morris Liu''s front remained just how it was.


    "That was a nice nap chu~" She muttered as she stretched her hands up.? Upon hearing her talk, Morris Liu''s heartbeat slowly took up its pace as he watched how the ''dumpling flew and and talked as if it has a mind of her own.

 Chapter 545: Dumpling to human

    <h4>545 Dumpling to human</h4>


    "That was a good nap~" Refreshed, Churu muttered after yawning. She then turned her head to the person in front of her, meeting the icy yet disturbed pair of eyes.


    ncing at the figure next to her, Churu met Ethan Lu''s aghast front as if he had seen a ghost. Both men stared at her floating figure as she took the next several seconds loading what was going on.


    One.


    Two.


    Three.


    Churu blinked her eyes numerous times as she darted her eyes from Morris Liu to Ethan Lu. After two more seconds, her eyes widened as she realized Morris Liu was staring at her!


    He was staring at her! Like he could see her!


    "What..." Morris Liu murmured as his heart raced, sending rms to the monitors of his condition.


    The voice of Churu, her tiny, high-pitched minion voice sounded just like the whispers he heard the other night. Just the thought of it, the trauma he tried to deny resurfaced ¡ª like a mushroom growing out of nowhere.


    "Hey, hey! Brother Mo!" Ethan Lu snapped back to reality when he heard the abnormal noise of Morris Liu''s heart.


    "What? What? What? What''s happening chu?!" Churu equally panicked as herplex question sought for different answers.


    Not wasting time, Ethan Lu pressed a button to notify medical staff for medical attention. Still, every second felt forever as he paced back and forth, then checked Morris Liu.


    "Ouch!" Just then, Churu felt another pang of pain in her chest as she suddenly crashed to the floor. "Aah!!" sping her hands on her chest, Churu screamed as the pain this time was overwhelming.


    "Hey, what happened? Oi!" Upon hearing Churu''s sudden cry, Ethan Lu turned his head to her direction, only to see no figure floating anymore.


    Upon her second cry, Ethan Lu looked down and saw her curling herself on the floor. Hence, Ethan Lu squatted down as he attempted to touch her but afraid that he would hurt her further.


    "Cha cha? What''s going on?"


    "It hurts... ahh!" Through her gritted teeth, Churu grumbled as she rolled on the floor because of the striking pain on her chest.


    Just then, the hospital door slid open followed by the sound of hurried footsteps of doctors and nurses. With that, Ethan Lu immediately picked up Churu as he stepped aside.


    "What happened?" While the doctor was trying to stabilize Morris Liu''s condition, Chris Yu appeared on the door. Anxiousness stered across his face as he panted, as if he rushed his way back there.


    "I¡ªI don''t know," Stuttering, Ethan Lu shook his head as he was trying to wrap the reason around his head.


    "What?" Shifting his sharp eyes to the distress Ethan Lu, Chris Yu assumed that he must have said something that triggered Morris Liu to be in this state. "I told you not to stress him out, didn''t I?" Grabbing him by the cor, Chris Yu''s eyes glinted with fury.


    "Urgh!" Chris Yu growled in frustrations as he walked out of the room and let the professionals do their job.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu nced down on his hands where Churu was writhing in pain. He couldn''t be bothered being vented out of Chris Yu''s frustration as his mind felt like exploding.


    He couldn''t just tell Chris Yu that Morris Liu nearly had a heart attack after seeing a flying dumpling, right? Who would believe him? They might as well think that Ethan Lu finally lost it.


    Also, how could Morris Liu see Churu, and then at the same time, they were both in pain? Was this a sheer coincidence?


    Just what''s going on?!


    Ethan Lu''s mind was in aplete haywire thinking about it. He couldn''tprehend anything that was currently urring, that was why for now, he has to clear his head while tending to Churu. After all, he doesn''t know how to ease her pain because aside from Lexi, no one could see her ¡ª except Morris Liu, of course.


    ****


    "Are you sure I should leave you here?" Hourster, fortunately, Chris Yu still let him go inside the private ward.


    Ethan Lu nced at the reclining Churu next to Morris Liu. "Err, you might really kill him if he wakes up having you beside him." He hesitated because Churu suddenly requested to stay beside Morris Liu.


    However, how could Ethan Lu be at ease if the reason Morris Liu had a cardiac arrest was because of the sight of Churu?


    "It''s fine, he will not." Although still feeling weak, Churu meekly smiled to reassure him. "Also, I want to confirm about something." She added.


    Ethan Lu contemted as his expression grew more conflicted. "Oh, god..." He heavily sighed as he run his fingers through his hair.


    Ethan Lu never felt his mind this drained, as if they squeezed all his brain juices out. It was just too much for him, plus this decision if he should trust Churu or take her home.


    However, thinking that Churu might do nothing silly through the night, Ethan Lu finally nodded his head in approval. "Just don''t scare him, alright? Or, wait for me to exin things to him tomorrow before you show yourself."


    Another sigh escaped from his mouth. "He''s still very vulnerable, Chacha. Please, whatever you need to confirm, if you can do it without him seeing you, then don''t show up in front of him for now."


    "Don''t worry," Sounding sincere, Churu nodded her head which caused Ethan Lu to sigh again.


    ****


    Later that night, Morris Liu woke up in the middle of the night. He slowly opened his eyes, blinked his weary eyes to adjust to the dimness of the room.


    However, as his vision cleared, a set of silver orbs was staring back at him. Her silky, long ck hair flowed down to the side, while her und body perched on top of him.


    "No way..." Churu whispered as she really transformed to a human form.

 Chapter 546: I wont hurt you

    <h4>546 I won''t hurt you</h4>


    Ethan Lu didn''t leave immediately as the reluctance of leaving Churu with Morris Liu held him back from going. Still, since the night was getting deeper and Lexi had already headed home with the twins, Ethan Lu also had to go home.


    Before leaving, he tugged Churu''s conscience repeatedly. "Chacha, you promised?"


    "Hmm,"


    "I trust you, okay? You''ll keep your word, right?" Ethan Lu asserted, making sure she remembered that he would be upset if Morris Liu had another scare.


    "Don''t worry, I will disappear when he wakes up." Although Churu was slightly annoyed at him for tugging her almost nonexistent conscience, she still nodded and reassured him.


    "Alright..." Letting out another deep exhale, Ethan Lu shifted his gaze from the small dumpling to Morris Liu''s peaceful profile. "I''ll be back tomorrow morning ¡ª you promised!" He asserted again which made Churu''s under eye twitched, nearly causing her to throw a huge fit for hearing the same words over and over again.


    "Just go! Lexi is waiting for chu!" Churu frowned as she reminded him that he needed to go home.


    "Right..." Sighing once again, Ethan Lu pinched the bridge of his nose as he decided to leave. He nced at the two ¡ª Morris Liu and Churu ¡ª lying on the bed as he left.


    When he was in front of the door, Ethan Lu looked back once again and opened his mouth. However, before his words could break out from his mouth, Churu spoke.


    "Yes, yes! I won''t give him a fright anymore! I promised!" Churu rolled her eyes as Ethan Lu was acting as if a concerned, overthinking father of Morris Liu. Well, she couldn''t me him though because Morris Liu nearly died uponying his eyes on her small cute figure.


    After saying her remarks, Churu saw him stared at them for a good ten seconds before he finally left. Churu was never relieved being away from her host.


    However, this time she was. Ethan Lu was just too persistent to the point that it was super annoying.


    "I wouldn''t really scare him... I just want to know if what I think is correct." Churu sighed before turning her body to her side and stared at Morris Liu''s side profile.


    Her thoughts glinted in her eyes as she pursed her lips together. No one knew what thoughts circled around her mind, but certainly, they were all vague and unanswered query she sought for answers.


    *****


    Churu couldn''t really rest after Ethan Lu left as Chris Yu lingered around for a bit. Although he was merely inside the room, never saying a word, Churu was annoyed at his presence.


    She didn''t know why, but maybe it was because she felt that anyone could see her now. Well, she''s at her dumpling form still so, she truly mind being seen in this cute yet embarrassing form of a delicacy.


    With that, although Churu felt a little awkward, she flew and lied on his chest. She listened to his now stabilized heartbeat and closed her eyes.


    For some reason, Churu felt that the slightest pain in her chest eventually subsided as some kind of energy circled around them.


    "I still don''t understand..." Churu murmured as she let her body sumbed to the brewing energy, linking her to him.


    The faint energy soon glowed in a misty white, her body also glowed that made Churu''s body rxed. She remained slumped over him and the light within her gradually brightened.


    After some time, just before Churu transformed, her eyes slowly opened as she felt her body floating even without hermand. s, there was no room for her to think because the next second, she felt her arms and feet growing.


    She witnessed them as it took their shaped, akin to a human hand. Her eyes caught her hair growing in an unimaginable pace and the next thing she knew, she had taken to a human form.


    With her position earlier, Churu''s found her bared body on top of the patient Morris Liu. At the same time, his eyelids flickered before it slowly opened.


    Churu was in the middle of processing what just happened while gluing her gaze on Morris Liu''s blinking eyes. "No way..." she whispered as a realization struck her really hard.


    Meanwhile, when Morris Liu set his distraught gaze to the beautiful pair of silver eyes that were akin to the glow of the full moon, he was momentarily drawn.


    Although the room was dim, this distance between their faces made it easy for him to engrave her godly beauty in his mind. However, as they stared at each other, Morris Liu realized that he didn''t know her.


    "Who¡ª!" His heart experienced anomaly again upon his realization.


    "No," Instead of a high-pitched minion voice, Churu''s voice was rather mellow, soothing to one''s ear. When she saw him took his defenses up, Churu ced her ear on his chest, where his heart located.


    "It''s fine, I won''t hurt you..." She whispered as Churu reduced the remaining spaced between them,pletelyying her naked body on top of him. "It''s okay, it''s okay..." She coaxed repeatedly.


    For some reason, his heart calmed down, returning to its normal pace. Not just that, but also, Morris Liu felt that he was being healed when she rested her head on his chest.


    "I won''t hurt you," Churu continued and as if her words were magic, Morris Liu slowly fell back to sleep.


    Churu remained in her position for quite some time until she was certain that Morris Liu was back to sleep. Slowly, she retracted her head away from his and stared down at his now normalplexion.


    "Yael, what are you doing this time?" Although Churu had more or less confirmed her query, there were still things that were left as a mystery. Hence, since Yael might be hearing her, she asked despite knowing she wouldn''t get any answer.

 Chapter 547: Feels good...

    <h4>547 Feels good...</h4>


    Not long after, Churu heard footsteps. The sound of it didn''t seem that close to the room, but she was certain that the sound was heading in Morris Liu''s direction. Thinking that it was probably the nurse making rounds, Churu slowly drew away from him.


    Looking down, she could clearly see her naked body. Yet, Churu didn''t dwell on theck of cover, but her attention was to her barely wed skin. Her gaze traveled from her fingers, hands, arms, and then to her bare breast and toned tummy.


    "How can this be¡­?" Churu murmured, as she touched her left hand with her right hand. She could still hear the footsteps from the elevator that was now heading in this room. "What is going on?" she whispered as the footsteps drew closer and closer until it briefly stopped in front of the door.


    Soon, the door carefully slid open. The nurse nced to the bed where Morris Liu lied ¡ª no one was there aside from him. Slowly, the nurse closed the door behind her and headed to the patient. Checking his IV drip, the nurse proceeded to check his condition with discretion.


    It only took her several minutes before she was done and left. When the door opened and closed once again, Churu heard the footsteps outside drew farther from the room. Hence, Churu snuck her head out from behind the curtain.


    She scanned the obscure room and after she was certain that no one was around, she slowly headed to the door and locked it. Although Churu was sure that no one would drop by in this ce, she wanted to be extra sure.


    After all, she''s still naked. Fortunately, the temperature inside this room was bearable. Still, Churu was rather conflicted as she didn''t know what to do? Should she call Ethan Lu or Lexi? But she didn''t know their phone numbers!


    There wasn''t a need for her to know such details as Churu didn''t expect these phenomena. However, now that it has all been said and done, Churu was pushed in this kind of dilemma.


    ncing at the stable Morris Liu, Churu heavily sighed. Slowly, she strode and stopped beside the sleeping Morris Liu. She could not understand why she was having a strong connection with this man.


    Earlier, when Churu tried to calm him down, not only she felt a strong energy between them but the pain she had borne for thousands of years healed a tiny bit. Regardless how little that relief period she felt, it was the very first time she felt relieved.


    Lexi''s facial masks though were helpful, it couldn''t bepared when she was close with Morris Liu. Hence, Churu carefully slid under the nket and lied next to him. Just as she thought, she could only feel this kind of relief when they were skin to skin.


    Shameless as she was, Churu squeezed herself to his side even more as her arms snaked on his lean waist. "Feels good¡­" she whispered before she closed her eyes and sumbed to her slumber.


    ****


    Meanwhile...


    "What do you want?" Dennis Lu frowned, evidently displeased about her sudden return. He didn''t want to go around in circles because there was no point in beating around the bush.


    "Do I need to want something else to see you?" Avah Tong arched her right brow. In contrast of what Dennis Lu expected, she was rather calm.


    "If you want child support, I can give you that. Just go far away from here." Blunt and harsh as he may sound, however, Dennis Lu didn''t need to sugarcoat his words as he was used to being blunt and honest to her.


    For a moment, Avah Tong swallowed as she blinked her eyes and stared at him. She had been her sugar baby for a long time hence, whether or not she wanted it, she discovered a few habits of him.


    She also somehow could tell if he was lying or not. Therefore, after careful observation, Dennis Lu seemed he didn''t know about the child.


    To Avah Tong''s knowledge, since her rtionship with Ethan Lu was a huge epic fail and Ethan Lu''s embarrassment for being cuckold, all information regarding that incident wasn''t known to others. Avah Tong guessed that even Dennis Lu didn''t know about it either.


    After all, if he had her child in his custody, there would be hints. But, the man across her, aside from his worries on his life being ruined if his past affair got exposed, Avah Tong could not find any small hints of Dennis Lu knowing the whereabouts of their son.


    So, does that mean the person who called earlier might be the person who has her son?


    "No," brushing all thoughts behind her, Avah Tong picked up the cup of slightly hot tea and took a sip. "Why would I go far away? What''s the need?" She asked as she ced down the tea and raised her head.


    His pair of unappreciative eyes grew gloomier upon hearing her response. "Then what do you want? Ruin my life?" He asked, his frown getting worse by the second.


    Avah Tong went on silent mode again yet, she kept her calm demeanor. Her eyes stared at his for quite some time before the corner of her lips curled upward.


    "Like I said, do I have any other reasons to see you? I want to see you, that''s all." Suddenly, Avah Tong''s tone turned coquettish as her foot under the table stroked his.


    In an instant, Dennis Lu''s shoulder stiffened, sensing the sensual caress of her foot on his shin. Gulping down, he tried to calm his libido down.


    Despite his easily aroused libido, he cleared his throat and shrugged her foot away from him. "Avah, if you think you can get me by acting sweet, I won''t fall for it." Dennis Lu eximed, convincing Avah Tong and himself.


    "You won''t?" Resting her jaw by the back of her hand, the side of Avah Tong''s lips curled into a coquettish smirk.

 Chapter 548: Pervert Morris!

    <h4>548 Pervert Morris!</h4>


    Morris Liu''s eyes slowly opened. Memories from before he fell unconscious surged inside his mind causing it to ache. "Ugh¡­" A muffled groan escaped his dried lips as he tried to move. However, with just that slight motion, he felt something on his side.


    With great effort, he turned to look at the soft form beside him. However, what blessed his eyes was not a pillow or something, but someone: a woman! In an instant, Morris Liu was rmed yet, unlike how his heart rate escted earlier, it was rather normal this time.


    Still, his whole body stiffened when Churu moved, findingfort in him by squeezing herself closer than they already were. For a moment, Morris Liu''s mind short-circuited because of the myriads of question surged inside his mind.


    Why was there a woman sleeping beside him? Who was she? Why was she there? And was she... naked? These were just an example of the series of questions that floated in his mind.


    Gazing down, Churu''s shoulders were bare and exposed while the rest of her body was under the sheet. To get the answer of hisst question, Morris Liu just needed to lift the sheet. However, he was afraid to know the answer.


    For Pete''s sake! His heart was literally vulnerable. Therefore, knowing what lies beneath this sheet, he might have another cardiac arrest. Morris Liu didn''t want to court death yet ¡ª he nearly died multiple times today.


    Just then, Churu slowly moved, her chest brushed on his side while her leg rested on top of his. Her slim arm then returned to his waist as she pulled him closer to her. "Hmmm¡­" as if she was having sweet dreams, a soft hum escaped her lips.


    Meanwhile, Morris Liu''s already hard body was left immobilized. He wanted to jump out from the bed or scream, however, his body was weak and his throat was parched. He could barely make a sound as it felt like his throat was being ripped apart.


    Just then, Churu suddenly opened her eyes from her sweet sleep. Blinking it many times, she suddenly sat up, causing the sheet to slide down. It revealed the glory of her naked upper body for Morris Liu to feast on.


    "I fell asleep!" Aghast, it shocked Churu that she slept for the first time. She only wanted to rest and heal, but she didn''t expect that she''d truly fall asleep. Although Churu goes to her slumber sometimes, she wasn''t fully asleep as her mind was still active.


    In other words, although she seemed to sleep, her mind was still there ¡ª working for her inner energy to recuperate faster. But now she fell asleep! Like a human that needed sleep to recharge.


    "Oh, no¡­" Just as Churu shook her head profusely, she noticed a pair of confused yet cold eyes staring at her. Hence, as her words trailed off, she turned her attention to the awake Morris Liu.


    "I ¡ª why ¡ª" Churu''s words wouldn''te out from her mouth as being found out by him startled her to the core. How could she not sense that he was awake? Churu nced at the monitor that was monitoring his heart and to her relief, Morris Liu was fine.


    She then returned her eyes on him and pursed her lips together. They stared at one another without a word being said, as Churu contemted on what she should say. On the other hand, Morris Liu suddenly recalled a vague memory of the same color of her eyes.


    An argent pair that shone like two shining full moon staring down at him. He remembered how she calmed him down and his unstable heart felt her warmth. He thought it was just a dream, but now...


    After a minute of pondering, she cleared her throat and straightened her posture,pletely forgetting that she was not d. "I''m Alvah, nice to meet you." Trying to sound less awkward, Churu introduced herself, but to no avail, Morris Liu just stared at her with aplicated look.


    "You don''t have to be afraid of me ¡ª I didn''t mean any harm, I swear!" Taking his reaction as a look of doubt, Churu eximed as she peered at him with sincerity. However, instead of nodding his head, Morris Liu slowly raised his hand and pointed at her exposed body as he looked away without a word.


    Following where he was pointing at, Churu looked down and her eyes widened even more. That very instant, Churu covered her chest by her arms as she ducked, "Pervert! Morris pervent! Pervert pervert pervert!" she used.


    Fortunately, her face was buried on the bed, hence, it muffled her voice. Still, upon hearing her usatory remarks, Morris Liu''s brows twitched. How could she call him that if, in the first ce, she was the intruder here!


    "I really hate you!" Churu slightly raised her head and peeked at his astounded side profile. Her face was all in red as she was truly embarrassed that her body had been gazed upon.


    Churu didn''t know the reason, but it was as if that was her natural reaction. She was a shameless demon and had seen multiple naked bodies ¡ª even mangled ones. Also, she was always naked in her dumpling form, hence, she should be used by it. But she wasn''t!


    Although Morris Liu should have been rmed by now, there was something within him that was telling him it''s fine. Morris Liu had always trusted his instinct. Thus, instead of calling someone, he lifted the sheet that was covering him and ced it on her exposed back.


    When Churu felt something cover her back, she raised her eyes again to see him look away without giving her a look of interest.

 Chapter 549: I hate you

    <h4>549 I hate you</h4>


    "..." Ethan Lu darted his eyes from Morris Liu''s stoic front to Churu''s bubbly one. Blinking many times repeatedly, his face crumpled in dismay.


    "Y-you mean y-you''re Cha ¡ª no way!" Ethan Lu stuttered as the revtion was hard to believe.


    Since he felt so restless leaving Churu with Morris Liust night, Ethan Lu woke up and left home earlier. Upon his arrival, he was surprised to see staff opening the Morris Liu''s door as it was locked.


    But they saw no one else in this ward aside from Morris Liu. The reason they shrugged it as the lock was faulty and they should rece it today.


    Fortunately, it was just a normal rounds of the doctor and not a serious emergency situation or else, Morris Liu would be put on a more critical situation ¡ª worse, he''ll die because of the locked door.


    After that slight situation, the medical professionals proceeded to do their rounds and left Morris Liu with Chris and Ethan''spany.


    But, after they left, Morris Liu asked Chris Yu to step outside as he wanted to talk with Ethan Lu. Despite that it displeased Chris Yu, he listened and let the two have a talk.


    Which led Ethan Lu to what was going on at the moment.


    "You still don''t believe me?" Disgusted at Ethan Lu''s stubbornness, Churu peered at him with extreme disdain. "Then how did I know all the things that only you can know?" She spat.


    "But¡ª"


    "Do you want me to spill your precious secret about being "lexinumberonefan"?!" Before Ethan Lu could even rebut, Churu blurted out, snapping Ethan Lu''sst straw of doubt.


    No one knew about his dummy ount aside from Ethan Lu himself. Although it has been awhile since he used that ount, Ethan Lu would never forget it as it was the proof of his level of pettiness.


    But he never recalled mentioning it to anyone... not unless there''s someone watching him whom he couldn''t see that time.


    Upon the realization, Ethan Lu''s eyes slowly widened in disbelief. His mouth hanged low as he peered at Churu with fear and shock.


    "Now you know." Seeing his reaction, a smug smirk formed on the side of Churu''s lips. "I don''t know how I became like this but since you''re my boss, you should find it out for me." Going back to the main problem, Churu sighed as she didn''t like this unforeseen event.


    Thest time she turned into a human, or rather, she resided to a human body, everything went south. However, this time, although she mostly looked like her original form, Churu has her doubts.


    Would this turn out to bring the worse oue in everyone''s lives? But thinking that she didn''t break any rules and actually abided by the system''s rules, it conflicted Churu.


    "I''m still here," As the two went silent, Ethan Lu trying to rationalize things while Churu delving with her own thoughts, Morris Liu''s low and cold voice broke the silence.


    At first, it displeased Morris Liu that Ethan Lu has something to do with the woman who was, by the way, lying naked beside him. Still, knowing his friend for a long time, there must be a reason.


    But now that the two were talking for nearly half an hour now, Morris Liu was just as lost as the two. Although Ethan Lu and Churu had their own different questions in mind, their confusion couldn''t evenpare by Morris Liu''s cluelessness.


    "Uh..." Snapping at the realization, Ethan Lu blinked his eyes again as he opened his mouth yet, words wouldn''te out from it.


    What should he say? Where do he starts? He couldn''t even understand why Churu had transformed into a human! He was unprepared, truly unprepared about all this!


    "Apparently, this fallen angel sh demon, is now a human after being a cute tiny flying dumpling for a long time." Rolling her eyes, Churu turned to Morris Liu''s confused yet still stern countenance and began spouting nonsense.


    "The reason? I don''t know. Because my initial job is to look after this guy and not you. However, somehow, me and you are now connected, which is a terrible thing because I hate you." In a matter-of-fact tone, Churu scoffed as she shook her head, unwilling to sumb to this whole circus Yael has started.


    Morris Liu''s nk gaze stared at her cute small face for a minute. Angel? Demon? Dumpling? Then now human? Morris Liu found her words silly, as he was a realistic person.


    He shouldn''t believe them but, suddenly, a memory from a year ago when he was intoxicated with alcohol, he somehow recalled talking to a white flying figure. The memory was vague but the feelings of having a warmpanion, and someone he could talk to with those cold lonely nights. Something within him somehow wanted to believe her.


    "You hate me? Why?" Thus, instead of asking questions like doubting her existence as an angel or a demon or a dumpling, Morris Liu asked a question that answer he wouldn''t doubt.


    "Yeah, now that I have a chance to spill everything to you ¡ª I will take the opportunity." Churu jerked her chin up as she finally had the chance to have a serious word with him. "You, Morris Liu, do you know my problem with you? Scumbag ass¡ª"


    "Oy!" Before Churu could continue whatever unsightly words that woulde out from her mouth, Ethan Lu covered it with his palm as he awkwardlyughed.


    Although he didn''t know what she would say, just the first word sent shivers down his spine and guessed that the next words wouldn''t be any better. "Brother Mo, I know you want answers now but I think I should take this little sister home first. I promise I will exin things to you. But for now, rest, okay?"

 Chapter 550: Are you my father?

    <h4>550 Are you my father?</h4>


    "Master is really good friends with Mr. Liu..." Jarred Guo muttered as they wait for their boss to arrived.


    Since Jarred Guo and Lyrick Jiang would always arrived one hour earlier before Ethan Lu and Lexi would go to the yang mansion, Ethan Lu didn''t need to drive alone to the hospital.


    But even so, the two were rather surprised as Ethan Lu cancelled his morning meetings just to visit Morris Liu early in the morning. Was there''s an important matter that Morris Liu and Ethan Lu needed to discuss urgently? They didn''t know the reason, that''s why the two were curious.


    "What?" ncing at Lyrick Jiang, Jarred Guo arched his brow.


    "Nothing. Just thinking about something." Lyrick Jiang shook his head sideways as he waved his hands off. He was just wondering of the possible reasons why his boss rushed in here early in the morning, but to no avail.


    Just then, they saw their master''s figure from the corner of their eyes. Turning to Ethan Lu''s figure to confirm, Jarred Guo and Lyrick Jiang were mind-blown.


    ''Who is that?!'' In unison, the two Ethan''s subordinates wondered internally.


    Not far away from them was Ethan Lu walking with a young woman, approximately in her early 20s orte teens. She was wearing a hospital gown, her ck silky hair flowed down and sways as she walked.


    Even with their distance, her noticeable pair of argent eyes shone like the moon''s soft glow. All in all, she''s obviously an eye candy.


    However, that wasn''t what caught the two''s interest but the way Ethan Lu interacted with her. Their master seemed to know her as he glued his eyes on her while she cast him nces from time to time.


    "Red, should we call Madam?" Through a whisper, Lyrick Jiang muttered as his master, and the youngdy approached.


    "Uh, I''ll ready my resignation ¡ª you too. I can''t be caught in the crossfire." Jarred Guo mindlessly responded before he shook his head and headed inside the driver''s seat.


    Unlike how Lyrick Jiang perceived it, the simple-minded Jarred Guo perceived it in a different take. To him, the reason Ethan Lu rushed in this ce was not because of Morris Liu but because of that youngdy.


    He believed his master was loyal to Lexi but, who knew if his master was tempted? Surely, Jarred Guo has too little faith to his master.


    On the other hand, Lyrick Jiang was more or less rmed that Ethan Lu was with a young woman. His thoughts however wasn''t like Jarred Guo''s malicious assumptions; he was more like curious about the woman''s identity.


    He trusted Ethan Lu and his love towards his goddess. Also, his boss knew the consequences of cheating because not just Lexi but also everyone that were on Lexi''s side would cast him away ¡ª Lyrick Jiang was among those people.


    "Beauty DR." Ethan Lu nkly noted their destination, and he cast Churu a nce. "I''ll leave you with Lexi today." He said in a stern voice which made Churu''s frown turned even uglier.


    "Are you my father?" Churu murmured because ever since they left Morris Liu''s ward, and giving Chris Yu a mild fright, Ethan Lu had been running his mouth nonstop.


    "Tsk," Ethan Lu clicked his tongue as he gestured her to go inside the car.


    "Fine!" Churu reluctantly followed by her ''master''s wish'' and dragged her feet inside.


    Actually, Churu didn''t want to leave just yet. After all, meeting the ever hot retiredw body named Chris Yu, Churu wanted to hang around. However, that wasn''t possible as Ethan Lu dragged her with him forcefully.


    ****


    Silence filled the inside of the car. Jarred Guo constantly nced at the back seat from time to time. Meanwhile,? Lyrick Jiang''s curiosity had been tugging him, making his tongue itch hence, he has to bit his tongue to refrain from asking.


    "You should at least buy me clothes, you know..." Churu murmured as she was still wearing the hospital gown. The only other protection she has was Ethan Lu''s zer suit that reached her upper thigh.


    Since Ethan Lu was tall, and Churu''s height was quite questionable for an angel or demon, his clothes was quite enough to cover her body, so her features wouldn''t be outlined by this thin hospital gown ¡ª though it wasn''t enough to make her look decent.


    "I already asked Lexi ¡ª Rick, cancel all my ns for the rest of the day." Ethan Lu gave Churu a side nce as he responded before deciding to cancel everything.


    Since Churu was his guide, and she told him, he should find out things for her, Ethan Lu had to clear this with her. After all, he was bugged about something. He never heard that Churu could transform into a human.


    There were just too many questions that needed some clear answer. Although Ethan Lu was certain he wouldn''t get the answer for everything, at the very least, they could think of possibilities as a team.


    ****


    Meanwhile, at Beauty DR:


    "So?" Arching her brows, Lexi tilted her head to the side as he listened to the disconste sighs from the other end of the line.


    "I''ll see you tonight...?" She added before the man from the other end of the call nodded his head and answered in agreement. After that, Lexi didn''t linger any longer as she ended the call.


    Upon ending the call, Lexi noticed that Ethan Lu messaged her thus, she checked what it was. To her confusion, he only said; "Love, I''m on my way there with Chacha. Please help me ready some clothes for her to wear."


    "Clothes for her to wear?" Lexi read his message once again, which made her brows raised. Ethan Lu has a bad habit of sending vague messages, the reason Lexi preferred calls.


    Still, what does he meant by prepare clothes for Churu, all of a sudden? Little did Lexi know, she''ll receive the shock of her life but also another blessing she was willing to wee in her life.

 Chapter 551: Its really me, Lexi.

    <h4>551 It''s really me, Lexi.</h4>


    Lexi''s eyes bore nothing but shock as she stared at the young woman sitting opposite her. The blink of her eyes were rather few as her husband''s words repeated in her mind; "She''s Chacha"


    She''s Chacha...


    The charmingdy was Churu...


    Churu the dumpling was this human... or to be precise, thisdy with a pair of argent eyes.


    How could this be...?


    Lexi felt she was being pranked by the two. She wanted to ask a series of questions, but to no avail. Words wouldn''te out from her mouth.


    "Love?" Ethan Lu softly called yet, Lexi''s eyes were glued on Churu''s. "Love?" Ethan Lu volumed up his tone a little, which thankfully snapped Lexi back to them.


    "I''m sorry," she apologized as Lexi mildly shook her head. "You are...?"


    "It''s really me Lexi..." For some reason, Churu had grew emotional with the sight of Lexi. It was as if something within her was triggered upon meeting her that made her eyes sting.


    Lexi slightly bit her lower lip as she scrutinized Churu''s lovely front. "So you look like this?" Slowly, the corner of her lips curled into a gentle smile, causing Churu''s tears to break free.


    "Hmm!" Churu profusely nodded her head, neglecting the tears that were staining her cheeks.


    "You look so pretty..." Lexi''s heart was proud as she rose from her seat and walked over her side. Upon closer look, Churu was more beautiful and Lexi nodded in satisfaction.


    Lexi had often thought what would Churu would look like. Recalling the time that Churu was her muse and Lexi designed clothes for her to wear ¡ª even matching clothes sometimes ¡ª she thought what Churu would look like if she was a human.


    She must admit though, she didn''t expect her to be this pretty and cute. Now, Churu was more like a little sister.


    "Lexi~!!" Breaking down, Churu hugged Lexi''s waist as she sobbed. She could now embrace Lexi and not just her neck, arms, or any small areas of her body. How convenient.


    "Haha," a soft chuckle escaped Lexi''s mouth because no doubt, this young miss was surely her Sissy. Patting her back, rubbing it gently, it reminded Lexi of something.


    "Right, we need to prepare clothes and have you eaten?"


    "Didn''t I..." Just before Ethan Lu could finish his inquiry, Lexi''s sharp eyes turned to him.


    "I did but I only prepare the small ones I left here a long time ago." Lexi was unsure about the vague message she received from her husband, she assumed that he was talking about small clothes for the dumpling.


    Therefore, since Lexi had left quite a few designs that she sewed in Beauty DR''s premises, she assumed that was her husband was talking about. That was the time when herpany hasn''t flourished yet and they were still working on the final sample of their first batch.


    ****


    "This is chummy~!" Blushing, Churu sandwiched her stuffed cheeks with her palms as she chewed the cake in her mouth.


    Lexi and Ethan Lu were akin to parents as they watched Churu gobble the food and snacks all of her own. Both husband and wife could not help but smile as Churu had truly be a human.


    Although the reason why was still left as a mystery, both silently decided not to think about it for now. What''s important was Churu would enjoy the things she couldn''t enjoy when she was at her dumpling form.


    "It is, right?" Lexi grinned, revealing her even white teeth as she enjoyed watching Churu eats.


    "Hmm!" Profusely nodding, Churu nearly choked. Gently patting her back, Lexi slid the bottle of water near Churu, which thetter drank to clear her airways.


    "Careful," worried, Lexi reminded.


    Churu responded with a huge grin, "I''m excited to eat mommy yang''s cooking~"


    "I asked her to prepare more dinnerter." Lexi chuckled as she too was excited for her parents to meet Churu.


    Although Frederick and Lillian Yang haven''t met Churu, they heard about that "friend" that helped Lexi. Lexi would often mention that friend to them in the past, back when she was in her moving on phase from Morris Liu.


    Therefore, when Lexi made a quick call to the Yang Manor, Lillian Yang was excited to finally meet that "friend" of her daughter. Of course, Lexi couldn''t say that Churu was initially a dumpling, right?


    So, the only reasons she could give was Churu visiting the country and Lexi offered her amodations. After all, the yang manor has tons of spare room.


    "By the way, Chacha you can stay with Lexi for now, right?" After some pondering, Ethan Lu had decided to let Churu stay with Lexi''s side for now. However, Churu shook her head in refusal.


    "No," Still shaking her head, Churu cleared her throat. "Although I am now in this form, Churu being the system''s guide didn''t change." She exined, which made Ethan Lu''s brows furrowed.


    "What do you mean?" Lexi and Ethan Lu both had their eyes on Churu''s delicate features as she gulped down a mouthful of water and cleared her throat.


    "Although I look like a human, I am not. Don''t forget I am a fallen angel, so I can never be a human. Also, I can still feel my inner energy, which a normal human couldn''t feel ¡ª and had abilities too..." In a matter-of-fact tone, Churu exined.


    Unbeknownst to her, as the husbands and wife were listening, they somehow missed the "professor Churu" persona. After all, whenever Churu exined things to them, she automatically changed her outfit akin to a teacher. Therefore, they were still not used to this human form.


    "Do you understand?" Tilting her head to the side, Ethan and Lexi snapped as they focused their distracted eyes on those pair of argent orbs.


    "Uhm, you mean you can still fly?" Pretending that he listened, Ethan Lu asked as he cleared his throat.


    "Sadly, I can''t ¡ª my wings are already broken. But fret not! There are things that I can now do that I couldn''t in the cute form." Slowly, a bright grin slowly formed on Churu''s lips and eyes that made Ethan Lu narrowed his eyes.


    "For example¡­?"


    "Hehe¡­" Churu giggled as she thought about the things she could now do on her current form. Somehow, Lexi and Ethan Lu had a gut feeling of what mischievous thoughts that Churu was cooking up.

 Chapter 552: Id fall for you if...

    <h4>552 I''d fall for you if...</h4>


    "Love, this is the location Nico set up forter''s trade." Lexi stood from her swiveled chair and strode toward the long sofa where Ethan Lu perched.


    Since Ethan Lu cancelled all his ns for the day, he had beenzing around at Lexi''s office. Of course, since the big boss of the Lu Corporation and the owner of the Battle of Life system was dilly dallying, Churu was alsozying around ying games with him.


    "Oh...!" Not looking at his wife, Ethan Lu continued to y race with Churu as they bought her necessities she might need now like phones, etc.


    "You two, are you nning to just y here?" Lexi arched her brow. Not that Lexi was against it. It was just that these two were too rxed as if they have nothing to worry about.


    "Yes."


    "Yes~!" At the same time, Churu and Ethan Lu answered, still immersed with the game the two were ying.


    Helpless, Lexi massaged her temples in distress. By the looks of it, these two didn''t n to do anything for the day.


    "Whatever." She conceded in defeat as she ced the note on the desk. "Just meet the guy ¡ª I have a meeting to attend to." Lexi shook her head sideways and waved her hand.


    As she arranged her stuff that needed for herter arrangements, Ethan Lu constantly gave her a nce in a hurry. Just as she finished, thankfully, his race with Churu and other yers was done.


    "Love, where are you going?!" Putting down his phone, Ethan Lu threw his head to her direction and looked at his wife.


    "Meeting." Lexi picked up her hand bag and put on a poker face. "Why? Do you want to go?" She humored. Her words were meant to be sarcastic yet he took them seriously as she witnessed how his eyes lit up.


    "Of course!" Without a second hesitation, Ethan Lu jolted from the sofa and tugged the hem of his suit. "Where are we going, my Wifey?" He asked excitedly.


    Seeing how diligent her husband was, Lexi''s under eye twitched. Right, she should have noticed that he was bored doing nothing.


    After all, Ethan Lu had be used to being busy all the time. Therefore, having suddenly nothing to do ¡ª he must''ve been bored.


    Well, he wouldn''t be that bored if Lexi wasn''t working herself. If she wasn''t working, at the very least, the two of them could y around or have azy day with the twins.


    "Yes, where are we going?" Churu was equally excited as Ethan Lu as she jolted from her seat. Since she just got into her current form, Churu wanted to have some exercise as well.


    "You two, do you think we are going to a theme park?" Lexi arched her brows. She altered her gaze from Ethan Lu''s dashing front then to Churu''s charming bubbly face with those silver eyes and guessed their answer.


    "Definitely, no...?" Shaking their heads in unison, Ethan Lu and Churu denied.


    *****


    Although Ethan Lu''s car was pretty roomy, With Lyrick Jiang, Jarred Guo, and Nico Zhuang ¡ª don''t forget Churu ¡ª they used Ethan''s and Lexi''s car.


    One vehicle was upied with Jarred Guo and Lyrick Jiang in the front seat while the husband and wife on the back.


    On the other hand, Lexi''s car was used by Nico Zhuang and Churu. They tailed Ethan Lu''s vehicle until they reached their destination, a country club.


    "I didn''t know Lexi would go to this kind of ces." Churumented as she stared at the exquisite club that was surely a ce for old people in the upper echelon.


    Nico Zhuang cast her a side nce as he parked. He wasn''t interested who this person could be or what''s her rtionship with Lexi but; she sounded as if she was pretty close with Lexi and Ethan Lu. Hence, his interest was piqued.


    Before Lexi and Ethan Lu got officially together, Nico Zhuang had been following them. Therefore, he would know if his masters hanged out with Churu. But within those times, Nico Zhuang never saw Churu until today.


    "Madam''s client required her to go to ces like this." Bearing zero emotion, Nico Zhuang still briefly exined regardless if he was interested in what''s this girl''s connection with Lexi and Ethan Lu.


    Gazing at him, Churu blinked her eyes as she scrutinized his side profile. When Nico Zhuang sensed the intent stare, he furrowed his brows and looked back at her.


    "What?"


    "Nothing. I just think you''re almost perfect that I like in a guy. Handsome, skilled, a nut that is hard to crack and so on," Churu mildly shook her head as she literallyplimented Nico Zhuang''s positive traits.


    "I''ll fall for you if you''re not a clean, righteous man." Yet, the rest of her sentence? came out as an indistinct murmur. Well, no one could me her as Churu was more keen to people who were dangerous. But Nico Zhuang was just dangerous not that type of dangerous she would like.


    Still, Nico Zhuang heard her whisper as he has a sharp sense of hearing. "What?" He asked, knitting his brows.


    "Nothing." Churu shrugged before she hitched out of the car where she saw Ethan Lu assisting Lexi out of the other vehicle.


    "How sweet~" Shemented before skipping her steps towards the couple.


    "Who are you meeting in this ce?" As Lexi got out, Ethan Lu inquired as this ce was rather expensive; he also went in here several times. It was not like Lexi couldn''t afford it though ¡ª just that the members in here were shady ones.


    "Aubrey Ning." Just stating that name, Lexi knew that Ethan Lu would understand. After all, the said woman preferred grand and private ces.


    "Oh..." Nodding his head, Ethan Lu understood before Lexi gestured for them to go inside.


    Meanwhile, as Churu followed, her tracks stopped as she raised her gaze to the establishment front. "Hmm?" Tilting her head to the side, Churu sniffed, which made her frown.


    "This ce smells so enticing I don''t like it." She murmured, which caught Nico Zhuang''s attention.

 Chapter 553: Its a good day, my dear Lexi!

    <h4>553 It''s a good day, my dear Lexi!</h4>


    "Miss Yan ¡ª ah?" Upon seeing Lexi, Aubrey Ning, greeted and stopped midway upon seeing the dashing figure behind Lexi.


    Aubrey Ning in her bright pink tee, white short skirt revealing her long juicy legs, matched with a white sneakers and a ck and white open top head hat, paused in her tracks as she altered her gaze from Lexi to Ethan Lu in interest.


    "Mr. Lu! What a good day to bump into you!" After a beat, Aubrey Ning weed in glee as she resumed on her tracks.


    "Miss Ning," Bearing his business mild tone, Ethan Lu stretched his lips from side to side yet the smile didn''t reach his ear. Lexi and Ethan Lu agreed that he''s only apany her to the lobby and Lexi would head in her way.


    Who would have thought that Aubrey Ning was in the lobby showcasing her wless legs ¡ª kidding. She seemed she went out from an important call as she was talking to someone earlier with caution.


    "I see, so the rumors are not true?" Crossing her arms under her chest, Aubrey Ning''s eyes glinted in interest as she peered at the two clueless lovers. "I didn''t mention it to Miss Yang because she won''t let me ask personal matters." Aubrey Ning shrugged as if Lexi wasn''t hearing her.


    "What is it?" Arching his brows, Ethan Lu was quite curious about what she was talking about. Although rumors about his rtionship with Lexi had never truly died down as they would pop every once in a while, it intrigued Ethan Lu about this particr rumor Aubrey Ning was talking about.


    After all, Aubrey Ning rarely questioned the legitimacy of a rumor. Hence, to make her have uncertainties, it should be interesting.


    "Haha," teasing him for a while, Aubrey Ning chuckled as she covered her lips by the back of her hand. "That you''re cheating." She humored, which made Ethan Lu''s interest diminish in an instant.


    "Well, rumors like that are always avable ¡ª what''s new?"


    "New? The person you''re ''cheating'' with ¡ª Laurel Wang." Aubrey Ning dawdled over Laurel Wang''s name, emphasizing to the two why it was interesting.


    She couldn''t be med though. After all, although Lexi''s way of expressing her love and showing to the world that she has a healthy and peaceful rtionship with Ethan Lu was sweet, that method was perceived otherwise to businessmen like them.


    The time Lexi publicly showed off Ethan Lu was hours after rumors about Ethan Lu and Laurel Wang''s suspicious rtionship floated. Well, the corporate world somehow was interested in this gossip as it involved parties were important figures.


    "Miss Ning, why don''t we go over there and get down to business?" Forcing herself not to lose her cool, Lexi stretched her lips up that didn''t reach her ears.


    "Don''t worry, dear. I''m always on your side and besides, I never liked that woman." Sensing Lexi''s displeasure, Aubrey Ning winked as she shrugged her shoulders.


    With that said note, Ethan Lu watched his wife being ''dragged'' by the cunning fox Aubrey Ning. "Why do I feel so unsettled knowing she''s my wife''s business partner?" He murmured.


    Just then, he caught a figure from the corner of his eyes which made him turn to the direction. "Lou?" He whispered as Ethan Lu knitted his brows.


    "What is he doing here?"


    ****


    Meanwhile...


    "Aubrey, you don''t have to mention that to him." As soon as Lexi and Aubrey Ning entered a private dining room, Lexi rolled her eyes as she perched at the avable seat.


    "What did I say?" Feigning innocence, Aubrey Ning raised her brows as she sat on the chair opposite Lexi''s.


    "The person you''re cheating with?" Lexi repeated the exact same words that came out from Aubrey Ning''s lips. "Seriously? You make it sound that he''s really cheating." Lexi added as she shook her head sideways.


    She had been partners with Aubrey Ning for quite some time thus, Lexi was used at Aubrey Ning''s antics. Also, with the span of their formal rtionship, the two women had also grown as friends ¡ª though there was still a line in between.


    "Well, I just want to make sure that it wasn''t true ¡ª sorry, dear." Shrugging her shoulders, Aubrey Ning chuckled which made Lexi sigh once again.


    Aubrey Ning was always careful with her words. She wouldn''t deliberately say careless remarks if there wasn''t a reason. No matter if it was about her own interest or other reason.


    "Also, the coincidence of the rumor and your sudden sugar rush is interesting. You don''t tell this busybody more about your personal life so..." In a matter-of-fact tone, Aubrey Ning justified because even if she''s friends with Lexi, she only knew one thing or two about her. Hence, what could she do to satiate her inner busybody?


    "Well, because it''s the day Laurel Wang admitted that she''s my husband''s mistress." Lexi helplessly sighed as she somehow guessed the reason of the gossip.


    "What?!" Shocked at the news, Aubrey Ning widened her eyes and her brows creased, loosing her poise for a second.


    "Mhmm... it''s funny watching her lie." Lexi rested her jaw by the back of her hand as she recalled Laurel Wang''s lying face. Still, although her remarks was nonchnt, she felt otherwise.


    "Uh oh," When Aubrey Ning recovered from the news, she mildly cleared her throat as she stood from her seat. Lexi raised her gaze as itnded on the cunning smirk on the woman''s lips. "That''s very interesting, my dear Lexi."


    "So?" Arching her brows, Lexi somehow had a gut feeling upon seeing the glint in the woman''s eyes.


    "Like I said, I''m always on your side and I don''t like that woman so, let''s scrub salt on her delusional heart." Aubrey Ning winked as she raised her brows in an up and down motion, suggestively.


    Seeing that Lexi was at a lost, Aubrey Ning chuckled. "It''s a good day, my dear Lexi. Do you know who I saw earlier today?"


    Lexi stared at the energetic Aubrey Ning and watched her mouth moved as it stated, "Laurel Wang."

 Chapter 554: A truly strong character

    <h4>554 A truly strong character</h4>


    "Perfect!" Lexi came out from the locker room, wearing a sports attire that Aubrey Ning persuaded her to wear.


    Fortunately, Aubrey Ning''s size wasn''t that big or small... well, they were small, the reason why it fits Lexi and made her look even more seductive than usual.


    "Tell me," Giving Aubrey Ning a dull look, Lexi slightly tilted her head to the side. "Something happened between you and Mr. Shao, right?" Lexi asked, her right brow arched.


    Although there was a thin line between her rtionship between Aubrey Ning, Lexi knew this fact about Benjamin Shao in the woman''s life. Lexi didn''t know the details as Aubrey Ning rarely spoke about him, though.


    Still, as a woman, Lexi sensed Aubrey Ning''s high level of desire for a diversion. After all, she wouldn''t pursue confronting Laurel Wang if working alone was enough to clear her thoughts.


    "Haha," amusement flickered across her eyes at the rare personal inquiry from Lexi. Hence, she chuckled as she covered her lips by the back of her mind. "Of course! That''s why, do me this favor so I can forget about that manwhore." Bearing the same tone, Aubrey Ningughed despite the double meaning of her words.


    A heavy sigh escaped Lexi''s lips as she heard the woman''s remarks, "He''s cheating?" She asked for rification. However, Aubrey Ning just tilted her lips into a smirk.


    "Oh, Miss Yang, it''s not like we are officially together. Also, he''s not the only d*ck in this world." Confident, Aubrey Ning shrugged as if she truly didn''t care about it.


    However, Lexi could see the slight pain beneath her eyes. She stared at Aubrey Ning and the more she did, Lexi could not help but be mesmerized by her maturity.


    Aubrey Ning was truly a woman with a strong character; Lexi felt inferior at her dominant aura. Aubrey Ning knew that her set-up with Benjamin Shao has restrictions. Hence, although deep down she was hurt, she wouldn''t let emotions take over herposure and ss.


    Truly, a terrifying woman. How Lexi wished she''s as clever and strong as her.


    "Fine..." Another faint sigh escaped Lexi''s mouth as she mildly shrugged her shoulders. "But don''t expect too much. I don''t intend to embarrass myself just to entertain you." Lexi warned beforehand as she presumed that Aubrey Ning was anticipating a great show.


    "Oh dear, just seeing how Laurel Wang loses herposure is entertaining enough for me." Chuckling, Aubrey Ning once again covered her lips as she restrained herself fromughing like a vicious woman.


    Well, although she was vicious in her own way, she still has an image to keep. Moreover, Aubrey Ning might not say it but, she would owe Lexi a good one after this.


    It was worth it though, she assumed. At the very least, she would have a funny memory that could make her divert her attention from the man who broke her heart to pieces.


    ****


    Meanwhile...


    "Shh!" cing her finger in front of her lips, Churu shushed and casted him a warning re. "I''m checking something, okay?" Through a whisper, Churu exined the reason why she took a separate route from Ethan Lu.


    Although this country club was huge, it wasn''t big enough for Churu not to know if her master was in danger. Therefore, as long as she could sense Ethan Lu''s whereabouts, she was confident that she could still protect him.


    Also, she could truly smell something fishy in this part of the area. Therefore, after discreet observation, Churu snuck in this seemingly private area that would lead them to a more suspicious ce.


    "Huh?" Suddenly, Churu knitted her brows as she felt Ethan Lu''s presence drawing closer and closer.


    Ethan Lu wasn''ting from the direction where Churu used but, somewhere from the other side. However, aside from doors, there wasn''t any entrance in this hallway.


    "We should go," ncing at Churu, Nico Zhuang said as he didn''t like the feeling that suddenly struck his heart.


    This ce was off-limits yet, there was no one guarding it. It was already suspicious that they managed to reach this part of the establishment without getting noticed. There wasn''t anytv too that could see the people going in and out of this way.


    "Why is he here...?" Churupletely ignored Nico Zhuang as she tiptoed her way to the door where she could feel the system''s host presence.


    "What are you doing?" Despite that he was in distress by Churu''s antics, Nico Zhuang still followed her helplessly. He was afraid that if she caused trouble, she couldn''t protect herself.


    After all, Ethan Lu tasked him to look after her for a while before his masters headed inside the premises.


    "Why''s Ethan here?" She murmured which Nico Zhuang didn''t fail to hear.


    "Huh?"


    "What''s going on inside?" Churu muttered again and leaned her ear on the door. Closing her eyes, Churu diverted her focus on her sense of hearing to hear the conversation inside as if she was there.


    On the other hand, Nico Zhuang was confused and at the same time intrigued. Without him realizing it, he leaned his ear against the door to know if he could hear what''s so important for this youngdy to sneak in this ce.


    *****


    "Lou," As soon as Ethan Lu entered the private room after a long walk, he lowly called upon seeing a group of people inside.


    "Woah! Isn''t this Mr. Ethan Lu? Wow, Lou... you never said you''d invite him over, eh?" Slowly, Seraphina Yue gasped in surprise as her jet ck eyes met the pair of dark orbs.


    "I thought you might be interested in him." Ignoring Ethan Lu, Louis Lu nonchntly headed to the single seater sofa ¡ª Seraphina Yue reclining on the long sofa.


    "Of course, I am always interested in beauty like him." Shrugging her shoulder, Seraphina Yue nced at Ethan Lu''s confused visage. "Mr. Lu, take a seat." She gestured.


    Ethan Lu gazed at the familiar woman that he had never seen for a long time, and then traveled his eyes to the people present. To his surprise, Wren Tanaka was also there ¡ª though he seemed to be asleep at the corner.


    "Lou, why did you lead me here?" Ethan Lu bluntly asked as he took up the seat where Seraphina gestured.


    "He wanted me to kill his cousin¡ª can you believe he thinks I''m a hitman?" In a matter-of-fact tone, Seraphina Yue rolled her eyes as she scoffed at Louis Lu''s stoic profile.

 Chapter 555: Dont corrupt the young man

    <h4>555 Don''t corrupt the young man</h4>


    Upon hearing the woman''s remarks, Ethan Lu frowned. What does she meant by that?


    As if guessing Ethan Lu''s internal thoughts, Seraphina Yue shrugged her shoulders. "I don''t understand your cousin either. Probably because of the ne crash in Country M."


    "What?" Ethan Lu was already displeased hearing that Louis Lu wanted someone dead. However, the woman''sst nonchnt remark caused him to have another batch of shock.


    "Oh? You don''t know the people who wants you dead? If I''m Lou, I''d actually ask someone to kill my father instead ¡ª I don''t particrly like Lin and he has more capability than Dn, so ¡ª whatever." Talking as if Louis Lu could not hear her, vicious and remorseless words continued to escape from her plump lips.


    Ethan Lu stared at the harmless visage of the woman. He already knew one thing or two about her but, he never actually thought that she could be this dark. She talked about people''s life and death as if it wasn''t something new to her.


    Thus, as a person who relied to the government justice system, Ethan Lu was truly dissatisfied. ncing at Louis Lu, Ethan Lu could not help but sigh. He knew that his cousin was acquainted with bad people, but Ethan Lu knew that his cousin wouldn''te to them anymore.


    "You mean it was Dn, and Lou knew all along?" Wearing an ugly frown, Ethan Lu altered his gaze from Louis Lu and Seraphina Yue''s equally nonchnt front.


    He wasn''t actually expecting a decent and clear response. Yet, Seraphina Yue gave him a satisfying answer, "Country M is where all those pests resides ¡ª you think Lou will not know?"


    "Lou...?" Despite that Seraphina Yue''s gave him a clear answer, Ethan Lu still sought for Louis Lu''s rification.


    After all, Louis Lu led him there with his own reason. If not because Ethan Lu was more or less curious about this "important talk" that Louis Lu invited him to take part of, he wouldn''t be in this private lounge.


    "It''s not because of that ¡ª the reason is personal." As Louis Lu ced down the cup of tea, he raised his gaze to meet his cousin''s displeased pair of eyes. "The reason I invited you over is that I am already nning to resort to violence and clear the obstacles on your way." His tone was nk, showing no emotion or whatsoever of the vileness of his "ns".


    Therefore, Ethan Lu was more disappointed. "So, you''re saying it''s for me? Lou, even if Dn is like that, he''s still our cousin." He scoffed, insulted that Louis Lu was using him as an excuse to cook up unforgivable sins.


    "Mhmm..." Louis Lu hummed a tune as he cast Seraphina Yue a nonchnt side nce. "If you don''t deal with them soon, I''ll take the matters into my hands. I don''t really care if he is my cousin." Unattached, Louis Lu''s threats didn''t falter.


    Ethan Lu wordlessly scrutinized Louis Lu''s indifferent countenance. He wanted a hint yet, he couldn''t read anything with that deadpan expression.


    "But, hey! Lou is actually paying me a huge sum for that psycho''s head! Wow... too bad I''m already dead." Attempting to liven up the mood, Seraphina Yue sped her hands together before a realization struck her which made her sulk.


    "I wanted to live so badly but¡ª" As she sulked, the rest of the men inside could not help but cast her a disdainful stare.


    "Eh?" Just then, a man ¡ª one of Seraphina''s subordinate ¡ª opened the door where Churu and Nico Zhuang were listening. Yet, when he opened, Churu and Nico Zhuang were just standing ¡ª Churu seemed she was about to knock.


    "Who are you?" Knitting his brows, the man with a cheeky tone asked. However, instead of a reply, he witnessed the sparkle on Churu''s eyes uponying her eyes on him.


    "Who''s that, Riggs?" Seraphina arched her brows as she tossed her head to see Riggs'' back, blocking the small people outside. "Can you move a little? I can''t see, man." She demanded with a frown.


    "I came here cause of Ethan!" Had her eyes glued to Riggs, Churu blurted out.


    "Eh?" Doubtful, Riggs stepped aside which gave Ethan Lu the chance to see Churu and Nico outside.


    "Wow, I like them ¡ªe in!" As if Seraphina Yue wouldn''t mind the sudden appearance of these new faces, she invited them over as if she was just merely having a simple tea party.


    "..." Meanwhile, Ethan Lu had been deep in his thoughts about their talk earlier hence, he was lost of words upon seeing the two at the entrance.


    On the other hand, Churu excitedly nodded her head as she skipped her step inside. The more she could see the ominous aura filling up the air inside, the more her eyes twinkled.


    ''So this is the delicious scent I''ve been smelling...'' Churu was in awe as she scanned their faces. Her eyes then paused on the man sleeping soundlessly in the corner ¡ª Wren Tanaka!


    "Oh, you like him?" Seeing that Churu''s gaze stopped at Wren''s sleeping figure, Seraphina raised her brows.


    "Hmm! I like everyone!" Without a second hesitation, Churu profusely shook her head up and down as she responded, causing Nico Zhuang''s brows to twitch.


    "You do? Also that guy?" She inquired, then pointing at another man. Seraphina then slowly stood, and the moment she did, all eyes were on her. Even Nico Zhuang raised his guard instinctively at the spine-chilling aura as she approached.


    "Yes!" Ignoring the natural rming aura emanating from Seraphina Yue, Churu grinned brightly until she saw her stopped in front of her and slightly leveled down.


    "Then..." Vileness flickered across Seraphina Yue''s eyes as she stared at the argent pair of eyes akin to two full moons. "Why don''t we harass them together sometimes?" Bearing an excited tone, Seraphina snatched Churu''s hands as her jet ck orbs sparkled ¡ª the same as Churu''s.


    All the men inside ¡ª particrly Seraphina Yue''s subordinate ¡ª couldn''t help but cringe hearing their boss recruit people to harass them.


    "Bull! Shut up, dead man! Don''t corrupt the young man!" Riggs sassed in dismay. Unbeknownst to them, Churu was the most corrupt character inside that room.

 Chapter 556: Lexi this, Lexi tha

    <h4>556 Lexi this, Lexi tha</h4>


    Meanwhile...


    "My, my, my," Aubrey Ning''s voice reverberated across the dining hall as she pranced towards a group ofdies. "Miss Wang! You look stunning as ever!" Shameless as she was, she approached the cluster of unwinding women.


    "Miss Ning," Smiling sheepishly, Laurel Wang nced at Lexi''s indifferent visage from behind Aubrey Ning. "Miss Yang, I didn''t know you''re also a member here." She greeted gently.


    "Nice seeing you too, Miss Wang." Lexi greeted back with a smile that didn''t reach her eyes.


    "Are you here to make trouble again?" Ste Du frowned as she altered her gaze from Aubrey Ning to Lexi.


    "Of course... " d to see Ste Du who was Benjamin Shao''s business associate, Aubrey Ning responded as she paused ¡ª making it sound that they indeed came to cause trouble. "...not. Miss Du, don''t make it sound like we are bullies. After all, Miss Wang is too kind to have enemies." In a matter-of-fact tone, Aubrey Ning slide herself and perched at the unupied seat.


    Her gesture obviously irked Ste Du as she found Aubrey Ning truly shameful. On the other hand, Laurel Wang nced at Lexi again before a smile formed on her lips.


    "Miss Yang, why don''t you join us?"


    "Thank you," Unlike Aubrey Ning, Lexi waited for Laurel Wang to invite her over as she was certain she would. After all, Laurel Wang had an immacte image to keep and there were other business personalities and celebrities around.


    "Sister Laurel..." Ste Du''s frowned grew uglier upon seeing that Lexi and Aubrey Ning joined their table.


    After that incidentst time, Ste Du actually didn''t want to bump into Lexi again. After all, Lexi was the great reminder of how ipetent she was. Therefore, just the sight of Lexi hurt her big ego.


    What more? Lexi was being apanied by the hateful Aubrey Ning. God knows how Ste Du hated this vixen to the core. Yet, she controlled her emotions this time around.


    Ste Du couldn''t embarrass herself anymore with many eyes around. Her father would surely disown her if she did.


    When Lexi and Aubrey Ning joined the table, silence filled the air around them as none talked. Obviously, Aubrey Ning was enjoying the quietness as she darted her amused gaze from the women around the table.


    "Miss Wang," After the momentary silence, Lexi opened her mouth as she softly called Laurel Wang. Though her voice was soft and low, Laurel Wang flinched a little. "How have you been?" Lexi smiled, pretending not to notice the sudden fright she had caused her.


    "I''m good, thank you for asking." As Laurel Wang responded while keeping herposure, a staff approached and served the two neers some tea.


    "Though it''s surprising," Lexi added with a raised brow. Well, that amount would surely hurt Laurel Wang as their family came from a political n.


    Granting that they have authority, they wouldn''t be that benevolent when ites to money. Especially since the whole Wang n had refrained themselves from establishing huge businesses to avoid conflicts in money and positions.


    "What are you bbering about?" Still displeased, Ste Du asked as her gaze shifted from Laurel Wang''s paleplexion then to Lexi''s indifferent one.


    "Miss Ning?" Just then, a group of people, evidently from the upper echelon stopped in their tracks as a woman tilted her head to confirm if the woman was Aubrey Ning.


    "Hmm?" Turning to the direction, Aubrey Ning''s eyes lit up upon seeing her friend. "Sister Diane!" That instant, Aubrey Ning jolted from her seat as she sprung forth to the woman.


    As soon as the two women reunited, Aubrey Ning and Diane Huang leaned forward to each other, as Aubrey Ning''s cheek lightly touched Diane''s.


    "Oh, my god! It''s been a while!" Diane giddily eximed before she nced at the table where Aubrey Ning came from. "Who are you with? Oh? Isn''t that Miss Yang?" Upon seeing Lexi, Diane eximed in glee.


    "You know her?" Surprised, Aubrey Ning arched her brows as she darted her gaze from Diane Huang to Lexi''s confused eyes.


    "Uhm, I heard a lot about Miss Huang. Nice meeting you." Lexi pursed her lips as she stretched her lips a little up and stood.


    Lexi though she knew the woman, but not personally. Hence, she responded thoughtfully so she wouldn''t offend the princess of the Huang''s.


    Lexi was a businesswoman, after all. Even though she wasn''t in the same line with the Huang''s, Lexi still knew a thing or two of the leadingpanies in each field. And the Huang''s were well-respected as they were one of the people who contributed a lot to the oil economy progress.


    "Miss Yang, you don''t know how I have been meaning to meet you ¡ª I heard a lot of stories about you!" Diane Huang pouted as she shamelessly took an empty seat next to Lexi.


    With her gesture, Aubrey Ning took this chance to invite the rest of these young misses to join their table. Hence, the original table for Laurel Wang andpany suddenly became packed.


    "You don''t mind, right Miss Wang?" Aubrey Ning asked ratherte.


    "Of course not." Laurel Wang traveled her eyes to the group of young women as they took their seat. Every single one of them came from a strong household that has vast connections.


