Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Butler Yan meticulously detailed Wen Zheng's preferences to Lu Yao, "Madam dislikes overly dark colors. A vibrant scarf would complement her clothes better."

The sales assistant chimed in with a bright smile, "Yes, the one you're holding is indeed this season's new arrival."

The store Butler Yan had brought him to was perfect, and the prices weren't exorbitant. Lu Yao considered his meager savings but ultimately decided to make the purchase.

"I'll take this one, then."

Lu Yao wasn't adept at choosing clothing for ladies of that age. Butler Yan took the shopping bag, not letting Lu Yao carry it himself. "There's a florist downstairs in the plaza. You could pick up some greenery."

That offered a wide array of choices. Lu Yao mused, "Perhaps some beautiful fresh flowers would be nice?"

Butler Yan smiled, "Of course."

As Lu Yao and Butler Yan descended, Lu Qianxing, trailing behind, tugged at Guan Qinglu's arm in surprise. "Mom, is that Lu Yao?"

Guan Qinglu's brows furrowed. She set down the new handbag she had just picked up. "What's he doing here? Who is that with him?"

Lu Yao was dressed in new clothes from Kevin's studio, with the butler carrying his purchases behind him. Jealousy flared in Lu Qianxing's heart. "What could Lu Yao possibly afford in this mall? He's embarrassing us."

Guan Qinglu murmured, "Isn't that Fu Yanhuai's butler? Why is he out with Lu Yao? Since when does he rate such treatment?"

Had Fu Yanhuai's attitude shifted? Lu Qianxing complained, "I knew something was off when Lu Yao came home last time. Didn't Brother Fu used to despise him? What's going on now?"

"Stop calling him 'Brother Fu' like that," Guan Qinglu snapped, her expression darkening. "The chairman of Shenglang Group contacted your father yesterday. Spend more time with Shen Jinyan—it will benefit you. Fu Yanhuai's credentials are indeed excellent, and the specialized serum is about to launch. But honestly, who knows how effective that serum truly is? S-class pheromones are no laughing matter."

Lu Qianxing bit his lip, looking aggrieved. Guan Qinglu, still feeling for her child, softened her tone. "Let Shen Jinyan do as he pleases. There are plenty of alphas in the capital—it's not like we're solely dependent on Fu Yanhuai."

Still, Lu Qianxing couldn't bear to see Lu Yao thrive. Lu Yao was supposed to be inferior to him.

Reluctantly, Lu Qianxing muttered, "I know. Shen Jinyan likes Fu Yanhuai, so there's no need for me to offend him."

By then, Lu Yao and Butler Yan had already exited the mall. Guan Qinglu felt a flicker of unease, and a sales assistant approached, asking, "Ma'am, would you still like this bag?"

The new handbag was beyond Guan Qinglu's budget. She haughtily tossed her head. "No need. Qianxing, let's go."

Lu Qianxing paid no mind to the sales assistant's reaction, clinging to Guan Qinglu's arm as he scanned their surroundings. "Where did Lu Yao go? Should we go downstairs and check?"

"Of course," Guan Qinglu stated firmly. "If he can afford to shop here, either Fu Yanhuai gave him money, or he still has funds of his own. Didn't you always want to host your own art exhibition? If Fu Yanhuai is willing to spend on him, arranging one for you shouldn't be too difficult."

Lu Qianxing's jealousy was blatant. "Let's see what he bought."

If it was something good, why not claim it for himself?

Lu Yao carefully selected two potted plants, earning Butler Yan's enthusiastic praise. "They're beautiful and easy to care for. Would you like to place a couple at home as well?"

Lu Yao paused. "But the living room isn't decorated with things like this. Mr. Fu… doesn't seem to like them."

Whether Fu Yanhuai liked it or not wasn't the point—what mattered was filling the space with traces of Lu Yao.

Butler Yan replied smoothly, "Nonsense. I'm certain Mr. Fu will adore them."

Lu Yao's gaze lingered on the freshly cut red roses, still glistening with dew. He loved such vibrant, blooming flowers, though he wasn't sure how Fu Yanhuai would react.

Leaning down, Lu Yao gently touched a delicate petal with his fingertip, the sweet fragrance enveloping him. "Maybe… just a few for now."

