The sleek Maybach glided out of the Lu estate like a gleaming streak, its interior hushed as Yu Baihan’s mind lingered on Lu Huan’s recent smile.
Though referring to him as a “dog” may seem like cursing him, that smile was undeniably archaic. Yu Baihan took another look at Lu Huan, admiring his profile’s sharp angles—his commanding nose bridge and prominent Adam’s apple. As the scenery outside the car window blurred, only Lu Huan’s striking silhouette remained.
Incontestably, he remained a quintessentially handsome yet enigmatic young man. Yu Baihan’s gaze smoldered, prompting Lu Huan to meet his eyes. “What’s caught your attention?”
Yu Baihan gestured outside. “There always seem to be people scheming against me.”
Lu Huan’s smile unfolded slowly, then he looked away.
Yu Baihan raised an eyebrow, bewildered.
His sense of impending trouble intensified, causing him to grab Lu Huan’s arm and stare at him intently, his eyes ablaze. “Is there something you’re keeping from me?”
Lu Huan shrugged off his grip with ruthless nonchalance. “Must I disclose everything to you?”
“Last night, you were quite forthcoming~”
In the driver’s seat, Fan Lin’s hands wavered on the steering wheel, causing the smooth-moving Maybach to wobble subtly on the road.
Lu Huan’s warning was sharp: “Si Baihan.”
Yu Baihan protested, “Can’t we discuss this?”
Lu Huan’s fingers itched again.
Fan Lin quietly observed the interaction between the two in the backseat through the rearview mirror. Yu Baihan’s significant movement startled Fan Lin, and a voice admonished him, saying, “Keep your focus on the road.”
Flustered, Fan Lin shifted his gaze but stayed silent.
The people who stayed loyal to Lu Huan were competent, motivated by their allegiance to individuals in positions of authority and might, such as Lu Huan.
Within just a few years, Lu Huan had risen to become an exceptional newcomer, a feat far from ordinary.
The “young master of the Si family” possessed commendable looks, even if his marriage to Mr. Lu was purely a business arrangement, devoid of a lavish wedding celebration. Moreover, Mr. Lu had been surreptitiously amassing information about the Si family, hinting at a potential day when the two families might turn on each other. Fan Lin couldn’t help but wonder if the young master would be discarded in such a scenario.
Furthermore…
Fan Lin harbored an incredulous thought: Doesn’t his driving skill… great?!
Seeing Fan Lin’s expression through the rearview mirror, Yu Baihan realized he hadn’t been paying attention. His mind flickered to the car accident detailed in the book. Turning to Lu Huan, he advised, “You should remind your driver to prioritize road safety and focus on driving. If an inexperienced driver crashes into you, you might not avoid it.”
Unbeknownst to Yu Baihan, Lu Huan’s hands trembled on his knees.
Unperturbed, Yu Baihan continued, “Besides, considering the Lu family’s substantial influence, there might be envious individuals who’d attempt to harm you with a reckless car.”
Lu Huan’s eyes snapped up; their intensity was captivating. “What makes you say that?”
Yu Baihan explained, “It’s a recurring trope in novels.”
He reassured himself that this was just fiction.
Lu Huan’s lips tightened slightly.
Yu Baihan added, “And remember, practicing road safety is basic common sense. A reckless drive spells distress for your loved ones; drive safely, and you’ll savor the sweetness of a joyful life. Have you heard of this saying?”
Lu Huan was left speechless.
As the car lulled into a momentary quiet, Fan Lin’s reluctance transformed into guilt with each word he heard.
Feeling awkward, he mumbled, “Apologies, Mr. Lu.”
After a pause, a raspy voice emerged from the backseat. “He’s right. Fan Lin, maintain your focus while driving. No exceptions.”
“Yes, sir.”
In the back seat, Lu Huan’s slim fingers rhythmically drummed against the armrest, creating a soft “tap, tap” sound.
Fan Lin’s breath caught in his throat; his nervousness was palpable.
After a brief internal struggle, he couldn’t contain his unease any longer and stammered, “Master Baihan, about what just happened, I…”
Yu Baihan, sensing his apprehension, hastily intervened: “It’s alright, don’t worry. Just focus on driving.”
