Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Lu Tingchao didn’t bring many clothes with him when he came, mainly because he was exceptionally lazy. Whenever he moved, he usually only bought what he needed once he’d settled in.

In the beginning, Zhuang Ji personally bought things for him. Later, Zhuang Ji arranged for luxury endorsers to send him items directly. Then, when he moved again, Mo Lingnan took over the shopping—

This time, when coming to Hong Kong, Lu Tingchao had originally planned to buy his own clothes.

But when he went upstairs to change, he discovered that the entire walk-in closet was already fully stocked with outfits.

Surprisingly, they matched his style well.

As Lu Tingchao slowly tugged on his clothes and made his way downstairs, Kim had already finished reporting everything to Fei Yuncheng and was standing to the side, respectfully with bowed head: "Young Master Lu."

"Hey…"

Lu Tingchao took a step back and waved his hand. "No, no, no 'Young Master.' The Lu family fell apart years ago. Just call me by my name."

Kim smiled politely at him and brought over the coffee. "I wasn’t sure of Young Master Lu’s preferences. I’ll make sure to adjust next time. Please, enjoy your meal."

Lu Tingchao glanced at the table and grunted in acknowledgment.

Even though they were in Hong Kong, the Fei family’s breakfast was surprisingly very Chinese-style.

The table was spread with steaming crab roe xiaolongbao and Cantonese dim sum, along with Lu Tingchao’s favorites: black bean phoenix claws and crystal shrimp dumplings. The dumpling wrappers were translucent, faintly revealing plump shrimp inside.

Lu Tingchao immediately sat down at the table. "Daddy, can you bring Lu Doudou down?"

Kim: "…"

A look of shock flashed across Kim’s face, but he quickly composed himself and turned away, reassuming his professional composure. "Boss, shall I go upstairs to fetch Dou—"

"No need, I’ll go."

Fei Yuncheng waved his hand, cutting him off.

Kim was even more stunned.

But Fei Yuncheng was already heading upstairs.

Though no longer young, from behind, he wore only a loose sleep robe, and his movements revealed solid shoulders and a firm back—a kind of resolute and decisive demeanor that spoke of a maturity and steadiness not often seen in younger men.

Kim watched as he steadily climbed the steps, turned into the long hallway, and passed several invaluable paintings hanging along the corridor. He knocked on the door like an elder or another parent of the child.

It was a scene never before witnessed in this mansion.

For a moment, Kim was too shocked to speak. He instinctively looked toward the one who had caused all these changes, only to find that Lu Tingchao had already picked up his chopsticks and was picking at the dishes on the table. He showed no intention of waiting for Fei Yuncheng or for Lu Doudou to come down.

Every second, every inch of this person exuded the demeanor of someone thoroughly pampered.

So much so that he was capricious and bold, as if he had an innate, ingrained fearlessness.

Yet, like the alluring scent of decadent flowers, he was irresistibly captivating.

It was quiet upstairs for a while. By the time Lu Tingchao had tried a bit from every dish on the table, noise finally came from the staircase again.

Kim looked up and saw Fei Yuncheng holding Lu Doudou’s hand, descending from the second floor unhurriedly.

Their voices drifted down from the stairs.

"What did you think of the book you just finished?"

Fei Yuncheng asked.

Lu Doudou’s fair little face was expressionless: "Stick to your goals and don’t waver."

Fei Yuncheng nodded and said: "Exactly."

Fei Yuncheng: "What’s your goal, Doudou?"

Fei Yuncheng was tall and slender, standing nearly six foot three, making Lu Doudou appear small and delicate beside him.

Yet, as the two of them—one big, one small—walked downstairs together, they looked surprisingly harmonious.

Lu Doudou’s soft, gentle voice came from the staircase: "To become a very, very amazing person."

Lu Doudou added: "And to raise Chao Chao."

The gazes of the two, one large and one small, simultaneously crossed the stairs and landed on the person downstairs who was clattering away.

Lu Tingchao had never been seriously taught table manners since childhood. Unlike the rigid expectations of many in high society, he ate freely, like a little hamster stuffing a large crystal shrimp dumpling into his mouth before gulping it down with happy munching sounds, looking very satisfied.

"That should be my responsibility."

Fei Yuncheng bent down slightly, effortlessly scooped up Lu Doudou easily, and said with a smile, "Little Doudou, you should have bigger ambitions."

Lu Doudou, still young, was too young to fully understand: "Then why are you responsible for raising Chao Chao?"

"That’s a secret."

Fei Yuncheng ruffled Lu Doudou’s hair. "I’ll tell you when you’re older."

They reached the bottom of the stairs.

As if remembering something, Fei Yuncheng casually asked: "By the way, when we were at that uncle’s house before, what did you call him?"

Lu Doudou asked, "Which uncle?"

Fei Yuncheng fell silent.

Lu Doudou: "Uncle Mo?"

Fei Yuncheng raised an eyebrow: "Mm, Mo Lingnan."

Lu Doudou blinked his eyes, which looked strikingly similar to Lu Tingchao’s: "I used to call him Daddy Mo."

After thinking for a moment, Lu Doudou lifted his little face and asked Fei Yuncheng: "Should I call you Daddy as well?"

"No."

Fei Yuncheng booped Lu Doudou’s nose. "Call me Devin."

Lu Doudou was easygoing and quickly accepted the new name. After a moment in Fei Yuncheng’s arms, he asked: "Devin, are you richer than Daddy Mo?"

Fei Yuncheng asked with amusement: "Why do you ask?"

Lu Doudou: "Because I want to find someone really rich to raise Chao Chao. He’s very picky—he didn’t want Daddy Mo, so he chose you instead. *You must be better than Daddy Mo, right?*"

Money and power are a man’s second face.

Fei Yuncheng had started from nothing and had been flattered countless times already, yet it seemed no words had ever felt as comforting as Lu Doudou's.

That's right.

He was richer, more powerful—

He was more deserving of having Lu Tingchao.

Fei Yuncheng curled his lips into a smile: "Of course."

The adult and the child walked through the living room and stopped at the dining area.

Fei Yuncheng placed Lu Doudou in the child seat opposite Lu Tingchao, then gently tapped his forehead: "Doudou sweetheart, I will give Chao Chao the grandest banquet this city has seen in years. From then on, the best of everything in this city, Chao Chao will have it, and so will you."

"Education, wealth, interests."