"That brand isn't very expensive."

Outside the shop, Lu Qianxing spotted Lu Yao through the glass window, along with the bags in Butler Yan's hands.

He let out a relieved breath but couldn't help but sound a little sour. "That brand's scarves are usually worn by older people. Why is he buying that?"

Guan Qinglu's expression shifted subtly. After a pause, Lu Qianxing said in disbelief, "Mom… he wouldn't be buying it for you, would he?"

Guan Qinglu snorted, her tone somewhat complex. "At least he remembers his mother."

Lu Qianxing was both shocked and enraged. Was Lu Yao now trying to curry favor?!

The florist wrapped up Lu Yao's flowers and potted plants, but Butler Yan insisted on carrying everything himself. Reluctantly, Lu Yao let go. "Alright."

Butler Yan felt quite pleased; this day would surely be a historically significant one in his career.

Fu Yanhuai would undoubtedly be grateful to him later.

Butler Yan's smile lasted only until Lu Yao pushed the door open. The two of them came face-to-face with Guan Qinglu and Lu Qianxing right outside the shop.

Lu Yao clearly hadn't expected to encounter his family here. He blurted out in surprise, "Mom?"

Guan Qinglu ignored him, instead greeting Butler Yan warmly. "Butler Yan, out shopping today?"

Butler Yan's smile vanished completely. He replied coolly, "Accompanying Mr. Lu Yao to select gifts."

Lu Qianxing interjected, "Mom and I were just browsing."

Since Guan Qinglu and Lu Qianxing were out alone, Lu Yao assumed they wouldn't want him tagging along.

Lu Yao stepped aside. "Then we'll be going."

"Wait." Guan Qinglu glanced at Lu Yao, then impatiently looked away. "Don't bother. Just give it to me directly."

Lu Yao looked up, puzzled. "What? Are you talking to me?"

Now truly annoyed, Guan Qinglu snapped, "Who else? The scarf you bought for me—give it here."

Lu Yao's expression shifted from confusion to discomfort. He tried to be tactful. "Perhaps… I'll bring it to you next time I come home."

His current balance wouldn't allow him to buy another one. His next visit home would likely be in a month or two, by which time he could afford to give it to Guan Qinglu.

Guan Qinglu wouldn't waste words with him. She offered a fake smile to the butler. "Look at him, so thoughtless. Just give it to me directly."

Lu Qianxing reached out to take the scarf for Guan Qinglu, but Butler Yan subtly moved the shopping bag behind him. "This isn't for you."

The air outside the shop froze. Although Lu Yao wasn't the one who should feel embarrassed, his face burned with shame. "I'll buy you one next time."

Guan Qinglu recovered from her shock, an inexpressible wave of humiliation washing over her. Her voice sharp, she demanded of Lu Yao, "Who is this for, then? Where did you get the money—did Fu Yanhuai give it to you? How much effort did you put in *bed* to make Fu Yanhuai treat you differently?"

Hearing such words from his mother, Lu Yao began to tremble, his face flushed crimson, his vision momentarily blurring from the heat.

Butler Yan frowned sharply, sternly reminding her, "Mr. Lu Yao is not only your child but also Mr. Fu's lawful spouse. Please mind your words."

Guan Qinglu realized she had lost her composure. Lu Yao had always been so obedient over the years, never defying her, and Guan Qinglu was unaccustomed to this.

It took Lu Yao a long moment to find his voice again. "Butler, let's go."

Lu Qianxing snapped at him impatiently, "Stop right there. Who said you could leave? Is this how you treat the person who gave birth to and raised you?"

Lu Yao had intended to leave directly, but after taking two steps, he turned back and stood before Guan Qinglu. "This scarf is for Mr. Fu's mother. If you want one, I can get you another."

Guan Qinglu's expression softened slightly, but Lu Yao slowly finished his sentence, "I know you don't want to see me. I'll mail the scarf to the Lu family, and the expenses from my childhood will be transferred to Lu Qianxing on time. That's all."

Guan Qinglu's heart ached at Lu Yao's words. She forgot to retort and simply watched as Lu Yao walked away.

