After dinner, it was already nine in the evening, and the sky had completely darkened.
The night sky was painted black, not a single star in sight. The streetlights along the community's luxury car lane were, however, one after another, brightly shining.
The roses fell silent in the brief night, and the cold evening wind stung the face like needles.
Cheng Buxi used the excuse that she had an early class tomorrow and needed to return to school. The two elders didn't insist, but they insisted on arranging a driver.
But Lu Tingzhou said, "I'll take her."
He hadn't had a drop of alcohol earlier; turns out he was waiting for this moment.
Cheng Buxi's face couldn't maintain its composure, but she was no match for him. Saying more would only make her seem ungrateful, so she had to comply.
-
Lu Tingzhou drove the Audi A8 from the garage, in a foil silver color.
It wasn't a mainstream model; back then, this car was a scarce resource that required advance booking, and without at least half a year, you couldn't get your hands on it. Standard executive four-seater, all-black interior, with a refrigerator, a small folding table, and a fully heated massage seat. It was also more compact compared to the large Land Rover's cabin.
Cheng Buxi watched as he bent down into the driver's seat, only then realizing that he would be driving this journey himself. Her brain felt numb, and she didn't know what had gotten into him.
With drooping eyes, she tried to open the rear door, only to find it locked. Confused, she looked toward the front, and at the same time, the passenger door swung open.
The autumn wind was bleak. After the rain had stopped, the ground was wet in large patches. She was wearing the black Arc'teryx thin jacket given by Lu Siyu, standing prettily by the car. This move made it clear that she was meant to sit in the front passenger seat.
"Get in." His face was sharp and angular, his voice blurred and distant by the night.
Uncle and Auntie Lu were still standing in front of the courtyard, their faces wearing satisfied and loving smiles. Cheng Buxi struggled for a moment, but finally obediently slipped into the passenger seat.
As soon as she entered, she was enveloped by warm air. The air conditioning had been on for at least half an hour, and the seat could massage and heat up, enough to soothe her tense body like a professional masseuse.
But, accompanying a ruler was like accompanying a tiger—the effect on Cheng Buxi was minimal.
-
Lu Tingzhou's white shirt collar was open, his collarbone protruding sharply, forming a sexy horizontal line. His back was much more relaxed than before at home, and his casual side profile in the dimly lit car added a touch of inscrutability.
Cheng Buxi subconsciously pressed her legs and feet toward the door, trying to stay as far from him as possible. The car was a confined space, and with just the two of them alone, almost every nerve in her body was on edge.
After saying goodbye to the elders, "Seatbelt," he suddenly said.
Cheng Buxi was startled. She fumbled around but couldn't find the seatbelt. Having eaten a bit too much, blood rushed to her face, and soon even her ears were bright red. While she was flustered, his body had already leaned over.
The intense masculine aura was like a sky-covering fog, enveloping her heavily.
"So careless. Who was this car originally bought for?" He taunted.
Cheng Buxi's face alternated between pale and red, her body tensing up even more. So close, his breath almost sprayed into her ear. Yes, this car was a gift from Uncle Lu during the summer vacation after she graduated high school, upon learning she had gotten her driver's license. But because of school, it had been left idle at home, never driven.
In a brief silence, "Brother, do you want to drive?" she asked tentatively, shrinking her neck.
Lu Tingzhou was silent for a moment: "This is your thing."
The implication was that tonight he was just setting an example for her. From now on, wherever she went or whenever she needed a car, she wouldn't have to rely on unrelated people.
Director Shen, far away at home: ? So I'm the unrelated one.
Cheng Buxi: "..." She blinked but didn't speak.
After the seatbelt was buckled, "Why did you take it off?"
Noticing her empty wrist, Lu Tingzhou's otherwise neat brows rose, and he became even more rakish.
Cheng Buxi's expression changed. She subconsciously covered her wrist and turned her head away, whispering, "It's too valuable... not good to wear to school."
He nodded noncommittally, his tone flat: "Mm, so when Lu Siyu gives you something, you wear it every day."
Cheng Buxi: "..."
What kind of talk is this? A strange competitive spirit, and a hint of jealousy.
-
The car drove out of the mansion. Lu Tingzhou's phone vibrated twice—a WeChat message from Lu Siyu. The content was a screenshot of a chat window.
Taking advantage of the green light, he opened the screenshot. It was a private message from Cheng Buxi two hours earlier. At that time, she still didn't know who gave the gift and assumed it was from her second sister, so she had written a grateful message:
TvToee [Thank you Sister Siyu for the watch!!! Love it so much (heart) (fist)]
After silently reading this sentence, Lu Tingzhou felt a sense of powerlessness, like punching cotton.
Two months ago, he went on a business trip to the Middle East, flying first class on an A380. During a layover in Europe, he happened to notice this watch at the airport's duty-free shop, displayed quietly behind the glass case.
The dial was a beautiful, clear mint green. Almost simultaneously, it reminded him of the emerald hot springs in midsummer, the lush cherry trees in the courtyard, and the sea of roses covering an entire street. And, of course, it didn't lack a pair of clear, bright eyes.
Those eyes belonged to his younger sister at home.
Without any hesitation, he bought it on the spot.
When the salesperson saw a big spender, they seized the opportunity to ask if he wanted a diamond-studded model. Since he would have to wait either way, Lu Tingzhou simply swiped his card.
As Mrs. Lu said, the bow on the velvet gift box was tied by his own hands, and he personally placed the gift by her bedside in her bedroom. She was generous with her words, lively, assuming it was from her second sister at home, flattering and ingratiating. In contrast, his own chat window with her was clean and empty.
Even when the truth was revealed, she simply chose to take off the watch rather than say another word to him.
He couldn't help but lament again: the little sister Xiaoxi from before was truly gone—
But then again, was this strong emotional plea asking for his sister's forgiveness? Or begging for her gratitude? He couldn't tell anymore.