A wave of relief washed over Fan Lin. He pondered to himself,
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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—
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Following Fan Lin’s expert driving, the trio descended into the underground garage before seamlessly transitioning to Lu Huan’s exclusive elevator, which whisked them straight to the penthouse level.
Emerging from the six-sided transparent lift as it ascended, a breathtaking panorama of the city sprawled before them, visible through the glass walls.
Resting against the transparent enclosure, Yu Baihan couldn’t help but engage in a playful exchange. “Lu Huan, do you have a fear of heights?”
Lu Huan retorted with a calm demeanor, “Do you really think so?”
Yu Baihan persisted with his banter: “Could an influential figure who fears heights ever cower in an elevator, especially one that’s transparent?”
The suppressed laughter of Fan Lin burst out, earning an unamused look from Lu Huan. However, he was surprised to discover that he was actively participating in this impromptu conversation, which was fueled by Yu Baihan’s playful behavior. A trace of chagrin flashed across his features as he noticed Fan Lin’s amusement and inquired, “Amusing, isn’t it?”
Fan Lin, quick to adjust, stifled his smile and shook his head. “Not at all.”
Ding!
The elevator doors opened, and Lu Huan walked out, followed by Yu Baihan.
A crimson velvet carpet adorned the lengthy corridor leading to the lavish expanse of the president’s office, spanning half a floor.
Observing his surroundings, Yu Baihan noted the various rooms—secretary’s quarters, reception area, tea lounge, and restroom—each complete in their furnishings, catering to every conceivable need within the confines of this domain.
Upon entering the presidential suite, a knock resonated on the door.
“Boss Lu.”
A neatly coiffed cascade of curls framed Yao Xingran’s face, perfectly in line with the professional attire befitting her role as the first-level secretary. Her identification card displayed her name and rank in meticulous clarity: Yao Xingran, First-Level Secretary. She exchanged pleasantries with Lu Huan and acknowledged Fan Lin before catching sight of Yu Baihan, momentarily taken aback.
Lu Huan promptly intervened. “What is it?”
Yao Xingran swiftly recomposed herself and presented a folder. “The morning work plan has been revised. The strategy session has been postponed slightly. You will discuss the Qiongshan project in the eastern district first…”
“Is someone here?”
“They’ll be heading to the reception room shortly.”
Lu Huan returned the folder and directed his attention to Yu Baihan, “Later, you’ll be joining the discussion on the Qiongshan project.”
Lost in admiring the grandeur of the iconic floor-to-ceiling windows befitting a president’s domain, Lu Huan’s prompt surprised Yu Baihan.
He turned his gaze with a bemused expression, seeking clarification. “What’s my role in this?”
Lu Huan’s gaze traced Yu Baihan’s features, savoring his reaction. “Do you recall our conversation from yesterday?”
A suspicion formed in Yu Baihan’s mind that Lu Huan might be setting a trap, yet he couldn’t resist peering into the pitfall. “Which part?”
Snapping his fingers playfully, Yu Baihan reminisced, “Was it ‘Will you reject or welcome?’ Or perhaps, ‘Go ahead; I can’t resist you anymore’?”
“… …”
Fan Lin diligently averted his gaze, while Yao Xingran’s countenance became a canvas of perplexity.
A firm grip on Yu Baihan’s chin elevated his face, and the long and elegant fingers made contact with the carotid pulse. Lu Huan’s words unfurled, “Your role.”
An unanticipated response tumbled from Yu Baihan’s lips, “I belong to Mr. Lu.”
A delicate pat on Lu Huan’s wrist followed Yu Baihan’s light voice. “Ease up a bit; your grip is quite strong.”
A brief pause punctuated the gesture, and the hand released its hold.
“Remember that.”
Rubbing his chin with an air of casualness, Yu Baihan inquired, “So?”
Lu Huan slid his hands into his trousers pockets, a slow smile curving his lips. “In the forthcoming discussion, you’ll be participating as well. Make sure to advocate for the interests of the Lu family.”
Yu Baihan’s eyebrows furrowed with uncertainty.
Was the Lu family in turmoil?
