novelhk Page 167
Page 167
He was sorting through the preliminary information about the Gattuso and Chen families that Su Enxi had sent him, trying to find clues about donor selection and the "key" plan.
His brows furrowed slightly, his expression focused.
As usual, Zero sat in a spot not too far from him, quietly reading a thick ancient book.
That was a unique copy of an ancient Japanese myth or legend, collected by Genji Heavy Industries.
She didn't read quickly; her slender fingers would occasionally brush lightly across the yellowed pages.
Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, dancing on her silver hair and pale skin, bathing her in a soft glow, making her appear as serene as a classical oil painting.
Lu Mingfei was engrossed in the documents and subconsciously reached for the coffee cup on the other end of the coffee table, only to find that the cup was empty.
He reluctantly lowered his hand, his gaze remaining fixed on the screen, and casually muttered, "The coffee's gone..."
He had barely finished speaking, and before he could even consider refilling his cup, a slender figure silently stood up.
Zero put down the ancient book in his hand and walked to the bar.
She picked up Lu Mingfei's personal black mug, her movements a little clumsy, but she operated the coffee machine very carefully.
The sound of scalding dark brown liquid being poured into a glass echoed in the quiet room.
She didn't add sugar or milk because she remembered that Lu Mingfei's coffee habit was to drink pure black coffee.
Holding a steaming cup of coffee, Ling walked to Lu Mingfei's side and gently placed the cup on the empty space next to him without making a sound.
The rich aroma of coffee instantly filled the air.
Lu Mingfei finally looked away from the screen, glanced at the steaming coffee in surprise, and then looked up at Zero.
Zero had already sat back down in her seat and picked up the ancient book, as if everything that had just happened was just his illusion.
"Thank you." Lu Mingfei felt a warmth in his heart and took a sip of his coffee.
The temperature was just right, and the concentration suited his taste.
Zero didn't lift his gaze from the book; he merely nodded almost imperceptibly to indicate that he had heard.
Lu Mingfei looked back at the computer screen, but his thoughts drifted away briefly.
He recalled Erii's unreserved joy and dependence at the night market last night, Liu Miaomiao's gentleness and Su Xiaoqiang's spoiled nature, and Xia Mi's liveliness and clinginess.
Every girl expresses closeness and care in her own way.
But the way of zero... is so different.
She didn't give a warm hug, sweet words, coquettish complaints, or even try to please him.
Her concern, like her, is quiet, direct, and unadorned, yet it precisely hits the spot where you need it most.
She didn't compete or fight for anything, but silently accompanied him in her own unique way.
Lu Mingfei's gaze returned to Zero.
The sunlight outlined her perfect profile, and the silver ends of her hair seemed to glow.
He picked up his coffee, took another sip, and felt the familiar bittersweet aroma spreading across his tongue.
"It tastes great!" he exclaimed.
Chapter 159 Road and Willow
After breakfast.
Chu Zihang and Yuan Zhisheng, having no intention of getting involved in Lu Mingfei's "battleground," decided to go to the training room to spar.
Erii was pulled by Natsumi to watch a demo of a new game, while Zero sat quietly behind them.
On the other side, Su Xiaoqiang and Su Enxi were talking in hushed tones, while Jiude Mai leaned against the window with her arms crossed, her sharp eyes scanning the street below.
“Boss,” Mai Shude turned her gaze away and looked at Lu Mingfei, “I think… we should leave.”
“Yes, I know,” Lu Mingfei replied.
He understood what "wine virtue and hemp clothing" meant.
Three days had passed since he arrived at Genji Heavy Industries. Not only were young girls aspiring to become "celestial" women, but crowds seeking "divine guidance" were also steadily converging on this place.
Currently, the power of the Snake Clan is almost entirely tied down around the Genji Heavy Industries.
Even the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department had to deploy more than half of its officers to maintain order there.
Staying here will only lead to the situation spiraling completely out of control.
But in reality, no matter where he is now, he is bound to end up like this.
He wants to wait for the right opportunity to solve this problem once and for all.
For now, let's focus on taking care of the things around us first!
His gaze fell on Liu Miaomiao, who was sitting quietly in the corner.
She was looking down at her hands, her long eyelashes casting a small shadow under her eyelids. Her expression was gentle, yet carried a hint of imperceptible loneliness.
Lu Mingfei's heart stirred slightly.
She was the first girl to establish a real-life relationship with him.
However, since he got involved in a series of earth-shattering events, he has spent far too little time with her.
Erii's innocent dependence needs guidance, Zero's silent companionship has its own tacit understanding, Natsumi's lively clinginess is hard to ignore, and Su Xiaoqiang's charming naiveté and straightforwardness are also eye-catching...
