Sponsored chapter (4/4)
In the morning, Yu Baihan had taken cold medicine and dozed off in the midst of the rain’s soft pattering.
He slept until noon when the vibrations of his mobile phone stirred him from slumber.
Upon unlocking his phone, he found a dozen messages waiting for him. Yu Baihan sat up and tapped to open them, discovering messages from friends on WeChat and news alerts.
[Qi Jue]: Oh my, have you seen the news?
[Qi Jue]: [Link – Dramatic Changes in City C’s Business Landscape!]
[Eating Melon.jpg] [Eating Hands.jpg] [Secret Observation.jpg]
[He Yue]: What’s going on!?
[Sun Yiqing]: Are you alright?
“…”
Yu Baihan clicked on the link and the news push, revealing a webpage brimming with information about the Lu family and the Si family:
[A Comeback for the Lu Family: Will They Regain Their Glory?]
[Major Trust Company Linked to the Si Family Experiences Catastrophic Collapse!]
[Analysis of City C’s Business Landscape: Is the Secretary’s Eldest Son Facing a Power Vacuum?]
His drowsiness instantly vanished as he delved into the articles. While he had been sleeping, the business world had undergone a rapid transformation. First, the Huo family had unexpectedly returned all the “annexed” shares of the Lu family, effectively reinstating Lu Huan as the actual controlling shareholder of the Lu family’s enterprises.
Following that, trouble had arisen within the capital pool of the Si family. The Huo family promptly withdrew their capital, resulting in several of the Si family’s industries grinding to a halt.
In just one morning, the business landscape in City C had been turned upside down, sending shockwaves throughout the entire business world!
……
Yu Baihan meticulously went through the information one by one, and a sense of relief washed over him.
Stay calm, he thought, sensing the sweet scent of victory in the air.
Forty minutes after absorbing the news and closing the webpage, as he prepared to respond to his friends’ messages, he noticed Qi Jue had sent him another message.
[Qi Jue]: Don’t worry, Baihan, even if the Si family crumbles, you still have Brother Lu. [winking face]
The collapse of the Si family.
So many heartwarming predictions.
[Have ears]: I’d like to borrow some of your auspicious words. [folded hands]
[Qi Jue]:?
After Yu Baihan had replied to each of his friends’ messages, he felt the weight that had been pressing on his chest lift.
With dinnertime approaching, he indulged himself in a sumptuous lunch, then sent a message to Hua Wu, asking him to come and pick him up.
He was heading home to reunite with his victorious commander!
…
Around two hours later, Hua Wu arrived, accompanied by two other comrades.
The three of them entered in unison through the inner door.
Yu Baihan was momentarily surprised by this grand entrance. Such a spectacle? He quickly expressed his approval, saying with satisfaction, “Very well, this is the posture with which His Majesty is welcomed back to the palace after a triumphant return.”
He stood up with dignity, declaring, “Let’s go.”
However, Hua Wu hesitated, “I can’t take you back right now.”
Yu Baihan inquired, “What’s the issue?”
“Uh, the villa…the villa is currently undergoing disinfection.”
“?”
After Hua Wu finished his sentence, the brother beside him nudged him with his arm.
That brother smiled at Yu Baihan, explaining, “He’s just playing a prank.” He then retrieved a laptop from his bag and placed it on the table, turning it on. “Don’t mind him; let’s play a game for a while.”
“…”
Yu Baihan glanced at them before sitting back and turning his attention to the computer.
Most likely, this was at Commander Lu’s behest.
There must be a reason behind it all, so he resigned himself to playing games for a while.
As Yu Baihan engrossed himself in the game, his mobile phone rested nearby, occasionally displaying financial updates.
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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In high spirits, he even ordered a barbecue feast for four, inviting his comrades to partake in the enjoyment.
Hua Wu wielded his chopsticks cautiously, asking, “Retaliatory consumption?”
Following his remark, his brother nudged him again, grinning awkwardly at Yu Baihan. “He’s just joking, joking.”
Yu Baihan observed them with indulgence, appreciating their playful nature.
