Chapter 86: Lu Mingchao’s Mischievous Schemes

Chapter 86: Lu Mingchao's Mischievous Schemes

The carriage was surrounded by soft and thick fur cushions, with multiple layers of brocade and cotton meticulously sewn on the surface. Even without the warmth of a charcoal brazier, there was no hint of coldness.

This small space was both comfortable and relatively private.

By lowering their voices slightly, their conversation would not be overheard by the coachman.

"Chaochao, Xu Qingxing isn’t a bad person at heart..." Lu Yao held a warm heating pad, leaning against the thick cushion, speaking in a soft, distant tone.

Lu Mingchao responded gently, "Not a bad person, but he’s not great at judging character, keeps bad company, and doesn’t think clearly."

"I thought Second Brother had some issues with him, but I didn’t expect you to be defending him."

Lu Mingchao lounged lazily against her shoulder, her voice carrying a faint smile.

Lu Yao raised an eyebrow, "You’ve got him pretty well figured out. If he knew, he might even consider you a confidant."

"He would never admit to hearing hard truths," Lu Mingchao retorted with a hint of annoyance.

In the comfortable carriage, Lu Mingchao gradually relaxed, her demeanor becoming more natural, with a rare relaxed look on her face.

Xie Yan reached out and tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, "But he would accept Second Brother’s goodwill."

"If Second Brother is willing to make a move, it’s not impossible for him to surpass others later."

Lu Mingchao blinked, teasing, "Sounds like there’s more to this story."

"Just classmates, not close ones," Lu Yao replied, fiddling with the small heating pad in his palm, his tone indifferent.

Lu Mingchao smiled without saying more.

The carriage moved further away, leaving the territory of the Xu residence.

Lu Mingchao sat inside, idly stroking her smooth chin, a faint smile playing on her lips. Her eyes blinked occasionally, sometimes staring ahead as if deep in thought.

However, mischievous ideas bubbled up in her mind like a little spring, quickly forming a stream of thoughts that wouldn’t stop.

"I’ve got a little idea," Lu Mingchao sat up straight, her gaze sweeping over Xie Yan and Lu Yao.

Lu Yao said bluntly, "Are you sure it’s only a little idea?"

"Not something bad, right?"

"Well, it’s quite small. Most people wouldn’t even catch it," Lu Mingchao declared confidently.

Xie Yan chimed in, "It’s only fair to return the favor. A bigger idea might not be a bad thing."

Lu Yao glanced sideways at Xie Yan, noticing a hint of infatuation messing with his judgment.

"Xie Yan!" Lu Yao quietly reminded him.

He knew Xie Yan had grand ambitions, but before he’s ready to spread his wings, it was best to remain hidden.

Xie Yan replied softly, "Small moves won’t get their attention."

Lu Yao thought about it and nodded, seeing the logic.

Lu Mingchao frowned, her suspicious eyes darting between Xie Yan and Lu Yao, "You two are hiding more and more from me."

"Tsk, I feel like I'm totally out of place here."

Xie Yan: "You're not."

Lu Yao: "Cut the act."

Lu Mingchao pouted: "What a buzzkill."

"So, what's your little idea?" Lu Yao got back to the main topic.

He worried Mingchao might get so caught up she'd forget the main point.

No doubt, it's totally possible.

Hearing this, Lu Mingchao straightened up, placed a hand on each of their heads, and the three huddled together, whispering for a moment.

Xie Yan and Lu Yao's expressions grew increasingly odd.

They looked both awestruck and a bit horrified.

When Xie Yan and Lu Yao didn't react, the enthusiastic Lu Mingchao suddenly doubted herself.

"Is it not doable?" Lu Mingchao frowned slightly, lacking confidence.

"Okay, maybe I oversimplified it. Let me come up with another idea."

Lu Mingchao's face fell in disappointment.

She thought it was a killer move, but Xie Yan and Lu Yao weren't impressed.

The hero is defeated before the battle even begins, leaving him in tears.

"Where did you learn about this weird stuff?" Lu Yao was the first to speak.

Lu Mingchao listlessly replied: "I picked it up from some random books."

"If those books are right, it could work!" Xie Yan said decisively.

Lu Mingchao's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Xie Yan continued: "We keep reacting passively. Even though we're holding our own, it's still annoying."

"If this plan works, the Sun's family will take a serious hit."

"Businessmen are superstitious about mysterious stuff."

"If this gets out, anyone doing business with the Sun's family will play it safe, better to believe than not."

"Everyone wants good luck, right? Who'd risk bad luck?"

"This plan pulls the rug out from under them."

"Mingchao, you're really sharp."

"Let's swing by the house near Qingyun Academy. I'll fill Uncle Chen in, and he'll handle the arrangements."

Lu Mingchao thought of the old, disabled man and blurted, "Is that old guy the Sweeping Monk?"

"Sweeping Monk?" Xie Yan looked confused.

Lu Mingchao succinctly explained, "Looks ordinary, but actually, it's a mystery."

"Has a lot of smarts, but keeps it under wraps."

Xie Yan: ...

"Kind of," Xie Yan replied flatly.

"I'll leave it to you, Second Brother, to come up with a reason to swing by Qingyun Academy."

Lu Yao nodded, cracking the door open, "I forgot some books at Qingyun Academy. Mind taking me there first, driver?"

The wind was biting cold. Lu Yao thought for a moment and took out twenty copper coins to hand over.

Driving on a day this cold was no joke.

The Xu household's monthly pay was one thing, but these twenty coins were a bonus for the detour.

The driver pocketed the coins with a grin and nodded.

As the carriage door closed, a gust of cold wind snuck in, making Lu Mingchao shiver and her nose itch.

Lu Mingchao knew it wasn't just the cold—it was the fallout from her icy plunge.

Honestly, she didn’t expect both her and Qu Ying to break through the ice—it was a real shock.

Lu Mingchao rubbed her nose and silently leaned against Xie Yan’s shoulder.

The snowy streets were nearly empty. The carriage passed through several streets and stopped outside Qingyun Academy.

Xie Yan and Lu Yao stepped out, climbed the stairs, and went into Qingyun Academy.

Lu Mingchao, sensing a cold coming on, stayed put in the carriage.

They were back in no time, Lu Yao clutching a few books.

Lu Mingchao wondered if Xie Yan had scaled the walls.

"Thanks for the ride, driver," Xie Yan and Lu Yao said again.

A chill followed them in, and Lu Mingchao sneezed.

Xie Yan reached over, touching her forehead, "Maybe we should swing by..."

Before he could finish, Lu Mingchao cut in, "I’ve got the right meds, don’t worry."

"No need to drag this out with a doctor."

"If we take too long, the driver’ll be driving back in the dark."

Lu Yao handed her a cup of hot water, "If Mom knew you were pushed into the lake, she’d be beside herself."

Ever since Mom found out about Mingchao’s childhood cold affecting her fertility, she’s been sighing more, her hair graying faster.

"The engagement’s over."