Volume One, Chapter Thirteen: Stepping Forward to Defuse the Crisis

Shen Du remained expressionless, as if untouched by any emotion, yet his gaze fixed deeply on Lin Zhiyu. Before he could speak, someone appeared and forcefully pushed Lin Zhiyu aside. Caught off guard, she staggered back two steps, nearly falling to the ground. But upon recognizing the newcomer, she gave a faint, knowing smile.

“Uncle Lu, so it’s you.”

Mr. and Mrs. Lu had originally come to visit Lin Yihuan, who was hospitalized, but unexpectedly witnessed their son being assaulted right at the hospital entrance. Mr. Lu, who had always doted on his only child, angrily shoved Lin Zhiyu. Mrs. Lu glanced at the swollen red handprint on Lu Zhaochuan’s palm with some sympathy but said nothing further.

Three years apart had left Lin Zhiyu noticeably thinner, as if a gust of wind might topple her. “Zhiyu, why do you look so pale? Did you two quarrel? If there’s anything, talk it over properly; why must it come to this? Auntie feels heartbroken just watching.” Mrs. Lu had always cared for Lin Zhiyu and had once prepared many gifts when the two children’s marriage was imminent. Later, when unforeseen events occurred, if not for her and Lu Zhaochuan’s strong efforts to suppress the situation, given Mr. Lu’s temperament, the engagement might have already been called off.

But since the two children truly loved each other, Mrs. Lu found it hard to give up, which was why the matter dragged on for so long. She comforted Lin Zhiyu by gently patting the back of her hand, her eyes reddening with concern. “My dear child, you’ve suffered these years.”

Lin Zhiyu frowned deeply. Though she said nothing, her eyes betrayed a nearly shattering sorrow as they met Mrs. Lu’s gaze. She had never imagined that after leaving the laboratory, the first person to sincerely care for her would be Auntie Lu. How ironic. Lin Zhiyu and Auntie Lu rarely met and shared little affection between them. Yet now, Auntie Lu was moved to tears out of pity for her. Meanwhile, those she valued most—her family and her beloved—turned a blind eye to her pain at such a time.

Just as Lin Zhiyu was about to speak, Mr. Lu abruptly pulled Mrs. Lu back to his side. His expression turned grave, tinged with disdain as he scrutinized Lin Zhiyu. “Zhiyu, I must say, a girl should behave like a girl. Moreover, you represent the Lin family when you go out. How could you publicly strike your fiancé in front of so many people? What kind of conduct is this?”

“I am no longer a member of the Lin family,” Lin Zhiyu said calmly, without changing her expression. She knew that once Uncle Lu learned of her true identity, he opposed her relationship with Lu Zhaochuan. So now, she was merely going along with his wishes.

“The Lin family is strict in its upbringing. Even Huanhuan, who returned to the Lin household not long ago, blossomed into a graceful young lady, polite and obedient to her elders. Yet how did we end up raising a rebellious character like you? Zhiyu, I mean no offense, but it seems you were never meant to be part of the Lin family. No matter how many years you spend here, you cannot change your stubborn temper!”

Mr. Lu spoke with heavy seriousness, heedless of whether his words would wound Lin Zhiyu. After all, he did not desire such a daughter-in-law—it was disgraceful!

Lin Zhiyu straightened up and met Mr. Lu’s gaze without flinching. “In that case, since both uncle and aunt are here today, I will speak plainly. I am no longer the Lin family’s daughter. Naturally, I cannot honor the marriage with Lu Zhaochuan. I ask you to witness this: from now on, we are severed completely, with no ties whatsoever.”

Her tone was solemn and sincere, devoid of jest or threat. To her, this so-called engagement had never been a bargaining chip but rather a burden. If it could be resolved quickly, all the better.

“Zhiyu, what nonsense are you talking about? You and Chuan have grown up together. How can years of affection be ended just like that? Auntie knows you’re hurt by what happened and feels sorry for you. When you marry into our family, Auntie will make it up to you properly.” Tears streamed down Mrs. Lu’s cheeks as she trembled while holding Lin Zhiyu’s hand.

“Please be reasonable. Talk things through with Chuan. If there are any problems, our family will resolve them together. You mustn’t speak like this again, do you understand?”

“What’s there to discuss with her? She’s the one who said she wants to break the engagement. It’s because she’s proud and looks down on us Lu family. Why chase after her? Come here!” Mr. Lu, clearly angry, pulled Mrs. Lu to his side, silencing her.

He nodded slightly and fixed his serious gaze on Lin Zhiyu. “Don’t blame me for speaking frankly. When you were still the Lin family’s daughter, we treated you well. Now that you have lost that status and have voluntarily asked to end the engagement, I won’t waste words. I will arrange for a sum of money as compensation. From now on, you and my son are strangers.”

“No need for the money,” Lin Zhiyu replied calmly. With that, she turned to leave.

After just a few steps, Lu Zhaochuan suddenly grasped her wrist. “Lin Zhiyu, I told you before, I don’t agree to break the engagement. No matter what you say or who you tell, you are still my fiancée! Let’s find somewhere private to talk.”

Before she could respond, he forcibly pulled her toward the exit, intent on getting her into a car. A crowd had gathered outside the hospital, and he was mindful of his reputation.

“Let go of me, Lu Zhaochuan! We’ve made things clear. Let go!” Lin Zhiyu struggled, but his strength was overwhelming.

Just as they stepped out of the hospital entrance, a black car suddenly screeched to a halt before them, stopping only a step away. Lu Zhaochuan braked abruptly, irritation flashing across his face. He was about to speak when the car door swung open.

Fang Li didn’t even glance at Lu Zhaochuan, instead smiling at Lin Zhiyu. “Miss Lin, our boss wishes to speak with you. Please come with me.”

Lu Zhaochuan was momentarily stunned by the commanding aura emanating from the man, unable to retort. Seizing the chance, Lin Zhiyu withdrew her hand firmly and, with a grateful nod toward Fang Li, climbed into the car without looking back.

Fang Li closed the door behind her and settled into the driver’s seat. The vehicle sped away, leaving Lu Zhaochuan standing dumbfounded, his gaze fixed on the retreating license plate as he sank into thought.