Chen Zemian had originally thought he was coming to the Lu residence to pick up Lu Zhuonian.
He never expected that it would actually be Lu Zhuonian’s father who wanted to see him—and in this particular manner.
For someone of Lu Zizhen’s status, there were countless ways to arrange a meeting with Chen Zemian. Yet he had directly sent a Lu family car to fetch him, even manipulating the timing so that Chen Zemian mistakenly believed the “Mr. Lu” who sent the car was Lu Zhuonian.
That was… rather intriguing.
A flutter of unease stirred in Chen Zemian’s chest. He couldn’t think of anything he had done that would merit Lu Zizhen personally seeking him out.
He quickly analyzed the situation.
The only thing that could warrant this much attention from Lu Zizhen was his own son, Lu Zhuonian.
And when it came to Lu Zhuonian, Chen Zemian had nothing to feel guilty about—except for one thing he least wanted anyone to know:
That he had been helping Lu Zhuonian with his illness.
Could Lu Zizhen’s sudden summons be because of this? Could it be that Lu Zizhen had found out about them and thought he was seducing his son?
Given the display and formality before him, this hardly looked like a friendly meeting.
The visitor’s intentions were clearly unfriendly—he might very well be in serious trouble.
Moreover, from the current situation, Lu Zhuonian likely didn’t know about his father’s arrangements.
If he did, he would never have failed to inform Chen Zemian, and he certainly wouldn’t be absent now.
From these two points, it was clear. This meeting between Lu Zizhen and Chen Zemian had completely bypassed Lu Zhuonian.
He clearly didn’t want his son to know about it.
It could only be said that the older the ginger, the spicier it is. Ever since his convalescence began, Lu Zhuonian had kept a close watch on Chen Zemian, worried he might sneak food or drink. The Lu family driver accompanied him wherever he went, leaving no chance for anyone else to take Chen Zemian away.
But Lu Zizhen was not “just anyone.”
He was the true head of the Lu family. Commanding the family driver came naturally to him, even more so than to Lu Zhuonian, the young master.
This move—deceptively simple yet brilliantly executed—was a masterstroke of subterfuge.
No matter how careful Lu Zhuonian was, he would never have thought to guard against his own father, who had so effortlessly “lost” the man under the very eyes of everyone.
Judging from the outcome, it was clear that Lu Zizhen orchestrated this ploy to “invite” Chen Zemian to the Lu residence precisely because he knew his son kept a tight watch over him.
Thinking of this, Chen Zemian felt a sudden pang of unease.
He didn’t even know why he felt uneasy—he was the one whose freedom had been restricted, yet the one who should be uneasy was Lu Zhuonian.
But obviously, Lu Zhuonian was not the type to feel uneasy.
Just as Chen Zemian sat down in the reception hall, Lu Zhuonian’s call came through.
Not to him, but directly to Lu Zizhen.
Lu Zizhen, seated across from Chen Zemian, glanced at the phone the butler held out, pressing his lips together. “Don’t answer.”
The butler bowed. “This is already the third call from the young master.”
Lu Zizhen replied calmly, as if the wind were passing through him, “Let him keep calling.”
Chen Zemian: “……”
Oh my, the overbearing CEO Long Aotian.
Lu Zizhen was a man of supreme authority and influence—the unquestioned ruler of the entire wealthy circle of Beijing City, a true big shot among big shots.
People who normally couldn’t get an audience with him even if they queued up for days now appeared before Chen Zemian casually, sipping tea without so much as a word, their mere presence enough to make anyone feel intimidated.
At first, Chen Zemian felt a bit flustered. But after sitting for a while, boredom set in, and he forgot about his unease, letting his mind wander and glancing around aimlessly.
After appreciating the décor of the reception hall, his gaze naturally settled on Lu Zizhen.
The Lu family members were all exceptionally good-looking. Lu Zhuonian was handsome, of course, inheriting the fine genes of Lu Zizhen.
Lu Zizhen’s features were deep and sharply defined, with even higher dimensionality in his facial structure. Age hadn’t diminished his handsomeness; if anything, it added a layer of mature grandeur. His aura was even colder and more imposing than Lu Zhuonian’s.
Seated at the main position in the hall, he was upright and composed, lofty and untouchable, like a sovereign king. The entire room was wrapped in the aura of a ruler presiding over the world.