    Even with her status, Laurel Wang knew that trouble woulde if she suddenly offended anyone of them. After all, these women were not just pampered princess but also had respectable positions in theirpany.


    "Me?" Baffled, Lexi slightly creased her brows as her thought bubble was upied by questions marks.


    Granting that Lexi had married Ethan Lu, she realized that aside from Aubrey Ning, Lexi hadn''t really mingled with elites that shared the same ground as her husband. However, only a few knew that Lexi had married Ethan Lu for almost two years now. Therefore, how could Diane Huang talk as if she knew a thing or two about her?


    "Uh, huh. All I''ve heard from Ethan and Eve''s mouth is Lexi. Lexi this, Lexi that ¡ª so, I''m pretty excited to meet the woman who tamed that wild guy." Diane Huang humored as she chuckled.


    "Oh dear, I almost banned the name Lexi whenever I see him ¡ª he''s too in love!" Chiming in, Aubrey Ning loudly eximed. Her voice was so loud that only a person with hearing disability would miss her statement.


    As she hears theirments, Laurel Wang''s hands that were on herp trembled as it curled into a fist. Her jaw tightened as her chest heaved. Aside from their purpose remarks about Ethan Lu''s undying affection towards Lexi, they were acting as if she was invisible.

 Chapter 557: The best only needs the bes

    <h4>557 The best only needs the bes</h4>


    "Haha," Lexi chuckled, hearing short stories from Diane Huang. Though it was already a surprise for her that Diane Huang was actually an approachable person.


    "So, I was literallyughing hard when I heard about the gossip this morning about that fool cheating on you." Chuckling back, Diane Huang covered her lips by the back of her hand as she recalled how silly the news was.


    "Seriously, people needs to have a life for spreading something like that." Diane Huang added as she shook her head.


    "I also heard it Sister Diane, and to be honest, I almost believe it!"


    "I''m not really close with Mr. Lu but since sister Diane said so, I trust her words."


    "Miss Wang, you heard it too, right?" Aubrey Ning chimed in, indirectly informing thedies about Laurel Wang''s presence.


    As soon as they heard Aubrey Ning''s remarks, a slight surprise shed across their face. By the looks of it, they didn''t notice that Laurel Wang was one of thedies around the table.


    Given that thesedies were used to have most of the attention to their selves, theyck the habit of being attentive to others.


    Lexi faintly chuckled as her gaze scrutinized Diane Huang''s side profile and then moved to Aubrey Ning, who winked at her. If not because of Evelyn Lu or Ethan Lu, she knew thesedies wouldn''t even bat an eye on her.


    Thesedies... if Laurel Wang''s group were full of hypocrites, this group were meanies. Lexi nced at Laurel Wang''s ever gentle smile that didn''t reach her eyes. She could tell that Laurel Wang was utterly insulted.


    Now, Lexi lost her interest to annoy Laurel Wang.


    "Miss Wang, I''m sorry for myck of observation to my surroundings ¡ª oh my, I feel embarrassed." Sounding sorry, Diane Huang shook her head sideways. "But, I must say though, this table surely is interesting." Yet, the glint of amusement that shed across Diane Huang''s eyes contradicted her apologetic voice.


    "I''m sure Miss Wang was just as surprised as us when she heard about the news! After all, she''s the involved third party!" Still at it, Aubrey Ning feigned innocence as she indirectly forced Laurel Wang to tell her piece.


    With that said note, all eyes were on Laurel Wang. Their eyes all bore intention to seek for an answer. Whether or not it was a satisfying one, thesedies would surely find a hole to pick on her.


    "Obviously, I am." After some time, Laurel Wang''s stiffed shoulders rxed. "Heh, like what you said, some people are just bored and needed a life. It just so happened that I got targeted." Calm andposed, Laurel Wang replied as her gaze slowly scanned their faces.


    "I haven''t apologized to Miss Yang for the inconvenience. I''m sure it must be hard on her after hearing such ''baseless'' rumor." As Laurel Wang continued, her gaze paused on Lexi''s indifferent gaze and emphasized the word baseless.


    "Thank you, Miss Wang." Returning the smile, Lexi stretched her lips a little up. "Of course, I won''t believe them because I know my man more than anyone." Lexi''s gaze didn''t dare look away from those covetous pair of eyes.


    "A businessman like him... Ethan only wants and needs the best, so he''ll never settle for less." After stating such a remark, Lexi happily took another sip from her warm tea.


    "You¡ª!" Irked, Ste Du ground her teeth as her patience snapped. Fortunately, Laurel Wang stopped her by pressing on her hand.


    Meanwhile, Aubrey Ning''s eyes shed a glint of pride upon Lexi''s remarks. That''s her girl ¡ª direct and bold. Just then, Aubrey Ning noticed a figure from the entrance which made her nced over it.


    ''Right... he''s also here.'' Aubrey Ning whispered internally as the corner of her lips curled into a smirk.


    "That''s right. The best only wants the best!" Happy at Lexi''s response, Diane Huang sped her hands together in excitement. Surely, the stories she heard from Evelyn Lu and Ethan Lu were true; Lexi was interesting!


    "Anyway, you girls shoulde to my party on the 31st! It will be fun!" As if reminded about something, Diane Huang invited everyone, including Laurel Wang and Ste Du to her party. "I would love to see you girls there ¡ª it''s an important day for me." Scanning everyone around the table, Diane Huang paused her gaze at Laurel Wang with a smile.


    "Miss Huang, are you inviting my wife without my knowledge?" Just then, Ethan Lu''s voice assailed everyone''s ears, which made them unconsciously turned their eyes on his dashing figure as he approached their table ¡ª particrly behind Lexi''s chair.


    "Oh my, did you just im sister Lexi as your wife, Mr. Lu?" Surprised at Ethan Lu''s appearance, Diane Huang''s eyes widened before she immediately recovered.


    "I only want the best... and I im the best." Stopping behind Lexi, Ethan Lu leaned down as a naughty smirk stered across his lips.


    Just the slightest sight of his yful, dominant visage, the women would be lying if they denied that he was attractive. Women like these types of alpha males and considering Ethan Lu''s status, reputation, and looks ¡ª he''s more than the best.


    "Hey Love, they weren''t harassing you, are they?" Humoring them further, Ethan Lu turned to look at Lexi''s side profile. He was too close that when Lexi turned to him, they almost kissed.


    "No, but I heard lots of things from Sister Diane." Fluttering hershes beautifully, Lexi smiled from ear to ear as she poked the tip of his nose.


    "What? Don''t believe whatever they say ¡ª especially Miss Huang and Miss Ning, they''re all nder." Pouting like a boy, Ethan Lu whispered and yet, they all heard his remarks, causing a batch of a humorous chuckle from thedies.


    The only person who wasn''t pleased by how closed Ethan Lu and Lexi were, or how sweet they appear was Laurel Wang. For Pete''s sake! She was being harassed by thesedies and all he cared about was Lexi''s well-being.


    Just this delusional thoughts, Laurel Wang''sposure cracked as Dn Lu''s evilughs and judgy eyes shed across her eyes.


    ''No, he''s mine. You are only mine, Ethan.'' As if something within her snapped, her thoughts chanted these words inside her mind repeatedly.

 Chapter 558: Companionship

    <h4>558 Companionship</h4>


    "Anyway, it''s nice to see you here,dies." After a while, Ethan Lu straightened his posture as he smiled and his gaze scan thedies around.?His gaze however didn''t trigger any emotion upon seeing Laurel Wang''s face. If anything, he pretended not to see her as he smiled at Diane Huang.


    "Miss Huang, we''ll be in your party." He answered. Ethan Lu had already received the invitation, but it didn''t thrill him.


    However, now that Lexi had met these influential women, it would be an excellent chance for his wife to broaden her connections even more. After all, the women around this circle were on a whole different kind of level.


    "Great! I''ll be expecting you two then!" Thrilled to hear the eptance of Ethan Lu, Diane Huang pped her hands once again. Turning to Laurel Wang, she smiled. "Miss Wang? Are youing?" Diane Huang inquired.


    What Diane Huang was doing, everyone knew it as it was obvious ¡ª to make things interesting. Still, Ethan Lu didn''t bother to intervene as it would work on his end, anyway.


    "If it''s from Miss Huang, how can I refuse?" Laurel Wang still bore her smile yet this time, it finally reached her eyes.


    Ste Du nced at Laurel Wang''s side profile with worry. She knew Diane Huang was up to no good yet, Laurel Wang was entering the trap willingly.


    "Great!" Once again, Diane Huang''s face brightened to another degree. "Now I can''t wait for the 31st toe!" She giggled, the other girls then chuckled in glee.


    "You''lle too, right?" Turning to Aubrey Ning, Diane Huang arched her brows with eyes full of expectation.


    "I''ll try," without a second dy, Aubrey Ning didn''t give her a definite answer.


    Well, if Diane Huang was the person who was throwing a party, Aubrey Ning was certain that Benjamin Shao would attend. After all, the said man wouldn''t miss an event where he could broaden his connections ¡ª same as her.


    However, Aubrey Ning felt that she couldn''t bear to see him for a while. Although she would often act tough and unaffected, the game changes before Benjamin Shao. She didn''t want to lose herposure just because of a man; she needed time to recover.


    Diane Huang stared at Aubrey Ning for a moment and cracked her lips open. Yet, she closed them in the end and stretched them a little up. "I''ll still expect you to be there." Diane Huang didn''t press on the matter anymore as she let the woman make her choice.


    "It''s nice to see you againdies, but I have a date with Ethan." After some time, Lexi finally spoke as she shed a sincere smile at them.


    "What? You''ll leave? That soon?" Pouting, Diane Huang nced at Ethan Lu before casting Lexi a puppy eye.


    "We''ll meet you on the 31st. Until then, I want Lexi all by myself, alright?" Ethan Lu frowned as he nearly got blinded by Diane Huang''s pretentious act.


    After all, for people who truly know Diane Huang, they would know that she was a gender blind and might fall for his wife. God... he didn''t want another love rival in this story anymore; he''s tired. But, thinking how precious Lexi was, it would not surprise him if a love rival would pop every once in a while.


    "Tsk, okay..." Clicking her tongue, Diane Huang red at the displeased Ethan Lu before she humphed.


    "It''s nice meeting you all today. Miss Ning, I''ll take my leave first." Smiling, Lexi traveled her gaze at thedies before stopping at Aubrey Ning''s spacing out front.


    "Oh, okay, I''ll see you around." Aubrey Ning snapped back to reality as she immediately put on a smile on her lips.


    "Let''s go, mydy?" Ethan Lu offered his hand and Lexi slid her hand on it with a smile. As she stood, Ethan Lu arched his brows to see her change of outfit.


    "Yum..." he whispered that was audible only for her and him. Lexi just rolled her eyes as she mildly shook her head.


    The two then bid another farewell before they headed out. As they depart, Ethan Lu slid his finger to hers, and he took a step away from her side to have a greater view his wife side profile.


    "Ethan, stop..." Chuckling at him, Lexi pulled his hand close to her yfully.


    "Wait, love! It''s been awhile since you wore short clothes..." Chuckling, Ethan Lu humored as he kept on teasing her.


    "Tsk," although she was clicking her tongue, Lexi bit her lower lip to restrain her lips from curling upward. The two continued their yful departure as if there''s only the two of them in this world.


    Even from the other people''s perspective, they could feel the warm and light atmosphere surrounding the couple. They could see and feel that despite theck of clinginess, the two were very much in love with each other.


    If only the entire world could see them, any rumors about their rtionship that often maized awful spections would never resurface again.


    "I''ll also take my leave." When Lexi and Ethan Lu''s figure left the dining area, Laurel Wang struggled to put on a smile.


    Thest time she saw the two together was back in Ethan Lu''s event. Hence, Laurel Wang was clueless how their rtionship''s status now.


    She imagined and sometimes believed that Ethan Lu and Lexi''s fire somehow reduced. After all, it has been past a year. Laurel Wang believed that she spent more time with Ethan Lu because of theirst project instead of Lexi.


    Therefore, how could they even maintain their rtionship? Surely, people like Laurel Wang who haven''t known what serious rtionship was would not understand; that rtionship was more than just the excitement and the joyful moments.


    She wouldn''t understand what Lexi and Ethan Lu realized, that being together as a couple everything was more than just the thrill... it''s the deeper understanding of whatpanionship was.

 Chapter 559: His cry for help

    <h4>559 His cry for help</h4>


    "Where''s Churu?" When they reached the lobby, Lexi saw Lyrick Jiang waiting. Granting that they were already leaving, Lexi assumed that Jarred Guo and Nico Zhuang fetched their rides but, how about Churu?


    "With Nico¡­ yeah, she''s with him." For a millisecond, Ethan Lu''s mind paused before it processed faster than usual. A smile then followed it, which made Lexi arch her brows. However, she didn''t dwell on it and shrugged her shoulders.


    "Rick, everything ready?" Signaling Lyrick Jiang, Ethan Lu raised his thumbs up, gesturing to him if they were ready to go. Lyrick Jiang nodded his head before he jogged towards them.


    "Wait!" As Lexi took a step forward, it reminded her that she wasn''t bringing her handbag nor did she have a change of outfit. She was still wearing the sports attire that Aubrey Ning lent her. "My stuff ¡ª I forgot." Lexi turned to Ethan Lu while carrying a sorry look.


    Ethan Lu nced at her from head to toe before he nodded in understanding. "Alright, let me a¡ª" however, just as he could offer his helping hand, Lexi smiled and shook her head sideways.


    "It''s fine. I won''t take long."


    "Oh, okay¡­" Ethan Lu nodded his head before Lexi took hurried steps back to the girl''s locker room. When his eyes could no longer see Lexi''s shadow, Ethan Lu spoke as Lyrick Jiang stood behind him.


    "How was Churu?"


    "Just now, Nico reported that Churu was with him." Lyrick Jiang responded sternly.


    "Really¡­" Heaving a sigh of relief, Ethan Lu joggled his head. Earlier, Churu requested to stay with Seraphina and Louis Lu after he left. He didn''t want to let her but, Seraphina also insisted with a teary-eyed.


    It was not like Ethan Lu was moved by it but, if Churu was confident that she would be unharmed; he trusted her. After all, she wasn''t an ordinary human¡­ no; she was not a human at all. She was a fallen angel, that became a demon, then a dumpling, and now took up a human form.


    Therefore, with that thing in mind, Ethan Lu let her y. Who would have thought that Churu wouldn''t stay with that group longer than he expected?


    "Master¡­" ncing at Ethan Lu''s back. Lyrick Jiang creased his brows in worry. "About Sir Louis, what are your orders?" Lyrick Jiang was Ethan Lu''s assistant, therefore, even if they prohibited him from entering the private lounge, his boss informed him about important details. Thus, the uneasiness.


    "That¡­" Upon recalling Louis Lu''s words, Ethan Lu''s chest heaved slowly and heavily. He knew Louis Lu and when he said something, he would do it ¡ª regardless of how crazy and impossible it might be.


    Therefore, Ethan Lu knew that Louis Lu truly wanted Dn Lu dead. The reason? He doesn''t know, but knowing Louis Lu, it was certainly personal. After all, Louis Lu would never resort to violence if it was just about a sabotaged deal or anything of the sort.


    Ethan Lu pondered for a second as he stared at nothing in particr. If he ced himself in Louis Lu''s shoes, he asked himself: "what were the things that wouldpel him to the edge?"


    Definitely, the answer was not the Lu Corporation. Ethan Lu didn''t need that long to realize what, or rather, who were the people that others shouldn''t touch ¡ª his family. That''s right. Ethan Lu could only be that evil with no regards to thew or to anyone, even to God if someone harmed his loved ones.


    "Rick, can you find out if anything happened to Vic?" Blinking his eyes, Ethan Lu knitted his brows as he slowly turned to face Lyrick Jiang. "Or anyone rted to her." he added.


    "Yes, master." Lyrick Jiang bowed his head and immediately jotted down the new order he received.


    Ethan Lu then strode to the set of sofas where he perched to wait for his dear wife. As he waited for his wife, his mind wandered from the past. The time when they were still young, innocent, and pure.


    ****


    At the private lounge¡­


    "What a cute girl¡­" Seraphina sighed as she frowned.


    "Jeez¡­ how can you be sox around just anyone knowing your situation?" Dismay, Riggs red daggers at his boss who was sulking on the one-seater couch, hugging her knees. "Also, you, how can you take someone here without permission? Are you ready for the consequences?" Riggs then turned to the inexpressive front of Louis Lu.


    The more Riggs looked at him, the more it infuriated he gets. Damn¡­ it was all Seraphina''s fault for goofing around too much that these people don''t take her seriously. Just thinking about it, he wanted to snap someone''s head to blow off some steam.


    "Yo, just call Venus and f*ck off." Although Wren understood his point, Riggs was being too loud to the point that it was stressful. "What done is done, also, can''t you see she''s happy?" ncing at the unusual peacefulness in Seraphina''s eyes, Wren shook his head.


    "Anyway, you are clear that we don''t do that anymore, right? Why give false information to your cousin?" Wren continued as he tossed his gaze to the silent Louis Lu. His brows arched as he waited for Louis Lu to respond. After all, that wasn''t the actual reason why Wren Tanaka agreed to meet this man.


    "It''s not false, someone is already waiting for my go signal to have my second cousin''s head." Slowly, Louis Lu nkly looked at Wren Tanaka before he shifted it to Seraphina. "Did you already know?" he asked ¡ª his question directly to Seraphina.


    "Tsk tsk tsk, softie." Instead of answering his query, Seraphina clicked her tongue and shook her head sideways. If she was correct, the reason Louis Lu informed Ethan Lu about his n was so Ethan Lu could sabotage it and save Him, and Dn Lu.


    It was Louis Lu''s way of asking for help¡­ a desperate cry for help before turning into a vicious monster.

 Chapter 560: Arent you romantic, Miss Wang?

    <h4>560 Aren''t you romantic, Miss Wang?</h4>


    Meanwhile¡­


    "Yes, thank you." Inside the locker room, Lexi nodded her head despite Aubrey Ning not seeing her from the other end of the line. After a second, she bid her farewell and thanked Aubrey Ning again before hanging up the call.


    Aubrey Ning was still with thedies and could not go back to the locker room. Fortunately, it wasn''t locked, and Lexi could get in. She also didn''t bother to change as she promised to buy an extra set for Aubrey Ning.


    Grabbing her handbag out of the locker, Lexi then ced her office clothes earlier in the spare paper bag that Aubrey Ning mentioned. After checking once more, a satisfied smile formed on her lips as she nodded.


    With that, Lexi then left the locker room. However, just as she left the locker room, Laurel Wang was heading in her direction, probably going to one of the locker rooms in the area. Yet, Lexi didn''t want to bother and continue with her tracks.


    Just as the two women got closer, Lexi''s strides were put on a halt when Laurel Wang blocked her way. "Miss Wang, what is it that you want?" looking at her in the eye, Lexi arched her brows as she showed petty emotions.


    "Huh," Unlike her gentle pretentious act earlier and all their encounters, Laurel Wang bore a hateful sneer as she scoffed. Her eyes were burning with rage, that was slowly devouring her own soul. "Miss Yang, you''re in my way ¡ª move." Slowly, Laurel Wang''s sneer faded.


    Her remarks, of course, made Lexi''s brows creased. Obviously, the one on the way was Laurel Wang as she deliberately moved to Lexi''s path. But now, she was shamelessly using that Lexi was the one who blocked her way.


    Surely, she wanted trouble. Unfortunately, Lexi was done ying with her. Therefore, to make things easier, Lexi shrugged her shoulders and stepped aside. However, just as she did, Laurel Wang also stepped to the side.


    "Haha," seeing that Laurel Wang was burning her rope of patience, Lexi could not help but chuckle. "What is this, Miss Wang? Don''t tell me you want to cause trouble?" Amused at theplete change of the said woman''s attitude, Lexi cast her a blithe smile.


    "Miss Yang, don''t overthink. I am merely asking you to move aside ¡ª don''t block my way." Smiling, Laurel Wang feigned innocent as she almost repeated the same words she said earlier.


    Who would believe her? She''s obviously there to trouble Lexi and is now ying words with her.


    "Miss Wang, were your words pertaining to this path or to something¡­ someone else?" Slowly, the corner of Lexi''s lips curled into an amused smile. "I can step aside and you can block my way the whole day. However, too bad because I can only give way in this simple situation." Upon saying herst remark, Lexi took a step forward, yet Laurel Wang didn''t take a step back.


    Lexi understood the meaning behind her words; Laurel Wang had decided to go all out. By the looks of it, Laurel Wang was tired of ying the innocentdy as she finally showed her actual colors in front of Lexi.


    Bold because no one was around, eh?


    "Aren''t you romantic, Miss Wang?" Lexi was even more amused at the determination of the woman. Actually, Lexi had gone soft on her after the urrence earlier. Lexi even thought that she was being too mean and childish.


    However, it seemed that it triggered Laurel Wang to show her real colors. Now Lexi could see her eye to eye and discovered what kind of person she was dealing with. How pathetic.


    "However, are you sure there are other obstacles aside from your goal itself?" Tilting her head to the side, Lexi raised her brows and blinked her eyes a few times. "Aren''t you the one overthinking things, Miss Wang? Or you justck experience in love?" Lexi eyes slowly examined Laurel Wang''s facial features.


    Lexi must admit though, Laurel Wang was beautiful. It was not like she was better looking than the said woman, or Laurel Wang was better looking than Lexi. To Lexi, they had their own charms that shone differently.


    "Let me give you a piece of advice¡­ you never need to beg for someone''s love and attention because if he loves you, they will do it even if you don''t ask." A faint sigh escaped her lips as Lexi tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear.


    "You can present yourself bare to a man ¡ª he can take your body, heart, and soul but, that''s it. You can never have his heart in return if he didn''t want to. Actually, you''ll take nothing while losing more than you should." Lexi had learned this lesson in the most hurtful way in the past.


    Thinking of the time that she had stooped so low, Lexi recalled the time she stood naked in front of Morris Liu, only to lose her heart when he looked away. Granting that Morris Liu had his reasons back then, it wasn''t any different if Laurel Wang did the same to Ethan Lu.


    If Morris Liu held back despite his feelings for Lexi, what more Ethan Lu who was head over heels with her? Lexi was confident that even if some woman would do the same skit she did years back, he would also look away without a second hesitation.


    "Love?" Just then, Ethan Lu''s voice came from behind Laurel Wang. Lexi nced at him and smiled sweetly.


    "Take my advice, Miss Wang. Save yourself from drowning before it''s toote." Lexi muttered before she stepped forward, brushing her shoulder with hers.


    "I got worried ¡ª you said it''ll be quick." As Lexi approached, Ethan Lu frowned as his wife took his sweet time, making him worry.


    "Sorry," Lexi chuckled and to coax the displeased hubby, she ced a soft peck on his lips. With that action, Ethan Lu nagged for more as they walked away.


    Laurel Wang''s jaw tightened as she turned and watched Lexi mark her territory. "Save myself? Huh," Despite the good intention of Lexi, Laurel Wang didn''t take a crap as she snorted at the couple''s departing figure.

 Chapter 561: Wanted to be the king

    <h4>561 Wanted to be the king</h4>


    "Who is that?" As they headed back to the entrance of the establishment, Ethan Lu asked to his chuckling wife.


    "Laurel." Lexi cast him a nonchnt side nce, witnessing the instant frown on the corner of his lips.


    "Was she causing you trouble?" He asked.


    "Don''t worry about it." A brief chuckle slipped from her lips, which made his frown even uglier. "Love, I just gave her a piece of advice. Also, I finally meet the real her ¡ª reminds me of the old me." Lexi shrugged as she clung to his arm.


    "What do you mean?" As he asked this question, both stopped in their tracks as Lexi turned to face him.


    Hooking her arms over his shoulder, Lexi sighed as she studied her husband''s dashing facial features. "You know, love? I just realized that you''re really handsome. No wonder you attract women like her." Shaking her head, Lexi pouted.


    "Love, I''m happy for thepliment but, you know this handsome is yours, right?" Upon hearing her remark, Ethan Lu''s mood gradually brightened as he poked the tip of her nose by his.


    "What? Should I prove that right here right now?" Seeing that she was still pouting, Ethan Lu run the apex of his nose to her cheeks, with his lips leaving soft pecks down to her neck.


    "Sto ¡ª Ethan!" Lexi chuckled, tilting her head to the side upon the ticklish sensation.


    "Hehe," Ethan Lu wrapped his arm around her slender waist, stilling her not to fall because of his teasing. "Just tell me if you''re having doubts about my loyalty, so I can always prove you wrong every time." Finding the focus of her eyes, Ethan Lu smiled brightly. Well, he doesn''t mind proving how much he loved her whether he needed to offer his entire body and services.


    "No," Lexi shook her head mildly. "No need for that because I trust you, always." she affirmed, making him smile even more.


    Lexi trusted her husband more and more. She would be lying if she say she wasn''t afraid that Ethan Lu would be tempted.


    However, she believed that if his husband''s love for her and for the twins was strong enough, even if temptation surrounded him, he would never sumb to it.


    After all, the words she said to Laurel Wang were also a reminder to Lexi. She never needed to beg for someone for love, nor plead that he stayed faithful.


    If he wants her in his life forever, he would avoid doing the things that might cause to lose her and break their family ¡ª same with Lexi. However, that doesn''t mean she would exert less effort in their marriage.


    Surely, all the trials they had gone through made their mind mature without them noticing it. Regardless, as long as they try to understand and choose each other every day, that''s what''s important.


    "You know you arouse me at some level when you''re like that." After a while, Ethan Lu leaned forward as he pressed his lips against her.


    *****


    "What''s taking them so long?" Bored, Churu yed with the car''s window, rolling it up and down alternately.


    "Stop that." Casting her a side nce, Nico Zhuang''s nk voice echoed inside the car. "How did you know that master was there?" He asked.


    Earlier, when Churu eavesdropped on the private lounge, Nico Zhuang did the same. However, he could vaguely hear anything and everything came to him as indistinct noises.


    Yet, Churu knew when someone was about to open the door. The reason they straightened their posture and pretended to knock on the door.


    "I can smell him." Without a second hesitation, Churu responded honestly. "I can smell people''s soul so it''s not that surprising." added Churu with a shrug and a smug grin.


    Nico Zhuang tapped his finger over the steering wheel upon hearing her ridiculous reply. He wanted to believe her, but it wasn''t convincing enough. Hence, since Nico Zhuang had nothing good to say, his mouth remained shut.


    "Really... hey, do you know what kind of rtionship Dn Lu and Louis Lu has?" Suddenly, Churu shook her head as she pondered on the current matter.


    When she noticed that all stories she concluded were all spections, Churu asked Nico Zhuang for rity.


    "Huh?"


    "I said, do you have any idea what kind of rtionship does Lulu and Dn has?" Rolling her eyes, Churu still repeated her inquiry in a higher note.


    Nico Zhuang knitted his brows as he slowly turned his head to the front passenger seat where she was sitting. His gaze studied her dissatisfied countenance and contemted for a second.


    "Is it good? Bad? Ugly? Or worse? What was it?" As he pondered, Churu threw the followup into question.


    "I''m not sure but what I heard was the three of them were close as kids." After deciding whether he should tell the things he knew to Churu or not, knowing that Ethan Lu seemed to trust her wholeheartedly, he trusted her too, a little.


    "It''s not surprising that they grew apart because they were born in an unordinary family." Nico Zhuang shrugged as he found it understandable for the three to grow apart.


    Despite their differences, the same bloodline run through them. Therefore, it wasn''t surprising if the three of them wanted to be the king.


    "So they were close? Do you know other reasons of their breakups aside from that?" Churu asked, not letting him have a recess.


    "I don''t know. I''m still a trainee back then, so no idea." Nico Zhuang shrugged his shoulders indifferently. "Also, you can ask Master, maybe he''ll tell you." he suggested yet, he sounded doubtful that Ethan Lu would want to talk about it.


    "Oh..." Nodding her head in understanding, Churu delved to her own thoughts once again.


    After a minute, she returned her gaze at him. "Can you call Ethan and tell him you''d drop me by somewhere tonight?"


    "Uh... okay?" Baffled at her sudden questions, Nico Zhuang nodded his head, bearing the crease on his brow.


    "Thanks!" Churu cheered as Morris Liu shed across his head. In Churu''s mind, Morris Liu probably knew more about it because obviously, Nico Zhuang wasn''t raised for gossip.

 Chapter 562: Boss Red

    <h4>562 Boss Red</h4>


    Later that night¡­


    Ethan Lu and Lexi were in the car''s back passenger seat. Turning to see his wife, Ethan Lu sighed. "Love,"


    "I want to know what will happen tonight." Casting him a side nce, Lexi offered a meek smile.


    Currently, the trade for the video scandal was urring inside the private bar. Lexi and Ethan Lu didn''t need to meet the person themselves as they have to be mindful of the situation. Therefore, the person who came for the exchange was none other than Jarred Guo.


    "Will Red be okay?"


    "Hmm¡­" Humming a tune, Ethan Lu nodded his head as he turned to the window. "He''s reliable in this type of transaction." He muttered.


    Since Lyrick Jiang''s was always at his side, he couldn''t send him in because his face was just as familiar as Ethan Lu. Jarred Guo, on the other hand, although he seemed to be merely a driver, away from the public eye, he had another important job; that was to represent his master to any shady and suspicious business.


    "That''s good¡­" Nodding her head, Lexi pursed her lips together. She doesn''t know why, but part of her was bothered. Everything was going smoothly, and it was making her anxious.


    ****


    Inside the private room of the booming establishment of the club, Jarred Guo could still faintly hear the music despite that the room was soundproof. He nkly stared at the person opposite him.


    The other man had his face half-covered by the hood of his jacket. His shoulder slightly trembled as he nced at Jarred Guo''s calm visage.


    "This is everything, right?" Jarred Guo asked as he slid the sh drive inside his pocket suit.


    "Ye ¡ª yes!" The man replied, nodding his head profusely.


    "The information?" Jarred Guo arched his brows and jerked his chin a little up.


    "It''s all in there ¡ª everything you asked is in there." Despite his shaking voice, annoyanceced in his tone. "Just ¡ª where is it?"


    "..." Jarred Guo stared at the man''s impatient figure as the said person looked around, searching for the money. "You already know that this is a trap, no?" Jarred Guo asked as his brows creased.


    Obviously, even though Jarred Guo didn''t know the full detail of?how this transaction was prepared, it was already given that the other party wouldn''t leave this ce as a free man.


    "Do you think that ckmail is a minor crime you can get away with anytime?" Tilting his head to the side, Jarred Guo peered at him with eyes full of question marks. "Not to mention, your targets are not just anyone."


    "Uh¡­" Hearing theckadaisical statement from Ethan Lu''s man, the man''s fist trembled as his eyes shook while scanning the small private room. His fingers fiddled at one another restlessly as he hyperventted; signs of his anxiousness about the current situation.


    Yet, there wasn''t a sign that Jarred Guo perceived the situation as entertaining. If anything, he found it annoying. How could someone be so vicious as to use people as their shield and make them take all the bullets for them?


    It was unfair, but that''s life, isn''t it?


    People with wealth had all always had the upper hand ¡ªbine it with a vile nature. God¡­ Jarred Guo could only thank that his master didn''t have that kind of personality despite the environment he grew up in; or rather, Ethan Lu could be that kind of vicious man, but he chose not to take that route.


    "Why don''t you tell me who was your employer? Maybe you''ll get a shorter sentence?"


    "N-no¡­" without a second hesitation, the man responded and shook his head. Despite knowing his ending, for some reason, he still wanted to keep the person behind him a secret.


    Jarred Guo narrowed his eyes as he studied the man''s figure. The man had his head hanged low. He made no eye contact with Jarred Guo ever since the beginning, but Jarred Guo was certain that the situation made him restless. Not to mention, his impatient yet terrified tone was rather suspicious.


    "Was he taking someone as a hostage?" Out of nowhere, Jarred Guo asked. He could only think of this conclusion because no sane man would ever set his foot in an obvious trap. Moreover, the fact that the man kept on refusing Lexi''s offer in spite that he would benefit was baffling.


    "No!" Just then, the man mmed his palm on the table separating him and Jarred Guo. For the first time he finally made an eye contact, letting Jarred Guo see the desperate fire within it. "Just take me in, I don''t care! You people went back on your words and betrayed me! What do you still want?" The man growled loudly, as if anytime he would snap and wreak havoc.


    "I see¡­ I''m sorry to hear that, then." Slowly, Jarred Guo nodded his head in understanding as he unhurriedly stood from his seat. However, just as he did, his words somehow burned thest restraint the other person had.


    Without further ado, the man suddenly pounced on him. Fortunately, Jarred Guo''s reflexes were sharp. Therefore, even before the man could reach him, he flung his arm and in one swift move; he pinned the man on the table while holding on his wrist behind him.


    "Ahh!" The man winced as the pressure behind him weighed heavier by the second.


    "Do you think your employer was the only person capable of doing things?" Cold and unemphatic, an unreadable glint shed across Jarred Guo''s eyes. "If you truly wanted to protect someone, your heroism will not save them. Cooperate with us and save yourself from the trouble. Don''t think that you''re irreceable ¡ª who knows, the next person who will be in the same situation was that very person you tried to protect from your mess." Just then, the door abruptly opened upon hearing the sudden disturbance inside.


    "Boss Red!"


    "Inform the chief of police to protect this person at all cost while he''s under interrogation." Without turning to the people that came in, Jarred Guo ordered sternly. Meanwhile, when the man heard Jarred Guo''s orders, his eyes widened in disbelief.

 Chapter 563: Im sleeping with you, duh?

    <h4>563 I''m sleeping with you, duh?</h4>


    "Alright, got it." With that said note, Lyrick Jiang ended the call before he knocked on the window of the back passenger seat. Slowly, the window rolled down and revealed Ethan Lu''s side profile. "Master, the person is now in the authorities hands."


    "Good." Nodding his head in understanding, Ethan Lu nced at Lyrick Jiang before he creased his brows. "What is it?" he asked. Lyrick Jiang nced at Lexi first as he pursed his lips, hesitating whether or not he should tell it.


    "It''s fine." Guessing his assistant''s concern, Ethan Lu nodded his head in approval.


    "Red asked for immunity if ever the man spoke. He requests for our legal team to protect the man ¡ª also, Nico''s help to deploy his team for a mission." As Lyrick Jiang got his master''s approval, he ryed Jarred Guo''s request, which was rare for him.


    Knowing Jarred Guo, he rarely asked for such requests or even nned a mission. Regardless, Lyrick Jiang took this matter seriously because the everzy Jarred Guo had made a move; it only meant that he perceived it with high regard.


    "I see¡­" Same as Lyrick Jiang, Ethan Lu had the exact conclusion. However, he needed to talk to Jarred Guo first to know his findings about the situation. "How about the thing I asked earlier?" Despite Lexi''s presence, Ethan Lu asked about his request earlier about Victoria Tang.


    "About that¡­ there was no update yet."


    "Okay¡­" With that said note, Ethan Lu nodded his head again before he rolled the window up.


    "Did something happen?" When the window closed, Lexi knitted her brows as she stared at her husband.


    "I''m not sure but if Jarred is exerting more effort than he usually does, this means what we expected was just the tip of the iceberg." Ethan Lu sighed in distress as he massaged his temples.


    Thinking of Louis Lu''s words earlier that day, plus Dn Lu and Dennis Lu, Ethan felt his head throb. Not to mention, Lincoln Lu who was the shadiest of them all was only waiting for the perfect timing to execute whatever n he has.


    Just thinking about it, Ethan Lu was in so much stress. He had always felt that the Lu Family was barely clinging together, but now; it felt like it was falling apart.


    Ethan Lu would be lying if he said he didn''t care. No matter how he despised the family he grew up in, or the environment it offered because of their family''s enormous wealth. Ethan Lu still cared for them, regardless of how little his concern was.


    At the very least, he didn''t want everyone to end up as a murderer. There had been too much blood that their family shed from the very beginning of their n. Therefore, Ethan Lu had a desire to stop the curse.


    Turning to the smiling Lexi, a helpless sigh escaped his mouth. He then assisted her hand closer to him, leaving a peck on the back of her hand. "What would I do without you?" He whispered, resuming to kiss the back of her hand.


    "I''ll always be your support. Let''s call it a day ¡ª it has been a lengthy one." Lexi slightly squeezed his hand. Because of their busy schedule, Lexi rarely sees him be in such a state of pressure and distress. After all, whenever they arrived at the Yang Manor, they had the habit of leaving their work issues outside their doorsteps.


    It was not like Lexi and Ethan Lu didn''t talk about them whenever they are alone. Still, the experience of seeing it in actual and when they talked about it has a vast difference.


    "Mhmm¡­" Ethan Lu hummed a tune as he closed his eyes and rested his propped his chin on the back of her hand. "I want to go home." He weakly whispered, which made Lexi nod her head before guiding his head to rest on her shoulder.


    Although Ethan Lu cancelled his schedule for the day, he felt extra exhausted. Fortunately, his energy booster was with him hence, he could rest for a while. Until now, he was thankful to have a wife as reliable as Lexi.


    "Thank you," under his breath, Ethan Lu whispered and Lexi responded with a simple hum. They were getting tired from all these schemes that were popping up one after another. However, they might get tired from all this crap. Still, that wouldn''t stop them from facing all these problems head-on. They just hoped that these people would let them be.


    ****


    [Jin Medical Hospital]


    "Knock knock¡­" Churu muttered, her voice was much louder than her knock. Without further ado, she slowly slid the door open and took a peek inside.


    When she saw Morris Liu reclining on the bed while he unhurriedly retracted his eyes away from the window nearby, as he turned to look at the girl sneaking in.


    "Hey hey~" Curling her lips up, Churu raised her brows as she approached his unmoving front. "How are you?" Her voice was meek, rather it was gentler than her tone earlier this morning.


    "Where''s Ethan?" Blinking once, Morris Liu asked tly.


    "Err¡­ home?" Churu scratched the back of her head as she awkwardly chuckled.


    Actually, Ethan Lu forbade her from visiting Morris Liu for a while as he had a lot of things going on. Therefore, Churu snuck out when Lexi and Ethan Lu had gone to tend to the twins after arriving at their home.


    "He doesn''t know you''re here?" Morris Liu asked, seeing through her uncertain response.


    "No¡­? I told him that I''ll go here." Lying through her teeth, Churu shook her head as she pressed her thin lips together.


    However, Morris Liu frowned. He might not know thisdy in front of him, but he certainly knew Ethan Lu.


    "You told him and he refused. Why did you sneak out? What do you want?" His voice was chilly, as if he could produce a blizzard in an instant yet, Churu just jerked her chin forward.


    "Because I want to sleep here! I''m sleeping with you, duh?" She dered, rolling her eyes as if her intention was obvious.

 Chapter 564: I feel like a whore, really...

    <h4>564 I feel like a whore, really...</h4>


    "Because I want to sleep here! I''m sleeping with you, duh?"


    When those words reached Morris Liu''s ears, and his mind processed them, pure silence dawned on the whole private ward. Staring at her determined little face, Morris Liu blinked his eyes many times.


    He heard her, right? His ears didn''t deceive him or he wasn''t hearing nonsense things, right?


    "Sleep with me?" Repeating her exact words and ending it with a questioning tone, Morris Liu''s brows slightly creased.


    "Yes!" Without batting an eye, Churu nodded her head, causing the corner of his brows to twitch. "Though I am only doing this favor because I''m the reason you''re lying there now so¡­" in a matter-of-fact tone, Churu shrugged her shoulder as if she truly believed her offer.


    Well, not that she was lying about it. It was just that Churu also needed his life energy tonight; so that the two of them could heal each other.


    Apparently, Morris Liu''s life force was barely hanging. What it meant was that the reason his health had been unstable was not because he wasn''t taking care of his health or anything of the sort. It was because of the Otome Love System; the system where he was granted to have a second chance at life.


    However, since the system had an unprecedented change ¡ª thanks to Yael''s meddling, to the new ''technology'' ¡ª Morris Liu''s life force was slowly fading away. The only way to heal his life force until it would stabilize was Churu.


    Therefore, it was a win-win situation for the two of them because Churu''s wounds were also healing slightly, and her original strength as well. The only problem was, would he even believe her?


    "No," after staring at the pair of argent eyes, Morris Liu declined her ridiculous offer. "Go home." he nkly added.


    However, Churu was adamant about her stand as she responded with a resounding, "no!"


    Without dy, Morris Liu pressed something which made her brows furrow, "What did you do?" Churu''s question was soon answered when a group of nurses rushed in.


    "Ha?" Darting her gaze from Morris Liu''s stoic front to the cluster of medical professionals intruding, Churu red at the heartless man. How could he call ''security'' on her? Doesn''t he have a heart? Didn''t he care about her frail heart?


    On the second thought, why would he care? They don''t know each other and what she was doing was in harassment¡­ at least, in this world. Heck! Churu wouldn''t even bat an eye on him if she wouldn''t benefit from this greatly.


    If only she didn''t need to do this, Churu was certain she would have been ogling on Seraphina''s men right now. Sadly, no matter how strong the temptation was, Churu needed to recover her strength to protect Ethan Lu and Lexi in the future.


    Wow¡­ her eyes looked amazing.


    "How can this be the proimed Jin Medical if you allow just anyone in?" Morris Liu''s voice was akin to a thunder, shaking the entire establishment.


    For a second, the nurses and doctor that came in were at a lost momentarily. Unconsciously, all gazes were on Churu as she was the only person inside before they came in.


    However, how could Morris Liu say she''s just anyone? Wasn''t she with Ethan Lu earlier this morning? One nurse had a glimpse of her and remembered her because the color of Churu''s eyes were truly remarkable.


    "Uh, Mr. Liu¡­"


    "Get her out of here." Interrupting the nurse''s obvious exnation, Morris Liu set his piercingly icy gaze at her. "Now!" He added, which made the nurse flinch.


    "Y¡ªyes!" The nurse stuttered as she nodded her head and turned her apologetic gaze to Churu.


    "Morris Liu, don''t me me if you have a heart attackter!" Fuming mad, Churu''s nose produced steam as she red at him.


    "Miss¡­?" Since the nurse assumed that they knew each other, she was still polite despite the frightening gaze from Morris Liu.


    "Hmph!" Rolling her eyes at Morris Liu once more, Churu turned before she stomped her feet out of the private ward.


    Watching the youngdy retreat, Morris Liu narrowed his eyes. Did she just curse his health? The nerve she has. Surely, these youngsters were troublesome, was the thought that struck Morris Liu''s mind.


    Unbeknownst to him, Churu was older than his ancestors. Actually, it was safe to say she was nearly the same age as this world''s creation.


    *****


    Later that night¡­


    "*sigh* I really shouldn''te back." Churu murmured. Staring down at Morris Liu''s sleeping face, she could not help but click her tongue.


    "How could he look so peaceful and harmless when asleep?" Churu added, and another sigh slipped from her thin lips. "He should just sleep until he''s fully healed so I recover my original strength in peace." Shaking her head, Churu turned and strode towards the open window.


    Who said she needed to use the main door to enter this ce? Morris Liu was naive to think that anyone could stop her.


    After all, Churu had the capability to cause havoc in this world. Even if all the countries joined forces and would stand before her, she could wipe them out in a single second.


    That was if she so desired to do it. However, it never interests her to meddle more in this world.


    After Churu closed the open window, she returned beside the table. Slowly, she began undressing herself. "I feel like a whore, really¡­" she muttered yet, she didn''t stop from taking off her clothes.


    As soon as her dress slid down to the floor, only the underwear Lexi bought for her remained. "This will do, I guess?" Churu shrugged her shoulders as she gravitated if she should take off the undergarments too.


    With that, Churu slid to his side, sharing her body warmth with him under the same nket. "Feels good¡­" again, these words escaped her mouth as her body rxed and a faint glow wrapped around their bodies.

 Chapter 565: A cursed man

    <h4>565 A cursed man</h4>


    When the dawn came...


    Slowly, Morris Liu moved, however with that slight movement, he felt a weight beside him which his instincts discerned the familiarity. In an instant, he opened his eyes and turned to his left.


    To his surprise, Churu was sleeping peacefully beside him. As he came to his senses, he felt her slender arms over his abdomen, her legs over his, and she slightly moved her head closer to his chest.


    "You..." Lost of words, Morris Liu''s eyes glinted with rage. As if he recovered his strength, he immediately pulled his arm, causing her to wake up abruptly.


    "Ow..." Still sleepy, Churu frowned and slowly opened her weary eyes. "Morning..." rubbing her eyes, Churu looked up at the pair of zing eyes.


    To her, the fire in his eyes were rather new. After all, Morris Liu always bore those cold chilly pair of eyes, but now, a zing fire was burning within it.


    "How did you ¡ª !" Gritting his teeth, Morris Liu turned his head to the buzzer where he could summon a nurse. However, the button wasn''t there anymore.


    What was in there was nothing... she unplugged it! The nerve!


    Upon that realization, Morris Liu''s blood pressure slowly shot up as he red daggers at the woman beside him. s, as his gaze unconsciously traveled down, he closed his eyes and looked away in great distress.


    By the looks of it, Churu wasn''t wearing anything decent again. He could tell, with the thin strap over her shoulders, that the sheet failed to cover.


    "You''re so energetic, aren''t you?" Watching his emotions go all over the ce, Churu shook her head as if he was hopeless. "I guess my therapy is working." Churu sighed in relief.


    "How did you get in?" Morris Liu tried to calm his rattled mind. He was certain that he left a note to the attending nurses that he didn''t want this woman in his room again.


    He even phoned the medical director about his request. Therefore, he was confident that he would rest easy.


    So, how did she snuck inst night?


    "Do you really think that door is the only way I can enter?" Slowly, Churu rose and sat up, not forgetting to use the sheet to cover her bust. Still, for someone who used him as a pervert, Churu was rather rxed this time.


    "There''s no way you can go through the window." Meant as sarcasm, Morris Liu still didn''t set his eyes on her, afraid he would be used again. Little did he know, his sarcasm actually hit the bulls'' eyes.


    "Well, that''s where you''re wrong because I came here through the window, so..." In a matter-of-fact tone, Churu gave him a knowing look as she innocently blinked her eyes.


    "If you don''t believe me then, I can show you how!" As if a bright idea struck across her mind, Churu pped her hands together. "Don''t take a peek!" She warned before hopping out the bed and picked up the dress she wore yesterday.


    "No more lies ¡ª go out." Yet, Morris Liu had got more displeased by her easygoing personality and what wasing out from her mouth now.


    How could she enter through the window if they were several floors up from the ground floor? Even if she would use other professional tools, she needed to start from the rooftop and then carefully travel down like a building window cleaner.


    To do that, Churu still needed to enter the hospital premises. How could she enter if they banned her from entering until they discharged Morris Liu?


    "Hai hai~" Nodding her head, Churu sang her answer as she trudged towards the window. "I''m going out~" she said as she opened the window.


    A sudden gust of wind then kissed her face and brushed her hair. "Brr... cold," sheined under her shivering breath.


    Seeing this made his brows creased. "What are you doing?"


    "Going out, obviously." Churu responded as she peeked her head out of the window, checking if there were people that she might give a scare. Leaning further, Churu now has half of her body to have a broader sight around the area.


    "Hey, you''ll fall!" Seeing her recklessly shooting half of her body out of the window, Morris Liu warned. However, just as he did, the time slowed down as he witnessed her fall out of the window in a slow motion pace.


    "Hey¡ª!" His eyes slowly widened in disbelief as his heart pounded harder and harder. Did he just witness a suicide attempt? But...


    Morris Liu''s mind seemed not to take this data inside his mind. Just seconds ago, he was telling her to go out of this room. But this wasn''t the kind of exit he wanted.


    He didn''t ask her to die, right...? Was he too harsh and insensitive without knowing the personal struggle Churu was experiencing?


    Did he caused her death? If he didn''t ask her to leave, if he controlled his emotions, Churu wouldn''t have to take her lies further, right?


    So, it was partially his fault...


    For some reason, this triggered the emotions he freshly could feel from way back. The frightening emotions upon hearing the news of Lexi''s suicide attempt.


    Just the thought of this, his heart felt like someone was clenching it tightly. It was as if a hand was stopping his pounding heart from beating ¡ª it was painful.


    Grasping on his chest, Morris Liu''s breath turned heavier by the second. His heart was in too much pain and yet, the thought of calling a nurse over didn''t cross his mind.


    The pain of the past and the cause of how it resurfaced was too overwhelming that he gave up on life for a moment. In his mind, Morris Liu epted that he''s truly a despicable, cursed man.


    Just as he struggled to breathe, he heard Churu''s familiar voice assailed his ears. "See, I told you ¡ª wha ¡ª what''s happening!?" As Churu climbed over the window, she was instantly rmed upon hearing the abnormal heartbeat resounding across the room and Morris Liu struggling to breathe.

 Chapter 566: You wont get away with this

    <h4>566 You won''t get away with this</h4>


    Adrenaline rush kicked in, and in an instant, Churu jumped inside the window. She sprinted to his side, panicking, not knowing what to do.


    "Wh ¡ª why are you dying? I''m ¡ª I''m here now!" Despite her presence, Churu could feel his life force growing stronger that might explode and kill him in time.


    Holding on to him, Churu groped her hands all over him yet, her touches though it was helping, however it was too little that it doesn''t make a change.


    "Hey! Hey!" Churu eximed as Morris Liu winced in pain and his grasp on his chest tightened.


    "Ah..." He grunted as he slowly leaned his back on the bed. It hurts... his heart was in an inexplicable pain.


    For some reason, he knew that he was dying. Theck of air wasn''t just suffocating his heart but also his mind, and all his nerves.


    He could not speak a word and could only grunt yet, his grunts volume also lessened every time. ''It hurts...'' as soon as he spoke this words internally, Lexi''s smiling face shed before his eyes.


    "Brother Mo, do you want to eat?"


    "Psh, you should take care of yourself more, you know." Lexi pouted as he patted her head, bearing an unusual carefree smile.


    "Brother Mo, try this pudding that Mom made. It''s really delicious!"


    "Stop looking at me like that~"


    "Psh, what will you do without me?"


    "Brother Mo, can you tell me not to go? Six years is so long, I want to marry you now..." her eyes were teary while tugging on the hem of his clothes. He remembered embracing her as he patted her head tofort the crying Lexi.


    "Brother Mo, do you love me? Because I do."


    "Brother Mo, I love you..."


    "Brother Mo..."


    Morris Liu''s eyes blurred, yet he could hear Lexi''s voice and the words that came out from her lips. Her voice that were so sweet and soothing... the words that were full of sincerity; Morris Liu could hear them.


    "How can you do this to me? All these times, I struggled to be away from you, but I never gave up. I want to be a reliable wife you can trust and be an ally but... you want her over me? I love you, you know that. I want to give you everything ¡ª I''m doing my best, but you ¡ª what did you do? You chose someone that did nothing for you aside from warming your bed and satiating your libido! Is that what you want?!" From her loving tone, Morris Liu soon heard Lexi''s hysterical and full of pain voice.


    These were herst sentiments before shemitted suicide. The image of Lexi undressing in front of him, stooping so low for him as she begged for his love shed before his eyes.


    He already saw the pain in her eyes, but seeing it the second time as if it was still happening, it gave him a fresh perspective. This scene... the emotion she bore in her eyes weren''t just a momentary pain.


    Morris Liu never saw this perspective, but now it was clear. Lexi knew she would kill herself. She had decided to end her life the second he shooed her away.


    She had gone mad... and the reason was him. No one else but him.


    "Hey! Can you hear me?!" Churu shook his shoulder as his eyes dimmed. Hisplexion paled while his lips slowly turned purple in hue.


    Churu could feel that his life force was already at its peak and if this didn''t stop from arising, he would surely die. Therefore, Churu jumped on the bed beside him.


    She wrapped her slender arms around him, but to no avail, it was not enough.


    "Sorry..." Unaware of his surroundings, a drop of tear fell from the corner of his eye. After that, he felt like a boiling water as his body temperature shot up.


    "Hey!! Ahh...!" Ignoring whatever shback he was experiencing right now, Churu squeezed herself to him even tighter, but nothing was happening.


    "What to do? What to do?" At this point, Churu was already frustrated as she didn''t know what to do anymore. s, when she nced at hisvender lips, she gulped as an idea struck her mind.


    Without further ado, Churu leaned forward and close her eyes as her lips pressed against his. Guiding it to open by her lips, Churu hoped that this method might work.


    Surprisingly enough, she felt his boiling life forces that were evaporating slowly cooled down. Her hands, gripping on his shoulder, creased his hospital gown as she pressed her lips more.


    Meanwhile, Morris Liu heart felt a warm hand caressing his heart to calm, and was followed by softness, then the taste of sweetness.


    It was sweet and soft, magically healing away the sorrow, regrets, and pain buried deep inside his heart. Slowly, when the pain was gone, and his little strength somehow returned, he opened his eyes.


    However, it wasn''t Lexi that he saw but Churu''s tightly shut eyes. For a second, his brain froze along with his shoulders.


    ''What was she doing?'' He asked internally. Deep down, he knew what was going on, but he only snapped when Churu''s lips slightly moved. With that, Morris Liu''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    He didn''t know whether to think that how thisdy survived from the fall or why her lips were glued on his. Just as he mustered a little more strength to push her away, Churu suddenly held on to his wrist and pinned them down.


    "Not yet," she whispered inside his mouth before pressing her lips back on his lips. Morris Liu felt weak with his health, constantly going on a roller coaster ride. Hence, he couldn''t retaliate as Churu dominated his lips.


    All he could do was slowly close his eyes and sumbed to the sweetness that her mouth offered. ''You won''t get away with this...'' he thought internally as their lips remained together for as long as they could remember.

 Chapter 567: Pettiest award

    <h4>567 Pettiest award</h4>


    One hourter...


    Churu bit her bottom lip as she stared down at his sleeping face. Earlier, she only did what she had done out of desperation. However, why does she feel a little flustered while looking at him?


    "It''s nothing... this is nothing..." She murmured as she touched her thin lips. She could feel her cheeks heat up once again just thinking about the texture of his lips.


    "Ahh...!" Churu shook her head profusely. She needed to get whatever silly thoughts that was corrupting her head out of her mind. s, she only got a hold of her thoughts when she pped herself thrice. "It''s almost morning, I should head back to Lexi''s house." Churu said, exhaling a heavy sigh.


    With that said note, Churu headed to the door and unlocked it. Shortly after, she went back to the side of the bed and checked his life energy again.


    After confirming that he was already stable, Churu nodded her head. "I should refrain from showing up in front of him..." Churu muttered as her gaze sized up his peaceful front.


    She stared at him for a moment before Churu turned, heading to the slightly opened window. When she prompted to jump out from the window, she cast him onest nce back before she left.


    Churu doesn''t understand what was going on with her at the moment. Granting that she transformed in her human form, that didn''t mean she became a human. Hence, it was weird she was having weird emotions she was never familiar with.


    On another thought, Churu has more human emotions in her even way back thousands of years ago. She wouldn''t descend from the heavens if she didn''t bear emotions after all.


    Still, Churu''s emotions back with Tora wasn''t the same as what she was currently experiencing. Her heart was thumping like crazy and her face was turning hot just the thought of it.


    Therefore, Churu decided not to bother him for the time being. With that, at the very least, Morris Liu could naturally recover by this age''s technology.


    Also, she had been forcing her existence to him with his current condition. She should take it slowly and ask for Ethan Lu''s help.


    Regardless, that didn''t entirely mean she wouldn''t visit him. She only needed to be cautious and make sure that he would be unaware whenever they heal each other.


    *****


    "Master," Lyrick Jiang arrived at Ethan and Lexi''s home earlier than usual. Since the breakfast was still being prepared and Lexi was still asleep, Ethan Lu led him to his study room.


    "Speak." As soon as they reached his study room, Ethan Lu headed to the long sofa. Plopping down, he gestured Lyrick Jiang take any seat avable.


    "I found out that Miss Tang had a few interactions with Sir Dn." Lyrick Jiang slowly sat opposite his boss before he slid a folder in front of him. "These are some photos of Sir Dn visiting Miss Tang''s gallery." He added sternly.


    Well, since both were an artist, Kevin Woo and Victoria Tang had be friends. Also, thanks to Victoria Tang, she somehow helped his friend recover from Mia Chen.


    Ethan Lu kept on flipping through the photos of Victoria Tang and Dn Lu. As he scanned everything, Ethan Lu found nothing unusual.


    In his perspective, Victoria Tang and Dn Lu were just like friends. Although they share a fewughs, it was clear in the photos that there was a line drawn between them.


    Not to mention, Victoria Tang was their childhood friend. Therefore, it wasn''t a surprise that Dn Lu was still friends with her. So what''s Louis Lu''s problem?


    "Was he jealous? Was Loupeting with me with the most petty hubby award or something?" As Ethan Lu go through the next photos, he murmured.


    The more he sees more photos, the more his brow arched. No matter how many photos he had seen, Ethan Lu could not really see any problem with them.


    There was nothing fishy about it.


    "Master, there''s really nothing wrong with those photos. However, if you went through the logs, there was a time that Sir Dn visited the gallery but no photos or footage was caught that night." Shortly after, Lyrick Jiang exined his findingsst night.


    "What I mean is, that night, thetv cameras in the gallery malfunctioned. Not just that, but the same day, Mr. Woo attended a seminar out of the country, and Sir Louis was also in a business trip."


    "What?" Knitting his brows, Ethan Lu frowned as he somehow didn''t like where this deduction was going. However, Lyrick Jiang didn''t master the craft of being a busybody for nothing.


    "Master, theck of solid proof will only make my words as a spection. But, inside the folder, I also found out that arge sum of money was put on Sir Dn''s head two dayster." Lyrick Jiang sighed as theck of proof frustrated him. He didn''t enjoy reporting to his master without hard evidences, but he forced himself to do so despite that.


    Ethan Lu needed results as soon as possible. Hence, Lyrick Jiang didn''t want to waste time. If his spection were inurate, then at the very least, they had an idea about that suspicious day.


    "I see... how''s Nico and Red''s side?" Nodding his head in understanding, Ethan Lu seemed to read Lyrick Jiang''s mind clearly.


    Whatever happened that night... it was certainly connected to Louis Lu''s wrath towards Dn Lu. Therefore, Ethan Lu needed to have a better understanding on the matter.


    "I have heard nothing from them." Lyrick Jiang sighed. He knew the two were doing their best, but since their mission was ratherplicated, Lyrick Jiang was growing impatient to hear the puzzle piece they would take home with them.


    "I see... for now, send your trusted men to apany Lexi for the time being while Nico is not around." Getting the grasp of the situation, Ethan Lumanded and Lyrick Jiang nodded as he received the order.

 Chapter 568: newfound obsession

    <h4>568 newfound obsession</h4>


    "She''s really an orphan?" Jarred Guo asked over the phone.


    "Hmm..." Nico Zhuang hummed a tune as he departed the orphanage where their intelligence informed him where Mia Chen came from. "She and her mentally ill brother." He added.


    This fresh information surprised Nico Zhuang. So, it shocked Jarred Guo momentarily as well.


    "What? She has a brother? Where is he?" After a second, Jarred Guo immediately inquired.


    From their investigation, Mia Chen didn''t have a family. They had seen her track records but her personal details weren''t disclosed.


    The only thing that made Jarred Guo rmed which caused him to go back to Mia Chen''s case was because of the urrencest night. Thinking back at Mia Chen''s sudden change of mood when their masters confronted her, it was quite suspicious.


    Therefore, Jarred Guo had a gut feeling that the person who helped Mia Chen behind the scenes, and the person behind this ckmailing incident, were the same person. The pattern of how far they could go willingly, Jarred Guo was rmed that these vile people they see were also victims at some point.


    "No idea," Stopping in his tracks, Nico Zhuang looked around as he clicked his tongue in annoyance. Resting his hand on his hips, an upset sigh escaped his mouth. "But what I''m certain is that Mia Chen knew where he is."


    "Okay, I''ll visit her today. Thanks." Jarred Guo nodded his head despite that Nico Zhuang wasn''t seeing him.


    "Alright," with that said note, Nico Zhuang ended the call. Although these types of investigation wasn''t really his forte, it didn''t mean he was bad at it.


    Nico Zhuang was morefortable being his master''s shadow guard. Being Lexi''s assistant actually took him quite an effort to be used to it.


    Still, he was not liking how this story unfolds. Suddenly, Nico Zhuang recalled Churu''s inquiry: "what''s the rtionship between Lou and Dn?"


    Nico Zhuang didn''t understand why it suddenly floated in his mind. But thinking about it, Nico Zhuang''s heart pounded.


    Somehow, his gut feeling was telling him that the person behind was one of the Lu''s. Although he shouldn''t be surprised because the Lu Family was full of scheming people, still, Nico Zhuang thought who might it be?


    Louis Lu? Considering the said man was acquainted with Seraphina''s shady group, it would make sense. However, Nico Zhuang was still unconvinced.


    Based on his understanding, Louis Lu wouldn''t resort to such lowly scheme. If anything, Louis Lu would y his cards much wiser and direct. He would let his enemies known where he stood and admit if he was a foe or not.


    Therefore, Nico Zhuang although he didn''t scratch the possibility, it reduced his suspicion towards Louis Lu. On the other hand, Dn Lu was suspicious in every way.


    Still, Dn Lu never showed interest in coveting the Lu Corporation. Dn Lu also had his chances back when Louis Lu started his ownpany and Ethan Lu cut ties with the Lu family.


    So, Nico Zhuang was conflicted if Dn Lu would have the capability to do things without being noticed. And there was the third option, Lincoln Lu ¡ª Louis Lu''s father.


    Just as Nico Zhuang was racking his brain to make sense on things, his phone rang, snapping him back from his busy head. ncing down, he saw Churu''s contact number that she saved yesterday.


    "What?" Without further ado, Nico Zhuang answered, thinking the call might be important.


    "Yo!" Sounding rx, Churu greeted which caused his brows to knit. "Uhm..." thinking of what to say, Churu could hear his faint slow breaths from the line. "Did you run a mile?" She asked.


    "Huh?" Knitting his brows for the out of line question, Nico Zhuang''s busy head suddenly paused as question marks appeared above his head.


    "Nevermind," Churu waved her hand off as she scratched her heedless question. "Are you going back today?"


    "Yes, but that depends if something came up. Why?" Nico Zhuang answered truthfully. He wouldn''t normally answer an important question unless it was from his master or trusted colleague, yet he somehow trusted Churu too.


    "Err... okay?" Churu dawdled before she hung up on him. Nico Zhuang''s brows furrowed even more as he cast his phone a strange look.


    "What''s with her?" he muttered before shrugging it off and headed to ces where he could have an idea who''s the real Mia Chen.


    ****


    At the top of Ethan Lu''s house roof, Churu perched on itnguidly. By the looks of it, the dangers of identally slipping down didn''t concern her.


    Well, even if she slipped down, she could stillnd safe and sound. She has superhuman strength after all.


    "So, the most reliable people in terms ofbat around Ethan were not around..." Churu sighed heavily. Really, was she the only person seeing how vulnerable and open Ethan Lu was at the moment?