Midway through their meal, Yu Baihan’s phone on the table began vibrating vigorously, with five or six notifications flooding the screen. It seemed that something major had transpired once more.
Setting down his chopsticks, he checked the messages.
[Shocking! Si Family’s “Charitable” Facade Crumbles, Revealing Shadowy Industries – Eldest Son Si Suspended for Investigation!]
Yet, even more astonishing news followed.
If it was previously only speculated that the Si family’s severe setback was linked to the Lu family, it was now definitively confirmed—
The Si family’s shadowy industries had been reported under Lu Huan’s real name.
A real-name report!
Yu Baihan’s heart swelled with pride as he read it, and he couldn’t help but slam his hand on the table with a resounding “boom!”
Lu Huan! So impressive!!!
This was an utterly transparent declaration of war against the Si family.
His exuberant applause resonated through the room, startling the three loyal comrades who were dining on barbecue across from him.
Flushed with excitement, Yu Baihan bit his lower lip, staring at his phone intently.
Hua Wu expressed concern, “Would you like to take some medication first? To take care of your health…”
“No need!” Yu Baihan waved his hand.
He was brimming with energy on this joyful occasion; he had fully recovered!
The three comrades exchanged uncertain glances, then nodded hesitantly. “…Alright, if you say so.”
—
Fortunately, the fragile atmosphere in the room didn’t linger for long.
Shortly after they finished eating, Hua Wu’s phone rang. He glanced at the incoming call, then at Yu Baihan, before getting up and stepping outside to answer the call.
The room had no soundproofing, and Hua Wu’s voice drifted in intermittently. “Yes, sir… The villa’s interior and exterior have been examined, along with the hired personnel… Ensuring safety… Yes.”
Yu Baihan perked up his ears: an investigation?
No wonder he had been told not to return, lest Si Yan make a hasty move over the wall.
Outside the door, Hua Wu had already concluded his call, and the door next to them opened with a “thud.”
The other two comrades rose to their feet, while Hua Wu held his phone and said to Yu Baihan, “Young Master, it’s time to head back.”
On the journey back, the night had already descended.
The shadows of trees along the street outside the car window cast a hazy veil, swaying indistinctly.
Yu Baihan sat between his two trusted comrades, his gaze focused on the constantly updating news on his phone.
The screen was awash with comments and analyses about the Lu family and the Si family’s predicament. Some supported Lu Huan’s exposure of the shadowy industries, while others argued that Lu Huan had been too ruthless, pushing people to their limits.
There were also occasional mentions of him.
However, Yu Baihan’s presence was rather subdued, and his name hardly surfaced in the articles. They merely touched upon the breakdown of the marriage between the two families and the impending enmity between in-laws.
While the content varied, they all marveled at Lu Huan’s ruthlessness.
Yu Baihan turned off his phone, closed his eyes, and tried to relax.
What nonsense were they all spouting?
Cutting the grass wouldn’t eliminate the roots, and the spring breeze would bring regeneration. Showing mercy to legal coffee, was he supposed to linger and serve as a guide to the underworld?
…
It was nine o’clock in the evening by the time Yu Baihan arrived home.
As he stepped out of the car, Hua Wu stopped him, appearing hesitant, “Young Master, please avoid saying anything that might provoke Sir Lu.”
“I understand.”
He turned his head and swiftly made his way toward the main house.
He couldn’t wait to commend Commander Lu!
Upon entering the villa, Yu Baihan noticed the silence within. Only a row of corridor lights leading to the stairs was lit. Uncle Feng and the servants appeared to be absent, likely still away due to the ongoing investigation.
He ascended the staircase along the corridor.
As he approached the door of Lu Huan’s master bedroom, he found that the room was dimly lit, with some light seeping through.
…Lu Huan?
Yu Baihan halted for a moment, then opened the door and stepped inside.
The door creaked open, and there sat Lu Huan in an armchair.
One side of the window was wide open, allowing the cold moonlight to stream in, cascading over his shoulders and casting a slanted grid of light on the wooden floor.
