The next day, Lu Zhe and Boss Fang brought Little Kuaile along as well. After all, leaving a child alone in the hotel made Boss Fang uneasy.

The two went to Hesheng Building to wait for the person in charge.

“Why isn’t the person in charge here yet?” Boss Fang checked the time. Their scheduled appointment had already passed by twenty minutes. “Don’t tell me they’re going to cancel last minute?”

Lu Zhe said, “They shouldn’t. A well-known business like Hesheng Building wouldn’t be so untrustworthy. Uncle Fang, let’s wait a bit more.”

Five more minutes passed before the person in charge finally arrived.

The person’s attitude was decent. “I’m sorry, you two must have waited a long time. I truly apologize, something delayed me.”

Boss Fang’s expression eased. “It’s fine. Manager Chen, we can sign the contract now, right?”

“Please wait a moment. This contract will be handled by our Second Young Master. He’s on his way, please wait a little longer.” Manager Chen had just received a call from President He, saying that Second Young Master was on break and needed more training, so he should follow Manager Chen to learn.

This signing was very simple, just a very small contract. Letting Second Young Master handle it wouldn’t cause any problems.

Basically, it was just letting Second Young Master go through the motions.

Boss Fang and Lu Zhe could only remain patient and continue waiting for this so-called Second Young Master.

Soon, after parking his car, He Ermeng walked into the building, his handsome brows carrying a careless arrogance.

The employees in the company were used to seeing the He family’s Second Young Master. Watching him walk in with his hands in his pockets—handsome, relaxed—many couldn’t help glancing at him again.

Pushing open the meeting room door, He Ermeng walked in, wanting to finish things quickly. The old man just couldn’t stand seeing him idle, always finding ways to torment him. And now he even wanted him to “learn” from others. Ridiculous. With that time, he might as well think of ways to pursue Su Ci.

He strode in. “What do I need to sign?”

“Second Young Master is here.” Manager Chen greeted him with a broad smile.

Boss Fang and Lu Zhe looked toward the newcomer and realized this Second Young Master was someone they had met—the He family’s Second Young Master.

Seeing Lu Zhe sitting there, He Ermeng’s eyes narrowed. He stood beside the conference table and didn’t even sit down. “It’s you?”

He Ermeng’s sharp gaze swept over Lu Zhe. He let out a cold laugh. “Manager Chen, since when do all kinds of stray cats and dogs qualify to sign contracts with our Hesheng Group?”

After seeing Lu Zhe at the fire scene last time, He Ermeng had already had someone investigate Lu Zhe’s background. He knew Lu Zhe wasn’t just an orphan—he also had a terminal illness.

Someone like that was completely unworthy of standing beside Su Ci, let alone being liked by her.

“Second Young Master, this…” Manager Chen was confused. “These two already negotiated earlier. They’re renting an entire floor of Tianzi Building.”

He Ermeng raised his brows, arrogance written all over his expression as he stared at Lu Zhe. He said each word clearly: “We’re not renting to you.”

Just a dying orphan. With a flick of his finger, he could crush him.

“We already discussed this. Is Hesheng Group really this untrustworthy?” Upon hearing they wouldn’t rent to them, Boss Fang frowned instinctively.

Manager Chen hadn’t expected this situation either. He reminded, “Second Young Master, the contract is already prepared.”

He Ermeng’s gaze turned sharp. He glared coldly at Manager Chen. “Are you deaf? Didn’t you hear me say we’re not renting? What contract is there to sign!”

Lifting his chin, He Ermeng stared directly at the calm Lu Zhe. “That place—you can forget about renting it. Whether it’s Hesheng Group’s properties or anywhere else, don’t even think about it. As for Su Ci—she’s mine. Stay away from her.”

Lu Zhe lifted his eyes and met his vicious gaze. He replied calmly, “She belongs to herself.”

No matter how He Ermeng looked at Lu Zhe, he found himself more and more annoyed. “You want to die? Oh, I forgot—even if you don’t seek death, you’ll die soon anyway.”

