Chapter 10: Let’s Make a Deal

Ning Lu returned to her room. After taking a shower and removing her makeup, she sat on the sofa dressed in loose loungewear, her mood gradually calming. The television was playing a comedy variety show, but Ning Lu had no interest in watching it. Her mind was preoccupied with figuring out how to gain Lu Yanfeng’s trust; only by completing the mission quickly could she rescue her sister.

The sliding glass door opened, and a cool breeze swept in. Ning Lu abruptly turned around and met a pair of deep, piercing eyes. How was Lu Hongyu here again? Ning Lu couldn’t make sense of it.

Lu Hongyu took the remote control and pressed the button to close the curtains. Slowly, the curtains drew shut.

“What do you want?” Ning Lu asked, puzzled.

Lu Hongyu stood in front of the television, arms crossed, looking down at Ning Lu, who was sitting cross-legged on the sofa.

“I’m very curious about what your true intentions are,” Lu Hongyu said in a low, hoarse voice.

“What intentions?” Ning Lu replied, feigning ignorance.

Seeing her act innocent, a cold smile curled at the corner of Lu Hongyu’s lips.

“It’s just the two of us here. Don’t pretend to be pure…” Lu Hongyu sneered without restraint. “Messing around with a man old enough to be your father—do you really think you’re some innocent girl?”

His words were sharp as thorns. Ning Lu clenched her chest to suppress her dissatisfaction, struggling to maintain a calm expression.

“I haven’t done anything with your father,” Ning Lu said lightly.

Lu Hongyu laughed loudly. “Haven’t done anything?”

Ning Lu said nothing as she noticed his ears were flushed red, as if he had been drinking.

Lu Hongyu circled around the coffee table, slowly sat down, and grabbed Ning Lu’s wrist.

The cup in Ning Lu’s hand slipped, falling onto the sofa and spilling water over a large area.

“What are you doing!” Ning Lu glared at Lu Hongyu in displeasure.

“Ning Lu, you’ll never be my stepmother. I’m telling you now—give up that hope early,” Lu Hongyu warned, each word heavy with anger.

Ning Lu felt an inexplicable fear. When sober, he might only bully her, but drunk, he looked ready to punish her at any moment.

Suppressing her resentment, Ning Lu endured the humiliation for the sake of her sister.

“Lu Hongyu, I never intended to take anything from you,” Ning Lu shook her head.

“Then tell me, what’s your purpose in coming here?” Lu Hongyu pressed on.

He was determined to get an answer and wouldn’t let her go otherwise.

Ning Lu recalled how Lu Hongyu had saved her last time and even arranged treatment for Ning Xiang. She thought he wasn’t all bad, at least somewhat reliable for now.

“My sister is here…” Ning Lu said cautiously.

“Your sister?” Lu Hongyu raised an eyebrow, as if doubting whether she was lying.

“Yes. Last time, I had a conflict with Lu Sui because of her…” Before Ning Lu finished, Lu Hongyu’s face showed a flicker of surprise; he remembered.

Ning Lu carefully observed the subtle change on Lu Hongyu’s face and confirmed he was not angry for the moment. A weight lifted from her heart.

“You mean that little girl Lu Sui brought back who was tormented every day?” Lu Hongyu frowned slightly, his voice indifferent.

“I’m not sure if that’s her, but it was that little girl,” Ning Lu said softly. “I heard you sent her back later.”

“Oh, you mean her…” Lu Hongyu slowly caught on.

“Where did you send her?” Ning Lu asked anxiously. “Is my sister alright?”

Seeing her nervousness, Lu Hongyu believed her.

“I don’t know,” he said coolly, arms crossed.

“What do you mean?” Ning Lu stood up abruptly. “Where did you take her?”

“I told her to leave. Who knows where she went?” Lu Hongyu shrugged, his gaze icy.

He never cared much about unimportant people. He wasn’t a philanthropist; sending that woman away was already an exception.

“No, please. My sister means so much to me. Can you tell me where she ended up?” Ning Lu’s voice quickened, her eyes pleading for just one answer.

Seeing her beg, Lu Hongyu smirked.

“Let’s make a deal,” Lu Hongyu said, raising a hand to grip half of Ning Lu’s throat, threatening her.

Ning Lu swallowed hard and locked eyes with him, seeing his mischievous grin.

“What?” she dared not resist.

She clearly felt the heat spreading from his hand at her neck, as if her life was firmly in his grasp.

“I’ll help you find your sister’s whereabouts, but on one condition: until I’m done playing, you can’t refuse me,” Lu Hongyu said, his other hand grabbing her softness, making his intentions unmistakably clear.

Ning Lu gasped inwardly, knowing she had no chance to refuse.

“What about your father’s side…” Ning Lu’s voice wavered slightly with concern.

“You can only serve me,” Lu Hongyu said arrogantly.

Ning Lu understood his meaning. She would have to stick with him, and whatever happened with Lu Yanfeng, she would handle it herself.

Misinterpreting her silence, Lu Hongyu thought she was greedy enough to serve both father and son.

“If I find out you’re involved with anyone else, I won’t spare you. Neither you nor your sister will live,” Lu Hongyu said each word with a smile that sent a chill down Ning Lu’s spine.

“I—I understand,” Ning Lu’s voice was hoarse, her gaze vacant.

Seeing her pale face, Lu Hongyu’s lips curved into a satisfied smile.

“Knock, knock!” Both turned toward the door.

Ning Lu was startled; she hadn’t expected anyone to come.

Lu Hongyu gave her a look, silently signaling her to ask who it was.

“Who is it?” Ning Lu raised her voice and walked toward the door.

Her heart pounded. She dared not imagine what would happen if anyone discovered her with Lu Hongyu—she would likely be eliminated quietly.

No, she had to survive for Ning Xiang’s sake.

“Miss Ning, the master asked me to deliver bird’s nest,” the servant said respectfully.

“Go get it,” Lu Hongyu mouthed silently.

“Okay,” Ning Lu slowly walked over. As she opened the door, Lu Hongyu hid behind it.

The servant handed Ning Lu a tray with a gentle smile.

“The master said this is good for your health and asked us to prepare supplements for you every day,” the servant whispered. “Please let us know if you need anything.”

The servant stifled her jealousy, unable to understand how a young girl like Ning Lu could earn the master’s favor.

“Thank you,” Ning Lu nodded and smiled as she took the tray.

“I won’t disturb your rest then,” the servant said and turned to leave.

Once the servant was gone, Ning Lu closed the door and slowly exhaled.

“Nervous?” Lu Hongyu teased with a smile. “Shouldn’t it be exciting?”

“If you’re fine, you should go rest early,” Ning Lu replied coldly.