Chapter 7: The Price of a Stepmother

Someone outside was calling Lu Hongyu’s name. Having just finished, he zipped up his trousers with one hand. Lu Hongyu said nothing, turning and walking out, leaving Ning Lu behind.

Ning Lu’s entire body was rigid; her legs felt as though they might cramp at any moment. They had been hiding in a corner, doing the very thing they should never have done. As the evening breeze blew in gusts, Ning Lu gradually regained her composure. She gathered her thoughts and walked out.

Passing through the hallway, she caught a glimpse of herself in the decorative floor-to-ceiling glass. She looked neat and composed, showing no trace of what she had just done with Lu Hongyu. Only the soreness and aching between her legs served as a reminder of her shame.

"Miss Ning, the Master is looking for you." The bodyguard felt a momentary relief upon seeing her. He had been worried that she might have disappeared; if he couldn't find her, he might not live to see tomorrow's sunrise.

"All right," Ning Lu replied, her voice raspy.

"Are you alright?" the bodyguard asked cautiously.

Ning Lu shook her head and gave a light cough. "I think the wind on the terrace was a bit strong; my throat is dry."

"We should get inside quickly. The Master has been looking for you for a while." The bodyguard didn't care what she had been doing outside; his only mission was to bring her to Lu Yanfeng.

Ning Lu gave a faint nod. Ever since she had been by Lu Yanfeng’s side, she had gradually learned that any concern shown to her was merely an extension of the concern for him.

Back in the banquet hall, the lights were dazzling, filled with people busy navigating the circles of fame and fortune. Seeing the gathering of elites, Ning Lu felt out of place once again. She did not belong in this world.

"Master," Ning Lu quickened her pace to reach Lu Yanfeng’s side.

"Where did you go?" Lu Yanfeng took hold of her arm, his voice kind and solicitous.

"I went to the terrace to look at the night view," she said softly.

Lu Yanfeng glanced sideways at the bodyguard, who nodded in confirmation. Ning Lu caught this subtle exchange and realized he still didn't fully trust her.

"There are many people here; don't wander off," Lu Yanfeng instructed gently.

"I will listen to you," Ning Lu nodded. Lu Yanfeng’s furrowed brows smoothed out, clearly satisfied with her behavior. The host announced that the auction was about to begin, urging everyone to locate their bidding paddles.

***

As the crowd returned to their seats, Ning Lu followed Lu Yanfeng forward. They were to sit in the front row, reserved for the most influential figures.

"Ah!" A force collided with her from behind, and Ning Lu felt a sudden chill. A wine stain had bloomed across her light-colored dress, looking starkly conspicuous.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! My apologies!" A woman hurried to apologize, grabbing a towel to wipe the dress.

"It's fine, really!" Ning Lu waved her off, wanting to clean it herself.

"Is it bad?" Lu Yanfeng asked in a low voice. The woman looked up abruptly, meeting Lu Yanfeng’s displeased gaze.

"Old Lu!" The woman laughed. Seeing an old friend, the frustration in Lu Yanfeng’s chest began to dissipate.

"You're back in the country?" Lu Yanfeng said with a smile.

"Yes," the woman replied, glancing at Ning Lu’s dress again. "I truly am sorry. I was looking down at my phone replying to a message and didn't notice you walking in front of me."

Ning Lu noted that the woman was about the same age as Lu Yanfeng. They chatted and laughed like old friends. Not wanting to interrupt, she only wished to change her clothes.

"It's alright. Just go and change into a new dress," Lu Yanfeng said dismissively. He gave a look to the bodyguard, who stepped forward.

"Miss Ning, I will take you to the lounge," the bodyguard said respectfully.

"All right," Ning Lu nodded. She turned to Lu Yanfeng and said, "I'll go change, then."

"Yes, go ahead," Lu Yanfeng replied indifferently. As she walked away, she could still hear him laughing and chatting with the woman.

Two minutes later, Ning Lu entered the lounge, with the bodyguard waiting outside the door. She slumped against the door and slid down onto the carpet, gasping for air. There had been too many surprises tonight. She felt a profound sense of alienation, a desperate urge to flee.

"Knock, knock. Delivering clothes," a low voice came from the door.

Ning Lu stood up resolutely. As she pulled the door open, a powerful force pushed her back. She watched as Lu Hongyu shoved his way in and slammed the door shut with lightning speed.

"Why are you here?" Ning Lu stared at him in panic, a chill running down her spine.

Lu Hongyu held a dress in his hand, looking down at her with a commanding air. "Why do you always ask such stupid questions every time you see me?"

He took a step forward, and she took a step back. When she finally stumbled onto the sofa, she looked up at him.

"There are people outside watching us," she said, her voice trembling with anxiety.

"And so what?" Lu Hongyu raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Shouldn't you be happy about that?"

"I am not!" Ning Lu bit her lower lip, denying his words firmly.

"Oh?" Lu Hongyu drew out the syllable. He reached out and gripped the back of her neck. He stood directly before her, her face level with the most sensitive part of his body.

Ning Lu’s face filled with terror. She instinctively tried to pull away, fearing he would force her into that act again.

"Don't!" She pressed her hands against his thighs to stop him from closing the distance.

"You play the timid victim in front of me, but didn't you look quite happy at the banquet?" His tone was dripping with sarcasm and disdain.

"I was walking beside Uncle Feng, I couldn't exactly cry, could I?" she muttered, expressing her slight resentment.

"Do you really want to be my stepmother that badly?" Lu Hongyu pinched her chin, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"I don't," she shook her head. Looking at the arrogant, devilish Lu Hongyu, it was hard to imagine that he and Lu Yanfeng were father and son—they were like night and day.

"You don't?" He grabbed her and squeezed hard.

"Please, let me go," she pleaded, her voice trembling.

"Let you go?" A cold laugh escaped his lips. "Being a stepmother comes with a price..."

He gripped her hair, looking down at her tear-filled, alluring eyes; she looked like a docile little rabbit. A thought surged in his mind—he had no intention of letting her go.

"Eat. It. Up." His voice was an order, laced with chilling intensity.

Ning Lu shivered, her face turning deathly pale. *Bastard*, she cursed him in her heart, but she dared not resist.

"Why are you stalling?" Without waiting for her to comply, he reached out and forced her mouth open.