    "s, he had his trump card. Let''s see how things will roll out ¡ª I hope it will be interesting enough." The corner of her lips attempted to put on a smug smirk, however, it turned out bitter.


    Deep down, Churu was dismay at herself. She didn''t want to see things go down, but her mind and newfound obsession she has for Morris Liu was driving her crazy.


    His touches were just too...forting? The heat of his body, their life forces healing together as they collide, Churu seemed to lust over it.


    How tedious to be a desperate demon that only felt pain for the longest time. Thus, having a taste of a relief sensation got her hooked.


    "Ahh... maybe I should ask Lexi to invite Eli over. His body might be an excellent recement?" Churu murmured before she slid down from the roof. She thennded on the ground with her two feet and bent knees.

 Chapter 569: Make your choice wisely.

    <h4>569 Make your choice wisely.</h4>


    "Hey, you have a visitor!" Mia Chen raised her head to the woman in uniform standing outside her cell.


    "Oh, the beauty has a visitor! Was it from the media, eh?" As Mia Chen got up and dragged her feet towards the police, her cellmate ridiculed.


    "Haha! Maybe ask them toe here and we might get famous too!" One chimed in and snorted.


    "Sure. Though I don''t think you''d be famous unless you strip for the million of people to see." ncing at the woman chuckling, Mia Chen sneered.


    "This b*tch!" An ugly expression reced the bright expression on the convict. Grinding her teeth, she balled her hand into a fist, but before she could assault Mia Chen, the police outside shouted.


    "Stop this now! You behave!" The police growled.


    "Huh, loser." Mia Chen sneered as the policewoman guided her out of her cell after cing cuffs on both her wrists.


    "Tch," As they watched Mia Chen go out, the women who shared the same cell clenched their teeth.


    They had been verbally harassing her the moment Mia Chen came in. Some recognized her as an actress that starred in a few movies, hence they took this to spite her. However, no one could physically bully Mia Chen because the first time they did, Mia Chen retaliated by breaking a nose of one of their jail mate.


    Who would have thought that Mia Chen was skilled? Still, that didn''t stop them from hating her to the core. It just so happened that Mia Chen turned a blind eye on their disgusting attitude.


    "Always acting high and mighty! I''ll teach that b*tch a lesson one of these days! She''s not going out anytime soon, anyway." The woman spat before a devious smirk formed on the corner of her lips.


    ****


    When Mia Chen reached the visitor''s area, a light scoff escaped her lips as sheid her eyes on Ethan Lu. She dragged her feet to the long chair, sitting opposite him as she rested her arms on top of the table.


    "What?" Without further ado, Mia Chen tossed the uninterested question.


    "Your jail time didn''t change you, I see..." Seeing that her attitude grew worse, Ethan Lu nodded his head as he scrutinized her distressed visage.


    The ever gentle and delicate demeanor when she was outside this premise had faded to nothing. All Ethan Lu could see was a tactless woman that was serving her time behind bars.


    "Ahh?!" Tilting her head to the side, Mia Chen peered at him with disdain. "What did you expect? I''d turn into a nun after you throw me in a bunch of indecent idiots? Are you stupid?" Mia Chen chuckled as she mocked him for saying such nonsense.


    Ethan Lu let her indulged insulting him right in his face. After a minute of hearing her crazy waves ofughter, his eyes grew colder as he opened his mouth.


    "Your brother..." Shortly after he dropped these two words, Mia Chen''sughter came into a full halt.


    "Was he in danger?" Without further ado, Ethan Lu asked while sizing up her shocked front. "I looked through your track records. Although our investigation didn''t uncover your life''s details, we had gained one or two new knowledge." In a matter-of-fact tone, Ethan Lu exined as she processed his words.


    "Mia Chen, you can stay here until you served your time which was three years, but are you sure that within those three years nothing will happen to your brother?" Ethan Lu asked.


    "You... what do you think you''re doing? Was putting me behind bars not enough for you? Don''t drag my brother in this!" Mia Chen clenched her teeth and mmed her fist on the table as she aggressively leaned forward,pletely misunderstanding his words.


    To her, Ethan Lu was not done punishing her. He actually looked through her personal records that gave him the information that she has a brother.


    "Don''t misunderstand my words." Unfazed by the aggressive response, Ethan Lu bore zero emotions. "I wouldn''t bother with you again if not for the fact that the person behind you all had a horrible pattern."


    Mia Chen knitted her brows as his statement puzzled her. ''Pattern?''


    "Last night, I send someone behind bars again but he imed that it was all his doings." A heavy sigh escaped Ethan Lu as he recalled the events ofst night. "Sure, I can believe that and not care ¡ª just like what I did to you."


    "Then just don''t give a f*ck! Or are you afraid that one of his attempts might be sessful and bring you down?" Enraged for some reason, Mia Chen growled. Her voice echoed across the visitor''s area.


    Mia Chen was infuriated as she saw Ethan Lu as a hypocrite. To her perspective, Ethan Lu just wanted to save himself some trouble.


    He didn''t care about her or that person he was talking about. What he truly cared about was only himself and Lexi!


    "Don''t talk as if you care. Stop being a hypocrite ¡ª you disgust me." Mia Chen spat as her eye glinted with hatred.


    "That''s right. I don''t care about you, but I do care about the innocent people who were being dragged because they were being valued by you... and you hating me and Lexi." Ethan Lu didn''t sugarcoat his words as his gaze never left the woman''s.


    "Given that it is also partially my fault as the person behind you''s target was me. Mia Chen, let''s not be hypocrites ¡ª you''ll betray your aplice in a heartbeat when you got cornered. But, you shut your mouth before you can start talking... was it because your brother will be in danger if you speak?" Slowly, Ethan Lu leaned forward as his eyes darkened.


    "Scram." Several secondster, Mia Chen faintly scoffed.


    "Haven''t you realized that whether or not you speak, you''ll never be sure about your brother''s safety?" Unfazed by her hateful response, Ethan Lu stared at her straight in the eye. "The only person who can help your brother is me. So, make your choice... wisely."

 Chapter 570: Wheres the child?

    <h4>570 Where''s the child?</h4>


    "That''s what Red said," After Ethan Lu exited the conference room, Lyrick Jiang came up from behind and ryed the reports he just received.


    "I''ll go to her myself." Nodding his head, a sharp glint shed across Ethan Lu''s eyes. Just the beginning of their all out investigation and the pieces were slowlying together.


    The more Ethan Lu hear about the result in each of his men''s side, the more Dn Lu''s presence to him grew stronger. If Dn Lu was truly involved in this, then Ethan Lu was afraid he could not let Dennis Lu apprehend his son as Ethan Lu would do it himself.


    "But..."


    "No buts. Ready the car, we''ll go now." Without turning to Lyrick Jiang behind him, Ethan Lu affirmed. Hence, Lyrick Jiang could only bow his head and execute the order.


    Same as Ethan Lu, Lyrick Jiang could smell the disaster that was about to ur in the Lu Family. Everyone knew the capabilities of the Lu, however, after Edward Lu''s reign, tons of things happened and changed.


    Still, now that Ethan Lu was the family head, the dreading tension that has always in the family was slowly building up. Extreme schemes were being done behind the scenes. Lives of others were being used just to bring down Ethan Lu.


    With that thought, how could Ethan Lu forgive them? Granting that his family wasn''t touched, yet a person like Ethan Lu would never in his life ept this type of scheme.


    They could embezzle money from thepany, sabotage Ethan Lu''s ns, and so on, and Ethan Lu would repay them fair justice. But, having other people drag into this scheme, take someone as hostage were the biggest no no.


    ''Dn... Lin... which of the two...?'' As Ethan Lu headed back to his office, his mind gravitated who could be the person orchestrated this.


    Regardless of the two, Ethan Lu had to make his move before Louis Lu does. Even if he needed to go extreme, he couldn''t let this go out of hand than it already was.


    When Ethan Lu arrived in his office, he stopped in the entrance momentarily. Inside the office, Dennis Lu was sitting on one couch while reading a magazine that was ced on hisp.


    "What do you want?" Cold and unweing, Ethan Lu closed the door behind him as he went straight to his desk.


    Dennis Lu cleared his throat as she closed the magazine. Returning it on top of the small table, Dennis Lu set his eyes on Ethan Lu. "Do you know Avah returned?"


    Upon hearing the woman''s name, Ethan Lu''s right brow arched. Hence, Ethan Lu turned his head to Dennis Lu as he leaned on the edge of his desk. "What about it?"


    "So, you knew?" Seeing theck of reaction from his nephew, Dennis Lu asked vaguely.


    "Know that she returned or the fact that she was your mistress?"


    "Is that what she said?" Arching his brows, Ethan Lu slightly raised his chin up as he crossed his arms across his abdomen.


    "Where''s the child?" After his meeting with Avah Tong, Dennis Lu was already suspicious why on earth she decided to meet him.


    Obviously, he knew the woman and what''s between them were nothing but a give and take rtionship. Dennis Lu never loved Avah Tong and vice versa.


    He supported Avah Tong''s needs financially, and she satiate his lust. Therefore, it was not a surprise that they wouldn''t get in touch again after the whole incident with Ethan Lu years ago.


    However, she returned and was looking for a child that Dennis Lu knew should be with her. Actually, although Dennis Lu didn''t love her, there was no doubt that the child was his.


    Dennis Lu didn''t want his illegitimate child to be an embarrassment in the future. His blood still runs in his veins. Thus, even if the child was the fruit of his infidelity, he would support yhe child willingly.


    But now, he came to know that the child has been missing for years now. How could he not be enraged and Ethan Lu was the first person who came in his mind.


    Despite that, there was a small part of Dennis Lu that doubt Avah Tong''s words. The reason he confronted Ethan Lu.


    "Uncle, do you really think I''d hide the child? For what?" Ethan Lu stared straight at his uncle. "Do you think I''d hide my cousin to spite you? Perhaps, you thought, I want that woman in my life again?" Tilting his head to the side, Ethan Lu asked sarcastically.


    "Then, what happened that night?" Since Ethan Lu made sense, Dennis Lu clenched his jaw.


    "Just like what you heard... and then a missing child. If the kid is not in your custody, he''s not under my wing either." Slowly, Ethan Lu straightened his posture. "If I were you, ask the people who knew about this affair of yours ¡ª maybe, ask Auntie or... your dear son." Ethan Lu emphasized Dn Lu''s name which made the corner of Dennis Lu''s lips curved downward.


    Ethan Lu wouldn''t be surprised if his cousin was involved in this. If Dn Lu was, it only meant that he had been scheming behind while facading as some prince uninterested in the Lu''s power struggle.


    Just then, a knock was heard from the outside before it slowly opened, revealing Lyrick Jiang. "Director Lu," he greeted with a slight bow upon seeing Dennis Lu''s figure.


    "Master, everything is ready." Lyrick Jiang informed politely and Ethan Lu nodded his head in understanding.


    "I have to leave first, Uncle." Gesturing his uncle out, Dennis Lu humphed as he stood.


    "Ethan, I won''t let you off if I know you''re involved with this." Dennis Lu warned as he stomped his feet out of the office. However, when he reached the door, his tracks stopped hearing Ethan Lu''s emotionless words.


    "Same. Uncle, stopped your corruption right now and focus on the development of thepany as an executive director. I''ll be cleaning the family ¡ª I won''t be lenient this time." Despite saying this piece of threat, Ethan Lu contradicted it as he was surely being biased for warning him for thest time.


    Dennis Lu just scoffed before he resumed on his tracks and left the office.


    Ethan Lu heavily exhaled before he gestured Lyrick Jiang for them to go. "Let''s go,"

 Chapter 571: watch out!

    <h4>571 watch out!</h4>


    "Master?" When Ethan Lu came out from the visitor''s area, Lyrick Jiang rushed to him bearing an intrigued mien.


    "Did Nico find anything?" s, Ethan Lu didn''t cater to his assistant''s silent inquiry as he nced at him.


    Clearing his throat, Lyrick Jiang rposed himself. "No updates from his end." Lyrick Jiang responded as he shook his head slightly.


    "I see..." Nodding in understanding, Ethan Lu then began taking strides outside the precinct.


    Earlier, Mia Chen didn''t give him a definite response. Still, that was good as she didn''t refuse either. Therefore, Ethan Lu would have to give her time to consider helping him.


    Also, deep down, Ethan Lu seemed he wasn''t ready to hear who it was. For some reason, his gut feeling was telling him it was a certain person in his mind.


    Ethan Lu''s suspects in mind had a ce in his heart. Regardless of how little space they had in his heart, the fact that he valued them somehow would surely impact him at a personal level.


    Hence, Mia Chen''s time to decide would also work on his side.


    When Ethan Lu reached the parking space, Churu was leaning on the car. Seeing his approaching figure with Lyrick Jiang following from behind him, Churu straightened her posture and held her hands behind her.


    "Did you find out anything?" As soon as Ethan Lu stopped a few steps from her, Churu inquired. "Who is it?" Showing interest regarding it, Churu leaned a little as if it would make it things clearer to her.


    "No, but she will speak soon." Ethan Lu answered as he shook his head sideways. "Also, did you sneak outst night?" Diverting their conversation, Ethan Lu cast her a dull look.


    "Uhm..." Upon hearing his question, Churu coughed. "I was bored and went out." Churu pretended to be nonchnt, but toote, Ethan Lu had seen through her.


    Despite that, he chose not to nitpick. After all, he had his te full at the moment.?Therefore, he could only remind Churu. "Just take it easy, okay?"


    "Yes, yes~!" Churu was relieved that she wasn''t scolded. Truly, Ethan Lu was a kind human. Little did she know, Ethan Lu didn''t fuss about it because he was busy thinking of other important stuff.


    Ethan Lu slightly gaped his mouth open but then closed them again. Shortly after, Ethan Lu only sighed as he gestured her to go inside the car.


    With that, Churu pped her hands and opened the door before hitching inside the back passenger seat. Ethan Lu also headed in and Lyrick Jiang as the driver.


    "Ethan, can I ask a question?" As they traveled back to the Lu Corporation, Churu turned her head to see his stern side profile.


    "Hmm?" Ethan Lu furrowed his brows as he slowly cast her a nce.


    "Did you notice something?" She asked, tilting her head to the side.


    "Notice what?" Intrigued, Ethan Lu turned all his focus on Churu.


    Lyrick Jiang somehow felt insulted by the way she delivered her words. Well, it was not that it was false, but still...


    "So? Your point?" Blinking slowly, Ethan Lu got the gist of what she was pointing out. But to make sure that they were on the same page, he asked for her to borate.


    "My point is duh? Obviously, this is just probably a diversion ¡ª a practice run too."


    "Practice run?"


    "Yes, don''t you think that no one is watching you? I mean, one problem after another, don''t you think someone is watching you and observing how you solve each problem?" Sighing heavily, Churu tapped her chin by her forefinger as she pondered more on the words she should say.


    For a moment, silence filled the air, bouncing along with the cool inbound breeze of the car. Lyrick Jiang and Ethan Lu both processed her words, and soon realization struck them.


    "See? If I am the person behind this, I''ll strike ¡ª watch out!" Just as Churu resumed, a speeding motorcycle bike passed by them.


    The said vehicle was driving too close with their car before it made a right turn, causing their car to screech as Lyrick Jiang stepped on the brake to avoid hitting the motorcycle.


    As soon as the abrupt brake happened, Ethan Lu and Churu were nearly tossed to the front passenger seat.


    "Urgh..." A grunt slipped out from Ethan Lu''s lips as he pushed his body away from the back of the front seat.


    On the other hand, Lyrick Jiang''s chest heaved up and down heavily. His grip on the steering wheel unconsciously trembled by the close call. Understandable, Lyrick Jiang nearly killed a person.


    Although it was most likely that they wouldn''t lose their life if an ident urred, the fact that he might have killed a person rattled Lyrick Jiang''s mind. If not for Churu''s shout, he would see the speeding motorcycle a littlete.


    Meanwhile, Churu altered her gaze from Ethan Lu and then peeked at Lyrick Jiang via the rear mirror. Seeing that they were fine, Churu immediately hitched outside.


    She was about to mention the possibility of the perpetrator''s next move but, who would have thought that it would happen that soon?


    Churu looked around the area. Her eyes were sharp as they glinted. Fortunately, this road wasn''t that busy as there were only a few cars passing by them.


    If Lyrick Jiang didn''t choose a different route earlier, Churu reckoned that it would have caused a serious ident. After all, their ride was now on the otherne as Lyrick Jiang turned right as he stepped on the brake.


    Therefore, it was still fortunate that there was no car following from behind or else it would collide to them.


    "These people..." Churu muttered through her gritted teeth.

 Chapter 572: Dont lose your head

    <h4>572 Don''t lose your head</h4>


    "Master! Are you alright?!" When Lyrick Jiang snapped, he immediately turned to check Ethan Lu from the back passenger seat.


    "Yes..." Nodding his head, Ethan Lu raised his gaze to the opened door where Churu departed. He saw her jogged her way away from their car, seemingly going to where the rider headed.


    However, how could she keep up with a speeding motorcycle with her pace? Even if she sprinted, Churu wouldn''t catch up... or so he thought.


    Ethan Lu''s gaze continued to follow her jogging figure and when she was quite a distance ¡ª where no other people could notice her ¡ª Churu suddenly vanished. Ethan Lu was unsure if she jumped or run, but what he was certain was she was too fast that he didn''t see what happened.


    Meanwhile, upon confirming that his master was fine, Lyrick Jiang called for the police and medical help. Although none of them were physically hurt, Lyrick Jiang wanted to make sure his master was fine.


    After several minutes, the police arrived, and an ambnce followed. They questioned Lyrick Jiang while medical professionals examined Ethan Lu.


    "Master," When Lyrick Jiang was done with the police, he approached Ethan Lu that was sitting on the opened ambnce.


    "What did they say?" Ethan Lu massage his shoulder as he could feel a slight pain.


    "Apparently, this road has limitedtv. We are still waiting if they caught the biker in footage." Lyrick Jiang reported with a heavy sigh.


    By the looks of it, the biker knew that this area was still unsecured. Although it was too advanced for Lyrick Jiang to conclude, however his gut feeling was telling him it was intentional.


    Recalling Churu''s words earlier, Lyrick Jiang frowned. What she said was true. Aside from being inexperienced inbat, Lyrick Jiang wasn''t also that keen.


    He was certain that if Jarred Guo was the one driving earlier, he would have noticed if they were being tailed. After all, Jarred Guo''s radar for danger was efficient ¡ª the reason he became Ethan Lu''s driver and bodyguard.


    "Stop putting that ugly frown on your face." Seeing the sullen expression on Lyrick Jiang''s face, Ethan Lu shook his head. "Send some of our men to help with the investigation. We have to know if this was intentional, or he was just a reckless driver." Ethan Lumanded.


    "Huh? Y - yes!" Snapping from his trance, Lyrick Jiang stuttered as he nodded his head.


    "Don''t lose yourposure." Ethan Lu reminded.


    There was a reason why he would often deploy Nico Zhuang and Jarred Guo, but often keep Lyrick Jiang by his side. Aside from Nico Zhuang being the perfect protector of Lexi, Ethan Lu knew his men too well.


    That was to be his wife''s reliable friend.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu kept Lyrick Jiang in his side because he believed that even under great pressure, Lyrick Jiang could keep hisposure. After all, Ethan Lu needed an extra mind whenever his own was rattled.


    Also, Ethan Lu has confidence with his right-hand man. He believed that Lyrick Jiang could ovee anything using his wits, no matter how dire and dangerous the situation.


    As for Jarred Guo, Ethan Lu could only depend on things as investigations, and avoid incidents like this. After all, the said man''s radar whenever dangeres close was strong.


    This means to say, the three of them had their weaknesses and strengths. Ethan Lu looked more on their strengths. Therefore, he couldn''t afford Lyrick Jiang losing hisposure.


    "My apologies, master." Ashamed, Lyrick Jiang hanged his head low.


    "Remember, I can only rely on you at a time like this. Never lose your head." Ethan Lu reminded as a faint sigh escaped his lips. "Because if you did, we''ll both be dead." He added, snapping some facts on him.


    "Master..." Slowly, Lyrick Jiang raised his gaze and met Ethan Lu''s soft yet dominant eyes.


    "What Churu said, although they were true, that doesn''t mean we''re truly vulnerable." Looking straight at his assistant''s eyes, Ethan Lu stated. "I believe in you so, believe in your capabilities."


    "Yes," after a second, Lyrick Jiang bowed his head as his confidence slowly returned. It was silly of him to sulk just because of a little insecurity.


    Sensing that the Lyrick Jiang he knew returned, Ethan Lu nodded his head as the corner of his lips curled into a meek smile. After that, Lyrick Jiang excused himself as he needed to make his move and instruct their men to do what needed to be done.


    Meanwhile, Ethan Lu sighed as he stared at the direction Churu headed. "Did she catch him...?" He muttered.


    Although Ethan Lu wasn''t certain, with what he witnessed earlier, he could not help but wonder. After all, that was the first time he witnessed something out of this world. No one could vanish into thin air just like that.


    On the second thought, Churu''s existence had always been out of this world. Not to mention, the system within him. Therefore, upon recalling that Churu was initially a dumplings, and now a young human adult, Ethan Lu somehow wasn''t surprised anymore.


    "I hope she could..." Ethan Lu murmured hopefully. Catching the person might give them a good lead as he doubts their investigation would give enough proof.


    Just then, Ethan Lu felt his phone inside his pocket suit vibrate. Checking who it was, Ethan Lu sighed upon seeing it was Lexi. "She probably heard what happened." Ethan Lu whispered before ncing at Lyrick Jiang.


    "Of course, he told her." Ethan Lu shook his head and clicked his tongue. He then answered the call and in that instant, he had to hold his phone three inches away from his ear until Lexi could calm down.

 Chapter 573: Password

    <h4>573 Password</h4>


    Meanwhile...


    A speeding motorcycle drifted, causing the motorcycle crash forward while leaving the rider behind. Fortunately, the biker was fully geared hence, aside from a minor injury, he was safe.


    Earlier, for a second, a shadow crossed the road. The reason the rider avoid it that caused his crash.


    Slowly, he rolled up his helmet''s visor and looked around. Seeing that no one was around, he assisted himself up with a slight difficulty.


    "Ugh..." He grunted, moving his shoulder in a circr motion carefully. Although he didn''t inflict major injuries, part of his body was hurt because of the impact of his crash.


    He then limped towards his still functioning motorcycle. He needed to get far away before anyone would drive in this way.


    When the rider reached his vehicle, he clenched his teeth as he pulled the huge bike up. Just as he bnced it, he heard a woman''s voice from behind.


    "Mister, are you alright?" Churu tilted her head to the side as she asked. However, her pair of argent eyes bore zero concern on the person''s well-being.


    When her words assailed his ears, the rider flinched a little as he slowly turned his head to her direction. Seeing that she was quite a shorty, that was around 157 centimeters in height, his stiffed shoulder rxed.


    As an answer, the man nodded his head and returned his attention back to his half wrecked motorcycle. Checking the engine, a sigh escaped from his mouth as he was relieved that it was still functioning.


    So, without further ado, the person hitched on the motorcycle. However, just as he did, he nearly jolted out of the vehicle when Churu held on to the handlebar.


    "W ¡ª what?" He stuttered as he turned to Churu''s harmless front.


    "Mister, are you really okay?" Sounding concerned, Churu blinked her eyes as she stared at his eyes behind the tilted visor.


    "Yes! Let go." His voice thundered, intimidating Churu which seemed to be effective as Churu hopped a step back.


    "Okay~!" Churu saluted as arge grin formed on her delicately youthful face. The man looked at her for a second before he revved up the motorcycle.


    As the noise of the engine sounded good enough, the man slowly maneuvered the vehicle ahead. s, just as the wheels took its first cirction, it stopped causing his foot tond on the concrete ground so not to lose his bnce.


    Turning his head to the cause of his abrupt halt, his eyes widened seeing that Churu was holding on to the rear cowl.


    "Sir, my conscience will not let me sleep knowing you''re not fine. Let''s get you treated!" Churu suggested as a disheartened sigh escaped her tiny lips.


    "No!" Without a second dy, the man''s thunderous voice resonated as he refused and turned the throttle to move ahead but to no avail. The wheels screeched, ckening the concrete surface, dust fogged behind.


    "You!" rmed by her superhuman strength, the person desperately attempted to move ahead but it was all for naught. Therefore, upon that realization, the man jerked out of the motorcycle and to his surprise, it remained bnced as she held on to it with one hand effortlessly.


    "Monster..." he murmured as he ran for his life. He didn''t have the leisure to question how and who she was as his instinct told him to run far away first.


    He couldn''t be caught because the more he thought about those pair of argent eyes, the man found it more creepy. Hence, he needed to run before some authorities find him.


    "Hey, don''t be scared!" Suddenly, Churu appeared in front of him. The man looked up and see no trees or surface avable for her to hop on. Yet, when she appeared in front of him, she came from above.


    It was impossible that she jumped from her standpoint, right?


    Taking a step back, the man wordlessly turned around and ran, s, he slumped to the ground with his bottom the moment he did. "H¡ªhow... impossible..." he muttered as he slowly looked up and Churu was there.


    It was her, no doubt. The person even checked his behind and Churu wasn''t there anymore ¡ª scratching the idea that she has a twin.


    "It is. Don''t worry, I didn''te to harm you." Churu squatted down as she offered a bright grin stered on her lips.


    "W ¡ª what do you want?" Slipping back, the man kept his distance as he was afraid of the uncertainty of her prowess.


    If this happened under different circumstances, he wouldn''t be this terrified. Perhaps he would evenugh it off as it was silly and impossible.


    However, he just attempted to cause an ident earlier. Therefore, the police were still around the area and he might be found out if he lingered around longer.


    What''s more? This youngdy stopped his motorcycle with one hand, and despite his head start, she suddenly appeared in front of him in broad daylight!


    "I need a phone." Ignoring the obvious shock slowly creeping out on his face, Churu said with a smile. Yet, the man was just staring at her mindlessly as if he had seen a ghost.


    "I said your phone." Repeating her words, Churu rolled up the helmet''s visor, snapping him back from his trance.


    "Ahh..." Having his lower lip trembling, the man tried to speak but words wouldn''te out. Hence, Churu clicked her tongue and groped on his chest and then pockets.


    When she touched something solid on his jacket, Churu wordlessly took it out. d that it was a phone, Churu gave it to him.


    "Password." She said with a smile. The man took several seconds to process what happened before he altered his gaze from her smiling front to the phone in her hand.


    "Come on, or I''ll throw you straight to hell." Despite her cute tone, Churu''s words seeped natural viciousness.

 Chapter 574: Did Lou hurt you?

    <h4>574 Did Lou hurt you?</h4>


    "Oh god Ethan..." Upset, Lexi heavily sighed as she shook her head.


    "I''m fine, my love. I didn''t even get a scratch." After calming her down, Ethan Lu chuckled as he tried to humor her to ease her mind.


    "I know but ¡ª oh my god, get admitted and have a full body check." It was not that Lexi wasn''t trying to understand his nonchnce, but as a wife, she could not help it.


    The airne crash the other week was still fresh in her mind. Therefore, this another mild ident had a powerful impact on her.


    "Love..." As Ethan Lu was about to argue, he heard a muffled sniff from the other end of the line. "Love? Are you crying, baby?" He asked, his brows furrowed as a worried glint shed across his dark eyes.


    "Love..." After a minute of hearing her sniffs, Ethan Lu''s voice softened as his heart melted. God knows he wanted to teleport on her side and give her a hug.


    Ethan Lu felt sorry for his wife. He didn''t want to worry her every single day. He wanted to give her a peaceful life, but the circumstances seemed to contradict his wishes.


    Perhaps Churu was right. These problems that were popping one after another, maybe it was to test how he deal with every dilemma. And now that the general minor problems stopped urring, extreme life-threatening began to ur.


    "I''m sorry..." Biting his lower lip, a deep sigh escaped from his nose. He could say otherforting words, but somehow, Ethan Lu felt that apologizing was what he needed to say. "I know it''s very messy right now but love, I''m trying." Sounding dejected and tired, Ethan Lu massaged his forehead.


    "I know... it''s just that ¡ª I don''t know." Lexi''s voice was shaky, it cracked throughout her sentence as she was obviously pushing herself to speak. "Ethan, I don''t want to lose you. It''s just that every time, there''s always a reason for me to worry about you." Lexi wiped her tears as she ranted once again.


    The situation made her emotional. If the problem was just like Laurel Wang, Lexi wouldn''t mind if she has to deal with hundred more women that wanted to covet her husband.


    However, Ethan Lu''s situation was on a whole different level. It was as if her husband was walking on a thin ice; one wrong step, he might fall and get drown to death in piercingly cold water.


    "I know, I''m sorry." Ethan Lu responded, still bearing an apologetic frown. "I know my sorry is not enough but love, I''m trying to fix everything. It might not happen now, but I know my efforts will pay offter." Ethan Lu stated sincerely.


    "So please, hang on okay? Please, my love?" Ethan Lu somehow felt ashamed at himself. Although Lexi knew that entering the Lu family would be problematic, she never truly reckoned that they would pull extreme schemes that has an intent to kill him.


    "Mhmm..." Humming a tune, Ethan Lu nodded as he raised his gaze to Lyrick Jiang and the authorities doing their duties. "I have Chacha, remember?" He reminded which somehow made Lexi calm down.


    "I know..."


    "Don''t worry anymore. I''ll be fine and will always go home to you and the twins. I love you." Seeing that Lyrick Jiang was jogging in his direction, Ethan Lu smiled as these words were his motivation to stay alive.


    "I love you too..." Lexi responded softly. The two continued to exchange reminders until they bid their farewell with great reluctance.


    As soon as Ethan Lu ced his phone down, he raised his brows gesturing Lyrick Jiang to speak.


    "Master, I receive a call from Chacha. She caught the rider of the motorcycle bike ¡ª our team are now on the way to her location." Although Lyrick Jiang was surprised when Churu called him, he didn''t waste a second and sent his team while the police followed to the said location.


    However, the curiosity remained: how did Churu caught the person?


    "I see..." ncing at Lyrick Jiang''s curious eyes, Ethan Lu decided not to exin at the moment. The situation was already a mess. Therefore, exining that Churu was actually a fallen angel with superhuman strength would only add more confusion.


    ****


    [BEAUTY DR: CEO OFFICE]


    When Lexi ced down the phone, another heavy exhale escaped her mouth. She would be lying if she said she waspletely coaxed despite knowing that Churu was on her husband''s side. She just couldn''t.


    Just then, she heard a knock from outside her office, which made her turn her gaze to the door. Slowly, the door opened and an unfamiliar face entered ¡ª it was Nico Zhuang''s temporary recement.


    "Madam, someone was looking for you. Her name is Victoria Tang." He informed which made Lexi nodded her head.


    "Let her in." Leximanded, which was executed properly. It took several minutes for Victoria Tang to arrive as she was waiting in the lobby when Lexi approved her visit.


    When Victoria Tang arrived inside the CEO''s office, she saw Lexi standing in front of the corner desk as she prepared tea.


    "Vic," sensing the woman''s presence, Lexi turned her head behind and smiled. She gestured for her to take a seat as Lexi ced the two cups of tea on the tray.


    "I''m sorry to bother you." Meek and soft, Victoria Tang apologized in advance as she perched on the long sofa.


    "Bother me? Oh no, dear. You''re not bothering anyone. It should be me who''s apologizing for not visiting you and Vinvin more often." Shaking her head, Lexi served her the cup of tea before she perched on the head seat.


    cing her leg over the other, Lexi smiled as she set her eyes on Victoria Tang''s gorgeous yet seemingly tired profile. "What happen?" After sizing her up for several seconds, Lexi knitted her brows as she sensed something was wrong.


    Not just that but also, Lexi notice that she has a bruise on her shoulder. Although Victoria Tang''s top should cover it, Lexi had a glimpse of it when Victoria Tang reached for the tea.


    "Did Lou hurt you?" Not beating around the bush, Lexi asked, which made Victoria Tang''s hands tremble as she slightly flinched by the question.

 Chapter 575: Please, help us...

    <h4>575 Please, help us...</h4>


    "N¡ªno..." Instead of picking up the cup of tea, Victoria Tang retracted her trembling hands.


    "Vic..." rmed by her reaction, Lexi knitted her brows more as she locked her gaze on her. "You can tell me ¡ª was Lou hurting you?" Lexi probed.


    "N-no, it''s not like that." Shaking her head sideways, Victoria Tang mustered her courage to raise her eyes and meet Lexi''s investigative gaze. "Lou will never hurt me." She reassured yet, her tone wasn''t as confident as it should sound.


    "What happened...?" Sizing her up, Lexi pressed her lips together as her eyes softened.


    She wasn''t that close with the woman, but Lexi still considered her as part of the family. After all, Victoria Tang was Ethan Lu''s childhood friend, also the mother of Louis Lu''s son. Therefore, even though Louis Lu and Victoria Tang weren''t legally married yet, Lexi had already perceived her as Louis Lu''s wife.


    Victoria Tang remained quiet as she stared at Lexi''s sincere pair of eyes. Yet, her lips would slightly open and then close as if she was hesitating to speak.


    "Vic..." Slowly, Lexi stood from her seat before she perched beside the woman. Reaching her hand on the sweating and cold hand of Victoria Tang, Lexi smiled meekly.


    "You know you can trust me, right? Tell me what happened." Lexi rubbed the back of her hand, sending her warmth to the anxious woman.


    "I ¡ª I''m sorry." As she stared at Lexi''s worried front, Victoria Tang''s voice cracked. The corner of her eyes formed tears she was holding back, and a lump leapt in her throat.


    "I just didn''t know who to turn to." Biting her bottom lip, Victoria Tang tightened her grip on Lexi''s hand as she suppressed her overwhelming emotions.


    "It''s okay... it''s fine..." cing her other hand over the woman''s hand, Lexi could feel how anxious and terrified she was.


    What was she so terrified about? With this question floating inside Lexi''s head, her assumptions that Victoria Tang was being abused by her live-in partner grew stronger.


    However, although Lexi already came up with an assumption, she was not fully convinced by it because Victoria Tang''s partner was Louis Lu. Lexi wouldn''t believe that Louis Lu could hurt her.


    After all, she had seen him together with Victoria Wang. He might be a little weird and blunt, but the way he looked at Victoria Tang was the same look Ethan Lu give her every day.


    Louis Lu love Victoria Tang. Therefore, Lexi believed that he wouldn''t hurt her in any way ¡ª especially abuse her physically.


    "Lou... Lexi, please help Lou." After some time, Victoria Tang mustered the strength to speak without breaking down. Yet, tears still rolled down from her eyes.


    "What do you mean?"


    "He will kill ¡ª what? Why would he do that?" Surprised by the response she heard, Lexi tried to staypose as she was quite at a lost. She didn''t understand why Louis Lu would try to kill someone: his cousin at that.


    "It''s my fault... it''s all my fault. Lexi, I don''t know how to stop him..." Victoria Tang hanged her head low as she covered her mouth by her palm. She didn''t want to sob loudly or act all distress, however she could not control her body and spilling emotions.


    Hence, although Victoria Tang was ashamed for barging in in Lexi''s office and was crying her heart out, she couldn''t stop herself. She wanted to help Louis Lu, but thetter didn''t need her help.


    Still, how could she pretend not to know things if the man she loved so dearly would be a monster because of her? Victoria Tang knew that whatever happened, she might never forget, but she would eventually move on.


    So, if Louis Lu drew his sword to his cousin, Victoria Tang knew that he would never be the same.


    "It''s my fault... I ¡ª Lexi, please help us." Breaking down, Victoria Tang sobbed as she held on to Lexi as if she was herst resort.


    Victoria Tang repeated her words in between her hups. She already tried reaching out to Ethan Lu. However, he was a busy man and setting an appointment with him would take months before she could meet him.


    Victoria Tang could not go to their house because she was avoiding from going out at nights. Therefore, she couldn''t go to their home since Lexi and Ethan Lu would only go home at night.


    Meanwhile, Lexi rubbed her back as she felt bad for her. She didn''t probe more as she knew it would be a sensitive topic and at Victoria Tang''s current state, Lexi wouldn''t get clear answers, anyway. Thus, she offered;


    "Don''t worry, I''ll go talk to Lou okay?" Lexi coaxed and let Victoria Tang used her as her crying shoulder.


    ****


    Hourster...


    "Why would you go there alone?" Lexi could imagine his displeased frown upon hearing her.


    "I''m not alone. Vic is with me, okay? I''ll just help her get some of her stuff because she''ll be staying in the gallery." Rolling her eyes, Lexi shook her head as she nced at the shy Victoria Tang perched on the front passenger seat. "Don''t worry about it. Also, you''ll go home tonight?" Diverting the subject, Lexi arched her brows to confirm if what he said earlier was correct.


    "Yes, though a littlete." Uninterested, Ethan Lu yawned. "I''m already sleepy and I just want to sleep with you." He said as he had a long rollercoaster day.


    "Anyway, if you can talk some senses into that guy, please do. He''s giving me quite a headache recently." Confident at his wife''s capability, Ethan Lu said. Although Ethan Lu''sst encounter with Louis Lu wasn''t that pleasant, he knew he wouldn''t hurt his wife.


    "Well, that''s what I will do. Alright, I got to go see youter. Love you." Shrugging her shoulder, Lexi chuckled as Ethan Lu nagged her for a bit before the call ended.


    "Just when I thought I nagged him enough earlier..." Chuckling, Lexi shook her head as her emotions today had a rollercoaster ride.


    Turning to Victoria Tang, Lexi smiled. "Do you want to go inside too? Can you handle him or should you take a break?" Lexi asked, considering that her n for tonight might be sabotage when Victoria Tang meet Louis Lu again.


    "Don''t worry. You can stay here, I''ll get your things." As Victoria Tang hesitated to answer, Lexi volunteered with a confident smile.

 Chapter 576: Done?

    <h4>576 Done?</h4>


    "But..."


    "It''s fine. Lou won''t do anything extreme to me." Seeing her hesitant visage, Lexi reassured as she held on to Victoria Tang''s hands.


    After a beat, Lexi unbuckled her seat and headed out of the car. With a heavy exhale, she headed to the entrance of the vi.


    Without further ado, Lexi pressed on the doorbell and waited. However, no one answered, hence she pressed the doorbell again until the door slowly opened.


    From inside the vi, Louis Lu''s ever inexpressive front weed Lexi. He looked at her, not surprised to have her unannounced visit.


    Lexi stared back at him. This was her first time seeing Louis Lu looked less formal. Although his inner white sleeve shirt was still on, the first three buttons were unbuttoned, his sleeved were pulled up to his elbow, as his hair was a little messy ¡ª though not enough to make him look indecent and wasted.


    "Vic... where is she?" Without further ado, Louis Lu lowly asked. A faint scent of wine followed his words.


    "Well..." Raising her brows, Lexi ignored that?he smelled alcohol as it was faint; she could barely smell it.


    Well, Ethan Lu had a habit of having a ss of wine whenever they get home or after putting the twins to sleep. Lexi too was taking enough alcohol every other day to rx. Therefore, it was normal if Louis Lu also had the same habit.


    "Why are you getting her things instead of her?" Seeing the knowing look on Lexi''s face, Louis Lu frowned as he nced in the car from the distance. He didn''t need to hear Lexi''s intention as he had foreseen thising.


    "Lou, you should know the answer to that." In a matter-of-fact tone, Lexi locked her gaze with him. "You guys need time. Until then, let her be, okay? I''m getting her stuff, make sure you bring those stuffs and her, back in here peacefully." Stretching her lips a little up, Lexi didn''t leave his gaze.


    "Come in," Louis Lu nodded his head slowly.?He then opened the door wider and stepped to the side to let her in.


    "Thank you," Pleased that Louis Lu understood her without long, troublesome exnation, Lexi headed inside and let Louis Lu closed the door.


    Lexi then took off her heels and change into house slippers while Louis Lu followed behind hernguidly. Turning to his indifferent and aloof figure, Lexi asked.


    "Can you help me?" Since she was unfamiliar with the house, Lexi shamelessly asked for help. Despite that, it was quite insensitive of her, knowing that this mean Louis Lu would help pack his beloved''s belongings, Lexi still chose to be honest and blunt.


    After all, Louis Lu would appreciate it more than pretending that she knew more things. Also, at the very least, Louis Lu would understand things of having his love of his life leave him because of his reasoning.


    "Oh, okay..." Lexi shrugged her shoulders as she briefly raised her brows once again. She guessed that she would do all the work and then talk to him when she was done packing Victoria Tang''s things.


    With that said note, Lexi headed upstairs while Louis Lu stared at her figure. When Lexi entered the first room ¡ª the guest room ¡ª Louis Lu faintly chuckled before heading to the kitchen.


    To him, he''ll at least let Lexi struggle a little. He appreciated that she wanted to protect Victoria Tang from him, but, at the same time, he wasn''t that pleased that Lexi was doing it so boldly.


    Despite that, not that Louis Lu would go against Victoria Tang''s wishes. If she didn''t want to see him anymore, so be it.


    ****


    "That Louis Lu... he also had a childish side of him, I see."As she opened the fourth door, Lexi ground her teeth as she rolled her eyes.


    Who would have thought that the second floor of this vi had too many rooms? Why does Louis Lu need that much room? After all, they were just three living in this house ¡ª not to mention, Vincent Tang''s constant stay in the hospital for checkups as he would often contract fevers and minor sickness as he had health issues.


    At the fourth door, Lexi heaved a sigh of relief upon sensing this would probably the master''s bedroom. Well, it wasrger than the rest and unlike the other rooms, the room had the mix of Victoria Tang and Louis Lu''s scent.


    "Okay..." For some reason, Lexi tiptoed her way inside as if she was a thief. That''s her body''s instinct as this was apparently someone else bedroom.


    Now, she realized that it was a good thing that Louis Lu didn''t help her. It was, in a way, considerate of him.


    Lexi searched the room for a minute and unlike their room that had a walk-in closet, this room''s closet should be pulled from the wall. It was like the entire wall had different slides, so Lexi had to check one by one to see if they were Victoria Tang''s things.


    "Wow... just when I thought Ethan has too many clothes ¡ª Lou is just the same. Though, Lou''s clothes were like, err... uniform." After seeing two closets full of suits that has the same design but a different color, Lexi chuckled.


    In contrast to her shy husband, Louis Lu seemed to buy clothes with same designe in different colors if he liked it. Well, the design were exquisite anyway and just a pair cost a lot, so no one would even dare make fun of it.


    Lexi then resumed on checking; there were slides full of men''s essories, ties, and a few jewelries which Lexi assumed were Victoria Tang''s. Hence, Lexi picked a few that Victoria Tang could wear on any asion before moving on to the next wall closet.


    It took Lexi half an hour segregating the things that Victoria Tang would need. Actually, all the chosen clothes and essories were just Lexi''s preferences because Victoria Tang didn''t specifically told her what clothes she needed.


    Also, Lexi only found one suitcase therefore, she tried to maximize the space. Feeling a little exhausted by packing things, Lexi then flinched upon hearing Louis Lu''s voice.


    "Done?" he asked.

 Chapter 577: Lou will not hurt me

    <h4>577 Lou will not hurt me</h4>


    "Done?" He asked, leaning his side to the door''s jamb.


    "Oh god..." Lexi patted her chest as she nearly forgotten that she was inside someone else''s home. Moreover, she didn''t hear Louis Lu''s footsteps, hence the slight surprise. "Yes, I am." She answered along with her heavy exhale.


    "Let me help you,"


    "Thank you." Stretching her lips a little up, Lexi slowly stood and stepped aside. Holding her hands behind her, she watched Louis Lu entered the bedroom and headed directly to the suitcase ¡ª ced on top of the bed.


    "You should have asked for more suitcase, this one is not enough to pack all her belongings." As Louis Lu carried the suitcase out of the bed, hemented as he cast Lexi a side nce.


    "You sound like you don''t want to see her permanently, Lou." Lexi frowned as she followed him out of the bedroom. Yet, Louis Lu didn''t respond anymore and walked down of the stairs with silence.


    When they reached downstairs, Louis Lu put down the suitcase.


    "Maybe," Louis Lu replied before he headed to the set of sofas with his hands shoved inside his pocket.


    Lexi''s gaze followed his figure before it shifted to the empty winess and two bottles of wine. By the looks of it, the first one was already consumed while the other one was still unopened.


    "Lou," a heavy sigh escaped Lexi''s lips as she shook her head. "You guys need to talk it down when you''re both calm." Lexi slowly headed to the set of sofas and perched on the long couch.


    ncing at her concerned front, Louis Lu poured himself a ss of wine. "We already did." He tly responded and then picked up the winess. He then leaned his back against the single seater sofa and rested his leg over the other.


    "What I mean talk is not just talk, but a conversation with an open heart." Sighing, Lexi slightly frowned at his rather rxed demeanor.


    For a moment, Louis Lu stared at Lexi without a word. After some time of sharing nothing but silence, Louis Lu sipped from his wine bearing his natural elegance.


    "I know it''s not my business and I am being meddlesome but Lou, don''t hurt yourself and have regretster for not doing things you should have done." Since he wasn''t saying anything, Lexi advised once again.


    She knew that she was meddling with other people''s problems. However, she was truly concerned about these two.


    Lexi knew that Ethan Lu held these two close to his heart. Therefore, she was trying to be a good friend and cousin-inw in her husband''s stead.


    Moreover, this reminded her of Morris Liu... a lot. Lexi would be lying if she said she has no idea that Morris Liu didn''t have feelings for her.


    Still, Lexi felt Morris Liu''s regrets and pain back in Mr. Tang''s birthday event. She just chose not to speak about it further and acted as if she has no clue. Regardless, Lexi knew that while she moved on and was now happily living with the love of her life, Morris Liu lived in contrast.


    Perhaps that was one of the reason Lexi tried to avoid the man. She didn''t want to show him pity ¡ª that''s the least he could do for him.


    "Things I should have done..." Under his breath, Louis Lu faintly scoffed at the thought. "Did she tell you the reason why she''s leaving?" Slowly, his gaze returned to Lexi as an inexplicable glint shed across his eyes.


    Lexi, for a while, pressed her lips together as she shifted her eyes on the winess that he put down. "She did." Lexi nodded.


    "Did she tell you I scare her?"


    "Yes,"


    "Did she tell you I want Dn dead?"


    "Yes,"


    "Did she also tell you the reason I want him dead?" One after another, Louis Lu threw a series of question, which Lexi answered truthfully. Considering Louis Lu''s bluntness, Lexi didn''t want to lie even if it was a white lie.


    However, hisst question made her pause. It was not like she didn''t know the answer but, for some reason, she hesitated if telling him the answer was a good decision.


    "Lou..." Biting her lower lip, Lexi''s eyes softened as she felt bad for the man before her and the woman waiting for her in her car.


    "I want him dead because he crossed me." As soon as Lexi muttered his name, Louis Lu indifferently scoffed as he answered his own question. "He touched my woman, vited every part of her body, terrorized her mind ¡ª do you think I don''t have enough reason to kill him?" Cold and emotionless, Louis Lu justified his action by throwing hurtful facts of how Dn Lu did to hurt him and Victoria Tang.


    Lexi wanted to rebut, yet words were stuck in her throat. How would she respond to him? There were no words that could calm him down, nor she entirely knew what he felt.


    She studied him and despite the raging fire within his pair of eyes; it has a touch of pain in it. Therefore, how could Lexi shove that he should also try to understand Victoria Tang''s feelings if he too was hurt, gravely?


    "And yet, she told me not to hurt him ¡ª why?" At this point, his tone turned colder as the surroundings'' atmosphere got heavier.


    "Lou, you don''t underst¡ª" Lexi panicked sensing the change of atmosphere yet, she didn''t finish her sentence when Louis Lu''s gaze sharpened and stood from his seat.


    Instinctively, Lexi also jolted from her seat and took a few steps back while he strode closer to her. "Lou?" s, after taking a few step backs, Lexi stopped her tracks as she believed that he wouldn''t do anything to her.


    ''Lou will not hurt me. Lou will not hurt Ethan...'' Lexi repeatedly chanted inside her mind.

 Chapter 578: Should we try so we can understand?

    <h4>578 Should we try so we can understand?</h4>


    "Yes, I don''t ¡ª do you?" Without further ado, Louis Lu pulled Lexi''s wrist and tossed her back to the long sofa. Fortunately, the couch was soft hence, Lexi wasn''t hurt. Still, she bounced a little by the impact and let out a faint squeal.


    "Ahh!"


    "Crossing Ethan, touching his woman, viting you ¡ª do you think he won''t want me dead too?!" For the first time in history, Louis Lu raised his voice.


    His aggressiveness didn''t stop in his voice as he pounced on her, holding both Lexi''s wrist above her as he positioned himself on top of her.


    "Tell me, if you leave this ce with my mark, won''t you want me dead too?" His sharp gaze pierced Lexi''s widened eyes as he lowly growled.


    "If you think you fully understand the situation, you''re wrong. You haven''t tasted what it feels like so you can''t say you understood." Leaning down, Louis Lu ground his teeth. Their distance was too short that he only needed to lean a little to cross the line further.


    He caught Lexi off guard as the situation escted real quick. Yet, after the initial shock, she was surprisingly not terrified nor was she intimidated by him.


    As she stared at his piercingly sharp eyes, Lexi got more rx as her wrist that were pinned down above her stopped struggling. Despite the short distance between them, to the point that she could clearly smell the scent of wine he consumed earlier, Lexi calmed down as her chest heaved up and down.


    In her eyes, Louis Lu was at a state of confusion. It wasn''t that it baffled him at what transpired, but the people''s thinking; to be precise, Victoria Tang''s mind.


    Louis Lu could not understand her, no matter how hard he tried. Words wouldn''t be enough because what happened was worse than they expected.


    "Tell me, Lexi." Not breaking away from her gaze, Louis Lu clenched his teeth harder. "Should I make you experience everything for us to understand things more? Maybe, if Ethan and you were in the same situation, we can understand." Louis Lu proposed with a bitter scoff.


    At the moment, Louis Lu was standing on a thin line; the line of Ethan Lu''s property. Louis Lu would only need to take a baby step to cross it. However, he remained on that line by staring down on Lexi''s eyes.


    To him, herck of reaction was annoying. She broke his cool, bringing out the emotion he had been holding in. Yet, after the initial surprise, Lexi didn''t show fear nor did she disy disgust and panic.


    What her eyes bore as she stared back at him was nothing but worry and a bit of something he could notprehend. How could she stay calm if Louis Lu pinned her down, on the edge of getting vited by her husband''s cousin?


    "You''re right. Maybe I don''t truly understand what you and Vic were feeling." After some time, Lexi finally opened her mouth as she began speaking calmly ¡ªced with the intent tofort his lost soul.


    "Sure, we can say you crossed the line and did what you shouldn''t do. I''ll hate you, I know ¡ª I would wish you karma. And Ethan too, he''ll surely chase you to the ends of the world." Lexi paused. The situation he gave her somehow broadened her perspective on their situation. Hence, she tried to think of the oue if Louis Lu continued this.


    "But, despite hating you for the rest of my life, I would do everything to stop Ethan from taking your life. You already had my body, disturbed our life that will never return to normal. So, I can never let you take everything away from me by turning my husband to a murderer." Speaking from the perspective of the victim, Lexi resumed.


    "Lou, I think Vic also has the same reasoning. She couldn''t return the time of when Dn did what he done to her. No matter how long she bath herself, or cry herself to sleep, she knew that she wouldn''t return what he took away from her. So, what she was trying to do was to prevent something that hasn''t happened yet. At the very least, she could save you from the same man that was trying to take her heart ¡ª you." As Lexi expressed her utmost understanding, she felt the pressure on her wrist loosened.


    The rage in his eyes slowly faded as he stared at her before he slowly got off of her. Sitting on the edge of the couch, Louis Lu buried his face in his palms.


    "I''m sorry," Louis Lu apologized through a whisper.


    "No, I''m sorry." As Lexi slowly sat up, she turned her gaze to his vulnerable figure. "I should have been more sensitive and considerate." Lexi apologized sincerely as she positioning herself beside him.


    "Lou, please help Ethan... help the next generation of the Lu''s to have a more peaceful environment. Let''s not raise our kids that would turn their backs at each other overtime, hmm?" Stretching her lips a little up, Lexi automatically deleted the fact that Louis Lu was on top of her seconds ago.


    If not for a fact that it was Louis Lu, Lexi would have treated him with utter disgust. However, she made an exception this time because she felt pain for him and Victoria Tang. What happened to his beloved, Lexi just couldn''t say a word to describe how painful it was to the both of them.


    However, she believed that Victoria Tang and Louis Lu would ovee this enormous obstacle.


    Slowly, Louis Lu raised his gaze and turned to his side. Seeing that Lexi was acting as if he had done nothing wrong, a helpless sigh escaped his lips. "You and Ethan''s ideology..." he murmured, and he finished the rest of his sentence inside his head.


    ''both are silly yet somehow, it made other people believe that it''s possible."

 Chapter 579: What a boring reques

    <h4>579 What a boring reques</h4>


    After that incident with Louis Lu, Lexi headed back to the car where Victoria Tang waited for her anxiously.


    "Lexi!" When Lexi was closed to the car, Victoria Tang abruptly hitched out and her eyes studied Lexi from head to toe.


    "I told you it will be fine." Guessing her worry, Lexi smiled as she walked towards Victoria Tang.


    cing both her hands on Victoria Tang''s shoulder, Lexi stared at her with worried eyes. "Vic, do you really have that small faith in Lou? Did you really think he would hurt me?"


    "..." biting her bottom lip, Victoria Tang felt guilty for having such thoughts. She couldn''t be med though as she was the first witness of the change in Louis Lu''s behavior.


    Lexi knew this fact hence, she wasn''t disappointed in her. If anything, Lexi would wish that Victoria Tang could trust Louis Lu more... or rather, trust in the love they built with each other.


    "You know, back when me and Ethan is starting, I had tons of doubts in him. I always observe him carefully to see if I''d see the signs to break up with him ¡ª I did see signs, a lot of them." Clearing her throat, Lexi stretched her lips into a smile as she confessed something she has told no one.


    "But, you know, I never thought that most of those signs were the things that my mind just created. It was because of fear of my previous rtionship. Thanks to a certain someone and the people around me, they pushed me to trust him a little and open my heart... and give myself a second chance." Lexi slightly squeezed Victoria Tang''s shoulder as she offered a sweet smile.


    "I''m d I listened. If not, I could never imagine my life without him. Vic, trust Louis Lu more okay? Everything will be fine. Just take your time away from him as a time to meditate, heal, and have more time for yourself."


    Lexi patted Victoria Tang''s shoulder with a smile. "Help me with the luggage." Lexi said and headed to drag the suitcase towards the trunk.


    Victoria Tang watched Lexi''s figure. The lightness around her was reassuring, as if no matter how dark the world could be, Lexi''s light would remain. Sure, Lexi wasn''t the best and most positive person Victoria Tang had met, but Lexi was one of the realest people of all.


    "Thank you," Victoria Tang whispered before a slight smile formed on the side of her lips. She then jogged toward Lexi and helped her with the suitcase.


    After that, the two women hitched inside the car and sped away. Unbeknownst to them, Louis Lu was watching them from the gap of the curtain.


    His gaze was mostly at Victoria Tang and a smile formed on the side of his lips when she cheered up a little. Whatever Lexi told her, Louis Lu was certain it was something he wouldn''t want to hear.


    After all, Lexi had be cheesy the longer she spent her time with Ethan Lu. Regardless, Louis Lu stillmended the two for oveing many obstacles together.


    Lexi''s words might be quite vague to him but thinking of his own son, Vincent Tang, Louis Lu hoped that he would be good friends with Evan and Lady Lara Lu. He hoped that their rtionship wouldn''t be so broken as what Louis Lu had with Dn Lu.


    Louis Lu knew that when he wished for something, it wouldn''t just happened miraculously. He worked hard for it to have results.


    Just then, Louis Lu ced his phone in front of his ear as it rang. It took a while before azy female voice answered it.


    "Nope, I''m not doing it." Seraphina Yue''s voice came from the other end of the line and instead of a pleasant greeting, she answered the request Louis Lu asked before they parted ways thest time.


    "I''m not asking about that."


    "Huh? Who is this?" Sensing the slight difference in Louis Lu''s tone from his usual tone, Seraphina arched her brows as she humored.


    "I''ll be asking a favor for thest time ¡ª you won''t owe me anything anymore after that." Ignoring her humoring, Louis Lu delved on the primary reason of his call. However, he couldn''t really rely on the woman from the other end of the line as she would usually bber nonsense.


    "No, no, no. I''m not dismembering Dn nor Lin, not interested ¡ª I can''t bear to shatter my immacte image." Shaking her head, Seraphina refused as she concluded on the request that this stingy guy was willing to call it quits on her.


    Everyone knows that when someone asked Louis Lu a favor ¡ª especially money ¡ª the interest was frightening. It just so happened that Seraphina borrowed gambling money from him when she run out of cash. Therefore, she''s now paying the price since she was bored with her uneventful life.


    "Not that. I..." Louis Lu scoffed at the thought of the woman''s immacte image she was talking about. Still, he continued with his request and exined it to the woman.


    "Ahh..." Nodding her head in understanding, Seraphina arched her brows again as she looked up as if pondering about something. "What a boring request." She then answered after a beat as she scrunched her nose up.


    "Okay, whatever." Shrugging her shoulders, Seraphina Yue nonchntly added. Just as she was about to cut the line, she heard Louis Lu say "thank you,". However, instead of feeling moved, she cringed.


    "Lou, being human doesn''t suit you. Please return to being a robot." Every word she said bore extra stress as she worded it loud and clear. The beeping sound then followed it. indicating the call ended.


    s, instead of feeling offended, a faint chuckle escaped his mouth again. That woman would often tell him that. It was not like Louis Lu had taken it to the heart, but this reminded him of Victoria Tang.


    "Your father''s smile is like a precious gem. It takes time for one to see it, but it''s worth it." In one of the asion, Louis Lu overheard Victoria Tang as she conversed with their son.

 Chapter 580: Find answer yourself

    <h4>580 Find answer yourself</h4>


    Lexi then dropped Victoria Tang to their gallery. In the entrance, Kevin Woo was entering the establishment. Upon seeing the car that stopped outside, he paused his tracks and looked at the women exiting the vehicle.


    He first saw Victoria Tang hitching out from the front passenger seat while Lexi on the driver''s seat. As the two women went to the trunk, Kevin Woo saw that they were helping each other, carrying the luggage. Although he was confused what it was for, Kevin Woo jogged towards them.


    "Hey," he greeted and stopped several steps away from them. His gaze firstnded on Victoria Tang before it shifted to Lexi.


    "Hey," stretching her lips up, Lexi greeted back. It has been awhile since she met him. Recalling theirst encounter, Lexi scrutinized the man and was d that he doesn''t seem that depress anymore.


    "Hi Kev. I''ll be staying in the studio for a while... it''s fine, right?" Victoria Tang smiled as she sheepishly informed him about the n. She was embarrassed that she didn''t inform him beforehand because Lexi suggested about it earlier.


    "What are you saying? This ce is yours, you don''t need my approval."


    "Thank you," Despite that Kevin Woo was fine about it, Victoria Tang still responded kindly.


    "It''s been a while, Kevin. I''m d you''re doing fine." Lexi turned to Kevin Woo, her statement was replied by a smile from the man.


    "I''m d too." Kevin Woo answered with the mutual relief with Lexi''s tone. "I haven''t thanked you guys enough." He then slightly bowed his head as if thanking her sincerely in his heart.


    Kevin Woo would be lying if he didn''t have the phase of hating Lexi and Ethan after that whole Mia Chen incident. However, that hate was actually just to me others for his own ipetence.


    He was fooled, tricked, had his feelings be yed by a woman whom he believed was a person he believed she was. The realization was hard to ept but, overtime, he finally epted it slowly.


    With the help of his arts, he expressed his emotions and understood things clearly. Of course, he had to thank Victoria Tang as she also helped him in some ways. She was a good friend... or rather, he had always had amazing friends.


    His perception of friendship that should be all fun and games, it changedpletely. The concept of friends that should conceal their wrongs and turn a blind on it, Kevin Woo understood that that wasn''t friendship.


    True friendship was something that should push the other up, not bring them down. True friendship was something that won''t tolerate their wrong doings. Instead, they should correct each other and beat each other up if necessary to knock some senses into them.


    Therefore, upon this realization, Kevin Woo couldn''t me Lexi and Ethan Lu anymore. What they did to expose Mia Chen was painful for him, but he wouldn''t see Mia Chen''s true nature if not for them.


    "Anyway, I''ll take my things first inside." Victoria Tang broke the silence between Kevin Woo and Lexi.


    When Kevin Woo snapped back from his thoughts, he turned to Victoria Tang. "No, let me." He offered, reaching out to the suitcase.


    Shaking her head sideways,?Victoria Tang refused. "It''s fine. I know you and Lexi had some things to sort out." She said before casting Lexi her attention.


    "Lexi, thank you for everything." With this said note, Victoria Tang made a deep bow as she owed Lexi a whole ton.


    "Aren''t we friends sh cousins''?" Surprised by the deep bow, Lexi helped her raised her head with a grin.


    "Thank you," Victoria Tang eyes softened even more as her eyes sting. Without second hesitation, Victoria Tang hugged Lexi as she stopped herself from crying.


    All these years, the years she spent alone after having Vincent Tang, Victoria Tang didn''t have anyone to turn to. Her family disowned her for getting herself pregnant out of wedlock.


    Not to mention, the rumors and odd nces of everyone around her for being a single mother, Victoria Tang had gone through a lot and she only had her son.


    But now, Lexi showed nothing but sincere best wishes for her. She was just a cousin, Lexi was more like a loving sister and a genuine friend.


    This made Victoria Tang be at ease that Ethan Lu had a wonderful wife. No wonder Ethan Lu had matured into a good, reliable man because he had a wife like Lexi.


    "Everything will be fine, okay? Let''s keep in touch." Lexi patted Victoria Tang''s back gently. Whatever unsaid words they kept inside, it didn''t need to be uttered as this warm hug was enough.


    After that, Victoria Tang rolled her things inside the gallery while Kevin and Lexi remained outside.


    "Well, I should go too." When Victoria Tang entered, Lexi moved her gaze to Kevin Woo, who was also staring at the entrance of the establishment.


    "Ahh... " nodding his head, Kevin Woo was momentarily speechless. He wanted to say something to her but to no avail, he could only watch Lexi head back to the driver''s seat.


    "Wait¡ª!" When Lexi opened the door of the driver''s seat, Kevin Woo finally mustered his courage and jogged towards her.


    "Hmm?" Blinking her eyes more than once, Lexi tilted her head to the side as she patiently waited for whatever he wanted to say.


    "I ¡ª how was she?" Despite knowing that Lexi might not answer him or she might be enrage, Kevin Woo still asked about Mia Chen out of curiosity.


    "You..."


    "I know, it''s shameless of me to ask you but..." Assuming that Lexi was mad, Kevin Woo heaved a heavy sigh. "... I just want to know if she was doing fine. Sorry." He might have slightly moved on from the incident but he could not just magically erase her in his heart.


