Chapter 9: Taking an Oath

After the banquet, Ning Lu rode home with Lu Yanfeng, watching the streetscape pass by outside the window. Lu Yanfeng was busy on a work call, handling overseas business affairs.

Ning Lu’s mind was filled with the image of Lu Hongyu being treated with such disdain, and for a moment, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him. This had been her first experience in the world of high society, and she had seen everyone wearing bright smiles while concealing their deepest secrets. Everyone seemed to be putting on a show of happiness, but she wondered how many of them were truly happy.

"Are you settling in?" Lu Yanfeng hung up the phone and turned his head toward the young woman beside him.

Ning Lu snapped out of her thoughts and met his gaze. "I'm fine. The food was actually quite good." Her playful remark made Lu Yanfeng laugh out loud. He had assumed she was interested in the celebrities at the banquet, not expecting her to be more concerned with the meal.

"Indeed, the banquet was prepared by Michelin-starred chefs," Lu Yanfeng nodded.

Seeing that Lu Yanfeng was giving her a graceful out rather than making her feel awkward, her thoughts drifted back to Lu Hongyu. Comparing Lu Hongyu’s treatment to the way Lu Yanfeng was dealing with her, she secretly mused that he was actually quite kind to her.

"Are you tired?" she asked softly.

"I'm alright." No sooner had he finished speaking than Ning Lu placed her hands on his temples. "Would you like me to give you a massage?" she asked tentatively, her heart thumping in her chest. She was unsure if he would refuse and worried that she might anger him.

"Alright." Lu Yanfeng slowly closed his eyes. As he rested, he looked much more relaxed than he had moments before. Ning Lu gently kneaded his temples. Being so close to him, she could clearly see a few strands of gray hair hidden beneath his dark locks. Her breath brushed lightly against his cheek as she focused entirely on the massage.

Lu Yanfeng’s mind began to wander. The tickle of her breath against his skin stirred an impulse within him. No, she was still too young, he thought, immediately dismissing the notion. Once those restless thoughts were banished, he felt a deep sense of comfort; her technique was excellent.

Seeing his furrowed brow gradually smooth out, the heavy stone in Ning Lu's heart began to lift. She had learned various massage techniques from Aunt Yue during her childhood to please her, never imagining they would come in handy one day.

The car pulled up at the gates of the family mansion. Ning Lu slowly withdrew her hands, and Lu Yanfeng opened his eyes. "That was very skillful and relaxing. Did you learn that specifically?" he asked as he pushed the car door open to step out.

"Yes, my family members often suffered from headaches, so I learned how to massage," she replied casually as she followed him out of the car.

Lu Yanfeng looked back at her submissive, quiet demeanor, his feelings growing more complex. "So sensible from such a young age—it’s quite heartbreaking."

Before he could continue, the headlights of a car behind them cut through the darkness, interrupting their conversation. A sports car pulled up behind Lu Yanfeng’s vehicle.

"Dad!" Lu Sui called out as soon as he opened his door.

"What is it?" Lu Yanfeng’s tone shifted, his expression becoming stern.

Lu Sui glanced at Ning Lu and smiled at Lu Yanfeng. "I definitely have something to discuss with you..." Fearing his father wouldn't believe him, he added, "It’s very important."

Seeing that his troublesome son actually had something urgent to discuss, Lu Yanfeng didn't refuse. Ning Lu’s heart sank; recalling how Lu Sui had bullied her just a few days ago, she felt an inexplicable sense of unease. Between Lu Sui’s bullying and the leverage that Yi Wei held over her, she tightened her grip on her handbag.

"Fine, let’s go inside and talk," Lu Yanfeng nodded. He turned back to Ning Lu, wanting to walk her inside, but it was too late. "I’ll have a bodyguard take you back," he said, signaling the guard.

"It’s alright, I can walk back myself," Ning Lu smiled, trying to show it didn't matter.

"It’s too late; let the bodyguard take you," Lu Yanfeng commanded.

Watching how concerned Lu Yanfeng was for Ning Lu, a surge of irritation burned in Lu Sui’s chest. What kind of charm could a wet-behind-the-ears girl possibly have to make the old man like her so much?

"Alright, thank you for tonight, sir. Please get some rest," Ning Lu said softly. She turned and walked toward the other side, with the bodyguard following behind. Not until she disappeared from view did Lu Yanfeng head toward the house.

Lu Sui watched the entire scene, his hand at his side curling into a fist. She had only been here a few days, and his father was already acting like this. Had she truly bewitched the old man with some kind of love potion?

His phone vibrated. It was a reminder message from Yi Wei: "Speak carefully, and don't be impulsive." Lu Sui looked up to see Yi Wei standing at the corner of the second floor.

Regaining his composure, he replied with a brief nod.

The study door was pushed open, and Lu Sui followed Lu Yanfeng inside, where a faint scent of tea began to permeate the air. Lu Yanfeng sat in a wooden chair, and Lu Sui opened the teapot to start brewing.

"Are you trying to ensure I don't sleep tonight?" Lu Yanfeng looked up at him. Lu Sui realized his mistake, hurriedly covered the teapot, and offered an embarrassed smile.

"Dad, I just thought since you love Da Hong Pao, I’d prepare some for you," Lu Sui said casually.

"Get to the point," Lu Yanfeng said, unbuttoning his collar and tossing his tie aside.

Lu Sui took a deep breath, steeling himself. "I know you’ve taken a liking to that new girl, but something just doesn't feel right." He spoke slowly. "Isn't she a bit too young?"

"Which of the female classmates you used to chase wasn't younger than her?" Lu Yanfeng’s retort nearly choked Lu Sui, who knew he had been a playboy until settling down with Yi Wei.

"That’s not it..." Lu Sui suppressed his urge to argue back. "I mean, what if she’s hiding something from you?"

Lu Yanfeng glanced at him, signaling him to continue.

"I heard from the servants that the relationship between Lu Hongyu and Ning Lu is not simple. They’ve been seen entering and leaving the same room..." Lu Sui said, carefully monitoring his father’s expression.

"And?" Lu Yanfeng asked impatiently.

"What else could a man and a woman be doing in the same room?" Lu Sui pursed his lips, his voice low and suggestive.

Lu Yanfeng fell silent, a cold glint flickering in his eyes. The sudden quiet in the room made Lu Sui nervous; he couldn't tell if his father was angry or indifferent.

"Just imagine, if people found out that a son was fighting his own father for a woman, wouldn't it be a laughingstock?" Lu Sui slapped his thigh, acting as if he were indignant on his father’s behalf.

"Are you telling the truth?" Lu Yanfeng asked coldly, his eyes filled with warning.

"I swear! I am absolutely not lying!" Lu Sui held up three fingers.