Cui Yun flicked away some ash, “What do you want to ask? Just say it directly. We’ve known each other for so long, no need for formalities, right?” Lu Tuo said in a deep voice, “What are you here for? Don’t tell me it’s for tourism; that kind of crap can go fool the old men upstairs! Tell me the truth, why are you here?” Cui Yun snorted, “I’m here to witness Lu Xiaozi’s incestuous affair firsthand. Honestly, what’s so great about that woman? Skinny, wild, and not even fully developed! She isn’t a virgin, is she? According to my investigation, it seems she even had something with her father. You want someone else’s leftovers?”
A cold light flashed in Lu Tuo’s eyes, “Watch your words! You have no right to interfere in my private life!” Cui Yun raised his hands, “Alright! I won’t interfere with your private life, but I should have a say in business matters, right? Lu Jinghao submitted a secret report to the organization, saying you’re not following directives and are interfering with his business. The old men upstairs were reluctant to let you go, but the matter reached Lawrence. Do you think only Margretina came? John and Alexander are already on their way. Your charges are quite serious! Using your private power to disrupt Lu Jinghao’s commercial operations and harboring a suspect. I think breaking your legs would be more than enough.” Lu Tuo’s expression changed drastically, “Harboring a suspect?! What does that mean?”
Cui Yun laughed, “Ask your damned father if he indirectly let your sister know about the existence of the organization? She’s a suspect, and Lawrence suspects she might leak information, so he wants to silence her, and your actions have seriously disrupted his plans. Of course, he’ll take it out on you.” Lu Tuo was stunned for a while, then suddenly gave a bitter smile. “Alexander, John… Mr. Lawrence really thinks highly of me, sending these two here…” Cui Yun extinguished his cigarette butt, lightly punching him, “That’s why I came. Lu Xiaozi, you should be grateful to me.” Lu Tuo looked at him coldly, then after a moment, asked, “Are you here to help me or harm me?” Cui Yun shrugged, “I’m here to tell you what kind of despicable creatures women are, to let you know they’re not worth breaking your legs over.”
- Christmas
Lu Jinghao soon left for Italy, without sending anyone or leaving a single word before departure. Dong Qin’s brief moment of relief was short-lived; as soon as the tiger left, the jackal arrived, and Cui Yun was a troublesome character. Even now, she couldn’t understand why he wanted to hypnotize her. Was he interested in her? She instinctively denied it; the way he looked at her showed no affection. On the contrary, he was devoid of emotion, that look of indifference sent chills down her spine. From her own will, she’d rather be around someone like Lu Jinghao, whose intentions were clear, than face someone like Cui Yun.
December arrived quickly, with the examination days approaching. Another semester had passed, meaning her high school life was nearing its end. She started planning for life after graduation. Lu Jinghao’s departure was a turning point; the oppressive feeling from Lu Tuo wasn’t as heavy, giving her the chance to do something important. The day before the exams ended, she left early, refusing the driver’s offer for a ride, and returned to the dilapidated room she once shared with Zuo Shaofan. The hallway still reeked of a strange odor, and the rusty mailbox made a screeching sound when opened. She pulled out all the junk mail, searching through them one by one. Soon, she found a new, pale yellow envelope. Opening it, a smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. She succeeded; even for someone like her, the goddess of luck occasionally smiled.
At dinner, Lu Tuo only asked about her early departure, and when Dong Qin claimed a stomachache, he didn’t pursue it further. Christmas was on December 25th, coinciding with the last day of exams. The servants of the Lu household had been busy for days, hanging wreaths of pine branches and golden bells on every door. A brand-new Christmas tree was also delivered to the entrance that morning. When Dong Qin came downstairs, she saw Xiao Ai directing some male servants to decorate the towering tree with various ornaments and small lights. Cui Yun was chatting and laughing with Xiao Ai, and upon seeing her descend, he immediately approached. “Dong Qin, tomorrow night is Christmas Eve, how do you plan to spend it?”
Dong Qin avoided his seductive gaze and softly said, “I don’t know, I haven’t planned anything. What’s the significance of Christmas Eve?” Cui Yun shook his finger, “Praying, dating, going to church… there’s so much to do. Don’t girls like these fancy things the most? What would you like to do? Tell me, I’ll definitely make it happen.”
Dong Qin thought, he could probably say these things to different women with ease. What was his heart made of? “No, I’m not interested in these things. You can ask someone else out.” She turned to leave, but he grabbed her arm. “Don’t be so heartless.” Cui Yun leaned in close, whispering, “Am I not more attractive to you than Lu Xiaozi?”
Dong Qin looked at his chin in surprise, not daring to raise her head, “Your habit of casually judging others is what I find repulsive.” Cui Yun narrowed his eyes, “Since I make you dislike me, there’s nothing I can do about it. But you won’t even look at me; are you feeling guilty?”
Dong Qin suddenly turned back, meeting his eyes. This man had a pair of beautiful eyes that belied his cold nature, clear and deep, hiding a sharp edge beneath. She looked at him for a long time before softly saying, “I’m not afraid to look; I just don’t want to have strange dreams at night.”
Cui Yun’s eyes narrowed slightly as he laughed, “You’ve figured it out? How, don’t you like it?” He suddenly pinched her chin, not avoiding the others present. Dong Qin closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them and said, “It’s not about liking or disliking. Someone who doesn’t even dare to show their true face and only manipulates things from behind to create illusions, I’m not interested. Besides, your skills might not be that impressive.” She broke free from his grip. “I need to go upstairs. Thank you for the lesson, teacher.” She bowed respectfully and turned to leave. Thank you for the lesson? Cui Yun wanted to laugh but found himself unable to. This woman was more stubborn than he had imagined… No, rather than stubborn, it was more like she simply didn’t care. There was no trace of joy or provocation in her eyes, just complete indifference. Did she really not care about anyone? How could there be such a person in the world? He raised the corner of his mouth, lazily reaching back to touch the busy Little Ai, eliciting a series of scoldings, and he chuckled. Women, women, how many faces do you have? So superficial yet profound; rough yet delicate; foolish yet so complex. I must conquer her! One day…
The Christmas tree was beautifully decorated, and the turkey on the dining table exuded an enticing aroma. Candles, gifts. Dong Qin thought, this must be what they call Christmas, a Western holiday where people celebrate the birth of a god. She never celebrated holidays; why should she celebrate someone else’s birthday? Had he ever saved her? Lu Tuo seemed to be in a good mood, pulling her to sit at the table and carving the turkey for her. “Merry Christmas,” he said, raising a glass of wine, which he clinked gently, the liquid rich and red. Dong Qin shook her head, “I can’t drink; I’m allergic to alcohol.” Just as she spoke, Lu Tuo’s phone rang with a loud tap dance rhythm. Dong Qin noticed his expression change slightly before he quickly stood up and headed to the kitchen. Cui Yun laughed, “Lu, working even on Christmas, how tough… Could there be another mission from above?”
