Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Lu Yanzhou left the rest unsaid. With Lin Juan, he possessed boundless patience. He had always been a patient hunter, and Lin Juan, to him, was an irreplaceable presence.

No rush.

Lu Yanzhou reiterated this to himself, again and again.

The situation was unfolding precisely as he desired; there was no need to rush and risk scaring him away.

Sometimes, emotions are impossible to conceal.

Just as Old Mr. Lu had discerned Lu Yanzhou’s feelings for Lin Juan, Lu Yanzhou, whether intentionally or not, always showed Lin Juan special favor.

Did Lin Juan perceive it?

He must have noticed the distinct way Lu Yanzhou treated him compared to others.

Feeling his face flush under the man’s intense gaze, Lin Juan averted his eyes. “I see…”

“Now that Mingxuan has become a superpower holder, our plans might need some adjustments.” It wasn’t a headache, but when it came to the corporation’s future, Lu Yanzhou had to proceed with caution.

There was still ample time, so there was no need for undue haste.

What concerned Lu Yanzhou more was whether his earlier words to Lin Juan had been too forward, and if the young man might be bothered by them.

If Lin Juan were to distance himself because of this…

Lu Yanzhou meticulously planned his next moves in his mind.

As it turned out, he had underestimated Lin Juan’s remarkable thick skin.

Lin Juan lay beside him, sleeping soundly and carefree, utterly unaffected. In stark contrast, Lu Yanzhou remained awake for most of the night.

Lu Mingxuan remained hospitalized for ten days until the toxins in his body were completely purged. Upon discharge, he was immediately escorted to the Paranormal Special Affairs Office for superpower data testing.

The test results were exceedingly gratifying.

With two Class A superpower holders detected consecutively, Director Liu was ecstatic and promptly invited Lu Mingxuan to join the Paranormal Special Affairs Office.

Lu Mingxuan instinctively glanced at Lin Juan.

Lin Juan leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “Why are you looking at me?”

“Uncle, I…” Lu Mingxuan was acutely aware of his responsibilities. When Lu Yanzhou returned to the country to assume leadership of the Lu Group, he had informed him that he would be groomed as his successor. If he were to join the Paranormal Special Affairs Office, he would undoubtedly be unable to dedicate himself fully to the corporation.

“Director Liu, I need some time to consider.”

Director Liu showed no surprise. “Take your time to think it over. Your superpower is of great importance to us, but you needn’t feel undue pressure. Even if you choose not to join, you are welcome to train here. You can train alongside Xiao Shi.”

During the journey home, Lin Juan inquired about Lu Mingxuan’s intentions.

“I’m not sure,” Lu Mingxuan said, looking at Lu Yanzhou. “Uncle, do you think I should join the Paranormal Special Affairs Office?”

“The ultimate decision rests with you. Once we return, you can discuss it with your parents and grandfather,” Lu Yanzhou replied.

“I should indeed consult with my parents and grandfather,” Lu Mingxuan agreed. Joining the Paranormal Special Affairs Office was unlike other endeavors. They all understood the challenges he would face—a job where his life could be at stake at any moment.

Upon their return to Lu Manor, Old Mr. Lu, having received the news earlier, had arranged a welcome dinner. No outsiders were invited—it was a private family gathering.

At the dinner table, Lu Mingxuan did not bring up the matter. After the meal, he went alone to Old Mr. Lu’s study.

His parents were also present.

Lu Mingxuan then broached the subject of joining the Paranormal Special Affairs Office.

After listening, Old Mr. Lu remained silent for a moment before speaking. Instead of addressing Lu Mingxuan, he turned to Lin Juan: “Xiao Juan, what are your thoughts?”

Lin Juan hadn’t anticipated Old Mr. Lu asking him first: “I believe either path is acceptable. The supernatural may forever coexist with humanity, and the future’s priorities will undoubtedly diverge from those of peaceful times.”

“Whether to join or not ultimately depends on his own decision.”

Old Mr. Lu nodded: “You are right. This is his life; none of us should make decisions for him.”

Lu Mingxuan’s mother opened her mouth to speak but was gently restrained by her husband, swallowing her words.

