Chapter 53 - 53: Lu Zhiyuan, Who Do You Think You Are?
Chen Rushi presented Gu Ci with a ruby necklace, a thumb-sized gem that was flawlessly cut and clear in color. Zhou Jinjin received an internet celebrity bracelet adorned with five flowers.
At noon, the man in black delivered a bouquet of flowers.
That night, Chen Rushi arranged a romantic dinner.
He showered them with expensive gifts, flowers, and romantic gestures. After dinner, he even secured tickets to a concert that Gu Ci and Zhou Jinjin had been unable to obtain, accompanying them to the event.
This routine continued for three consecutive days.
“What exactly are you doing, Mr. Chen?”
“Chasing after you!” Chen Rushi smiled warmly. “I’m enjoying the process of pursuing you.”
Gu Ci returned the gemstone necklace. “I can’t accept such an extravagant gift for nothing. This necklace is too expensive. I don’t want it.”
“You alone are worthy of it.”
Gu Ci shook her head and said lightly, “In China, we believe in repaying kindness. I can’t afford such a valuable gift.”
“Alright, I was impolite.” Chen Rushi took back the gifts he had given Gu Ci and Zhou Jinjin, but he wasn’t upset. Instead, he meticulously planned their schedule.
He is thoughtful and meticulous.
Zhou Jinjin felt like a big, bright lightbulb, but she lacked self-awareness. She had turned into a fanatical supporter of the Lu Zhiyuan-Gu Ci couple, doing her best to put an end to any romantic endeavors that came in Gu Ci’s way.
“Sooner or later, some scumbag will take advantage of my best friend. Why not let it be Lu Zhiyuan?” Zhou Jinjin had transformed from a drug addict to a fan of celebrity couples.
One day, Chen Rushi arrived to take Gu Ci and Zhou Jinjin out for lunch. As they descended the stairs, Chen Rushi awaited them with a smile.
Lu Zhiyuan appeared like a gust of wind, his arm snaking around Gu Ci’s waist as he pulled her into his embrace. With just one hand, he firmly grasped her waist, almost lifting her up to his side.
In a domineering manner, Lu Zhiyuan declared, “Accompany me for a meal!”
Gu Ci was taken aback. “Aren’t you in seclusion for training?”
“I’m taking a break today.” Lu Zhiyuan glanced at Chen Rushi with a faint smile. “And who is this, Uncle?”
Gu Ci was speechless.
Zhou Jinjin was speechless.
Ji Chi was speechless.
Third Master, you’re truly ruthless!
To be fair, despite being twenty-eight, Chen Rushi looked quite young.
Chen Rushi smiled warmly and extended his hand. “Hello, my name is Chen Rushi. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Lu Zhiyuan gazed at his hand indifferently. “I’m a germaphobc and dislikes shaking hands with others.”
He referred to himself as a germaphobc. With one hand still wrapped around Gu Ci’s waist, he displayed possessiveness. Lu Zhiyuan scrutinized Chen Rushi, feeling that he posed no threat whatsoever. The young man exuded confidence and a spirited aura.
Chen Rushi retracted his hand, clenching it into a light fist. “I understand. Since you’re taking a break, let’s have lunch together.”
“That’s inconvenient!” Lu Zhiyuan hooked his arm around Gu Ci and turned around with a smile. “I rarely get a break. Of course, I want to spend some alone time with you.”
He gently ushered Gu Ci into the car driven by Li Jiang. Lu Zhiyuan turned back and approached Chen Rushi. His eyes held the wintry chill of winter. “Chen Rushi, stay away from my woman!”
With that, he donned his sunglasses and spoke with an air of coolness. “Li Jiang, take Zhou Jinjin to eat. Don’t disturb me.”
“Yes, Third Young Master!”
Zhou Jinjin scurried over to Li Jiang’s side, avoiding eye contact with Chen Rushi. Lu Zhiyuan had played a dangerous game. You’re truly incredible, my idol. So arrogant!