Fei Yuncheng's coffee was a straight hot Americano, its bitter aroma, infused with the subtle fragrance of premium coffee beans, wafting through the air. "Chao Chao, what do you think?"

Lu Tingchao paused mid-bite of his egg tart: "Huh?"

Lu Tingchao looked very sincere, even a bit guilty: "Sorry, I didn’t quite catch that..."

Fei Yuncheng fell silent.

"It's fine."

Fei Yuncheng laughed, looking across the table at Lu Tingchao. "Chao Chao, has anyone ever told you how adorable you are?"

Lu Tingchao, who had originally just been trying to muddle through: "..."

A mouthful of egg tart stuck, neither going up nor down.

It took several seconds before Lu Tingchao managed with difficulty to swallow the pastry. After a moment's thought: "So, did I charm you too?"

Fei Yuncheng: "Of course."

Fei Yuncheng reached out and wiped the crumbs from the corner of Lu Tingchao’s mouth, his fingertips subtly brushing over the soft lips: "I'm very fond of you."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Lu Tingchao’s posture stiffened almost imperceptibly. For a second, he thought to turn away, but then wondered if that would seem too deliberate. After a dazed moment, he realized Fei Yuncheng had already withdrawn his hand.

Fei Yuncheng said: "Shall we take Chao Chao to preschool later?"

Lu Tingchao was taken aback: "Preschool?"

"Yes."

Fei Yuncheng spoke gently. "The elite school system here offers a more diverse curriculum and relatively longer hours. To help children adapt to future demands and lifestyles, if you agree, Doudou can start preschool at three."

Lu Tingchao was somewhat shocked: "Is Western education this intense too?"

Fei Yuncheng replied: "Are you referring to 'happy education'? Chao Chao, that’s just something they use abroad to fool the poor. Doudou is very talented, and he has his own responsibilities."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

The academically challenged Lu Tingchao silently glanced at his child, uncertain, and poked at his plate: "...Doudou, do you want to go to kindergarten?"

Though he had a rather unreliable father in Lu Tingchao, Lu Doudou’s table manners were surprisingly well-taught under Mo Lingnan’s guidance.

He set down his small spoon, wiped his mouth neatly with his bib, and then asked Lu Tingchao softly: "Will I learn things there that I don’t understand now?"

Lu Tingchao looked bewildered and echoed just as softly: "Not sure, I’ve never been either."

Lu Doudou: "..."

Fei Yuncheng gave Lu Doudou’s head a pat: "Yes. The teachers there have high qualifications and will teach Doudou many new things. You’ll also make new friends. Would you like to go, Doudou?"

"Alright then."

Lu Doudou reluctantly nodded, then asked with a hint of anticipation, "Chao Chao, will you pick me up every day?"

Lu Tingchao: "...Huh."

Fei Yuncheng laughed and picked up Lu Doudou: "Probably not in the morning; your Chao Chao daddy can’t wake up that early. But in the afternoon, I’ll bring Chao Chao to pick up our dear Doudou. How does that sound?"

Only then did Lu Doudou breathe a satisfied sigh of relief, looking approvingly at Fei Yuncheng: "Uncle Devin, you’re so nice. I approve of you providing for Chao Chao."

Lu Tingchao: "...Lu Doudou!"

Fei Yuncheng raised an eyebrow: "Then should I thank Mr. Doudou for his approval? Well, Mr. Doudou, would you like a reward?"

Perhaps his experience with two children wasn’t for nothing; Fei Yuncheng clearly knew how to handle children better than Mo Lingnan and got along with Lu Doudou more easily and naturally.

Lu Tingchao, having finished his meal, set down his chopsticks, propped his chin, and chimed in: "Doudou, just say you want a building."

Doudou was shocked.

His big eyes turned to Lu Tingchao, mouth agape: "A building?"

Lu Tingchao, never one to shy away from stirring trouble, clapped: "Yes, just say you want a tall, brand-new building, and have Uncle Devin give it to you."

Lu Doudou blinked and blinked, ultimately not quite as thick-skinned as Lu Tingchao: "Uncle Devin, you should buy it for Chao Chao instead... he likes these things."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Fei Yuncheng finally burst into laughter. He lifted Lu Doudou onto his firm, muscular forearm and looked over at Lu Tingchao: "Chao Chao, see, Doudou knows you well."

Lu Tingchao wasn’t embarrassed even when exposed; or perhaps he simply seldom understood what embarrassment meant.

Lu Tingchao sprawled across the table, lazily lifting his eyelids: "So what? Taking care of me is expensive anyway. I want to live in a golden house."

Fei Yuncheng, carrying Lu Doudou, walked around the table and sat down beside Lu Tingchao: "Okay."

Lu Tingchao was stunned: "???"

Fei Yuncheng: "Then a golden house it is. The design team for Weijing Manor will bring over new blueprints tonight. I’ll have them cover the exterior walls in gold leaf. Does Chao Chao like that?"

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Still.

Though he had heard countless times about the Fei family’s wealth, Lu Tingchao was still shocked by Fei Yuncheng’s casual remark.

He stared blankly for a moment: "...All the exterior walls?"

Fei Yuncheng said: "The roof can be done too. Gold leaf on the interior walls might not look very nice, but what about other gold decorations?"

Lu Tingchao: "...Will it still be called Weijing Manor then?"

Fei Yuncheng: "Chao Chao could also give him a new name."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Lu Tingchao looked up at Fei Yuncheng, unsure of what to say, and warily closed his mouth like a little animal.

He felt a sense of danger.

But he didn’t seem to know where the danger lay.

Lu Tingchao sat up from his chair: "Forget it, making one out of gold seems too dangerous. Weren’t you going to take me out? Should we go now?"

Fei Yuncheng nodded: "First, let’s take Lu Doudou over. Everything is ready over there."

Lu Tingchao stepped forward: "Shall we go then?"

"Okay."

Fei Yuncheng reached out and took hold of Lu Tingchao’s wrist.

At that moment, Lu Tingchao noticed how long Fei Yuncheng’s fingers were—they could wrap around his entire forearm.

Fei Yuncheng pulled out a string of bodhi prayer beads from somewhere, holding Lu Doudou with one arm while slipping the beads onto Lu Tingchao’s left wrist with the other hand: "Wear this."

Lu Tingchao instinctively lifted his wrist to examine it: "...It looks a bit like the one you gave me back in North City."

"They were made from the same original piece of wood. There are two strings in total."