This choice concerned Lu Mingxuan’s future, and he did not make an immediate decision.

Back in their room, Lu Mingxuan’s mother asked: “Why didn’t you let me speak earlier?”

“You don’t want Xiao Xuan to go, do you?” Though phrased as a question, Eldest Brother Lu’s tone conveyed certainty.

“Yes,” Lu Mingxuan’s mother admitted without reservation. “Do you remember why we kept Xiao Xuan home this summer? I’ve been feeling a persistent unease. If Xiao Xuan truly joins the Paranormal Special Affairs Office and deals with the supernatural daily, won’t that significantly increase the likelihood of the prophecy becoming reality?”

He was their only child. As a mother, she couldn’t fathom the profound grief of losing her sole offspring.

She never demanded exceptional achievements from her child; her only wish was for him to live a healthy and peaceful life.

Eldest Brother Lu patted his wife’s shoulder: “I understand your concerns. My feelings mirror yours. However, we cannot restrict our child. In the past, I could guarantee that with the Lu family’s influence, our child would be safe. But things are different now. Xiao Xuan has awakened a superpower—and such a formidable one at that—indicating he possesses a degree of self-preservation. If chaos erupts, relying on others will never compare to relying on oneself.”

Lu Mingxuan’s mother shot him a glance: “By your reasoning, you wish for our son to join the Paranormal Special Affairs Office?”

“It’s good for a young man to gain experience in the world.” Eldest Brother Lu did not answer directly, but his words clearly conveyed his stance.

Lu Mingxuan deliberated for two days and ultimately decided to join the Paranormal Special Affairs Office.

“Have you made up your mind?” Lin Juan asked him.

“Yes,” Lu Mingxuan replied with unwavering resolve. “My uncle once taught me that the greater the ability bestowed upon a person, the greater the corresponding responsibility they should bear. Since I have awakened an A-level superpower, I should not shy away from it.”

Lin Juan patted his shoulder: “Then go for it. With your abilities, I believe you will achieve great things, no matter where you are.”

“Do you think so highly of me, Uncle Lin Juan?” Lu Mingxuan was ecstatic, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Lin Juan.

“Not just me—your uncle also holds you in high regard.”

Lu Mingxuan turned to his uncle, blinking: “Uncle, I’m going to the Paranormal Special Affairs Office for special training. Does that mean I don’t have to work on that project anymore?”

“What do you think?” Lu Yanzhou countered without answering.

Lu Mingxuan: TVT

Joining the Paranormal Special Affairs Office was one thing, but he couldn’t neglect the company’s affairs either.

“Haven’t you always found it boring staying at Lu Manor?” Lin Juan teased him. “Isn’t having more to do a good thing?”

A little figure in Lu Mingxuan’s heart shed two streams of wide noodle tears.

Later, Lin Juan asked Lu Yanzhou if he was being too strict with Lu Mingxuan.

“I can’t hold onto the group’s affairs indefinitely. Mingxuan has grown up; he should shoulder his own responsibilities, and his father’s too.”

Ever since Lu Yanzhou returned to the country and joined the group, Eldest Brother Lu, under the pretext of preventing outsiders from exploiting internal strife, voluntarily relinquished his authority. For years, he had merely collected dividends without interfering in the group’s day-to-day operations.

Before Lin Juan appeared, Lu Yanzhou could immerse himself entirely in his work. As Eldest Brother Lu put it, work was practically his other half. Now that he had a true significant other, he didn’t want company matters to consume all his time.

He wished to dedicate more time to Lin Juan.

If it weren’t for Lu Mingxuan’s sudden acquisition of superpowers, Lu Yanzhou would have already been preparing to formally bring Lu Mingxuan into the group’s workforce starting next summer.

Lu Mingxuan was unaware that he had narrowly avoided shouldering the group’s heavy responsibilities due to his uncle’s burgeoning romance.

On the very day he made his decision, he conveyed his answer to Director Liu.

Director Liu was ecstatic.

Not only because the Paranormal Special Affairs Office had gained a Class A superpower holder, but also because of Lu Mingxuan’s relationship with Lin Juan.

