48. Recognition

It wasn't until the car entered the old Lu family residence that Pei Huan finally felt a flutter of nerves rising within her. Her hand tightened unconsciously, and sitting beside her, Lu Yinghuai easily noticed her unease, reaching over to grasp her hand in reassurance.

Pei Huan carried the gifts she had bought for Lu Yinghuai’s parents and grandparents, looping her arm through his as they walked inside together.

The Lu residence was a traditional Chinese courtyard, sprawling nearly a thousand square meters. Pei Huan found herself dizzy from the winding pavilions and corridors. Lu Yinghuai said, “If at any point you want to leave, just tell me—I’ll take you home.”

“Alright,” Pei Huan replied with a smile.

Their guide led them to a pavilion before excusing himself. There, Old Master Lu and Lu’s father sat at a stone table, a game of Go between them, neither speaking, seemingly oblivious to the presence of the two standing nearby.

Pei Huan and Lu Yinghuai waited patiently at their side. After what felt like an eternity, the game finally ended, and only then did the two men seem to take notice, glancing up.

Even though he had long since stepped down as the head of Minghan, Old Master Lu’s gaze still carried the weight and authority of a man used to command. Pei Huan felt a jolt in her heart beneath that look, but years of dealing with clients had taught her composure, and she maintained her poise.

“You’re here,” Old Master Lu’s voice was even, betraying no emotion.

“What is it?” Lu Yinghuai’s tone was equally cold.

At this, Old Master Lu’s expression darkened. “You rascal, can’t I call you over for no reason? You start dating and don’t even bother letting your family know—we had to find out from the news.”

Lu Yinghuai didn’t respond, his expression remaining distant. Old Master Lu hadn’t expected any answers anyway; he was already grateful enough that his grandson had agreed to return and take over the family business.

Of all his grandchildren, it was Lu Yinghuai whom he valued most. Unfortunately, the boy had shown little interest in the family enterprise from a young age, and there was no one else in the family who could match his abilities. Old Master Lu didn’t know what had changed his mind, but seeing him finally come around was a relief.

Old Master Lu’s gaze shifted to Pei Huan, his expression softening into a faint smile. “You must be Pei Huan?”

“Yes, Grandfather,” Pei Huan replied, her face graced with a gentle smile. She stepped forward, offering the gifts she held to both Old Master Lu and Lu’s father, her tone neither servile nor arrogant. “I was pressed for time, so the gifts are a little modest. I hope you and Father will accept them.”

Despite her words, Old Master Lu recognized from the packaging that Pei Huan had chosen with care. His gaze grew more approving, while Lu’s father remained impassive and silent.

“It’s very thoughtful of you,” Old Master Lu said with a smile.

His eyes drifted to Lu Yinghuai, who had barely looked away from Pei Huan since they arrived.

Old Master Lu then turned to Pei Huan and spoke calmly, “Come walk with me.”

Pei Huan was both surprised and flattered by the invitation, but she dared not refuse and nodded her assent.

At this, Lu Yinghuai’s demeanor cooled. “What do you want?”

Old Master Lu frowned. “I’m only going for a walk with her; I’m not going to eat her.”

Lu Yinghuai’s eyes lingered on his grandfather, but Pei Huan gave him a reassuring look, and only then did he relent.

After Pei Huan and Old Master Lu departed, only Lu Yinghuai and his father remained. Lu Yinghuai showed no intention of speaking to his father, instead sitting down in his grandfather’s seat and pulling out his phone to deal with company matters.

Across from him, his father studied him carefully.

Lu Yinghuai now carried the air of a decisive leader, sharp and merciless, his gaze colder than before. Yet, when he looked at that girl just now, the unguarded warmth in his expression stunned his father.

Had he really neglected Lu Yinghuai for so long? In the past, his relationship with his son had been all about control—any hint of defiance was met with scoldings or even beatings. Lu Yinghuai always suffered in silence, but after he left home, the tense atmosphere in the house gradually dissipated.

In retrospect, his own behavior seemed almost laughable.

“Lu Yinghuai,” his father finally called.

“Mm.” Lu Yinghuai’s reply was perfunctory.

“These years… have you been well?” his father asked.

Lu Yinghuai’s cold eyes fixed on him, and his words were even colder: “My affairs don’t concern you.”

His father was shaken by the chill in his son’s gaze.

He owed this child far too much, and now, it seemed, there was no way to make amends.

Meanwhile, Pei Huan strolled leisurely with Old Master Lu, their conversation light and inconsequential. At first, she was tense, but gradually relaxed, responding with increasing ease.

“So, what’s the story between you and Lu Yinghuai?” Old Master Lu asked.