    There were still questions he sought for answers. Yet, he didn''t want to disappoint his friends further by meeting her.


    "Why are you saying sorry? Kevin, why don''t you find answer yourself?" Smiling, Lexi set her eyes on Kevin Woo''s pair of curious eyes. "All we did was to secure our lives without her threat, but we won''t take away your right to have answers for your questions." She added with a smile before patting his shoulder.


    "I''ll see you around." Lexi said before she entered the driver''s seat and Kevin Woo took a step back and watched her speed away.

 Chapter 581: D

    <h4>581 D</h4>


    Ethan side...


    "Are we wrong...?" Watching the person from the other side of the one-sided mirror, Ethan Lu sighed in dismay.


    The rider who nearly caused them ident earlier kept saying it was unintentional. He said he was just driving recklessly because he was frustrated about something. The man kept on telling them he fled away due to fear of what he had done.


    "Master..." Lyrick Jiang looked at his master''s back with eyes full of worry. He then shifted his gaze back to the scene ahead, setting his eyes on Churu''s side profile.


    For some reason, Churu insisted to do the investigation. Of course, Ethan Lu was against it at first as he wanted to entrust this matter to the authorities. However, after their talk, Churu managed to make him agree.


    Therefore, Ethan Lu had to use his connections to meddle with this matter himself. Yet, what was happening inside the interrogation room, they get nothing but doubt.


    Was they were just overthinking? Was they were just so alerted by the urrence that they were persecuting the wrong man?


    "But Mister, the road is wide... howe you drove with that speed inches away from our master''s vehicle?" Inside the interrogation room, Churu blinked her eyes as she tilted her head to the side.


    Although the man was appalled that he was being questioned by a young woman, he couldn''t neglect that she was terrifying despite her harmless visage. Moreover, her superhuman strength was still in question.


    "I ¡ª"


    "Mister, are you telling the truth?" As the man stuttered, Churu''s eyes constricted which made the man''s whole figure stiffen.


    Both knew that the man was good at concealing the truth. Churu and himself knew that it wasn''t his first time being interrogated in his life. However, it has been a long time since he showed nervousness when under question.


    "Y ¡ª ye¡ª"


    "Hmm?" Before he could finish his answer, Churu hummed a tune as she leaned closer to him.


    "Y - yes! I didn''t mean to cause Mr. Lu trouble. If only I know it was his car, I would have drive more carefully!" Mustering his courage, the man affirmed. Yet, his answer made the corner of Churu''s lips curl upward.


    "Mister, how did you know who was inside the car?" Grinning smugly, Churu asked. The man instantly froze as he had a slipped of the tongue out of anxiousness. "Sir, I never mentioned who was my master and neither did you see him present. So, how can you exin that you knew who was inside the car?" Drawing closer, Churu''s eyes glinted.


    The man''s heart leapt to his throat and as Churu leaned closer, he gaze at the pair of her argent eye. When those silver orbs glinted, the man saw a horrible image.


    He only snapped when Churu knocked on the table separating them. "Mister, can you answer me truthfully this time?" Churu asked politely as a sweet smile formed on her lips.


    "I..." Despite his trembling lips, the man forced himself to speak as the person before him seemed to appear as a demon in disguise. "I... I''m sorry!" As his racing heart and fear consumed him, the man could only plead as he bowed his head hard.


    His sudden apology and action caused a loud sound as his forehead directly mmed on the surface of the table. Shorty after, little blood trickled down from his forehead.


    "Please forgive me! I only took up the request to give Mr. Lu a scare ¡ª I don''t kno¡ª"


    "You don''t know where it came from?" Despite his pitiful situation, Churu''s eyes were cold. She didn''t like that the man kept on lying as she knew he knew more than he was iming.


    She could feel it and smell it from his blood. The man was well-informed and was capable he would get away. Too bad, Churu was the one who caught her.


    "I ¡ª I do..." Hearing thest straw to protect the information he knew break, the man hanged his head low. He couldn''t lie to this woman.


    He wanted to but she scared him to the core. For a split-second, he heard the crips burning sound of hell, the screams in it, and Churu''s weingughs.


    Who would have thought that an outrageous man like him would fear death?


    "It was from a man with an alias D. Only a few knew who it was." As the man began to speak sense, Ethan Lu and Lyrick Jiang perked up.


    They didn''t know what happened and why the man was so terrified at Churu. They witness how he slightly flinch whenever Churu speak and how his attitude changed when he had an eye contact with Churu.


    Still, that didn''t matter as the man was finally?giving them information. Whatever he says, it might be the key to know who were the people behind this.


    "Do you know him?"


    "I know one." Slowly, the man raised his head and met Churu''s investigative eyes. "Others think that D is just one man, but they''re wrong." He added.


    Upon hearing this, everyone that was hearing this knitted their brows. Does he mean that the person with a "D" alias was not just one but multiple people used it?


    "Rick, find out more about this D." Ethan Lumanded as he never once left the man''s figure in the interrogation room.


    "Yes," Bowing his head, Lyrick Jiang was about to make a call. But, just before he could leave, his tracks stopped as he turned and looked at the other room via the one sided mirror.


    "Is the person you know that uses D''s name is the person who gave the request?" Churu probed further and the man nodded.


    "Dn Lu"

 Chapter 582: Thirsty

    <h4>582 Thirsty</h4>


    "Dn Lu."


    A moment of silence dawned on the interrogation and monitoring room. Ethan Lu could hardly process Dn Lu''s involvement into this.


    Deep down, he had suspected that his cousin was involved. However, confirming it had still took him some time to process the information.


    "I see..." Nodding her head, Churu turned to the mirror where Ethan Lu was watching them. "You got your answer." She said in a matter-of-fact tone.


    After that, Churu turned to the man and smiled. "Thank you," with that, Churu stood from her seat and left the man who was reflecting on his future.


    "Master..." ncing at Ethan Lu''s back, Lyrick Jiang''s shocked eyes had a worried glint shed across his eyes.


    "Still check who were the other D''s and..." without turning to Lyrick Jiang, Ethan Lu''s shoulder trembled. "Look through Dn''s activity and his connection to the ck market. I''ll give Lou a call."


    "Yes," Lyrick Jiang stared at Ethan Lu''s back for a second before he nodded his head and left to execute the order.


    When Ethan Lu was left alone inside the room, his chest heaved heavily. His hands trembled as it balled into a fist.


    "Dn..." He muttered through his gritted teeth. He should have seen this through from way back.


    The odd behavior Dn Lu did in the past. Ethan Lu and Edward Lu shouldn''t have turn a blind eye on his minor misconduct. Now, those little misbehavior was now causing major trouble. His cousin, Dn Lu was nowing at him ¡ª ready to take Ethan Lu''s life away and Lexi''s.


    "Grandpa..." just the thought of the things that might happen in theing days, Ethan Lu was reminded of his grandfather. "I''m sorry," he whispered as he hanged his head low.


    To Ethan Lu, he wasn''t the favorite or dotted grandson. Sure, he was proimed as the Lu family heir. However, the burden of being the family head was overwhelmingly heavy.


    Dn Lu having the spotlight away from him was their grandfather''s way of protecting him. He was a bright child; unlike Ethan Lu whose parent''s were cruel and selfish ¡ª Dn Lu was raised by a loving mother.


    Dennis Lu might have his shorings and had several affairs behind his wife, but he never showed how rotten he was in front of his only son. Hence, Edward Lu was satisfied enough that he could keep Dn Lu''s innocence while enjoying the privilege of being a Lu.


    Why couldn''t his cousin realize that? What pushed him to have ambitions that would only destroy their family''s already strained rtionship?


    Ethan Lu could not understand. He had been kind and lenient towards them and yet, they kept on wanting more. Ethan Lu didn''t know what to feel about this anymore as there had been too much emotions circling around his heart.


    Just then, Ethan Lu felt his phone from inside his suit pocket vibrated. He weakly slid his hands inside and picked his phone up without checking the caller.


    "Love?" From the other end of the line, Lexi''s voice came after a few second of silence.


    "Hmm?" Humming a tune, Ethan Lu sat on a chair as he pinched the space between his brows. His head was throbbing and he could feel the pain slowly building up every passing second.


    "Are you alright?" Sensing the oddness of her husband''s heavy breaths, Lexi knitted her brows. "Are you feeling unwell because of the ident? Where are you?" Worriedced her voice, as she recalled that Ethan Lu had nearly had an ident earlier that day.


    "I, I don''t know, love."


    "Where are you? I''ll pick you up." Determined to see him as soon as possible, Lexi paused from preparing herself to depart from Beauty DR as she waited for his response.


    "Hmmm, police station."


    "Okay, I''ll be picking you up." Without a second dy, Lexi didn''t let him refuse as she instantly ended the call and departed her office.


    She knew that her husband has been on a lot of stress. He worries about thepany, her safety and the twins, the yang parent''s security, and then his life.


    Therefore, as his energy booster, Lexi would rush to him regardless of what time of the day it was or how busy her schedule was if he needed her. That''s the least she could do for him in this situation.


    Meanwhile, Ethan Lu only heard the beeping sound from the phone as the line ended abruptly. "Ahh... I made her worry again." He muttered as he ruffled his hair out of frustration.


    "s..." He said, covering his eyes by his palm as he looked down, "I really need her." He whispered before silence fell on the whole monitoring room once again.


    *****


    Half an hourter... inside Ethan Lu''s vehicle.


    "Master, Nico said he found a lead where Miss Chen''s brother was staying. However, he was still unsure if her brother was still there or not." From the driver''s seat, Lyrick Jiang reported as soon as Nico Zhuang updated his status.


    s, Lyrick Jiang heard nothing but silence from the back passenger seat. ncing at the rear mirror, Lyrick Jiang noticed that his master had been silent ever since the man''s confession. Ethan Lu had kept his eyes shut while he wait for Lexi to arrive.


    Just then, the heard a knock from outside and Lexi peeking inside. As usual, Lyrick Jiang hitched out and he greeted Lexi with a bow.


    "Madam,"


    "Where''s he?" Taking a step back from the door, Lexi gaze over at Lyrick Jiang''s haggard front.


    As soon as she asked about her husband, Ethan Lu departed the car. "I''ll ride with her." Without turning to look at Lyrick Jiang, Ethan Lu tly informed before he dragged Lexi back to her car.


    "Ah, love?" Surprised by the dark mood surrounding around her husband, Lexi tilted her head to the side as he drag him towards her car. When they stopped, Ethan Lu turned to him.


    "I''m just tired and I want to have an alone time with you." Unlike his usual gentleness, Ethan Lu''s eyes bore thirst; thirst for peace of mind.


    "Okay..." nodding in understanding, Lexi leaned forward as she left a peck on his lips. "I''ll drive." She whispered before she opened the door and hitched inside.

 Chapter 583: He r*ped her.

    <h4>583 He r*ped her.</h4>


    Meanwhile, as he watched the couple leave, Churu also arrived where Lyrick Jiang was parked.


    "Ricky, was that Lexi?" Snapping Lyrick Jiang back from his trance, Churu asked.


    "Ah, yes. Go in ¡ª we''ll tail them." Refocusing his eyes on Churu, Lyrick Jiang gestured her to hitch inside the vehicle so they could catch up on their masters.


    "Eh? Have you caught Dn yet?" Knitting her brows, Churu asked once again as she entered the front passenger seat.


    "No, not yet." Lyrick Jiang answered as he buckled his seat.


    "Why not? You already know he''s involve in many illegal things?" Churu frowned as she tilted her head to the side. To her, she could notprehend why they were stalling time if they could catch Dn Lu in an instant.


    "There arews to follow. The authorities couldn''t arrest him without a warrant of arrest." While Lyrick Jiang revved up the engine, he answered in a matter-of-fact tone.


    Although Ethan Lu had already filed a case against his cousin, it was just the case for the incident earlier. It still needed a proper and fair trial after all.


    The reason why Lyrick Jiang had issued an all out investigation in Dn Lu''s connection in the underworld. Moreover, as this case would pursue, the Lu Corporation would be inflicted as well and would be put under question regarding its operation.


    No doubt why Ethan Lu was in such a distressing state. He was being sandwich in everything and must be thinking how to salvage as many things as he could.


    Understandable, the Lu Corporation wasn''t the cleanestpany. Hence, this might uncover the Lu Family''s history and the previous association with a mob family in the past.


    "This world is really weird." Thinking of Lyrick Jiang''s exnation, Churu''s frown turned uglier.


    Due to Ethan Lu''s beliefs on the w'', his actions had to pause every once in a while. Churu knew this wasn''t good enough. Dn Lu was still out there, walking as a free man.


    Who knows what he would do tomorrow? Or even what he was nning right now?


    Although Churu had an idea about containing Dn Lu to be sure, Churu hesitated because she couldn''t leave Ethan Lu''s side ¡ª especially at the time like this. Hence, after contemting about it, Churu stayed and let the authorized humans do their duty.


    *****


    "How are you feeling?" Sliding her hand to the front passenger seat where her husband perched, Lexi asked.


    She constantly give him a side nce and the more Lexi see how distressed he was, the more she felt worried.


    "Awful." Ethan Lu answered as he slid his hands to her. "I feel like my head will explode." He added through a mutter.


    Since they entered the subdivision where her parents lived in, Lexi decided to pull over and then turned to Ethan Lu''s figure.


    Slowly, Ethan Lu opened his eyes as he looked at Lexi''s pair of worried eyes. "You''re really pretty, you know?" Out of nowhere, Ethan Luplimented as he unhurriedly blinked his eyes while not breaking away his gaze from his lovely wife.


    However, hispliment made Lexi roll her eyes. "I know and I also know you''re trying to divert your attention, Mister Lu."


    "Can I kiss you?" Despite her sarcasm, Ethan Lu remained staring at her beautiful visage.


    "Tsk," Clicking her tongue, Lexi still leaned forward to leave a peck on his lips. However, before she could retract her head away from him, Ethan Lu''s palm held on the back of her head.


    "Hmm!" Letting out a protesting moan, Lexi patted on his shoulder. However, that only caused him to press his lips against hers; harder and deeper.


    Guiding her lips to open, his tongue twirled inside her. Lexi unconsciously grasp on his sleeves as she shut her eyes close.


    "Hmm?" Knitting his brows, Ethan Lu frowned as he slowly break from their kiss. "What happened?" Sensing something wrong with her reaction, Ethan Lu sized her up with a narrowed eyes.


    "Ah," slightly disoriented, Lexi cleared her throat as she scratched the back of her head and draw away from him. "I just remembered Vic." Heaving a heavy sigh, the corner of her eyes slightly formed tears.


    Lexi had been keeping her emotions bnced since earlier that day. Not just Ethan Lu, but also, Lexi had a rough day from all the news that rushed inside her mind.


    "Right, you''re with her earlier." Ethan Lu nodded his head in understanding, he studied Lexi''s strange expression which made him curious. However, he remained silent and waited for his wife to regain herposure.


    "You alright?" He asked after a minute as he slid his fingers in between hers.


    "Yes ¡ª No, actually." Lexi nodded her head before she shook her head sideways. "I heard about what happened to Vic and Lu... and Dn." After spouting Dn Lu''s name, a deep sigh slipped from her lips.


    "Dn... right, Lou is after him." Recalling that he haven''t mention it to his wife, Ethan Lu also sighed in distress. "Did you find out what happened?" Since the reports haven''t reached Ethan Lu, he hoped that Lexi found out a thing or two.


    "Yes..." Hanging her head low, a bitter smile formed on the side of her lips. "Vic... she ¡ª Dn drugged her and..." Lexi''s voice cracked, unable to muster the words to tell Ethan Lu about the horrible thing that happened to Victoria Tang.


    Lexi, though sounded calm and tried to cheer Victoria Tang ¡ª and then talked sense to Louis Lu ?? she was enraged herself about Dn Lu''s unforgivable sin.


    "She was raped." Biting her lower lips harder, Lexi''s hand that Ethan Lu was holding clenched tighter, causing it to tremble. Little did she know, her fury about the said man would be heavier when Ethan Lu spoke.


    "I see..." not surprised about it, Ethan Lu had guessed it already. He just needed a confirmation which Lexi just did. "I also got to know it was him who was behind the minor ident?earlier."


    "What?" Knitting her brows, Lexi raised her head as she peered at Ethan Lu''s side profile.


    "I already pressed charges but, it still need a proper trial to prove him guilty." As disappointed as Lexi, Ethan Lu frowned.

 Chapter 584: I’ll freaking kill you

    <h4>584 I¡¯ll freaking kill you</h4>


    Silence then fell inside the vehicle as neither of the two talked. Lexi and Ethan Lu had a mutual understanding on thew. Even if there was a witness, Dn Lu wouldn''t be put behind bars immediately.


    After all, thew was just yet somewhat full of loopholes. Even with Ethan Lu''s influence, he couldn''t bend it as much as he wanted to.


    Ethan Lu might be favored and had close ties with some politician. However, that didn''t mean he could manipte everyone. After all, the politicians he had ties with were righteous people.


    They knew the boundaries of friendship and their disposition being a government body. They might let him slip in some minor cases and even consider his request, but the game changes when it came into major cases such as this.


    "Love..." After some time of silence, Lexi turned to Ethan Lu who was in a state of trance. When he heard her voice, he snapped from his own thoughts and looked at Lexi.


    "Have you informed Lou about it?"


    "Hmm..." Humming a tune, Ethan Lu nodded his head. "I left him a message and I also ordered to monitor Dn."


    Just then, Ethan Lu felt his phone vibrated from inside his pocket suit. Furrowing his brows, Ethan Lu nced at Lexi before sliding his hand inside his pocket suit to pick his phone up.


    Upon seeing Lyrick Jiang''s voice, Ethan Lu immediately answered the call while Lexi remained silent. "Yes?" He greeted.


    "Master..." Sounding anxious and overly stressed, Lyrick Jiang called out which made Ethan Lu creased his brows more. "Sir Dn could not be found. He was confirmed that he left the country earlier today. Master, I''m sorry." Frustrated, Lyrick Jiang ground his teeth as his grip on the steering wheel tightened and trembled.


    "Shi...t" closing his eyes, Ethan Lu was lost of words as he had foreseen thising.


    Dn Lu must have known that he was found out, thus he fled. The reason why Ethan Lu had been displeased about the slow action of the authorities.


    "Find out which country he fled to ¡ª we''ll bring him back to pay for everything." Ethan Lu breathed deep inhale and exhale before he sharply opened his eyes. For a moment, he forgot that Lexi was with him as he ground his teeth and was tempted to throw a huge fit.


    This was upsetting in every level.


    "Yes, master. We had been doing that and confirming where he had fled off. Also, Nico wasing back tonight."


    "Update me." Shortly after, Ethan Lu hung up the call and was about to toss his phone out of the car. However, even before he could, Lexi tightened her grip on his hand which made his head turn to her.


    "We''ll find him." Lexi stretched her lips up a little and tried to cheer him on.


    "Uh...?that f*cking bastard." Letting out another upset scoff, Ethan Lu ruffled his hair out of frustration.


    After all, Ethan Lu knew deep down that Lincoln Lu was still lurking around, waiting for a chance to corner Ethan Lu.


    *****


    Later that night in Mia Chen''s precinct...


    Ethan Lu''s offer kept on reying on Mia Chen''s mind, keeping her awake tillte at night.


    "I''m only your only option to save your brother..." his earnest eyes as he uttered those words made her clench her teeth.


    How could she even believe him? She hated Ethan and Lexi to the core. However, thinking of Dn Lu, Mia Chen could not trust him either.


    She kept silent and took all the me, causing her to be imprison for a few years. All these sacrifices were because someone was watching his brother. Mia Chen knew that one wrong move, she would lose her brother.


    Hence, although she was tempted to cooperate with the hateful Ethan Lu, she shrugged it off. For once, she didn''t want to take a risk ¡ª a risk where her brother''s life was at stake.


    "D*mn it!" Grinding her teeth, Mia Chen tossed herself to the side, and shut her eyes closed as she kicked the air in annoyance. Now, her worries about her brother''s safety amplified upon knowing the chaos outside.


    After a short while, Mia Chen sensed danger and out of instinct, she jolted from her flimsy bed. Staring at the shadow on the bedside table, Mia Chen saw her cellmate holding a knife.


    "F*cki¡ª" Just as she cursed and before she could make a move, her other cellmate hound on her, holding her hands and feet, and then covered her mouth.


    "Haha! You little b*tch, we finally got you cornered." The fat woman holding the knife maniacallyughed as she flung the knife on her hand.


    Mia Chen screamed albeit it all sounded as a muffled shout as the hands covering her mouth was using all her might. ''This b*tches!'' She cursed internally.


    "What did you say earlier? We need to strip to gain attention? Well now b*tch, guess who will be be naked all night?" A vile sneer stered across their lips as Mia Chen''s eyes widened.


    As the woman came closer, Mia Chen struggled to break free. However, although she was a former mercenary, she couldn''t get away from her heavy, ugly jail mates.


    Soon, Mia Chen heard her clothes being ripped apart, which made her struggle even more furiously. s, a painful blownded on her bare abdomen to shut her up.


    "Quiet, you stupid b*tch!" Through her gritted teeth, the woman with the knife pped her out of her wits. Yet, Mia Chen only revolted.


    To shut her up, the women beat her up, taking advantage of the fact that she was outnumbered and was in the midst of pain after the punch on her abdomen; they kicked her, punched her, pulled her hair.


    That night, Mia Chen was hopelessly beaten ck and blue as she tried to curl into a ball?as she received every heavy blow. She could hear their every curses, despite the ringing sound on her ear.


    After a while, the acting leader grabbed Mia Chen by the hair, revealing her bloodied and swelling face. "Remember this, your life is at my mercy. Do you know how many offers I got to kill you here? Don''t act high and mighty because I am the one keeping you alive here." The woman spouted before she push her head back and spat at her face.


    Mia Chen remained on the cold floor, bleeding from inside and out. Yet, her mind only registered the woman''sst remarks; someone was ordering to kill her.


    That instant, even before Mia Chen could lose her consciousness, she cursed Dn Lu in her head. ''I''ll fcking kill you, bastard.''

 Chapter 585: Puppets are always puppets

    <h4>585 Puppets are always puppets</h4>


    Seven dayster...


    In front of the Lu Corporation, media were fawning at the iing car. shes from each camera continuously clicked, snapping picture every second possible. Fortunately, the guards of the premises had controlled the situation hence, Ethan Lu''s car entered the establishment without too much hassle, albeit slower than he usually does.


    Just this morning, rumors about Ethan Lu and Laurel Wang''s affair shocked everyone. The video clip of "them" making out inside the car had spread like wildfire. Thus, the chaotic situation outside the Lu Corporation.


    "Rick, send our legal team." As soon as Ethan Lu got out of the car, he tly instructed as his strides going inside the premises didn''t falter.


    When he entered the lobby, he still received respectful bows from the employees he passed by. However, their gazes bore strangeness in it ¡ª probably, because of the news.


    "Yes," Bowing his head, Lyrick Jiang red at some employees that were whispering secretly to each other.


    Ethan Lu and his team were already busy tracking down Dn Lu''s whereabouts. Not to mention, Ethan Lu has to tend and do his duties as the head of the Lu Corporation. Therefore, this problem was something they had neglected.


    Who would have thought that someone really dared release that clip? Lyrick Jiang had already sent someone to track the IP address where the recorded video was first uploaded.


    Although they found out and got a hold of the man, they got nothing. All the man said was someone sent it to his doorsteps and he was paid a huge price to upload the video.


    It didn''t require special skills for the news to spread like a wildfire as the people included in the video were well-known personalities. The reason Ethan Lu''s mood had been edgy since this morning.


    Soon, Ethan Lu and Lyrick Jiang arrived at the conference room where all the executives were gathered. As soon as he entered the room, the arguments going on inside fell into silence.


    Only Ethan Lu''s featherweight footsteps were heard, while the other executives bowed their heads in respect to their master. Even though Dennis Lu was absent, it was evident on their front that they''re itching to berate him about the scandal.


    After all, the Lu Corporation had several projects with the governments. Thus, this would surely raise questions about theirpany for winning the biddings in everynd they won.


    "Master, please exin to us what''s the rtionship between you and Miss Wang." Just before Ethan Lu could sit down on the head seat, Harold Lu asked. The executive director couldn''t wait anymore as this would be a huge problem if not solve immediately.


    "As for this current scandal, it will die down two days from now." Scanning everyone''s front, Ethan Lu was pleased that they chose to be wise and kept their mouths shut.


    They could argue with him regarding thepany affairs, projects, and everything rted to the Lu Corporation. However, Ethan Lu would never be pleased being questioned about his rtionship Lexi.


    Especially, if Lexi''s position in this family was put in question. Therefore, Ethan Lu had to remind them once again with an added threat. The next time someone question the matriarch, Ethan Lu would surely make them remember her position in a method they wouldn''t want.


    "Master, although I believed that you''d clear this scandal in two days, are you certain about this?"


    "Yes, master. Apologies if this might sound offensive, but two days will cause out stocks to go down ¡ª more than two days, our Lu Corporation will be in a critical situation."


    One after another, the executives backed each other''s statement, avoiding mentioning other subjects aside from their concern regarding thepany.


    Ethan Lu remained silent as he patiently waited for everyone''s opinion. Not hearing a single word pertaining his personal life, Ethan Lu was satisfied that they picked up pretty quickly.


    "I know everyone is aware about Dn Lu''s issue." After they had spoken their concerns, Ethan Lu cleared his throat as his gaze examined their surprised front.


    As far as Ethan Lu could remember, he never heard them mention this matter to him. Although he issued an information lockdown not release this scandal to the media, Ethan Lu was well-aware that the word already spread in the Lu Corporation.


    "Even before I uncovered Dn Lu''s scheme,?this problem was already solved. If?I managed to find out a snake like Dn Lu, who schemed behind our backs all these years, do you think this issue is something you should be concerned with?" Tilting his head to the side, Ethan Lu ¡ªalthough still intimidating ¡ª he looked rather rxed.


    All executive directors eyes were on his calm visage. For a moment, none of them talked as they studied Ethan Lu countenance. After a while, as if they all had a silent agreement, they nodded their heads and didn''t press on the matter anymore.


    "If master says two days, we could only expect that this will be gone after two days."


    "Yes, we can get our losses for the next two days when this is over." One after another, the executives sounded relieved. As usual, their fakery wereughable as ever.


    However, Harold Lu and Gerald Huang were both deep in their thoughts. When Gerald Huang decided to speak, he interrupted one speaking director as his gaze stared straight at Ethan Lu.


    "Master, what are your ns with Dn and Dennis?" A question that none of them dared to ask, silenced the whole conference room as everyone turned their attention to the head seat.


    "My ns? Nothing much. I just seek justice. " slowly, the corner of Ethan Lu''s lips curled into a bright grin. His gaze then shifted to the ever silent Lincoln Lu who was present in this meeting room since the beginning.


    "After all, puppets were just puppets. What I really want is the puppeteer." As Ethan Lu uttered these words, he witness how the corner of Lincoln Lu''s lips curled into an amused smirk.

 Chapter 586: Speaking of the devil

    <h4>586 Speaking of the devil</h4>


    The next day, it was finally the 31st ¡ª Diane''s party. In the biggest and one of the well-known hotels of the city was bustling.


    The usual peace of the hotel was now packed with luxurious cars, media with their cameras clicking nonstop with every passing second. Understandable, Diane''s family had vast connections. Hence, the guests weren''t any ordinary people.


    Be it the superstar of the entertainment industry, influential tycoons, and respectable politicians would be present. The reason the setting and the hype of this day was overwhelming.


    Lexi nced outside of their car. Scanning the area where her sight could reach, she was amused. She expected a grand celebration, but not this kind of grand.


    In her eyes, Diane''s event could par those grandiose annual awards in the entertainment industry. There was a red carpet, cars lined up towards the entrance, and medias.


    Although it seemed simr to thest event she attended ¡ª Mr. Tang''s event ¡ªthe previous party was a little more private. The medias in that party weren''t allowed inside but this event.


    But this event, they were authorized media personnel that were taking photos in the entrance. Unlike the others who were restrained by the allocated area for them, those authorized lowkey paparazzi?could get all the juicy content for their headlines for tomorrow.


    Not just that, but they would also get clear photos of every guests aside from the official photographers of the said event.


    "Wow..." thinking that Diane was amazing, Lexi could not help but gape her lips in awe. However, recognizing one of the brand of the media outlet that were authorized inside the event, Lexi scrunched her nose up.


    "It''s been a while since I attended a hyped formal event ¡ª I''m a little nervous." She murmured as she sighed heavily.


    Mr. Tang''s event was one thing as she knew the security was tough, keeping everything private. But today, Lexi knew she wouldn''t avoid the questions about her husband''s "love affair" with Laurel Wang.


    After all, the rumors were still hot and even though Ethan Lu had made a move, taking down every misleading articles. However, since the rumors had escted quickly, there would be threads and articles popping up one after another.


    Still, Lexi never spoke a word about it. On the other hand, Ethan Lu only denied the rumors once without exining more. Still, since Ethan Lu''s denial wasn''t convincing enough, Lexi''s fans were solid mad at him.


    Of course, Lexi''s knowledge about how the EliXi shippers rose from the dead was beyond her reach. She didn''t want to stress herself by readingments and sympathy because she knew the truth.


    Not just that, but also, Ethan Lu asked her not to. He specifically asked her to let the rumors reach its peak so he could distinguish it at once.


    Just then, Lexi phone rang, startling her out of her thoughts. Checking her phone that she was holding, the corner of her lips curled upward.


    Without further ado, Lexi answered it. "Yes?"


    "Bestie, didn''t you say you''d attend in Miss Huang''s party?" The instant the line connected, Rika Song''s voice came in.


    "Hmm?" Knitting her brows, Lexi hummed a tune as she was confused for a moment. She knew Rika Song would also attend this event as she was invited to represent theirpany.


    Well, the agency''s pride and number one money tree would always be Rika Song. Hence, it wasn''t surprising that she was asked to attend the event with her bosses and a few other A-list artists.


    "I only saw Ethan here ¡ª where are you?" As confused as Lexi, Rika Song asked.


    "What?" Furrowing her brows, Lexi was confused. She knew Ethan Lu would be arrivingte due to important meetings he could not cancel.


    Therefore, Lexi had went alone since he woulde anyway. Also, she couldn''t let Diane lose face as the woman invited her herself.


    Not just that, aside of Laurel Wang and Ste Du''s presence ¡ª if they would attend ¡ª Lexi knew that this event would be an awesome opportunity to make connections.?This event offered people out of her league, after all.


    "Yes, I thought I saw him earlier."


    "That''s weird. Ethan will arrive a littlete." Thinking that Rika Song might have mistook someone as Ethan Lu, Lexi didn''t dwell on it further just yet.


    "Well, maybe I''m wrong." Having the same thoughts as Lexi, Rika Song shrugged her shoulders. "So, you''reing, right?" Rika Song diverted the subject and asked as she only wanted to know if Lexi would attend.


    "Yes, I''m just waiting for our turn." Nodding her head, Lexi responded as she nced at Nico Zhuang whom perched on the front passenger via the rear mirror.


    "Great! This will only be fun if you''re here!" d to hear her reply, Rika Song''s voice slightly raised in excitement.


    "Wasn''t Eli invited too?" Lexi chuckled as she could feel Rika Song''s ever positive energy from the other end of the line.


    "Meh, I haven''t ¡ª speaking of the devil..." Just as Rika Song could diss Elliot Gong behind his back, she caught his shy figure entering the hall.


    Even if Rika Song didn''t want to admit it, Elliot Gong''s presence, aura, and visuals were top-notch. No wonder the guests that were already inside had a second of silence as he entered.


    Elliot Gong was just like a prince.


    "Bestie, you know, sometimes I feel that this guy was cursed ¡ª with that looks of his, he''s still single till now. Cursed of the beauty?" As Rika Song watched Elliot Gong''s figure interacted with the people she didn''t know personally, she sighed heavily.


    "Let him enjoy his single life." Lexi could not help butugh as she imagined her best friend''s expression while she said herst remarks.


    Well, Rika Song would be officially be a married woman next month. Therefore, Elliot Gong would be the only person who doesn''t have a girlfriend yet.


    "I bet he''s not enjoying it anymore." Jinxing it, Rika Song clicked her tongue as she guessed it right.

 Chapter 587: Allegedly, Miss.

    <h4>587 Allegedly, Miss.</h4>


    Lexi and Rika Song conversed a little longer before Rika Song excused herself as someone she knew from the same industry approached her. Therefore, the call ended.


    "This wait takes so long..." When Lexi put down her phone, she nced outside again. However, they only moved from their spot a little and they were still far from the extravagant entrance.


    "Patience madam..." From the driver''s seat, Nico Zhuang advised which made Lexi''s brows to twitch.


    How could he tell that she was slightly annoyed? Her tone wasn''t an annoyed one, eh?


    "Nico, did Rick say they were already inside?" Shaking her head sideways, Lexi ignored Nico Zhuang''s keenness as she asked.


    "No."


    "That''s weird." Although Lexi assumed that Rika Song mistook someone as Ethan Lu, however, her best friend knew her husband well. It was so unlike Rika Song to mistake someone unless the person looked exactly like Ethan Lu.


    Meanwhile, Nico Zhuang nced at Lexi via the rear mirror. By the looks of it, she was curious about something.


    "What weird?" To keep Lexi upied, Nico Zhuang asked despite his zero interest. Well, they had been waiting for quite some time now and Lexi was surely bored.


    "Well, Rika said she saw Ethan inside the hotel and asked me if I''ming since I am not with him." Summarizing Rika Song''s confusion earlier, Lexi knitted her brows as she stared at Nico Zhuang through the rear mirror.


    "She saw wrong." Toneless as always, Nico Zhuang answered which caused Lexi to roll her eyes.


    "Poor Andy." Out of nowhere, Lexi murmured. However, with Nico Zhuang''s sharp ear, he heard her remark that also caused the corner of his eyes to twitch.


    ''There she goes again...'' Nico Zhuang uttered internally.


    With that, Lexi found a topic to kill some time by asking Nico Zhuang questions regarding Andy Chang. Nico Zhuang answered some while he pretended that he didn''t hear other malicious questions.


    "Anyway, now that I know you''re weird too, have you found out the connection between Avah and Andy?" Delving on a serious note, Lexi asked.


    She knew that Nico Zhuang had been busy assisting Ethan Lu''s investigation. Therefore, this matter was put on hold.


    "I am not weird." Yet, Nico Zhuang could not ept that Lexi called him weird when in the first ce, she was the one who was being weird for shipping him with Andy Chang.


    "Not yet, but I asked someone to look through it." Nico Zhuang added as he drove forth a little.


    "I see..." nodding her head in understanding, Lexi didn''t probe on it any longer.


    After that, silence fell inside the car as Lexi and Nico Zhuang didn''t utter a word. The rest of the waiting was spent in silence.


    *****


    The two were rumored couple but it wasn''t confirmed. This was the first time the couple would make a public appearance together.


    Lexi watched the two make poses. "They really look good together." Leximented. Yet, she wasn''t surprised to see the two. After all, she bumped into them some time ago when she was on an outside trip for a meeting.


    Lexi''s car moved in a snail pace as the car in front of them moved like a turtle. Probably, to give more exposure to the two couples.


    Lexi didn''t mind though as she needed more time to calm herself. It has been awhile to face tons of cameras after her retirement in the entertainment industry. Therefore, it felt that it was her first time.


    "Calm down." Nico Zhuang suddenly said tly. His tone wasn''t even close to being encouraging. Well, it wasn''t him who would show himself to the public ¡ª he wouldn''t understand the pressure to look perfect.


    "Nico, thank you!" Lexi shifted her dismayed gaze to the driver''s seat as she sarcastically thanked him. Despite that, Lexi''s nervousness magically vanished as it was reced by disbelief.


    Gosh... Nico was surely reliable in many things. Who would have thought hisck of expression would help Lexi in some situation?


    "No problem, madam." Not picking up the sarcasm, Nico Zhuang unlocked the door since it was Lexi''s turn to the red carpet.


    In his eyes, all this grandness was odd. Why do wealthy people like this kind of event? He knew that this was merely a birthday party yet, the celebrant seemed to treat this as herst birthday celebration.


    If it was him, he would rather sleep as a treat instead of going through the hassle of arranging this event and spending too much money. Well, they had millions to burn so it''s understandable.


    "Alright," Lexi inhaled and then heavily exhaled. "I''ll see you around." Giving Nico Zhuang onest nce, Lexi set off.


    As soon as she departed the car, Lexi nearly shut her eyes close as a bright sh weed her. Still, she only turned her head a little to avoid some light and let her sight get used by the camera shes.


    Walking on the red carpet, Lexi heard a sudden uproar as questions were thrown at her all at the same time. Yet, she only picked up Ethan Lu, Laurel Wang, and her name as they spoke concurrently.


    "Miss Yang!" Although she couldn''t understand the questions those medias taking photos from a distance, the authorized media people were still there to interview her.


    After Lexi posed for them, a woman whom she assumed was the person that interviews and interacted with some of the guests approached her.


    "Miss Yang, what can you say that your rumored boyfriend Mr. Lu was having an affair behind your back?" Without further ado, the woman asked which slightly surprised Lexi.


    ''Wow, she''s too direct!'' Leximented inwardly as she didn''t see thating that soon.


    "Allegedly, Miss." Offering a gentle smile, Lexi corrected. For a second, the woman was taken aback as Lexi quickly picked up the missing parts of the line.

 Chapter 588: No, no, flirting.

    <h4>588 No, no, flirting.</h4>


    "Allegedly, Miss." When Lexi corrected, she didn''t wait for the woman to recover as she began entering the venue.


    She was amused that the woman was a daredevil. Both knew the risk of asking the question not using cautionary words.


    After all, Ethan Lu was a powerful tycoon. Therefore, he could sue the woman and press charges to her homework.


    Lexi merely shut her down by those two words. She would be a hypocrite if she said it was for the woman''s sake. But, as a warning for pressing on the matter with misleading words.


    Because of the woman, Lexi gradually felt the sense of being confident in front of the cameras. She could still y words and pick up the things she usually does in the past.


    However, just as Lexi was on the entrance, she heard another loud uproar behind her. Turning to see who could it be out of curiosity, Lexi stopped her brows from arching seeing the elegant and noble-looking Laurel Wang.


    ''So, she came.'' Lexi thought inwardly before she turned and continued her way to inside. Despite knowing why Laurel Wang took quite the attention, Lexi was uninterested with whatever statement Laurel Wang would say.


    When Lexi made her entrance in the hall, as expected, a morous setting weed her. Tycoons from different fields, famous celebrities, and almost everyone from the upper echelon were present.


    Although Lexi was already a businesswoman of her ownpany, the vibes from the businessmen and women gave off a different aura. For some reason, Lexi felt like a small time business owner as she stared at the group of men not far away from her.


    Sure, Lexi has wealth but she knew, deep down, her wealth couldn''tpare to these people. For a moment, Lexi forgot that her husband was one of the wealthiest and the most influential tycoons.


    She didn''t even think that the men she was admiring now was currying favor from Ethan Lu.


    No one could me her though. Ethan Lu was like a clingy bundle of sweetness ¡ªpletely the opposite to these people. It was one of the reason why Lexi fell for him.


    Ethan Lu was a warm and gentle person. He had changed himself for her and helped her mature to a woman she is today.


    While the businessmen she was admiring now were like Morris Liu. Intimidating.


    "Miss Yang! You came!" Suddenly, Lexi heard Diane Huang''s voiceing from her side. Turning to face her, Lexi smiled as she watched the gorgeousdy in a champagne dress approached.


    "How can I not?" When Diane Huang stopped in front of her, Lexi said. "Happy birthday, Miss Huang."


    "Oh dear, why do you sound so formal? Sister Diane ¡ª we''re friends, remember?" Sounding friendly as usual, Diane Huang corrected as she forgot to clear this with Lexi thest time.


    What a poor, deeply in loved man.


    "I ¡ª Yes, my pleasure of being your friend." Lexi was about to say something but chose to ept this new friendship that was shoved to her.


    It was not like she didn''t like Diane Huang. But, Lexi was certain that she was only being friendly because of Ethan Lu. Little did she know, Lexi was Diane''s type.


    "Anyway,e on since your date is not here yet ¡ª I''ll introduce you to people." Pleased that Lexi was understanding, Diane Huang linked arms with her as she dragged Lexi to a certain direction.


    Since it was Diane Huang''s party, she almost knew everyone. Hence, as she dragged Lexi somewhere, they were greeted by some guest. It was evident in their eyes that they were baffled why Lexi was being treated differently by her.


    "Hey~" Reaching a certain cluster of men, Diane Huang approached while Lexi stared at each and everyone of them.


    Lexi recognized some of them, as these people excelled in their fields. Business magnate that were beyond her reach, some young remarkable politicians, and professionals that were famous due to their achievements.


    If Lexi admired a group of businessmen earlier, these group were people she should worship. Their aura waspletely different from the rest; as if pure-blooded royal vampires in a vampire movies, or a group of noble princes that a peasant could not afford to stain their shoes.


    "Diane, happy birthday!" Meanwhile, when Diane and Lexi reached the group, they turned to the two gorgeousdies, and one of them eximed.


    "Thank you," Smiling back, Diane Huang winked as she saw the men shifted their gaze on the beauty next to her.


    By the looks of it, some of them didn''t recognize Lexi despite being an actress in the past. Some showed interest as they discreetly sized Lexi from her to toe.


    "This is Lexi, Lexi Yang my new friend. She''s the owner of Beauty DR." Seeing their reaction as they first studied Lexi, Diane Huang rolled her eyes before she introduced Lexi.


    "Pleasure to meet you." Lexi slightly bowed her head as a greeting despite their sudden silence. Lexi didn''t have the leisure to think what they had in mind currently as she wanted to leave a good impression on these remarkable people.


    "Beauty DR? It''s yours?" As Lexi raised her head, one of the men in suit smiled as he tilted his head to the side. The small mole on the outer corner of his eye highlighted his sharp eyes and thick, fleek brows.


    When Lexi met his eyes, she smiled as an answer.


    "My ex used that product ¡ª all those pink sets." The man added which made them chuckle. "Well, now I know why it was called Beauty DR; the owner is a beauty, indeed." As they chuckle, the man added as his thin lips curled to the side.


    "No, no, flirting Zack." Cringing, Diane Huang raised her forefinger as she shook it sideways. Yet, Diane Huang was the only person who didn''t like the joke... rather, she was the only person in that circle that showed disapproval about his sudden advances.


    Lexi just chose to ignore it as she took it as a joke. Still, she appreciated that Diane Huang spoke her mind.

 Chapter 589: Not her Lexi.

    <h4>589 Not her Lexi.</h4>


    "I am not. I''m just saying, Miss Yang is stunning ¡ª that''s apliment." Feigning innocent, the man named Zack shrugged his shoulders as a smug grin stered across his lips.


    "Thank you for thepliment, Mr. Lee." Smiling back, Lexi took his pliment'' as it was.


    If this was before, Lexi would have mmed him down with words in disgust. However, she had grown and matured. Things like this, she would only need to pretend she has no clue and take it at face value.


    After all, the man didn''t touch her or said anything malicious. Therefore, Lexi didn''t need to make it a big deal.


    "Sis, don''t believe him." Casting Zack Lee a disdainful gaze, Diane Huang whispered to Lexi. Yet, her voice was audible enough for the circle of men to hear.


    "Anyway, pleased to meet you, Miss Yang." Ignoring Diane Huang, Zack Lee beamed Lexi a gentle smile which Lexi returned with a meek smile.


    Just then, Benjamin Shao''s voice assailed their ears from the side. "I didn''t expect that Miss Yang will be here tonight." Catching the group''s attention, Benjamin Shao approached them.


    As usual, he was dashing with that towering height and great body build ¡ª truly, adies'' man.


    "Happy birthday, Miss Huang." Turning to Diane Huang, Benjamin Shao courtly greeted.


    "Thank you, Brother Min." Diane Huang smiled sweetly, she gave a different vibe unlike earlier. By the looks of it, Diane Huang seemed to be more girly when Benjamin Shao arrived.


    Of course, Lexi noticed the change of her behavior. But, she chose not to probe about it as she didn''t want to assume things. After all, Diane Huang was Aubrey Ning''s friend.


    Theirst encounter, Diane Huang and Aubrey Ning seemed to be great friends. Therefore, concluding things the way she sees it might only lead her to misunderstand things.


    "Mr. Zack, Miss Yang wouldn''t mind yourpliment and take it as face value but," Smiling as usual, Benjamin Shao paused as he slowly shifted his gaze to Zack Lee''s bewitching visage. "But someone else will." He added.


    "I heard Miss Yang''s rumored boyfriend was Mr. Lu." One man around their circle chimed in. "Was he the one you''re pertaining, Mr. Shao?" The man added before taking a sip from his wine.


    "Well," Benjamin Shao turned to Lexi as he raised his brows and gave her a knowing look.


    "I don''t think apliment will offend Ethan." Lexi understood Benjamin Shao''s intention.


    He was probably curious about the scandal Ethan Lu, and Laurel Wang was involved. How clever of him to indirectly probe while not showing his interest about it.


    "Oh my," Pleased at Lexi''s quick and clever response, keeping things private by not sounding rude. Therefore, Zack''s interest towards Lexi raised a little. "I heard Mr. Lu and Miss Wang were an item." he said with a grin.


    "Zack, behave. Miss Yang is my friend you can''t prey. Also, are you not aware that Mr. Lu already gave his statement?" Arching her brows, Diane Huang jerked her chin slightly forward, as she warned the man.


    Zack Lee''s behavior displeased her. If Diane Huang didn''t know him better, she would think that he liked Lexi. However, the said man was a notorious womanizer. Therefore, Diane Huang was certain that he just wanted Lexi to warm his bed for tonight.


    Well, with the man''s status and looks, it would be possible if he hit on anotherdy. However, not her Lexi.


    "Then, what am I seeing?" Raising his brows, Zack Lee thrusted his chin towards a certain direction. His gesture, of course, made the group ¡ª including Lexi to turn their gaze towards the direction he pointed at.


    Lexi''s eyes searched for a second. The next moment, her gaze caught Laurel Wang''s figure walking out of the hall. The person next to her, Lexi knitted her brows in confusion.


    "Isn''t that Mr. Lu?" Furrowing his brows, Benjamin Shao cast Lexi a side nce. His eyes glinted with interest as this party would be interesting than he thought it would.


    Lexi, Laurel Wang, and Ethan Lu in the same event? Benjamin Shao was now intrigued of the oue of tonight''s party.


    "No?" As Lexi followed the two figures until they left the hall, she answered.


    "Huh," Meanwhile, Zack Lee watched Lexi''s disbelief side profile in amusement. ''Poor, Lexi Yang...'' he muttered internally.


    To him, he wouldn''t be surprised if Ethan Lu cheated on Lexi publicly. After all, the said man was powerful enough to get whatever he wanted.


    So, why would Ethan Lu tie himself down with just one woman if he could have a taste whoever he liked?


    Not to mention, Ethan Lu''s rtionship history. Although Ethan Lu has been inactive for quite some time now, Zack Lee was certain that Ethan Lu''s thing with Lexi would eventually lose it effect.


    "Maybe, Miss Yang was correct. Maybe we saw wrong." Zack Lee magnanimously backed Lexi''s denial. s, his tone sounded otherwise.


    Lexi was about to rebut, however, she smiled and kept cool. Zack Lee was unworthy of her energy as he''s an assh*le. She wouldn''t stoop to his level ¡ª never.


    Diane Huang studied Lexi''s expression for a while. Seeing that she was not letting herself get affected by Zack Lee''s obvious remarks, Diane Huang was pleased.


    Considering the Lee Family''s status, and Zack Lee''s own achievements as an individual businessman, Lexi wouldn''t stand a chance if she offended the man. Diane Huang didn''t believe the rumors, the reason she invited Laurel Wang in her party to show everyone including the said woman that Lexi and Ethan Lu were unbreakable.


    However, the sight of the two earlier, Diane Huang was certain that it was Ethan Lu who was with Laurel Wang. Regardless of what important matter they needed to discuss, Diane Huang was displeased that other people needed to see them together.


    "Zack, stop this now. If you''re interested in Miss Yang, why don''t you ask her?" Diane Huang''s smile slowly faded away from her lips as her eyes sharpened. "Why? Are you afraid your charms wouldn''t work on her?" Diane Huang bluntly added.


    Since Lexi was her guest, and she personally invited her, Diane Huang obliged herself to protect her precious Lexi.

 Chapter 590: The bets

    <h4>590 The bets</h4>


    "Hahaha!" Seeing that Diane Huang wasn''t pleased anymore, Zack Lee chuckled yfully. "Diane, are you making a bet in front of Miss Yang?" Still amused, Zack Lee twisted Diane Huang''s words which made her lips curled into a sneer.


    "What if I am?" When Diane Huang replied, Lexi cast her a quick side nce.


    Lexi didn''t know if she should be insulted or treat this as a fun little game. How could Zack Lee think that he would get his way under her pants knowing this bet? And why does Diane Huang sounded she was in?


    Even if Lexi didn''t know this bet, she would reject him in a heartbeat. Well, it''s not his fault though as Zack Lee was more or less had the same aura when she first encounter Ethan Lu.


    "Just go with the flow ¡ª make some cash." Leaning closer to Lexi. Benjamin Shao whispered, which made her brows knit.


    Turning to Benjamin Shao, Lexi only saw him wink as he smiled. "I''ll ce my stake that she will rejected, mercilessly." After giving Lexi the tip, Benjamin Shao chimed in, fanning some mes into this interesting game.


    "Hah, Mr. Shao!" Zackughed, almost sounded as an insulted scoff as he peered at Benjamin Shao in disdain. "How much?" Yet, Zack Lee took it as a challenge.


    "Five million." Without batting an eye, Benjamin Shao gave him tempting digits. Upon hearing that tempting bet, not just the men around their circle, but also the bystander that could hear them were in uproar.


    "Count me in, my bet is also five million ¡ª that''s ten million in total. If you take Lexi home tonight in her own volition, ten million is yours. How''s that?" Sharing the same confidence as Benjamin Shao, Diane Huang enticed.


    Inside Benjamin and Diane''s mind, they wouldn''t stake this much money against Zack Lee. Especially if what they were betting was if he could take thedy or not.


    Even if they were in the same situation with another woman involved, the two wouldn''t take the risk. After all, there was something in Zack Lee that women loved and fall for him instantly.


    "Wow, as expected, Miss Huang''s party is as eventful as ever!"


    "Ten million? That''s quite a huge amount."


    "Should we ce our own bets too?"


    "Since Mr. Lu was seen with Miss Wang, I''m sure something interesting will happen. I''ll ce my stake with Mr. Lee."


    One after another, the people around that were overhearing the bets between Diane Huang''s group could not help but speak their thoughts about it. As each of them had their own conclusion, some also ced a bet with their groups.


    Therefore, Diane Huang''s birthday celebration flooded with millions of bets about Zack and Lexi. Each ced their stakes, shelling millions and valuable properties just for their entertainment.


    Of course, Lexi could hear some of theirments which caused her under eye to twitch. These people... were they serious?


    Regardless, Lexi was tempted to ce her bets too as she wanted to earn some cash tonight. They were talking about millions, after all.


    "But remember, if you lose, you have to give?me and Brother Min five million each. Deal?" Crossing her arms, Diane Huang smirk as she taunted Zack Lee.


    Her countenance was telling the other party that if he refused, Diane Huang was ready to bully him. And if he epted...


    "Ten million? Why don''t we raise our bets and make it twenty million each?" Confident, Zack Lee shifted his attention to Lexi, who seemed contemting about something. "If I lose, I''ll shell out forty, but if I win, you give us forty million... each. Miss Yang need to gain something too, you know?" Zack Lee beamed Lexi a smile.


    Upon hearing his raise, everyone was?in awe. Even Lexi was surprised by his proposal. He sounded as if shelling out twenty million was nothing.


    Lexi was certain she would reject him ¡ª maybe Zack Lee knew that as well. Hence, he quickly thought of a strategy that could give him a higher chance of winning.


    That was tempting Lexi with a higher bid. If Zack Lee won, Lexi would also gain the same amount as him. But if he loses, he''ll only lose his forty million and Lexi wouldn''t lose anything.


    If anything, Lexi would only let those easy twenty million slip from her hands. As a businesswoman, of course, it tempted Lexi.


    That''s actual money they were talking about. However, for her and maybe for Zack Lee, their reputation and dignity were also at stake.


    ''What a clever man...'' Diane Huang scoffed internally as she should have seen thising. ncing at Benjamin Shao''s side profile, Diane Huang returned her gaze back to Zack Lee.


    "Call."


    "Call." at the same time, Benjamin Shao and Diane Huang responded. However, just as they answered and before Zack Lee could curl his lips into a smug smirk, a cold and intimidating voice came to the side.


    "What an interesting bet," Slowly, Ethan Lu approached the group as everyone''s eyes unconsciously turned their attention to him. "However, forty million is too small for businessmen like you guys ¡ª don''t you think, Mr. Lee?" Despite the attention Ethan Lu gathered, his eyes were only at the surprised Lexi.


    ''She''s tempted... tsk tsk, my wife... my bad bad wife...'' Sizing Lexi up, Ethan Lu could tell in a nce that his mischievous wife was tempted with the offer.


    He could not me her though. Lexi was an independent businesswoman and her wealth were all because of her own hard work. It might be hard for him to admit, but Ethan Lu''s contribution in Beauty DR''s sess was only moral support.


    "Mr. Lu!" When everyone processed the overwhelming presence of Ethan Lu, men in the circle eximed in surprise.


    No one noticed his arrival since everyone''s attention was all in this betting. Therefore, they were surprised.


    "This will be more interesting and challenging if there''spetition. How about this? Whoever choose the stunning Miss Yang tonight will be the winner?" As Ethan Lu darted his gaze to each and everyone in the circle, he proposed.


    "However, let''s stake ourpanies and positions. I''ll bet the Lu Corporation ¡ª all my shares." Without a second hesitation, Ethan Lu added, which made everyone widen their eyes in disbelief.


    What was going on?

 Chapter 591: Win everything or lose everything

    <h4>591 Win everything or lose everything</h4>


    "What?! Mr. Lu, are you serious?"


    "Hey, did Mr. Lu bet his shares in the Lu Corporation?"


    "Wow... just for a woman ¡ª wow..."


    "If that''s what we''re talking about, then forty million was indeed nothing..." One after another, everyone could not help but spout theirments.


    The first bet of five millions had already taken everyone''s interests. And then, when Zack Lee raised the bets, everyone were truly shocked by his confidence and how much money was flowing in this event.


    However, Ethan Lu just raised the bets to another level. To every businessman''s perspective, having the Lu Corporation was like winning in a lottery more than ten times.


    What was forty million if the Lu Corporation offers you tens of billions? Yet, this was akin to a life and death gamble too.


    If Ethan Lu loses, he''ll lose everything ¡ª same with Zack Lee. The only thing was, it was quite a gamble. After all, these two men''s life would be on Lexi''s hand.


    This wasn''t a battle of luck like in the casinos.


    Whoever she would choose, that person would benefit a ton lot. But, the person she wouldn''t, even sorry was not enough because he''ll lose everything... that''s same thing as killing someone mercilessly.


    "What do you think, Mr. Lee?" Tilting his head to the side, Ethan Lu smiled. He then shifted his gaze to Diane Huang. "Why don''t you also ce your shares as a bet, Miss Huang? Mister Shao? Aren''t we looking for something interesting?" Ethan Lu raised both his hands, as if encouraging the two to be as crazy freak as they wanted to be.


    "Hahaha!" Although the smile on Zack Lee''s front earlier vanished, it soon returned as he watched Ethan Lu''s audacity.


    Instead of showing urgency, Zack Lee''s eyes were rather amazed. In his eyes, he admired Ethan Lu more than he already did.


    No wonder why Ethan Lu was proimed as the business king in their industry. Only a real king would have the guts to stake everything ¡ª win everything or lose everything.


    Meanwhile, Lexi watched her husband prey on Zack Lee, making her brows twitch. Ethan Lu acted confident yet, his words were taunting ¡ª even cing his name on the line because he knew he would win.


    Lexi knew that her husband purposely dragged their names in at this stake. He was making sure that they were putting not just their shares but also their names on the line.


    Knowing their egos, Lexi was speechless. Well, she''s a businesswoman herself hence, she somehow understood that aside from money, they held their reputations and names in a greater value.


    "Are we getting a deal?" Since only Zack Lee''s amusedughter was the only response Ethan Lu received, he asked.


    "Then, what are the benefits Miss Yang would get?" Wiping the droplet of tear of joy on the side of his eyes, Zack Lee asked out of curiosity.


    "Why not marriage?" As Ethan Lu was busyplimenting his wife inside his mind, Benjamin Shao proposed. "Since whoever the victor tonight could have everything ¡ª I think giving Miss Yang the position of being a family madam was the best we can offer." Exining his reasoning, Benjamin Shao altered his gaze from Ethan Lu to Zack Lee.


    "Marriage?" Knitting her brows, Lexi frowned. She kept her silence since earlier and let them ced their bets.


    She knew, deep down, they don''t intend on insulting her. She assumed that she was just shocked that these elite games were rather different.


    Within minutes of this talk, their discussion escted to her marriage. Just what the hell? Are they nning to n for her future right here, right now?


    "Call." Without blinking an eye, Ethan Lu agreed before setting his gaze to Zack Lee. "Mr. Lee?" Tilting his head to the side, Ethan Lu raised his brows as everyone waited for his response.


    "Ca¡ª"


    "Mr. Lee, I only gamble if I know I will win, you know?" Just before Zack Lee could agree, Ethan Lu interrupted him midway.


    "Isn''t it interesting to see Mr. Lu lose in a gamble he is sure to win?" Shrugging his shoulders, Zack Lee stretched his lips from ear to ear. "However, wouldn''t Miss Wang get mad? On a second thought, marriage wouldn''t stop a man from having an affair if he wanted to."


    When Zack Lee dropped hisst remarks, the entire hall suddenly fell into a stifling silence. The bets with Ethan Lu was one thing, they could consider it as a friendly game.


    Hisst remarks were another case. It might be Zack Lee''s strategy as an indirect reminder to Lexi of the ''infidelity'' between Ethan Lu and Laurel Wang. However, it was also a personal attack to Ethan Lu.


    Zack Lee''s audacity to insult Ethan Lu boldly ¡ª even if the scandal were true ¡ª this was something a person needed to think a hundred times before mentioning. Diane Huang who zipped her lips earlier when Ethan Lu arrived could not help but cast Zack Lee a disdainful stare.


    "This game is not fun anymore. No more. Let''s forget about it." Despite the sudden change of the atmosphere, Diane Huang waved her hands off.


    This was her party, and she didn''t want a serious trouble. Being sandwich with the Lee and Lu family was something she wouldn''t want the next day.


    "What? Should we, Mr. Lu?" Feigning ignorance, Zack Lee blinked his eyes innocently. "Well then, I have to apologize to Miss Wang." Since Ethan Lu was just inexpressively staring at him, Zack Lee sighed as he turned his head to a certain direction.


    There, from a distance, Laurel Wang was watching the urrence since earlier. She had made sure to make her look less noticeable, yet Zack Lee found her in these seas of crowds.


    "Mr. Lu, continue the bet ¡ª I already ced mine!" Somewhere from the crowd, a man shouted. Just by hearing his voice, Lexi and Ethan Lu recognized who it was; it was none other than Elliot Gong.

 Chapter 592: Checkmate

    <h4>592 Checkmate</h4>


    "Why would you apologize, Mr. Lee?" After a beat, Ethan Lu''s eyes smiled. "If you''re so willing to give me your shares ¡ª sure. Don''t tell me I didn''t warn you." Ethan Lu shrugged his shoulders indifferently.


    "Alright, then its ¡ª " Amused that Ethan Lu wasn''t also backing down, Zack Lee grinned. However, just before he could finish his sentence, he stopped as Ethan Lu began taking strides.


    Everyone had their eyes on Ethan Lu''s figure. Every step didn''t falter as he came closer and closer to Lexi''s figure.


    Zack Lee blinked his eyes many times as he watched Ethan Lu approach Lexi. The next second, just when they thought Ethan Lu would stop in his tracks as he was a few steps away from Lexi ¡ª he didn''t.


    "Ah...?" Knitting her brows, Lexi watched Ethan Lu drew closer to her. Seeing him raise his arms, the next thing Lexi knew was his lips were already glued on hers.


    Ethan Lu''s arms slowly snaked around her waist while his other hand caressed her lean cheek. For a second, aside from the gasps around, everyone were speechless by his quick move.


    The game hasn''t even started and yet, Ethan Lu already made a move ¡ª an intimate one at that. Despite that Lexi and Ethan Lu had a history, everyone still consider about the recent scandal.


    Not a single soul in that event that wasn''t well-aware of the shocking news. The reason some people ce their stake on Zack Lee.


    "Wow..." Slowly pping his hands, Zack Lee was in awe. As he pped, Ethan Lu unhurriedly break his lips away from Lexi.


    Meanwhile, Lexi who was already surprised ¡ª probably some kind of ''culture shock'' ¡ª blinked her eyes several times. Raising her gaze, she met his gentle eyes as he gently smiled at her and tucked her hair lovingly behind her ear.


    "Mr. Lu, that''s unfair!" Unfazed by the ''points'' Ethan Lu earned, Zack Lee shook his head as he clicked his tongue. "Miss Wang is watching and you have a history with Miss Yang!" Heined as if he was indirectly ming Ethan Lu for cheating. Still, his tone was yful, which leave others to decide if he was mad or not.


    Whenever Zack Lee mentions Laurel Wang''s name, Laurel Wang could not help but flinch. She had tried to leave the premises since earlier, but people were blocking her way. Hence, the more Zack Lee drag her in this mess, the more she despises the man.


    "Are you offended, Miss Wang?" Ethan Lu also turned his attention to Laurel Wang who now has the attention from everyone.


    "Uh..." In an instant, Laurel Wang''s lower lips trembled as she stared at Ethan Lu''s pair of dark eyes. Just staring at it for a second, herplexion paled and her body unconsciously trembled.


    As they wait for Laurel Wang to speak, Lexi noticed someone''s gaze on her. Turning to it, Zack Lee winked at her the very second?their eyes met.


    ''He got me? Huh?'' Lexi didn''t understand what he meant until Zack Lee spoke again. ''So, he really thinks I got cheated on? Ahh...'' Lexi nodded in understanding. To her, she felt like these elitesnguage were alien words to her.


    It was just that, probably, the level of how they should be cunning, in the ground their stepping needed to be more vague. Lexi noticed that they had been circling around this discussion yet, aside from Zack Lee, no one spoke directly of what they wanted.


    Even Diane Huang, she vented her displeasure by starting a bet with Zack Lee. In that case, if Diane Huang won, she would have millions from Zack Lee as apensation for annoying her.


    To Lexi, she hasn''t reach their level, hence she was surprised at the environment her husband was moving on. So to speak, Ethan Lu had to deal with these types of people on a daily basis. Yet, he still was kind and gentle to her and the twins.


