Mother," Lu Chen said, his voice steady but filled with resolve, "I want to a Level 7 Warrior bodyguard before I go to the Chu family. I cannot face them as I am now."
Meanwhile, in the grand halls of the Chu family mansion, tension hung thick in the air. Chu Fu, the patriarch of the family, paced back and forth, his face red with fury. His daughter, Chu Ming, stood before him, her chin lifted defiantly.
"Are you out of your mind, Ming?" Chu Fu roared, his voice echoing through the halls. "Without the Lu family, we are nothing! Do you understand? Nothing! How could you treat Lu Chen with such disrespect? Have you lost all sense of reason?"
Chu Ming's eyes flashed with anger, but she held her ground. "Father, you don't understand! That bootlicker, Lu Chen, tries too hard to win my favor. Do you know how much he claims to love me? It's suffocating!"
Chu Fu's face turned an even deeper shade of red, his veins bulging as if they might burst. "You foolish girl! Do you think love alone will sustain our family? Do you think our alliances are built on mere affection? You must learn to be humble, to respect the Lu family, especially Lu Chen!"
Chu ming uncle and aunt al shouting.
Chu Ming crossed her arms, her lips curling into a smirk. "Father, you worry too much. Lu Chen will do anything for me"
Chu Fu stared at his daughter, his anger slowly giving way to a grudging acceptance. He sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping. "Perhaps you are right, Ming. But remember, pride can be a dangerous thing. Do not let it blind you to the realities of our world."
Chu Ming nodded, her smirk softening into a smile. "I understand, Father. But you must trust me. I know what I'm doing."
Chu Fu hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Very well. But promise me this—when Lu Chen arrives, you will treat him with the respect he deserves. Our family's future depends on it."
Chu Ming's smile widened. "Of course, Father. I will be the picture of humility."
Seeing this Chu family members sighof relief
---
At that moment, Lu Chen stepped into the grand hall of the Chu family mansion. The air inside was thick with pride and hidden agendas, the polished floors reflecting the cold, calculating faces of those who stood within. As the voices around him echoed, he caught the whispers—sharp and merciless.
"In their eyes, I am nothing but a tool," Lu Chen thought, his heart surging with silent fury. His expression remained calm, but deep within, a storm had already begun to stir.
The moment Chu Fu, the master of the house, caught sight of Lu Chen entering, his expression shifted in an instant. The arrogance that had marked his face just a breath ago melted away, replaced by a warm, almost obsequious smile.
"Ah, welcome, my good son-in-law!" Chu Fu exclaimed, stepping forward with outstretched hands, his voice filled with false warmth. The change in his demeanor was so quick, it was almost laughable.
But Lu Chen merely stood there, his sharp gaze cutting through the charade like a blade.
---
Seeing Lu Chen standing silent, his face cold and unreadable, Chu Fu's smile stiffened. Awkwardness flickered in his eyes before he quickly turned toward his daughter.
"Go on, apologize to Lu Chen," Chu Fu urged, forcing a kind tone. "Can't you see? He's clearly angry. Be sensible — say sorry and kowtow."
But before his daughter could speak, Chu Ming, standing off to the side, let out a cold sneer. His arms folded arrogantly across his chest, he tilted his chin slightly, defiance dancing in his eyes.
"Father, why should I apologize?" Chu Ming snapped. "It wasn't my fault! It was Lu Chen's order — he told his men to hit me."
The air grew tense, the servants lowering their heads to avoid being caught in the storm.
Chu Fu's face twitched slightly, torn between anger and the need for diplomacy. Forcing a smile, he turned back to Lu Chen.
"If you're willing to let this matter go, Lu Chen," he said, his tone soft and coaxing, "have him say sorry and kowtow. Once this is settled, we'll prepare a generous gift. I even think... it's about time we discuss the marriage."
But Lu Chen stood still, his gaze sharp as a blade, silently watching the performance unfold before him. In that moment, the difference between sincerity and pretense had never been clearer.