While Jiang Xu was having trouble asking Hui Yin out on a date, the Nian's family home were busy with the upcoming engagement.
Nian Zhen looked at the bustling activity inside her home with great satisfaction.
Her relatives from all over China had come to pay a visit and offer their congratulations, bringing li shi money and gifts. Both Lu Shen's parents had already showered her with jewelry, and there wasn't a second that Nian Zhen's eyes strayed off from her engagement ring. She knew that it wasn't the same as that trash, but who would want to wear her leftovers anyway?
Both male and female cousins had begged to come with her aunts and uncles, the boys wanting to be acquainted with Lu Shen to brag about to their friends and the girls dreaming about catching his attention. Of course he was engaged to their cousin, but as long as they were married, wasn't there still a chance to 'snatch' him?
But when they arrived and saw their cousin, this dream of theirs abruptly popped like a bubble.
As if her body was mirroring her delight, Nian Zhen's hair had gotten silkier, shining like black onyx against her fair skin. The smile that was constantly flitting around her lips made her even look more seductive and charming—when the depressed Wang Yong saw this after being dragged by his parents to offer their blessings to the couple, he nearly broke down and begged her not to marry the master player.
Wang Yong felt saddened for both himself and his precious benefactor. They thought they had managed to grasp the love of their lives, only for this stupid clichè ending to happen. Of course the phoenix and the dragon were going to end up together. How could they even try to prevent it? He was too foolish to expect such a beautiful gift for his birthday. Not long after he celebrated, the scandal had broken out and flooded the net.
His whole birthday party became a joke to his eyes.
Wang Yong's father, Wang Xiong, looked at the pitiful expression of his son with a complicated gaze. He was feeling grateful that he had the foresight to introduce Wang Yong to some of the other aristocratic young ladies and did not solely focus on Nian Zhen. He had been greatly disturbed when he saw how protective and possessive Lu Shen was of his fiancée, but alas...status indeed dictated everything. No matter what family that young lady had came from, it could not beat the Nians.
A great commotion by the doorway drew all of their attention, and the guests turned their heads around to look.
A tall and handsome man walked in, his face cold and indifferent. Even when his in-laws rushed over to greet him, and all the various people that were connected to the Nians either through blood or water welcomed him with extravagant praises, not a single ripple showed in his expression. One would have thought that this man could withstand the difficult trials of life showing neither joy nor sorrow, coolly surveying everything around him with detached apathy.
But the people around him didn't take it to heart and continued smiling. This was the Great Dragon King! One could not bear to be snubbed by others, but he was the only exception. There was always an exception for Lu Shen.
"Tang mei [1], that's your fiancé right? He's so good-looking!"
Nian Zhen and some of her female cousins were standing in the opposite end of the living room, since she was tasked to receive the gifts brought over by her relatives. Even without the girl's prodding, Nian Zhen's eyes had already been looking at Lu Shen. His presence blanketed everyone inside the room, drawing their attention to each of his slightest movement.
But Nian Zhen pretended to bow her head and blush like a timid flower.
"Don't look at him, it's embarrassing..."
Some of her cousins exchanged disdainful glances. Now that envy had filled their hearts for Nian Zhen's great fortune to marry such an outstanding man, they couldn't help but criticize her in their hearts. Why was this girl even pretending to be a white lotus, when everyone in China already knew that she stole someone else's fiancé?
However, some of Nian Zhen's cousins were enthusiastic about this sinful fact. If a man can be stolen away once, then he can be stolen again. They checked their reflection on their compact mirrors and aimed a coquettish glance at Lu Shen's direction. Nian Zhen caught their actions and silently gritted her teeth.
You want to steal Brother Shen away from me? Let's see if you have the ability first!
Erasing the contempt from her face, Nian Zhen tucked a lock of her hair behind one ear and elegantly stood up. Lu Shen was already halfway into the living room, still surrounded by a chattering crowd of people flattering him. There was not a single trace of a smile that could be found in his expression, and it seemed as if the one they were talking to was not him.
Several uncles of Nian Zhen tried to hide their disappointment. Although they shared the same family surname, most of them were not rich as Nian Hsin and were trying to make ends meet. They had gone to visit the Nian family home in hopes of forming a connection with the youngest founder of the largest business empire in China, but it seemed that this was only their own wishful thinking.
"Brother Shen."
Lu Shen looked at the girl standing in front of him.
Her black hair fell in straight waves down her back, and the dress that hugged every curve of her body showed how perfect her figure was. Oval-shaped face, large eyes, and full lips. Nian Zhen fulfilled the conditions of a typical bái fù měi, making her irresistible to men.
But Lu Shen's cold dark eyes didn't even fluctuate. She might as well be another indoor decorative plant in the wide living room.
Nian Zhen fluttered her eyelashes and linked her arm around his, creating the perfect image of a loving couple. "Brother Shen, why didn't you tell me that you were going to visit? I wasn't prepared at all."
Lu Shen ignored her words and steered her towards the door.
"We're going out."
Nian Zhen dampened her glee, but her cheeks were pink as she asked tremulously, "Brother Shen, we're going out?"
Lu Shen gave her a curt nod.
Since the bait was already set, the next step was to hook the line and let the trap catch its prey.
Nian Zhen permitted herself a small smile, but was unaware that the man she was holding on to had finally thrown away his mask of indifference.
His lips curled into a cruel sneer, and a vicious ruthlessness lurked from the depths of his eyes. The calmer he looked, the more endless winds and waves bred beneath the surface, like a surging tsunami.
Once he caught the culprit, he was going to kill him with his bare hands.
Lu Shen had his own bottom line too, and that man had crossed it.
[1] To address a younger female cousin from the paternal side of the family.