Chapter 30: Continuing the Investigation
“Is there something wrong with the wine at the banquet? But so many people have been drinking it, and nothing seems to have happened to anyone,” Xu Youyou said.
“You know the hosts have ill intentions toward you, yet you still trust the food and drinks they prepared? I can only say, you are truly naïve.”
Xu Youyou glanced at Lu Jingyao, who had returned to his sarcastic demeanor. Though annoyed, she wasn’t about to risk her life over it.
“There’s so much delicious food in the banquet hall. Can you really resist eating even a single bite?” she asked.
Lu Jingyao gave her a strange look, as if saying, Is self-restraint really that difficult?
He hadn’t even spoken, but Xu Youyou read his expression and muttered, “Fine, fine. I just won’t eat. It’s just one meal, no big deal.”
The reason Lu Jingyao was so cautious was that, in the past two years, he had encountered multiple assassination attempts at banquets. He had even been drugged once—had it not been for timely medical intervention, he might have already had a family by now.
At that moment, hidden in the shadows, Cyril watched as Xu Youyou hesitated to drink the champagne she had picked up. This made Cyril incredibly anxious.
Meanwhile, Lu Jingyao casually tilted his wine glass toward a nearby potted plant, letting a small stream of red wine trickle out in a smooth, natural motion—just as if he were merely sipping his drink.
Xu Youyou observed him and couldn’t help but admire his experience. When it was her turn, however, her movements were much clumsier.
Lu Jingyao raised an eyebrow, subtly shifting his body to block her actions from sight.
“Don’t be so obvious,” he reminded.
Xu Youyou gave an embarrassed smile.
But then, something even more unexpected happened—Cyril’s father, Frank, suddenly approached them and raised his glass.
“A toast—to your love,” Frank said with a smile before downing his drink.
Xu Youyou suddenly found herself in a difficult situation, unsure of how to respond.
Yet Lu Jingyao remained composed. He chuckled and said, “Frank, I absolutely adore your art collection. Of all the foreign collectors I know, your taste is truly first-class.”
Frank chuckled in response but wasn’t so easily distracted. He asked, “Then you must also appreciate the wine I’ve specially prepared for tonight’s banquet?”
Still, Lu Jingyao did not drink. Instead, he said, “Of course! But my beloved has already had too much and can’t handle another sip.”
Xu Youyou immediately put on a delicate, fragile expression.
Frank smiled and said, “Ah, according to your Chinese customs, this is what you call cherishing beauty.”
Just as Xu Youyou thought the matter was settled, Frank continued, “I’ve also heard of another Chinese saying—if someone offers to drink on another’s behalf, they must finish both drinks. Is that true?”
Xu Youyou could feel the tension rising. But the more their opponent pressured them to drink, the more they both knew they absolutely couldn’t.
Before Lu Jingyao could respond, Xu Youyou quickly said, “There’s no such saying. Mr. Frank, there are many misconceptions about Chinese culture. You must have heard incorrectly.”
“Really? But the person who told me this is a well-respected professor from a famous Chinese university. I thought he was an authority on the matter,” Frank said, unwilling to let it go.
Xu Youyou cursed old fox in her mind, but she genuinely didn’t know how to counter that.
Lu Jingyao simply smiled and said, “In China, there’s another saying: ‘A man who fears his wife will enjoy great fortune.’ If one disobeys a lady, it could bring bad luck—possibly even financial ruin or worse.”
“What can I say? I’m a coward at heart, so I always do as she says.”
Xu Youyou was stunned. How could Lu Jingyao say something so shamelessly romantic without even blinking?
Even Frank was taken aback. After all, what powerful man would openly admit to fearing his wife in front of another man?
He finally gave up, sneering, “Since you’re so obedient to women, I hope your fortune continues to grow.”
As soon as Frank walked away, Xu Youyou immediately asked, “Has your business deal with him already gone through? Aren’t you afraid of offending him and making him break the agreement?”
Lu Jingyao shook his head. “With these foreign businessmen, showing weakness never works. The more you retreat, the more they will push. But if you present yourself as strong, they’ll be reluctant to let go.”
Xu Youyou felt like she had just learned another lesson. But after a moment, she realized something. “Then why did you need a female companion for this event?”
Lu Jingyao’s eyes flashed with a hint of exasperation. “I overestimated Ms. Cyril’s sense of shame.”
It was rare for Xu Youyou to see Lu Jingyao miscalculate.
The banquet felt excruciatingly long. Cyril attempted several more times to offer them drinks, but Xu Youyou and Lu Jingyao worked seamlessly together to avoid them all.
Finally, when the banquet ended, they climbed into the car for their return trip, both visibly relieved.
“I’m starving after skipping a whole meal. The moment I get back to the hotel, I’m going to eat everything in sight,” Xu Youyou said casually.
Lu Jingyao watched her clutch her stomach and grumble adorably. His lips curled slightly into a smile—but before Xu Youyou could catch it, it was gone.
Dragging her exhausted body back to her hotel room, Xu Youyou was about to order room service when she heard a knock at the door.
“Miss Xu, these are the dishes Mr. Lu ordered for you.”
Xu Youyou stared wide-eyed at the cart piled high with food. The moment she took a bite, savoring the rich flavors, she temporarily put aside her dislike for Lu Jingyao.
“Fine, fine. This sharp-tongued man does have some redeeming qualities,” she thought.
Just then, her phone chimed.
It was a message from Lu Jingyao: “Avoid eating too much before bed—it’s bad for your health.”
Xu Youyou’s mouth was still full when she saw the message. She nearly choked in frustration. What does he mean? Is he calling me a glutton?
Meanwhile, in the presidential suite, Lu Jingyao stared at his phone screen for a long time, waiting for a reply that never came. His lips pressed into a thin line.
“Mr. Lu, I need to take a leave of absence. My father was hospitalized suddenly, and I want to return home to be with him,” said Assistant Liu, his voice filled with urgency.
He had been so anxious that he only noticed how dark Lu Jingyao’s expression was after finishing his request.
Liu worried his leave wouldn’t be granted.
But instead, Lu Jingyao waved him off with a dark expression. “Go. Are there flights available? If not, I’ll arrange a private jet for you.”
Liu was deeply moved. Despite his boss’s bad mood, he was still so considerate.
“There’s a flight in two hours. I’ll head to the airport now,” Liu replied.
Lu Jingyao nodded. “Book yourself a first-class ticket. It’s a long journey—don’t try to save money. The company will reimburse you.”
Liu was on the verge of tears. Under normal circumstances, taking emergency leave meant paying for his own ticket, but Lu Jingyao had not only approved it, he had even insisted on first class.
After offering this kindness, Lu Jingyao’s expression darkened once again. “Once you return to the country, continue investigating Xu Youyou. I have a feeling she isn’t as simple as she seems.”