In the presence of such an overwhelmingly commanding figure, the “little overbearing CEO” seemed almost inexperienced and naive by comparison.
Chen Zemian stared at the “big overbearing CEO,” lost in thought, until a cup of tea was placed in front of him. He gathered his wits and said, “Thank you.”
The butler smiled and nodded. “You’re welcome, Chen Gongzi. Try it while it’s hot; it’s Wuyi Mountain Da Hong Pao.”
The tea was Wuyi Mountain Da Hong Pao, with a lingering fragrance, served in a three-piece covered cup with a kiln-variation glaze—priceless.
Chen Zemian lifted the cup, gazed down, blew away the floating foam, and took a sip. Before he could discern the taste, Lu Zizhen suddenly spoke, “This is this year’s new tea. The picking season hasn’t fully arrived yet, so the flavor is a bit mild.”
Chen Zemian, who wasn’t particularly skilled at tasting tea, became even more flustered hearing Lu Zizhen speak. He forced a polite yet awkward smile. “It’s… very good.”
“It’s best drunk before the Ming season,” Lu Zizhen said, his gaze resting on the pale amber tea. “But Zhuonian mentioned that you like Da Hong Pao.”
Chen Zemian choked on his tea. “Cough, cough, cough, cough.”
Lu Zizhen glanced at him. “Don’t rush. Drink it slowly. I’ll wrap a box for you to take home when you leave.”
Chen Zemian felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. “No, thank you, Long… I mean, Mr. Lu.”
Lu Zizhen nodded haughtily, accepting Chen Zemian’s thanks as though it were the most natural thing in the world—so matter-of-fact that it was almost identical to the attitude of the Lu Zhuonian he had first met.
Chen Zemian even had the fleeting impression that the man was waiting for him to kneel and express gratitude.
Lu Zizhen raised a hand, signaling the butler to wrap the tea.
Chen Zemian insisted. “Really, it’s not necessary, Mr. Lu.”
Lu Zizhen replied, “If you don’t take it now, when Zhuonian comes home, he’ll give it to you anyway. Better I give it to you directly—then it counts as a favor.”
Chen Zemian: “……”
Alright. From just these few lines of conversation, he could basically confirm—
Lu Zizhen had probably, maybe, possibly, most likely discovered that there was something going a bit too far between him and Lu Zhuonian.
For many people, sneaking some good things from home to share with a sibling would be normal. But for someone as upright as Lu Zhuonian, this little gesture was far too suspicious.
But Your Highness, I really do have just brotherly feelings with the Crown Prince.
Please, Your Majesty, judge wisely!!!!!!
Chen Zemian held the teacup, hiding his face behind it like a cat, as if he could disappear on the spot as long as Lu Zizhen didn’t see him.
Lu Zizhen watched him calmly for a moment. “You like that cup very much?”
Chen Zemian immediately put the cup down. “Not really.”
Lu Zizhen casually said, “Take that cup with you as well.”
Chen Zemian: “……”
Better not touch anything else.
You can’t joke around here—this is the real emperor. He casually gifts things without even a blink.
That said, among everything in the Lu household, the thing Chen Zemian had handled the most was the young master’s belongings. He just hoped Lu Zizhen wouldn’t find out, otherwise between gifting him something from Lu Zhuonian or chopping off his hands, the latter seemed far more likely.
Lu Zizhen absentmindedly tapped his index finger on the table, murmuring, “If there’s anything else you want, you can ask for it.”
Chen Zemian froze.
He could actually make a request?
Could it really go straight to the “here’s X amount, now leave my son alone” scenario without any interrogation?
He still wanted to defend himself a bit and probe. “Mr. Lu, I’m truly flattered by this unexpected gift.”
Lu Zizhen looked at him, expression indifferent. “Not unexpected. I had matters to coordinate on my end, and it took some effort before I learned that you have the ability to resolve this issue.”
Hearing this, Chen Zemian’s heart skipped half a beat. Extremely nervous, he switched to automatic response mode, in a formal, businesslike tone, as if replying to a boss.
“Please, go ahead.”
Lu Zizhen was concise. “I heard you are skilled at handling cases of children refusing to study.”
Chen Zemian’s racing heart suddenly sank.
So it was about the “Beijing City young masters’ school troubles.”
What a relief.
He had thought Lu Zizhen was summoning him to coordinate Lu Zhuonian’s… sexual needs.