    Just before this recent discovery, Lexi''s perspective had broadened. She knew that her husband was at the top but she never trulyprehend what it was like standing at the highest ground.


    "Mr. Lu, how can you be so heartless to Miss Wang? Aren''t you together earlier? Ay, even Miss Yang saw you two!" Zack Lee eximed, sounding disheartened at the ''heartless'' Ethan Lu.


    "Together? Me and Miss Wang?" Furrowing his brows, Ethan Lu chuckled as he studied Laurel Wang''s figure. "How can that be? I just arrived and came to find my date?"


    Zack Lee grinned, amused that Ethan Lu was lying in front of everyone. Yet, Zack Lee''s eyes didn''t bear malice, but rather, he was in awe.


    "Mr. Lee, are you sure it was me who you saw with Miss Wang?" Since Zack Lee just shrugged his shoulders, giving them the sarcastic ''okay, I believed you'' expression, Ethan Lu asked.


    "Or him?" Slowly, the corner of Ethan Lu''s lips curled into a smirk as he pointed at a certain direction.


    Automatically, everyone turned their gaze towards the direction he pointed at. To their surprise, the person standing somewhere among the crowd kinda looked like Ethan Lu.


    Meanwhile, Laurel Wang''s eyes widened as her heart sank. ''Why ¡ª why is he still here?'' Her mind questioned, causing her entire body to shudder.


    She already shooed the man away, even made sure he would leave. However, why was he still in there? That second, Laurel Wang shifted her shaking eyes to Ethan Lu.


    As their eyes met, a glint shed across his pair of dark eyes. Ethan Lu needed no words for Laurel Wang to understand that he just said ''checkmate''.


    "Miss Wang, care to clear our name that I am not having an affair with you, but you''re in an intimate rtionship with someone else?" Pausing, Ethan Lu tilted his head to the side as he quickly nced at the baffled Zack Lee.


    Continuing, Ethan Lu moved his gaze to his look-alike, "He sort of looked like me. Thus, the misunderstanding."

 Chapter 593: Victim Card

    <h4>593 Victim Card</h4>


    "What''s going on?"


    "Gosh... he looks like Mr. Lu ¡ª I''d mistake it was Mr. Lu if I bump into him somewhere!"


    "Wait ¡ª so, basically, he''s the one in the clip?"


    "This looks interesting..." one after another, confused murmurs resonated across the entire event hall. Gazes altered from Ethan Lu to the man that resembled him, and then to Laurel Wang whoseplexion seemed she ran out of blood.


    The allowed media that were inside immediately surrounded them as they came to confirm. The medias could not take photos inside and interview the guest. However, they could not help but take photos of the confrontation.


    If not for a fact that it was a private event by the Huang''s princess, they would have already fawned on Laurel Wang and the man. This would be a shocking headline tomorrow!


    Everyone didn''t notice the man that looked like Ethan Lu as they were focused on the bets that were going on. Even so, as they peered at the man, although he had the same features as Ethan Lu, their demeanor''s were different.


    The man''s aura wasn''t something a person could take notice. Despite that, he didn''t look that bad,pare to Ethan Lu, the man felt normal.


    "Care to exin, Miss Wang?" Tilting his head to the side, Ethan Lu asked.


    "I ¡ª Mr. Lu, what''s going on? I don''t know him!" Despite her trembling lower lip, Laurel Wang pretended she was at a lost as well. Looking at the eyes that were on her, she could tell those judgmental thoughts they had.


    "Then why were you with him earlier?" Ethan Lu furrowed his brows as a frown stered on his lips. He had foreseen that Laurel Wang wouldn''t admit the truth until the end.


    "I ¡ª I ¡ª how can you do this to me? Didn''t you like me?" Stuttering, Laurel Wang suddenly snapped as she didn''t care on her surroundings anymore. She stared at Ethan Lu straight in the eye, with tears forming in the corner of her eyes.


    She could not go down like this. She knew she must say something to save herself. And by saving herself, Laurel Wang needed to give doubts about his ims.


    So, if adding confusion was to shamelessly admit that they had an affair, so be it. Ethan Lu didn''t appreciate her efforts and love, anyway. Maybe, by being theplete viin ¡ª just like what Lexi was ¡ª he''d notice her.


    "Did you just use me all this time? Now that... what we had, all those little promises... now that everything is out in the open, you''re disposing me?" Laurel Wang''s voice cracked, ying the victim card nicely.


    As the crowd heard her remarks, they turned their attention to Ethan Lu. Considering his position and history, they wouldn''t be surprised if Laurel Wang was saying the truth.


    With that, the opinions from the crowd had split in half. Some believed Laurel Wang, while others remained neutral.


    "Why?" On the brink of breaking down, Laurel Wang bit her lower lip as she shifted her gaze to Lexi. "I didn''t intend to love him ¡ª he made me. He told me all sort of lies ¡ª even denied that you''re still together. I''m foolish to fall to such a man, I''m sorry." The second Laurel Wang apologized to Lexi, a tear fell from her eyes.


    "Tsk tsk, Mr. Lu, how can you be so heartless? ying with these two beauties'' hearts like that?" Clicking his tongue, Zack Lee shook his head sideways in disappointment.


    No one dared to speak their mind, and could only sympathize with Laurel Wang in silence. Yet, Zack Lee uttered the main thoughts in their mind, giving justice to the poor Laurel Wang.


    "Ah?" Instead of appearing remorseful, Ethan Lu''s face distorted in dismay. There was not a single tinge of guilt that could be seen on his surface as he looked at Zack Lee in disdain.


    Knowing that using words in this argument wasn''t enough, Ethan Lu shifted his gaze to Diane Huang. "Miss Huang,?I know we''ve been causing you too much trouble, but let me use this opportunity to clear my name. I''d truly feel disheartened if I upset my dear Lexi further."


    "As long as it''s not beyond the line ¡ª sure." Diane Huang stared at him for several seconds before she shrugged her shoulders indifferently.


    It also intrigued her how this scandal would unravel. Hence, Diane Huang was rather honored that this happened in her party. By this, her birthday celebration would be truly memorable.


    Ethan Lu''s lips curled into a smile as he slid his hand inside his suit pocket. Picking up his phone, Ethan Lu tapped on the screen a few times, which made everyone''s curiosity reach its peak.


    "What do you think you''re doing here?! Do you know what kind of event is this?! Are you stupid? How can you show up in here?!" After a second, everyone heard Laurel Wang''s agitated voiceing from the speakers in the event hall.


    "Miss Wang, didn''t you want the scandal between you and Mr. Lu to look more believable? I''m doing this for you because I can''t take you out of my mind and if helping you with him will make you happy ¡ª I''ll be happy to assist!"


    "You''re really stupid... you''re not helping me in any way. Go now before I kill you myself." The recorded conversation was brief yet, it was full of emotions.


    Unlike her tone and behavior seconds ago, she sounded vicious in the conversation. Especially as she spouted herst remark, everyone could not believe that her voice seeped grudges.


    Laurel Wang could hear her world slowly crumble down. Her lip color had entirely left with no color as her knees weakened, giving way the next second as she plopped to the tiled floor.


    "No..."

 Chapter 594: Sacrifice for a good headline

    <h4>594 Sacrifice for a good headline</h4>


    "That''s Miss Wang, right...?"


    "Yes..."


    "Oh, my god! What a covetous person!"


    "Wait ¡ª does this mean she''s the one who released the scandal? My god!"


    "Talk about having delusions, she needs help!" When the recording stopped, everyone gasped in disbelief. Their sympathetic gazes they had for Laurel Wang immediately changed into disgust.


    The voice of the woman was clearly Laurel Wang. Her reaction confirmed it yet, she had the audacity to lie to everyone''s faces? The nerve!


    They could not believe that they fell for her victim act. Therefore, instead of ming themselves for falling into her lies, everyone silently pushed the me against Laurel Wang for deceiving them.


    "What a turn of events! Quick! Jot everything down and leave nothing behind! This will be a great headline!" On the other hand, the reporters inside forgot what event they were in, snapping photos and even filmed everything in excitement.


    Although the confirmation they expected from Laurel Wang and Ethan Lu wasn''t what they witnessed, unraveling Laurel Wang''s malicious ploy was something else. It was a better and more interesting content.


    "Mr. Lu! Please Miss Wang did nothing wrong! It''s all my fault!" Ethan Lu''s look-alike immediately knelt to the floor as he eximed, taking all the shots.


    Little did he know, his heroism wouldn''t matter in the eyes of these elites. They gave not even a slight sympathy for him as they all saw Laurel Wang and the man as disgusting cons.


    "Ay! Miss Wang, I can''t believe my ears!" As Ethan Lu both stared down at the two on the floor, Zack Lee clicked his tongue in annoyance. "How did Senator Wang raised his daughter? Damn... how nasty." Sharing the same displeasure like everyone else, Zack Lee didn''t filter his words as he spoke his mind.


    Zack Lee had always looked up to Ethan Lu. He could say that Ethan Lu was his idol. After all, Ethan Lu was just two years older than him yet, he led the enormous Lu Corporation to greater heights the Lu family couldn''t reach in the past.


    The Lu Corporation had always been one of the biggestpany in the country. However, when Ethan Lu took over, the Lu Corporation became the leadingpany ¡ª surpassing the Liu Empire.


    As a real admirer, Zack Lee found more pleasure in challenging Ethan Lu. Even if it wasn''t in the business affairs, how nice would it be to defeat him in another field? After all, both of them were notorious for their rtionship history.


    However, just as he thought it was good to use Laurel Wang, she disappointed him gravely. In the end, Laurel Wang''s presence tonight was still useless.


    Indeed, Zack Lee was a real jerk. He didn''t care about this whole circus. What he wanted was to take Lexi home tonight and gain all Ethan Lu''s shares ¡ª hitting two birds with one stone.


    Diane Huang felt disgusted that she invited someone like Laurel Wang. Diane Huang knew that everyone had their own nasty side. However, none of them failed to hide it.


    Too bad for Laurel Wang, she got herself in a deep hole. Now, all of them hypocrites would see her as someone they wouldn''t want to be friends with. This would also apply to Laurel Wang''s father, who was still oblivious of this.


    "I can''t believe that you can do this thing. Get out of my party now." Every passing second that Diane Huang see Laurel Wang, or even feel her presence, she felt she would contract a disease. Hence, she heartlessly scooted the woman away,pletely making Laurel Wang lose her face.


    Yet, no one showed Laurel Wang a pity. Rather, everyone acted as if Laurel Wang was some kind of virus.


    "I... no..." unaware, Laurel Wang''s eyes shed tears as she raised her head to look at Ethan Lu''s cold eyes. "Ethan, why...?" Weak and barely audible, Laurel Wang whispered.


    "I did what I did because I know you never liked her. You were just using her, right? Because she''s Mr. Liu''s former fiancee ¡ª why can''t you see me? You won''t have any problems if you''re with me!" From weak murmurs to hysterical shouts, Laurel Wang seemed her sanity snapped.


    She took aggressive strides towards Ethan Lu. Fortunately, Lyrick Jiang and Jarred Guo were on standby, hence, they stopped Laurel Wang from approaching Ethan Lu.


    "Oh, my gosh! She lost it!"


    "This is getting scary!"


    "She lost it? Don''t you think acting crazy is not a safe route? A psychiatric ward is better than jail."


    "Well, she made everyone believe that Mr. Lu was that kind of person. I won''t be surprised if she''s faking everything."


    Lexi heard the whispers and opinions around Laurel Wang while Lyrick Jiang and Jarred Guo restrained the hysterical Laurel Wang. She could not help her hands but clench.


    These people... everyone in this ce were cruel. Lexi wasn''t saying she''s a saint herself. However, they were hypocrites. In her mind, she could not understand that they kept on leaving hurtful remarks.


    Can''t they just keep their thoughts to themselves? s, perhaps, Lexi was just being too sensitive after being used to a peaceful life for two years.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu slowly opened his lips, but he closed them again. He wanted to say something to Laurel Wang. However, he decided not to.


    Whatever he would say now, whether it was a friendly advice or a harsh note, it would still hurt Laurel Wang. Hence, he could only say his thoughts inside his mind.


    "Please escort her out. From today onwards, the Huang family had nothing to do with the Wang''s. Our family can''t associate with people like her." Diane Huangmanded. Upon hearing herst remarks, dering her hate towards the whole Wang n, everyone were astounded.


    With that said note, Laurel Wang, and the man were escorted out of the event hall. Lyrick Jiang and Jarred Guo were supposed to take the backdoor. However, just before they did, Diane Huang''s bodyguards assisted them to the main entrance; the way where all media people were waiting for gossip.


    Both Ethan Lu''s subordinates didn''t have a choice as they watched the two be the sacrifice tonight; a sacrifice for a good headline tomorrow.

 Chapter 595: See for yourself

    <h4>595 See for yourself</h4>


    "Alright, everyone! I''m sorry for you to witness that. Let''s continue the party." When Laurel Wang was escorted out, Diane Huang pped her hands.


    "Miss Huang, I apologize to do this on your special day. I''llpensate you in the future." As everyone pretended to act as if nothing happened, Ethan Lu turned to Diane Huang as he apologized sincerely.


    "Yeah, you should." Diane Huang faintly chuckled as she humored.


    "Hehe..." Chuckling back, Ethan Lu just nodded his head as he turned to face Lexi. He walked back to her; finally, he could have his time with his lovely sunshine.


    "I''m sorry about that." Stopping in front of Lexi, Ethan Lu gently smiled. He then held his hand out, gesturing her to take it.


    "It''s fine," Lexi meekly smiled as she slid her hands on his.


    As their hands intertwined, Ethan Lu squeezed it a little as they walked to Diane Huang. However, just as they took a few steps, Lexi''s other wrist was pulled to the side.


    "Ahh!"


    Out of instinct, Ethan Lu pulled her hand, thinking Lexi slipped. To his surprise, Lexi didn''t slip, but rather, someone attempted to snatch his wife away from him; right in front of him!


    "Mr. Lu, that''s not fair. We have topete fair and square." Holding Lexi''s wrist, Zack Lee raised her hand as he smirked towards Ethan Lu.


    Just when everyone thought the show was over, Zack Lee reminded them of the bets they had before Laurel Wang. Their gazes altered from Ethan Lu to Zack Lee, and then to Lexi.


    "Zack Lee!" Grinding her teeth, Diane Huang warned. Earlier, she was unsure on Lexi and Ethan Lu''s rtionship because of the scandal. However, now that everything was clear, Diane Huang was certain Zack Lee would lose everything tonight.


    He should have remained quiet. They already forgotten about it. Why must he remind everyone? ''This fool... is he courting death?!'' it urged Diane Huang to beat some senses to him out of frustration.


    Despite that Zack Lee poked her nerves earlier, he was still her friend. Therefore, she was irked that Zack Lee was being foolish despite witnessing what happened to Laurel Wang.


    Meanwhile, Ethan Lu''s gaze traveled down to the hand that was holding his wife''s wrist. Narrowing his eyes, a different aura emanated from him.


    "Let go." Sensing Ethan Lu''s stifling mood, Lexi coldly set her natural sharp eyes on Zack Lee''s yful front. "Mr. Lee, I won''t repeat myself." Lexi added, her tone was colder than before.


    "I''m sorry, sweetheart. I can''t." Zack Lee beamed her a sweet smile as he shook his head. ncing at Ethan Lu who was staring at their hands, his grip tightened as Lexi tried to pull her hand away.


    Dialing someone, Ethan Lu ced his phone in front of his ear. Unconsciously, everyone anticipated who he was calling at a time like this. They got their answers when the line connected.


    "Contact Atty. Bai and Chairman Lee ¡ª Mr. Zack Lee will be transferring his share to me." The instant the call connected, Ethan Lu inexpressively ordered. He ended the call after they received hismand.


    The crowd was still processing what Ethan Lu was saying. They just unconsciously stared at him like fools ¡ª except Zack Lee and Lexi.


    "Mr. Lu," amused that Ethan Lu was confident that he''d win, Zack Lee''s eyes glinted. However, before he could continue, Ethan Lu finally raised his dark, threatening gaze.


    "Mr. Lee, we are different. If you don''t mind sharing what''s yours to others ¡ª I do. You''ve been holding onto Lexi''s hand for sixty-five seconds now; I''m afraid even if you offer the whole Lee Group, it''ll never be enough." Cold and intimidating, Ethan Lu never broke his gaze away from Zack Lee''s front.


    The smile on Zack Lee slowly faded away before it returned to a brighter countenance. "Mr. Lu, is Miss Yang''s truly yours? Without a ring, a lot of things may happen." In a matter-of-fact tone, Zack Lee uttered as he shrugged his shoulders.


    "Miss Yang?" Slowly, Ethan Lu slowly blinked his eyes as he tilted his head to the side. Shifting his gaze to Lexi that was ring daggers at Zack Lee, Ethan Lu mildly nodded his head.


    "Mr. Zack Lee, I noticed that you''ve been addressing her as Miss Yang. I don''t mind though, but keep in mind, she''s also Mrs. Lu." Without further ado, Ethan Lu informed him and everyone around. His words didn''t falter; no signs of regret in admitting the status of his rtionship with Lexi.


    "She''s been and will always be our Lu Family matriarch. In simple terms, you''ve been holding on to someone else''s wife for eighty-two seconds now." Ethan Lu''s aura sent chills down on everyone''s spine.


    Even from the distant of the crowd, they felt the threatening vibe that suddenly dawned on the premises. Laurel Wang''s presence earlier couldn''t even bring this kind of atmosphere around. Yet, because Zack Lee had been holding on to Lexi''s hand for a minute and a few seconds, Ethan Lu seemed he had killed the man inside his mind multiple times.


    "Eighty-three¡ª" Instead of more words, Ethan Lu continued counting. This time, it was not just inside his head but verbally.


    Hisst remark was akin to ast warning as Zack Lee instinctively let Lexi''s hands go. The red rms inside his head rang, warning him to stop going further as he stepped into andmine.


    "Wife?" Despite the sudden rush inside him, Zack Lee only showed a minor difference from his expression earlier.


    "See for yourself." Out of nowhere, Ethan Lu tossed a small red booklet to him ¡ª marriage certificate. "We''ve been married for almost a year." Pulling Lexi to him, Ethan Lu said in a matter-of-fact tone as he scanned Lexi.

 Chapter 596: The compensation

    <h4>596 Thepensation</h4>


    Zack Lee opened the red booklet, and his eyes widened in disbelief. The smile on his lips faded away.


    Meanwhile, everyone processed Ethan Lu''s words. When they snapped, they altered their gazes from Lexi to Ethan Lu.


    "They''ve been married? For almost a year?"


    "What? Howe no one heard it?"


    "Oh, my god..." one after another, the crowd could not help but utter theirments. Considering Ethan Lu and Lexi''s profession, it would be impossible to keep this wedding a secret.


    Even if they consider that the two didn''t hold a grand wedding, someone would still spot the two when they register their marriage. On a second thought, even if someone spotted them with Ethan Lu''s influence, it wasn''t impossible to keep everything private.


    As everyone had their own conclusions, they unconsciously turned to Zack Lee''s unmoving figure. By the looks of it, he finally woke up from the game he thought he''d have fun.


    "Mr. Lee, didn''t I warn you?" Not showing him a bit of sympathy, Ethan Lu glued his eyes on Zack Lee''s figure. "I rarely y games with small winning chances." He added.


    "Wait..." Surprised as well, Diane Huang recalled that Ethan Lu called Lexi his wife days before. However, they took it as him being extra possessive, and Ethan Lu didn''t fully admit it, anyway.


    "Mr. Lu, please let''s not make further trouble anymore ¡ª let it slide for once." Despite knowing that she''d benefit from this game as well, Diane Huang turned soft after hearing the revtion.


    In conclusion, Ethan Lu had already secure his victory from the beginning. He just went to the flow to give everyone''s entertainment ¡ª making them think they were the one ying but Ethan Lu was the one outying them. Before they know it, they were already standing on a hole he had created since the beginning.


    Fortunately, Diane Huang and Benjamin Shao didn''t stand on the wrong side. Or else, they''d lose faces in Diane''s own party.


    Ethan Lu peered at Diane Huang''s solemn front. After a beat, Ethan Lu stretched his lips up. "Of course, Miss Huang. I don''t want to cause you more trouble. Didn''t I tell you I''dpensate you just now?" Ethan Lu said, which made everyone unconsciously heave a sigh of relief.


    The only person who wasn''t relieved to hear his reply was Zack Lee. Rather, he felt humiliated. How could he ept this?


    How could he ept the fact that Ethan Lu crushed his confidence? Not just that but also, Zack Lee''s reputation was now aughingstock in this society he moves in.


    "Mr. Lu,"


    "Zack." Just before Zack Lee could continue further, Diane Huang called him out. Her tone was threatening, silently warning him to shut up.


    "Thank you, Mr. Lu. I''d have to leave you guys for a moment." Returning her gaze back to Ethan Lu and Lexi, Diane Huang slightly bowed her head before takingrge strides towards Zack Lee.


    "Alright, everyone! Let''s all pretend nothing happened!" pping his hands, Benjamin Shao bluntly eximed with a smile. His gaze scanned the people around, as his pair of orbs glinted.


    "Ahh..." Awkwardly chuckling, everyone got Benjamin Shao''s message. He warned them not to mention what happened again. However, how could everyone pretend nothing happened?


    "Mr. and Mrs. Lu, bted congrattions." Benjamin Shao approached the two lover''s figure. "Apologies for not knowing that you two got married. I''ll send my wedding gift the next time." He added as he raised his winess for a toast.


    "It''s fine. We intentionally kept our lives as private as possible." Clicking ss with Benjamin Shao, Ethan Lu answered with a smile.


    Soon, the capable people around them approached them as they deliver their congrattory remarks to their marriage. Al that time, Lexi kept her smile as she epted their best wishes.


    However, aside from ''thank you'' and whatever automatic polite response, Lexi was distant. Of course, Ethan Lu sensed that his wife that she was drawing a line around her.


    Regardless, Ethan Lu was pleased that Lexi realized what kind of people he had to mingle with. None of them were real. Whateverpliments and no matter how good they treated them, it would all change in a heartbeat during hard times.


    Take Laurel Wang and Zack Lee for example. Although Zack Lee''s case was mild, it still offered how terrible this society was.


    "I''ll go to the restroom." Leaning to Ethan Lu''s side, Lexi whispered. Ethan Lu just nodded his head before Lexi excused herself from the rest.


    ncing back at them, Lexi could not help but scoff faintly. Everything seemed to return to normal ¡ª as if Laurel Wang''s nature wasn''t exposed and Zack Lee nearly lose everything.


    ''What a crowd...'' Lexi whispered internally as she headed to the restroom. She was still fortunate that she didn''t grow up having these kinds of environment.


    *****


    Inside the spacious bathroom...


    Lexi headed to the restroom to breathe. The toxicity level inside the event hall was just too overwhelming, it''s suffocating.


    She wanted to go out, but thinking that some reporters slipped inside, she''s afraid they would catch her. Hence, the bathroom was her best option.


    Staring at herself through the mirror, Lexi heaved a heavy sigh. She never hated an event ¡ª today was the first.


    Still, thinking that Laurel Wang would be too busy clearing her name starting tonight, Lexi was still relieved. Now, they didn''t have to bother with Laurel Wang anymore and they could finally focus about hunting down Dn Lu.


    "It''s still not a bad day..." Exhaling a heavy once again, Lexi stretched her lips from ear to ear as she shrugged the negativity that clung to her from the event hall.


    After several seconds, Lexi exited the restroom and was about to return to the event hall. However, on her way, someone covered her mouth and nose by a white cloth.


    "Hmm!!" Lexi struggled, trying to break free. s, it was all for naught. Slowly, her vision blurred, her body weakened as she lost her consciousness.


    ''Ethan...'' his name was thest thought her mind called before everything went ck.

 Chapter 597: My wife is missing

    <h4>597 My wife is missing</h4>


    "Haha," Chuckling at the humor from one of the men, Ethan Lu looked around. It has been a while since Lexi excused herself to use the restroom. However, till now, she hadn''t returned.


    "Master," from the side, Lyrick Jiang approached Ethan Lu as he wore a solemn countenance. Ethan Lu asked him to check on Lexi, but he couldn''t find her.


    "Gentlemen, I''ll have to excuse myself first." After ncing at Lyrick Jiang, Ethan Lu smiled at the men around him as he excused himself. After they nodded in approval, Ethan Lu walked away from them while Lyrick Jiang followed.


    When they were on the corner of the event hall, Ethan Lu stared at Lyrick Jiang sharply. By the look on Lyrick Jiang''s front, Ethan Lu seemed he already understood. However, he still prayed that he was just overthinking.


    "Master, Madam is not in the restroom nor I find her around. I asked our men to search for Madam, but they could not find her." s, despite all Ethan Lu''s silent prayer, Lyrick Jiang reported the very thing they dreaded the most.


    "What did Churu say?" As Ethan Lu realized the situation, he began taking strides out of the event hall. Lyrick Jiang followed from behind.


    "She''s still trying to track Madam''s whereabouts." Low and solemn, Lyrick Jiang gritted his teeth as he tried to keep hisposure.


    On the other hand, every passing second, Ethan Lu''s aura turned colder and darker. His pair of eyes glinted as his jaw tightened.


    "Mr. Lu!" As they headed somewhere, Diane Huang saw Ethan Lu''s figure in the corridor. Hence, she called out as took hurried steps towards them. "Wait¡ª!" Seeing that Ethan Lu and his assistant wasn''t stopping from their tracks, Diane Huang had to jog despite wearing heels.


    "Mr. Lu, I haven''t thank you about earlier." When Diane Huang caught up, she still kept a hurried pace as Ethan Lu''s steps never faltered. "Where are you going?" ncing at Ethan Lu''s broad shoulder, Diane Huang asked out of curiosity.


    "Miss Huang, my wife is missing." Without turning around, Ethan Lu informed. His tone was colder than ever.


    "What?" Surprised by hisst remarks, Diane Huang creased her brows as she studied Ethan Lu''s back. His tone, aura, and demeanor was not something he would fake.


    "We''ll head to the monitor room ¡ª order everyone to stop anyone from entering and leaving the premises." As Ethan Lu ordered, his tracks came into a full halt. Turning to face her, Diane Huang gulped as Ethan Lu''s visage was akin to a demon who''d ready to kill.


    "Miss Huang, this event is under your supervision. If something happened to Lexi, I won''t show mercy to anyone ¡ª even the Huang n, I won''t let you off the hook." Ethan Lu threatened, suffocating Diane Huang with just the aura circling around him.


    In Diane Huang''s perspective, Ethan Lu seemed resolute in killing someone. She didn''t know how Lexi went missing and who abducted her. What Diane Huang was certain was that she must cooperate with Ethan Lu or else, their Huang Family would have a taste of Ethan Lu''s wrath.


    ****


    Inside the monitor room, Ethan Lu and Lyrick Jiang were assisted to review thetv footage. To their dismay, the CCTV outside the restroom Lexi went in was not functioning.


    Therefore, thest footage Lexi was caught in the camera was on the hallway before the restroom. After that, they never saw Lexi again.


    "Stop it." Minutes after Lexi''s went into the restroom, Ethan Lu asked the staff to pause the recording. They''d been rewinding the recording when Lexi went in.


    There were a few guests that went in and out of the hallway of the restroom. However, none of them seemed suspicious, nor they seemed they saw something amiss.


    Regardless, after watching the recording several times, Ethan Lu narrowed his eyes on the janitor that went in before Lexi and then departed the area minutester.


    If Ethan Lu was not considering all possible people as suspects, he might have overlook this cleaner.


    "Can you zoom it in?" He asked, still had his gaze glued on the monitor. He only heard a few clicks before the janitor was on close up.


    The janitor had his head hang low, pushing a tray. Ethan Lu sized the photo up, after a minute of examining the janitor, Ethan Lu gritted his teeth.


    "Ask the manager who is this employee ¡ª or inform everyone not to let anyone out of the premises. He got Lexi." Through his gritted teeth, Ethan Lu wanted to throw a huge fit.


    The reason? Under the tray that the cleaner was pushing, he had a glimpse of the small part of Lexi''s small bag. It was just a small area that was shown ¡ª almost not noticeable. However, Ethan Lu still recognized as Lexi has a habit of leaving marks on her bag.


    It was an odd habit of hers as she would mark it with white regardless of the price of the bag. Who would have thought that it woulde in handy?


    Just as Lyrick Jiang and Diane Huang busied themselves by contacting everyone that could help them. Ethan Lu''s phone rang.


    Without further ado, Ethan Lu picked the call from an unknown number. "Where is she?" The second the line connected, Ethan Lu growled.


    "Hahahaha!" From the other end of the line, Dn Lu''s heartyugh was heard. By the sound of it, it amused him that Ethan Lu guessed right.


    "Chill, my dear cousin." Rxed, Dn Lu advised while Ethan Lu ground his teeth. "Do you want to see your little fox? I''ll give you the address so you can reunite, but in one condition:e alone." From sounding amused to creepy, Dn Lu said before ending the line abruptly.


    "Master," Worried, Lyrick Jiang looked at him as he was waiting for an order.


    "It''s Dn ¡ª he had her." Balling his trembling hands, Ethan Lu nearly broke the phone he was holding.

 Chapter 598: Hello there, my dear cousin.

    <h4>598 Hello there, my dear cousin.</h4>


    Just as Ethan Lu informed Lyrick Jiang, he received a message from his phone. Without further ado, Ethan Lu checked the message containing an address.


    "Master, I''ll order our men ¡ª"


    "I''ll go first." Not wasting a second, Ethan Lu sprinted outside, heading to the location that Dn Lu sent.


    "Master!" Rushing to catch up to him, Lyrick Jiang''s heart raced, sensing the ominous situation they were in.


    They underestimated Dn Lu. They should have been more careful and shouldn''t becent that he wouldn''t make a move in Diane Huang''s event. If they were, Lexi wouldn''t be abducted.


    "Rick, I''ll go first ¡ª I''ll send you the location and follow me. Dn wants me toe alone. I''m sure he''ll know if I went with anyone else." As Ethan Lu sprinted towards the exit, he ordered Lyrick Jiang without pausing.


    Ethan Lu didn''t have time to pause and n. He needed to go to his wife as soon as possible, afraid that Dn Lu would do something to Lexi ¡ª just like what he did to Victoria Tang.


    "Wait for my instructions." Ethan Lu added.


    "Master, here!" because of the adrenaline rush, Lyrick Jiang somehow par Ethan Lu''s speed. He then shoved his spare phone to Ethan Lu. "We''ll keep our distance, master. Please use this phone tomunicate with us." Lyrick Jiang added.


    "Alright," Nodding his head, Ethan Lu continued to head to the parking space while Lyrick Jiang stopped in his tracks.


    Gasping, Lyrick Jiang watched Ethan Lu''s back go farther away from him. After taking several heavy breaths, Lyrick Jiang gulped a mouthful of saliva as he immediately contacted his men.


    He got the gist of what Ethan Lu said. No matter how Lyrick Jiang was against about the idea of Ethan Lu going there alone, they could not possibly neglect Lexi''s safety. Therefore, they have to make Dn Lu think that Ethan Lu came alone.


    "Nico, follow Master''s trail ¡ª make sure no one will notice you." After dialing Nico Zhuang''s and Jarred Guo''s number in a conference call, Lyrick Jiang didn''t have time to give details as he gave them orders.


    "Red, bring all your men to the location I''ll sent you ¡ª make sure they''re armed." Lyrick Jiang eyes glinted as he set hismands. Hisst order surprised none of the two as Nico Zhuang and Jarred Guo treated it as the start of the war.


    After all, they knew Lexi was nowhere to be found. Just that both men knew something huge would happen. Hence, upon hearing Lyrick Jiang''smand, Nico and Jarred understood that someone pushed Ethan Lu to the edge of the cliff.


    Tonight would surely be bloody.


    ****


    "I''m here. Where is she?" Standing outside of an abandon warehouse, Ethan Lu looked around. It took him almost an hour and a half to reach this ce.


    If not for a fact that he drove in at maximum speed, Ethan Lu was certain he''d reach this dested ce longer.


    The entire ce has cameras. Hence, they would know if Ethan Lu broughtpany. s, no one followed Ethan Lu. Even if there were people on standby, Dn Lu would know if someone entered the area.


    Still, even if Ethan Lu''s reinforcement came, they would take at least ten minutes to reach this ce. That ten minutes, Dn Lu could do anything ¡ª even kill Ethan Lu ¡ª before he would flee.


    "Cousin, I never know you''re this foolish. Just for a woman, you''re willing to step into my traps. Tsk tsk," Shaking his head sideways, Dn Lu clicked his tongue before he nodded his head to the man standing next to him.


    Even without words being said, the bulky man nodded his head and left the room. Shortly after, Dn Lu watched his men hound on Ethan Lu through the monitor.


    Not showing a bit of remorse, they covered Ethan Lu''s head as they dragged him inside after beating him badly. Dn Lu watched them with an entertained countenance.


    Even if he didn''t beat Ethan Lu himself, Dn Lu was still satisfied that his men did. "Huh... I''ll give you your most painful end." With a sneer, Dn Lu stood from his seat as he headed out to wee his foolish cousin.


    ****


    "My, my, how can they beat you so badly?" Staring at Ethan Lu''s figure from his covered head to his feet with one missing shoe, Dn Lu devilishly smirked.


    The ever dashing and properly dressed Ethan Lu was now filled with dirt and haggard. His expensive clothes was disheveled with a speck of blood all over him.


    "Hahahaha!" The more he stared at the pitiful state of the ever intimidating Ethan Lu, Dn Lu could not help but burst out inughter. "Do you really think your pretty little Lexi is here?" Holding on to his stomach, Dn Luughed to his heart''s content.


    Even if the entire world ends, Dn Lu would never let them reunite again. Hence, he sent Lexi somewhere else while pretending that he had Lexi in this ce.


    Who would have thought that Ethan Lu would fall for this basic dramatic scheme? Just thinking of Ethan Lu''s frightened expression, Dn Lu felt excited.


    "Remove that thing on his head." Jerking his chin to one of his men, Dn Lumanded. Without a second dy, the man standing near where Ethan Lu perched pulled the bag they ced in his head.


    "Say, cousin..." slowly, Dn Lu took strides towards the weak figure sitting on the chair. Pulling his hair up, Dn Lu smirked. s, it immediately vanished as soon as it appeared on his lips.


    "You... why are you here?" Dn Lu''s eyes slowly widened upon seeing the person. It wasn''t Ethan Lu ¡ª it was someone else; it was the person he hired to seduce Laurel Wang.


    Since he had his head hang low while he was standing outside, Dn Lu didn''t get a clear view of his face. However, just by his physical build and clothes that matched Ethan Lu, Dn Lu didn''t question him.


    Just then, Dn Lu heard a click of a gun which made him jolt and turn around. Some men he hired had their guns on him and a few to his men. "What are you doing?!"


    "Waiting for my signal before they pull the trigger ¡ª that''s what they were doing." Out of nowhere, Louis Lu''s chilly voice assailed his ears as he entered the scenenguidly.


    When Dn Lu set his eyes on Louis Lu, his eyes widened even more that he took a frightened step back. "You..."


    "Hello there, my dear cousin. You don''t look happy to see me, unlike your reunion with that man." The side of Louis Lu''s lips stretched into a smirk as an ominous glint shed across his pair of sharp eyes.

 Chapter 599: Your life

    <h4>599 Your life</h4>


    Meanwhile...


    "Just for a woman, you''re willing to step into my traps. Tsk tsk..." After hearing Dn Lu''s ridiculing note, the call ended.


    "Of course..." Under his breath, Ethan Lu muttered as he lifted his gaze at the abandoned warehouse before him.


    Earlier, just as he was rushing to the location Dn Lu sent, Ethan Lu received a call from Louis Lu. To his surprised, Louis Lu informed him that Lincoln Lu was on the move.


    *****


    [What transpired an hour and a half ago.]


    Driving towards the location, Ethan Lu''s phone rang. Answering despite not checking who it might be, Louis Lu''s voice came from the earpiece.


    "Did something happen?" Without further ado, Louis Lu asked to confirm. After all, he was still unsure if his father''s movements tonight involved Ethan Lu.


    "Dn kidnapped Lexi ¡ª I''ll kill him myself." Not surprised that Louis Lu was asking such a question, Ethan Lu''s grip on the steering wheel tightened.


    He had been relying on thew and abiding it. Despite what dangers Dn Lu could bring, Ethan Lu didn''t want his kids to have a murderer as a father. Therefore, he tried his best to keep everything legal.


    However, right at this moment, Ethan Lu could not care less anymore. If Dn Lu harmed Lexi... God forbid, he would kill someone tonight.


    "My father has unusual activities tonight ¡ª head to the location I sent instead. It is most likely that those two had been working together. Dn wouldn''t allow you to save your wife, that maniac just wants to kill you." Louis Lu paused, as an unreadable glint shed across his eyes. "I''ll go to Dn''s... we still have something to settle."


    "Alright, thank you." Ethan Lu didn''t question anymore as he trusted Louis Lu''s deduction. After saying his piece, the call ended and immediately, his phone showed a map to a certain location.


    Ethan Lu then called Lyrick Jiang and informed him about the change of their destination.


    ****


    [Present Time]


    "Master, this ce is unusually unsecured ¡ª our men checked the surroundings, but no one is around." Walking up to Ethan Lu, Lyrick Jiang reported.


    "I told you ¡ª no one is around." Churu chimed in, staring straight at the abandoned warehouse. "Everyone is inside." She solemnly informed.


    Churu has never felt this unsettled for a long time. She has never smelled someone so familiarly dangerous that deserved to be a legend in hell.


    Knowing that the people inside the deste establishment were enemies, Churu expected for the worst. "Ethan, bring all your elite men inside ¡ª someone will die and that shouldn''t be you or Lexi." She advised.


    Lyrick Jiang nced at Churu''s solemn side profile before he pressed his earpiece andmanded all elites shadow guards to be vignt and remain close to them.


    Blood would shed and he needed to make sure it wouldn''t be him or Lexi. Therefore, for the first time in his life, he held on to his weapon with an intent to kill.


    ****


    Ethan Lu and his group vigntly entered the premises. However, as soon as they entered, Lincoln Lu was sitting crossed leg on a chair in the middle of the abandoned warehouse.


    By the looks of it, he had expected Ethan Lu''s visit. Yet, there was no sign of fear in him.


    "Master, what a surprise to have you in here!" Lincoln Lu''s wordsced with malice as he weed Ethan Lu and hispany.


    Ethan Lu set his eyes on Lincoln Lu''s sneering front before his eyes shifted back to what surprised him ¡ª and everyone else ¡ª upon their arrival.


    There, not far away from Lincoln Lu, Lexi was tied up while unconscious. The most dreading part was, they tied a bomb around her. Hence, Ethan Lu and his men could only aim their muzzle at the rxed Lincoln Lu.


    "You..." Suppressing his raging temper, Ethan Lu ground his teeth as he red daggers at Lincoln Lu.


    Just at the sight of Lexi, those bombs around her, Ethan Lu was tempted to shoot Lincoln Lu to death. However, he couldn''t ¡ª afraid that his wife would blow into pieces.


    "Master, please rx. Mrs. Lu will not blow up anytime soon... at least, for the next ten minutes." Lincoln Lu checked his wristwatch as he informed Ethan Lu about Lexi''s nearing end.


    "Take that away from her now!" Desperate, Ethan Lu raised his pistol and aimed it at Lincoln Lu.


    "I''m afraid I can''t. Also, please be careful with your toys ¡ª you might kill your wife if you pull the trigger identally." Raising both his hands, Lincoln Lu warned indifferently.


    Meaning to say, if Lincoln Lu died, Lexi would suddenly blow up as well. Just this, Lincoln Lu sessfully put a leash around Ethan Lu''s neck.


    "What do you want?" Slowly, Ethan Lu put his gun down while his fist was trembling out of overwhelming fury and fear.


    He couldn''t risk anything if Lexi is on the line; Churu as well. She couldn''t do anything reckless because she doesn''t know how to disarm a bomb.


    Sure, Churu could appear in front of Lincoln Lu and intimidate him. However, Churu wasn''t a fool as she was well-versed that once Lincoln Lu dropped dead, not just Lexi but everyone inside would die because of the explosion.


    "Do you want all my shares? Sure, you can have it all. Just ¡ª just leave Lexi out of this." Through his gritted teeth, Ethan Lu''s chest heaved up and down heavily.


    Despite the anger in his heart, he couldn''t let his emotion take control over him. Even if he had to kneel down ¡ª kowtow, even ¡ª Ethan Lu would do it.


    "My nephew, do you think that''s enough?" Chuckling at the vulnerable Ethan Lu, Lincoln Lu shook his head sideways. "What do you think I want?" His lips stretched from ear to ear, creating a chilling grin stered on his face.


    "Your life." Lincoln Lu added, leaving the whole surroundings in an utter silence.

 Chapter 600: Please not my wife

    <h4>600 Please not my wife</h4>


    "Your life." With a smiling face, Lincoln Lu said. "What do you think Edward''s face will make after knowing his beloved family dies one after another?" Chuckling, Lincoln Lu joggled his head as Edward Lu''s horrified images shed across his mind.


    "Lincoln Lu...!" Through his gritted teeth, Ethan Lu''s voice thundered. "What an ungrateful person." He spat out of disgust. Yet, Lincoln Lu wasn''t affected of the hate ¡ª not a tiny bit.


    "Ungrateful? Say, my nephew, why should I be grateful to your grandfather?" Seemingly confused, Lincoln Lu tilted his head to the side. "Uncle Ed snatched the power that should be my father''s ¡ª that should be mine! Do you know what he had done to have that chairman title? You young ones are clueless." Clicking his tongue, Lincoln Lu let out another wave of chuckle as he sees Ethan Lu and his son. Louis Lu colluded against him like fools.


    Ethan Lu''s fist trembled as he tightened his grip even more. All he could do was watch Lincoln Lunguidly sit on that chair as he chuckled and throw threats from time to time.


    "Actually, you should be the one thanking me! You can finally rest while I handle your beloved Lu Corporation ¡ª I can also take care of your grandfather." In a matter-of-fact tone, Lincoln Lu slowly stood from his seat. "I''ll take care of him just like how he took care of my father ¡ª isn''t that a good deal?" Lincoln Lu raised both his hands ¡ª shoulder level ¡ª as heid his palms open.


    "Aya! It''s been an entertaining life. Uncle Ed''s beloved family turning their backs at each other and pointing their guns at each other ¡ª there''s no greater pleasure than watching you all kill each other!" Lincoln Lu let out another batch ofughter as his expression brightened.


    Just like Lincoln Lu, Edward Lu had been watching Ethan Lu, Dennis Lu, and Dn Lu fight each other. Lincoln Lu was certain that Edward Lu wanted his beloved family to stick together ¡ª never betray one another.


    However, that was impossible as Lincoln Lu had been poisoning Dn Lu''s mind. Meanwhile, he schemed behind everyone''s back and made sure all the scheme would point at Dennis Lu.


    The only problem Lincoln Lu overlooked was that Ethan Lu had been turning a blind eye on the evidences. No matter how strong the hint Lincoln Lu purposely left, Ethan Lu didn''t take action to apprehend Dennis Lu.


    How nice would it be if Dennis Lu would hate Ethan Lu to death? Regardless, since that was already said and done, what''s important was that he cornered Ethan Lu, anyway.


    "Thanks to my foolish son, he led you to your death! Does he think I didn''t know he''s keeping a good eye on me?" Giving credit to his son, Lincoln Lu strode to the unconscious Lexi.


    "Don''t touch her!" As Lincoln Lu approached Lexi''s figure, Ethan Lu warned as he took a step forward.


    "Since we still have six minutes to waste ¡ª let me show you how the Lu family torment the sinners." Slowly, the smirk on Lincoln Lu''s lips turned into a maniac grin as a glint shed across his eyes. "How about you watch my men feast on your wife? Good timing, all your men is with you! We can showcase what her body could offer!"


    "Shut up!" Ethan Lu''s eyes widened and sharpened at the same time. "Touch even a single strand of her hair ¡ª I''ll kill you." He threatened as he raised his pistol again.


    If not for a fact that they wrapped a bomb around Lexi''s body, he would have pulled the trigger without a second hesitation. However, he couldn''t do anything ¡ª aside from throwing threats ¡ª because in one wrong move, he might lose his wife forever.


    "Hahahaha!" Satisfied at the enrage sight of Ethan Lu, Lincoln Lu snorted. Ethan Lu was fuming yet, he was also restraining himself. Just this alone, Lincoln Lu felt powerful while Ethan Lu was powerless before him.


    "Men, strip her!" As Lincoln Lu wiped the tears on the corner of his eyes, he ordered in a heartbeat. After he uttered those words, the men standing on the side headed to Lexi.


    "Stop!" Seeing the men approach his vulnerable wife, Ethan Lu shouted at the top of his lungs but to no avail. "I said stop! Don''t touch my wife!"


    After Ethan Lu''sst shout, the men stopped. However, it was not because of hismand but because Lincoln Lu gestured them to stop.


    "On a second thought, maybe I can reconsider if you kneel and plead." Amused at the desperate Ethan Lu, Lincoln Lu suggested.


    Upon hearing his suggestions, all Ethan Lu''s men clenched their teeth as their already balled fist shuddered. To them, Lincoln Lu was a coward ¡ª using Lexi to fight Ethan Lu.


    Yet, they could do nothing. They could only re at Lincoln Lu and think of ways to save Lexi. But, no matter how they rack their brains, they couldn''t think of ways to secure Lexi with all those bombs around her.


    "Can you do ¡ª " Just as Lincoln Lu could tease him, Ethan Lu''s knees crashed to the concrete ground.


    "Please, not my wife. Just kill me ¡ª let her go." As Ethan Lu''s forehead touched the ground, he pleaded. "Take whatever you want from me, just not her... please." Ethan Lu gulped down all his pride as he pleaded for his wife''s life.


    "Master..." Feeling helpless, Lyrick Jiang bit his lower lip as hard as he could. If only he could, he would offer his life to Lexi and Ethan Lu''s safety. s, his life was valueless in Lincoln Lu''s eyes.


    After all, what the man wanted was to make Edward Lu''s life miserable.


    "Ethan..." Staring down at Ethan Lu''s figure, Churu''s jaw tightened as she cast her sharp gaze back to Lincoln Lu.


    Meanwhile, Lexi''s eyes beneath her closed lids flickered as her brows creased. Slowly, she tried to open her eyes in great difficulty.


    As soon as Lexi''s vision cleared, Ethan Lu''s kowtowing figure was the first thing she saw. "Ethan...?" Her voice was hoarse and weak yet, her heart raced after a second.

 Chapter 601: BANG!

    <h4>601 BANG!</h4>


    Lexi blinked her eyes several times despite her dizziness. As she tried to move, she realized her movements were limited.


    rmed, Lexi gazed on her body, and her eyes widened in shock. What''s on her, it was undoubtedly a bomb! "Ethan!" Out of instinct, Lexi panicked as she called her husband''s name.


    However, as she set her shaking eyes on Ethan Lu, herplexion turned paler. Shifting her gaze to the figure near her, Lincoln Lu smirked at her that sent a chill down her spine.


    "Hahahaha!" Seeing Lexi''s terrified expression and Ethan Lu''s kowtowing, Lincoln Lu''s happiness reached its peak. "What a rare sight to see!" pping his hands, Lincoln Lu''sughter resonated across the whole abandoned warehouse.


    "Alright... since my nephew is obedient, I''ll scratch the idea of tormenting you further." Lincoln Lu wiped the tears on the side of his eyes as he rposed himself.


    Slowly, Lincoln Lu strode towards Ethan Lu. As he approached, he nced at the men vigntly standing behind Ethan Lu. However, despite their numbers and intimidating res, that didn''t stop Lincoln Lu from approaching the kowtowing Ethan Lu.


    "Master, since you''re obedient I''ll tell you something interesting..." When Lincoln Lu stopped in front of Ethan Lu''s figure, he slowly raised his foot and stepped on the back of Ethan Lu''s head.


    "You!" Speechless by the humiliation Lincoln Lu causing his master, Lyrick Jiang ground his teeth as his gaze already pierced Lincoln Lu''s heart.


    In Lyrick Jiang''s mind, he had killed Lincoln Lu many times. If only he could...


    Not just Lyrick Jiang, but also Jarred Guo and Nico Zhuang were trembling in anger. How dare this coward do this to their master? The two were ready to take the man down if they saw an opening.


    "Churu..." On the other hand, Churu heard Ethan Lu''s voice inside her head.


    "I know." Whispering her reply, Churu slowly faded into the crowd, making sure she''d leave unnoticed.


    Within the next second, Churu appeared near Lexi, taking down a few men around Lexi. None realized what had done when they heard the thudding noise of bodies crashing down to the ground. When everyone turned their gaze in the direction of Lexi, the rope and tapes that were wrapped around Lexi were already gone.


    Lincoln Lu''s eyes widened as he saw his men on the ground while the young Lady was holding on the bomb far from the corner. Everything happened in a split second, which caught everyone off guard.


    Still, as soon as Jarred Guo and Nico Zhuang saw Lexi out of harm''s way, they hound on Lincoln Lu. They pinned him down, as harsh as possible.


    "Argh!" Wincing in pain as two men pinned him down, Lincoln Lu gritted his teeth.


    Meanwhile, Ethan Lu slowly raised his head up. His forehead had a bit of blood trickling down on him due to the pressure Lincoln Lu did when he stepped on the back of his head.


    Looking down at the pinned down Lincoln Lu, Ethan Lu''s eyes bore no human emotions. Just a nce with the pair of his ck orbs, one could feel the killing intent glinting across it.


    "Lincoln Lu, I let all your ploy slid in the past... but this time, I can''t." Slowly, Ethan Lu pointed his pistol''s muzzle to Lincoln Lu''s head. His forefinger positioned on the trigger as he slowly pulled it.


    "Ethan!" Although Lexi was still in the process of understanding what was going on, the killing intent she sensed from her husband was too overwhelming.


    In her perspective, Ethan Lu was not hesitating to pull the trigger. He would kill him ¡ª he''d kill Lincoln Lu!


    "Please don''t!" Through her shaking voice, Lexi shook her head as terrified tears fell from the side of her eyes.


    Call her naive and foolish, but Lexi''sst wish was her husband killing someone. It was not like she''d change her view towards her husband or anything of that sort. It was the fact that Lexi knew he would never be the same ¡ª deep down; she knew that.


    Moreover, they''d been abiding by thew of the government and God. They were not religious people, but all their efforts in trusting the justice system would all be for naught if Ethan Lu ended up taking justice in his hands.


    "Hahahaha! Why did you stop, master?" When Ethan Lu heard Lexi''s terrified yet trying to be brave voice, he stopped from pulling the trigger. However, at the same time, Lincoln Lu''s maniac and taunting words assailed everyone''s ears.


    "Tie him up ¡ª Rick, surrender him to our reinforcement when they came." Ignoring Lincoln Lu''s mocking remarks, Ethan Lu closed his eyes as he heaved a heavy breath.


    "Yes," When Lyrick Jiang bowed his head, Ethan Lu lowered his gun as he turned to look at Lexi''s pitiful figure.


    The instant his eyes set on Lexi''s tearing eyes, Ethan Lu''s gaze softened. The killing intent in it vanished as if it weren''t there in the first ce.


    "Ethan..." Sobbing, Lexi''s emotion were overwhelming her, making her body unable to move an inch. She was too terrified, her body could only shudder even if she tried to stand up.


    Lexi had never been in such a scary situation. Although she expected the worse before marrying Ethan Lu, the actual situation was way differentpare to what she imagined.


    Therefore, even though Lexi had taken up training for basic self-defense, she couldn''t use it in real-life situation. Especially in this kind of situation.


    "Hahahaha! Master, did you really think you''d bring me down just like that?" When Ethan Lu took a step forward, he stopped as Lincoln Lu hystericallyughed.


    The next second, Ethan Lu spotted a red dot on Lexi''s forehead; he couldn''t move an inch upon seeing that.


    "Do you think I don''t have a different ns to bring you misery? Master, let''s all die!" As soon as Lincoln Lu eximed, everyone heard a loud, resounding BANG!

 Chapter 602: Woah! Chill, man!

    <h4>602 Woah! Chill, man!</h4>


    BANG!


    Time stopped, emotions rode in a roller coaster ride in a rapid motion. Everyone''s muscle stiffened, restraining everyone to move an inch.


    Lexi''s shut eyes slowly opened, her gaze moved up in a snail pace at the shadow shading her. As soon as Lexi met those relieved pair of argent eyes, tears fell from the corner of her eyes.


    "Thank God... you''re safe." Soft and relief, Churu smiled seeing that she blocked the bullet in time. The next second, a writhing pain as the bullet that prated her flesh electrified her nerves.


    "Churu!" Lexi shouted as Churu crashed to the floor. Crawling towards her, Lexi''s trembling hands held of Churu''s frail body.


    Blood tainted Lexi''s hand as crimson red liquid gushed out from Churu''s back. "No, no, please Churu!" Sobbing her heart out, Lexi''s whole body trembled.


    Unbeknownst to her, the red dot on Lexi''s head was still on her. s, she could not care less about her safety anymore as Churu was literally bleeding before her.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu''s heart pounded with what transpired before him. Whenever Churu move, he could barely guess what she had done.


    However, this time, he witnessed how Churu sprinted from the corner and appeared in front of Lexi. Just in time as the bullet came close to Lexi.


    The next thing he saw, Churu''s back was bleeding in an abnormal pace ¡ª he felt the same pain in his back yet, it was a bearable pain as if Churu was taking all the pain to herself.


    "Hahahaha! Don''t worry, Mrs. Lu. You''ll going to die, anyway. That little bodyguard just went first!" Surprised that Churu suddenly appeared in front of Lexi, Lincoln Lu didn''t have the leisure to dwell on it.


    After all, he had skilled men from a distance that were on standby. Hence, whoever shield Lexi and Ethan, they''d only ended up dead until there was no other to protect his targets.


    "You!" Meanwhile, Nico Zhuang finally snapped. Without a second hesitation, he pulled Lincoln Lu''s head and mmed it to the concrete ground.


    His violent reaction caused Lincoln Lu to break a few of his teeth. "I''ll kill you myself before you kill everyone." Through his gritted teeth, Nico Zhuang pulled Lincoln Lu''s hair again and mmed it to the ground again.


    Every mmed Nico Zhuang did, Lincoln Lu heard his nose cracked, his teeth breaking one after another as blood soon covered his face. Lincoln Lu didn''t have the time to retaliate as Nico Zhuang didn''t give him the chance.


    It was the first time the inexpressive Nico Zhuang showed anger to someone. Not to mention, his action in dealing with it was something they shouldn''t be surprised ¡ª but they were.


    "Nico..." Ethan Lu muttered, stopping Nico Zhuang before Lincoln Lu''s skull break into pieces.


    Lincoln Lu then lifted his finger that only Nico Zhuang and Ethan Lu noticed. Immediately, Nico Zhuang looked at Churu''s figure.


    PANG!


    The next second, just as everyone thought Lexi was done for, the bullet missed her by the skin of her teeth. Instead of Lexi''s head, the bullet prated the ground near her. Still, it made Lexi jolt while protecting Churu.


    ''It missed?'' To Lincoln Lu''s surprise, he was confident his men were skilled enough not to miss their targets.


    "What the f*ck are you doing, man?" Out of nowhere, everyone heard an annoyed female voice from above.


    Unconsciously, everyone, even Lincoln Lu, looked up. There, in the rusting railings of the abandoned warehouse, Seraphina Yue wasnguidly sitting there while her foot swing back and forth.


    "You...!" Just hearing her familiar voice, and confirming it was her, Lincoln Lu''splexion paled as fear suddenly crept out of his countenance.


    Even before numerous guns from Ethan Lu''s men, Lincoln Lu''sposure didn''t break. However, a glimpse of the woman above them, his body instinctively shuddered.


    "Yah yah! My baby doll was freaking shot! She''s dying ¡ª what the f*ck?!" Agitated on the person from the other end of the line, Seraphina Yue cursed repeatedly.


    Sensing that gazes from below were on her, she looked down. "Oh..." Upon realizing that she spoke too loud, she blinked her eyes many times ¡ª as if pondering about something.


    "Please pretend you didn''t see me ¡ª no one can see an angel, hehehe." Soon, they finally knew what she was thinking as she asked them a favor.


    Well, she didn''t n to make herself known tonight. She was just there because Louis Lu asked him a favor of making sure Ethan Lu and Lexi wouldn''t die in the hands of Lincoln Lu.


    However, when Churu was shot after doing something interesting, Seraphina Yue could not help but curse her subordinates that should stop all snipers in the area.


    "Why are you here?!" Despite his trembling voice, Lincoln Lu spat out.


    On the other hand, Ethan Lu was baffled at the woman''s presence as well. However, he didn''t dwell on it as he rushed to Lexi and Churu.


    "Bastard! So you sided with that damn Ethan?!" Lincoln Lu growled, struggling to break free from the men pinning him down.


    If Lincoln Lu''s hate towards Ethan Lu was considered too much ¡ª it was evident that he hated the woman even more. No one knew why, but it was clear as the day that he had deep grudges towards the woman.


    "Woah! Chill, man! You barely have teeth ¡ª don''t talk anymore, it''s unsightly!" Ignoring the hate from Lincoln Lu, Seraphina Yue''s face distorted in disgust.


    She could not stand the look of Lincoln Lu''s mangled and bloodied mouth with those few teeth intact.


    "I''m not choosing any side, alright? I''m just doing your son a favor to clear my debts! Also, why would I side with you? You hate me!" Seraphina rolled her eyes as she spouted in a matter-of-fact tone.


    Just then, the entrance of the warehouse bust opened. "Lincoln Lu!" As soon as it opened, Edward Lu''s thunderous voice resonated across each corner of the establishment.

 Chapter 603: Never to you

    <h4>603 Never to you</h4>


    Edward Lu intruded the warehouse, assisted by his cane and a cluster of men behind. Upon seeing his elderly figure approaching, Lincoln Lu gritted his teeth as hard as he could.


    "Uncle Ed, hah!" As soon as Edward Lu''s figure came close, Lincoln Lu spatced with deep grudge he held for the longest time.


    "Lin, how dare you pull this scheme to your kin?!" Looking down on Lincoln Lu, Edward Lu''s wrinkled hand pounded the bottom of his cane against the concrete ground.


    "Dare? Why not? If you can, why can''t I?!" Lincoln Lu scoffed at the most hypocritical statement he ever heard today. He tried to struggle from the two men that were pinning him down, but to no avail.


    "You!" Edward Lu''s entire body trembled, enrage about the response he heard. If only Lincoln Lu wasn''t pinned down, he would have pped his soul out of him.


    How can Lincoln Lu, his nephew, be so foolish?


    "Just to get the most power in our Lu Family, you killed my father and poisoned my mother''s mind. Now, you got the guts to act righteous in front of me? Don''t make meugh, Edward Lu! I''ll kill you and everyone you care about!" Pleased that Edward Lu was trembling in anger, Lincoln Lu spouted to enrage him even more. Perhaps this simple method would actually kill Edward Lu ¡ª kill him in anger.


    "Do you think Eric''s condition and Christina''s deaths were idents? Hahaha!" A maniacugh escaped Lincoln Lu''s mouth as he confessed. "Don''t you think the incidents were familiar? Too familiar because I only imitated what you did in the past."


    "You...!" Ethan Lu who was hearing his confession, his jaw tightened. Deep down, Ethan Lu knew that someone was behind in his father''s ident. No matter how many secret investigations he did, he would often end to a dead end.


    However, gaining the knowledge that Lincoln Lu has something to do with his mother''s suicide, another wave of emotion surged inside his heart. Ethan Lu, though hated his mother for attempting to kill him in his young age, Christina was still and would always be his birth mother.


    "That''s right! I was the one who caused Eric''s ident and vited Christina whenever I feel like it!" Catching Ethan Lu''s figure in his peripheral vision, Lincoln Lu ridiculed. "I wonder how the poor Christina felt being hated by her precious son even after she died protecting you!" Thinking of a scenario from way back, Lincoln Lu heartilyughed showing his missing teeth.


    For a moment, aside from Lincoln Lu''s hystericalughs, none of them talked. There was only nothing but dreading silence around.


    "Nico, Red, let him go..." Slowly, Ethan Lu raised his head, his eyes were nk ¡ª making anyone who sees it wonder what lies within those nk eyes.


    "Ethan..." Meanwhile, Lexi followed Ethan Lu''s figure as he rose from her side and strode towards Lincoln Lu.


    "Ethan," When Ethan Lu arrived at Lincoln Lu''s side, Edward Lu solemnly called yet his grandson didn''t stop in his tracks.


    Without further ado, Ethan Lu grabbed Lincoln Lu by the cor and punch him with all his might. His assault caused Lincoln Lu to spit blood, yet no one dared to stop Ethan Lu.


    In their perspective, Ethan Lu was mad about knowing the new information about his parents. After all, he had a tough childhood just because they saw him as the ''beloved'' grandson of Edward Lu.


    All these times, most of the people present knew that Eric Lu''s ident was just his terrible luck. On the other hand, Christina''s suicide was because she has a weak mentality. Therefore, after Lincoln Lu confessed for these crimes, they could not expect Ethan Lu to show him mercy.


    Ethan Lu was the person who suffered from all these. Not Edward Lu nor Lincoln Lu ¡ª it was Ethan who was the victim of Lincoln Lu''s revenge.


    "Child, calm down." One after another, Ethan Lu attacked Lincoln Lu without a pause. If he beat him more, Lincoln Lu might die in Ethan Lu''s hands. Thus, Edward Lu tried to calm him down but to no avail.


    Ethan Lu then pulled Lincoln Lu up by his cor with both his hands. "Haven''t you consider that Grandpa already knew what you''ve done?!" Through his gritted teeth, Ethan Lu shouted right in front of the Lincoln Lu''s mangled face.


    Upon hearing Ethan Lu''s remark, it surprised Edward Lu. He locked his widened eyes to Ethan Lu''s figure, unable to say a word.


    Meanwhile, Lincoln Lu whose wits were barely intact weakly blinked his eyes to clear his already blurry vision. Despite being in a pitiful state, Lincoln Lu could still hear Ethan Lu''s words loud and clear.


    "Ethan, you..." Edward Lu murmured and his words trailed off when Ethan Lu spoke again.


    "I know ¡ª deep down, I knew all along that Grandpa knew who was behind my father''s ident and the reason of my mother''s suicide." Ethan Lu''s grip on Lincoln Lu''s cor tightened as a glint flickered across his pair of dark orbs.


    "I also know that your father abused your mother... leading to your father''s death. Yes, your father died in your mother''s hands ¡ª not in Grandpa''s." Revealing this secret Ethan Lu had known for the longest time, everyone ¡ª including Edward Lu ¡ª were shocked to hear iting from his mouth.


    "Uncle Lin, it is true that Grandpa has been cruel... but never to you. Even if he had the capability to apprehend you for harming my parents, even if he could find justice for me ¡ª he never did." Ethan Lu''s fist trembled along with his shoulders. He was tempted to punch some senses into Lincoln Lu more, but his body had already received overwhelming jabs.