“Between us?” Pei Huan’s tone was tinged with nostalgia. “It all began back in our school days.”

She gave only a brief account of their history, skipping over certain details, and recounted the twists of fate that brought them back together. Old Master Lu listened quietly, finally commenting, “I never imagined you two were so fated.”

“Indeed,” Pei Huan smiled, “I thought I’d never see Lu Yinghuai again.”

Old Master Lu’s gaze lingered on her face.

He had already investigated her. Her background was impressive—she’d been praised by teachers and classmates alike, had stood out even in university, and upon graduation had joined a Fortune 500 company, making a name for herself in her field. Those who’d worked with her all lauded her talent and capability.

By now, Pei Huan no longer feared his scrutiny, meeting his eyes with quiet confidence.

At first, Old Master Lu had his reservations about her, but now, in person, her natural confidence and poised, intellectual charm made him see her in a new light.

Such a woman was indeed worthy to be the Lu family’s daughter-in-law.

The atmosphere lightened considerably after that. Even though Pei Huan didn’t quite understand the shift, she maintained her pleasant composure.

When they returned, Lu Yinghuai immediately rose to meet her, his urgency plain to see. Watching from the side, Old Master Lu chuckled, “It’s rare to see you so anxious.”

Lu Yinghuai ignored him, studying Pei Huan until he was sure she was alright, and only then did he relax.

Dinner was held at the Lu residence, with nearly half the family present—all eager to see what kind of person Lu Yinghuai’s girlfriend was. After meeting her, their reactions varied, but Pei Huan paid them no mind, sitting quietly with Lu Yinghuai and sharing whispers.

Lu’s mother was also present. Pei Huan had encountered her many times before, and the woman’s threatening words still rang in her ears, but she nonetheless greeted her politely. Lu’s mother merely snorted and walked away.

“Don’t mind her,” Lu Yinghuai said.

After dinner, the two didn’t linger long and soon drove home.

“Your grandfather is rather adorable,” Pei Huan remarked with a smile.

Lu Yinghuai offered no comment. Having grown up apart from his family, he remembered Old Master Lu only as a stern and severe figure.

Pei Huan left it at that, not pressing the subject. Once home, after washing up, they shared their usual nightly intimacy before falling asleep. The next morning, Pei Huan awoke first.

She lay there for a while, watching Lu Yinghuai’s sleeping face. Ever since they’d moved in together, she cherished these quiet mornings, admiring his gentler, more pleasing features as he slept.

Lost in thought, she reached out, tracing the lines of his face with her fingers. Lu Yinghuai stirred under her touch, catching her restless hand, his voice hoarse: “You’re awake?”

“Mm,” she replied simply.

He looked down at her, and she gazed back at him. In the heat of their locked eyes, desire flickered in Lu Yinghuai’s mind. He no longer restrained himself, rolling over her and claiming her without a word.

After their passion was spent, Lu Yinghuai got up, satisfied, and went to wash up. Pei Huan, trying to stand, found her legs so weak she collapsed back onto the bed, staring at the bathroom door with regret, vowing never to tease him so early in the morning again.

Afterwards, he drove her to her office. They kissed goodbye, but as Pei Huan was about to get out, Lu Yinghuai called her back.

He took out a jewelry box, inside which lay a necklace. Before Pei Huan could ask, he explained, “I bought this abroad a long time ago. I thought it would suit you, and now I finally have the chance to give it to you.”

Pei Huan didn’t know just how long ago “a long time” was, but she was stunned at the sight of the necklace.

With gentle hands, Lu Yinghuai fastened it around her neck. “I meant to give this to you as soon as we got together, but I forgot.”

Pei Huan touched the pendant, still in a daze. Lu Yinghuai said, “You have to give me some reaction, or I’ll start doubting my taste.”

Though his tone was light, she could hear the underlying tension. She pressed a kiss to his lips, cupped his face, and looked into his eyes. “It’s beautiful.”

At such close range, Lu Yinghuai couldn’t resist and kissed her deeply. They lingered in the car for a long time, until she was nearly late for work before he let her go.

Waiting for the elevator, she ran into Tan Yan, who teased her about her slightly disheveled appearance, “Just finished canoodling with your boyfriend?”

Pei Huan shot her a glare, but it held no real threat. Tan Yan only laughed.

As the New Year approached, both were busy. Lu Yinghuai had to travel abroad for business for several days. Pei Huan, though reluctant, reminded him to stay safe and gave him a few instructions.

Staring at her phone’s screen, Pei Huan let out a long sigh.

It seemed that having a boyfriend who was too busy wasn’t necessarily a good thing, after all.