Yao Xingran and Fan Lin had already departed, leaving behind a sense of bewilderment.
Stepping out of the office, Lu Huan beckoned Yu Baihan to follow. As they walked, Yu Baihan queried, “Can I dress informally for this?”
Lu Huan’s smile unfurled leisurely. “Absolutely. I doubt the other party would mind.”
—
Upon entering the reception room, Yu Baihan swiftly comprehended the underlying implication of Lu Huan’s words.
A mahogany low table is situated between leather sofa chairs on either side, with a figure occupying one end of the sofa.
The individual donned an opulent bespoke suit, a hint of nonchalance manifesting in the casually unbuttoned shirt collar. He draped languidly over the chair’s backrest with one leg crossed over the other, his youthful insouciance accentuating his features.
It wasn’t until Lu Huan’s entrance that the man stood up, his address cut short upon noticing Yu Baihan in tow. An air of skepticism shaded his expression.
Yu Baihan, equally bewildered, sought clarification from Lu Huan, yet introductions were sidestepped.
Instead, a light pat on his back emanated from Lu Huan, seemingly an act of camaraderie. “Why didn’t you greet him?”
Yu Baihan’s inner alarms blared suddenly—
According to Lu Huan’s previous explanation, this individual should hold a significant place in his life. Confined within the Si family’s walls for twenty years as “Si Baihan,” only members of the Si family could plausibly claim “acquaintance.”
Yu Baihan stole another glance at the man before him.
With a demeanor slightly loose and a hint of frivolity befitting his youth, distinct from the eldest Si Yanting, the remaining possibility indicated him to be Si Wei, the third son of the Si family.
Adapting his expression promptly, Si Wei sported a look of feigned surprise. “What brings Xiao Han here?”
A soft response emerged from Yu Baihan, “Third brother.”
Beside him, Lu Huan observed Yu Baihan’s newfound reticence, a ghost of a half-smile dancing on his lips. “Is it because you can’t stand a single day apart that you’ve hurried into marriage? Are my presence and your brotherly bond truly that indissoluble?”
The Si family perpetually depicted Si Baihan as a “pampered and cherished” individual.
Si Wei’s smile blossomed, swift reassurance tingeing his words, “Impossible.”
In tandem, he advanced, encircling Yu Baihan with his arms, and affectionately inquired, “Xiaohan, have you lost weight?”
Yu Baihan’s throat felt the vice-like grip, words escaping in a strained whisper, “…”
Merely an overnight transformation, akin to a spud’s slimming regimen.
Even if it’s just pretending, can’t you show a little bit of concern?
Fortuitously, Si Wei’s embrace relinquished its hold as swiftly as it materialized. He retraced his steps to the couch, seated himself, and turned his attention to Lu Huan. “Shall we rekindle old ties later and focus on business matters?”
“Let’s proceed.”
In stride, Lu Huan advanced to the opposite sofa, averting Yu Baihan’s incipient escape towards Fan Lin.
Subduing him onto the cushion, Lu Huan whispered softly, “Where are you going?”
Yu Baihan, “…”
—
Lu Huan and Si Wei had already initiated their negotiations.
Yu Baihan, clutching a cup of black tea, sat in the periphery, quietly sipping water. His gaze skimmed the cooperative agreement laid out on the low table, the phrase “project share” boldly etched across it.
Lu Huan’s directive echoed in his mind, like a recurrent audio clip: “Ensure you advocate for the interests of our Lu family.”
Simultaneously, his attention sidled towards Si Wei across the expanse. Yu Baihan pretended to appear introspective, taking another sip of his black tea.
In Si Wei’s presence, he couldn’t afford to let his guard down. While Lu Huan might be unfamiliar with the nuances of “Si Baihan’s” disposition, the Si family was well-acquainted. Should Si Wei discern that he’s no longer the malleable “pawn” they once controlled, there is a likelihood of dire consequences—a potential arrest and sinister manipulation, given their affiliation with the world of organized crime.
After all, they are a family of outlaws.
For now, Yu Baihan had to maintain the facade of a protagonist; it was prudent not to provoke any unnecessary suspicions.