    "He was only cruel to everyone but never to you ¡ª you''re foolish to think that you''ve been aggravated on the things you know little about." With that said piece, Ethan Lu tossed Lincoln Lu down.

 Chapter 604: Thank you...

    <h4>604 Thank you...</h4>


    "Lies..." Due to the injuries Lincoln Lu inflicted, his rebut trailed off as he finally lost his consciousness.


    Before hepletely lost his consciousness, his mind shed images of the past: Edward Lu''s smiling gently that he used to despise, memories with histe mother and the words, "your Uncle Ed is my savior ¡ª never hold a grudge to a good man."


    For several seconds after Lincoln Lu was knocked out by Ethan Lu, none of them could say a single word. What transpired tonight, the roller coaster of emotions that took ced, it was just too much to process in one go.


    If they were not in there, they would not believe that this happened. Yet, at the end of the day, they could finally sigh in relief as it finally ended.


    When everyone recovered from what happened, Edward Lu''s men carried Lincoln Lu''s body to the ambnce outside the abandoned warehouse ¡ª Churu as well.


    Lexi searched for the person who gave Churu the first aid. But, since her focus was diverted to her husband''s confrontation with Lincoln Lu, she didn''t notice him leaving.


    Looking up, Seraphina Yue was also gone. It was as if she wasn''t in there in the first ce. However, none of them have the leisure to find the woman whoes and go without a trace.


    Therefore, Lexi and Ethan Lu could only thank the said woman in their hearts while they rushed Churu to the hospital.


    ****


    Outside the emergency room where Churu was being operated, Ethan Lu ced his zer over Lexi''s shoulder.


    "Ethan..." Turning her gaze to her side, the built up tears that were tempting to fall since earlier fell from the corner of Lexi''s eyes. Lexi was anxious, afraid that something might happen to Churu.


    Lexi was unsure if a normal surgery would work on Churu. After all, Churu wasn''t a normal human ¡ª she''s a fallen angel. Hence,?would a technology in this age could save an angel?


    The uncertainties of not knowing the oue, the anxiety of Churu''s safety, and the fear of losing someone dear to her, Lexi''s heart was pounding nonstop.


    "She''ll be fine ¡ª I know because my heart says so." Although Lexi only whispered his name, Ethan Lu had guessed what''s her worries. "I''m sorry you have to go through this." Wiping her tears, Ethan Lu''s eyes softened as a hurt glint shed across his eyes.


    Ethan Lu was even ashamed to ask his wife if she was fine because obviously, she wasn''t. Not just that, but also, Lexi nearly died right in front of him. If not for Churu, he would have lost his wife forever.


    The fact that if he didn''t have Churu with him, Ethan Lu would have caused his wife''s death due to his indecisiveness. In his perspective, Ethan Lu failed his wife. He failed the twins and Churu.


    Therefore, he felt ashamed just by staring at her straight in the eye, sitting beside her, and even trying tofort her. He has no right... was what he thought.


    "I''m sorry..." Despite that he was trying to soundposed, Ethan Lu''s voice still cracked midway.


    Lexi slightly bit her bottom lip as she stared back at him. She could feel the pain, regret, and sincere emotions thatced in his words.


    They were husband and wife, partners for life, and consider as one. Therefore, Lexi knew the pain of regret and fear Ethan Lu had in his heart.


    Stretching her hands to his, Lexi''s lips tilted a little upward. She shook her head as she cupped his cheek by her palm. "I know you did what you think is best and gave your all to protect me. Thank you."


    "It''s not your fault that we wanted to keep our principles while facing a dilemma. Ethan, you''re the most amazing person I have ever known and I''m grateful that you''re my husband and the father of my children." Squeezing his hand tightly, Lexi''s meek smile grew a little wider as she tried to cheer him up.


    "Thank you and I love you." As Ethan Lu listened to his wife''s gentle and heartwarming words, a tear he didn''t know was there fell.


    After one drop, tears continued to stain his cheek as he silently broke down while holding Lexi''s hand on his face. Lexi never witness him break down, but today was an exception.


    Yet, Lexi didn''t speak another word as she rubbed his slightly drenched back in a gentle manner. She didn''t need to ask why he was emotional, after all, Lexi had known a few of his husband''s secret.


    First, Ethan Lu was well-aware of what happened to his parents. Lexi didn''t know when he learned about it.


    Second, Ethan Lu, regardless of what circumstances he was in,?he would always be the man whom Lexi fell in love with. As far as he could, he would fight fair and square ¡ª even if his enemies used underhanded tricks ¡ª he would fight in a way that would uphold his principles.


    Andstly, Lexi confirmed that in spite of what happened, Ethan Lu would never turn his back on his family. It may be foolish of him and he might not say it, but Ethan Lu had soft spots for his kin.


    "Thank you..." In between his muffled sobs, Ethan Lu muttered as he tightened his grip on his wife.


    Right now, he was barely standing. If not for having a strong pir as a support, Ethan Lu would have disregarded a lot of things he upheld all his life tonight.


    Still, despite that he regret for being indecisive, his wife could read and understand him more than he understood himself. Even the word thank you was not enough to thank Lexi for staying strong despite what she had gone through.

 Chapter 605: You may now kiss the bride

    <h4>605 You may now kiss the bride</h4>


    Momentster, the red light above the door of the surgery room went off. Lexi and Ethan who were having a moment of rest from the traumatizing night snapped as the two turned their heads to the door sliding open.


    When they saw someonee out, Ethan Lu jerked up from his seat and glided towards the doctoring out. Bearing an expectant eyes, Ethan Lu raised his brows as he wiped the remaining tears on the corner of his eyes.


    "How was the operation?" Ethan Lu asked. Meanwhile, Lexi slowly stood from her seat as she approached the doctor.


    The doctor let out a heavy sigh as he removed his surgical cap. Raising his gaze to the two anticipating pair of eyes, another sigh escaped from his mouth.


    "The operation is a sess ¡ª the patient is out of harm''s danger." The corner of his lips slowly curled up upon rying the good news.


    "Thank God..." As if a painful torn was pluck out from Lexi''s chest, she could finally sigh in relief ¡ª same with Ethan Lu.


    "The first aid that was done to her helped greatly. We will transfer the patient to a regr ward. Please ease your mind."


    "Thank you. Really, thank you." Grateful for the doctor''s efforts, Ethan Lu bowed his head courtly. Words weren''t enough to express how grateful he was for saving Churu.


    The doctor bowed his head as well before he left the couple. When he left, Lexi suddenly jumped on Ethan Lu, wrapped her arms around his waist.


    "I''m so d..." Through a whisper, Lexi could not help her tears from falling again.


    "Me too..." Slowly, Ethan Lu hugged her back and rubbed Lexi''s back. "I haven''t thanked her enough and supplied her more skincare products." Ethan Lu added in a soft, relieved tone.


    That night, Lexi and Ethan Lu weren''t able to go home as they had to be treated as well. Fortunately, aside from minor bruises, the couple were alright.


    Still, since the incident was traumatic, Lexi had to receive therapy as she has a history of depression and anxiety. Over all, it wasn''t the best night, and the days ahead were tough.


    Despite that, the couple took little steps for moving forward. It had been quite a year for them, but together, their hearts agreed to stick together and face every obstacle without fear.


    ****


    One monthter...


    Under the beautiful clear blue sky, white cotton candy clouds, a beautiful setting was arranged near the shore. The mild breeze cooperated as it kissed the faces of everyone witnessing the couple take their beautiful vows.


    "BRIDE and GROOM, you have heard the words about love and marriage, have exchanged your vows and made your promises, and celebrated your union with the giving and receiving of rings.


    It is at this time that I now pronounce you husband and wife.


    You may now kiss the bride!" The marriage officiant pronounced and was followed by an apuse from the guests.


    As their lips met, friends and families pped their hands. Lexi, who was watching her best friend get married with the love of her life, she could not help but well up.


    "I''m so happy for her." Huping, Lexi received the handkerchief Ethan Lu offered to wipe her tears.


    "I''m sure Dr. Liao will take good care of her." Watching her wife genuinely cry because of happiness, Ethan Lu lovingly smiled at her.


    Seeing that Lexi only nodded as she wiped her tears away, Ethan Lu''s gaze shifted to Elliot Gong next to Lexi.


    "Eli, you can cry too, you know?" Ethan Lu teased. By the looks of Elliot Gong, behind the seemingly unfazed front, his eyes says otherwise.


    They''d been friends since forever. Thus, Ethan Lu could tell in a glimpse that Elliot Gong were holding his tears back. After all, Elliot Gong might not admit it, but deep down, Rika Song had a special ce in his heart.


    They might bicker now and then, but Elliot Gong were Rika Song''s go-to person. In Ethan Lu''s eyes, the two were like siblings.


    Still, they were also like soulmates. Their chemistry was undoubtedly great, they share the same energy, and had an unbreakable bond.


    It was just funny that no matter how great they look together, Rika Song and Elliot Gong weren''t meant to be. The two, no matter how many people shipped them together, no matter how professional kissed they shared in their work, they never fell in love with each other.


    This, Ethan Lu somehow believed that men and women could also be pure friends. No ulterior motives, no friends with benefits, but a friendship that shared a mutual understanding and respect.


    "Shut up!" ring daggers at Ethan Lu''s yful front, Elliot Gong cleared his throat as he tugged the hem of his suit. "Why would I cry if she ended up with a principled man?" Elliot Gong muttered, yet his eyes grew watery, and he turned to avoid Ethan Lu''s smiling face.


    "Jeez," Chuckling, Ethan Lu shook his head sideways while Lexi also chuckled as she wiped the tears on the corner of her eyes.


    "Da da..." as the bride and groom made their lovely exit, Lillian Yang approached with Evan Lu in her arms.


    Evan Lu was reaching his arms to Lexi while saying his father''s name. The couple who were teasing Elliot Gong turned to Evan Lu and in that instant, Lexi carried him.


    "Aww... baby, are you calling daddy?" Smiling lovingly, Lexi nced at Ethan Lu whose feet were rooted to the ground, shocked to hear his son call him for the first time.


    "Hey Vanvan, can you say it again?" When Ethan Lu snapped, he excitedly sped his hands together as he looked at the adorable Evan Lu.


    "Ma ma... ma ma..." opening his hands and closing them again, Ethan Lu giggled as he touched his mother''s face.


    "Pfft¡ª!" Upon hearing that Evan Lu purposely teased his father, the people around including Lexiughed. "He really knows how to tease his father." Shaking her head, Lexi yed with Evan Lu''s little hands.


    "Hah!" Letting out a ridiculing scoff, Elliot Gongughed loudly the most as he finally found someone whom he could be a great ally in bullying Ethan Lu. "Vanvan, do you want choctes? Just listen to Uncle Eli and I''ll give you a lot of them!" Elliot Gong bribed, suddenly appearing on Lexi''s side.


    "Hey!" However, not just Ethan Lu but everyone around said in unison. "Too much sweets is not good for kids!" Peering at the shameless Elliot Gong in disdain, Ethan Lu spat.


    He''d be in a great dilemma if this Elliot Gong bribed Evan Lu. Ethan Lu could imagine Elliot Gongughing evilly while he pushed him around. God... that seemed to be so scary.


    Lexi and all the guests then headed to the other venue after a while.

 Chapter 606: Morris Lius revenge

    <h4>606 Morris Liu''s revenge</h4>


    After a while, everyone headed to the next wedding reception. Everyone had congratted and made a toast for the newly wed couple.


    When it was Lexi''s turn to wish Rika Song and Jaime Liao their best wishes, everyone stared at her figure. Lexi stared at Rika Song''s blooming face and then shifted her gaze to Jaime Liao''s natural gentle visage.


    "First of all, I want to congratte the two of you for tying the knot. Bestie, Dr. Liao, congrattions!" After clearing her throat, Lexi stretched her lips from side to side. Obviously, the couple smiled back at her.


    "Honestly, it is still a wonder to me how I became friends with Rika." When Lexi said her remark, she chuckled and the guest and the newly wed could as well. "My mother used to tell me I''m a miracle baby ¡ª as you know, I''m an only child. So, growing up, I often wanted to have a sister or a brother but sadly, things happened." ncing at Frederick Yang and Lillian Yang, Lexi saw them smiled at her as they nodded.


    "So, to fill the small void in my heart, I made tons of friends. However, no matter how many friends I had, the void was never filled. As time passed by, I came across different types of friends; friends that gave me different lessons to learn... until I met Rika." Lexi paused as she pursed her lips together. Meanwhile, Rika was already welling up as she listened to Lexi''s speech.


    "Rika, one of the best person who taught me a lot about empowering women. Rika came in my life like a raging bull ¡ª you can''t dodge or avoid. All I had to do was to anticipate the hit, and I''m d I did..."


    "It was not like you have a choice!" From the crowd, Elliot Gong shouted, which made Lexi, and everyone shared a merryugh.


    "My hubby, why did we even invited him?" On the other hand, Rika Song who was emotionally crying by Lexi''s speech turned to her husband while sobbing.


    Jaime Liao just gently smiled at her crying wife as he wiped her tears away. Well, he couldn''t rebut Elliot Gong as he had a point. After all, just like what Lexi said, Jaime Liao could not avoid or dodge Rika Song when she was shooting dangerous love arrows at him.


    "Yes, Eli, but let''s not make it obvious alright?" Chuckling, Lexi humored back as the emotional atmosphere lightened by Elliot Gong''s remarks.


    "What I was saying is, Rika, she''s the most amazing and the realest woman I have ever met. She''s a straightforward person, no sugar coating, but also has the biggest heart. Working in the same industry in the past, I had never met someone who was the same as what their image says. She''s like the phrase: what you see is what you get... that''s Rika." Lexi stared at Rika Song who was fanning herself as the tears on the corner of her eyes threatened to fall, again.


    "Cheers to the both of you. I wish nothing but the best in the world and let love conquer any obstacle in your marriage." Saying this piece, Lexi saw Rika and Jaime Liao raise their sses for a toast.


    After Lexi''s speech, Elliot Gong and other friends that haven''t toast with the couple then followed it. The event went on for quite some time before the bride must throw her bouquet to the female crowd behind her.


    Rika Song danced with the music as she paraded her bouquet in her hand. As the host instructed everyone and counted down from three to one, Rika Song threw her bouquet to the girls behind her.


    Turning to see who got it, Rika Song grinned from ear to ear upon seeing Andy Chang''s surprised front. On the other hand, Lexi giggled as she nced at Nico Zhuang, who also nced at her instinctively.


    When Lexi and Nico Zhuang''s eyes met, Nico could only shake his head sideways as he had guessed what Lexi had in mind. Fortunately, Nico Zhuang wasn''t near Lexi or else she would tease her that very second.


    "Stop teasing Nico." Meanwhile, Ethan Lu set Lexi a side nce. Seeing the yful grin stered on his wife''s lips, Ethan Lu leaned closer as he whispered.


    "I am not," Lexi raised her brows as she shamelessly denied the obvious.


    "Andy~! Omg~!!" Pleased that Andy Chang was the one who caught the bouquet, Rika Song sped her hands together


    *****


    Meanwhile, inside a private ward, Morris Liu perched on the chair with a book on hisp ¡ª legs crossed. If one set their eyes on him, they''d feel the aristocratic vibe that repelled anymoner.


    With every slow flutter of his eyshes, his eyes seemed to grow warmer than usual.


    "Ahem!" Clearing her throat, Churu pursed her lips together as she watched Morris Liu for a while now. Ever since he arrived this morning, Morris Liu didn''t speak a word and just read that book he was reading.


    "Are you not hungry? It''s past lunch..." Churu made up ame excuse to scoot the man away. What''s the purpose of his visit if he''ll just bore her, anyway?


    Thinking of the time when Morris Liu was in the hospital, Churu was convinced her visits were always eventful. Right... she had nearly killed him during those times too.


    "Is it?" Raising his gaze, Morris Liu slowly checked his wristwatch. Seeing that it was already past noon, he closed the book and slowly rose from his seat.


    However, instead of taking strides outside, Morris Liu headed to Churu''s bed, which made her knit her brows. "Wh ¡ª what?" Vignt, Churu moved to the edge of the bed as he came close.


    When Morris Liu stopped on the side of the bed, he stared down at her pair of silver orbs. For some reason, Churu gulped down as she didn''t know why the intent stare.


    As Churu was contemting what he has in mind, Morris Liu used his forefinger and raised Churu''s chin up. Surprised, Churu was caught off guard when Morris Liu suddenly leaned down and pressed his lips against her.


    The kiss wasn''t long, yet it was enough to electrify the still recovering Churu. She blinked her eyes numerous times as Morris Liu retracted his head away.


    "I told you, you won''t get away from what you''ve done to me." Although his voice was still cold, it wasced with a bit of yfulness. Studying Churu''s mortified front, he smiled ¡ª pleased that he finally got his revenge for all the shocks he received when Churu barged in his room.

 Chapter 607: Are you confessing?

    <h4>607 Are you confessing?</h4>


    [back to the wedding]


    After a few events, Rika Song and Jaime Liao had their first romantic dance as husband and wife. They moved slowly with the touching song as if they weren''t being watched by their guests.


    It was evident that this lovers were madly in love with each other. The smile on Rika Song never once left her lips while the gleam in Jaime Liao''s eyes twinkled being with his partner.


    As they watched the couple, Andy Chang smiled as her thoughts were happy for her idol. Until now, being epted in Lexi''s circle, being friends with her boss'' friends, and witnessing this wonderful wedding, Andy Chang wondered if she was still dreaming.


    It just felt so surreal ¡ª considering her background, Andy Chang had a life she never thought she could achieve.


    "Here," As Andy Chang watched the couple in the middle of the hall danced, she snapped upon hearing Nico Zhuang''s voice from her side. Turning to him, she looked down on the handkerchief in his hand.


    Andy Chang then realized that tears were already staining her cheek. "Ah, thank you." epting his handkerchief, Andy Chang dabbed the tears.


    "He seemed to enjoy the snacks." Nodding his head, Nico Zhuang then shifted his gaze to the desserts section for kids.


    As Andy Chang wiped her tears, she followed his gaze, and it instantlynded on a young boy snacking with other kids. "Hmm... just today." Slowly, a gentle smile on her face resurfaced.


    "How about his mother?" Watching the little boy, Nico Zhuang asked.


    After Lincoln Lu''s incident, Dn Lu''s condition that night was not any better. Nico Zhuang had a glimpse of Dn Lu that night and he didn''t need to ask that Louis Lu gave him a night to remember.


    Louis Lu, though he didn''t kill Dn Lu, he made sure he''d be a cripple for the rest of his life. Not to mention, the charges against Dn Lu piled up as Mia Chen and his other aplice agreed to stand as witness for his illegal activities.


    On the other hand, Lincoln Lu also faced numerouswsuits as his secret activities in the underground world were discovered. Therefore, both men were facing grave sentences ahead.


    Meanwhile, Dennis Lu voluntarily stepped down from his position after the incident. Nico Zhuang didn''t know the details as it was Edward Lu who dealt with him.


    One of the good news was that they finally found the whereabouts of Avah Tong and Dennis Lu''s son. Dn Lu didn''t harm the child, but rather trained him to be a skilled child.


    It still surprised Nico Zhuang that the kid was now fine ¡ª although the kid was kind of odd. Regardless, considering how he grew up, he was still innocent on child stuff that Dn Lu robbed him to experience.


    "How can she trust me to be a good mother? I don''t even know how to raise a child ¡ª I never had one." As Andy Chang continued, Nico Zhuang cast her a side nce and scrutinized her side profile. It wasn''t a surprise for him to see that instead of hate, Andy Chang''s eyes gleamed in doubt.


    "But after meeting him, after having our first meal, after putting him to bed for the first time... I just wanted to protect him. He had gone through a lot since his birth ¡ª I just want to shower him with unconditional love, but... I don''t know if that''s enough to be a good mother." Andy Chang slightly bit her bottom lips.


    To her, she already epted the obligation of standing as his nephew''s mother. However, the fear of being clueless and the fear that she might fail him, terrified her.


    After all, how can she stand as a mother if she never had one?


    "epting him and treating him with love... you''ll do good." Watching her anxiety creep out on her face, Nico Zhuang spoke his mind as he stared at her.


    "Not many people would do what you have done ¡ª you had everyone''s respect but more than that, you saved the child''s life." Slowly, Nico Zhuang turned his gaze back to the young boy.


    The first time he met the kid, Nico Zhuang could tell the vast difference. After all, the boy he was watching now seemed more like a child than the first time he saw him.


    "As for being a good mother, I''m not sure about that. What I am certain is that everyone learns in the process so, as long as you do your best, it''s fine to make mistakes every now and then." Nico Zhuang offered Andy Chang a smile which she stared at as it was a rare sight to see.


    "Thank you." Maybe his words were relieving, or it was him who said those things that Andy Chang''s heavy heart lightened.


    Andy Chang had known that he liked this straightced man. She didn''t know when it started, but her heart flutters whenever he was around.


    However, Andy Chang decided to keep her feelings to herself. What connection she had with Nico Zhuang, Andy Chang was already happy with it. She didn''t want to ask for more.


    Moreover, she wanted to focus on raising his nephew that she perceived as her own child.


    Just then, they saw in run towards them with a cupcakes on his hands. Andy Chang smiled as she squatted down to wee him.


    "Mama, this is great. I brought one for you!" Smiling brightly, Andy Chang patted his head as her heart melted.


    "Thank you. Mama will surely like this because it came from Al." As she epted the cupcake, Andy Chang smiled. But the smile on her heart was iparable with the one on her lips.


    "This is also for Uncle Nic for taking care of Mama!" Raising his other hand, in offered the other cupcake to Nico Zhuang.


    Slowly, Nico Zhuang epted it with a smile. "So you ept me?" Suddenly, Nico Zhuang asked which made Andy Chang knit her brows in confusion.


    "Uncle, it''s just a thank you cupcake. That answer is still for Mama to decide." Grinning yfully, in answered like an adult that caused Nico Zhuang to let out a faint chuckle.


    "Huh? What are you talking about?" At a lost, Andy Chang altered her gaze from in to Nico Zhuang.


    "Uncle asked me permission to pursue Mama!" without further ado, in responded.


    For a moment, Andy Chang''s ear pped. Did she hear him right? Was her ears deceiving her and was just hearing things?


    "Ah?" Blinking her eyes numerous times, Andy Chang was lost of words as she shook her head to keep herself together.


    "I told Al that I like you and I''m nning to pursue you so I wanted to ask for his approval first before I can proceed." Still sounding t, Nico Zhuang enjoyed the mortified expression stered on Andy Chang''s front as herplexion turned from pale to beet red.


    "You... what?!" For a second, Andy Chang''s heart pounded, racing in an abnormal pace. "Are you confessing...?" She stuttered as Andy could feel her face grew hotter.


    "I am." Chuckling at her funny reaction, Nico Zhuang cast in a knowing look, and the kid grinned.

 Chapter 608: The end

    <h4>608 The end</h4>


    Meanwhile...


    "May I have this dance?" Soon, when the bride and groom already left for the honeymoon, Ethan Lu held his hand out towards Lexi.


    "Jeez," Lexi chuckled as the guests were already going back to their hotel rooms. Yet, instead of doing the same, Ethan Lu had to ask her for a dance.


    "I asked Mom and Dad to take the twins with them for a while." Raising his brows, Ethan Lu said that made her chuckle even more. Well, he knew his wife and her priorities were not him anymore but their children ¡ª that''s fine though.


    "How can I refuse?" Lexi shook her head sideways as she slid her hand in his.


    Ethan Lu guided his wife to the center of the hall. The musicians should''ve also rested, but seeing that the two started slow dancing, they all silently agreed to give them background music.


    Lexi leaned the side of her head on his shoulders while Ethan Lu ced his hand on her back. "I''m so happy..." Lexi whispered under her breath.


    "Mhmm..." Humming a tune, a gentle smile formed on the side of Ethan Lu''s lips as they moved gently with the music.


    "Love, thank you for being my husband." All of a sudden, Lexi said as she felt she hadn''t thanked Ethan enough for everything he had done for her.


    "No, thank you for epting me in your life and granted me the role of being your husband." Ethan Lu chuckled as he rebutted her thanks instead of saying ''you''re wee.''


    To him, Lexi did more to help him grow than him helping her. All he just did was to express his undying love for her ¡ª that''s all. Meanwhile, Lexi was with him through thick and thin, never thinking of leaving him no matter how tough things got.


    Just that Ethan Lu was more than grateful to thank the heavens for bless him a wife like her. The beginning of the story was messy ¡ª actually, messier than he imagined.


    But, look at them now; they were stronger than yesterday.


    "I''m trying to be cheesy ¡ª why are youpeting with me?" Lexi chuckled as she humored him which made himugh.


    "Sorry, but it''s my natural response because..." Ethan Lu''s already curved lips grew wider as he sang his next words. "You are the one I cherish more than anything..."


    "How about the twins?" Interrupting the great mood, Lexi humored which made Ethan Lu stopped his singing for a while.


    "Errr... Love, don''t hurt yourself ¡ª you know I''m faking when I said you''re number one, right? You don''t want me to say you''re actually number three in my list." Being brutally honest, Ethan Lu whispered that only made Lexi heartily chuckle.


    No harm taken. Ever since the twins came into the picture, Lexi secretly admitted that she could leave Ethan Lu but not the twins. It was not she ever considered leaving him though.


    Just a scenario if she ever has to choose between her children and husband. Perhaps Ethan Lu also thought the same.


    Things had changed. Their priorities were not each other anymore and their life together wasn''t as exciting as the beginning.


    However, despite that, Lexi and Ethan Lu knew, deep down, that their love was deeper and stronger. Their bond as husband and wife was unbreakable.


    It was not all happy and fun. They were days they argue with each other; they were times they wanted their personal space, and moments that the two were not okay.


    Even so, wasn''t that the main point of their vows? That they would stick together for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death.


    "Don''t start me with that ''don''t hurt yourself, honey.''" Rebutting him, Lexi smirked as the two shared a few goodughs.


    After some time, Lexi and Ethan Lu stayed silent as they indulged this moment of peace. Ethan Lu kept on humming with the background music until he decided to sing the lyrics.


    "Think of me and know that I''ll believe in you. There''ll always be this precious time together. With every tear...


    A love so strong, no words could ever say...


    A love tost forever..." Ethan Lu caressed Lexi''s back as she as every word he sang came straight from his heart.


    Meanwhile, Lexi smiled as she could feel the sincerity in his words and from his warmth. Her heart could only melt, and a tear on a corner of her eyes fell unconsciously as her heart was moved.


    The next stanza, Lexi also joined and sang with him.


    "I love you more than you''ll ever know


    I love you more than you''ll ever see


    More than my heart could ever show


    I love you more than you''ll ever know~"


    At this moment, Lexi and Ethan Lu''s world revolved only for them. They only cared to dance together, sing together, fall in love again together, and let their hearts collide as one.


    Just like the song, their love for each other... the two of them could not properly express how they love and cherish each other. Therefore, they let their hearts talk.


    After some time, Ethan Lu slowly and gently pushed Lexi away to look at her beauty. He said nothing and just studied her features and stared at her eyes.


    Slowly, the hall spun, time flew and Lexi and Ethan Lu, still doing the same, but now in the kitchen of their home.


    "You still look stunning." Ethan Lumented because even if his wife had a few wrinkles on the corner of her eyes, Lexi had aged gracefully and beautifully.


    In his eyes, Lexi''s grew more stunning over the years... but what made her more beautiful was because of her kind and loving heart.


    "And you''re as dashing as ever." Chuckled, Lexi shook her head as she stared at Ethan Lu who looked like a vampire ¡ª not aging even a bit. Aside from the little fats on his tummy, he could stillpete with the hottest men currently.


    "Mom!!! I hate my brother!!" Suddenly, a girl in herte teens stomped her way to the kitchen as she dered.


    "Oh ho! Mom, your daughter hates me because I''m trying to be a dutiful brother! Hah! The nerve of this girl!" Following the youngdy, another young man came as he peered at his sister in disdain.


    The two siblings: Lady Lara Lu and Evan Lu also grew with undeniable glorious features. Not surprised, they got Ethan and Lexi''s genes.


    "Jeez! Can''t you settle that with yourselves? I''m having a moment with your mother! Give her a break!" Grinding his teeth, Ethan Lu removed his eyesses as he pinched the space between his brows.


    "Oh, sorry, Mom. Dad! Listen to me!" Realizing that their parents were having a date, Lara and Evan Lu shifted their focus to Ethan Lu.


    Well, Ethan Lu said give Lexi a break but never added he was included.


    "Mama, big brother said big sister looks horrendous!" Suddenly, a young teenager boy came in the kitchen and he reported tly while eating his snacks.


    "Evan..." Chuckling helplessly, Lexi nced at the charming Evan Lu who seemed his little brother betrayed him.


    "No, Mom. This is a misunderstanding! Lara is ¡ª " Just as Evan Lu decided to sell his sister out, Lady Lara Lu suddenly covered his mouth and widened her eyes ¡ª threatening his brother.


    "Yes, just a misunderstanding! I''m just teasing him." To put an end to the matter, Lady Lara Lu admitted which made their parents shook their heads. Yet, they didn''t probe on the matter any longer.


    "Whatever, guys. Just join our date if that''s the main point alright? Jeez!" Assuming that their kids were trying to join the fun, Ethan Lu offered halfheartedly.


    He expected that they would refuse, but they didn''t! Instead, they took each seat around the table and looked excitedly at the food Lexi and Ethan Lu prepared for this date.


    "Ahh! My head..." Ethan Lu massaged his temples as his childrenpletely joined the date.


    "Shh... we''ll have another date when they are not around." Leaning to him, Lexi chuckled as she tried tofort the upset middle-aged man.


    Despite Ethan Lu''s displeasure at his children barging in, it soon vanished as he was able to catch up with his children and wife.


    As Lexi watched her children grow into such beautiful individuals, and ncing at the man she was with for almost two decades, her heart was in pure bliss that showed on her eyes and lips.


    ''Lord, thank you for giving me a fortunate life. I won''t say it''s a pure happy ending or happily ever after, but thank you for letting me witness my children grow and love my husband everyday.'' Suddenly, Lexi thanked the heavens as she appreciates the sight of her family sitting in one table.


    Just then, as she watched them talked with Ethan Lu, the four of them turned their attention to her. "Mom?" They said in unison.


    "I just realized that I had been having happy endings for the past two decades." As their eyes were on her, Lexi spouted with a smile which made them knit their brows.


    Regardless, Lexi didn''t want to exin what she meant. Therefore, she chimed in with their conversation as Evan Lu waspeting in a basketball league while Lara Lu''s was busy doing research. Meanwhile, Charlie, the youngest, unted his straight A''s and the quiz bee he would join in his school.


    As parents, Lexi and Ethan Lu felt proud and promised to attend all events. To them, these were all just bonus in their children''s characteristics.


    It never matter if they were smart or not so sharp, if they are talented or not, because what''s important was how big was their heart. As long as they would grow as good people individually, that was enough for Ethan and Lexi.


    "You guys are awesome! And because of that, I''m giving you guys a Dad''s coupon!" To show how proud he was, Ethan Lu announced, which made the three cheered.


    "Yes!!" they cheered.


    The end.

 Chapter 609: Another day in Beauty DR

    <h4>609 Another day in Beauty DR</h4>


    One yearter after Rika Song and Jaime Liang''s wedding...


    "Pass this to Madam Lu and pretend you are useful for once." Lyrick Jiang hissed, his eyes spoke insults at the woman before him as he handed a folder.


    "Mr. Jiang, for your information, I am very useful to Lex ¡ª I mean Madam Lu." Ste Du rolled her eyes as she snatched the file from Lyrick Jiang. "Also, this is not how you treat your crush!" She added before stomping her feet away and headed towards the HR department.


    Lyrick Jiang nearly puked blood at herst remarks. Crush?! How did she conclude that assumption?


    "That''s right. You don''t treat your crush like that, man." Chuckling on the side, Jarred Guo shook his head sideways.


    "Me? Wow... all of you arepletely losing it." Peering at his colleague with disdain, Lyrick Jiang scoffed.


    Actually, this wasn''t the first time Jarred Guo teased him about Ste Du ¡ª same with Ethan Lu and everyone around him. However, it was the first time Ste Du mentioned it.


    "Rick, let me tell you something. Do you know who was spreading that rumor?" Ignoring the evident displeasure on Lyrick Jiang''s visage, Jarred Guo cast him a knowing look.


    Upon seeing that familiar look in Jarred Guo''s eyes, Lyrick Jiang''s face distorted. "It was Master?!" He asked, obviously in utter disbelief that his boss had be a full-blown busybody!


    *****


    Meanwhile, at the HR Department, Andy Chang raised her gaze after giving the person outside permission to enter.


    Meek and delicate, Ste Du bowed her head after she closed the door behind her. "Miss Chang, Mr. Jiang handed this to me. He says it''s important." She softly spoke, cing the folder on Andy Chang''s desk.


    "Thank you, Miss Du." Andy Chang smiled, ncing at the folder. "You know you can deliver this to Madam Lu yourself, right?" She sighed, knowing these files should go straight to the CEO''s office and not in this department.


    Upon hearing Andy Chang''sst remarks, Ste Du bit her lower lip as she held her hand behind her. Andy Chang let out another heavy sigh, "Ste, it''s been six months since you were employed ¡ª you should know that Madam Lu is very kind and understanding."


    "That''s why I am ashamed to face her." Ste Du hanged her head low, "She''s too kind that it''s embarrassing for hiring a useless clutz like me." She muttered, admitting how useless she was as an employee.


    It has been six months since Ste Du entered Beauty DR. Her previouspany, just like what everyone said, it went bankrupt. It was because of the over expenses for months with low ie, and Ste Du ended up owing a huge amount of money.


    If not for Lyrick Jiang and Lexi, pping her with hurtful facts, Ste Du must have ended her life a long time ago. The reason Ste Du was now working as Nico Zhuang''s assistant in Beauty DR.


    Yet, during these six months, Ste Du couldn''t recall being much of a help to Nico Zhuang. If anything, she often messed things up for him.


    Therefore, Nico Zhuang ended up doing everything all by himself. Actually, he didn''t need Ste Du to get things done. He''s that efficient and reliable.


    So, Ste Du had been avoiding Lexi out of shame. She was getting paid yet she wasn''t any of use to Lexi or to her superior Nico Zhuang.


    "Ste, Madam Lu is indeed very kind. However, don''t you think you''re belittling yourself too much?" Letting out another sigh, Andy Chang slowly rose from her swivel chair, walked over to her and she leaned at the desk. "Madam Lu... I don''t think she has the same opinion as you. You won''t be standing here now if she thinks you''re useless." Andy Chang added, offering a reassuring smile.


    "But..."


    "Sister Ste, a year ago, one way or another, I had the same mentality." Staring at her, Andy Chang reminisced about the past with a smile. "But, the longer I work here, the longer I stay around with the people I never knew before this, I realized something: It is not you, me, or anybody else''s opinion that matters." Andy Chang paused, pressing her lips together.


    "What matters is if there''s one person that believes you can be a better person, you shouldn''t disappoint them ¡ª you shouldn''t disappoint your future self. Instead, we have to make our future selves proud of what we had be." Andy Chang shared her words of wisdom.


    It was true that Ste Du wasn''t a likable person at first. However, Andy Chang found out that thisdy before her wasn''t really rotten.


    Ste Du might be an arrogant rich girl. However, despite the money she grew up with, she was just a sad girl with no one to turn to while trying her best to prove her existence to her family.


    Perhaps, Lexi knew this and she wanted for all of them to understand that money wasn''t everything. That status and family background didn''t matter in her territory. That everyone could redeem themselves and be the better version of themselves.


    They all have importance, and thispany offered them a fair ground to stand on. Therefore, it didn''t matter if Andy Chang was a former escort, or Nico Zhuang was once a squad captain in the Lu Family shadow guards.


    They were all equals and they all have the right to choose and decide for their identity.


    "Sister Andy..." Slowly, Ste Du raised her head as the corner of her eyes welled up while her lips trembled.


    "Now, take this folder to the CEO''s office." Shaking her head, Andy Chang picked up the folder and passed it to her. "This is an order." She added, still bearing her kind smile.


    Ste Du pursed her lips, unwilling to execute the order from her superior. Still, she epted it. "Thank you," she murmured, bowing her head and trudged outside.


    As soon as the door closed, Nico Zhuang''s voice was heard through the speaker phone on the desk. "That was a nice speech."

 Chapter 610: Sticky note

    <h4>610 Sticky note</h4>


    Meanwhile¡­


    "Nico, are you flirting with Andy again?" Zoey arched her right brow, cing a folder over Nico''s desk. Thetter then raised her head, the corner of his lips curled into a smug grin.


    "It''s my break time." In a matter-of-fact tone, Nico shrugged his shoulders as he answered. On the other hand, Zoey shook her head sideways as Nico had be sly over the year.


    In retrospect, Nico rarely had time for himself??????he never took his breaks that seriously. However, the moment he started dating Andrea, he would maximize his free time to talk to her. Although they worked in the samepany, Nico would prefer talking to her through the phone to keep the professional environment for Beauty DR.


    Still, Lexi knew almost everything about their rtionship. After all, Andrea would tell her as they had be friends whenever they''re not in the office. Not that Lexi mind this office romance. After all, they finish their jobs efficiently as always. Thus, there was no reason for Lexi to stop the two from continuing this rtionship.


    "Whatever. Anyway, send these files to Miss Ning ASAP." Lexi changed the subject, pushing the folder towards Nico. "You don''t want to hear her nagging." She added in a knowing tone.


    Nico only nodded his head and watched Lexi walk back towards her office. Before she could enter, he spoke. "Madam, Miss Du will hand you some important documents from the Lu Corporation."


    "Hmm?" As Lexi turned her head around, she tilted her head to the side as she knitted her brows together. "Miss Du?" She repeated in a questioning tone. Nico nodded as a response before Lexi nodded in understanding.


    "Just send her in." Lexi ordered as the corner of her lips curled into a gentle smile. With that being said, Lexi then went back to her office and closed the door behind her.


    Yet, instead of walking directly to her desk, Lexi leaned her back against the door. "Haha," She chuckled, shaking her head sideways.


    It''s been a year since Ste Du got hired in Beauty DR. Even so, Ste Du showed great reluctance showing her face in front of Lexi. Unlike Ste''s earnest eyes when she faced Lexi and asked her if she could work in herpany, she changed into a shy and timiddy after that.


    Thus, it was a surprise that Ste Du would bring her the documents. Now that Lexi would think about it, if the documents were from the Lu Corporation, did that mean Lyrick and Ste Du bickered? Did he scold her to do it herself?


    "What an innocent love." Lexi chuckled and then slowly trudged towards her desk. With a smile, she turned to herputer and began checking the important files she was checking before handing the documents to Nico that Aubrey Ning needed.


    Soon, Lexi stopped as a faint knock was heard from the other side of the door. "Come in," She permitted, resting her chin on her palm as she watched the door slowly open.


    Ste timidly walked inside, holding the folder close to her chest. She dragged her feet inside and stopped in front of the desk. "Mr. Jiang said to hand it personally to your hands." After clearing her throat, Ste delivered the message as she ced the folder on top of the pile of documents that were on Lexi''s desk.


    "He said that?" Lexi nodded, raising her brows as she picked up the files and checked its content. As soon as Lexi saw the title of the document, the side of her lips hooked up before raising her gaze back to Ste Du.


    "Is that all?" She asked, closing the folder.


    "Uhm, yes¡­!" Ste fiddled her fingers behind her, forcing a smile on her face as she took a step back. "I - I''ll go, Madam Lu." She bid her farewell, bowing her head slightly before she carefully walked away.


    However, just as Ste Du reached the door, her tracks stopped upon hearing Lexi''s voice. "Miss Du, wait? !" Ste turned around, seeing Lexi grab something from her drawer before she raised a small envelope with a smile.


    "I nned on handing this to you but you kept avoiding me, so I''ll take this time to invite you to my wedding." Without further ado, Zoey said with a smile before she winked.


    Ste Du froze, her gaze darted from the wedding invitation to Lexi''s smiling front. "Me?" She asked, pointing at herself.


    "Yes." As clear and certain as the day, Lexi eximed and nodded her head.


    "But???but, why?" With a tone of disbelief, Ste bit her lower lips. The invitation had been distributed since a week ago.


    It was well-known that Ethan Lu and Lexi Yang''s wedding would be held privately. Only those that were close to the two were invited. There was even a separate party for those business associates of the Lu Corporation topensate them from not getting a wedding invitation -- or so what Ste heard.


    Nevertheless, it was evident that the only people invited were families, close friends, and a few business and important partners of the Yang''s and Lu''s. Therefore, Ste didn''t expect to even have a glimpse of the wedding invitation.


    But now, Lexi was giving her a personal invitation? Why? She might sound a little emotional and exaggerated, but Ste could not be med. After getting disowned by her own family, none of her friends had checked up on her. They even avoided her like a gue. So this gave her a mixed emotion.


    "Why not?" Lexi tilted her head to the side. "Were friends, aren''t we?" In a matter-of-fact tone, Lexi blinked her eyes innocently before she slowly rose from her seat. She then walked towards her and stopped a few steps away from Ste.


    "I''ll be expecting you." Lexi said with a bright smile on her lips as she raised her hand that was holding the wedding invitation.


    "I -- thank you." Her eyes fixated on the simple yet elegant color of white and gold invitation before she epted it with her head hung low.


    "Silly girl." Upon seeing that a drop of liquid fell down, Lexi shook her head while Ste epted the invitation.


    Shortly after receiving the invitation, Ste departed from the office. Lexi could not help but chuckle as she shook her head once again. "My husband will surely be thrilled when I tell him this." She muttered, walking back to her desk.


    When Lexi opened the folder again, she pursed her smiling lips as she picked up the sticky note inside. It says: [My Goddess, help me ask her for a date! T.T I don''t want to remain single for the rest of my life! Let Red take over the single forever clubs! PLEASE! I''M BEGGING YOU, MY GODDESS! T.T]


    "Lyrick is such a silly guy, indeed." Lexi chuckled as she ced the sticky note to the side. How clever of him to ask Lexi for help through a sticky note. Not that Lexi didn''t n on inviting Ste to her wedding, though. It was just amusing that Lyrick Jiang indirectly admitted to Lexi that she was into Ste Du.

 Chapter 611: Andy and Nico

    <h4>611 Andy and Nico</h4>


    Time passed by in a blink of an eye for Beauty DR and it was time for the employees to go home. One after another, everyone left the office, while Lexi was still inside theb doingb samples.


    "Boss, I''m off." From the door, Nico informed her which stopped her work temporarily and raised her head up.


    "Take care." Lexi nodded in understanding. Nico offered a meek smile as he slowly closed the door. With that being said, Lexi returned her focus on her work.


    Almost a year ago, Nico wouldn''t leave the premises unless Ethan arrived to pick her up. But now, he was like any other employee that goes home when the clock hits the time for everyone to leave. Well, he now has a lovelife and it was normal for him.


    At the very least, Lexi could still rely on him anytime of the day. So, this was actually fine. Not that they have hectic schemes to prepare. Mostly, everything was peaceful for them and Beauty DR became more popr over the years.


    Her coboration with Rika Song truly broke their bottleneck and their sales skyrocketed, beating Benjamin Shao''s peak sales in one month. Thus, it was safe that Beauty DR was now part of the biggest beauty line in the industry.


    "What''s taking that guy so long?" Minutes after Nico bid his farewell, Lexi stopped what she was doing and checked the time. Usually, Ethan would be prancing his way in here but he wasn''t there yet.


    Now, she wondered what could he have been doing that made him forget to tell her beforehand. "Should I go home alone?" Lexi murmured before she shrugged her shoulders and decided to wait for him for another hour. She''s busy anyway, and Ethan arriving early means he would be all over her causing her to put the work for tomorrow.


    "Oh well¡­"


    *****


    Meanwhile¡­


    "Hey Rick, I''m off. Where are you?" As he walked towards the corridor towards the elevator, Nico decided to call Lyrick Jiang as he was his first time going home without them waiting for Lexi.


    "Uh," A disconste sigh escaped Lyrick''''s lips, turning his gaze back to his crazy boss through the rear mirror of the car. "On the way." He answered, shaking his head.


    "Okay. Should I wait for you?" Nico asked, pertaining that he could wait with Andy in the lobby until they arrived. After all, he felt a bit restless to go home while Lexi was still working in theb.


    "Sure. We''ll bete for¡­" Lyrick checked the traffic ahead before he heard Jarred Guo speak. "Thirty."


    "Thirty minutes." Since Jarred gave his estimated time of arrival, Lyrick didn''t need to think and repeat.


    "Alright." With that being said, Nico hung up and entered the elevator going down. Minutester, the lift stopped a few levels below and he exited the elevator, then headed towards the Human Resources Director''s office.


    "Hey, wait, I''ll be done in a minute." Andrea said, ncing at the man who was closing the door behind him. Andrea hastened, panicking as he didn''t want him to wait for her again.


    "It''s fine. Take your time. I''ll be waiting for Rick, anyway." As he walked inside the office, Nico shrugged his shoulders as he perched on the long sofa inside the office.


    "Huh? They''re not here yet?" Andrea paused, turned her attention to her boyfriend with a knitted brow. She then checked her wristwatch. "That''s weird." She uttered. Well, everyone was used to the time Ethan Lu arrived.


    That''s why some employees often finish their task for the day for the reason of being fed up with dog foods. Also, Ethan Lu''s reputation was scary so others just didn''t want to look at him, afraid he would find fault in them or assume they''re looking at his wife.


    Indeed, Ethan Lu had already lost his mind. What a shame. If Andrea didn''t know better, he would also feel scared at the terrifying reputation Ethan Lu has for monopolizing the business industry. Even the beauty line, the Lu Corporation had entered it by coborating with Beauty DR. Now, that''s what they call a power couple.


    "Mr. Lu must have another grand idea to show his love." Nico guessed, shrugging his shoulders because it was obvious by the sound of Lyrick during their brief phone call.


    "Ohh¡­" Andrea nodded in understanding, not doubting Nico''s assumption as it wasn''t surprising if Ethan Lu had that kind of n. After all, he had executed such a romantic act and some of them caused punishment as he had gone over the line.


    A literal lost cause. Andrea couldn''t unsee all those moments. Ethan''s image for her, and for those close employees of his truly shattered to pieces. There was no way of bringing back the dignified and wise image of the business king. Just a hopelessly in love husband that was fanboying his wife every second of every day.


    Andrea continued to fix the documents, ced some inside the desk drawer while leaving some on the desk. Just as Andrea looked up, she jolted as Nico was already standing in front of the desk. "Gosh¡­ you startled me." She muttered in relief, patting her chest.


    Nico leaned on the edge of the desk, tilting his head to the side. "You can ask me to help." He said with a frown. He''d been here and as usual, Andrea wouldn''t ask him for help. She would rather make him wait until she finished. Not that he minded the waiting, he just preferred that she should start relying on him too.


    "This is an easy task. Why would I¡­" Her words trailed off, eyes widening as he leaned down, closer, and sealed her lips.


    "Because you never rely on me on hard tasks, rely on me on simple tasks instead." He whispered, biting her bottom lip yfully. Andrea gulped down, nodding her head as her cheeks blushed.

 Chapter 612: You’ve been influenced by Master Lu?

    <h4>612 You¡¯ve been influenced by Master Lu?</h4>


    "Good." Upon seeing her flustered expression as she nodded, Nico smiled as he drew back. "What else do you need to arrange?" He asked, changing the subject as he shifted his gaze to the desk.


    "Uhmm¡­" Andrea massaged her shoulder as she cleared her throat. This was not their first kiss not it was the second. To be exact, it was the third time they kissed within this almost one year of dating.


    Therefore, she wasn''t used to this abrupt action. To be honest, it could still make her heart race as Nico wasn''t this aggressive. He often waited for the right time and mood before they became intimate like a kiss or hug; even holding hands, they rarely do it!


    So, what was this sudden kiss? Her upper lips could still feel the hotness of his breath, the menacing yet loving look in his eyes. But as she nced at him, it seemed he wasn''t as affected as her.


    Unconsciously, Andrea was intently staring at him. Thus, Nico stared back, tilting his head to the side as he raised his brows in puzzlement. "Hmm?" He hummed a tune, snapping her back from her trance.


    "I mean, just those files. I''ll bring them to the customer service department before going home." She muttered, shrugging her thought off as she forced a smile on her lips.


    Of course, Nico noticed her action but decided not to mention it. After all, it was his fault for catching her off-guard. ''I shouldn''t have listened to him¡­ He''s not a love guru.'' He dissed internally, his jaw tightening as he arranged the folders Andrea pointed at.


    Indeed, the only reason Nico had this grand idea was because Ethan Lu had been nagging him. Ethan together with Lyrick were as busybodies as ever and often interrogated him about his lovelife. When Nico told them how many times they kissed, he could still remember the look of disappointment in Ethan''s face until now.


    Nico, of course, didn''t n to listen to Ethan''s advice as he was unreliable. However, deep down, he got a point. Moreover, the fact that his boss, Lexi, fell in love with him somehow added some impact to his advice.


    That''s why after weeks of trying to shrug the advice from Ethan, Nico decided to give it a shot. He didn''t n it the whole day, though. He just felt like being a little aggressive and not as a timid gentleman like always.


    Perhaps, the fact that Andrea was not asking for his help even on small things upset him. That''s why he acted the way he did. But now, it seemed it backfired as Andrea was a little distracted and ufortable with him.


    ''This is still my fault. Never listen to him, ever.'' Nico frowned internally, repeating this reminder inside his head over and over again.


    Shortly after they were done, Nico felt his phone vibrate and checked what it was. He already guessed it was Lyrick, but curious if they already arrived. After all, it has only been ten minutes since hest talked to Lyrick through the phone.


    [Can you drive my goddess home? My Boss has gone mad.]


    "Mad?" Nico read aloud, his eyes twitched as he could imagine what kind of ridiculousness Ethan Lu did.


    Sure, everyone respected Ethan Lu for being a remarkable businessman. However, it was hard to see the image of a hopeless romantic Ethan Lu if they''ve been seeing it for the whole year. It was good for Lexi, as she deserved a loving husband.


    For them, however, was just cringy. Who would have thought the remarkable Ethan Lu was akin to a cat that only wanted to snuggle with Lexi? Especially the look on his face whenever Lexi acted a little sweet towards him. He was melting! God, the horror!


    "It seems that they wouldn''t make it. I''ll drive Madam Lu home." Nico didn''t respond to Lyrick, but immediately informed Andrea about it.


    Before Ethan Lu took the job of picking his wife from work, Nico would often drive her home safe and sound. That rarely happened now after Ethan Lu went crazy and wanted to take all roles in her life.


    Be it Lexi''s driver, her main bodyguard, her husband, her business partner, the father of her children, Etha was that greedy of Lexi''s attention. If he could snatch Frederick Yang''s role, he would have done it already.


    One would say he was obsessed and Ethan would proudly ept that title: a simp. It was still a surprise that he hadn''t built a statue of Lexi in hisnds.


    "Ohh¡­ It''s fine." As always, Andrea wasn''t against it as she was well-aware of Nico''s job.


    For a moment, Nico just stared at her in silence, causing her to raise her brows in bafflement. "Hmm?"


    "Nothing." After a second, Nico shook his head sideways as he drew away from the desk. "Actually, I was a little disappointed, that''s all." Just as he stepped back, Nico changed his mind as he spoke his concern. This would only be another unsolved concern that has been umting all this time because Andrea was too understanding.


    Not that he preferred a toxic rtionship. It was just that, she could be at least disappointed that he would have to cancel their dinner ns tonight because of work. But no, she wasn''t. She even looked happy.


    "Disappointed?" Surprised that he suddenly spoke his mind, Andrea furrowed her brows as her gaze fixated at his slightly annoyed visage.


    "Yes, Andy. I am. One sec." Nico nodded his head, before he tapped on his phone and then shoved his hand along with the phone inside his pockets when he finished. "I was wondering if you really like me or you were just pressured to date me because you feel like you owed me something." He expressed, exhaling deeply as he stared back at her surprised front.


    "Huh?"


    To keep his momentum, Nico gulped down as he continued. "This might sound petty, but I am canceling our dinner ns but you''re not even disappointed -- not even the slightest."


    "..." Andrea pursed her lips into a thin line, just staring at him as her nails yed against each other. "You''ve been influenced by Master Lu?" s, instead of sticking into the topic, Andrea murmured as Nico sounded more like Ethan Lu.

 Chapter 613: I love you, Nico.

    <h4>613 I love you, Nico.</h4>


    Nico sighed, massaged his temples as she got it wrong¡­ well, maybe. But that wasn''t an influence of Ethan Lu, more like Lexi. Nico was an observant person, hence, he would notice Lexi''s disappointment in simple things.


    If Ethan was more of the bold person who expressed his love through grand dates, gifts, and sweet -- almost cringy -- words, Lexi on the other hand was the opposite of him. Still, both have the same silent understanding with each other''s expression and gesture. That means to say, they were attentive to each other''s feelings.


    Thus, Nico often observed Andrea. s, she''s very neutral. Not a bad thing, but it made him feel if she even cared for him. She''s like a robot that was fine with anything and everything. Nico didn''t know if he was doing things correctly or not because she wasn''t saying anything.


    Just like tonight, she didn''t even bulge when he told her he had to cancel their ns because he needed to take Lexi home. That meant to say, he wouldn''t just cancel their dinner ns, but she would go home alone! Sure, she understood, but wasn''t that natural to be disappointed even in the slightest?


    "Forget about what I said. I''ll go, see you tomorrow." Frustrated and hopeless, Nico waved his hand weakly as he began taking strides towards the door. He should forget he even mentioned it -- it''s petty, indeed.


    "Nico," He halted upon hearing her voice call out to him. Slowly, he turned and faced her, his hand on the door handle.


    Just as he did, he saw her walking towards him, closer and closer until she stopped three steps away from him. Andrea pursed her lips on a thin line, taking another step forward. One, two, three¡­ she didn''t stop as her arms snuck in the space between his arms and body. This was the first time she initiated an act of intimacy, causing Nico to freeze.


    "I''m sorry¡­" She whispered, resting the side of her head on his chest as she linked her hands behind him. "I know it''s not your fault for canceling our date and you have a duty to fulfill, so I didn''t want you to worry about me. Also, I''m forever grateful to Madam Yang, if not for her, I wouldn''t meet you and I''d probably still be working as an escort." Soft yet audible, Andrea exined and paused as she loosened her grip and looked up to him.


    "So, aside from Master Lu, I can only feel rest assured of her safety if you''re with her. If you''re asking why I am not disappointed, you''re wrong; I am. It''s been a busy week and I''ve been looking forward to it." She stared straight to his eyes, offering a gentle and loving smile as her hand yed with the tip of his hair.


    "I love you, Nico. I''m forever grateful that you epted me despite all my ws, for epting my son in, and for juggling your time between us and your work. I can''t ask for more." With that being said, Andrea tiptoed as she slowly inched her lips closer to him. Within a second, her soft lips touched his, smooching it barely before she drew away with a smile.


    "I''ll wait for you, okay?" Her eyes squinted as a wide smile formed on her lips. For her, Nico had done more than what she had done for him. Therefore, she wanted to understand that they were not kids anymore and she would wait for him no matter howte it was.


    Although they were not living in the same apartment, they live in the same building. Their dinner ns might''ve been cancelled, but that didn''t mean they should leave it like that, right? They could just watch a movie at home; enjoy it with a ss of wine and snacks.


    It was not the end of the world. There were many ways if the initial n didn''t go smoothly. The reason Andrea wasn''t that upset.


    Nico stared at her sweet smile and sighed. He realized how petty he was and how his judgment clouded. Their rtionship was differentpared to Ethan and Lexi. The four of them werepletely different individuals and so were their ways of expressing their love.


    How could Nico evenpare his rtionship with Andy with them? How could he even think like that?


    "I''m sorry¡­" He murmured, his stiff shoulders lowered as another sigh slipped past his lips. "I shouldn¡­" Just as he was about to reflect on his childish actions, Andrea shushed her by cing a finger in front of his lips.


    "It''s fine. I sometimes curse at you in my mind." She humored, indirectly telling him it was normal between couples to have such whims.


    "Haha," He chuckled, shaking his head sideways. "I love you, Andy." After a long inhale and a heavy exhale, Nico uttered as he looked at her straight in the eye and spoke these genuine words for the first time.


    Upon hearing him say those words, her heart melted as she had been waiting for him to say that. "I love you too¡­" Slowly, Andrea closed her eyes and he leaned down, anticipating his lips on hers.


    However, even before their lips collided, Nico''s phone vibrated. Since there was no extra space between them, Andrea felt the vibration too so she opened her eyes. "It must be Lyrick." She muttered, chuckling as Nico ground his teeth, prepared to break a few bones of the single dog Lyrick''s.


    Annoyed by the interruption of the mood, Nico answered the phone without checking who it was. "What?!"


    "Uhh¡­ are you driving Madam home now?" From the other end of the line, Jarred Guo inquired.


    Nico was already too annoyed to bother and analyze so he answered with an irritated "No!"


    "God¡­ good." As if a thorn was plucked out from his throat, Jarred sighed. "Cancel the n. Just stay there for a moment -- we''ll be there shortly." Jarred Guo ordered which now caught the attention of Nico as his brows furrowed.


    "What happened?"


    "Uhh¡­ Master is being picked up by a chopper. Anyway, gotta go." With that being said, the line was cut short. Nico and Andrea looked at each other, baffled at what Ethan Lu was doing?!


    "Madam Yang will kill him." Andreamented softly, shaking her head because for sure, Ethan had done something out of the line that caused him this much trouble. He must have had his life on the line that''s why he was off to skip the traffic jam by using the chopper.


    "Let''s not worry about him." Nico shrugged his shoulder and meekly smiled. "We can continue our date. Let''s buy some for in." He proposed, causing her to smile. Nico could not be bothered by Ethan Lu''s fate as he had escaped Lexi''s wrath numerous times. Perhaps, he''s a masochist and he love the washboard that much so he kept inciting anger from the queen.

 Chapter 614: My wife, my love, my everything~!

    <h4>614 My wife, my love, my everything~!</h4>


    [Boss, I will drive you home as per Lyrick''s instruction. Will be there in a moment.] Lexi read Nico''s message after fifteen minutes when it was sent. However, just as Lexi was about to respond, another message from Nico came in saying:


    [Red said Master Lu would make it by the chopper. They''ll arrive soon.]


    Upon reading thest message from Nico, Lexi''s brows twitched in disbelief. "Chopper?" She repeated, rolling her eyes as she inhaled deeply and then released it in a heavy sigh.


    "Ethan Lu¡­" Through her gritted teeth, Lexi called out his name as her grip on her phone tightened. Her husband was once again being crazy. However, if he was in this hurry, he must have done something he knew Lexi would be mad about.


    What was it this time? What did he do that he was in a hurry after realizing how irrelevant and way over the line his action was? Just thinking about it, Lexi decided to stop herb work and wait for her husband. After all, she couldn''t concentrate anymore having that though in mind.


    "Please lengthen my patience¡­" She murmured, cing her palms together to pray that she wouldn''t murder Ethan Lu this time around.


    "No, chu~! You''ll surely want him to kneel on the washboard tonight chu~!" Just as Lexi prayed, Churu suddenly appeared. Her tone affirmed that Lexi''s prayers were for naught because her husband had lost his mind.


    "Oh, please¡­" Lexi closed her eyes slowly, inhaling and exhaling to calm herself down.


    "I won''t tell you chu~! So the effect will be explosive -- humans always act rash when their emotions are heightened~!" Churu, who was floating on Lexi''s side, crossed her tiny and white arms as she spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. "Also, he was trying to take Momo with his ventures -- he really needs that punishment chu!" The little dumpling harrumphed, displeased that Ethan had been a bad influence to Morris Liu like what a devil should do.


    Upon hearing Churu''sst remarks, Lexi''s brows twitched along with the corner of her lips. "So you came to witness how I punished him?" She asked, sporting a poker face.


    "Ahem! Of course not chu!" Churu cleared her throat, shaking her head before ncing back at the unfazed Lexi.


    "I thought you need to do good things to redeem yourself? Lying is never good." In a matter-of-fact tone, Lexi pulled out the ultimate card because Churu seemed to have learnt the art of lying, or rather, for denying stuff like her affair with Morris Liu.


    Not that Lexi didn''t know anything about them. It was just that Churu barely details everything that''s between them. Which made Lexi curious what''s the real status of Churu and Morris Liu. After all, thest time they talked about this was months ago before Churu and Morris Liu went abroad to do some task.


    Now, although Churu could no longer read or hear Lexi''s inner thoughts, her expression told her that Lexi''s mind was now hundred percent in the context: Ethan Lu bought a whole school for the twins!


    For Pete''s sake! The twins had just turned one! What was this grand idea of buying an entire school?! Although Churu truly wanted Ethan to be scolded by Lexi because he wasn''t listening to her earlier, he deserved it! His big brain has now turned into a mush after fangirling Lexi for a year or so.


    Churu couldn''t even believe this guy. Perhaps, being his guardian dumpling (angel) for a year has now taken a toll on her. He was just so stubborn. At the very least, Lexi always listened to her advice. But Ethan, Churu, although an immortal being, often felt that her blood pressure peaked whenever dealing with him. Thus, she ditched him and appeared in Beauty DR.


    "A school, huh?" Lexi nodded her head slowly, chuckling indicating that Ethan once again pushed her button. "Very well." She pped, convinced that her husband probably knew his fate tonight. Therefore, he was rushing to pick her up and even used a chopper.


    Just then, Lexi heard a faint rotor noise above. "Oh, they''re here!" She pped her hand once again, walking out of theb while Churu followed behind her. Churu watched Lexi stretch her neck from one side to another, causing her to shake her head as she now felt bad for ratting Ethan out.


    Well, she wasn''t supposed to do that if not for the fact that he had been a bad influence towards Morris Liu. Still, as she watched Lexi and sensed her aura, she felt guilty. After all, she''s connected to Ethan one way or another.


    Soon, Lexi and Churu reached the rooftop. As soon as she opened the door, harsh wind blew past them along with the ear-splitting noise from the chopper. There, Ethan was instructing Lyrick and Jarred to carry the things they bought.


    When Ethan sensed the presence of his love, he turned to face her. His dashing face brightened, gliding towards Lexi whose face was emotionless. "My wife, my love, my everything~!" Invisible hearts and flowers surrounded him, almost beating the harsh winds surrounding the rooftop.


    However, just as he was about to throw himself to Lexi, she stopped him raising her hand. "Later," Cold and emotionless, Lexi warned.


    Ethan, who was a little confused, nced at the little white creature floating behind Lexi. In an instant, Ethan paled as it finally synced to him that Lexi already knew what he did. Not that he didn''t n on telling her. He just wanted some affection first so he could make it through the night.


    "Rick, bring those washboards to my office. Now!" While Ethan turned into a statue, Lexi tilted her head to the side to see Jarred and Lyrick carrying the washboards they brought with them. With that being said, Lexi grabbed Ethan''s tie and dragged him with her.