Fei Yuncheng let go of his wrist and subtly took hold of his hand instead. "The one I gave you before—you lost it, didn’t you?"

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Lu Tingchao guiltily averted his gaze, also forgetting that Fei Yuncheng was holding his hand: "I forgot."

Fei Yuncheng’s deep, penetrating gaze settled on him, carrying a hint of predation and hunger.

But his voice remained calm: "It’s alright."

Fei Yuncheng said: "Since that one is lost, take good care of this one. It’s the last strand in the Fei family."

Lu Tingchao was curious: "Is it very valuable?"

"Not exactly."

Fei Yuncheng led him outside, where A Zhi was already waiting outside the door.

This time, although there wasn’t a lineup of five cars, three were still parked nearby—not the previous Rolls-Royces, but new models, looking more low-profile.

A Zhi and several other bodyguards opened the car doors.

Fei Yuncheng first secured Lu Doudou in the child seat, then got into the car with Lu Tingchao.

Fei Yuncheng’s hand trailed slowly from Lu Tingchao’s fingertips upward, brushing over his overly pale wrist bone, rubbing it lightly for a moment before tapping the bodhi beads wrapped around Lu Tingchao’s wrist.

"This is made from wood struck by lightning, and it bears my personal seal."

Fei Yuncheng rotated the beads around Lu Tingchao’s wrist. "The social environment here is a bit different from North City. When you’re out alone, those who see this string of bodhi beads will treat it as if they’re seeing me."

Lu Tingchao suddenly thought of period idol dramas: "Like the Imperial Edict Sword?"

Fei Yuncheng: "..."

Fei Yuncheng was amused: "Yes, you could say that."

He reached out and tucked a few stray strands of Lu Tingchao’s hair behind his ear: "With this on, from now on, no one in Hong Kong will dare to bully you. Do you like it?"

Lu Tingchao nodded: "That’s pretty useful. I like it."

Feeling pleased, Lu Tingchao turned sweeter-tongued. He lowered his head and fiddled with the beads playfully: "Thank you, Daddy!"

"Mhm."

Fei Yuncheng’s throat moved as he responded in a low voice.

Lu Tingchao seemed to remember something suddenly: "Do Fei Xiuqi and Polina have one too?"

Fei Yuncheng: "No."

Fei Yuncheng: "They grew up in Hong Kong. Your situation is different."

Lu Tingchao: "Oh..."

Lu Tingchao nodded obediently, curling up in the spacious seat and letting out a big yawn.

Of course, it wasn’t that simple.

This string of bodhi beads also contained a tracking system and surveillance.

It held all sorts of hidden, unspoken possessiveness.

Fei Yuncheng subtly released his hand and opened the small fridge: "Are you thirsty?"

"Not thirsty."

Lu Tingchao leaned over curiously to look inside. "Wow, there’s so much to drink! But no snacks."

Fei Yuncheng nodded: "I’ll have them stock it this afternoon and put in a small snack cabinet for you."

Lu Tingchao turned his head: "But you change cars often, don’t you?"

Fei Yuncheng said casually: "Then I’ll put one in every car."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Alright then.

After all, it’s not Chao Chao’s money.

Lu Tingchao never worried about these men’s money—after all, they weren’t building a life together. If one day these men ran out of money, he would simply leave them.

Chao Chao is such a bad guy.

Lu Tingchao sighed.

Fei Yuncheng saw his action: "What’s wrong?"

Lu Tingchao shook his head: "Nothing."

Fei Yuncheng didn’t say anything more.

The kindergarten was not far from the Fei family's ancestral home, though calling it an ancestral home wasn't entirely accurate. After all, the Fei family only started building their wealth with Fei Yuncheng's generation, so there wasn't much of a long family history to speak of.

This kindergarten was noticeably different from many kindergartens on the mainland. At the very least, it was quite unlike the environment Lu Tingchao grew up in, having attended public schools since childhood. Even the teachers and tutors here were mostly blonde and blue-eyed.

Fei Yuncheng carried Lu Doudou out of the car, while Lu Tingchao lingered quietly behind him, instinctively grabbing the hem of his clothes and peeking out.

Besides the tutors, those waiting to greet them included the school's principal and several directors. A large group had already gathered at the entrance and approached promptly as soon as Fei Yuncheng's car came to a stop.

The one leading the group then spoke to Fei Yuncheng respectfully.

It sounded like... it wasn't English, either.

Lu Tingchao tugged at Fei Yuncheng's sleeve: "Daddy, what is she saying?"

Fei Yuncheng took Lu Tingchao's hand: "It's French. This is a trilingual kindergarten."

Lu Tingchao, who could barely handle bilingualism: "..."

Lu Tingchao immediately retreated behind Fei Yuncheng and poked his waist: "Then you deal with it. I don’t understand. Find Doudou a good teacher."

It was just a light touch with his fingertip.

But Fei Yuncheng seemed to tense up briefly, then his tone softened noticeably.

He leaned back and naturally kissed Lu Tingchao's forehead in front of everyone: "Silly."

All eyes immediately turned to Lu Tingchao.

It was a well-known rule throughout Hong Kong that Fei Yuncheng almost never brought anyone with him in public.

But today, not only did Fei Yuncheng bring someone, he openly showed their closeness without any attempt to hide it.

The person in question, however, seemed oblivious to it all, staying hidden behind Fei Yuncheng the entire time, only revealing half of an exceptionally beautiful face.

He was truly stunning.

Even though the school's management team had seen all sorts of people from Hong Kong's upper class, they had to admit that the person behind Fei Yuncheng was strikingly beautiful.

But his personality seemed quite a handful.

Lu Doudou, in such situations, was much calmer and more composed than Lu Tingchao. He could even engage in preliminary conversations with the lead teacher.

After chatting for a while longer, when the lead teacher took Lu Doudou from Fei Yuncheng's arms...

Lu Tingchao, who had been playing on his phone for quite some time, finally emerged reluctantly from behind Fei Yuncheng and gave Lu Doudou a sad glance: "Um..."

Lu Doudou reached out and hooked Lu Tingchao's fingertip: "Be good, Chao Chao. I'll be back after I finish studying."

Lu Tingchao nodded eagerly.

The principal and lead teacher: "..."

By now, even the least observant staff had confirmed that the beautiful man standing behind Fei Yuncheng was the child's actual father—

And Fei Yuncheng was willing to go to such lengths for someone who wasn't even his own child.

