Chapter 61 That Pure and Gentle Youth Didn’t Seem Like Him

This Lu Zhennan.

Though he was merely an adopted son of the Lu family, the things he had accomplished over the years had long since surpassed the expectations of ordinary people. He was simply too outstanding. So outstanding, in fact, that the rest of the Lu family seemed to pale in comparison.

Of course, the "Lu family" mentioned here referred only to those related to Lu Yunzhou’s second uncle and his branch. Lu Zhennan, too, was a child adopted by Second Master Lu. In terms of status, Lu Yunzhou was the true heir of the Lu family, while Lu Zhennan could only be the second young master. It was precisely this distinction that made Sheng Ting so curious about him. She always felt there was more to him than met the eye, but never enough evidence to prove that he was behind those mysterious events.

That was why, at the banquet today, Sheng Ting had intentionally toasted him, hoping to test him. Yet, she had to admit, Lu Zhennan’s personality was cold and reserved, but his conduct was impeccable, without the slightest fault to find. He seemed the very image of a perfect businessman.

Yes, that was the impression he left Sheng Ting—someone flawless. But any clever person would know that the more perfect something appeared, the more likely it was a facade—one that held both fatal allure and danger.

"Do you think he’s deliberately leading us into his game?"

Sheng Ting recalled meeting Lu Zhennan at the birthday banquet, remembering those eyes as dark and unfathomable as an abyss. She felt there was a depth to his thoughts that few could see through. Naturally, that meant no one could guess his true intentions.

Shen Chaoxi replied, "It’s possible."

Her eyes were shadowed, as though she were recalling something. Images flickered in her mind—ten years ago, when she fell into the hands of those criminals, trapped in a pitch-black cellar, and the brother she saw there.

Their features were similar, yet she could no longer find even a trace of that former self in him. The clean, gentle youth she once knew did not seem like it could be him.

And yet, Lu Zhennan could have easily left no trace at all—so why leave just enough for them to follow? As Sheng Ting had said, it was highly likely he was deliberately drawing them in. As for his motive? That, they did not know.

"In any case, be careful," Shen Chaoxi said after a brief hesitation.

"I know," Sheng Ting replied. She had been wary ever since she tried probing him at the banquet and sensed he was anything but simple. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have shifted her attention to him so suddenly.

"By the way, I found a very well-hidden place in the capital. I’m not clear about the situation inside, but I suspect it’s connected to all this."

"Have you investigated it?" Shen Chaoxi asked.

"I have," Sheng Ting replied. "I noticed something strange, so I came to tell you." There were many secluded places in the capital under the control of local toughs, doing all sorts of clandestine deals.

Hearing this, Shen Chaoxi pressed her pale lips together, her cool, almond-shaped eyes meeting Sheng Ting’s.

Suddenly, she said, "Tomorrow, I’ll go myself."

"You want to go?" Sheng Ting looked at her, worry written across her face. "But your injury…"

Shen Chaoxi had been wounded in Dongzhou, and her injuries were severe. If not for the gravity of the matter—and its entanglement with the Lu family in the capital—Sheng Ting would never have allowed her involvement.

"My injury is fine," Shen Chaoxi lowered her gaze, a complex emotion stirring in her eyes.

This matter was directly linked to the failed Falcon Operation in Dongzhou three years prior. Because of that failure, so many were wounded and died there—their bodies never even recovered. How could she forgive these people on their behalf? If not for them, the operation’s details would not have been leaked, and no one would have perished out there.

This was something Shen Chaoxi was determined to uncover—the truth, so the living might find solace, and the dead, peace.

"Young master?"

Suddenly, Xiaoxiao’s voice sounded from outside the courtyard, followed by a faint reply.

"Mm."

Shen Yuan pressed his lips together, his voice soft and clear as he looked toward the gate where Xiaoxiao kept watch. "Is my sister inside?" he asked in his distinct, youthful tone.

"Yes," Xiaoxiao replied. Seeing the young man’s fair and handsome face, she knew how well he treated the young miss, and so she always greeted him cheerfully, her eyes smiling.

Shen Yuan nodded to her and walked into the courtyard.

Glazed lanterns hung under the eaves, casting their glow along the corridor. In the potted plants, night-blooming cereus unfolded like scattered snow, beautiful in the silence of the night.

Upon entering, Shen Yuan saw Shen Chaoxi reclining in a lounge chair. On the table sat a steaming cup of tea, while across from her, Sheng Ting sat in a red dress.

Sheng Ting, it seemed, had a particular fondness for red. She always wore something bright and alluring, a sharp contrast to Shen Chaoxi—making her all the more eye-catching. Shen Yuan noticed her immediately.

"Sister," he called softly.

Sheng Ting raised her brows in amusement. "Oh? You’re happy to see your sister, but when you see me, you’re silent?"

"Sister Sheng Ting," Shen Yuan responded, lips pressed together, his dark eyes well-behaved as he greeted her politely.

The slender, fair-skinned youth, with his brows slightly furrowed, was always so courteous.

"That’s better," Sheng Ting remarked with a smile—she loved teasing him. He’d always acted like a little grown-up, fussing over her and Shen Chaoxi, never quite at ease when it came to their safety.

That was why, at the Imperial View Club’s auction, Sheng Ting had joked that if Shen Yuan found out Shen Chaoxi had been so badly hurt in Dongzhou, he’d surely come after her for revenge.

After all, Shen Chaoxi should never have made such a mistake during that operation. But hearing him greet her so obediently, Sheng Ting was satisfied.

Suddenly, something occurred to her. She furrowed her brows and glanced at Shen Chaoxi with a questioning look, as if to ask: Has he learned about your injury?

Catching her gaze, Shen Chaoxi smiled faintly. "Yes."

Sheng Ting was stunned, her eyes wide in disbelief. "?"

She nearly fainted on the spot. So he knew already? Now he’d surely nag her endlessly. She was genuinely afraid—who would have thought that someone like her, head of the infamous Seventh District in the capital, could be so wary of a boy?

But Shen Yuan was no child. At sixteen, he was only two years younger than the others.

As Shen Chaoxi and Sheng Ting spoke, Shen Yuan came over, bringing fruit and pastries from the kitchen, worried his sister might be hungry.

Elsewhere in Huayuan, Old Master Shen was playing chess with Lu Yunzhou.

The night was tranquil. Stroking his beard, Old Master Shen chuckled, "I’ve won."

"Yes," Lu Yunzhou replied with humble focus, his attention wholly on the board.

"Teacher, your skill is unparalleled; I am no match for you."

"Yunzhou, you are truly the student I am most pleased with," Old Master Shen said, his appreciative gaze carrying a trace of complex emotion—a blend of admiration, scrutiny, and something more.

For beyond their teacher-student relationship, there was also an engagement between him and Achao.

Lu Yunzhou suddenly spoke. "I have another gift for you, Teacher."

"Oh?" Old Master Shen’s surprise was evident as Lu Yunzhou presented a box upon the table.

"And this is…?"

Old Master Shen’s eyes shone with barely concealed delight.

"The other half of the Western Zhou scroll," Lu Yunzhou replied in his low, magnetic voice.