Lin Juan considered the Lu family as his own. Lu Mingxuan was his nephew, and his joining the Paranormal Special Affairs Office, in a way, signaled Lin Juan’s stance.

“Whether from the perspective of Lu Mingxuan’s superpower level or his relationship with Mr. Lin, we must invest in his training,” Director Liu stated.

The other higher-ups nodded in agreement.

To facilitate training, Lu Mingxuan temporarily began living at the facility.

When he departed for the training base, Lin Juan and Lu Yanzhou saw him off.

“It feels like the first time going to school and staying in a dorm,” Lu Mingxuan said in the car, a mix of excitement and apprehension in his voice.

“Pretty much. Going to school is about studying and gaining knowledge. This time, you’re going to learn various skills—it’s essentially the same,” Lin Juan reassured him.

The training base for superpower holders was completely closed off. Outsiders required prior approval to visit, but these restrictions did not apply to Lin Juan. Out of every ten times Lin Juan visited the Paranormal Special Affairs Office, he was asked to conduct additional training sessions for the superpower holders seven times.

Seeing that he didn’t object, Director Liu simply appointed him as a special instructor.

Whenever Lin Juan desired, he could come to train the new superpower holders.

Superpower holders discovered across the country, if willing, could come here to learn.

After dropping off Lu Mingxuan, Lin Juan went to see Director Liu.

After all, it felt different this time, seeing a younger family member off to “school.”

Lin Juan found this feeling novel and intriguing: “Lu Yanzhou, doesn’t it feel like today, sending Lu Mingxuan off, is like parents sending their child to school?”

“In a way, yes, it is.”

Lin Juan pondered it carefully: “Yeah, you’re right.”

Knowing they were concerned about their child, Director Liu immediately assured them that Lu Mingxuan would be well cared for.

Lin Juan waved it off: “No need for special treatment. Just treat him like everyone else.”

Seeing Lu Yanzhou’s “I’ll follow my wife’s lead” demeanor, Director Liu understood how to treat Lu Mingxuan.

To be honest, before today, he had worried that Lin Juan would request special treatment for Lu Mingxuan due to his status.

It wasn’t that it couldn’t be done, but superpower holders needed to train under extreme conditions to maximize the effectiveness of their abilities.

If training methods were too lenient, they could easily be injured or even killed when facing paranormal threats.

Lin Juan was well aware of this, which is why he had told Lu Mingxuan from the outset that the training would be arduous and to prepare himself mentally.

“The frequency of paranormal incidents across the country is increasing,” Director Liu said, showing Lin Juan a newly developed system.

The new system was specifically designed to monitor paranormal events nationwide. If the pollution value in an area showed abnormal fluctuations, the location would be marked red. The higher the pollution value, the darker the red.

“Correspondingly, more people are awakening superpowers. After discussion, the higher-ups have decided to establish a dedicated Superpower Holders School. Mr. Lin, we’d like to invite you to serve as the honorary principal.”

“Don’t worry, all school matters will be handled by dedicated staff. You won’t have to deal with any of that. You’ll only need to occasionally come and teach the students.”

“Of course, you can set your own schedule. You can come whenever it’s convenient for you.”

The decision to establish the Superpower Holders School and invite Lin Juan to be the honorary principal was the result of several days of discussion among the higher-ups.

The proposal to establish the school came from Director Liu’s direct superior and was unanimously approved.

Initially, they wanted Lin Juan to be the principal outright, but this was met with opposition.

“If Lin Juan had joined the Paranormal Special Affairs Office, I’d have no objection to him being principal. But he hasn’t joined. Have you considered what would happen if, just if, he were to betray us one day? What if the superpower holders trained at the school followed him? Wouldn’t all our efforts just be paving the way for others?”

“I don’t think we need to worry about that. From our interactions with Mr. Lin so far, he has always been on our side. Even though he hasn’t joined the Paranormal Special Affairs Office, he has helped us resolve many paranormal incidents. Without Mr. Lin, do you think we could have handled those situations so easily? With so few casualties?”

This point made some waver.

“Think about it—if Mr. Lin becomes the principal, all superpower holders would be his students. If his students are in trouble, he can’t just stand by. Isn’t this another way of binding him to our Paranormal Special Affairs Office?”