The principal's expression changed, and he became increasingly respectful and courteous toward Lu Tingchao, immediately launching into a stream of French: "Please don’t worry, we have full surveillance coverage here. You can check on your child anytime. If you have time, you're always welcome to visit..."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Flooded with information, Lu Tingchao retreated behind Fei Yuncheng again: "What is he saying now?"

"He said not to worry, they’ll take good care of him."

Fei Yuncheng took Lu Tingchao's hand, "And he said if you’re still concerned, you can come inside with me. Would you like to, Chao Chao?"

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Lu Tingchao bit his lip, hesitating.

In the end, it was Lu Doudou who had the last word: "No need. Chao Chao doesn’t like school. I can go by myself."

Lu Doudou followed the management teacher into the kindergarten, then paused and waved back at Fei Yuncheng: "Uncle Devin, remember to take Chao Chao for lunch."

Fei Yuncheng nodded, then stepped forward and bent down to adjust Lu Doudou's little bow tie.

Lu Doudou's outfit was also chosen by Fei Yuncheng—a casual prince-style outfit. He had inherited almost all of Lu Tingchao and Zhuang Ji's looks, with a fair and adorable little face.

"Go on."

Fei Yuncheng stood up and waved back at Lu Doudou.

Lu Tingchao watched as Lu Doudou walked into the kindergarten, leaving behind a small, straight-backed figure.

Fei Yuncheng returned to Lu Tingchao's side: "What are you thinking about?"

"Thinking... well."

Lu Tingchao hesitated for a moment, "I don’t know. Feeling like I’m not a good father."

Fei Yuncheng: "Why wouldn’t you be?"

Fei Yuncheng led Lu Tingchao back to the car: "You taught him to be kind and intelligent."

Fei Yuncheng added: "But in some ways, he’s not like you. Haven’t you noticed, Chao Chao?"

Lu Tingchao: "Ah..."

"This child is more decisive and brave than you."

Fei Yuncheng said, "I will teach him well. He has a brilliant future ahead."

Lu Tingchao was well aware of his own limits as a parent and nodded honestly: "Oh..."

Fei Yuncheng: "What about you?"

Lu Tingchao: "Hmm?"

Fei Yuncheng reached out and tapped Lu Tingchao's lips: "Let’s go. I’ll take you to see something you’ve never experienced before."

*

Lu Tingchao had never been to these so-called luxury entertainment spots. Only when Grandpa Lu was still around had he mentioned a few times how Hong Kong's gambling industry was terrifyingly developed—enough to bankrupt even the wealthiest of individuals.

He had also warned Lu Tingchao that even if he ended up an idle, unskilled rich second generation, he should stay far away from these parts of Hong Kong.

Lu Tingchao actually remembered.

Fei Yuncheng's security car and main vehicle pulled up directly in front of the glittering entrance. It felt like a major dignitary's arrival from the news. Even through the car window, Lu Tingchao could see all the doormen, security guards, and greeters quickly assume their positions, forming two formal lines on either side in a standard welcoming posture.

A Zhi stepped out from the passenger seat and opened the car door with his white-gloved hand: "Boss, Young Master Lu, please."

Fei Yuncheng stepped out of the car first, then turned back and reached out his hand to Lu Tingchao: "Come."

The man's hand was broad and sturdy, with faint traces of what looked like old knife scars visible as he extended it.

Lu Tingchao looked out through the car door. Even the elongated vehicle seemed minuscule in front of this den of iniquity, while everything before them glowed with dazzling gold.

On one side of the driveway, a massive fountain surrounded a white marble sculpture, standing with an imposing and elegant beauty.

On the other side, above the entrance, two golden birds spread their wings as though ready to take flight, surrounding a similarly resplendent sun and moon wheel, depicting the endless cycle of light and darkness, waxing and waning.

From the outside, the building resembled a windowless pagoda, enclosing the land and freezing time itself.

Lu Tingchao instinctively shrank back, hesitating for a moment before hesitantly placing his hand in Fei Yuncheng's.

Then the man tightened his grip.

Bodyguards flanked them on both sides, while valets and servers who had followed behind stood further aside.

Lu Tingchao stepped onto the thick carpet at the entrance, which muffled all sound.

The entrance had no additional signs or logos. A Zhi casually pointed to a few English letters above the door: "Young Master Lu, this establishment is called 'Long Zhong' in Mandarin, meaning business prosperity."

They passed through the first archway, where flower arrangements and potted plants filled the space. Besides the lounge chairs for resting along the periphery, there was also a stage where several local Cantonese opera actors were performing.

Compared to the blinding gold outside, it had an unusual touch of elegance.

"This is the resting area. After getting your fill of gambling inside, one can come here... listen to opera, take a break."

A Zhi instinctively glanced at Fei Yuncheng.

Fei Yuncheng's gaze was calm, showing no emotion.

A Zhi stopped himself from saying more—

There was no true elegance in this den of vice. Beyond the entrance, the only reason to come here was one: having lost everything, completely wiped out.

Those sitting here were either sobbing bitterly or vowing to borrow money and start over.

But now, there was nothing here.

Only performers arranged in advance by A Zhi—performing a scene of tranquility and harmony to Fei Yuncheng's satisfaction.

They entered the second archway.

Perhaps due to Fei Yuncheng's privileged status, they did not go through the main area but instead took an elevator guarded by layers of bodyguards directly to the second floor—

The second floor had a private viewing platform from which the entire scene below could be observed.

Gambling tables, which Lu Tingchao had only seen in movies before, appeared here and there, with lively scenes and excited crowds.

Cheers, the rattling of dice, calls for big or small bets—

And elegant dealers in qipaos, alongside winners celebrating loudly.

Lu Tingchao curiously leaned forward to look, unconsciously trying to slip his hand free from Fei Yuncheng's grasp.

The crowd downstairs moved about constantly, while the viewing platform upstairs commanded a view of it all.

A waiter carrying drinks happened to pass by Lu Tingchao, about to bump into him.

Lu Tingchao froze, but before he could react, Fei Yuncheng pulled him close into his arms.

"Be careful."

The man's voice was right by his ear, as if spoken close to it.

Lu Tingchao even felt as though Fei Yuncheng's tongue had licked his earlobe, leaving a wet trail.

...Probably just his imagination.

The entirely new experience left Lu Tingchao no time to think about it. He pulled away from Fei Yuncheng's embrace: "Is this the gaming floor?"