    "Churu!" Ethan reached his hand behind them, calling Churu for help but to no avail.


    "I''m sorry Chu!" Guilty, Churu apologized as she watched Ethan get dragged by his wife, rubbing her soft palms together.

 Chapter 615: A glimpse of happily ever after

    <h4>615 A glimpse of happily ever after</h4>


    "My wife¡­" On a verge of weeping, Ethan frowned as he watched his men prepare the washboard in front of him.


    "All ready, Madam." Jarred informed, standing straight on the side of the washboard as he faced Lexi. She was leaning in front of her desk, nodding upon hearing him.


    "Wait for us outside." She muttered, causing Lyrick and Jarred bow their heads and retreat without a single word. Still, they could not help but nce at their boss whose life was now on Lexi''s hands. Their eyes bore pity, but they already expected this would happen -- Ethan expected it too. That''s why he brought these washboards with them.


    Soon, when the two left, Ethan wept aloud. "My wife, please listen to my exnation! My knees haven''t recovered from kneeling one week ago!" He cried, rubbing his hands against each other as he pleaded for his life.


    "What''s the purpose of bringing this if we''re not going to use it?" Unfazed by her weeping husband, Lexi crossed her hand under her chest; her right brow arched.


    "Huhuhu!" Ethan wept. As he did so, he reluctantly knelt down. "I know I made a rash decision and shouldn''t have done it! I was just tempted since the twins turned one and before we know it, they''re already adults! I just don''t want them to get bullied!" When Ethan''s knees touched the washing board, he began exining.


    One would take pity on him by the tone of his voice and his action at the moment. However, if they knew what it takes for him to be in this same situation over and over again, they would probably just sigh. To be honest, Lexi was also tired from his restlessness.


    Sure, she admired her husband for his love for her and how he was whenever he was acting as the head of the Lu family. However, sometimes, he was just too much. He over thinks a lot; just like today, he bought a school just because the twins turned one.


    If Lexi didn''t know about his n months ago, Lexi would''ve had a statue of herself! She only stopped him from doing so because that was just ridiculous on many levels.


    "Love, money was never a problem." As Lexi stared at his pitiful figure, she slowly drew away from the desk as she strode towards him. "I appreciate the thought, but¡­" She paused, squatting down to face him and another sigh slipped past her lips.


    "But I want the twins to learn things on their own. That they would grow up knowing the reality of the society. They wouldn''t achieve that if we kept sheltering them -- we talked about this." Unlike what he expected, Lexi''s tone was rather gentle and tired. "I know time flies so fast and it''s been a year already. However, can''t we enjoy and baby our twins until then?" She added, her eyes softened, seemingly hurt that her husband had been going cray cray whenever he thinks that the twin grows so fast.


    "I''m just worried, that''s all." He muttered, lowering his gaze as he couldn''t look at her straight in the eyes. "It''s only one year and a few months since that incident happened. I''m just afraid¡­" He sighed, not finishing his sentence.


    Lexi sighed as well, shaking her head sideways as she knew that. "I know¡­" She whispered in distress. "Stand up." She said as she stood up and lent her hands for him to take.


    Ethan, who raised his head and watched her stand, witnessed her smile as she reached her hand to him. "My wife¡­" He whispered, choking in thest part as the side of his lips curled down. Because of that, Ethan reached for her hand, but used his leg stretched so not to burden Lexi with his weight.


    He dusted off the speck of dust that stuck to his knees before Lexi led him to the long sofa Jarred pushed to the side of the office. The two of them sat side by side, Ethan habitually ced his arms over her shoulder while she leaned to him.


    "I''m tired." Lexi murmured, sighing as she didn''t have enough energy to scold him. "The school is upsetting." She added, expressing her displeasure about the school. Not that it was a waste of money, in fact, it could generate money and be another source of ie. However, what upset her about it was he decided for the twins all on his own again.


    They could have discussed it. Why must Ethan do this over and over again? Deciding without talking about it with her? Even the washboard seemed to be pointless since he kept on doing it unconsciously.


    "Love¡­" Ethan turned to his side, sighing upon the sight of her exhausted countenance. "I''m sorry, I know¡­ yet I did it again." He admitted meekly, sounding apologetic because he knew what truly upset her as they had discussed it bazillion times.


    Lexi remained silent, pouting as she hung her head low. "But you kept doing it again." She sighed for the nth time. "I know the trauma of that incident but we have to move forward, Ethan." Slowy, Lexi raised her head and sat to face him; her gaze fixated on his pair of eyes.


    "It''s hard, but we have to. The world continued to revolve. I''m not saying we should forget about it, but you have me. We can protect the twins and their peace together. Can''t we do that?" Lexi slowly extended her hand and reached for his, squeezing it a little as she looked up once again.


    Seeing her expression, Ethan pursed his lips on a thin line. "Mhmm¡­ I''m sorry for giving you headaches¡­" However, before he could finish his sentence, the rest of it were pushed back as Lexi sealed his lips on a kiss.


    "You were there when I was at my lowest. No need to thank me or apologize. Let''s move forward together, okay?" The kiss was brief, and Lexi drew away, resting her forehead against him as she reminded him.


    Before, Lexi was the one who was broken. He epted her regardless of her issues, He was always there for her. Thus, although she was sometimes disappointed with his action, that didn''t mean she would stop caring and loving. They were legally husband and wife, after all.


    Wasn''t this part of marriage life? They would still have their highs and lows, but as long as they''re together, the love would remain the same and that would never change. They might bicker, have a little misunderstanding, upset each other, and the list goes on -- that was just part of the forever they both sought.

 Chapter 616: Congratulations! CHURUxMORRIS

    <h4>616 Congrattions! CHURUxMORRIS</h4>


    Hourster¡­


    "I told you to stop drinking¡­" Calm yetmanding, Churu descended from the ceiling down to the kitchen counter where Morris Liu poured himself a ss of wine.


    Without turning his head towards her, he answered. "One ss." He stopped once the ss of wine was half-filled.


    Churu pouted, crossing her arms on her bby belly as her gaze followed his figure as he strode away from the kitchen. "Have you had dinner?!" She shouted when he was about to exit the kitchen.


    Her call halted his steps, turning back to look at her small floating figure. "Make me some." said Morris Liu before resuming in his tracks.


    "What?! What do you take me for? Your maid? Servant? For your information, I am a divine being! The strongest among the devils and angels! Even Lucifer can''t control me!" Churu harrumphed, throwing a huge fit despite that the person already left. His guts truly ticked her off everyday!


    "This human! I''ll bite his head off!" Churu grumbled. s, the next second, she transformed into her human form -- naked as usual because she wasn''t wearing anything on her dumpling form. Even if she wore all customized clothes Lexi made for her, they wouldn''t fit in her human form.


    Therefore, to avoid getting her precious dresses made by Lexi ripped apart, Churu decided to wear nothing on her dumpling form. She''sfortable in it anyway. Also, not that people see her; only Lexi, Ethan, and Morris Liu were the people that could see her.


    "I really hate him!" Through her gritted teeth, Churu walked to get the apron hanging on the kitchen counter, wearing it as she tied up her silver hair. "What does he even want for dinner?" She muttered, annoyed stomps towards the two-door refrigerator, checking what ingredients that were avable.


    In the end, Churu ended up making him a congee, boiled eggs, and a few side dishes. No matter how annoyed she was,ining throughout the whole prepping time, she still made him dinner wearing only an apron. When she served everything on the tray, a satisfied smile formed on the side of her lips as she brought it to where he was during this time -- to his study!


    *****


    "Hey scumbag! Your dinner is here!" In front of the study door, Churu shouted as she slowly bent down, cing the food on the floor. However, just when she ced the tray on the tiled floor, she heard the door slowly open.


    Morris Liu, who opened the door slowly looked down. The moment he did, her bare back and a glimpse of her fair bum was what graced his eyes. However, his face remained unfazed as if seeing her like this had be normal.


    "Am I a dog?" He asked, his eyes shifting to the tray which she put down.


    "Who''s taking advantage of who?" Slowly, his right brow arched, slightly tilting his head to the side. Churu''s fist tightened, her jaw tightened before a sharp ''hmph! escaped her lips and ran away.


    "I hate you chu!" Churu shouted as she ran away from him. Morris Liu''s gaze followed her figure before he sighed heavily.


    Slowly, he looked down on the food that she prepared for him. He bent down, picking up the tray and then kicked the door closed behind her. He brought it to his desk, withering flowers from three days ago resting on the side of his desk.


    As he noticed the bouquet of flowers he bought a few days back that had failed tond on her hands, Morris Liu sighed once again. These flowers, he meant to give it to her as he closed a huge deal and wanted to celebrate it with her.


    However, Churu didn''t return until today. He should''ve gotten used to it by now that Churu was Ethan''s. Apparently, he couldn''t seem to get used to it. She only returned whenever she needed him. To be exact, whenever she wanted to restore her energy by sleeping together with him.


    Sleeping as in on the same bed, holding hands -- sometimes she could cling on him -- and then sleep together. That has been happening for the past year. She woulde and go as she pleased. On the other hand, he would wait for her until she returned. Which made him wonder what he was to her?


    Morris Liu didn''t know when this started, but he had started getting greedy for this sometimes human sometimes dumpling being. He knew he shouldn''t, but it just happened. Thus, he was purposely trying to be mean to stop himself from losing himself.


    Still, there were days he longed for herpany. Just knowing she was here, that was enough for him. Yet, that too seemed to be impossible because her life was connected to Ethan¡­


    Right¡­ Ethan. Of course, he got what Morris Liu always wanted like always. Not that he should me Ethan for that, but deep down, he couldn''t help but feel envious of the man. Lexi''s case was different, Morris Liu admitted it was his entire fault.


    But Churu¡­ it''s just unfair.


    "Unfair¡­?" He whispered, a mocking scoff escaped from his lips upon the pathetic thought that hovered over his head.


    "How pathetic¡­" He chuckled, his faintughterced with ridiculing as he shook his head and returned his focus on the dinner she made him.


    One after another, Morris Liu transferred the bowls, saucers, and ss of water from the tray to the desk. As he did so, his right brow arched as he noticed something sticking out from under the bowl of congee.


    Out of curiosity, Morris Liu ced the tip of his forefinger onto the piece of paper and lifted the bowl up as it stuck under it. When he did, he read the short note that says:


    "Congrattions! \u003c3"


    The shock on his face immediately surfaced, before his eyes softened as the corner of his lips curled into a gentle smile. "Alvah???" He whispered. After a second, Morris put the bowl on the desk and rushed outside the study room.

 Chapter 617 - Im home

    <h4>Chapter 617 - I''m home</h4>


    "Jerk! Scumbag! Ugly Momo!" Churu shouted all insults she could ever think that exist in this world. She felt utterly aggravated by how Morris Liu never changed. He didn''t even thank her, instead, he immediately asked if he''s a dog!


    Did he even consider that Churu needed to open the door? How could she open the door if Churu was holding a tray of food? She just wanted to feed him and make up with him because she was away babysitting Ethan. After all, Ethan''s previous deals were rather dangerous.


    Not life threatening though. But they''re dangerous people, so Churu wanted to be sure despite the protection of Louis Lu prepared for his cousin. After all, if Ethan died, they knew what would happen.


    Although there might be changes since Lincoln Lu and Dn Lu were serving their time behind bars, it would devastate Lexi -- not to mention, the twins would be raised without a father. Furthermore, if Ethan died, Churu would need to vanish too! ;


    In other words, her priority was Ethan''s life because her time in this world was his life. So, she needed to finish her side tasks first; do good deeds which were giving a second chance at life for those lucky individuals for the sole entertainment of those angels and gods in the heavenly realm. Until her points of redeeming herself as an angel was finished, she needed to keep Ethan Lu alive.


    Also, for the sole purpose of the happily ever after of this story. ;


    While Churu threw a tantrum, thinking how inconsiderate and dense Morris Liu was, she failed to hear the faint knock from outside of the door. Slowly, the door creaked open as Morris Liu peeked inside.


    "Huhu! He''s so stupid! Idiot Mo! How can he be so cruel¡­!" Churu continued to cry, stomping her feet against the soft bed out of frustration.


    Morris Liu who was seeing this sighed. ''She cries like a child.'' He whispered internally, shaking his head sideways as she''s akin to a child sometimes. However, Morris Liu didn''t expect her to cry like this to release her frustration.


    No, actually, he didn''t expect anything from her. He expected that she wouldn''t be frustrated or would have gone to Lexi''s ce. But no, she didn''t. She stayed and was crying her heart out which seemed to clench his heart.


    "I could have snuck in his sleep if I didn''t care for him¡­ what a heartless, stupid jerk!" In between her frustrated insults, Churu hupped, burying her face more against the pillow. ;


    How rude to have these thoughts, but Morris Liu was a man. He had restrained the urges to smack her bottom earlier, but now, she made it more challenging for him more than ever. Not to mention, her previous remarks about caring for him, it moved him, sending ripples on his still as ake heart.


    "That..!"


    "Alvah," Before she could insult him further, Morris Liu softly called out. Churu jolted to the side upon the sound of his voice. However, as she did so, the apron disheveled, showing more than what was already exposed.


    "What are you doing here?!" Churu gasped, forgetting that aside from the apron, she had nothing else that could cover her delicate body.


    Morris sighed, grabbing the hem of the nket and tossed the half of it over her head. "You''re naked, again." He remarked, reminding her for the nth time that she was und, giving him the chance to see her in all of her glory.


    Churu clipped his hand on the nket, sliding it off until her head was not covered. She then used the nket to cover her chest down. Because of her small figure, half of the nket was enough to cover what needed to be covered.


    "It''s not like it''s your first time seeing it." She murmured, looking away with a pout as she wiped the tears on the corner of her eyes.


    Her words, although said under her breath, still reached his ears. "I''m still a man, Alvah." He recalled, looking at her side profile because she had her face on the other side.


    For a moment, silence enveloped the room which made him frown and sighed once again. "I''m sorry." After taking a mouthful of gulp, Morris mustered his courage and apologized.


    Obviously, that lone word made her shoulder stiffen. Churu looked back, her swollen ardent eyes widened, surprised as he apologized to her. "Chu?" She murmured.


    Morris didn''t speak immediately as he stared at those pair of argent orbs that were observing him. "I''m sorry, Al¡­ and thank you." With a tone of sincerity, Morris expressed his heart. His gaze never left hers, gleaming with emotions only she could see.


    "But, but you didn''t eat yet." Churu drew the nket closer to her chest, hiding half of her face in it as she bent her knees closer to her.


    "No," He sighed, shaking his head lightly. "Thank you foring back."He rified, the side of his lips curled into a gentle smile. "Wee home." He added, his jaw tightened as it took arge amount of confidence to say such words that might break with her response.


    Once again, the two of them remained silent. "I''m home¡­" After a few minutes of silence, Churu whispered that made him sigh in relief and nod.


    "Let''s eat together, hmm?" He invited, offering his hand which Churu nced upon and epted after taking the courage to do so.

 Chapter 618 - You want dessert?

    <h4>Chapter 618 - You want dessert?</h4>


    "Well?" Churu perked up. Her ardent eyes sought for feedback as he ate a spoonful of the meal she prepared for him.


    Slowly, Morris wiped the side of his lips by a white cloth. "So?" He heard her asked again before he slowly turned to the side where the curious human bun sh demon in disguise perched. She had her elbows on the edge of the table, half of her body forwarded, as her eyes were on him.


    "It''s good." Deep and gentle, Morris answered, which caused her face to brighten.


    "Really??" Her lips stretched into a grin, biting her bottom lip as she slowly went back to her seat. "Hehe." She giggled, picking up her cutlery and started cutting smaller pieces of meat.


    "I learned this dish when Ethan was dying on a chase, hehehe~" As she cut the meat, Churu shared where she learned this dish that she prepared for him for the first time. Although she was confident with her cooking skills, Churu still wanted to prepare the best food for him.


    Why? Because she needed to fatten the sheep before eating it!


    "Dying? On a chase?" Morris arched his right brow, ncing at the meat she was cutting before averting it back to her. "Aren''t you supposed to protect him from harm? Why are you studying cooking?" He asked, tilting his head to the side.


    "Ehh¡­ he was the one who''s chasing the bad guys." She shrugged her shoulders nonchntly, forking out a piece of meat, and then sprawled her arm to him. "Ahh¡­" She opened her mouth while the piece of meat hovered in front of his lips.


    Morris swallowed a mouthful of saliva before his lips parted. Without further ado, he ate the piece of meat she gave him and chewed it slowly while she continued ¡ª using the fork as her barbecue stick, forking several pieces before feeding it to him.


    "You shouldn''t have cut them into small pieces if you''re going to feed it to me all at once." Although there wasn''t a change in his countenance, Morris''s words were still blunt and direct.


    "Hehe. My arms will hurt if I feed them to you one by one." She giggled, realizing that she cut the meat into extra small pieces that it would take forever to fatten her little sheep.


    Morris only shook his head without a word. He then opened his mouth and ate the meat without anyints. His eyes fixated with her bright, happy front, which caused his eyes to soften gently while chewing the meat that was stuffing his mouth.


    "Anyway, don''t tell Lexi about her husband''s activity." As she waited for him to chew his food down before shoving the next batch, Churu rubbed her chin as she realized she rat Ethan once again.


    Morris nodded in understanding. Well, he never said anything to Lexi about everything that Churu tells him because he knew his disposition. Also, he didn''t want to be the root of the husband and wife''s argument. He would rather zip his mouth despite knowing more.


    "Welp! Now, I''m worried." After a minute, Churu cupped her cute cheeks as she pouted.


    "Why?" He asked after drinking a mouthful of water.


    "Lexi will know." Still pouting, Churu raised her pair of ardent eyes towards him. "Ethan will rat himself out and prepare a washboard himself! I really think he is a lowkey m.a.s.o.c.h.i.s.t. He knows his wife would be mad, but he kept doing things grand without a thought." Her tone sounded more as aint; one could discern her stress as Ethan''s guardian angel and demon at the same time.


    "They''ll be fine." Slowly, his arm extended towards her, stroking her silky silver hair that shone the brightest under the little ss chandelier in the kitchen. "Don''t worry." Heforted, smiling as his eyes roamed around her adorable facial features.


    "I know they will be fine because Lexi is such a softie! I should teach her how to dominate a man!" Despite the pair of gentle eyes and hand that was stroking her hair, Churu''s pout remained. She heard him chuckle briefly, which made her pick up the fork and shoved it lightly to his mouth.


    *cough*


    Morris coughed, smacking his lips before eating the meat that was on the fork."Stopughing. I''m serious!" She muttered, ring at him as his chuckles had a touch of ridiculing as if he didn''t believe her words.


    Once again, Morris drank a mouthful of water to help himself swallow down the food. "I know." He answered shortly, shaking his head sideways. "I''m chuckling because you look cute." He added, his eyes back on her.


    Her white as a snowplexion revealed the slight pinkish hue on her cheeks upon hearing his exnation. She bit her bottom lip lightly, resisting herself from smiling like an idiot for the seemingly simplepliment from him.


    "Do you think I don''t know that?" She looked down, began cutting some meat again quickly as she could sense his eyes on her side profile. Morris rested his jaw by the back of his hand, smiling as she handled the meat without care.


    "Are you shy?" He asked, his lips crooked into a yful smile.


    Churu stopped, turning her distorting face to his yful visage. "No!" She firmly denied, a glint of dismay flickered across her eyes.


    "Really?" Still bearing his mirth on his lips, Morris leaned closer, arching his right brow. "Your face says otherwise." Slowly, his face inched closer. But before he coulde closer, Churu was about to shove the meat to his lips.


    However, her act of stopping him failed miserably as he grabbed her wrist, guiding it to the side as it was blocking his sight. "I''m full." He said, his eyshes fluttered slowly as an inexplicable glint shed across his eyes.


    "You -- you can''t waste food." Churu stuttered, drawing back slightly as she gulped down a mouthful of saliva. "You know you need to be healthy¡­" She murmured, looking away as her heart raced whenever this yful side of him resurfaced.


    For a moment, Morris stared at her in delight. Without further ado, he ate the food from the fork and chewed in front of her. This time, he didn''t need the help of water to swallow it down.


    "I don''t." He uttered, watching her dart her eyes from the fork to his eyes and then to the greasy part on his lips.


    "Uhm¡­" Churu hummed a tune, her other hand massaged her shoulder as she looked up. "There''s still oil on your lips¡­" She murmured, recklessly looking around for her to used to wipe his lips. She immediately spotted the cloth for her, grabbed it and used it to wipe his thin lips.


    "You''re good now! Hehe!" She announced once she was done wiping his lips. However, Morris remained in his position with his eyes glued on her. "You want dessert?" She asked awkwardly, seeing him nodded his head in response.

 Chapter 619 - Happy to serve you

    <h4>Chapter 619 - Happy to serve you</h4>


    "You want dessert?" She asked awkwardly, seeing him nodded his head in response.


    After a beat, Morris suddenly leaned forward. However, before his lips could touch hers, she managed to cover his lips by her palm. "Wait, I mean¡­"?She pursed her lips on a thin line, thinking of ways to divert the direction of where this was going.


    "You said don''t waste food." In a matter-of-fact tone, Morris said as he tilted his head to the side a little. "You haven''t eaten yet¡­ for a few days. You need nutrition, am I right?" He asked, blinking his eyes ever so slowly.


    For everyone''s information, Churu could eat human food. However, none of the food could make her have her fill. They were akin to junk food; she could eat them but wouldn''t get any nutrition from it.


    Her nutrition and food was him. The closer she was to him, the more she could replenish her energy fast. However, Churu drained him slowly whenever she was trying to replenish her energy. The reason Churu was feeding him ''correctly'', as she needed him to be healthy for her to get enough nutrition.


    Talked about fattening the sheep before eating it. This saying applied urately with her setup with him.


    Still pursing her lips on a thin lip, Churu nodded her head. Morris slowly removed the hand that was covering his lips. "Then, why are you holding back?" He asked, noticing her reluctance through these previous months that passed.


    In their earlier days together, Churu would hold back and even initiate most of their physical contact. However, that resulted in Morris''s poor health at first. That''s why she decided to let him recoverpletely before bugging him.


    When he recovered, Churu would always take care of him. She would prepare food for him and then start getting her meals when he was stuffed. However, as time passed by, Churu stopped initiating such action and would be fine purely sleeping with him with a pillow in the middle.


    Morris didn''t ask before, but now that he had the chance, he wanted to satisfy his curiosity. "Don''t you need me anymore?" He queried again, his eyes sulking as he waited for her answer.


    "It''s not like that¡­" Churu replied, sighing heavily as she shook her head. "I just¡­ I don''t understand so I can''t exin." Once her ardent eyes returned to him, another sigh slipped past her lips.


    "..." He remained silent, studying her low-spirited visage.


    "I just feel like I don''t want to use you anymore to benefit myself." In a low tone, Churu murmured as she looked down. "I don''t want that anymore.." She added through her muffled voice.


    His eyes as he watched her open up to him softened; his heart melting each passing second. "Tell me what do you want?" He asked in a much gentle tone. Morris slowly let her wrist go, then dragged the chair to her side and perched on it.


    "I am hopeful¡­" Morris sighed, cing his hand atop hers which were on her l.a.p. "I want to hear the reason¡­ the real one. But, at the same time, I''m afraid that it might shatter the sliver of hope my heart hopes." A touch of bitternessced his voice, squeezing her hand lightly as it sent her different signals.


    One was hopeful to tell him and the other one was also to not tell him. It was a confusing touch which Churu could understand internally. In her understanding, Morris would rather her lies instead of hearing the brutal truth. It would break him¡­ she knew, if what her emotions were not the one he hoped for.


    However, that wasn''t the case; Churu''s feelings were the ones he wanted. The problem was, this shouldn''t happen. There should be no string attached in this set up with him. Yet, before she knew it, she started caring. Before she could stop herself, she already fell from the seemingly bottomless pit.


    Churu didn''t have her wings to fly. She didn''t have anything to return. All she could do was watch herself fall deeper and deeper to someone she shouldn''t.


    "Its nothin¡­" Just when she decided to deny everything, and divert the subject, Churu halted upon meeting his gaze. Her heart clenched, clogging her words in her throat as her lower lips trembled.


    "Hmm?" He hummed a tune, his gaze fixated with her pair of ardent eyes.


    Minutes had passed but Churu didn''t make a sound. On the other hand, Morris didn''t mind the time in silence as he let her gather herself patiently.


    Another minute had passed before Churu''s lips parted and her eyes glinted with resolve. "I''m making a sin¡­" She paused, breathing heavily as her heart raced, fighting the pounding of her heart inside her c.h.e.s.t.


    "But, I''m a demon -- a sinner." She affirmed, making him blink his eyes as he was somewhat confused why she was saying the information he already knew.


    "A demon is selfish, doing evil things, and happy with others misfortune and fear. So, why would I care if I add more sin, right? I''m already a living legend that even Lucifer praises by my achievements! I tortured millions of souls, enjoyed their melodious screams, especially the sweet sound of the whip while torturing them!" Churu listed down all her chores back in hell, giving her more courage while thetter was rendered puzzled.


    "Hah! Who do they think I am?" She mocked, a courageous smirk stered across her lips. The next second, she turned to Morris who was startled by her strange front that made him jolt back slightly.


    "What did I do?" Baffled by the strange and maniac look stered across her adorable face, Morris'' previous heart-warming aura changed gradually. It changed into someone who was confused and vignt as Churu''s expression was different.


    "Did you hear me? I am a demon, Lucifer''s assistant. That one you read in books by those people whom I''ve tortured the longest!" In a matter-of-fact tone, Churu snickered.


    In a fraction of second, Churu suddenly pulled him by the cor as she leaned closer. Yet, she stopped him when there was an inch gap between them. Morris bore the look of surprise while Churu carried the arrogant air she gathered earlier.


    "That demon, the subus that had been draining your energy wants more of you. Do you understand that you''re in a dangerous situation now?" Her ardent eyes never left his confused eyes. "I don''t just want your body, I want more than your presence¡­" The grip on his cor shivered as she could feel her resolve dwindle thinking how this would be unfair.


    "I want you; your mind, your heart, and your soul. I want everything of it -- just mine. Do you understand? I''m trying to stop myself while I can because¡­" The rest of her sentence was pushed by as he suddenly pressed his lips against hers.


    Caught off guard, Churu''s eyes widened until he drew back an inch away. "You can have them." Staring straight into her eyes, his lips hooked into a smile. "My mind, my heart, and my soul. I''ll be happy to serve you." Morris chanted, smiling as he slowly leaned closer again.


    This time, Churu weed his lips as she closed her eyes. "Yes¡­"

 Chapter 620 - You’ll never be forgiven. **

    <h4>Chapter 620 - You¡¯ll never be forgiven. **</h4>


    WARNING: MATURE CONTENT AHEAD. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR 17 YEARS OLD AND BELOW. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.


    Churu wrapped her arms around his neck while he pressed his lips deeper. Slowly, she could feel her small body being carried into his l.a.p. His hand roamed on her back, stroking it gently with his firm yet gentle touch.


    "Mhmm¡­" A reckless m.o.a.n slipped past her lips and onto his mouth. As soon as the lovely note reached his ear, Morris unconsciously grunted, biting her lower lip gently as his hand slowly made its way under the oversized shirt she was wearing.


    The sound of her m.o.a.ns brought such a joy to him, knowing it was meant solely for his ears to hear. "Ahh¡­" He panted, the tip of his fingers that were traveling on her back embraced her, reaching the side of her bosom.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click <a href="#%E2%80%99ll-never-be-forgiven.-**_49445572188369130">#%E2%80%99ll-never-be-forgiven.-**_49445572188369130</a> for visiting.


    Morris reluctantly parted his lips from her, trailing soft kisses on her jawline down to the side of her neck. Her hands unconsciously ran through his hair, tugging the tip of his soft unruly hair as she stretched her neck for him to have easier ess.


    The silent permission through her action awarded him the boldness to carry on with his actions. He slowed down his kisses, drawing his tongue out. Churu shuddered upon the touch of his tongue on her skin. It was sensually cold, attempting to lower her heating body.


    However, her inner d.e.s.i.r.e reacted in the opposite way. Her back arched, her c.h.e.s.t pressing against his c.h.e.s.t. She could feel his hard manhood poking her t.h.i.g.h while she clenched her legs together, feeling the pool of heat gathering between them.


    As the building tension between them intensified, she heard him click his tongue as he slowly drew back. "Huh?" The abrupt pause caused the corner of her lips to curve down as disappointment flickered across her pair of argent eyes.


    For a moment, Morris remained silent as his eyes scanned her feverish face, noticing the disappointment etched on her face at the sudden pause in his actions. His hand raised, cupping her jaw while his thumb c.a.r.e.s.sed her cheek lovingly. "I feel that this is not the right time to say this¡­" He whispered, the side of his lips hooked up meekly.


    "Hmm?" Puzzled, Churu knitted her brows together, tilting her head a little to the side. "Say, what?" She inquired, blinking her eyes every so slowly.


    Morris bit his inner lower lip, smacking it lightly before they parted open as his words followed. "I love you¡­" Morris expressed, his dark eyes fixated to her alluring silver eyes. "I''m in love with you, Al. Even if you''ll never be mine¡­ I''m yours." A touch of bitterness resurfaced in his eyes, staring at her delicate face as his thumb gently brushed her plum lips.


    Upon hearing his profound remark, Churu''s heart beat slowly but loudly. Her eyes didn''t dare to look away, reading the pool of emotions pooling underneath his pair of dark eyes. "Love¡­?" She whispered, the side of her lips tilting up into a meek smile.


    She moved her hand, her fingers traced his resting arm from his elbow down to his slender fingers. Upon reaching his nail, Churu clipped his pinky and ring finger between her hand, guiding it closer to her.


    "I don''t know what love is¡­" She muttered, cing his hand on her c.h.e.s.t. "I am a demon, a once dysfunctional, abnormal, and disobedient holy being." Her small hands held his hand that was on her c.h.e.s.t. "However, with you¡­ I wonder if my core is just like your heart." Slowly, her other handnded on his c.h.e.s.t, gazing at it as she raised her gaze to meet his again.


    "Can you hear it?" Suddenly, a faint glow radiated on the area where his hands were ced. Soon, Morris could feel something thumping fast and soon, the beating grew louder as he heard two heart beats.


    The rhythm was a little messy at first, but gradually, their pace synced, beating at the same pace and rhythm. "That''s ours. My core and your heart¡­ beating in the same note. Only with you, I wonder how it feels like having a heart and not a core."


    Morris listened to the peaceful and harmonious beating she was channeling in his ears. A wave of warmth surrounded his heart, melting it by her words as she rubbed her cheek lightly against the hand that was cupping it.


    "I don''t know the answer to your confession and I am unsure of what love truly is¡­ so, I can only make you hear my core and hope you''ll understand the things I can''tprehend myself." Her silver eyes softened, smiling at him who returned the same sincere smile.


    "That''s more than enough." He nodded his head lightly, both stared at each other and chuckled. The faint light that was radiating underneath his palm slowly subsided until it stopped glowing. "I love you, Al. Your answer¡­ it''s more than the words I have longed to hear and feel." Morris slightly drew his hand away from her c.h.e.s.t and cupped her cheeks with both hands.


    This time, both of his thumbs c.a.r.e.s.sed her cheek with a smile. "Now, I understand why things that I wanted didn''t work and go the way I wanted them to go... " He paused, his gaze scanning her heavenly facial structure, one he could stare at for a whole day.


    "... Because I wouldn''t meet you." Once again, his eyes returned to her argent eyes. "I loved and failed. I did good and sinned. If loving a divine being like you was a sin, I''ll sin over and over again. I wouldn''t repent even if Satan himself burns my soul for eternity."


    Morris leaned forward, treating her lips to a brief peck. "I love you, Al. If my energy was what you need, I''ll stay fit and healthy to be enough to supply you. Even if you''ll eventually suck my life for you to live, I''ll prepare it on a silver tter for you to enjoy." Churu smiled upon the next soft kiss thatnded on her cheek. She felt her eyes burn, blurring as liquid of salt pooled on the corner of her eyes.


    "I am well-aware that I am sinning for wanting you. A mere human desiring to have someone as divine as you¡­ but I''m not sorry." He paused, tracing the side of her neck by the apex of his nose. "I will never be." He whispered, his lips touching her skin.


    "Don''t be." As Churu closed her eyes, a smile stered across her plum cheeks as he started nibbling on her delicate neck. "You''ll never be forgiven." She teased, hearing his deep chuckle before he slowly snuck his hands under her shirt. This time, his hands didn''t roam anywhere but immediately cupped her b.r.e.a.s.t.

 Chapter 621 - Dessert is served **

    <h4>Chapter 621 - Dessert is served **</h4>


    WARNING: MATURE CONTENT AHEAD. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR 17 YEARS OLD AND BELOW. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.


    "Ahh¡­" The raw touch of his hand on her b.r.e.a.s.t made her gasp softly. His constant nibbling on her jaw down to her neck sent a phenomenal sensation through her nerves.


    "Tsk." Impatient as ever, Morris clicked tongue as he wrapped his arm around her small waist. "This won''t do." He whispered airily near her ear.


    "Ah!" Churu squealed as he suddenly carried her, his other hand on her t.h.i.g.h while he snatched her lips once again. "Mhmm!" Aining m.o.a.n entered his mouth as he made her sit her on the table. Neither of them broke the kiss that was slowly bing deeper and deeper.


    Their tongues danced in harmony ¡ª sometimes inside his mouth, but more often inside hers. "Al¡­" He grunted huskily, biting her bottom lip with urgency. "I want you." He stated, running his fingers on the side of her hair as he s.u.c.k.e.d her neck.


    "I want more of you too¡­" Her eyes rolled back; eyelids closing in as she enjoyed the p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e of desperation in his hot breaths, tickling her fair skin as his lips touched it.


    Funny how the heartfelt atmosphere from minutes ago escted into a steamy one. Their body temperature suddenly shot up, longing for p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e that they could only get from each other. Nevertheless, there was no guilt at the moment. Only the screaming d.e.s.i.r.e for each other''s warmth filled their heads and hearts.


    Churu''s hands slid inside his shirt, groping his firm six-pack abs. ''Gosh¡­'' Churu identally bit his lip, but he didn''t stop as the taste of iron mixed in their mouth. No matter how many times she had seen his abs and touched them, she could not help but fangirl at the touch of them every time.


    Using her upper wrist, she sneakily raised her hand along with his shirt. Morris broke the kiss, drawing back a little as she took his top off. When he was about to lean forward again, missing her lips immediately, she stopped him by cing her hand on his c.h.e.s.t.


    "Wait --!" She said, pushing him away ever so gently. Morris, although displeased by it, stood straight with a frown.


    As he stood topless before her, her eyes skimmed through the details of his well-defined c.h.e.s.t and abs. There were evident scars from his surgeries from the past month, but it didn''t hinder the beauty of his body. If anything, they added more appeal that matched his natural stern front. Unknowingly, she bit her lower lips as her stomach growled, hungry for this appetizing specimen standing before her.


    "Love, what are you seeing?" He asked, seeing her fiery argent eyes scan his body. Because of the way she looked at him, his eyes glinted with confidence, pleased that her eyes were solely focused on him.


    "I''m hungry," Churu bit her finger, fluttering her eyshes coquettishly.


    He smirked, shrugging his shoulders as he leaned forward. His hand rested on both sides of where she sat. "I haven???t had dessert yet, my little demon." He teased, a yful smirk on the side of his lips.


    "I feel bad for saying this, but starve a little more of me." He inched closer, whispering on her lips, which she weed by opening her mouth voluntarily.


    "Mhmm," She m.o.a.n.e.d, agreeing to his demands. Well, one of the rules for a satisfying meal for her was that he should have his fill. For some reason, Churu as his dessert could give him enough energy that wouldn''t drain himpletely.


    Moreover, it was not that she was less entertained whenever he had his fill first. To be fair, she enjoyed it as much as him. Just like how he enjoyed it whenever it was her turn to eat.


    "Ughh¡­" Another frustrated grunt escaped his lips, drawing back while biting her lower lip along with it gently. In one swoop, Morris used his arm to empty the table, pushing the empty tes and dinner wares to the other side.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click <a href="#**_49468703540041782">#**_49468703540041782</a> for visiting.


    "Come here," Hemanded, his tone was firm but benign. His hand held her luscious t.h.i.g.hs, pulling him closer to him.


    Out of instinct, Churu clung onto his nape as he pulled her closer, her legs spread as he stood in the middle. That second she felt his crotch underneath his pants, Churu bit her lower lip as the .u.mted heat in her lower region welled up.


    Morris checked the table and spotted the fork that survived from his action. Hence, out of urgency, he tried to reach it. Yet, Churu sniffed his b.a.r.e shoulder, c.a.r.e.s.sing it with the tip of her nose.


    "Al¡­" Her actions, that were akin to a hungry kitten tasting her food, caused him to halt from reaching for the fork that might disrupt themter.


    "What?" Feigning innocence, Churu giggled as she ced soft kisses on his shoulders to his corbone.


    "Wait," He sighed, his soldier throbbed as a response from the smooching sounds she made that were music to his ear. "Uh, Al¡­" Under his breath, he called out. However, her sneaky hands rubbed his bulging soldier, trying to break free from his pants.


    "This is fine, right?" Churu smirked, stroking the outline of his angry rod from outside of his pants. "I''m hungry, but I want you to enjoy it as much as I do." She smiled approvingly, gesturing to him not to mind her even if she has to starve a little more.


    "*sigh*" A deep sigh slipped past his lips, letting her hand stroke him down there. "I''m no angel, Al. I am born with natural greed. Of course, I''ll take my precious time while indirectly punishing you for being naughty¡­" Morris paused, deciding to take caution of the forkter once hey her down.


    "How can you leave me for a long time without a word?" Heined softly, frowning as he squeezed her tender t.h.i.g.hs. "You have to make up for it." He mumbled, pulling her closer, which caused her to stop stimting his soldier that was crying for her.


    "En," Churu pursed her lips into a thin line, guilty of the crime of ghosting him for a few weeks without a word.


    "Good." He smiled, cing his hand on her chin as he guided it up lightly. When she looked up at him, Morris stared at her lovingly for a long time as he engraved her pretty small face in his mind. "I''m happy." He muttered, closing in for a kiss.


    "Me too," She answered in his mouth, wrapping her legs around his waist. Her arm sn.a.k.e.d around his neck as she arched her back, pressing her bosom against his solid c.h.e.s.t.


    Morris stilled the back of her head, pressing his lips deeper against hers. He could feel that the middle area of his pants slowly started to soak as she wasn''t wearing anything under this shirt. Yet, as his friend down there was being blessed by her love juices, it also thrilled it, cursing the thin cloth restraining him from skin to skin contact.


    Regardless, he continued. Morris set his hands on her h.i.p.s. He then slowly moved it upwards, dragging the hem of the shirt up, tracing her side curves as it revealed her t tummy. It rolled up until she raised her hands up, which granted him to take the shirt off easily.


    "Lovely," Heplimented, adoring her heavenly body that was more than what a real angel could offer. May she be a fallen angel or a demon. That didn''t matter to him. Whatever she was, be it a dumpling or this prettydy, his heart beat the same for her.


    "Dessert is being served, my human." Confident by her body, Churu threw her arms on his shoulder, bearing a wide grin on her lips. "Eat, chu~!" She encouraged him. The tip of her nose to y against his, before she initiated a deep kiss.


    "Of course, I will." He murmured, biting back as his fingers trailed her b.a.r.e back. It traveled smoothly down her bottom, his other hand stilling the back of her head.


    Morrisid her down carefully, as if she was the most fragile thing he had ever held. As heid her down, he adjusted her position, pulling her mellow bottom closer to him. Her overflowing honeypot touched his impatient rod. Upon sensing the poor guy, Churu wrapped her legs around his h.i.p.s, slowly moving her waist as she shared a passionate kiss with him.


    "You''re so naughty¡­" He whispered as her movements didn''t sooth his hungry friend, but rather, teased it to have what he couldn''t at the moment. The strong urge of his erected soldier to dip inside her soon made him lose focus of the list he wanted to do to her.


    "Not yet," He reminded himself, not caring if she could hear him as she giggled. "Ugh¡­ you make me lose my mind, Al." Morrisined, burying his face in her delicate, und shoulders. "I want all of you." He whispered, trailing kisses on her corbones down to her perfectly sculpted b.r.e.a.s.t.

 Chapter 622 - Lo and Behold **

    <h4>Chapter 622 - Lo and Behold **</h4>


    WARNING: MATURE CONTENT AHEAD. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR 17 YEARS OLD AND BELOW. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.


    He began fondling her tender b.r.e.a.s.t, s.u.c.k.i.n.g her upper c.h.e.s.t that left faint red marks on her as white as a milk skin. "Ahh¡­" Her back curved, her lower region clenching at his moist lips licked and s.u.c.k.e.d her like an ice cream.


    "Too sweet," He murmured, his thumb made a short circr motion on her pink n.i.p.p.l.e. Churu giggled, gazing down at him who clipped her other n.i.p.p.l.e in between his lips. "I like it," With her n.i.p.p.l.e in between his lips, Morrismented as he licked the tip of her erected n.i.p.p.l.e, causing her to shudder involuntarily.


    "Ahh¡­" Through her gritted teeth, Churu resisted from m.o.a.ning but the sensual lick of his tongue caused her to fail, miserably. This time, Morris chuckled through his deep voice which made her bite her bottom lip.


    "I''m enjoying it, don''t mock me." She looked away, feeling a little shy while being honest as she served herself up as his dessert.


    "I''m not." He gazed up, not letting go of the sweet cherry in his lips. "I''m d I can make you forget your hunger." He rified, moving his tongue around her teat carefully.


    Churu watched him. The dampness of his mouth made her toes curl. Every move of his flexible tongue aroused her; it was obvious with her feverish cheeks. "Momo¡­" She called out softly, running her fingers through his unruly hair.


    "Mhmm," He hummed, shifting his mouth to her other b.r.e.a.s.t, giving it the same attention just like what the other had received. Upon tending to the both of them, Morris cupped her b.r.e.a.s.t, pushing them together so he could simultaneously slurp her juices.


    He was getting addicted; she was too addicting for him to stop. She''s the best of the best desserts he ever had, and he''s opted to have everything of her tonight. Slowly, he would enjoy her.


    Morris slightly moved his h.i.p.s, grinding against her overflowing honeypot. "Yes¡­" She whispered, her thoughts scattered as her inner d.e.s.i.r.es exploded inside her mind.


    She wanted more. This teasing was making her lose her mind; she wanted him now! However, by the looks of it, he wouldn''t give it to her yet.


    Every passing second, her natural perverseness intensified. She panted, feeling his lips trail down her body, leaving her b.r.e.a.s.t while his hand traced her side curves. He journeyed down, his tongue yed with her belly button.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click <a href="#**_49491147965383776">#**_49491147965383776</a> for visiting.


    For some reason, Churu gritted her teeth as she felt the slight tickling of his action. Her hand over his head slightly tightened as herdybug felt thrilled by how closed he was. When he was done with her belly button, Morris resumed.


    He left soft kisses on her abdomen, teasing her as he settled there with short pecks. "Momo~!" Churuined, pouting as he chuckled while biting his lower lip.


    "I am wondering¡­" As he gazed up once again, a yful grin stered on his lips. Just then, her spine shuddered as she felt his finger from her leg travel closer to her front bottom. "...if I''d drown without checking." He winked, at the same time, his finger reached her pearl.


    Churu gasped, feeling his slender fingers c.a.r.e.s.s her overflowing pot. Her legs involuntarily closed in, but his firm hand stopped it with a smirk. "You''re too wet, Al." He teased, showing his fingers that were d with colorless slime.


    "I''d drown, for sure." In a matter-of-fact tone, Morris cast her a knowing look. Slowly, he moved his hand that was d with her love juices closer to his lips. Without further ado, he s.u.c.k.e.d the remains of her love nectar, enjoying every lick in his hand.


    She could not help but gulp as she watched him. He was too bewitching to watch, making her crave for that mouth on her. Gosh¡­ she suddenly hoped for a second to be that finger!


    "Doesn''t matter, though." He shrugged, smacking his lips as he had a taste of the syrup he would about to eat. "All mine." He said, kissing her knee lovingly.


    For some reason, despite the s.e.xiness of his eyes matching with his cold and deep voice, Churu''s heart moved upon the touch of his lips on her knees. "Yes," She nodded her head, pursing her lips into a thin line.


    When her answer reached his ear, the side of his lips curled into a satisfied smile. The feeling of being weed by someone and being epted for who he was, Morris was already in heaven. Even if she couldn''t be straightforward in her answer, her actions were enough for him.


    His heart could feel it. Just like how her heart synchronized with his heartbeat. It was enough reassurance that they have mutual feelings. She couldn''t say it, but he could feel it.


    A gentle smile resurfaced on her lips as she watched him tickle her inner t.h.i.g.h with the apex of his nose. ''I''m just as happy as you,'' He whispered internally, sensing his contentment with her.


    When Morris had sufficiently whiffed of the scent of her pleasant natural vani odor, he kissed her inner t.h.i.g.h, traveling down. However, instead of going forth to her honeypot with abundant juices spilling over, Morris shifted to her other t.h.i.g.h.


    Just like what he did from the other t.h.i.g.h, Morris gave the same attention and love to it. He wanted to be fair. Moreover, to tease her even further. Churu figured what he was doing, but this time, she remained calm and enjoyed the extra attention he was giving to her t.h.i.g.hs.


    Another minute had passed before Morris reached her cryingdybug. Churu gulped, watching him silently as she bit her lower lip. This time, she didn''t expect anything anymore as he could tease her longer and she might be left disappointed.


    Unlike what she had in mind, Morris leaned down, eyes on her as he stuck his tongue out to have a taste of it. The brief second where his tongue touched her pear, Churu shuddered as she involuntarily closed her legs.


    However, Morris stilled her legs as he smirked. "No," He shook his head sideways. His arms then wrapped around her t.h.i.g.hs, spreading them open so he could have more room to eat.


    "Better," He whispered. Lo and behold, he was granted a front row view of her pinkishdy bug. He stared at it in amus.e.m.e.nt, seeing no sight of pubic hair as it was as clean as her snow white skin. More than that, the love nectar leaking over her caused his manhood to harden even more.


    What a sight to behold¡­ Morris was in awe. He unconsciously bit his lower lips, excited at the thought of having more of her. "Time to eat," He whispered, leaning forwards as he licked the end of syrup leaking upward.

 Chapter 623 - You’ve starved me enough. **

    <h4>Chapter 623 - You¡¯ve starved me enough. **</h4>


    WARNING: MATURE CONTENT AHEAD. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR 17 YEARS OLD AND BELOW. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.


    Morris slurped her sweet nectar. As he did so, she could not help but gasp for her breath, holding his head as she closed her eyes. With every motion of his tongue, Churu gritted her teeth as her legs wrapped around his head.


    "Ahh¡­" Another m.o.a.n escaped her lips, her back arched back as she unconsciously pushed him deeper when his tongue prated her. However, the level of ecstasy that would blow her mind made her gasp for more.


    His tongue moved in a circr motion, stimting her erged c.l.i.t. While he did, he instinctively thought of putting his middle finger inside her. Thus, he did. As soon as he did, Churu m.o.a.n.e.d loudly.


    Churu covered her lips, her cheeks fl.u.s.tered by the p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e of his tongue and finger ying around her private part. The corner of her eyes teared up as all the heat she was releasing on her lower region built up to her face.


    She could feel her insides clench his finger as it moved inside and out. Slowly, while his hands were busy, Morris drew away. His thumb c.a.r.e.s.sed her c.l.i.t.o.r.i.s gently, multitasking as he watched her expression.


    Her expression sent millions of emotions in his heart down to his hard manhood. Although sheid there *ss n.a.k.e.d, reacting to his stimtion l.e.w.dly, his heart felt content that he could satisfy her. When their eyes met, Morris instantly read the pool of emotions in her eyes.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click <a href="#%E2%80%99ve-starved-me-enough.-**_49491682688819637">#%E2%80%99ve-starved-me-enough.-**_49491682688819637</a> for visiting.


    She wanted him. She was reaching her limits and wanted to eat. Should he give it to her? However, he wanted to watch her more closely, see that pair of ardent eyes long for him. Perhaps, he was truly a bad person for having such a kink, but he enjoyed the sight of her being desperate for him.


    Slowly, Morris leaned down -- continuing to extract her love nectars that gradually heated up -- while kissing her left b.r.e.a.s.t. ''I also want you now.'' He whispered internally, knowing she would understand his thoughts through his kisses. ''However, I haven''t had enough.'' He added, l.i.c.k.i.n.g the side of her bosom that had a mixed of sweat: some hers, some his..


    "Ahh¡­!" Soon, Churu squealed as she reached her climax. "No..!" She tried to stop it, but herdy friend down there began to contract. Her body instinctively twitched as her legs suddenly closed in. She suddenly ced her hand over his that was trapped between her legs.


    "It''s okay, it''s okay¡­" He whispered, showering her sweaty neck with some more kisses. Her heavy breaths touched his shoulders, her c.h.e.s.t moving in an upward and downward motion as she panted for air.


    Carefully, when her built up tension was releasing, her legs wobbled as they spread ever so slowly. That granted him to pull out his finger from her. "Gosh¡­" Out of breath, Churu muttered as Morris stopped nibbling on her n.i.p.p.l.e and stood up.


    He gazed down at her finger and, without a second thought, s.u.c.k.e.d them one by one as her love nectars were his nutrition too. Perhaps, that was what he wanted to believe, but he felt that it gave him more energy.


    He couldst longer with an overflowing man''s tears to fill her. Moreover, not that her liquid white golds weren''t tasty. It actually tastes sweet, sweeter than honey syrup. So, he wasn''t l.i.c.k.i.n.g her v.a.g.i.n.a.l juices just to arouse her, but he liked the taste.


    When Churu recovered, Morris stroked her t.h.i.g.hs, smiling yfully. "Feels good?" He asked, beaming her a knowing look.


    Churu didn''t deny her feelings as she nodded her head. "Yes," She had stabilized her breathing as her body cooled down to her relief. However, the next second, Morris grabbed her by the waist and pulled her down to the edge of the table.


    "But, Al, we''re not done yet." He teased, leaning down until his nose brushed against hers.


    That instant, Churu snapped from her daze as she felt his manhood rub against her. "Wait!" She pressed her fist against his c.h.e.s.t, staring at him in the eye, She pursed her lips, gulping as she pushed him lightly.


    Morris, although puzzled, let her push him until he stood straight while she sat upright. He watched her clear her throat. Her cheeks were still a little pinkish, but obviously returning to their normal color as she released her body heat which hepped up.


    "Hmm?" While he waited for her words, Morris tilted his head to the side.


    Shortly after, Churu raised her head, her eyes glinted with firm resolve which surprised him a little. "I''ve reached my limit!" She announced, suddenly pushing him by the shoulder.


    Although she didn''t use force, Morris found himself falling down as if he lost all his strength and gravity. He saw her snap her finger, causing the chair to move on its own as it caught him. In a split second, Morris found himself sitting with his back against the backrest of the chair.


    That same time, his remaining strength returned. "Huh?" He blinked his eyes. Yet, as soon as he opened his eyes, Churu pounced on him.


    She sat on his l.a.p, her legs resting on both sides, leaving a space for his phallus underneath his pants. "You''ve starved me long enough." Her voice, although the same, now bore danger as the glint of her silver eyes?threatened him.


    "Mhmm," Still, Morris managed to stay calm as he had lost the power at this moment. She''s the one in control of the situation now. So, it was up to her what she wanted next. Either way, he knew he would enjoy it.


    "You can¡­" The rest of his words were lost even before he could utter them as she leaned in for a kiss. "Mhmm!" He grunted, as she forced her tongue inside his mouth. His hand held her arched back while her soft pair of front buns pressed against his firm c.h.e.s.t.


    This time, Churu was the one who parted from his lips first as she nibbled on his earlobe. "Hope you''llst." She whispered in his ear, the side of her lips curled into smirk. She then began lining kisses on his neck down to his c.h.e.s.t.


    She tiptoed, crawling back from his l.a.p. Morris couldn''t help but tilt his head back, feeling her mouth''s journey on his body¡­ going further down to his rod that she suddenly c.a.r.e.s.sed. "Al¡­" He m.o.a.n.e.d out her name along with his deep breaths, stroking her head as she slowly removed his pants.

 Chapter 624 - That’s enough appetizer ***

    <h4>Chapter 624 - That¡¯s enough appetizer ***</h4>


    WARNING: MATURE CONTENT AHEAD. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR 17 YEARS OLD AND BELOW. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.


    "Oops¡­." While she was taking off his pants, Churu suddenly stopped and looked up. There was a slight irritation that shed across his eyes with her abrupt pause.


    "Hmm," The corner of her lips curled up, teasing the impatient man as her fingers trailed the outline of his crotch. He watched her bite her lower lip, ncing up from time to time to see his expressions.


    "Al, please¡­" Exasperated, Morris sighed heavily. His hand stroked her silver hair, tilting his head slightly for her to continue.


    "But you were having fun teasing me," She pouted, sighing as she batted her eyes presenting?him a pitiful look. As he stared at that alluring pair of argent eyes, Morris leaned down. His forehead against hers, his hand on the back of her head.


    "You''re driving me insane." He said under his breath, moving his other hand and ced it on her chin. He then patiently guided her chin up, cing soft pecks on her plum lips. "Have fun then." He cheered airily, stealing more kisses from her before he drew back.


    When he was sitting back, her face was colored with bright shades. "Hehe," She giggled, using her palms to stroke his groin that was still hidden beneath his pants.


    She was akin to an excited child, thrilled to open up her present. He watched the tip of her index and middle finger walk on his erection, from the bottom journeying up slowly. There was a slight pressure, but it only raised the tension building up from inside the angry dragon.


    When her fingers reached the top, she hooked her finger on the waistband. However, she didn''t fully take it off as she looked up once again. "Hehe," A faint giggle slipped past her smirking lips upon the sight of impatience in his face.


    "Too excited, eh?" Churu teased, biting her bottom lip while Morris just smiled helplessly in return.


    With such a good expression stered on his face, Churu shrugged as she gazed down at him. Slowly, she took off his trousers until itpletely slid down to the floor. She could not help but gulp upon seeing the bulging size that was embossed on his tight boxer shorts.


    ''Holy!'' Churu awed internally, causing her stomach to growl. She had seen this before whenever she would sneak in while he was showering. Well, not just his, but she had seen tons of them in different sizes, shapes, and colors while being a dumpling.


    Still, Morris gave her this inexplicable excitement in her lower region. For some reason, she could also feel its taste on her tongue that she felt like she was craving for it. "Ahem," She cleared her throat, focusing her mind on what''s before her eyes.


    Instead of taking off his boxer b.r.i.e.f.s, Churu made a circr motion. Hence, when Morris blinked, the moment he opened his eyes, it was gone. He wasn''t surprised, though. This was not the first time Churu did something like this.


    Even earlier when she pushed him, he knew she did something to make him lose his bnce and fall backwards. Good thing she didn''t decide to do it on the floor, and she was kind enough to make him sit instead.


    Meanwhile, Churu pursed her lips into a thin line. Before her was a thick and long tower, veins straining around it as the tip dropped a tear from too much teasing. "Good thing I''m a demon, else I don''t know how this would fit inside me.'' Churumented internally, oddly grateful that she wasn''t a normal human.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click <a href="#%E2%80%99s-enough-appetizer-***_49513589958036429">#%E2%80%99s-enough-appetizer-***_49513589958036429</a> for visiting.


    Just by looking, one would wonder if this would fit anyone. She must admit that this was the biggest she had ever seen in this world. Although Churu hadn''t seen Ethan''s out of respect to her sister Lexi, however she had tons of images in her mind topare. Even Elliot couldn''tpete!


    Taking this opportunity, Churu raised her hand. Her fingers wrapped around his meat rod while her thumb rested on the tip. "Ughh¡­" Morris grunted as she motioned her thumb over the tip, spreading the drop of his juice over his head.


    Churu watched his reaction, his lean cheeks blushing as he gritted his teeth, highlighting his sharp jaw. His hand held onto his rear, restraining himself from being reckless and impatient. For some reason, seeing him struggle as he held himself back while she teased him stimted herdy bug.


    Without further ado, she stuck her tongue out, l.i.c.k.i.n.g the tip as she watched him suck air through his gritted teeth. The touch of her tongue on the tip of his head caused him to twitch, sending an adrenaline rush to his phallus as it teared up a little more.


    One lick was followed by another, treating it as an ice cream, slurping the juices that kept on leaking from its top. Morris could not help but bite his lower lip, patting her head. "More¡­" As he gradually lost his senses because of her naughty tongue, he requested through a desperate whisper.


    Upon hearing his request, Churu raised her head and still had her tongue stuck out on its head. "What?" She asked, blinking her eyes innocently that flickered with a yful glint.


    "Please¡­" He heaved a heavy sigh, feeling helpless in a situation she was in power. The more she licked him, the more he longed for her lips wrapping his entire soldier. The teasing was so much that it burned his rope of patience rapidly.


    "Okay," She smirked, still had her eyes on him as she slowly leaned forward. Churunguidly opened her mouth, putting the head of his shaft inside her mouth.


    "Ahh¡­" He gasped, panting deeply as he felt the warmth and dampness of her mouth around him. She was staring at him while he tilted his head back, covering his eyes with his arm.


    The tip of her tongue yed around the head, making a circr motion over it. One secondter, she moved down, her lips tightening as she reached the middle part of his erection. However, Churu didn''t go further as she slowly drew her head back, s.u.c.k.i.n.g lightly that made her lips tighten around his girth.


    "Sh*t¡­!" That slow motion s.u.c.k.i.n.g unconsciously made him bite his thumb, looking down at her who continued with her motion. "Al¡­" He whispered powerlessly. Seeing that some strand of her silver hair dangled down, his hands brushed her hair.


    He tied her hair, holding it gently with his hand while she continued to do her activity. He rested his hand on her head, following every move of it as she went upward and downward. Eventually, her mouth moved deeper and deeper, soaking his entire ramrod with her secreted liquid.


    Unconsciously, Morris'' h.i.p.s began to move as his inner d.e.s.i.r.e wanted her to reach the end. He moved slowly with her rhythm, gritting his teeth as his forehead and back broke out in sweat. The sight of her sulent bottom as she sat on her feet, shining as drips of sweat on her back dribbled down on it.


    That instant, he wanted to grab them, squeeze them to his content. However, his position restrained him to do so. Just then, he felt a faint p on his t.h.i.g.h, averting his gaze from her bottom to her eyes.


    "Don''t move!" Sheined, pouting on the head of his soldier.


    "Yes, your highness." He chuckled vulnerably, nodding his head and watched her resume. To his surprise, Churu didn''t put it inside her mouth. Instead, she c.o.c.ked her head to the side, leaning her head down.


    The next moment, his entire body shuddered as his balls shrinked in."F*ck¡­!" Churu licked him from bollocks up to his tip, and without a pause plunged his meat rod inside her mouth. His toe curled by the surprised sensation that made him have a glimpse of heaven.


    ''That''s heaven¡­'' His subconscious mind uttered, patting her head for a job well done. She continued on tightening her lips around his girth.


    ''I know,'' Out of nowhere, Morris heard her voice ring inside his head, snapping him back from reality. "Al, don''t surprise me like that." He grumbled while she chuckled as he pulled him out.


    "I had enough energy to hear your thoughts and speak inside your mouth." With a bright grin on her glossy lips, Churu argued as the small amount of man juices she had s.u.c.k.e.d replenished her body a little.


    "Come here," He sighed, chuckling at her yful argument. Morris held her by her arm, guiding her up until she was on his l.a.p. "Does that mean we can continue?" He asked, c.a.r.e.s.sing the side of her lips by his thumb that had reddened because of her previous activity.


    "That''s enough appetizer." She chuckled, her fist on his c.h.e.s.t as she drew closer.

 Chapter 625 - I’d die with a smile ***

    <h4>Chapter 625 - I¡¯d die with a smile ***</h4>


    WARNING: MATURE CONTENT AHEAD. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR 17 YEARS OLD AND BELOW. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.


    "That''s enough appetizer." She chuckled, her fist on his c.h.e.s.t as she drew closer. Meanwhile, Morris''s arms pulled her closer which made her chuckle.


    "Is it?" He inquired, the side of his lips curled into a yful smirk.


    "You want to know?" She asked, raising her right brow briefly before she leaned forward.?Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click <a href="#%E2%80%99d-die-with-a-smile-***_49539732887097661">#%E2%80%99d-die-with-a-smile-***_49539732887097661</a> for visiting.


    Slowly, Churu cupped his jaw as their lips collided. Her tongue glided in between his lips, poking to the tip of his tongue for a dance. As their tongues moved in sync, excited but slow, Morris tasted the slight taste of sugar -- more like a taste of a liquid sucralose.


    "Uhm¡­" He m.o.a.n.e.d, his finger slightly dug on her smooth and fair back. For some reason, he was turned on at the thought of their lips together after eating each other up. An indirect love making even before they could do that real deed.


    Meanwhile, Churu ced her elbows on his shoulder, her finger running slowly through his hair before she tugged it backwards. "Mhmm¡­" Once again, Morris grunted in a low-tone as she tugged his hair a little aggressively.


    His lips nearly left hers, but she bit his lower lip. Morris felt the area of his lips heat up while in between her pearl white teeth. He caught a glimpse of her sharp orbs, almost glinting like a mad wolf staring at her prey.


    The next second, Churu bit his lip a little harder, inflicting a slight crack on his lips that immediately extracted blood. Despite this act, it didn''t pain him but rather aroused him even more. "The taste of iron willbat the strong aftertaste." She muttered, l.i.c.k.i.n.g the blood from his lips and shoved it back in his mouth.


    She did it several times, before she retracted her head away while she let him gulp the little amount of blood. "Aftertaste?" He asked, l.i.c.k.i.n.g his lips that she had wounded which was now slowly and magically healing.


    "It''s poison." She giggled, cing her index finger in front of her lips. "I''m a demon. My p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e is a poison for you." She added, moving her finger towards his lips. "Just think we''re roleying as vampires today, okay?" She smiled sweetly, contradicting the glint in her eyes.


    "I don''t mind dying of poison." Morris slowly removed her finger that was in front of his lips to the side. "At least, I''d die with a smile." He humored with a smile, leaning closer to bite her bottom lips.


    "Mhmm," After a bite, Morris continued to dominate her lips as his hand traveled on the back of her head, stilling her as he deepened the kiss.


    As they kissed, Churu''s right hand slowly snuck down. Without further ado, her fingers wrapped around his mast, stroking it carefully. As minutes passed by, her grip tightened whilst her pace quickened.


    "Ughh!" Just then, Morris snapped, losing his patience as he broke away from her lips. "Get up," Hemanded, but before she could abide, he held onto her t.h.i.g.hs as he stood up.


