"How good can it be? If they really wanted to earn money, they could check out the tutoring market for college students—especially top-tier schools like A University..."
After hanging up, Jian Ran stood still for a long time, replaying Jiang Man's last words.
Her rationality told her it was impossible. Chu Lulin was an A University student with a bright future; there was no need...
But then, as if struck by a thought, Jian Ran lifted her head in disbelief and looked at the private club across the street.
---
On the club side, Lu Lan walked arm-in-arm with Chu Lulin up to the third floor. She appeared calm on the surface, but her grip was tight.
She had finally managed to trick him out today, and she couldn't let him slip away at the last moment.
As they stepped out of the elevator, Chu Lulin finally managed to free his arm and shoved his hand into his trouser pocket. "I'll walk by myself."
Lu Lan glared at him. "Brat, is it that hard to accompany your aunt to a business dinner?"
Chu Lulin shot her a glance and said nothing, but his expression said it all.
Lu Lan clicked her tongue and reached out to twist his ear like she used to when he was a kid, but the height difference was too large now, and Chu Lulin easily sidestepped her.
"Don't be ungrateful. I heard from your mom that you want to stay in Jing City after graduation, so this is perfect—you can take over our family's branch here. I'm just bringing you out early to meet people."
Chu Lulin kept his hand in his pocket, replying lazily, "I have my own plans. I won't take over the family company right after graduation."
Lu Lan didn't seem surprised and just snorted, but didn't say more.
She knew her nephew had been independent since childhood; even his parents couldn't control him. She'd just be wasting her breath.
So she dropped it. "Fine, fine. Even if you have your own plans, that doesn't stop me from showing off my nephew."
Lu Lan was a firm believer in not marrying. At her age, with no husband or kids, when everyone around her showed off their children, she had to show off her nieces and nephews.
As if she didn't have any kids.
"Let me tell you, I've already bragged about you. Once we're inside, behave well. Otherwise, you'll answer to me when we get back." She raised her fist in warning.
Chu Lulin remained indifferent, not giving any indication of whether he was listening. He had that distant look—maybe he heard, maybe he had already decided to go against her wishes.
"Wouldn't it be better to show off your niece? She's a star."
Lu Lan spread her hands matter-of-factly. "Chuchu is Chuchu, and you are you. I have to show off both. No conflict."
Chu Lulin knew there was no escape today. He sighed softly. "Are we going or not?"
"Let's go!"
Lu Lan replied readily, but after two steps, she suddenly thought of something and turned to Chu Lulin. "Maybe you could act a bit more obedient once we're inside?"
Chu Lulin paused, turning his head to look at her with an unreadable expression.
Lu Lan was baffled by his look but didn't dwell on it. "I mean, don't always have that cold face. It's a shame you have those dimples. Smile more, be more agreeable."
But even as she said it, she realized it was a tall order. "Forget it. 'Obedient' has never been in your vocabulary."
She gave up. He couldn't fake it even for a moment.
And she knew full well he couldn't even fake it for a second.
Chu Lulin snorted at that, and for some reason, turned around to leave.
Lu Lan yelped and quickly grabbed him, pushing him towards the private room.
This brat was so hard to handle. It had taken her a huge effort to get him here, and if she missed this chance, it would be even harder next time.
Dreading the upcoming socializing, Chu Lulin's expression flickered with impatience, but he resigned himself to being pushed into the room.
As the door opened, everyone inside looked over.
"Oh, Manager Lu brought someone today."
"A new face. Manager Lu has great taste—this young man is even more striking than the last one."
"Looks young. Is he of age? Where did you find him? Introduce him to us..."
The room was mostly Lu Lan's business associates. They regularly met to maintain connections, and sometimes brought their kids along.
But since Lu Lan was unmarried and single, everyone naturally assumed this handsome young man was her new lover.
After all, it wasn't uncommon in their circle.
Chu Lulin coldly turned to Lu Lan, his expression clearly saying, 'This is how you want to show me off?'
Lu Lan facepalmed. She should have warned them beforehand, so they wouldn't be so casual.
She quickly gestured for them to stop. "Don't make assumptions. This is my nephew, Chu Lulin."
Then she turned to Chu Lulin, signaling him to greet them.
Chu Lulin nodded slightly. "Hello, everyone."
They paused, but as seasoned businesspeople, they quickly composed themselves. Their lecherous expressions instantly shifted to friendly, benevolent ones befitting a senior to a junior.
Lu Lan smiled. "I brought him today to make his debut. Please take care of him in the future."
Everyone readily agreed. But one person asked curiously, "Manager Lu, is he your nephew from your side or your sister's?"
"My nephew," Lu Lan replied, knowing what they were puzzled about. "He takes his mother's surname. My elder sister's family only had her as an only child, and someone had to inherit the family business. So when my brother got married, they agreed that regardless of gender, the first child would take the surname Lu, and the second would take Chu."