Fei Yuncheng no longer restrained him and nodded: "If you want to play, let A Zhi take you to test your luck."

Lu Tingchao leaned against the second-floor railing, appearing hesitant.

A Zhi, having been by Fei Yuncheng's side for years, stood next to Lu Tingchao and casually indicated a few tables: "Young Master Lu, that table over there is the simplest—slot machines. Bet as much as you want, no house dealer, and anyone can play."

Lu Tingchao followed A Zhi's direction and saw a lively crowd in the distance.

"This table is the most common banker's game you see in movies. Usually, there's one banker who can work alone or take turns. It's a dice game."

A Zhi thought for a moment, "There are different ways to play dice. Some experienced players prefer shaking their own dice, while beginner or fixed games can have the dealer shake. The stakes are higher, but it's more exciting."

Indeed.

That area was even more crowded.

From Lu Tingchao's perspective, he could occasionally see scenes of celebration, the excitement on people's faces and the agony of loss never so vividly displayed.

A Zhi pointed further inside: "Over there is the roulette table. I wouldn’t recommend starting with that, Young Master Lu. It’s more complicated. If you’d like to take a look, I can take you there."

Lu Tingchao asked: "Why is there another door?"

Looking further inside, there was a third archway—different from the first gold-and-silver door and the second golden door. The third door was intricately carved, appearing to shimmer from a distance.

"Young Master Lu, you may not know this," a middle-aged man who had been following behind the bodyguards since they entered explained, "the gambling hall is divided into several levels. The stakes here are relatively small. The further inside you go, the higher the stakes, and naturally, proof of assets is required to enter."

Lu Tingchao let out a long "oh": "How many doors are there in total? What are the requirements for the third and fourth doors?"

The middle-aged man eagerly replied: "There are six doors in total, representing the six paths of ancient doctrine. The third door requires five thousand..."

A Zhi suddenly turned to look at him.

The man froze, then forced a smile: "Ah, my mistake. We use chips here. In cash, that would be five hundred thousand. The fourth door requires another five hundred thousand."

As if trying to make amends, the man added: "With your status, Young Master Lu, you can enter any door you wish. How about..."

"Those who’ve worked here for a long time usually count in chips. Pay him no mind," A Zhi averted his gaze. "It looks like that banker's game is about to end. Would you like to go down and try your luck, Young Master Lu?"

This was Lu Tingchao’s first time seeing such a scene.

Leaning against the carved agarwood railing, he stretched his neck to look for a while before hesitantly asking: "Are the stakes high at that table?"

A Zhi: "Not high."

They're just actors.

A Zhi straightened his clothes and also looked in the direction Lu Tingchao was looking: "We can go down and ask. If they're playing for high stakes, we can check out the slot machines."

Lu Tingchao was ultimately tempted: "That works too..."

Lu Tingchao slowly glanced back again, then slowly followed A Zhi's steps, moving forward before turning to glance at Fei Yuncheng once more.

Fei Yuncheng looked up and gave Lu Tingchao a gentle smile, took his hand: "What's wrong?"

"...Hmm."

Lu Tingchao bit his lip, "Fei Yuncheng, I won’t get hooked on this, will I?"

Fei Yuncheng: "Of course not."

Fei Yuncheng gently rubbed Lu Tingchao’s fingertips: "Just for fun. Go try your luck and come back, alright?"

Lu Tingchao’s eyes darted around, clearly still tempted.

Fei Yuncheng reached out and lightly patted his waist: "Haven’t you never seen these things before? Try it out, and when we come back, we’ll go pick up Lu Doudou."

Lu Tingchao: "Okay."

Perhaps hearing Lu Doudou’s name made Lu Tingchao regain some resolve. He waved his hand and followed A Zhi downstairs briskly—

Leaving only the bodyguards and the man who had spoken earlier on the second-floor platform.

As a result, the scene lost all pretense of the façade of calm it had maintained earlier.

Cramped, tense.

Gloomy and suffocating.

The person closest to Fei Yuncheng leaned in and lit a cigar for him.

A bluish flame ignited, and wisps of smoke drifted across the platform, giving off an air of opulent luxury.

And the next second.

The man who had spoken earlier went weak in the knees and dropped to his knees: "Mr. Devin! Boss Fei! I didn’t mean to! I just didn’t—"

Before he could finish.

A bodyguard standing on the other side pulled out a cloth strip and gagged his mouth.

The man’s knees hit the crimson wooden floor with a dull thud.

Fei Yuncheng frowned slightly.

The cigar between his lips glowed dimly, and he sighed as if somewhat helpless: "Keep it down. What if Chao Chao hears? That wouldn’t do."

The atmosphere grew even more deathly silent.

Fei Yuncheng didn’t spare another glance for anyone on the platform. He looked outward and could see A Zhi leading Lu Tingchao downstairs to the slot machines, followed by the machines whirring.

Lu Tingchao’s slender figure was turned away from him, but Fei Yuncheng could still vaguely imagine his eager expression—vivid and captivating.

The man kneeling before him banged his head heavily against the wooden floor, drawing blood after just a few strikes.

The spreading blood stained the ground, indistinguishable from the crimson hue.

Fei Yuncheng finally reluctantly shifted his gaze back. As his questioning look landed on those nearby, someone immediately responded: "Mr. Devin, he’s the newly appointed hall supervisor from Longzhong."

Fei Yuncheng smirked slightly: "It seems the director of Longzhong doesn't have a good eye for talent."

Another man standing nearby was trembling so badly his lips quivered. When he stepped forward, his legs were shaking: "Mr. Devin... Mr. Devin, I’ll handle this immediately. I’m sorry, I’m sorry!"

Fei Yuncheng said nothing.

As the man originally kneeling continued bowing repeatedly, the director also dropped to his knees.

Finally.

Fei Yuncheng said gently: "What is this?"

His tone was soft and calm, even carrying a hint of authentic surprise, making it seem exceptionally polite.

The cigar at Fei Yuncheng’s lips was half-smoked. The bodyguard beside him quickly lit a new one and offered it to him, but Fei Yuncheng declined: "No, he’ll be back soon. I don’t want him to smell it."

The first man’s forehead was already covered in blood, and the trembling director beside him looked like startled birds in a cold wind, as if they might vanish at any moment.

Fei Yuncheng, however, waved his hand and joked to the bodyguards accompanying him: "Look at this. What a mess."

No one dared respond.