“Second Young Master, don’t bully people too much,” Boss Fang couldn’t help speaking up. Not only was the other party breaking his word, he was even attacking someone personally, hitting a fatal weakness—far too much.

“How is this bullying?” He Ermeng didn’t care at all. He warned Lu Zhe, “Get lost obediently. If I ever find you clinging to Su Ci again, I’ll make sure you understand what regret tastes like.”

Lu Zhe let out a soft laugh. “You’re mistaken. It’s not me clinging to her, it’s her who wants me by her side.”

In an instant, He Ermeng was nearly enraged to the point of exploding.

After leaving the building, Boss Fang was still cursing. If Manager Chen and the security guards hadn’t held them back just now, that crazy Second Young Master would’ve kept trying to attack Lu Zhe.

“Xiao Zhe, I didn’t expect your skills to be this good.” Boss Fang recalled how He Ermeng had taken several punches from Lu Zhe and laughed—it truly served him right.

Fortunately, everyone knew He Ermeng had struck first. The one who provokes is in the wrong. Even if the He family pursued the matter, they wouldn’t have reason on their side.

Lu Zhe said in a low voice, “Uncle Fang, I’m sorry. Because of me, we couldn’t sign the contract.”

“It’s fine. We’ll look for another place. B City is huge—no way every property belongs to the He family.” Boss Fang held his son’s hand, still full of motivation.

Lu Zhe nodded, but his eyes dimmed slightly.

– – – ˗ˋˏ♡ˎˊ˗ – – –

“Is Cici done yet? We can head out now.” Su Mother had already prepared the car, ready to set off to visit Lu Zhe.

She had prepared many gifts—a sincere gesture of thanks.

Su Ci changed into a beautiful dress. The bean-paste-colored one-piece made her skin look fair as snow. The dress was tailor-made, with a fitted waist design that emphasized her slender waist.

On her feet were soft, plain white shoes. The red string tied around her delicate ankle drew the eye instantly.

“I’m ready.” For the sake of seeing Lu Zhe, Su Ci had applied a coat of tangerine-hued lip tint.

Her pretty lips looked even more tempting.

At this moment, Su Zhiyuan also came downstairs.

“Big brother, you’re not going with us?” Su Ci had assumed he already left for the company.

Su Zhiyuan patted her head. “You go with Mom and Dad. There’s something I need to handle at the company. Next time, when I have the chance, I’ll properly thank Lu Zhe.”

Su Ci glanced at her brother’s outstretched hand and saw that the life value bar on the inside of his wrist had less than two months remaining.

She held back her complicated emotions and nodded. “Okay.”

Su Father and Su Mother rode in the car up front, while Su Ci, little Su Ning, and Tiancai sat in another car.

After staying at the Su family’s home for a few days, Tiancai was no longer as nervous as before.

The Su family was different from other wealthy families—there was no cold, strict, or hostile pressure. The atmosphere in the Su home was warm and close.

Su Mother had a gentle, soft temperament. Su Father was formidable in the business world, but at home he didn’t put on a stern face. As for Su Zhiyuan, though his aura as a person in power was strong, at home he was simply a friendly older brother.

And little Su Ning needed no explanation. Now that he had Tiancai, a playmate around his age, he clung to him every day. The two boys got along extremely well.

Even now in the car, little Su Ning chose to sit beside Tiancai. The two little ones huddled together, whispering about who-knows-what.

Su Ci sent a message to Lu Zhe, letting him know they were already on the way.

Lu Zhe still hadn’t found a suitable house. For now, he and Boss Fang were temporarily staying in a small guesthouse. Compared to a proper hotel, the environment here truly wasn’t very good.

He glanced around the standard room setup—two chairs, a small table, a TV and cabinet. Very simple.

Lu Zhe walked to the side and knocked on Boss Fang’s door.

He said, “Uncle Fang, I want to borrow two chairs from your room.”

Boss Fang had originally planned for them to go out and look for another venue today, but when Lu Zhe said he wasn’t free because Su Ci’s parents were coming to see him, Boss Fang learned the reason.

