Chapter 82: Peeking
“Jingyao, you’re here! Come in quickly, your parents have already arrived.” Lu Zeyuan came forward with a warm smile, full of familiarity.
The surrounding guests were initially surprised. As the head of the Lu family, Lu Zeyuan rarely personally welcomed a young person. But when they saw it was Lu Jingyao, their surprise faded.
Lu Zeyuan was only from a branch of the Lu family, with assets that were likely less than a tenth of Lu Jingyao’s main lineage. Naturally, he had to be deferential.
“Third Uncle,” Lu Jingyao greeted him before turning to personally open the car door and help Xu Youyou out.
The onlookers murmured among themselves. Was Lu Jingyao in love? They had never seen him treat any woman with such care.
A slender, fair hand with well-defined knuckles and delicate fingers emerged from the car. Even a brief glimpse was enough to stir one’s imagination.
When they finally saw Xu Youyou’s face, everyone instinctively held their breath.
She wore a fresh green satin gown with thin straps that accentuated her graceful figure. She looked like a dream—so delicate that a single gust of wind might carry her away.
“No wonder even the thousand-year iceberg Lu Jingyao has fallen for her,” a guest whispered.
It was obvious to everyone that at this moment, Lu Jingyao’s eyes were filled with nothing but Xu Youyou.
Lu Shaoyan, who had been standing behind his father, Lu Zeyuan, widened his eyes in shock when he saw Xu Youyou.
The last time they met was at the Jade Pavilion. Back then, though she had a grand presence, she wore a simple white T-shirt and jeans—nothing like how stunning she looked now.
He had returned to the Jade Pavilion several times afterward but never saw her again. He had assumed she was just some rich man’s kept woman. But now, seeing her arrive with Lu Jingyao, the truth was clear—and it made him feel sick.
Even worse, Lu Jingyao had brought her to this gathering. Wasn’t this basically a public declaration? Was he supposed to call her “sister-in-law” in the future? Would he have to flatter her to survive?
Lu Shaoyan kept staring at Xu Youyou, lost in his chaotic thoughts, completely unaware that Lu Jingyao’s gaze had turned sharp and unfriendly.
Lu Zeyuan, however, was experienced enough to notice and tugged his son’s sleeve. He chuckled, “You’ve been staring at Miss Xu. Do you two know each other?”
Xu Youyou smiled. “I’ve met Young Master Lu once. He even gave up a good jade stone for me.”
Bringing up the past, Lu Shaoyan’s expression stiffened as he recalled the four billion he lost. His smile was uglier than crying.
Lu Jingyao, however, looked at him like he was a love rival. “Third Uncle, I wasn’t aware that Lu Shaoyan had a habit of buying jade. Gambling on stones still involves gambling—it’s best not to get involved.”
Lu Zeyuan immediately shot his son a warning glare, making Lu Shaoyan shrink back like a scolded child.
“Jingyao, thank you for the reminder. My useless son is nowhere near your level. But we are still family. If he could learn even one percent from you, I’d be relieved,” Lu Zeyuan said, trying to build rapport.
But Lu Jingyao was more concerned about Xu Youyou’s feet. He barely responded before leading her inside.
“You’re relatives?” Xu Youyou asked.
Lu Jingyao immediately clarified, “Distant ones. It’s his grandfather’s seventieth birthday today.”
Xu Youyou was curious. “Are there any important guests attending?”
Lu Jingyao nodded. “Someone from the capital. They have some old connections with Lu Shaoyan’s family. I arranged to meet them here to discuss business.”
At that moment, on the second floor, a middle-aged couple was cautiously peeking down at them.
“Is that the girl Jingyao likes?” Lu Jingyao’s father whispered.
His mother, a self-proclaimed beauty enthusiast, gazed at Xu Youyou with sparkling eyes. “She’s stunning! But which family is she from?”
His father frowned. “You know all the girls in our circles. You’ve hosted so many social events over the years, but Jingyao never showed interest in any of them.”
His mother huffed. “If I had known he’d take this long to open his heart, I wouldn’t have bothered!”
His father was more concerned. “If she’s not from our circles, then it’s not a marriage of equal status. It won’t help Jingyao’s future and may not last long…”
His mother cut him off. “Oh, stop it! Just look at her! She’s perfect for Jingyao! If you keep being so picky, one day he might bring home a male spouse for the sake of ‘compatibility’—then you’ll see how ‘well-matched’ they are!”
His father was speechless, craning his neck to observe the couple’s interaction.
“Be careful! She’s looking up!” his wife warned in a panic.
Xu Youyou, sensing someone watching her, glanced up and caught a glimpse of two heads quickly ducking away.
Lu Jingyao followed her gaze, his expression darkening. “Sit here for a bit. I see some acquaintances—I’ll go say hello.”
Before leaving, he carefully helped Xu Youyou sit on a plush sofa and even brought her snacks and a drink.
He then walked toward the corner of the banquet hall and discreetly ascended a hidden staircase to the second floor.
Meanwhile, his parents were still sneaking glances.
“Why is she sitting alone? Where did our brat run off to?” his mother grumbled.
His father mused, “Maybe she finds him annoying and doesn’t want to deal with him anymore?”
The same father who had been worrying about social status suddenly panicked.
Behind them, Lu Jingyao stood with a dark expression, listening to his parents gossip about him. He cleared his throat loudly.
His mother frowned. “Old Lu, why are you coughing? Did you catch a cold?”
His father looked puzzled. “I didn’t cough.”
The couple turned their heads—only to see their son standing right behind them.
“You scared me!” his mother scolded, recovering first.
Lu Jingyao’s voice was cold. “Didn’t you say you weren’t coming? You told me to represent you at the banquet.”
His parents exchanged guilty looks.
“Well… We just thought it’s been a while since we saw our relatives,” his mother said weakly.
Lu Jingyao frowned. “You hate dealing with them.”
Lu Shaoyan’s family often used his name to gain influence, which annoyed his parents. They rarely showed up for their events. The only reason they were here now was obvious.
His mother smoothly changed the subject and grabbed her son’s arm. “Tell us about the girl! Which family is she from? What does she do? What’s her education? How many people in her family? What’s her temperament like?”
Lu Jingyao calmly replied, “She’s not from any prominent family. She deals in antiques. She has a great eye and has made some incredible finds. We also do business together.”
His father frowned slightly.
His mother, however, was ecstatic. “A self-made millionaire! A capable businesswoman! Not only is she beautiful, but she’s got talent! My son has great taste! Who knows, if our family ever goes bankrupt, she might even let you be a kept man!”