Fei Yuncheng laughed: "If others saw this, they’d think I’m so unreasonable with my staff. Don't you agree?"

"No! No—it’s not like that!"

The two spoke in unison, "Mr. Devin, have mercy! Mr. Devin..."

Fei Yuncheng: "Alright, take them away. Find them some other work to do."

Bodyguards on both sides quickly stepped forward to escort them away.

"Take them out through the back and clean this up properly. I don’t want to see a mess."

Fei Yuncheng seemed to remember something, "Also, bring some grapes and cherries. He likes them."

It was over in moments.

Lu Tingchao, however, felt like his luck was particularly good today. He had been on a winning streak since the first machine, only losing small amounts once or twice later, and overall making a big profit.

Amid the steamy, noisy atmosphere of the venue, Lu Tingchao’s expression brightened.

His beautiful eyes seemed to sparkle, and his stunning face glowed as if illuminated by dancing lights, appearing even more dazzling than the venue’s billion-dollar crystal chandeliers.

After playing the last slot machine, Lu Tingchao watched as the attendant behind him collected all his winnings into a bag. Full of enthusiasm, he reached out and tugged A Zhi’s sleeve: "Let’s go play dice next!"

The hand hooked around his arm was slender and smooth, like the finest porcelain, glazed to perfection.

The fingertips held almost no strength, and as they slid down his arm, it felt like a cat’s paw gently scratching.

A Zhi turned and gave Lu Tingchao a deep look—

He had seen this kind of expression on many faces in gambling halls: excited, exhilarated, and restless.

And Lu Tingchao was the most breathtaking among them.

A Zhi opened his mouth: "Should we..."

A wave of noisy chatter drowned them out.

Lu Tingchao leaned in: "Huh?"

A Zhi quickly looked away.

"Nothing."

A Zhi said, "I didn't say anything."

His eyes unconsciously drifted to the spot on his arm where Lu Tingchao had just held him, then he gently closed his eyes: "What do you want to play? Let's go over now."

*

The dice game was actually quite different from the slot machines.

The machines were more about predictable, automated actions.

Dice, on the other hand, involved more people—constantly shaking the cup, lifting it, slamming it down—

An emotional rollercoaster, an adrenaline rush.

Coupled with the expressions of the other players around, some following the bets, some not, some winning, some losing, along with the cheers and boos from the onlookers.

Under these multiple stimuli, it created a trap there was no escaping.

Lu Tingchao had originally just wanted to take A Zhi to have a look.

But his appearance was way too noticeable. The people crowded around the table noticed him approaching, and even those at nearby tables gathered, egging him on to take a round as the banker.

It was Lu Tingchao’s first time here, his first time playing, his first time rolling dice.

He didn’t even understand what being the banker meant.

But surrounded by the flattery, the voices, the dealer’s urging—

By the time Lu Tingchao realized it, he was already shakily sitting in the banker’s position.

The chairs in this gambling hall were expensive, seemingly designed for comfort, yet carried a sleek, chilly surface.

Lu Tingchao felt a little nervous. He instinctively looked up and realized that from this part of the hall, he couldn’t see anything of the upstairs area where he had just come from.

He had no idea if Fei Yuncheng was still there.

Getting fidgety, he glanced at A Zhi.

A Zhi reached out, as if to place a hand on Lu Tingchao’s shoulder, but ultimately paused and let it rest on his forearm instead: "It’s alright, I’m here."

A Zhi leaned forward, setting out the cards for him: "Don’t worry, I’ll watch for you."

Lu Tingchao had never outgrown his childhood habit of hiding behind others when faced with trouble.

As a child, he hid behind Zhuang Ji; as an adult, he naturally hid behind Zhuang Ji, who was now his husband—

Then behind Mo Lingnan.

Fei Yuncheng.

Until this very moment.

As Lu Tingchao sat here, before this table of cards, he had no escape now.

The first card had just been dealt; the game hadn’t officially started yet.

The dealer smiled and asked Lu Tingchao what game he wanted to play.

Lu Tingchao didn’t know what the options were. He tugged at A Zhi’s sleeve for help.

A Zhi leaned down: "Start with the simplest, high or low, dealer shows the dice."

"OK."

The dealer wearing a qipao moved gracefully, the dice cup in her hands moving like a dance, both elegant and flashy.

The dice cup landed.

The dealer smiled at Lu Tingchao, her tone sweet: "Banker goes first."

Lu Tingchao looked somewhat confused: "...Small?"

The dealer glanced toward A Zhi, then with burgundy manicured nails, lifted the dice cup—

It was indeed small.

The surrounding cheers and shouts completely overwhelmed Lu Tingchao’s initial surprise. The opponent's chips were turned over, and the next player took their turn.

Amid the crowd’s praise and encouragement, Lu Tingchao bet again as the dealer.

—Small.

Big.

Big.

Small.

Lu Tingchao’s bright eyes reflected the cold, glitzy shine of the gambling hall. He looked like a swan offering its neck to the slaughter, breathtakingly beautiful even as he burned.

"A Zhi, wow, my luck is amazing! Is it really that simple?!"

Even Lu Tingchao’s voice was sweet and gentle, his tone almost teasing, tantalizing and irresistible.

A Zhi didn’t speak.

Or rather.

Fei Yuncheng’s mission was over.

A Zhi looked up, glancing toward the second-floor platform where nothing could be seen.

Then he looked away.

The sound of chips rolling on the table was like a siren’s song, from beginning to end, always drawing in one devout gambler after another.

A Zhi suddenly whispered something to Lu Tingchao.

But Lu Tingchao missed it completely.

This was the greatest place to burn money, the most extravagant cage, a veritable den of pleasure.

A Zhi watched as Lu Tingchao walked in step by step.

The room erupted.

The game had changed several times, from the basic rules at the beginning to later variations—

As the stakes at this table grew higher, more and more servers gathered, assisting the dealer with scoring and chip calculations.

Lu Tingchao sat in the banker’s position, just as the next round was about to begin.

Suddenly, a cry of alarm came from the far end of the room—

"Someone's fainted!!"

"Oh my God, this server has collapsed! His face is so pale!!"

"How scary! Should we call an ambulance?!!"

Gambling losses were one thing; it wasn’t uncommon for some to lose everything and end it all.

But aside from that, if a real emergency occurred—of course, an ambulance had to be called.

Even in the middle of an important game.

The banker’s turn was interrupted.