Lu Qianxing scoffed disdainfully beside her, "He's putting on quite a show now, but sooner or later, he'll come begging to return home. Does he really think Fu… Mr. Fu will keep him forever?"

Guan Qinglu felt uneasy and lost interest in continuing their outing. "Forget it, let's go."

Once in the car, Lu Yao looked listless, and the discomfort in his neck returned.

The butler sighed softly. Lu Yao felt unwell all over. He raised a hand and haphazardly massaged his neck. "Could you turn the air conditioning down a bit more?"

The driver adjusted the temperature as instructed, while the butler cautioned, "Don't catch a chill. You've just recovered from a fever."

The throbbing in the blood vessels of his neck, combined with the feverish heat, made his brain feel sluggish. Lu Yao forced a weak smile. "I'll be careful."

Sensing Lu Yao didn't want to talk, the butler said no more. Just as Lu Yao was about to close his eyes, his phone vibrated in his pocket.

Lu Yao glanced at the screen—it was Xia Shiyue.

They had only parted a few hours ago. Puzzled, Lu Yao answered, "Shiyue? What's wrong?"

Xia Shiyue was currently sitting at Xia Wenjin's desk, intently staring at the documents his assistant had compiled, while Xia Wenjin leisurely sipped tea on the sofa.

Xia Shiyue's expression was a mix of anger and concern. He cleared his throat to compose himself. "Lu Yao, are you home?"

"No," Lu Yao replied softly. "I'm just coming home from the mall."

Xia Wenjin drained his teacup with a slurp, then poured himself a second.

"The mall? Shopping at the mall is nice too." Xia Shiyue got to the point, nervously and cautiously asking, "Lu Yao, do you know someone named Shen Jinyan?"

Lu Yao held the phone in silence for a long time. As the silence stretched, Xia Shiyue's heart grew colder.

"I do."

Lu Yao's voice sounded normal, but the butler in the front seat keenly turned his head.

"Did something happen?"

Xia Shiyue was incredulous. "So it's true… Why did he cause you to drop out?"

Lu Yao's face gradually paled. He pressed his lips together and stubbornly repeated his question, "What happened?"

Xia Shiyue now deeply regretted his impulsiveness. He had only wanted to take precautions, to prevent Shen Jinyan from causing trouble for Lu Yao, but he hadn't realized Shen Jinyan and Lu Yao had such a history.

Xia Shiyue composed himself. "I saw him at the Fu Group today. He seemed…"

"Like he's infatuated with Fu Yanhuai, right?"

Xia Shiyue uncharacteristically stammered, "Y-you knew?"

Lu Yao's already low spirits grew even more bitter. His gaze fell on the bouquet of red roses beside him.

"Yeah, I knew."

The butler frantically and discreetly messaged Fu Yanhuai. On the other end of the line, Xia Shiyue abruptly stood up. "No, nothing's wrong. He just seemed suspicious, so be careful."

Xia Wenjin almost choked on his tea at Xia Shiyue's sudden movement. Lu Yao murmured, "Okay."

After hanging up, Xia Wenjin asked curiously, "What's going on?"

Xia Shiyue angrily slammed his palm on the desk. "Shen Jinyan took misleading photos and even teamed up with Lu Yao's brother to spread anonymous rumors. That bastard—Lu Yao was originally a student at Beijing University!"

Xia Wenjin whistled. "A top student, was he?"

Xia Shiyue felt this couldn't be left alone. "No, I have to tell Fu Yanhuai."

Xia Wenjin quickly stopped him. "Hey, why are you so impulsive? Let me ask you, do you know where Fu Yanhuai is going tomorrow?"

Xia Shiyue retorted self-righteously, "How would I know?"

Xia Wenjin waved his phone, showing a social media post. "Old Fu is showing off his affection—he and his wife are returning home. They've been traveling for over a month. Now that they're back, wouldn't Fu Yanhuai go home to see his family?"

Xia Shiyue paused. "What about Lu Yao?"

Then it dawned on him. "Lu Yao went to the mall today… probably to buy gifts."

Xia Wenjin nodded approvingly, displaying a look of a mentor guiding a promising student. "My boy, today I'll teach you a crucial lesson. No matter what you do, the most devastating blow must always be delivered when your opponent is utterly defenseless."