…
Incremental moments, and an air of tension settled in the reception room marked the passage of time. An almost imperceptible undercurrent of hostility began to course between the parties involved.
Si Wei was the first to crack, his composure slipping as he candidly remarked, “Out of the 51% stake, our Si family claims 26%. It’s not that excessive, right, Mr. Lu?”
Lu Huan’s response was calm. “25%.”
Si Wei’s countenance soured. “Mr. Lu, we’re newly united through marriage. Must we truly haggle over a mere 1%?”
A faint smile played at the corners of Lu Huan’s lips as he looked down.
This pattern was a replica of his past life—on the second day of their marriage, they found him entangled in business negotiations, deploying the tool of “favor” as moral leverage. Predictably, the stumbling block emerged: this contentious 1%.
This time, he didn’t let it slide.
Lu Huan’s voice modulated, “Third Young Master is absolutely correct; it’s unseemly for a united family to engage in such disputes.”
A visible softening occurred on Si Wei’s face.
Lu Huan then turned his gaze and summoned, “Baihan.”
Caught off guard, Yu Baihan jolted slightly from his reverie, his wariness evident. He sent a quizzical look in Lu Huan’s way, “Yes?”
Across the table, Si Wei’s attention also swiveled towards them, his curiosity piqued by Lu Huan’s actions.
Lu Huan reached out, his hand landing on Yu Baihan’s slender wrist and encircling it effortlessly. Beneath his touch pulsed the rhythmic beat of Yu Baihan’s pulse, Lu Huan’s fingertips tracing a gentle path.
To the onlookers, the scene hung heavy with ambiguity.
“The entirety of one’s hand, both its palms and the backs, bears the mark of character. I believe Baihan wouldn’t show partiality,” Lu Huan articulated each word with precision. “Why not let Bai Han express his thoughts on this matter?”
Yu Baihan felt a lump rise abruptly in his throat.
His resilience and mental fortitude were all that kept him from crumbling in the presence of Si Wei, who had brazenly left him waiting here for an eternity.
Si Wei, his gaze oscillating between their joined hands, registered disbelief on his face. He remained momentarily suspended in his incredulity before recovering, though an undertone of annoyance at the audacity of this proposition lingered in his voice. “And what insight does he possess… or should I say, what could Xiao Han possibly understand? It’s better he stays out of this.”
Yu Baihan, candid as ever, offered his thoughts, ‘This fellow nearly disregarded his character design.’
Inwardly, he hoped that Si Wei would seize this opportunity to demonstrate more initiative and spare him the involvement he dreaded.
Yet, in the next breath, Lu Huan’s laughter rippled, “Is the Third Young Master concerned?”
“Perhaps you fear that your cherished younger brother might favor me?”
The suggestive tone held a familiar cadence.
A shadowy unease flitted across Si Wei’s features. In the tense silence that followed, he seemed about to speak, but then paused, as if struck by a realization.
His gaze settled on Yu Baihan, lingering for a beat before he conceded, “Very well.”
Yu Baihan’s reaction? Bewilderment personified.
Si Wei, his demeanor nonchalant, leaned back in his chair, a leisurely grin stretching across his face. “I’m curious to know Xiao Han’s perspective as well.”
Yu Baihan, seated on the sofa, found himself in the crosshairs of their attention.
One gaze held a scrutinizing suspicion;
The other was affable, yet tinged with a layer of calculated kindness.
“…” He gulped, feeling a sudden constriction in his throat.
Today seemed slated for his demise.
The author has something to say:
Lu Huan → Yu Baihan: Triggers “Husband Trap” skill
Yu Baihan → Si Wei: Responds with “Damage Transfer” skill
Cue the finale: [A world where only Si Third is injured]
Si Wei: ???
Thank you translator!!
Hehe this is so fun to read :3 I love the banter and snipes that everyone shoots at each other
I have a stupid smile on my face. 😏😏
Thank you so much, your translation is so beautiful 😍
Yu Baihan caught in the crosshairs – how will he get out from these 2 formidable opponents? 🙄🤨
Thanks for the chapter 💞
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Aawww…. and I was expecting more from Baihan though. Deffinitely not nervousness or fear.