Although that was already being managed, on a regular schedule, and had progressed systematically to the second page of the plan, this was a matter best handled between him and Lu Zhuonian.
Seeing Chen Zemian drift off, Lu Zizhen added another sentence to pull him back. “I heard the second son of the Ye family recently refused to study, and it was you who got him back to school.”
Chen Zemian replied honestly, “That was mostly accidental.”
Lu Zizhen raised a hand to stop his deflection. “Ye’s second son used to rank around 500th, but in the most recent mock exam he jumped into the top 200. Clearly, your efforts had an effect.”
Chen Zemian: “……”
Ye Xi was really working that hard, huh? Seems like the desire to prove himself through academic performance was really strong.
Seeing that the time was about right, Lu Zizhen explained the purpose of the meeting with Chen Zemian.
“There’s a young member of the Lu family who’s been very rebellious lately and refuses to listen. I’ve called you here on short notice today in the hope that you can meditate a bit, think of a way to get him to focus on his studies.”
Chen Zemian asked curiously, “May I ask which young master of the Lu family you mean?”
Lu Zizhen lifted his teacup and took a sip, eyes lowered. “It is my son.”
Chen Zemian was utterly shocked, his pupils widening halfway.
What? The rebellious, disobedient young member of the Lu family is… Lu Zizhen’s son?
But isn’t Lu Zhuonian an only child?
How could his father have another son?
Could it be an illegitimate child?
My God, what earth-shattering secret have I just learned? Am I going to be silenced? No, no, no—I can’t panic now. I need to find out who this person is first, then tell Lu Zhuonian so he can be prepared.
Chen Zemian composed himself, chose his words carefully, and cautiously asked, “Mr. Lu… you have another son?”
Lu Zizhen choked slightly on his tea, giving Chen Zemian a strange look.
Chen Zemian’s curiosity got the better of him, completely forgetting his fear, and he scooted right next to Lu Zizhen. “Who is it, really?”
A faint arc lifted Lu Zizhen’s lips, and a subtle, almost imperceptible smile formed in his eyes. “Who do you think it is?”
Chen Zemian looked around and lowered his voice. “An illegitimate child?”
Lu Zizhen couldn’t help but let out a quiet laugh. “Chen Zemian, you are truly amusing. No wonder Zhuonian enjoys being with you so much.”
Chen Zemian tilted his head. “Huh?”
The faint smile lingered on Lu Zizhen’s lips. “The young member I mentioned is… Zhuonian.”
Chen Zemian instinctively leaned back, utterly unable to imagine Lu Zhuonian being described as “rebellious”. “Lu Shao studies very seriously. He writes papers late into the night every day.”
Lu Zizhen’s tone carried a hint of surprise. “You didn’t know about the B University study-abroad season? He rejected this semester’s study-abroad application. I can’t understand why.”
Chen Zemian’s eyes widened with understanding. “Oh, you mean the study-abroad matter? I don’t understand it either!”
Lu Zhuonian going abroad for study was a key plot point. Missing it would not only disrupt the subsequent storyline but also cause serious negative consequences for his personal career development.
As a fan of Lu Zhuonian’s career, Chen Zemian supported him going abroad.
But even he didn’t know why Lu Zhuonian didn’t want to go.
Lu Zizhen habitually furrowed his brows. “Before June this year, there will be an early recommendation for the next semester’s study-abroad program. Do you have a way to get him to agree to go?”
Chen Zemian thought for a moment and said, “I can try, but I’ve tried before, and it didn’t seem very effective.”
Lu Zizhen studied Chen Zemian for two seconds, then said confidently, “You definitely have a way to make him agree.”
Chen Zemian said, not very confidently, “I’ll try my best.”
Lu Zizhen pushed a blank check toward him. “Chen Zemian, I trust you can do it.”
Lu Zhuonian stood at the entrance of the reception hall, watching Chen Zemian accept the check.
He walked into the reception hall, expressionless.
Chen Zemian hadn’t even tucked the check into his pocket when he suddenly saw Lu Zhuonian enter.
Oh no!
He’d been caught taking money.
Would Lu Zhuonian be upset?
In Chen Zemian’s mind, Lu Zhuonian’s presence far outweighed any blank check.
He turned to face Lu Zhuonian, no need to ask—he took the initiative to confess, hoping for leniency.