“Alright, I’ll help you move them.”

“Thank you, Uncle Fang.”

“No need to be polite with me. But… will Su Ci’s parents mind the environment here? Should we maybe find a nicer place outside, get a private room, eat and talk at the same time?” Boss Fang remembered the Su family was a top-tier wealthy family. This little guesthouse was too simple—he was worried they might mind.

Lu Zhe said, “It’s fine. They know what background I come from.”

Trying too hard to cover it up would only seem insincere.

Boss Fang sighed and helped him move the chairs.

After Su Ci got the address from Lu Zhe, it didn’t take long before their car stopped outside the guesthouse.

Several luxury cars suddenly arrived in front of the small building, and the sight of the tall, expressionless men in black suits stepping out—obviously bodyguards—instantly drew the attention of passersby and guests going in and out. Even the guesthouse staff were startled.

What kind of wind was blowing today for such important people to visit this tiny place?

The two receptionists, nervous and uneasy, hurried to greet them.

“I’m looking for the guest in room 308,” Su Ci said.

The front desk girl was stunned by the girl’s beauty. She instinctively held her breath and quickly said, “Please follow me, everyone.”

While leading the way, the receptionist secretly glanced at the group several times, unable to stop her amazement.

What kind of celestial looks were these?

The middle-aged couple clearly looked like husband and wife—though older, they were well-maintained, carrying a refined nobility that money alone couldn’t buy. As for the girl beside them, there was nothing more to say. With that face, she would instantly outshine every female celebrity in the entertainment industry.

And the two little boys happily trotting ahead were so adorably soft and cute they could make anyone’s heart explode.

Do rich people all look this good?

When they arrived at room 308, Su Ci gestured for the front desk girl to leave. She pressed the doorbell herself.

Within just a few seconds, the door opened from inside.

“Lu Zhe, I’m here.” Su Ci smiled at him.

“Come in.” Lu Zhe fully opened the door. He looked at Su Father and Su Mother behind her. “Uncle Su, Auntie Su, welcome.”

Su Ci stood beside Lu Zhe and let her parents enter. Behind her back, she quietly brushed her fingertips against Lu Zhe’s hand, her eyes curved as she looked at him.

The boy was wearing a white T-shirt. Unlike his usual all-black, cold appearance, he looked more relaxed and bright today. His brows and features seemed even more refined and ethereal.

Su Ci knew exactly how many sets of clothes Lu Zhe owned. The clothes he was wearing now were absolutely newly bought.

She couldn’t help curling her lips into a hidden smile.

Was he taking this meeting-the-parents seriously too? He even went out of his way to buy new clothes.

At the same time, Su Father—still standing at the door—was staring at the boy in shock.

He and Lu Chen of the Lu family had been sworn enemies since childhood. He had even seen that guy wearing slit pants as a kid. One glance was enough for him to see it—this boy named Lu Zhe, between his brows and eyes, carried the shadow of that Lu Chen.

Su Father’s heart lurched.

Lu Zhe was an orphan. Lu Chen also lost his son. It couldn’t be this coincidental… could Lu Zhe actually be Lu Chen’s son?

Su Mother saw her husband frozen in place and tugged his arm. “Let’s go in.”

Su Father suppressed the shock in his eyes and walked in with his wife.

Behind them, the two little shorties followed their parents. When they passed Lu Zhe, Little Tiancai greeted him politely, “Hello, Brother Lu Zhe.”

He really liked this older brother who, like him, came from an orphanage.

Little Su Ning didn’t know Lu Zhe, but he was a well-mannered child. He copied Little Tiancai and also greeted, “Hello, Brother Lu Zhe.”

Watching her parents walk in, Su Ci bent down and tapped each little boy on the forehead. “That’s not what you call him.”

Little Tiancai and Little Su Ning looked at their sister in confusion.

Su Ci lifted the corner of her eyes, glanced at Lu Zhe, and lowered her voice—just loud enough for him to hear. “You should call him brother-in-law.”