Aside from the serene moonlight, the sole source of illumination in the room emanated from the computer in front of him. Displayed on it was a message that read, “Si’s family severely injured. Si Family suspended for investigation.”
The corners of Lu Huan’s lips quivered slightly, as if he were observing a scandalous drama.
Upon hearing Yu Baihan’s entrance, he turned his head to look.
Yu Baihan stood a few steps away from him.
The moment their eyes met, Lu Huan’s gaze appeared to shift. He was about to suppress those intense emotions he had grown accustomed to, but then he suddenly halted.
It was as if he had recalled something, and he gazed at Yu Baihan once more—
The faint white glow from the computer screen reflected in his pitch-black eyes, exposing the concealed darkness beneath, unveiling the hidden facets he had kept to himself in the past, now laid bare in front of Yu Baihan.
He turned the computer toward Yu Baihan.
In addition to the news about the Si family’s downfall, there were comments from outsiders describing him as “deep in thought” and “ruthless in his methods.”
Lu Huan looked at Yu Baihan, casually curling his lips, “What do you think?”
Suddenly, a flash of fluorescent light entered Yu Baihan’s eyes in the darkness, causing him to squint. A brief silence hung in the bedroom as his eyes adjusted to the light.
One second passed, then two…
Lu Huan’s fingers tightened slightly around the computer’s edge, and the light in his eyes dimmed gradually.
Suddenly, a crisp “pop” resounded in the room!
Lu Huan looked up and saw Yu Baihan, who had risen from the computer, clapping his hands like a seal, applauding vigorously—
“Bravo! When you blossom, the butterflies will come; if you’re extraordinary, God will make arrangements!”
With a gleam of delight in his eyes, he extended his hand and began clapping Lu Huan’s handsome face repeatedly, the force of his palms almost ruffling Lu Huan’s forehead.
Clap clap clap clap!
Lu Huan, “…”
After Yu Baihan finished his enthusiastic applause, his eyes, still dazzled by the computer screen’s light, turned and flicked on the bedroom light with a “snap.”
Bright illumination flooded the room.
He addressed Lu Huan earnestly, “Don’t use the computer in a dark room.”
Lu Huan, “…”
The two locked eyes for a while. Lu Huan moistened his dry lips and regarded Yu Baihan with a puzzled expression, “Don’t you think I went too far?”
In awe, Yu Baihan nodded, “You were absolutely incredible!”
He’s essentially delivering a masterclass in ruthlessness!
Lu Huan, “…”
He pursed his lips and glanced at the comments on the computer.
Yu Baihan followed his gaze, realizing what had prompted this conversation.
Oh, it’s because of these comments.
Look at Commander Lu, so sensitive to public opinion~
He leaned closer, reached out, and clicked on the “reply” button. “Don’t mind these people who talk big without understanding. You’re doing the right thing. If we don’t eradicate the gray industry, countless people will suffer.”
After sending the comment, he turned to Lu Huan, his eyes sparkling, a playful smile revealing his small canine teeth.
“Our Commander Lu is fighting for the greater good.”
Lu Huan’s fingers on the table trembled slightly.
He met Yu Baihan’s gaze.
After a long pause, he lowered his eyes and spoke softly, “Yes.”
His voice was barely audible, as though a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
The chains that had bound him so tightly were finally loosened.
Yu Baihan reached out and gently cupped the side of Lu Huan’s head, running his fingertips through his hair. The gentle touch seemed to calm Lu Huan’s frayed nerves. “You’ve done the right thing.”
Lu Huan’s throat moved, and he lifted a hand.
Yu Baihan continued softly, “It’s better to make people envious than to make them pity you.”
Lu Huan, his hand halfway raised, paused.
He raised his eyes, now clear and determined. “Did you memorize that speech well, Baihan?”
Yu Baihan replied modestly, “Well, let’s just say I can’t forget it even if I tried.”
“……”
The barriers were lifted.
Lu Huan regarded him patiently and spoke slowly, “Hua Wu mentioned that you didn’t take your evening medication?”
Yu Baihan teased, “Are you implying something?”
