Volume 1, Chapter 28: This Time, She Would Not Yield

Lu Ning’s features were fair and calm, but her eyes were exceptionally stubborn, carrying a hint of rebellion.

She answered firmly, "I'll say it a hundred times if I have to: I do not agree."

Qin Xiang seized the chance to act sweet, "Big Brother, please don't be angry. I have a tutor helping me, and I’ll pull my grades up soon. Sister Ning Ning also worked very hard at her practice problems to make such great progress; I will learn from her, I promise!"

Lu Nanfeng chimed in to explain, "Big Brother, I’ll find a way to handle their grades, you don't need to worry so much."

But Lu Dong was furious. "Stop making excuses for Lu Ning, both of you. Don't I know her nature? She’s just uncomfortable because Qin Xiang came to the Lu family, so she’s been looking for trouble! Lu Ning, let me tell you, no matter how much you sulk or even threaten to run away from home, you won't change the fact that Qin Xiang belongs in this house. Even if you leave, she won't—understand?"

Lu Ning lowered her gaze, her expression unreadable.

Watching her hang her head, Lu Nanfeng felt a pang of sympathy. "Ning Ning, that’s not what Big Brother meant!"

"Hmph." Lu Ning looked up, her eyes dull and her tone indifferent. "It doesn't matter."

She turned and left the private room, unable to stay a moment longer.

Lu Nanfeng’s expression changed, and he went to follow her, but Lu Dong’s thunderous voice rang out from behind: "Stay here! Second Brother, it’s because you’re too soft-hearted that you let that girl manipulate you."

Lu Nanfeng looked helpless. "Big Brother, it’s not like that."

Lu Ning had changed. If this were the past, he would have thought she was just throwing a tantrum. But recalling her expression just now, a sense of worry gnawed at him; he had never seen her look like that before.

Qin Xiang stepped in to smooth things over, "Big Brother, Second Brother, please don't fight. It’s all my fault for not doing well on the exams. If only I were as smart as Sister Ning Ning—I’m just too slow-witted."

Lu Dong’s tone softened. "It’s not your fault; it was the Sixth Brother’s gaming team that took up your time. Fourth Brother already told me everything that’s been happening lately. Qin Xiang, don't defend Lu Ning anymore. Just because she’s a biological daughter of the Lu family doesn't mean we’ll favor her."

Qin Xiang beamed through her tears. "Thank you, Big Brother. I will work hard."

In this household, Lu Dong was the hardest person to please. Plus, since he was rarely home, Qin Xiang had always been afraid of him. She was grateful that Lu Ning had given her such a perfect opportunity to shine today.

However, Lu Nanfeng felt his older brother had misunderstood Lu Ning. He explained, "Big Brother, Ning Ning participated in the competition too. If she hadn't turned the tide, they never would have won the revival round."

"Hmph, I almost forgot because you didn't mention it. She pretended to refuse to join the Sixth Brother’s team, trying to force him to beg her, and then when Qin Xiang joined, she got jealous and practiced in secret just to show off in front of you all."

"Big Brother, it’s not like that."

A sense of powerlessness washed over Lu Nanfeng. Looking at his brother’s attitude toward Lu Ning, he suddenly realized that he seemed to have treated her the exact same way. Was this why she had become so heartbroken and distant from them?

Lu Nanfeng choked up, unable to speak a single word. It turned out he had been just as excessive. Perhaps the one who was wrong wasn't Lu Ning, but himself.

Seeing Qin Xiang and his big brother chatting happily, appearing to have forgotten that Lu Ning was no longer there, Lu Nanfeng felt a wave of discomfort. After all, he had specially arranged this meal to celebrate Lu Ning’s good grades. Without his brother noticing, he quietly slipped out of the room.

He called Lu Ning, but there was no answer. He immediately sent a message: [Ning Ning, where are you?]

Lu Ning glanced at the message and stepped out of the restroom stall. Standing at the vanity, she looked at her reflection—her eyes were slightly red. She had decided countless times that she wouldn't let the Lu family hurt her anymore, but hearing those words from her big brother still made her ache.

She splashed cold water on her face. Only one more month, and she wouldn't have to endure this anymore.

After leaving the restroom, she headed for the elevator.

"Why are you here?"

Lu Ning looked up to see Ji Chiqian. She lowered her head, flustered. "Here to eat." Her voice was a little hoarse.

Ji Chiqian stepped closer. "Did you cry?" Her voice sounded off, as if she had been weeping.

Lu Ning instinctively denied it. "No."

Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Lu Nanfeng stepped out. Seeing him, Lu Ning lunged into Ji Chiqian’s arms, gripping his clothes tightly. She desperately wanted to hide herself in his embrace, hoping her second brother wouldn't spot her.

Ji Chiqian froze, looking down at the girl in his arms. She was pressed so firmly against him that he could smell the sweet fragrance on her. His throat moved, and he instinctively started to pull away, but the moment he moved, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck.

To any onlooker, they looked like a couple deeply in love. Ji Chiqian pressed his thin lips together, surprised by her actions. For a man who was always cool-headed, he suddenly didn't know what to do.

Lu Ning peeked out, and seeing that her second brother had returned to the room, she finally let out a breath of relief. She realized their intimate position and noticed for the first time just how tall Ji Chiqian was. She was almost on tiptoes, and he had to stoop down for her to reach his neck.

Embarrassed, she let go. "Um, my second brother just stepped out of the elevator, and I didn't want him to see me, so I used you as a shield."

Ji Chiqian narrowed his eyes, guessing why she was here and why she was so down. He teased, "So, any man would do for a shield?"

Lu Ning looked at him in surprise. "I don't think so." Because it happened to be Ji Chiqian standing there, she had sought his protection without a second thought. If it had been anyone else, she couldn't imagine doing that. Probably not.

Satisfied with the answer, Ji Chiqian’s mood improved for no apparent reason. "Here to eat with them?"

"Yes, they said it was to celebrate my good grades." Her tone carried a hint of mockery. She glanced at him, remembering seeing him arrive with a beautiful woman earlier—why was he alone now?

Ji Chiqian said calmly, "Tenth place. Not bad."

A touch of pride flickered in Lu Ning’s heart. "It’s alright. I have a shot at Yun University now." He had previously told her her ranking wasn't high enough.

Seeing her look of quiet pride, he smiled. "Have you eaten?"

"Not yet. I don't want to stay here."

"Because of the people in that room?"

Lu Ning nodded. "If you’re busy, go ahead. I’ll head back to the apartment." She didn't want to go home today, either.

"If anyone is leaving, it should be them."

Lu Ning didn't quite understand what he meant. Was he going to chase her second brother and the others away? That seemed impossible!