After several days of debate, they were finally persuaded to offer Lin Juan the position of honorary principal.

Snapping out of his recollection, Director Liu informed Lin Juan about the salary and benefits of being the honorary principal of the Superpower Holders School.

To win Lin Juan over, the higher-ups offered very generous terms. In short, it was a high-paying, low-effort role with flexible hours—he could work whenever he felt like it.

The base salary was a seven-figure sum annually, not including additional teaching income.

Lin Juan was seriously tempted.

However.

“What’s the difference between the terms you’re offering and just giving me money for free?”

“I don’t even have to do anything, and I get six million a year?”

After tax, no less.

How was this any different from money falling from the sky?

Lin Juan looked at him suspiciously. Was there some hidden trap?

Sweating under Lin Juan’s doubtful gaze, Director Liu quickly explained: “Mr. Lin, you may not know this, but among superpower holders, you’re practically a god-like figure. We’re hiring you as principal mainly to leverage your reputation. In the early stages of the school’s establishment, we might publicize your achievements to attract more superpower holders to enroll.”

That actually makes sense.

Six million, huh.

Lin Juan wasn’t strapped for cash these days—the wealth generated by Yaoxing Technology was substantial, not to mention the profits from the collaborative research projects with the Paranormal Special Affairs Office, which were guaranteed to be significant once fully operational in a future world overrun by anomalies.

But that was six million.

It was pretty much six million for free!

Hesitating for even a minute would be disrespectful to that six million!

“Okay, but publicly, I’ll only go by ‘Mr. Lin.’”

“Good, good.” Director Liu breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Lin Juan’s agreement.

Lin Juan hadn’t expected that sending a student off would land him a principal position.

Then he asked, “So, does that make me a public official now?”

“Will it interfere with running my company?”

“Not at all, not at all. If Mr. Lin is willing, you could even hold a nominal position in our Paranormal Special Affairs Office. It would just be an additional title—nothing else would change.”

“Oh, that’s fine too.”

“You don’t want—” Director Liu cut himself off mid-sentence, suddenly realizing, “You agreed?”

“Yeah.”

Director Liu was overjoyed and immediately reported the news to his superiors.

Even they hadn’t expected that offering an honorary principal position would lead to such an unexpected bonus.

An emergency meeting was called to decide what position Lin Juan would hold within the Paranormal Special Affairs Office.

The school was still in the planning stages, so there wasn’t much for Lin Juan to do. Aside from pulling down two extra salaries, his life seemed largely unchanged.

Lu Mingxuan had awakened his superpower and was undergoing special training. Knowing that Lin Juan could enter the training base at any time, Lu Mingxuan’s eldest brother and sister-in-law invited Lin Juan for a meal, asking him to check in on Lu Mingxuan from time to time.

The prophecy given by Dr. Zhuang remained a scar on their hearts.

They worried that the prophesied outcome might unfold in reality.

Even if they didn’t say it, Lin Juan would keep an eye on things.

Because of Lu Mingxuan, Lin Juan visited the training base more frequently than before. Lu Mingxuan didn’t reveal his relationship with Lin Juan, and the instructors who knew his identity didn’t mention it either.

After a period of training, Lu Mingxuan had undergone significant changes.

It was as if he had matured overnight, shedding his youthful naivety and even getting a bit tanner.

During training, everyone wore work vests. During breaks, Lin Juan observed that Lu Mingxuan’s muscles had become much more defined than before.

After all, they were uncle and nephew—Lu Mingxuan shared many similarities with Lu Yanzhou.

Lin Juan, however, was just one person. With his focus shifting to the training base during this time, he spent less time at Lu Manor.

Sometimes, when Lu Yanzhou returned home, Lin Juan wasn’t there.

Lin Juan walked into the house, still radiating heat, and saw the man in a black shirt sitting on the sofa. “You’re off work so early today?”

At some point, Lu Yanzhou had started looking forward to coming home during his commute.

Unfortunately, with Lu Mingxuan becoming a superpower holder and joining the Paranormal Special Affairs Office, he might not be able to devote himself entirely to the corporation in the future.