“I’m observant,” Lu Huan replied with a slight smile, lifting Yu Baihan and carrying him towards the door. “Go take your medicine before bed.”
As he was being carried to the door, Yu Baihan turned to look at Lu Huan once more.
Thinking about Lu Huan’s heroic performance earlier, he couldn’t help but make a playful comment, “To commend Commander Lu for the splendid comeback, you have [Student Baihan’s Hug] waiting to be claimed~”
He then gazed at Lu Huan expectantly, his lips slightly pursed.
Lu Huan examined him for a few seconds, then suddenly smiled. His long eyelashes partly veiled his dark eyes, his lips curled into a captivating, pure yet vibrant smile.
Yu Baihan’s heart raced.
Lu Huan extended his hand, drawing Yu Baihan into his embrace. He held Yu Baihan lightly, placing one hand on his waist and using the other to gently rub the back of his neck. His deep voice rumbled down from above, “I’ll give you a little preview.”
Yu Baihan blushed deeply.
Or perhaps gave him a sultry look.
Lu Huan’s fingertips tenderly caressed the side of his neck, and the top of his head dipped slightly, as if Lu Huan had leaned down to nuzzle him.
Yu Baihan was held and gently released after a moment, his heart pounding. Eventually, he was allowed to step away.
Lu Huan turned him around, saying, “Now go and take your medicine.”
Yu Baihan floated away weakly, replying, “Alright, I will.”
Just a few steps away, he heard Lu Huan’s voice from behind, “I’ll do better in the future. Will Baihan accept that?”
Yu Baihan turned back, blushing, and enthusiastically declared, “Then you’ll have more rewards from Baihan to claim~”
“…”
Lu Huan lowered his gaze, his lips curving, and he replied, “Alright.”
—
Yu Baihan returned to his room, took his medication, had a shower, and then went to bed. The next day, upon reviewing the financial information, he discovered that almost all of Si Yanting’s properties had been closed down. This accounted for more than half of the Si family’s assets, marking a significant blow to the Si family.
Yu Baihan felt an unprecedented sense of relief. The fact that the seemingly invincible Si family had suffered a setback showed that the original storyline was not unchangeable. Lu Huan had endured so much; it would be a shame to let all his efforts go to waste because of the absurd “plot settings.”
He decided to take action and began planning a travel itinerary for two people on his phone. However, it wasn’t until he finished that he realized the implications of his actions—was this a date?
With excitement, he sent a message to Lu Huan.
[Yu Er]: Are you busy with work? [radish pops up.jpg]
Lu Huan’s response came quickly.
[Fish]: I’m at home, downstairs.
Yu Baihan was puzzled. Wasn’t Lu Huan supposed to be working on a Friday? He headed downstairs with his phone and noticed that Uncle Feng and the other servants had returned home. Lu Huan was sitting on the balcony, seemingly engaged in a conversation with Fan Lin, perhaps discussing work matters.
Yu Baihan pushed open the balcony door and called out, “Lu Huan.”
Fan Lin’s gaze shifted from Lu Huan to Yu Baihan, his expression filled with complexity, possibly reflecting the events of the previous day.
Lu Huan appeared unfazed and asked, “What’s up?”
Yu Baihan held his phone and inquired, “Tomorrow is the weekend, do you have any plans?”
There was a brief pause as Lu Huan’s eyes rested on Yu Baihan’s expectant face.
Fan Lin interjected, “Sir, there’s still work to be done tomorrow…”
“There’s nothing,” Lu Huan replied abruptly.
He shifted his gaze to the courtyard, his lips slightly pursed, and said casually, “It’s quite empty.”
Thank you for the translation 😍😍❤️❤️😍😍
Thank uuuuu for the chapters !
Hehehe, how sweet~
Thank you for the chapter!
Hehehe look at the smitten Commander Lu, putting off work to go on a date~ ☺
They’re falling hard…
The world is awaiting divorce, while they are falling in love.
Thanks for the chapters
Revenge done ✅
Romance beginning 💯
Thanks for the chapter 💞
Thanks for the chapter 💕