In contrast, Liu Miaomiao, who is always quiet, sensible, and rarely asks for anything, is more easily drowned out by the noise.
She didn't say anything or make a fuss, but Lu Mingfei wasn't unaware of the occasional envious glances in her eyes.
He sighed inwardly, feeling a pang of guilt, and walked straight up to Liu Miaomiao.
"Miaomiao," he said in an unusually gentle tone, with a deliberately relaxed air, "the weather is nice today, come with me somewhere? Just the two of us."
Upon hearing the sound, Liu Miaomiao looked up, a flicker of disbelief and surprise crossing her clear eyes, before she hesitated and glanced at the others around her.
"Just... the two of us?"
“Yes,” Lu Mingfei nodded affirmatively, extending his hand, “Just the two of us, to relax and do some things that ordinary couples do.”
His words carried a clear promise and reassurance.
Liu Miaomiao's cheeks instantly flushed red, like a newly blossoming peach blossom.
Without any hesitation, she immediately placed her slightly cool hand into Lu Mingfei's warm palm and nodded vigorously: "Mmm!"
This little interaction naturally caught the attention of the other girls.
Xia Mi immediately pouted in dissatisfaction: "Hey! Lu Mingfei is biased!"
Erii turned her head curiously, her mind conveying a small question: "Where are Brother and Sister Miaomiao... going?"
Su Xiaoqiang gave a soft snort and turned her face away, but she couldn't help but glance in this direction out of the corner of her eye.
Ling looked up at Lu Mingfei, but didn't say anything.
Su Enxi and Jiu Demai exchanged a glance, revealing expressions of understanding and interest.
"Judging from the boss's expression, he's going to spend time alone with each girl." Su Enxi pushed up her glasses and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear.
A playful smile curved the corners of Mai's lips: "Mingzhao, take them with you?"
Her gaze swept over Xia Mi, Erii, and Su Xiaoqiang, who was clearly also itching to make a move.
Su Enxi chuckled and nodded in tacit agreement: "Of course, it's just 'observation and learning,' I won't disturb you."
"Boss, let me do your makeup!" she volunteered again.
Lu Mingfei did not refuse; he did need Su Enxi's help to travel now.
……
About an hour later.
Su Enxi looked smugly at Lu Mingfei and Liu Miaomiao in front of her.
The two have changed drastically. Lu Mingfei looks like a true British gentleman, while Liu Miaomiao looks like a princess from a fairy tale.
Lu Mingfei was impressed by Su Enxi's skills.
“Then let’s set off, Princess!” Lu Mingfei bowed slightly and extended his hand.
Liu Miaomiao blushed slightly and took Lu Mingfei's hand, "Then I'll leave it to you, my prince!"
Lu Mingfei, holding the hand of the elegantly dressed Liu Miaomiao, walked out of the room where everyone was, under the smug gaze of Su Enxi and the obvious or subtle stares of the other girls.
The heavy door closed behind us.
The corridor fell silent instantly, with only the soft footsteps of the two people and Liu Miaomiao's slightly nervous breathing remaining.
Her palms were slightly sweaty, and her fingertips unconsciously curled up in Lu Mingfei's palm.
The gorgeous princess dress, the exquisite makeup, and even the tiny hat on her head made her feel somewhat unfamiliar and uncomfortable, as if she had been put into a beautiful box that didn't belong to her.
She secretly glanced at Lu Mingfei beside her.
His tall figure was encased in a well-tailored dark three-piece suit. His hair was meticulously styled, and his strong profile appeared exceptionally handsome under the glow of the corridor wall lamps. The usual languor and hesitation between his brows were softened by this outfit, exuding a composed and noble air.
“Lu…Lu Mingfei,” Liu Miaomiao’s voice was barely audible, “Won’t we be recognized like this?”
Lu Mingfei turned his head, smiled slightly, and squeezed her hand reassuringly:
"Don't worry, Enxi's cooking skills are even better than you think. We're just an ordinary couple of tourists right now, or..."
He winked mischievously, “...A young noble couple eloping? You can pick any script you like.”
Liu Miaomiao's cheeks flushed even redder, and she playfully pinched him lightly.
They took a private elevator directly to the underground parking garage.
A discreet, luxurious black sedan was already waiting there.
Leaning against the car was the quiet, doll-like girl—Zero.
She was dressed in dark casual clothes that allowed for easy movement, her long platinum blonde hair was tied back, and her ice-blue eyes were calm and undisturbed.
When she saw Lu Mingfei and Liu Miaomiao come out, she simply nodded slightly and deftly opened the back door for them.
"Zero?" Liu Miaomiao was a little surprised, but still gave her a friendly smile.