Thinking of this, Lu Yanzhou felt a tinge of regret.

“I already ate over there today,” Lin Juan said as he walked in, taking off his clothes. “I’m going to take a shower first—I’m sweating a lot.”

As he pulled his short-sleeved shirt over his head, Lu Yanzhou caught an unexpected glimpse of a slender waist and two rosy spots on a vast expanse of pale skin. The words he meant to say stuck in his throat.

His Adam’s apple bobbed as Lu Yanzhou forced himself to look away.

Lin Juan, completely unaware, kicked off his pants and walked barefoot into the bathroom.

Lin Juan’s legs were straight, long, and exuded strength. Lu Yanzhou couldn’t help but imagine what it would feel like to be wrapped by those legs.

The sound of running water filled the room, and Lu Yanzhou grew increasingly warm. He loosened his tie, but the heat continued to rise. Finally, he took off the tie, unbuttoned his collar, and let out a heated sigh.

The young man’s complete lack of guard around him left Lu Yanzhou unsure whether to feel happy or troubled.

The water stopped, and Lin Juan emerged wrapped in a towel, his hair dripping.

Lu Yanzhou stood up, fetched the hairdryer, and began drying Lin Juan’s hair.

Lu Yanzhou was quite skilled at this task. Lin Juan had long hair but little patience for blow-drying, often letting it air dry. So, Lu Yanzhou had taken over the job, drying his hair for him every time.

At first, Lin Juan had resisted, but after being held down and dried a few times, he had become as compliant as a well-petted cat, no longer objecting.

Mainly because Lu Yanzhou didn’t just dry his hair—he also gave him a scalp massage, which was incredibly relaxing.

The sensation of the damp, silky hair slipping through his fingers sent a tingling feeling from his fingertips straight to his heart.

Lu Yanzhou’s expression was serious, as if he weren’t just drying someone’s hair but completing a multi-million-dollar deal.

Under the perfectly timed massage, Lin Juan closed his eyes, looking every bit like a cat enjoying a grooming session.

Lu Yanzhou looked down at the young man, his eyes filled with unparalleled tenderness.

Unfortunately, the object of his gaze remained completely oblivious.

“Juanjuan, come to the company with me tomorrow.”

Half-asleep, Lin Juan suddenly heard the man’s voice.

Lin Juan: “?”

“Why suddenly ask me to go to the company?”

“At noon or in the evening, we can go to that newly opened restaurant for dinner. Everyone at the company says the food there is great.”

To spend more time with Lin Juan, Lu Yanzhou had decided to bring him to the company.

Well aware of Lin Juan’s preferences, Lu Yanzhou had pinpointed the young man’s weakness.

“I can come find you at noon or in the evening.” Unconsciously, Lin Juan leaned into the man’s embrace, enveloped by his presence. So familiar was this scent that he didn’t even notice how close they had become.

“Many people have been asking why Assistant Lin hasn’t come to work,” Lu Yanzhou said with a serious tone, making things up. “As the CEO’s personal assistant, Juanjuan, don’t you think it’s inappropriate to be absent from work so often?”

Lin Juan thought about the extra salary he received every month and realized, oh right, isn’t it not quite right to get paid without working?

Moreover, he had been neglecting Lu Yanzhou these past few days. Today, Lu Yanzhou had specifically returned to take him out for a meal, but he wasn’t even there.

Though Lu Yanzhou didn’t say anything, Lin Juan could sense the man’s hidden disappointment.

If he had made a special effort to invite someone to eat and that person wasn’t there, he would definitely feel disappointed too.

The more Lin Juan thought about it, the more guilty he felt. “Alright, I’ll go with you tomorrow. Just remember to wake me up.”

He agreed readily at the time, but when the next morning came, Lin Juan, who had accidentally stayed up late the night before, started to make excuses.

“Just ten more minutes,” Lin Juan pulled the covers over his head. “Why don’t you go first? I’ll meet you later. I’m so tired—do you really have the heart to make your Assistant Lin go to work sleep-deprived?”

