Chapter 26: The Eastern Beauty
The banquet was held at a private estate, where the entrance was guarded by staff strictly checking invitations.
Each invitation was limited to a specific number of guests and accompanying personnel.
At the entrance, Xu Youyou noticed the staff even counted the number of people in their group with their fingers—something that could easily be done at a glance. This deepened her stereotype that Americans weren’t great at arithmetic.
The car smoothly passed the inspection and drove into the estate grounds.
Xu Youyou quickly realized the truth in Assistant Liu’s earlier words. As soon as the car stopped in front of the main building, a young blonde girl in a black high-slit evening gown ran toward them, lifting her skirt slightly.
“Lu, you’re finally here!”
As soon as Lu Jingyao stepped out of the car, the girl attempted to throw herself into his arms.
Xu Youyou internally sighed at his “blessed” situation. However, the next second, Lu Jingyao subtly stepped aside and quickly walked to the other side of the car to open the door for Xu Youyou.
Seeing his outstretched hand and noticing the scrutinizing gaze from the blonde girl nearby, Xu Youyou reminded herself that it was all an act. She placed her hand lightly in his.
“Lu, is she your girlfriend?” the blonde girl asked persistently.
“She’s my lover—Xu Youyou,” Lu Jingyao replied in English.
Xu Youyou was so shocked that she started coughing violently.
Lu Jingyao shot her a warning glance. Reluctantly, she looped her arm through his, playing along by acting like a loving partner.
The blonde girl glared daggers at Xu Youyou and then stepped closer. “So what if you’re his lover now? You’re not married, and even if you were, it wouldn’t matter!”
Xu Youyou was stunned. She wasn’t sure whether to be amazed by the boldness of foreign women who openly challenged the “official girlfriend” or by their apparent lack of moral boundaries.
Lu Jingyao’s expression briefly flickered with disdain before returning to his usual calm demeanor.
“Miss Cyrel, we Chinese value loyalty to our partners. I would never betray my lover for someone else,” he said firmly.
Xu Youyou played along, gazing at him with an expression of affection, as if they were truly in love.
Cyrel clearly didn’t understand the act. Seeing the two exchanging tender looks, her anger burned even hotter. To an outsider, it might seem like she was the wronged party.
“What’s her family background? Is it better than mine? My father said that if you marry me, the entire Cyrel family’s fortune will one day belong to our children,” Cyrel said, stamping her foot.
Xu Youyou raised an eyebrow—she hadn’t expected this girl to come with such a hefty dowry.
While most men would be thrilled by such an offer, Lu Jingyao’s frown only deepened. “I don’t need to take advantage of a woman,” he said coldly.
Cyrel opened her mouth to argue, but before she could speak, a sixty-year-old man emerged from behind her. Despite his well-tailored suit, he exuded an aura of menace.
“Anna, don’t be rude to our guests,” the older man said.
His gaze swept over Lu Jingyao before settling on Xu Youyou. His eyes brightened with interest. Smiling, he asked, “And this mysterious Eastern beauty must be Mr. Lu’s friend?”
Lu Jingyao gave a slight nod and introduced him, “This is Mr. Frank Cyrel—Miss Cyrel’s father.”
Frank laughed. “Just call me Frank. As you Chinese say, you two make a perfect couple—like a golden boy and jade girl. Come inside, everyone’s waiting to meet you.”
With a warm smile, Frank personally led them into the banquet hall, giving the impression of a kind and gracious host. But Xu Youyou couldn’t shake the feeling that he was a “smiling tiger”—someone who hides danger beneath a friendly exterior. His lingering gaze on her only heightened her unease.
While Lu Jingyao maintained an affectionate facade in public, he subtly pulled away from Xu Youyou whenever fewer people were watching.
Annoyed by his obvious discomfort, Xu Youyou finally asked, “Mr. Lu, am I some kind of contagion? You’re acting like you can’t wait to get away from me.”
Lu Jingyao frowned slightly. “Miss Xu, I simply want to avoid any misunderstandings between us.”
Xu Youyou nearly laughed in disbelief. “What misunderstanding? That you’re an irresistibly charming playboy? Or that you’re a pathetic guy who couldn’t find a date and had to drag a stranger here?”
Lu Jingyao’s face turned several shades of red and white, as though he were about to explode.
“Let’s be clear—I’m only helping you because of the expensive jewelry,” Xu Youyou continued with a sweet smile. “Don’t get the wrong idea.”
Whatever faint goodwill Lu Jingyao had toward her completely evaporated. Clenching his jaw, he retorted, “Don’t worry—I know the difference between reality and pretense.”
Seeing him seething with frustration filled Xu Youyou with satisfaction. In her past life, she might have thrown the necklace back at him in anger. But this time, she’d learned her lesson—never fight with money.
No matter how irritating Lu Jingyao was, he had already contributed five billion to her bank account. As far as she was concerned, he was her golden goose.
Meanwhile, in a nearby lounge, Cyrel clung to her father’s sleeve. “Dad, don’t you admire Lu? Didn’t you say he could help us open the Chinese market? Why didn’t you support me just now?”
Frank chuckled. “Dreams are nice, sweetheart, but you can’t force a man who doesn’t like you.”
“But Dad, I don’t care! I’ve never failed to get what I want. I want Lu—whether for your business or myself, I will have him!” Cyrel declared stubbornly.
Frank smiled indulgently at his only child. “Of course, my little princess. Whatever you want, you shall have.”
His thoughts drifted back to Xu Youyou’s exquisite, jade-like beauty, and a burning desire flickered in his heart.