“Mr. Lu wants me to persuade you to study abroad. I told him I tried before, and it didn’t work,”
Chen Zemian handed the “stolen” check to Lu Zhuonian, immediately pointing at Lu Zizhen. “Mr. Lu gave me this check himself and said I’d surely be able to make it work.”
It was the first time Lu Zizhen had encountered someone daring enough to openly shift responsibility onto him. He was genuinely surprised, first glancing at Chen Zemian, then turning to Lu Zhuonian to gauge his reaction.
Lu Zhuonian cast a casual glance at the check and said, not particularly concerned. “If he gave it to you, then take it. His money is mine too—you might as well spend whoever’s.”
Lu Zizhen: “……”
He closed his eyes inwardly, sincerely convinced his son was hopeless.
Chen Zemian, feeling that this might not be good for Lu Zizhen’s blood pressure, painfully put the check back on the table. “No reward without merit—let’s forget it.”
Lu Zizhen, calm and composed, said, “I trust you can get Zhuonian to agree to study abroad. Mr. Chen, you might reconsider. What I can give you isn’t just this check—I can satisfy other conditions as well.”
This was an extremely tempting offer. Not just for Chen Zemian—anyone standing here would find it hard to remain indifferent.
Under such top-tier resources, money itself became a thin, powerless number. What was truly hard to refuse was the influence behind Lu Zizhen—the endless connections and power he represented.
Chen Zemian said nothing.
At a moment like this, silence itself was a statement.
Lu Zhuonian stood behind him, one hand resting lightly on his back, a quiet gesture of support.
Chen Zemian looked back at him.
Lu Zhuonian said softly, “You can agree to him.”
Chen Zemian hesitated for half a second, then requested to pause the negotiation. “I need to discuss it with Lu Shao first.”
Lu Zizhen looked at the two young men before him, confident as if victory was already his, and nodded. “As you wish.”
Chen Zemian turned and gently guided Lu Zhuonian out of the reception hall.
The afternoon sun was perfect, shining brilliantly.
Leaves swayed lightly, casting dancing shadows.
The sunlight was so dazzling that Chen Zemian’s eyes were flooded with brilliant, white light, making him feel somewhat dazed—a sense of unreality, floating, surreal.
There are moments in everyone’s life when you get a strange premonition, a vague sense that something is about to happen.
You don’t know exactly what it is, and you can’t tell if it’s good or bad.
But one thing is certain: what you do next, what you say next, could very well change the course of your life.
Chen Zemian felt that way now—like he was standing at a fork in the road.
Lu Zhuonian stood under the tree against the sunlight, his features merging with the light and shadow, hiding every expression.
Chen Zemian faced the light; Lu Zhuonian’s face imprinted on his retina, blurring into a dazzling halo of light.
Yet his voice was perfectly clear.
Chen Zemian heard Lu Zhuonian say to him. “You can agree to my dad.”
Chen Zemian squinted, as if puzzled, yet also as if he simply wanted to see Lu Zhuonian’s face clearly. “Agree to what your dad?”
Lu Zhuonian stepped back slightly, pulling Chen Zemian into the shade of the tree. “Agree to him persuading me to go study abroad.”
Chen Zemian looked at the flickering spots of light on the ground. “Can I persuade you?”
Lu Zhuonian smiled faintly. “If you say so, I will go.”
He handed the decision of whether to study abroad entirely to Chen Zemian.
All Chen Zemian had to do was nod, and the story would unfold according to its predetermined logic.
Lu Zhuonian would go abroad, meet the people he was meant to meet, and, just as the book had written, embark on a brilliant, glorious life.
That would be right—that was what Chen Zemian knew and understood.
A predestined trajectory.
Under the blazing sun, he seemed to see the torrent of fate rushing toward him.
Chen Zemian lifted his head and looked at Lu Zhuonian. “But I don’t want to agree.”
Lu Zhuonian turned sharply to look at him.
Chen Zemian said, “Boston’s winters have heavy snow. I don’t really want you going there to freeze in the cold.”
Through the rift where time overlapped, the torrent of fate surged in.
And Chen Zemian was best at avoiding.
“Whether you go or not, that’s for you to decide.”
The moment he spoke those words, Chen Zemian betrayed seven million words of plot, betrayed everything he had known, and returned the decision to Lu Zhuonian.
At this moment, the predetermined path of fate shifted in an instant, changing endlessly.
*****
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Author: LazyHermitGal
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