“Really,” Lin Juan reached out from under the blanket and gave Lu Yanzhou a few absent-minded pats. “I’ll bring you lunch at noon, okay?”

Lu Yanzhou caught the young man’s hand and squeezed it gently. “You said it yourself, Juanjuan. Don’t break your promise.”

“Mm-hmm,” Lin Juan just wanted to go back to sleep and agreed to anything. “I promise.”

Lu Yanzhou put his hand back under the blanket, patted the blanket-covered form, and left.

The room fell silent.

To let him sleep well, Lu Yanzhou hadn’t drawn the curtains. In the dim room, Lin Juan quickly fell asleep again.

When he woke up, the room was still dark.

“Open the curtains.”

The curtains slid open automatically, and bright sunlight flooded the room.

Seeing how bright it was outside, Lin Juan had a sinking feeling and instantly woke up.

His mind clear, Lin Juan remembered his promise to Lu Yanzhou. He checked his phone—exactly 11:11.

How could it be so late?!

He jumped out of bed, hurried through his morning routine, changed his clothes, and rushed out.

Arriving at the kitchen, he asked, “Uncle Qiu, is there any extra food today?”

Uncle Qiu was the head chef of the Lin household, versed in various cuisines and especially adept at traditional Chinese pastries. Lin Juan, being a food lover, often visited the kitchen for snacks and had become quite familiar with him.

“Yes, Mr. Lin. What would you like? I made a new pastry today—fresh out of the oven. Would you like to try some to hold you over?”

Lin Juan glanced at the time. It was almost noon. It took about forty minutes to drive from Lu Manor to Lu Corporation headquarters—he needed to hurry.

“I’ll eat later. Can you pack some for me? Do you have any prepared dishes? Please pack some up—I’m taking them to Lu Yanzhou.”

“Wait a moment, I’ll pack them for you right away.”

While waiting anxiously, Lin Juan was drawn by the aroma of the pastries and couldn’t resist taking a piece.

It was delicious!

Soft, glutinous, and sweet—truly worthy of a descendant of an imperial chef.

Lin Juan’s eyes lit up, and he decided to pack more pastries for Lu Yanzhou to try as well.

Once everything was packed, Lin Juan grabbed the insulated lunchbox and dashed out, throwing over his shoulder, “Uncle Qiu, please let Uncle know I’m going to the company today and won’t be home for lunch!”

“Alright.”

Uncle Qiu’s reply was left far behind.

Lin Juan had given advance instructions to the driver. They raced to the headquarters, and without pausing, Lin Juan hurried inside.

Lu Yanzhou had given instructions beforehand. As soon as Lin Juan arrived, someone approached him. “Assistant Lin, this way.”

The elevator ascended. It was already past one—Lin Juan wondered whether Lu Yanzhou had eaten yet.

He knocked on the office door. Without looking up, Lu Yanzhou said, “Come in.”

Lin Juan walked in holding the lunchbox.

As the footsteps drew nearer, Lu Yanzhou sensed something and suddenly looked up.

“Juanjuan?”

The irritation in his eyes vanished the moment he saw Lin Juan.

Lu Yanzhou got up, took the lunchbox from Lin Juan, and swept the documents aside.

“Have you had lunch yet?” Lin Juan felt guilty about being late.

He had promised, yet he had broken his promise.

“Sorry…”

“Juanjuan,” Lu Yanzhou interrupted Lin Juan’s apology. “No matter what, you never have to say that to me. I’m just glad you’re here.”

Lin Juan felt even more guilty. “I brought a new pastry Uncle Qiu made. It’s really delicious—try it.”

He opened the lunchbox, took out a pair of chopsticks, picked up a snow-white piece of pastry, and brought it to Lu Yanzhou’s lips. “It’s lychee-flavored.”

The rich scent of lychee filled the air. Lu Yanzhou gazed at the young man so close to him and slowly opened his mouth.

“How is it?”

Lin Juan was slightly shorter than Lu Yanzhou and had to tilt his head up to meet the man’s eyes.

Lu Yanzhou finished it slowly. “Very sweet, Juanjuan.”

Under the man’s intense gaze, Lin Juan had a strong intuition.

He meant that Lin Juan was the sweet one.