Chen Rushi remained in his spot, watching as Lu Zhiyuan left with Gu Ci. His calm facade shattered, revealing a brewing storm.
Ji Chi’s heart trembled, knowing that he harbored murderous intentions.
On the main road of Lavis, Lu Zhiyuan took Gu Ci for a ride. Gu Ci lazily dozed off. Lu Zhiyuan remarked, “I heard you’ve been having a blast these past few days.”
“Where did you hear that?” She hadn’t seen him since arriving in Lavis. All she saw were his nightly appearances. He would train after breakfast and head to the racetrack. By nightfall, he would disappear.
“Li Jiang mentioned that you’ve been going on dates with Chen Rushi every day.” Lu Zhiyuan glanced at her profile, a faint smile on his face. “Did you enjoy those dates?”
Gu Ci opened her eyes. “Are you jealous?”
“Who’s jealous? I’m just concerned that you might be deceived!” Lu Zhiyuan scolded his romantic rival. “At first glance, he doesn’t seem like a good person. The air around him is recking of bloodlust. He deliberately chose an innocent and beautiful girl like you to draw him out.”
Gu Ci lowered her head and chuckled.
Lu Zhiyuan felt as if someone had stepped on his tail. “What are you laughing at?”
“Then who should I date?” Gu Ci smiled.
“At the very least, you should know each other well, be around the same age, and share similar interests.”
Gu Ci nodded, contemplating for a moment. “How about Li Jiang? He knows you well and is around the same age as you!”
“Li Jiang is five years older than you!”
“Five years is fine. I like mature men.” Gu Ci’s eyebrows curved. “Li Jiang is handsome and obedient. These days, girls love this kind of puppy-like guy.”
“Li Jiang is too busy. He’s with me and doesn’t have time to date you.”
Gu Ci nodded, giving it some thought. “As for Chen Rushi, you think he’s too old and has a complicated background. His little brother, on the other hand, seems quite appealing. He’s very handsome, and when he smiles, he has adorable dimples. I quite like him too.”
“Ji Chi? His waist is even slimmer than yours. He’s probably looking for a boyfriend too!” Lu Zhiyuan’s tone turned sour, like a lemon.
Gu Ci subtly glanced at Lu Zhiyuan. “You know Ji Chi?”
“Half of my wardrobe consists of high-end designs from Dragon Phoenix. Of course, I know them.”
Gu Ci gained some understanding. “So not Li Jiang or Ji Chi. Tell me then, who should I date?”
“Why must you get into a relationship?”
“I’m eighteen years old, young and beautiful. Why should I waste my time without being in a relationship?”
“You should focus on studying in school. Why bother with dating?”
Gu Ci asked, “Lu Zhiyuan, do you want to be my father?”
Lu Zhiyuan was left speechless.
“You don’t like me, and you get angry when others show interest in me.” Gu Ci spoke softly. “Lu Zhiyuan, I’m not your pet or your toy. If you don’t want me, it doesn’t mean others can’t want me either.”
The car came to a stop in front of the restaurant. Gu Ci got out of the car, and Lu Zhiyuan chased after her, his voice filled with anger. “Who dares to treat you like a pet or a toy? Don’t think that I’m not aware of what you’re trying to do!”
Gu Ci looked at him with a cold gaze, her eyes as icy as the winter. “Yes, I’ve fallen into an older man’s trap. I’ve been enticed by his sweet words. Older men can be gentle and chivalrous, considerate and polite. It’s normal for them to captivate young girls. After all, I am a young girl.”
“Chen Rushi is a scion of the Chen family, deeply rooted in M Nation. He’s now the second-in-command of the Blackhawk Group. He’s encountered countless beautiful women and is the most patient hunter. A man like him won’t fall in love at first sight with just anyone.” Lu Zhiyuan warned, his voice filled with urgency. “Wake up!”
Gu Ci responded lightly, “Lu Zhiyuan, who do you think you are?”