Chapter 62 It Was All an Act

"Chen, why has your ex-wife seemed like a completely different person lately?"

"Her temper is so much better!"

"When I saw her last time, she was still full of principles and preaching."

Luo Mingzhu noticed it too, and I shrugged.

"No idea."

She came up with another guess, "Could it be that she realized so quickly that she's fallen in love with you?"

"So she's trying to win you back?"

Her thinking made some sense.

However, she didn't really understand Liu Zhuyin.

Based on my understanding of her... she simply grew accustomed to the way I used to be.

She loved a peaceful life.

At least, she wanted a tranquil place to heal and rest...

And I was the one who could bring her an unprecedented sense of security.

Whether it was managing the household or running the company, I could keep everything in immaculate order.

She didn't need to worry about a thing.

Unlike now, where her home is in complete chaos, Ning Yuanzhou constantly annoys her, and the company has endless problems.

Her energy is limited.

Only now does she look back with longing on that former comfort.

"Still no idea."

No matter what she thinks, I am never going back.

Soon, Luo Mingzhu brought me to the Luo family residence.

True to its reputation as an established legacy family.

This massive villa was indeed luxurious.

As soon as we stepped inside, a butler came to greet us.

"You're back, Miss."

"And this must be Mr. Gu? The master and madam have been waiting for the two of you."

"I'll lead you in."

I wasn't nervous at all, but Luo Mingzhu, on the other hand, seemed rather anxious.

I had no idea what she was fretting about.

It was almost as if she were about to meet my parents instead of her own.

Walking into the villa, I caught sight of Madam Luo.

She possessed the grace of a classical woman, exuding a refined and scholarly aura.

Noble and elegant, yet devoid of ostentation.

Though dressed in expensive attire, there was none of the vulgar stench of money about her bones.

In stark contrast, Liu's mother fell far short.

"You must be Mr. Gu."

"Please, come right in."

Madam Luo smiled gently. Although she was nearing fifty, at a glance she looked more like Luo Mingzhu's older sister—youthful yet mature.

"Hello, Madam Luo."

I replied politely, neither servile nor overbearing.

Walking further in, I saw the head of the Luo family sitting on the sofa, drinking tea and reading a newspaper—Luo Mingzhu's father.

Luo Yujiang!

"Wait a moment."

Madam Luo smiled at me, walked over to Luo Yujiang's ear, and whispered something softly.

Only then did Luo Yujiang raise his head and look at me.

Those eyes were sharp and piercing, yet filled with authority.

Although he hadn't spoken a word, one could instantly feel an imposing presence that commanded respect without anger.

Combined with his square face, it carried a heavy sense of oppression.

This was my first time meeting Luo Yujiang face-to-face.

Previously, I had only heard of him by reputation.

I had never actually seen him.

"Gu Yichen, I've heard a great deal about you."

He quietly laid down the newspaper, his calm and resonant voice filling the space.

"You flatter me, Uncle Luo."

He merely smiled. "It's no flattery. Anyone capable of lifting the Liu family up to such heights is bound to be famous."

"Young man, I've actually wanted to meet you for a long time."

"It's just a pity... we never had the opportunity."

"Since we're meeting today, we should have a good chat."

That was nothing more than polite rhetoric.

"I should have come to pay my respects earlier."

I replied just as calmly, maintaining my composure.

Luo Yujiang sized me up and slowly stood to his feet.

"Let's talk business. Follow me to the study."

With that, he turned and began walking upstairs.

"Dad..."

Luo Mingzhu hastily stood up, looking exceedingly nervous.

"Why can't whatever you want to say be said right here? Why go to the study?"

Luo Yujiang merely glanced back at Luo Mingzhu without offering a reply.

"Be a good girl."

"There are things men need to discuss that you aren't meant to know, and you shouldn't ask."

Madam Luo smiled as she pulled her daughter back, then turned her gaze toward me.

"Go ahead, Mr. Gu."

"I'll have the kitchen prepare lunch."

"By the time you finish talking, it should be ready."

I nodded and followed him upstairs.

The Luo family...

确实 had a bit of that traditional, aristocratic atmosphere.

Though, I suspected that too might be an act.

Luo Mingzhu was quirky, lively, and appeared worldly naive—not the kind of child one would expect from such a strict household.

At least, while Luo Yujiang projected absolute authority in front of outsiders, he was likely wrapped around his daughter's finger in private.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have summoned me here today.

Once inside the study, Luo Yujiang closed the door.

"What kind of tea do you drink?"

"Black tea? White tea? Pu'er?"

I wasn't particular about tea and answered calmly.

"I'll defer to whatever Uncle Luo prefers."

Luo Yujiang smiled, brewed the tea, and poured me a cup.

"They say Mr. Gu is smooth and worldly, but I didn't get that impression today."

"Visiting for the first time, and you didn't even bring a gift."

"That doesn't sound like your usual style."

His words instantly validated my earlier guess.

"I only came today at your invitation, not as a formal social visitor."

"Uncle Luo probably doesn't care much for petty gifts anyway."

"Besides..."

I smiled, paused for a moment, and continued.

"Besides, Uncle Luo should actually be glad I didn't bring a gift."

Luo Yujiang paused slightly before bursting into laughter.

"Clever! You young man!"

"I've always wondered what kind of person could elevate the Liu family to such a tier."

"Now I believe it—you really are sharp!"

I shook my head. "I wouldn't call it cleverness, just a modest amount of self-awareness."

He took a sip of tea. "I'd like to hear about this self-awareness."

I didn't hesitate.

"I am merely an ordinary person with no background, no formidable strength, and on top of that, I'm recently divorced from the Liu family's daughter."

"It is my honor to be trusted by Miss Luo and to collaborate on projects with her."

"Miss Luo is an excellent business partner."

"And I am a partner who can be trusted."

The smile on Luo Yujiang's face grew broader.

"This is getting interesting, young man."

"You truly know what I'm worried about."

A divorced man who had once been a live-in son-in-law to a wealthy household, and now maintaining such a close relationship with his daughter.

Any father would worry.

It was entirely understandable and easy to anticipate.

"So, Uncle Luo doesn't need to beat around the bush with me; you can speak straight to the point."

"A situation like today's wasn't built in a single day, was it?"

"Otherwise, Luo Mingzhu wouldn't have spent several days not daring to come find me."

He was surprised once more. "You guessed that too?"

"It's not hard to guess. If you were truly a tyrannical father, Luo Mingzhu would never be so sheltered. It's because you protect her too well."

"Shielding her from the storms outside."

"And pampering her boundlessly at home."

"Please rest assured, however. You and I will maintain this exact and proper distance."

"The reason I didn't bring a gift today was precisely so that you, Uncle Luo, would have a ready excuse."

I treated Luo Mingzhu like a younger sister, and she treated me like a friend.

Yet it was entirely natural for her parents to worry.

To make things convenient for them, I had to willingly give them grounds for suspicion or criticism.

Only then...

Would they truly feel at ease!

"Hahahaha!"

"Refreshing!"

"Young man, I admire you immensely."

"Impeccable, and handling things in a way that puts everyone's mind at ease."

"The Liu family truly had a phenomenal son-in-law!"

"It's just a pity... they didn't know a true treasure when they saw one!"

The only one who failed to recognize my worth was Liu Zhuyin.

As for my former mother-in-law, she had always treated me like a prized possession.