    "Kyah~!" Churu squealed, almost losing her bnce while he carried her. Fortunately, she managed to wrap her arms around his neck. "Hey, you shou¡­" The rest of her words were pushed back in her mouth as he pressed his lips against hers.


    "Mhmm!!" Aining m.o.a.n slipped inside his mouth, but he continued toy her down on the dining table.


    When her backy t on the table, Churu watched him stand up and saw the fire beneath his eyes. Without a word, hisrge hands held onto her legs that were bent, spread opened with her feet firmly ced on the surface of the table.


    "This will hurt a little," He uttered huskily, pulling her legs closer to him. Since her back was full of sweat, she slipped easily on the surface of the ss table. However, her pearl came in contact with the end of his mast, soaking his area in a second.


    "It''s fine¡­" Churu pursed her lips, covering her lips by the back of her fist. "I want you¡­ so bad." She whispered, audible enough to reach his ear.


    Upon hearing her seemingly shy words matched with her blushing cheeks from the heat, Morris'' lips curled into a smile. "I want more of you," His hand c.a.r.e.s.sed her t.h.i.g.hs while the other positioned his erection on her entrance.


    The tip of his head carefully traveled?from the top of her slit and paused on her c.l.i.t.o.r.i.s. In a circr motion, he rubbed the head of his soldier against it, making her gasp as her c.h.e.s.t heaved rapidly.


    Since she was overflowing with juices, Morris used her nectar of love as his lubricant while he teased her. He then rubbed his soldier''s body, feeling every slight friction while heightening her d.e.s.i.r.e for the whole thing inside her.


    "Please¡­" Through her gritted teeth, Churu nced up at him who was staring intently at her,


    "Hmm?"


    "Stop teasing me¡­" Sheined muffledly, pouting a little as she couldn''t help but want him more and more.


    "Mhmm," He nodded, guiding his dragon back to her crying entrance -- where it was initially. "I''m going in, Al." His words wereced with thick air as he nced at her. When she nodded, that was his cue to move forth.


    In full discretion, his head slowly went in, immediately feeling the warmth of her insides. "Ha¡­" A long exhale escaped from his lips as he continued to thrust forward. Her inside clenched around his body as he slowly invaded her.


    Meanwhile, Churu gasped as she could feel herself stretch to fit perfectly with his girth, giving her a snug and p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e feeling. She felt her flower opening and closing up around him. Her toenails curled as his hands held her t.h.i.g.hs up, spreading them open when his entire phallus settled in.


    Before his h.i.p.s moved, he nced at her front. Churu had her arm on her forehead, almost shielding her eyes as they rolled back in p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e. Her lips were gaped open, breathing through it. His gaze slowly journeyed down to her pair of wonderful hills.


    Her n.i.p.p.l.es, erected hard, were like cherries on top of a vani ice cream. So appetizing he suddenly had the urge to lick them up. However, he saved them forter.


    Morris began to move?his h.i.p.s, pushing in and out gently until he sensed that she wasfortable and picked up his pace. "Uh¡­" Another low grunt left his lips, embracing her t.h.i.g.h as he thrusted rougher and faster.


    "Momo¡­" Churu whispered under her breath, feeling all the main sensations making her feel full. ''More¡­" She demanded sheepishly, biting her lower lip.


    However, he didn''t answer as he continued to ram inside her. Shortly, Morris held her t.h.i.g.h up -- reducing his speed -- while trailing kisses on her inner t.h.i.g.h down to her knees. Morris didn''t stop there as he continued to kiss her all over, guiding her feet up whilst kissing her.


    Soon, he reached her toes. Without further ado, Morris left a peck on the back of her foot, his eyes shifted to her as a glint of yfulness shed across his eyes. After a second, Morris stuck his tongue out and licked her toe.


    That seemingly simple gesture sent a ticklish sensation all around her. "Hey," Churu yfully called out, but Morris licked her again which heightened the ticklish sensation in both of their bodies.


    "Haha -- stop~" She pouted after chuckling. She watched him chuckle as he carefully dropped her legs down.


    "I''m buying time," He leaned down, covering her small frame with his weight and then ced a kiss on the tip of her nose.


    Churu''s nose yed with his, "I know." She giggled as she moved her head a little forward for a kiss.


    As soon as their lips were back on each other''s warmth, his h.i.p.s resumed thrusting. On the other hand, Churu rested one of her arms on his shoulder while the other hand was on his back. Her nails dug on his back the more he increased his speed.


    The more Morris quickened his every thrust, the more their lips could not help but part. Still, he ended up s.u.c.k.i.n.g on her neck. "I''ming," He announced in her ear.


    "Let''se together¡­." Churu nodded her head in urgency, feeling the built up tension in between her legs about to explode any second.


    Hence, with that said note, Morris'' hammering went from the tip to end with full force -- in and out faster and rougher. "Ahh¡­!" Soon enough, Churu reached her climax, tightening her arms around him.


    As soon as her insides clenched, contracting around his mast, Morris soon followed. With all his might, Morris exploded inside her. Love juices squirted, filling her up as he was unconsciously biting her shoulder while feeling her nails dig deep into his back.


    "Uh¡­" As he felt thest drop of his s.e.m.e.n release inside her, Morris panted for air as Churu loosened her grip. Slowly, he dragged himself beside her,ying t on his back on the surface of the table.


    Both of them stared at the ceiling for several minutes; their c.h.e.s.t heaved heavily as it went up and down. When he stabilized his breathing, Morris turned his head to her side. However, at the same time, Churu suddenly moved to him.


    She rested the side of her head on his c.h.e.s.t, finding her ownfortable position in his embrace. "My heart is still beating fast¡­" She muttered, her hand brushing his c.h.e.s.t before it settled where she could feel his beating heart.


    "It''s beating at the same pace as yours." She added, the corner of her lips curling into a gentle smile.


    Morris stroked her back, leaving a peck on top of her head before sniffing the pleasant aroma of her hair. "Mhmm, I love you too." He whispered as they remained in the same resting position for a long time.

 Chapter 626 - SIDE QUEST ALERT!

    <h4>Chapter 626 - SIDE QUEST ALERT!</h4>


    When Morris finally recovered his remaining stamina, he carried her directly to the bathroom. Since she was surprisingly light, he didn''t need to exert more effort. As soon as the bathtub was filled with warm water and bubbles, Morris turned to her who was sitting on the toilet lid.


    "Come here," He extended his arm in her direction, offering his hand.


    Churu nced at his hand first before shifting it to his eyes. Without a word, she nodded her head and epted his hand. Slowly, he guided her towards the bathtub before he went in. While she perched on the other end of the tub, Morris positioned himself on the other end.


    "Why are you there?" She asked, tilting her head to the side. She watched him spread his arms on the rim of the tub. "So I can look at you." He shrugged, smiling yfully but his words bore sincerity.


    "Uhm¡­" Churu pouted, slowly lowering her body down until her chin touched the water. "What do you think?" She asked, raising her brows as her eyes remained glued on him.


    "Hmm¡­ I like every side of you." In a matter-of-fact tone, Morris answered nonchntly. "It must be fun to see more of you." He added, smiling as his toe stroked her t.h.i.g.h underneath the water.


    For a second, Churu pursed her lips as she stared back at him. After a brief contemtion, she crawled to his side. Out of instinct, Morris moved a little to the side to make some space for her. Soon, Churu snuggled with him, the side of her head on his shoulder and she slowly looked up.


    "You won''t want to see my demon form." Churu muttered in a low tone. "It''s¡­" She paused, biting her lower lips as she pondered on the right term to describe how she looked like before attaining the dumpling form and back to this human form freely.


    "It''s still pretty." Before she could think of the proper word that could best fit her description, Morris uttered as if in?conclusion. "When I said I want to see all sides of you, I didn''t mean your appearance." Morris tilted his head back, his hand on the rim of the tub slowly dipped in the tub to stroke her sleek back.


    "What I mean is You." The side of his lips hooked into a loving smile, images from his first encounter with her back when she was a dumpling hovered in his head. "I''ll still end up liking¡­ loving you even if you remained in that form." He added, c.o.c.king the side of his head and rested on top of her head.


    "I mean it when I say I love you, Al." Morris continued on brushing her back, relishing every single moment he had with her.


    In his perspective, Churu might go away for a day, a week, or months again. Although it was a little sad on his part, Morris was slowly adapting that she had other things to worry about aside from her feelings.


    After all, he wasn''t in her ns. The two of them weren''t in the n¡­ or at least, as far as they both knew, they weren''t. Thus, all he could do now was cherish every second with her and understand that she had to protect another man''s life just so she could stay longer in this world.


    He would be a hypocrite to say that he never cursed heaven and felt that this world was truly unfair. Morris had loads of questions, but he knew no one would answer him. Hence, instead of s.u.mbing to self-pity, he chose to see the brighter side.


    The side that he''s with her. The part of this crazy rtionship with a fallen angel who healed his heart with her warm and caring hands. The devil who wasn''t what the books described; she wasn''t a vile creature nor was she evil.


    "My demon form is ugly. Those movies romanticized our images so much that people think demons are a bunch of hotties¡­" Churuined, pouting as she rolled her eyes. "Well, if we''re talking about literal hotties, then we are, I guess." She sighed, shaking her head slightly as her hand sn.a.k.e.d around his waist.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click <a href="#!_49561202908522843">#!_49561202908522843</a> for visiting.


    "You''re not ugly." Morris scratched her head gently while his hand held her arm that was resting on his abs.


    "You haven''t seen it yet." She argued, pouting as she was certain that he would have a heart attack once Morrisid his eyes on her, the real her. "You might not recognize me." She added, lowering her gaze as her shoulders rxed.


    "I will," Without batting an eye, Morris answered calmly. However, his calmness slightly irked the human dumpling.


    Churu pulled away from him, frowning as she sat upright while facing his side profile. "How are you so sure?" She asked, blinking her eyes as she demanded for an exnation.


    "I know that my beauty is limitless, alright? But, I have to admit that my demon form is not something I like or will ever think to be pretty! That''s why I''m telling you, you won''t recognize me¡­" As she grumbled her words exasperatedly, Churu paused as she rubbed her chin lightly. "On a second thought, you might not see me in my demon form since I''m currently a system." She nodded approvingly.


    Morris just raised his right eyebrow as he watched her mood transition. "I''ll still recognize you." He said, smiling as he remained on their initial topic despite the fact that she had already hopped to another.


    Upon hearing hisst remark, Churu frowned again. "No, you won''t." She muttered, crossing her arms around her c.h.e.s.t.


    "Haha," Morris could not help but chuckle as she was truly a stubborn one. He retracted his back away from the tub, shifting a little closer to her. Both his hand raised, pinching her cheeks lightly which gave him freedom to smile brightly.


    "Using words now is futile, isn''t it?" He chuckled, stretching her lips into a smile. "We''ll know once the time arrives." He added, resting his forehead against hers. However, hisst remarks caused her to frown deeply.


    Churu slightly pushed him away, still bearing her displeased frown. "What do you mean when the time arrives? You mean when you passed? Do you think you''ll go straight to hell?" She queried one after another.


    "Hmm?"


    "No, you can''t go there. You should redeem yourself while you''re alive so you go to paradise, okay?" Churu''s eyes were fixated on him; they glinted with unwavering resolve as she waited for his response.


    A moment of silence dawned on them as they stared at each other. After a minute of silence, Morris finally broke the stifling air. "What if I don''t want to go to the paradise you''re talking about?"


    "You have to." Her tone was adamant, her eyes never left his as her expression stern.


    "Hell is never the fun ce, Momo. It''s thest ce anyone would want to stay for the rest of eternity." Churu added, shaking her head sideways as she recalled the damned ce everyone called Hell.


    "But you''ll be there." After a second, Morris answered without looking away from her. "I want to live my eternity with you, Al. Even if it''s fire and brimstone, a ce of tribtion, or the eternal damnation¡­ I''ll choose it over and over again and I wouldn''t regret or repent." His hand c.a.r.e.s.sed her jaw, his thumb brushed the side of her lips.


    "Don''t say something so stupid." She murmured, displeased, and feeling moved at his words at the same time. Why wouldn''t she? Morris was prepared to go straight to hell just so he could be with her. Although she knew that was impossible, the thought of it warmed up her heart.


    "You are my paradise, Al. There''s nothing else." Morris affirmed, offering a loving smile.


    "How naive." Churu muttered, holding the back of his hand that was cupping her cheek. "We''ll both go to paradise, okay? For now, let''s enjoy this lifetime. Let''s tomorrow''s worry, worry about itself." She giggled, changing their topic because it was too soon to discuss it,


    Moreover, Morris still has a lot of years to live while Churu has forever. Therefore, these talks should be saved forter.


    "Mhmm, Let''s wash up before you catch a cold." Morris nodded his head in understanding as he dropped the subject.


    "You know I won''t." She reminded in a matter-of-factly tone.


    "You never know." He shrugged, smirking as a sudden idea shed across his eyes. Without further ado, Morris tickled Churu on the side of her tummy.


    "Sto -- haha! Momo -- haha!" As he caught her off-guard, Churu could only let out loud chuckles as she asked him to start.


    Just as the two were ying around instead of washing up, a sudden ring resonated inside Churu''s head. After a second when that ring was heard in her head, a sudden taskbar, or rather a message that was akin to a hologram was revealed near them.


    As soon as that appeared out of thin air, Churu and Morris looked at each other in confusion before turning their attention towards the message. It said:


    [SIDE QUEST ALERT! SIDE QUEST ALERT!


    There were 5 souls whose lives were chosen to be aired in the heavenly realm! The system must deliver their new paths of lives in the given time for each soul!


    Redemption points each sessful delivery will be 50 points! If the system sessfully finished the 5 tasks in due time, it''ll receive additional redemption points! (100 points max!) However, if the system fails the task, redemption points will be deducted by 200 percent!


    ACCEPT // REFUSE ]

 Chapter 627 - Be good

    <h4>Chapter 627 - Be good</h4>


    [SIDE QUEST ALERT! SIDE QUEST ALERT!


    There were 5 souls whose lives were chosen to be aired in the heavenly realm! The system must deliver their new paths of lives in the given time for each soul!


    Redemption points each sessful delivery will be 50 points! If the system aplished the 5 tasks in due time, it''ll receive additional redemption points! (100 points max!) However, if the system fails the task, redemption points will be deducted by 200 percent!


    ACCEPT // REFUSE ]


    "Huh?" Churu blinked her eyes many times as she reread the message repeatedly. "What?" She muttered, knitting her eyebrows together.


    Meanwhile, Morris also reread the message carefully. Although it sounded cheerful as if all that was stated could benefit the system ¡ª which was Churu ¡ª the consequences were dire! They were akin to a double-edge sword, like those business contracts that could only benefit one side in the end.


    "Uh¡­ redemption points, huh?" He mumbled, sighing heavily as those redemption points were one of the reason she had been busy recently.


    "Those redemption points¡­ they''re too enticing!!!" Just then, Churu''s nk eyes glowed, twinkling as they settled on those numbers on the holographic message. "I''ve been going all around the world just to gain zero point one redemption points! This is a lottery!" She sped her hands together excitedly, recalling all those side jobs she had been doing just to gain a minimum redemption point.


    The highest points she had gained in a single side task were three points! Thus, seeing these numbers before her eyes, Churu would ept it in a heartbeat ¡ª no doubt.


    "e--" Before she could respond, Morris suddenly covered her mouth. "Hmm!!" The rest of her words were muffled because Morris didn''t remove his hand until she stopped struggling.


    "Read it carefully first before you decide." In a matter-of-fact tone, Morris advised as he slowly removed his hand. "If you failed, you''ll be in debt." He summarized, perking his chin on the holographic message before them.


    "Oh," Churu nodded her head in understanding, returning her eyes on the message. Yet, her eyes still twinkled on the 50 points she would be receiving, plus the additional hundred points. She would get out of this very work they tied her to through this one year!


    As he studied the twinkle in her eyes, Morris sighed once again, "Al, consider it thoroughly. You have one week until the offer expires. Don''t ept it yet unless you''re sure." Morris pointed at the validity date of the message which was counting down from 168 hours.


    "But, I''m sure I can do it!" Without a second hesitation, Churu faced Morris and affirmed. "I''ll just have to deliver their second chances in life so the people up there were entertained!"


    Morris could not help but sigh once again, shaking his head as her enthusiasm was twice as high than usual. Normally, Churuined whenever there was side task to do before she did them. But now she''s excited. Not that he was against it, it was just that Morris''s it piques his instinct as a businessman.


    "I know, Al. But you have to talk this with Ethan and Lexi." Since he was helpless against her, Morris had to pull up his trump card, which was those two. After all, Churu listened to Lexi as if she was her mother while she had to consider her setup with Ethan because she was her priority.


    Seeing her frown upon the mention of the two, Morris patted her head lovingly. "Please don''t decide in a whim, okay? Let''s wash up and discuss thister."


    "Okay." Meek and low, Churu responded as she nodded her head. With that being said, both of them rinsed their body and freshened up without doing extra-curricr activities.


    ******


    An hourter, Morris and Churu had gone to bed. However, Churu just stared at the ceiling in silence.


    "What are you thinking?" Morris asked, positioning his arm under her for her to use it as her head cushion while heid on his side.


    "The task." She answered shortly, turning her head to him. "I will ept it, I know." She whispered, staring back at him solemnly.


    "Al,"


    Before he could finish whatever he wanted to say, Churu shook her head lightly. "I''m not saying now, but I just know I will ept it." Churu paused, poking the tip of his nose with her index finger lightly beforeying t on her back.


    Back staring at the ceiling, Churu pursed her lips in a thin line. "You know why I''ve been obsessed with the thought of redemption points, right? Even if I didn''t fully exin it, it stands as it is ¡ª redemption."


    "Mhmm," Morris hummed a tune, already got the grasped what redemption points were for. However, he was still left in the dark of the entirety of these side tasks. Hence, he remained silent so she could exin further.


    "Back when I was an appointed angel, I was guiding Tora ¡ª a very great person who was failed to be written in history. But, I can assure that she''s an amazing person."


    "I can tell." Morris nodded, listening to her soothing voice in this silent, obscure room that was usually cold without her.


    "Because of her, no, because I wanted to meet her, I defied the heaven''s orders and descended in this world. At first, everything was doing fine until my meddling gradually changed Tora''s destiny. Things happened, and she ended up dying in the hands of her most beloved man." Churu could still remember those painful memories as if they just happened yesterday.


    The gentle smile that resurfaced on Tora''s lips as she took herst breath, the tears of regret in Aki''s eyes as he watched his beloved fall in his hands, and the tragic ending of their beautiful love story that could''ve had ended beautifully without Churu''s existence.


    "Out of guilt... guilt that a being like me shouldn''t feel¡­ I tried to preserve Tora''s soul so she could live once again." After a deep breath, Churu continued. "Obviously, that''s forbidden for us ¡ª well, I''ve already sinned the instant I defied the heaven bying down in this world the first time." She shrugged, clearing her throat as she could feel it dry up, reminiscing the past.


    "After everything that was said and done, I returned to where I came from¡­ as a sinner ¡ª to Lucy''s mansion. I really hate that ce as much as Lucy hated it. It''s just a never-ending punishment for everyone. What I hated the most was that that ce only brings out the side of me that I never recognized." Her voice lowered, closing her eyes as she shook her head to shrug the images shing over her head.


    "You don''t have to¡­"


    "It''s fine." Churu faced him, stretching her lips into a reassuring smile. "What I''m trying to say is, there''s no positivity, peace, or even love in there. We wouldn''t even recognize each other." Churu gulped a mouthful of saliva, informing him the truth about that ce.


    "That''s why I wanted to redeem myself. Even if I have to ve myself to those menial side jobs, I will do them in a heartbeat even if I will only gain zero point one redemption points. I have a time, Mo." Slowly, Churu turned her body as sheid on her side, facing his direction.


    Her handid on his lean cheek as her thumb c.a.r.e.s.sed it. "Lexi, Ethan, the twins, and you¡­ someday, you will have your time to pass on this world. While me, on the other hand, my time was stuck in an endless loop. That''s why I''m doing this." She paused once again, the corner of her lips tilted into a gentle and loving smile.


    "Each of you have a special ce in here," Churu ced her palm over her c.h.e.s.t. "I want to watch over you in paradise. I want to spend my eternity with everyone I held dear to my heart because I don''t want to be alone anymore." A tinge of pain and fear flickered across her eyes.


    "At least, with this redemption points, I have something to look forward to. I have hope that someday, I will be with everyone again¡­" Churu slowly leaned closer, cupping his cheek, resting her forehead against his as the tip of their nose collided. "...that I would be with you, eventually." She whispered, closing her eyes as she found her sce with him.


    "So, be good, okay?" She murmured, still had her eyes closed.


    "Mhmm," Slowly, Morris also closed her eyes. "But if you didn''t find me, I will definitely find you." Morris words were followed in silence as both of them fell asleep.

 Chapter 628 - RIKAxJAIME

    <h4>Chapter 628 - RIKAxJAIME</h4>


    Meanwhile¡­


    Silence lingered across avish dining room. The chandelier giving light on the table below failed to give appetizing light on the cold food.


    Rika''s eyes traveled across the untouched and cold dishes that were on the dining table. Her throat moved down and up as she gulped. "I guess he won''t be home anytime soon." A touch of sadnessced her murmur.


    After a deep and long sigh, Rika opened her mouth and mumbled again. "Maybe, I¡­" However, she was unable to finish her sentence as her voice cracked. Her palm covered her trembling lips as her eyes began welling up, blurring her vision.


    "Ah, gosh¡­" She expressed under her breath, covering her entire face by her palm. "This is so annoying." Through her gritted teeth, Rika rubbed her palms against her face before wiping the tears that were staining her naturally contoured cheek.


    Lately, Jaime Liao, her husband, had been returning homete from his job. Rika understood it because being a doctor, twenty-four hours seemed too short for him. Her husband saves lives daily aside from the clinic that he was managing. She knew that very well.


    However, unlike before that Jaime could return home in her embrace, Jaime sometimes was too tired that he could barely exchange words with her. Rika knew that her husband was trying, but she wanted more.


    It was not enough for her. Still, Rika tried to keep it all in and understand that her husband had one of the most important job in the world. Yet, sometimes, just like today ¡ª their first wedding anniversary ¡ª Jaime was still not home.


    Therefore, no one could me her if she was extra emotional at the moment. They nned to spend it today, but because of an emergency, Jaime had to rush to the hospital earlier today. He promised her to return home as soon as possible, but until now, he''s still not home.


    "Whatever¡­" Rika waved her hand lightly, shaking her head as she changed her mind from eating. "It''s useless." She uttered, cing her palms on the surface of the table as she pushed herself up to stand.


    Rika then began cleaning up the table, "What a waste." She muttered as she nced at the food she prepared herself. The food was left cold, and she was unable to eat it before losing her appetite.


    "What a waste¡­" She repeated, but this time, tears continued to flow from her eyes. Muffled cries resonated across the silent dining area with a mix of tes lightly cl.i.c.k.i.n.g.


    "I hate this¡­!" Just as Rika ced thest te on the tray, she covered her lips as she rested her other hand on the table supporting her weight from falling.


    Rika was still on hiatus from the entertainment industry. She refused loads of movie offers because she knew she would be away from her husband until the filming was done. Jaime was already busy enough that they barely have time for each other.


    That''s why if she worked as well, the two of them wouldn''t be able to talk. It''s not that she was ming her husband as it was her own decision despite Jaime encouraging her. Still, at times like this, she could not help but think about it.


    If she couldpromise, why couldn''t he? She wasn''t asking for too much, right? She''s his wife, after all. It was Jaime''s obligation to spend time with her. Not that she was asking for his attention day and night; just for today, he should''ve made it an exemption.


    Just as Rika was sobbing silently, her phone from the kitchen counter rang. "Hmm?" She slowly turned her head towards it, wiping her tears as she trudged towards the kitchen counter.


    The second she saw her new manager''s name, Abigail Fan name on the screen, Rika cleared her throat and wiped the tears as hard as she could. She then wiped her hands that were drenched with tears on the apronying on the kitchen counter.


    After clearing her throat to sound naturally fine, Rika picked up the line and ced the phone in front of her ear. "Good evening, Manager Fan?"


    "Sister Rika, good evening." As soon as the line connected, Abigail''s voice reached her ears. "Another batch of movie scripts arrived today. I know you nned to stay in hiatus longer but I still sent you the copies of the scripts. You might find them interesting." Without further ado, Abigail didn''t beat around the bush as she expressed her intention behind the sudden phone call.


    For a second, Rika''s grip on the phone tightened and then rxed in silence. "Mhmm," She answered with a hum.


    Rika''s meek response caused Abigail''s brows to knit. "Are you alright?" She asked, frowning as she noticed the mood from the other end of the phone.


    Normally, Rika would sass and she would immediately reply with an annoyed ''no''. But now, she was rather calm and weing about the news? Does that mean she was thinking of going back? Or was her marriage dwindling?


    To be honest, no one knew. Why? Because Rika, who was always high profile and was akin to an open book in the past, had kept her personal life private. She often said to others that she''s just selfish that she wanted her happiness ¡ª who was Jaime, her husband ¡ª all for herself.


    "Yes, I am fine, Manager Fan." Rika bit her lower lip before her lips stretched into a meek smile, forcing herself to smile as she restrained herself from breaking down. "I''ve been thinking of returningtely¡­ I was about to call and ask you to send me some script so I can review them. I might find an interesting character to y." She exined,cing it the truth with a bit of a harmless lie.


    "Ohh¡­" Abigail nodded her head in understanding, still suspicious at the seemingly normal reply from thetter. After all, Rika was an outstanding actress. Thus, she could conceal her real emotions with fake ones that would appear, sound, and feel genuine.


    "Yes. Jaime and I had been discussing about it and he was encouraging me to return if I wanted to and whenever I''m ready." Upon sensing the suspicion from her manager, Rika exined further and mentioned her husband''s name to avoid more suspicion from her.


    "Oh!" Upon hearing Jaime''s name, Abigail''s suspicion faded away in an instant. "So, does this mean you will return soon? I have read a few scripts that weren''t out yet. Some directors asked me to send them specifically for you since they knew you''re the only one that could fit the characters they created and¡­" Out of excitement, Abigail rambled on an on as she shared some amazing stories that she had been dying to tell her.


    After all, Rika was a remarkable actress that some authors and directors personally sought for her to act as their female protagonist. Not to mention, Rika''s poprity hadn''t died down despite her one-year hiatus.


    Her fans had been seeking petition to see her in big screen once again. One could tell that she''s still as popr as those rising stars because every rare post she upload in her official social media ount would blow up. They wanted her and Elliot to pair up again ¡ª although that was a little impossible now as the two of them were one of the top paid actors.


    "Mhmm," When Abigail stopped sharing her enthusiastic and very encouraging stories, Rika hummed another low tune. "I''ll read them and see if there''s something interesting enough for me. I''ll let you know once I''ve started practicing the character." She reassured.


    Shortly after that, the call ended with Abigail excitedly sending more scripts that she resisted on sending. Well, Abigail held back so she could send them some other time since Rika wouldn''t go through them if she sent them all in one go.


    Within the next ten minutes, Rika''s e-mail was bombarded with Abigail''s emails as she sent tons of script by batch. Upon seeing this, Rika chuckled and shook her head. "Too much." She whispered.


    Yet, thinking that going through all these scripts would keep her busy. At the very least, her mind would be busy with other things than thinking of her sorrow tonight. Just as Rika was going through the emails, a notification bar popped on her phone.


    [FROM: HUBBY <3


    Love, I''m sorry. There''s an ident on the way home, so I had to help. I will go home as soon as possible. I love you. ]


    Rika pursed her lips in a thin line as she reread his message. "I don''t care." She whispered, feeling a little disgusted at herself for being remorseless before she started replying to him.


    [TO: HUBBY <3


    It''s fine. I understand, love. As long as you''re safe, that''s all that matters. I love you too¡­ I love you so much you can''t even measure. Don''t forget to eat~! ]


    Unlike her verbal remarks, her reply was theplete opposite. Although she was truly and madly in love with him, she knew the first half of her response was aplete lie. "No, it''s not fine and I don''t understand, love." Rika muttered, sighing heavily before putting down the phone and resume on cleaning the table.

 Chapter 629 - RxJ II

    <h4>Chapter 629 - RxJ II</h4>


    [FROM: MY WIFE, MY LOVE, MY ALL <3


    It''s fine. I understand, love. As long as you''re safe, that''s all that matters. I love you too¡­ I love you so much you can''t even measure. Don''t forget to eat~! ]


    Jaime sighed deeply. His hand that was covered with a mix of fresh and dry blood stained his temple as he massaged it. "Ughh¡­" He grunted in a low tone, stressed at the sweet response from his wife.


    Rika had been very kind and understanding to him. Jaime was well-aware that he wascking as her husband. Yet, Rika neverined ¡ª it was slowly killing him inside. The reason he wanted to make it up to her.


    However, fate must have been ying with him. On his way home earlier, he encountered an ident which included a family in one of the car. As a doctor in the scene, Jaime would obviously help and give first aid to the people involved.


    After that, everything was hectic. Upon arriving at the hospital, which was where he was working as it was the closest one, he needed to go straight and help out do tend to the victims of the ident.


    Still, although he had done his job, Jaime was asked to stay for a while for other medical assistance and police report as he was in the scene. "It''s our anniversary¡­" He grumbled in distress, grinding his teeth as he had the urge to throw his phone out of frustration.


    "Doctor Liao?" Just then, heard a female voice from behind him.


    Slowly, he turned around to face a nurse in her scrub uniform. "Yes?" His tone lingered his distress mood which the nurse in front of him noticed.


    "The police were looking for you." Yet, the nurse pretended not to notice his foul mood as she offered a meek smile before c.o.c.king her head to the side.


    "Mhmm," Jaime nodded his head lightly, turning his head to the direction where she tilted her head and saw a group of police not far from the front desk outside the emergency room.


    Without a word, Jaime strode towards them. "Doctor Liao," When he stopped several steps away from the police, they turned to him and one of them called out calmly.


    Jaime bowed his head slightly as the police did the same. "We were here to ask a few questions since you''re in the scene¡­" As usual, the police exined the reason why they sought him and Jaime listened in silence.


    All questions were answered in short yet urate response. Jaime kept ncing at the wall clock as he had been being held for a long time. Every minute felt like eternity and his patience was shortening.


    Fortunately, the police had asked thest question even before his patience run out. "Finally¡­" Jaime exhaled, watching the police leave him alone.


    "Doctor Liao¡­" Just then, Jaime heard another voice from his side. Upon turning his head to the source of the voice, he could not help but sigh as he saw a female doctor standing not far away from him. "Do I talk to you?" She asked, the side of her lips tilted into a gentle smile.


    ???Sure," Jaime helplessly nodded his head, "I''ll wash my hands." HE raised his hands, showing the blood that was still on him.


    "No problem. Coffee?"


    "Mhmm," As he began to walk to the right, he responded with a hum without stopping in his tracks.


    *****


    "I heard about the news." Upon reaching the hospital''s healing garden, the female doctor stopped in her tracks. Her hand held on two cup of coffee. "Here," She offered the other one as she extended her arm to her left where he stood.


    "Thanks." He expressed with a meek smile, epting the hot beverage from his colleague.


    As soon as he epted it, Jaime strode towards the bench nearby and perched on the corner. Meanwhile, the female doctor perched on the other end, leaving arge space in between them.


    "I''m not epting it." After taking a light sip from the coffee, Jaime answered her previous remarks without ncing at her.


    "Huh? Why?" She asked, knitting her brows together in puzzlement.


    "epting it means I have less time with my wife. I barely have time with her¡­ I can''t." Short and honest, Jaime responded. He tilted his head back, staring at the starless night sky that was in deep blue color from the moon''s faint light.


    For a moment, the female doctor pursed her lips in a thin line. She gazed at his exhausted side profile, biting her lower lip secretly as if she was a little irked at his response. "Was she asking you to¡­"


    "No." Before she could finish her audacious conclusion, Jaime interrupted her midway. Slowly, he c.o.c.ked his head to her direction. "It''s my own decision." He affirmed, staring at the woman''s tantalizing pair of eyes.


    "Brother Jaime, I know how much you love helping people. Being a doctor and saving lives had always been your dream ¡ª it''s your passion. You won''t give that up if your wife wasn''t stopping you. I know you¡­ that''s why I''ve been looking up to you." Since his response didn''t satisfy her, the female doctor fixed her stance as she faced him. Without looking away from his eyes, she reminded him of who he was before he got married.


    "You said you wouldn''t marry, knowing you wouldn''t fulfill your obligation as a husband. You said other people''s lives matters more, but it seems you said those because¡­."


    "Because Rika wasn''t in my life back then." Once again, Jaime chimed in abruptly and finished the sentence ¡ª although it wasn''t what the woman wanted to say. "I didn''t want to marry before, yes. But now, I''m a married man." Jaime raised his hand, showing the ring on his ring finger.


    "It is true that we took an oath, treating other''s lives as priority to save them¡­" He paused, averting his gaze away as he looked up. Jaime leaned his back on the bench, exhaling as the woman''s words that were originally his repeated inside his mind.


    "But, I might be going against my principles as a doctor, but my wife matters more for me. She''s amazing¡­ choosing me over anything, even though I unintentionally hurt her." He sighed, closing his eyes briefly before opening them once again.


    "So you''re giving up your dream because of her? What if she starts working again? What about you?" The female doctor''s hand balled into a fist. The cup of coffee trembled in her other hand as she bit her lower lip until it bled.


    "I have ns. You know it''s our anniversary and¡­"


    "Then what about me?" She abruptly queried out of impulse. "You know I like you¡­"


    "I''m married, Doctor Ye." In a matter-of-fact tone, Jaime responded without batting an eye.


    "I don''t care." She instantly replied back. "When you suddenly got married, I know for a fact that you will divorce because an actress wouldn''t understand your job, nor would you understand that she had to kiss other men as part of her job. I might sound a bad person now, but don''t you give up on your career just because of someone."


    "Doctor Ye," When Doctor Ye ended her remarks, Jaime slowly returned his gaze at her. However, this time, his eyes were sharper than a scalpel. "I''m not giving up on my dream, I''m chasing ¡ª no, staying with her." For a moment, Jaime remained his eye contact with her.


    After a minute, he slowly assisted himself up while Doctor Ye raised her head as her gaze followed his figure. "You''re right, though. My wife doesn''t understand, but she''s been trying her best to understand my tight schedule as a doctor. And, you''re also right that I would never understand my wife kissing another man as part of her job ¡ª never." As he gazed down, Jaime exhaled through his mouth.


    "I''ll let this one slide, but I hope this is the first andst time you mentioning about me and my wife splitting. I won''t let that happen." His tone was firm, warning her for the first andst time as he drew the clear line between them. "Anyway, thank you for the coffee. It''s our first wedding anniversary, yet I''m not there to celebrate it with her. Have a good night, Doctor Ye." With that being said, Jaime walked away with the cup of coffee in his hand while waving the other in the air for a second.

 Chapter 630 - Superstars Bride

    <h4>Chapter 630 - Superstar''s Bride</h4>


    Back to the Liao''s residence¡­


    Rika set herptop on the living area. "The bedroom is too lonely." She muttered, sighing as she preferred staying in the said area of the house. Moreover, at the very least, she could wee her husband once he arrives¡­ if he would arrive.


    As Rika turned on herptop, she sassed convincing herself to see the brighter outlook. "Riks, no need to be sad about it. Your husband is saving lives. Be thankful that he''s not cheating at the very least." However, she rolled her eyes at herst remarks.


    "As if that is the only basis to ruin the marriage." She sighed heavily, fanning herself before forcing the side of her lips upward. "Distraction." She stated, clearing her throat as she watched herptop brightened up.


    Immediately, Rika clicked on her email and saw tons of files from Abigail. One after another, Rika narrowed her eyes as she scrolled through the scripts that were sent to her. "Organize as always." She murmured, noticing that Abigail separate the scripts by their genre.


    Rika automatically skipped the romance genre as she had starred on too many of them. If she was going toe back, she wanted something different. A role she never did before; a challenge that would upy her mind from the mncholic days.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click <a href="#''s-bride_49655796610417655">#''s-bride_49655796610417655</a> for visiting.


    "Hmm¡­" She hummed, sighing as she opened up a script which she immediately closed just by reading half of the plot. "Not going to happen, Manager Abi." She clicked her tongue, shaking her head sideways.


    Apparently, the first script she read was about a female serial killer. The script given to her was that serial killer role and not some investigator to solve the mystery. "My husband saves life while his wife will act as a psycho, duh?" She rolled her eyes once again, opted to read the next script.


    Sure, the role was something she never did before. Abigail must'' have had thought that it was a good role for hereback, although a little scandalous, she trusted Rika''s talent. However, Rika as a devoted wife felt that it didn''t fit her taste.


    Especially, Jaime had been busy saving lives at the cost of neglecting his own marriage. How could she throw shades by taking lives for fun even if it just a role? She might be a heavily upset by being neglected by her husband, but that didn''t mean she already lost her love towards him.


    She wouldn''t be sad if she doesn''t love him anymore; it was the opposite. She was in love and still madly in love with Jaime that it ripped her heart apart at times like this. Regardless, Rika decided to stay and give him more love despite theck of affection in return.


    Just as Rika was busy reading the next script after trashing another one, her phone rang. ncing to her left side where her phone was resting, her brows knitted seeing Eli''s number on the screen. "Why is he calling?" She wondered, sprawling her arms to reach for the phone.


    "Hello, Superstar." The second the line connected, Rika greeted. She rested her back on the sofa as she stretched her legs under the small table.


    *SILENCE*


    What answered Rika was silence from the phone, causing her right eyebrow to arch. "What is it?" She asked, sensing the thick dilemma from the other end of the line.


    The next second, she heard a heavy sigh. "I guess that''s my cue to stop myself from teasing you for fun." Rika sighed, sensing that Eli called not because he was bored from living his life the fullest but seemed to be in great dilemma.


    "How are you and Jaime?" After a while, Rika finally heard Eli''s gloomy voice.


    "Not any better than you and Mika." She shrugged, tilting her head back until the back of her head rested on the sofa''s seat cushion. "At least, not as worse than you and Mika." She added, failing to resist on dissing Eli and ex-lover''s rtionship.


    Not long after Rika tied the knot with Jaime, Eli found his ''love of his life'', or what he imed. Although Eli had been in numerous rtionship which was supported by his fans, he never truly disclosed the information.


    However, with Mika, Eli had flexed her all the time. Still, Lexi and Rika didn''t quite like the woman''s arrogant personality. Why? Mika demanded him to stay away from the two of them. Well, not that they didn''t understand because the saiddy was bashed by EliXi shippers and ElRika shippers.


    Indeed, those fans were still hopeful despite that Lexi and Rika were already married. Still, out of gut feeling and unknown reason, Rika and Lexi didn''t like Eli''s girlfriend. They tried; it was just that Mika''s personality was different.


    "I beg to disagree. There''s no US." From the other end of the line, Eli corrected as he frowned.


    "Bitter." Rika teased, chuckling as she shrugged her shoulders. "Told you she''s bad news, yet you''re still drinking after six months."


    "Oh, for Pete''s sake! I''m not drinking because of her, okay?" Annoyed, Eli argued aggressively.


    "Then, why are you drinking now?" Without a second hesitation, Rika arched her right brow. Although she didn''t have proof that he was under the influence of alcohol, she could tell as they were friends for a long time.


    "Just¡­" His voice trailed off because Rika interrupted.


    "Oh, wait! Let me grab a bottle of wine. I think I want to drink too, but drinking alone is?a little sad ¡ª one minute!" Rika immediately assisted herself up from the floor, sprinting towards the their wine cer.


    "You always know how to ruin my moment¡­" Eli sighed, waiting for her toeback so they could continue. While he does so, Eli nced through the mirror of his balcony to see the residence''s garden that was under construction.


    "Back~!" After three minutes, Eli heard Rika''s gleeful voice and the sound of a cork being opened. "So, why are you drinking?" She asked before cing the wine''s bottleneck before her lips.


    "You said one minute, but it took you more than that. Also, use wine ss ¡ª geez!" Eli nearly rolled his eyes, imagining Rika drinking directly from the bottle. It was a habit of her which Eli grown familiar with. Thus, despite not seeing her, he already guessed what she was doing.


    "Hey, it''s a special day, alright? It''s my first wedding anniversary and my husband is not here! I n to drink my sorrow away!" In contrast, of her supposed sad ims, her tone was rather lively with a slightbination of sarcasm. "How about you? What''s the purpose of your tonight''s drink?" She asked, raising her eyebrows as she waited for his response.


    For a moment, the line was enveloped with nothing but utter silence. Yet, Rika was patient enough to wait for whatever words that woulde out from his lips.


    Not long after, Eli finally broke his silence. "Grandma had a heart attack days ago." He paused, sliding the balcony''s door open before he went out.


    "What? Really?" Surprised, Rika covered her lips by her palm. "Is Grandma okay? Gosh! Don''t tell me¡­"


    "No, she''s not dead." Before she could have a funny conclusion, Eli immediately reassured her that his beloved grandmother was still alive, thankfully.


    "Gosh¡­ good grief." Rika sighed in relief, patting her c.h.e.s.t as she calmed down. "So you''re drinking because you thought you lost Grandma?"


    "No." Without batting an eye, Eli answered.


    "Huh? Then, why?" Puzzled, Rika knitted her brows together as she rubbed her chin. Knowing Eli was a grandmother''s boy, it was understandable that he would be sad. Still, on a second thought, he would rather stay with his grandmother''s side instead of drinking.


    "I lied." As soon as Eli dropped that confession, he closed his eyes as another distressed sigh slip past his lips.


    "Huh?"


    "She wants me to marry and arranged a marriage for me." He rified, causing Rika to almost choke Rika out of thin air.


    "What?! You''re getting married?!" Shocked by the iplete news, Rika eximed with her eyes wide open. "Oh, Em Gee!" She stressed, blinking her widely opened eyes ever so slowly as she imagined Eli being in an arranged marriage.


    "No." Eli shook his head, rubbing his palms against his face.


    "Huh?" Confused again, Rika''s face squeeze together. "Can you please finish the details in one go because I''m getting confused here?" Annoyed at this push and pull conclusion in her head, Rika sassed.


    "Let me finish, okay? Apparently, I told her I''m dating someone and we''re in a very serious rtionship. Grandma thought, I''m still not over Mika, that''s why. After all, she also doesn''t like her." Eli summarized the problem in the shortest but most urate as possible.


    It took Rika minutes to process hisst statements. When she absorbed the absurdity of the news, she gasped, momentarily forgetting her heartache. "You, WHAT?"


    "I know."


    "Gong Elliot!"


    "Ughh¡­ do you know a decent person whom I can date and maybe like for real? I don''t know. To be honest, I''m going crazy too." Upon Rika''s disappointed call, Eli sighed as he massage his temples. "Don''t tell Ethan. He will rat me out to Grandma, or he will identally tell her." Eli said, scratching the back of his head.


    "Gosh¡­ why did you tell me and made me carry this burden with you?" Annoyed, Rika let out a deep exhale before chugging a mouthful of wine. "Fine! I''ll see what I can do!" Regardless of her disappointment, she couldn''t really leave him alone. They were friends, and Rika knew the situation must be more pressing that pushed him to lie.

 Chapter 631 - Evalyn and Levi

    <h4>Chapter 631 - Evalyn and Levi</h4>


    Rika and Eli''s talkst for about thirty minutes, with Eli stressing about the problem he made for himself. Still, as a good friend, Rika swore to not tell a single soul about it ¡ª that included Lexi as she would definitely tell Ethan. Then Ethan would surely tell Grandma Gong. Whether it was intentional or a slip of the tongue, Eli would turn into a murderer once Ethan couldn''t stop his big mouth from running.


    How could a guy be a tattletale? It was as if he slowly embraced the habit of gossiping. Lexi told them it was Lyrick''s fault, but still, they couldn''t believe that Ethan had gone full-blown gossip guy.


    Aside from him flexing his wife to the world and Ethan being the proudest husband that ever existed, Rika and Eli finally had something to agree about. That was Ethan was not someone who should be trusted with secrets. Well, Ethan could keep secrets if he thought they''re worthy to keep it a secret, but this type of ssified information wouldn''t fall in that category. At least, in Ethan''s perspective.


    "It''s alreadyte¡­" Rika nced at the wall clock, ticking each second that she could hear it in this silence enveloping her surroundings. "Well¡­" She sighed, pursing her lips on a thin line.


    As she decided to keep on reading the script, Rika chugged another mouthful of wine. Her face squeezed together as the strong sting of the beverage lined on her throat as it traveled down.


    Rika kept on reading the script. In between her readings, Rika would constantly go to the wine cer to drink. At her third time going there, she brought two more bottles with her. "Why when you needed to get drunk, you can''t? What a silly irony." She muttered as she head back to the living area.


    When she plopped down, Rika immediately closed the script she left opened. "Nonsense script." She dissed, cl.i.c.k.i.n.g her tongue as she felt like ripping the script apart for the character''s bad character.


    She actually read until half of the story. However, the character was nothing but a pushover who had no sense of judgment. Rika hated characters that has no character developments.


    The next script, Rika didn''t have much hope from it. The only thing that made her open it was because of the word time-traveling. "Let''s see¡­" She skimmed through the names printed on the front page.


    "Huh?" Her brows furrowed together. "That''s weird¡­ is this an official script?" She wondered. The front page wasn''t written formally, just like the rest. Aside from the title, there was no writer or other information.


    Well, there was the genre, and information to know the premise, but that was it. There''s nothing. "I should just ask Abi tomorrow." Rika shrugged, resuming on reading the script, regardless.


    Time had passed, and Rika took a deep breath. "What an odd story¡­" Under her breath, she muttered and rubbed her eyes by her arm. "Is this really a movie or a series?" She cleared her throat, returning her gaze back to the screen of herptop.


    "This Evalyn¡­ *sigh* poor thing." Rika sighed heavily, closing her eyes as she tilted her head back. "Regardless, it''s a good plot. I should ask Abi about it tomorrow." She muttered, saving the first ever script that piqued her interest.


    The story was a little peculiar if she was being honest. It was about a 28-year-old Evalyn; a woman who established herself as a businesswoman from scratch. Days before her 29th birthday, Evalyn found an injured man in the back of her car. Actually, she was hostage-ish as she was forced to drive him faraway from the area.


    Just like what she was told, Evalyn, who still wanted to enjoy life and had yet to settle down with a decent man abided. The weird thing was, the man, although having the upper hand, just asked her to drive far away. He even promised her that he wouldn''t hurt her and would leave once they were away.


    It was an eventful night for the character Evalyn. Still, it was also a beginning of a roller coaster love story of Evalyn and the man named Levi. A beautiful story that bloomed ever so slowly.


    "Sometimes, I hate how authors think. The story was already great without the twist¡­" Rika grabbed and lifted the bottle of wine, cing it in front of her lips. Without further ado, she chugged another mouthful of alcohol as her throat was numb by the acid traveling down her throat.


    "On the second thought," She paused, burping as she returned her gaze back on theptop''s screen. "I can''t really hate them¡­ they''re amazing peopleing up with a story pure from their creativity and imagination." She nodded her head in understanding, pursing her lips as she stretched it into a meek smile.


    "Evalyn and Levi married so soon they haven''t really known each other. After all, the female lead had so manyyers that were yet uncovered while Levi¡­" Rika paused, her eyes skimmed the page till the end. "He''s in weird¡­ I thought he''s just an indecisive fool, but I somehow understood why theck of his description on the first half of the story." A heavy sigh slipped past her lips, clearing her throat as she scrolled to the next page.


    Rika found herself drawn to the story she didn''t notice the time. Even when she felt the wine taking effect, Rika continued on reading the story until she fell asleep.


    Upon drinking thest drop of the 3rd bottle of wine, Rika''s head suddenly crashed on the table.Fortunately, her arm was there to catch her temple ¡ª saving her head from crashing directly on the table.


    Minutester, the main door produced an unlocking sound before it opened. Jaime looked around, slowly heading inside after removing his shoes and changed it into house slippers. "I''m¡­" Before Jaime could announce his arrival, his eyes softened, spotting his wife''s figure in the living area.


    A heavy sigh escaped his lips before he trudged towards her direction. He stopped several steps away from her, his eyes scanned the surrounding. There were empty bottles of wine and bottles that were yet been opened.


    "Hon¡­" Again, Jaime sighed before squatting down. He ced his hands over her shoulders, checking if she''s still alive.


    "Ughh¡­" When Rika g.r.o.a.n.e.d, a sigh of relief slipped from his lip. Just then, Jaime noticed theptop on the table.


    Slowly, he nced at it. Within a second, he figured that Rika was reading a script ¡ª definitely from her manager. Normally, Rika wouldn''t even bother looking at them, telling him being his wife was more important.


    But now, she''s finally reading them. Not that he was displeased about it; to be fair, Jaime often encouraged her to do acting again as he didn''t want to be the cause why she stopped doing her passion. But Rika was adamant on spending her first year of marriage with him without projects that would hinder her time.


    Yet, Jaime couldn''t do the same ¡ª not that she asked him to do the same as it was her own decision. Regardless, Jaime felt guilty that his wife must have been too hurt that even in their first wedding anniversary he couldn''t free his time for her.


    After several minutes of silence, Jaime shook his head. He then slipped his arms around her, then carrying her in a bridal style. "Hmm? Hon?" As he was taking the stairs, Rika opened her weary eyes and called out softly.


    "Hmm?" At the same time, Jaime reached the second floor. He stopped, gazing down at her flushed face as he watched her, forced her eyes open. "I''m home." A gentle smile formed on his lips which was returned with the same gentleness.


    "You''rete¡­" She murmured, the side of her lips curled into a loving smile as her eyes closed. Rika, out of instinct, positioned the side of her head against his c.h.e.s.t until she found herfortable spot.


    "I know and I''m sorry, hon. This will be thest time I''ming homete." Jaime hung his head low, leaving a soft peck on top of her head. The scent of her hair immediately wafted his nose, causing him to c.a.r.e.s.s her by the tip of his nose.


    *****


    The next morning¡­


    "Ugh¡­" Rika g.r.o.a.n.e.d even before she could open her eyes. Her head was miraculously not throbbing, but her muscles from her body felt very stiffed. Slowly, she opened her eyes, shutting them close as the blinding ray of the morning sun hit her face.


    "Hmm¡­" She then sprawled her arms to her side, swinging it against on the sheet in an upward and downward motion to feel that it was empty. With her other hand covering her eyes, Rika turned her head towards Jaime''s usual spot on the bed.


    ''He didn''t make it home, huh?'' She thought internally. A strong mncholic air immediately enveloped the room. Her eyes immediately welled up, pursing her dry lips in a thin line.


    Just then, Rika heard the door creaking open. "Hon?" Jaime''s voice followed, causing her to abruptly removed her arm from her eyes and turned her head towards the door. ???I made you¡­" Jaime was unable to finish his sentence as soon as heid his eyes on her.


    The sight of her crying the moment she woke up was akin to a dagger piercing his heart. To make it worse, he knew it was him who was the caused of those tears. "I''m sorry, hon."

 Chapter 632 - Theres no perfect marriage. Just perfect love.

    <h4>Chapter 632 - There''s no perfect marriage. Just perfect love.</h4>


    "Honey, I''m sorry." Jaime repeated his words while stroking her back.


    He could not help but feel bad for his wife. He didn''t know that every time he couldn''t make it home, or every time he broke a promise, Rika would cry herself to sleep and awake.


    Jaime¡­ he couldn''t say anything but apologize. He knew he was at fault and was aware Rika was never the problem. He didn''t want to push the me to the demands of his job because there were other ways to make up for that.


    Seeing her cry was akin to a resounding p; a wake up call to him. Rika truly devoted her heart to him, to this marriage. And Jaime was unconsciously ruining not just their marriage, but also ruining her.


    "No, no. It''s okay. I''m alright. Just¡­ it''s just the hangover." Rika wiped her tears by her arms and attempted to reassure him by pretending.


    However, her tears would stop, and she couldn''t keep her act together. It had been too much for her to beartely.


    Jaime''s eyes softened. Seeing that until now, she was thinking she would worry about him. Such an angel he almost lost.


    "It''s not, hon. It''s not alright and I can understand why." He muttered, pulling her into his embrace. "I''m sorry for abusing your kindness and patience."


    Jaime whispered. Hugging her tightly. It''s been a year since they got married. However, Jaime only realized now that it''s been a while since he embraced his wife tightly.


    Rika had lost a lot of weight. Although she was still pretty like an angel, he never realized she was nearly just skin and bones. She had been taking care of him and asked for nothing in return.


    "I''m sorry if I hurt you¡­ I ¡ª I''m sorry." Jaime wanted to say a lot of things; things he wanted to be sorry for.


    But there were just too many, he didn''t know where to start. Jaime was not the type of person who expressed his feelings publicly, nor he knew how.


    Rika shook her head lightly, drawing herself away from him. With tears still on the corner of her eyes, she sported a smile.


    "I''m really alright. I''m just a little emotionaltely. Don''t worry about me." She reassured him.


    Her words and actions made his heart clench even more. Jaime looked at her smiling lips, and then to her eyes with her eyshes still damp from her own tears.


    "How''s your night? Did you have a good restst night?" Rika asked, deliberately changing the subject.


    Jaime remained silent, staring at her smiling front but weeping eyes. Slowly, he raised his hand and cupped her cheek. His thumb gently c.a.r.e.s.sed her cheek as his eyes soft.


    "It''s good, but not as iparable as when I spend it with you." Jaime expressed.


    Upon hearing his answer, the side of her lips stretched subtly.


    "I know. Song Rika is the best, after all." She humored, trying to liven up the gloomy mood early in the morning.


    Yet Jaime didn''tugh. She''s always like this. Rika had always acted tough and okay with everything. If he didn''t see her crying the moment she woke up, he wouldn''t realize how worse this marriage had fallen.


    With a wife who bottled her feelings and cried alone. And a husband who never paid attention to details in his own home, nor to the person he cared the most. This marriage was already near its end; it was just a matter of time before everything break apart.


    "Thank God it''s not toote." Jaime whispered, which made her brows furrowed.


    "Huh?"


    "I almost lost everything." He heaved a sigh of relief, realizing his marriage was just hanging by a thread.


    Overwhelmed, Jaime pulled her into his embrace once again. "I almost lost you."


    "Honey? Are you¡­ okay?" Baffled, Rika patted his torso.


    His arms around her were shaking, as if terrified. Why? She wondered. Did something bad happen?


    "Hon¡­" She trailed off upon hearing him sniff.


    Rika''s back instantly froze. ''Is he crying?'' She wondered internally.


    The anxiousness in her heart that something terrible happened slowly crept to her heart. Knowing her husband, he was not the type of person who was vocal or showed too much emotion.


    Although, sometimes, she wished he would express himself more. Rika had epted him for who he was. Therefore, witnessing his breakdown for the first time after a year of being married worried her.


    "Honey, what happened?" She asked, worried as she held onto his shoulders.


    After a long patience, Rika finally heard his answer.


    "Nothing. I''m just¡­ relieved."


    "Happy?"


    "Mhm." Jaime let out a low tune as he drew away from her.


    He didn''t bother wiping the tears from the corner of his eyes as he looked at her. His gaze etched every little detail of her angelic facial features. Jaime was aware she was stunning, but right now, she looked more beautiful than ever.


    "I''m relieved I came to my senses before I lost you, my everything. I''m sorry for all those broken promises and lonely nights. I have a lot to say sorry about, but more than sorry, I wanted to thank you."


    Speaking from his heart to her felt natural. Admitting his wrongs and shorings made him realize how he neglected his marriage, and he wouldn''t be ashamed at admitting it.


    "Jaime¡­ why--" Surprised at his sudden long sentimental remarks, Rika''s words were cut off as her tongue rolled back.


    One more word, and her brave act would shatter again.


    "Thank you for holding onto me." Jaime whispered, leaning closer as he left a peck on her forehead. Rika''s breath hitched, surprised.


    "Thank you for holding onto this marriage." Again, after leaving a peck on her forehead, Jaime kissed her swollen eyes lovingly.


    "Thank you for choosing me." He continued kissing her other eye.


    "Thank you for loving me despite not getting the b.a.r.e minimum." This time, Jaime kissed the apex of her nose.


    "Thank you for waiting, for caring, and for believing in us." One after another, Jaime left trails of kisses on her cheek, down to her jaw.


    Slowly, Jaime looked at her straight in the eye. Rika was chewing her lower lip; this time, she couldn''t stop her tears from rolling down her cheeks.


    "I have a lot to thank you for, but above all, thank you foring into my life." He nodded reassuringly.


    Jaime paused, smiling subtly as his eyes stung once again. He took a deep breath, repeating the vows he had made a year ago. This time, he meant it with all his life.


    "I will not make the same mistake again. I will love you the way you deserve to be loved, cared, and valued. I love you and I''ll prove that every day."


    Crying, yet, despite the unstoppable tears escaping from her eyes, the side of her lips could not help but curl upward.


    "Mhm!"


    ***


    Falling in love is easy. Staying in love is not. Love is not all about rainbows and butterflies. So was marriage.


    There''s never a perfect marriage. Just perfect love. They may appear perfect; a sessful doctor and a beautiful, famous actress. But in love, everyone was equal.


    We get hurt, we heal, we grow.


    Life is short. Choose those who are worth fighting for and walk away without regrets. Because at the end of the day, that special one might be a beautiful lesson, or a lifetimepanion.

 Chapter 633 - Three new script!

    <h4>Chapter 633 - Three new script!</h4>


    "You will audition for Evalyn''s role?" After their heart to heart talk, Rika ate the breakfast Jaime made for her while she showed him the script she readst night.


    "Well," Chewing her food down, her brows raised briefly as she shrugged.


    "Do you want me toe with you?" Before she could reply with aplete answer, Jaime inquired.


    Rika furrowed her brows. When she swallowed down her food. Rika asked,


    "How about work?" Her eyes never left him as she picked up the ss of water and drank it.


    "Oh, right? I sent my resignation letter weeks ago. They approved it this morning."


    Rika nearly choked on the water. She coughed, letting out the waters that were forced out of her mouth.


    "Hey, careful." Worried, Jaime patted her back as he looked at her worriedly.


    When she recovered, Rika scoffed as she blinked her eyes and asked in disbelief. "You¡­ resigned?"


    "I want to surprise you, so I didn''t mention it. I decided I want to spend more time with you. I can continue working in the clinic." Jaime exined with a smile, still stroking her back gently.


    For a minute, Rika processed hisst remarks in silence. Not that she wasn''t happy. In fact, she was excited! But¡­


    "The clinic¡­? You mean¡­" She raised her brows.


    Getting her hints, he could not help but chuckle. After all, they met at the same clinic; back when Lexi got pregnant and wanted to keep her pregnancy as private as possible.


    "Honey," she sighed, bouncing closer to him. "It''s not that I don''t trust you, but you know... "


    Rika tapped her forefinger against each other, casting him an adorable puppy eye.


    "You have a wife now and this might sound childish, but can youe back when your wife is ready topromise?"


    "Haha. I already nned to. Don''t worry." He smiled, patting her head as he already thought about it long and hard.


    Since Jaime had be busy with not just work but seminars during the past year, he wanted to take some time off. Obviously, that d.e.s.i.r.e to make it up to her just grew stronger.


    "Aww¡­" Moved, Rika squeezed herself into him.


    Hearing him say such words and knowing he still loved her made her feel everything was worth it. That holding onto him, believing in their marriage, and trusting this love was all worth fighting for.


    "I love you, honey." As she embraced him, she whispered with a content smile.


    "I love you more. Sorry if I neglected you for a long time." Jaime''s eyes softened, casually stroking her back.


    Just then, a notification sound from herptop reached their ears. Unconsciously, both of them gazed at theptop where Jaime was reading the script.


    "You have a mail. Wait, let me --"


    "It''s nothing." Before Jaime could break away from her embrace, Rika frowned and ignored it.


    "It might be important." Chuckling, Jaime gazed down and left a peck on top of her head. "Don''t worry. I''m not going anywhere."


    He added with reassurance. Reluctantly, Rika let him go, and he grabbed theptop before sitting beside her.


    "You should check it¡­" He trailed off as Rika interrupted him.


    "You check it. I''ll eat." Since she wasn''t hiding anything from him and knowing Jaime, who respected her privacy despite being married, Rika urged.


    Rika had been receiving a lot of mails from Abigail and offers from otherpanies. Yet, she never replied to any of them, as she wasn''t ready to make aeback.


    "Alright," Jaime nodded.


    He then checked the mails. Seeing it was Abigail''s name, he nced at Rika.


    "Its three new scripts from Manager Fan." He informed and read the titles. "The Superstar''s Bride, The Grim reaper and I, and Wild Young Princess: Mister, let''s sleep?"


    Jaime furrowed his brows andmented. "That''s a long title."


    "Trash the first one. But, let''s read the rest?" With little interest at the first script, Rika''s eyes brimmed with excitement as she cast him an expectant look.


    "You don''t like the first one?" asked Jaime, as he nced at her.


    "No, not that I don''t like it. It just sounds clich¨¦ and just reminds me of Eli''s problem." Rika waved and saw Jaime look at her as if he was waiting for her to fill him in.


    She cleared her throat, taking a deep breath as she recalled her brief talk with Eli.


    "You see, Eli''s grandma had a heart attackst night. You know her, she''s been worried about her favorite grandson and wants him to settle down."


    Rika started exining. Jaime listened in silence, nodding as he got the good grasp of their good friend''s predicament.


    "At the moment''s spur, that stupid, idiot Mister Gong, lied and told her he''s dating seriously now."


    "Oh¡­" Jaime''s eyes raised his brows, casting Rika a knowing, shocked look. Rika let out another sigh as she was as shocked as Jaime when she heard it.


    "Yeah, I know. So,st night, he called me and asked me to find him a fake bride. Gosh¡­ that idiot. He should have admitted it to her, but he couldn''t. Afraid she would have another heart attack. The doctor said she might not survive another attack."


    When Rika finished summarizing her dear but stupid''s friend''s dilemma, both husband and wife sighed. Eli was a dear friend to them. Especially for Jaime. He owed him a lot because Eli had been there for Rika when Jaime wasn''t.


    Also, part of Jaime felt bad because at one point, he looked at Eli as hispetition. After all, Rika and Eli might bicker a lot of time, but their chemistry was perfect. If not for his wife''s devotion and unconditional love, Jaime would have his suspicion.


    "This is why I don''t lie. Ites back ten times more stressful than ever." Rika muttered, and Jaime could never disagree.


    "A fake bride¡­ Did he think marriage is a joke? Gosh!" she added, cl.i.c.k.i.n.g her tongue as she was torn between helping him or lecturing him.


    "Maybe, Ethan knows a few¡­ I''m sorry. Nevermind." With his strong d.e.s.i.r.e to help, Jaime thought about Ethan.


    However, as fast as the idea came up, the faster it faded away.


    "Don''t tell Ethan, honey. You know him. He will either tell it to Grandma Gong or straight up to bury Eli himself. But, I''ll ask for Lexi''s help." Rika replied, and both husband and wife let out a sigh.


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