After all, a human life mattered more. The crowd surged like a tide from the gambling table toward the person who had collapsed at the back of the room.

The jubilant atmosphere was cut short, the flattery interrupted.

The adulation, the roaring voices—it all felt like an illusion, a fleeting dream, jolting the narrow-minded awake in the sudden silence.

The solitude after the excitement felt even more torturous.

Lu Tingchao sat in his seat for a long moment before finally standing up and following the crowd to look at the person who had fainted.

And the next second.

Lu Tingchao froze completely—

He saw who it was.

Every one of the Fei family’s gaming halls had a dedicated medical team on standby 24/7 to handle such emergencies.

Within minutes, the medical team hurried down from upstairs.

The lead physician was a typical blond, blue-eyed foreigner, but he spoke Mandarin fluently: "Please clear the way, give the patient enough space to breathe, please move back—"

Under the guidance of the doctors.

The crowd slowly dispersed.

Lu Tingchao’s gaze pierced through the wall of people, landing on the slender but fragile figure at the center.

Su Ningyu.

The Su Ningyu who’d accompanied him to work and packed his luggage.

The Su Ningyu who dutifully fetched him hot water in the middle of the night.

The Su Ningyu who called him "brother."

The Su Ningyu he—knew as the only one in Hong Kong.

Lu Tingchao’s face turned pale as he shoved through the crowd, fighting his way closer: "I know him! I know him! Let me through—"

A Zhi reached out but couldn’t stop Lu Tingchao’s movements, watching as he muscled his way through many people and rushed forward, running to the collapsed server.

"I know him! I know his medical history!"

Pushing through the dense crowd seemed to take a lot out of Lu Tingchao. His face was even paler than before, and he instinctively reached out to check Su Ningyu’s breathing, but the lead doctor stopped him.

The doctor examined Su Ningyu’s eyelids and said, "The patient currently has signs of life. Please step back and allow us to conduct an examination."

"Okay, okay…"

Lu Tingchao quickly took a step back. "He’s still a college student, from a prestigious university. You must save him—he’s a top student who’s had a hard time of it…"

A Zhi, who had struggled through the crowd to reach Lu Tingchao’s side: "..."

Lu Tingchao kept babbling: "Oh, right, he has a hereditary heart condition. I gave him money for surgery before, but I’m not sure if he went through with it. He’s really poor and rarely eats properly—seems like he might be malnourished. You have to make sure he’s properly treated; he’s such a dedicated student. I can cover the costs…"

A Zhi: "..."

A Zhi took another look at Lu Tingchao.

To be honest.

A Zhi had been by Fei Yuncheng’s side for many, many years. He had seen all kinds of people, and over time, he could gauge most people at a glance.

Just like the first time he saw Lu Tingchao.

This person was pampered, selfish, fussy, wilful—couldn’t handle hardship and gave in to temptation easily.

He was a gilded canary raised in a pot of honey, destined to be coddled in a cage.

But in this moment.

He seemed different.

Underneath that façade, it was as if a thick layer had peeled away, revealing something more fragile within.

A Zhi stood to the side without speaking.

The lead foreign doctor quickly finished a preliminary exam of Su Ningyu and signaled two assistants to lift the patient onto a stretcher.

The foreign doctor said to Lu Tingchao, "From the initial assessment, it seems the patient hasn’t had heart surgery yet. But the situation is urgent now, and there’s a high likelihood he will require an emergency procedure."

The doctor asked Lu Tingchao, "Since you know the patient, would you be able to come with us to the hospital? We may need to contact his family."

"Sure, sure."

Lu Tingchao nodded, then hesitated. "But I have to get the baby from school later…"

Foreign doctor: "No problem. As long as the patient pulls through first, we can deal with the rest tomorrow."

Lu Tingchao: "Alright then."

Lu Tingchao turned back: "A Zhi, I’ll go with them now. You’ll wait for me?"

A Zhi hesitated for a second as his phone received a message: "It's fine, I'm okay too. I'll go with you. Let's go."

Lu Tingchao hurriedly followed after the stretcher as it moved forward.

A Zhi fell a few steps behind, glanced toward the second-floor platform, looked down to reply to a few messages, then quickened his pace to catch up with Lu Tingchao.

*

It felt like both a moment and an instant—the once bustling gambling hall now felt like a play after the curtain had fallen, empty and quiet.

Behind several doors, the background actors collected their pay and left.

Only Fei Yuncheng remained on the second floor, lighting another cigar, the smoke curling upward.

A faint, subtle fragrance drifted through the deserted gambling hall, now empty of actors.

A bodyguard standing nearby cautiously asked, "Mr. Devin, about Young Master Lu downstairs, just now..."

"A Zhi is keeping an eye on him. It's fine."

Fei Yuncheng's gaze drifted down to the lower floor. After a moment, he said, "Find out the name of that server. See what his relationship is with Chao Chao and how they know each other."

The bodyguard: "Understood."

Another person who had been standing nearby cautiously asked, "Mr. Devin, what about tomorrow's business here..."

Fei Yuncheng's cigar was of the most expensive variety, made only in limited quantities in the Americas each year and supplied exclusively to a select group of people.

Yet Fei Yuncheng had barely touched it. He seemed lost in thought for a while, half-closed his eyes wearily, then opened them again and looked toward the staircase.

Footsteps sounded on the last few steps leading upstairs.

The sound settled as Kim approached: "Boss."

Fei Yuncheng raised an eyebrow.

Kim handed Fei Yuncheng several printed surveillance photos: "Right after you left with Young Master Lu this morning, he showed up. He stood at the door refusing to leave, insisting on coming in."

The surveillance footage was exceptionally clear; even from such an unflattering angle, the person in the photo had striking features and an impressive silhouette.

"If it were anyone else, we would've just sent them away."

Kim sounded frustrated. "But after all, he's the newly appointed head of the Zhuang family. New officials light three fires—who knows how he managed to leave the entire North City in silence?"

This was absolutely true.

Though there were many rumors, no one knew exactly why the Zhuang family patriarch had suddenly stepped down and passed the reins to Zhuang Ji.

Contrary to expectations that this young and relatively inexperienced heir would be unremarkable like many other heirs from prominent families—

Zhuang Ji was exceptionally capable, and unlike the patriarch's amiable and humble demeanor, this young heir of the Zhuang family was colder and more ruthless.

He possessed the outward brightness and gentleness of the Zhuang patriarch, yet also a certain ruthless and merciless quality whose origins were unknown.

The sudden change in leadership of the Zhuang family was rumored to be intricately linked to the collapse of the Jiang family. But even today, with the Jiang family bankrupt and reorganized, and its former leaders all imprisoned—

the media still hadn't uncovered the connection or the conspiracy behind it.

To this day, it seemed as though he was poised to challenge the Fei family of Hong Kong.

Kim presented a few more pages to Fei Yuncheng: "Just this morning, our media outlets have already run front-page headlines. The titles are really... alas, boss, how would you like to handle this?"

Hong Kong media is famously known for its exaggeration, world-renowned.

Fei Yuncheng took the newspaper from Kim, glancing at it.

"North City's Golden Boy Visits Fei Residence at Night, Spurned After Spending the Night??"

"Why Is the Zhuang Family’s New Leader Trapped Outside the Gate??"

"A Battle for a Wife?! Fei Family Suspected of Stealing Zhuang Family’s Fiancée from North City!"

The front-page headlines were indeed printed sensationally.

The bodyguards lowered their heads, not daring to look further.

Fei Yuncheng, however, remained calm: "Where is he now?"

Kim asked, "Boss, do you mean the Zhuang family’s new heir? I’m not sure. When I left, I told him the person he was looking for wasn’t here..."

Another hurried voice interrupted Kim.

A young man dressed like a tuxedoed server said, "Mr. Devin, a globally limited edition Rolls-Royce Cullinan just pulled up at the entrance. The person who got out said his name is Zhuang, Zhuang Ji. He said... he wants to see you!"

"Audacious."

Kim’s expression darkened. "Watch your tone. Do you think just anyone can see the boss?"

The server hurriedly shook his head in panic: "No, no! Mr. Devin, I’ve seen him on TV many times. He’s very famous!"

The server added: "And he... he seems to have brought people from the Police Department with him. He said if you don’t come down to see him, he’ll ask the Police Department to immediately search our finances and personnel records..."

A brief silence fell.

Gambling halls are never clean places, but they were always shrouded in darkness, hidden from view and never dared to be exposed to the light of day.

Yet Zhuang Ji was doing exactly that.

This wasn’t just about the Police Department showing up—it meant that on this day, Zhuang Ji had finally gained the right to challenge Fei Yuncheng and assert his influence in Hong Kong.

This was unlike any typical new heir.

"Let’s go take a look then."

After a long pause.

Fei Yuncheng chuckled softly. He rose from the spacious sofa, leisurely straightening his clothes. "Before Chao Chao returns, let’s go meet this apparently remarkable... young man."

Without the actors A Zhi had arranged, on this closed day, the first gate was unusually tranquil.

*

A tranquility that covered and swept away all traces of blood.

As Fei Yuncheng descended the stairs, Zhuang Ji turned and said something to the several officers behind him. The uniformed Police Department personnel nodded, glanced at Fei Yuncheng, and then left.

Zhuang Ji rose from the chair behind the first gate, the one reserved for the "Buddha."

He wore a casual trench coat paired with khaki pants, exuding a Hong Kong-style flair. Along with his striking features, he always stood out in a crowd.

"Long time no see, Boss Fei."

Zhuang Ji raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone courteous.

Fei Yuncheng stepped out of the first gilded door and looked into the distance in the direction where the police officers had left: "It truly is my poor reception, and yet Boss Zhuang greets me with such a grand gesture upon our meeting."

A beautiful woman in a qipao bowed slightly to offer two cups of hot tea in white porcelain cups, steam rising gently.

Fei Yuncheng sat down, lifted the teacup, and took a sip: "What does Boss Zhuang mean by this?"

"I will take Lu Tingchao back to North City."

Zhuang Ji's expression was cold, "He isn't suited for this place, as I'm sure Mr. Devin is well aware."

Fei Yuncheng lightly held the teacup in his hand and motioned outside: "I heard that the last time you were in Hong Kong was over a decade ago, during your student days?"

Zhuang Ji frowned: "What of it?"

"Nothing much, just thought I'd share with the young man how Hong Kong has changed over the years."

Fei Yuncheng smiled, "Though it seems Mr. Zhuang isn't interested."

Zhuang Ji: "If Fei is sincere in sharing, there will naturally be other opportunities in the future."

Fei Yuncheng said: "What if I'm not?"

Zhuang Ji’s expression shifted: "Fei—"

"Don’t be so impatient, young man."

Fei Yuncheng placed his teacup and sighed, "I'm saying, you haven’t been here in over ten years. You haven’t witnessed the countless changes, and naturally, you haven’t seen the path Chao Chao walked when he arrived."

As Zhuang Ji’s face turned increasingly grim.

Fei Yuncheng continued leisurely: "You didn’t see Chao Chao’s confusion and helplessness when he was alone giving birth here. You didn’t see how I helped him. How can you be so sure he would be willing to leave with you?"

"Fei Yuncheng! How can you say such things?!"

Zhuang Ji exploded in anger.

His face pale, eyes wide, furious, "You brought him to this place that breeds addiction, you knew perfectly well that he—"

Fei Yuncheng chuckled softly: "He what?"

Zhuang Ji’s tall frame swayed, pain piercing through him, gritting his teeth, momentarily unable to speak.

"I know."

Fei Yuncheng said calmly, "Zhuang Ji, I know Chao Chao is easily tempted. He’s fragile, immature, craves excitement, is greedy, and easily swayed."

Fei Yuncheng: "He’s like a poisonous flower you ruined... one that grew up raised in sweetness."

"Fei Yuncheng—!!!"

Zhuang Ji seized Fei Yuncheng's collar, trembling like a cornered animal, roaring in agony.

In an instant.

All the bodyguards trained their weapons at him.

Fei Yuncheng, however, waved his hand: "Enough, enough. This is no way to treat a guest."

Fei Yuncheng reached out, gripped Zhuang Ji’s wrist, and with a forceful tug, pulled it away.

"Young people act recklessly, they don't know how to cherish."

Fei Yuncheng adjusted his collar calmly, "If your family didn’t teach you, I’ll teach you today."

"I love Chao Chao."

Fei Yuncheng looked at Zhuang Ji, with the demeanor of a victor, enunciating each word: "Zhuang Ji, do you know why you couldn’t keep him? Because you weren’t cruel enough."

Fei Yuncheng said: "With a poisonous flower like this, you must first give him everything, let him grow accustomed, let him become addicted... only then will he stay obediently by your side."