While most people had forgotten or never even known about a certain incident, Lu Jinghuai had always remembered the man named Chen Mo.
He had attended Chen Mo's interviews, read his magazine features, and even listened to his speeches.
When the news broke that Hai Tian had stolen data and falsely claimed credit for developing a restorative serum they planned to release soon, Lu Jinghuai watched coldly, thinking to himself: "Chen Mo is just like that, after all."
How could he mess up something so important?
As a partner in the O-country market, the Lu family had every right to hold someone accountable for the leaked product data.
Yet during that chaotic period when many were scrambling for solutions, Lu Jinghuai didn’t make things difficult for the representatives sent by the Chen family.
Instead, he reassured his people while also communicating with his parents overseas, assuring them everything was under control.
But soon, when he saw Ji Nian thriving at school despite the rumors swirling around her, Lu Jinghuai realized it was all likely part of a scheme.
Still, there were things Lu Jinghuai didn’t know.
For instance, Ji Nian’s calm demeanor was actually her way of signaling to him that he could relax—everything was in her hands.
Fortunately, he understood. That was why, in the aftermath, the Lu family didn’t press the issue.
"They’ll be on high alert after what happened. We can’t risk tipping them off."
Lu Jinghuai agreed.
"I’ve arranged for a local guide who knows the terrain well. They’ll lead the way."
Ji Nian nodded, accepting his help without further refusal now that she knew his intentions.
As they walked and talked, just before parting, she suddenly grabbed Lu Jinghuai’s wrist as he turned to leave.
He barely had time to look back when her grip loosened slightly. "Never mi—"
Before she could finish, the young man turned and clasped her hand firmly in his. His silver-gray eyes gleamed under the light, so captivating it was hard to look away.
"What?"
The warmth of the young prince’s palm was almost scorching—or maybe it was because he hadn’t let go, his body heat seeping into her wrist.
Caught off guard by his quick reaction, Ji Nian hesitated for a moment.
What she hadn’t planned to say, under his gentle gaze, finally spilled out.
"There’s something… I’d like to ask of you."
Lu Jinghuai seemed delighted she’d taken the initiative, his smile brighter than the afternoon sun.
"Go ahead. I’ll help."
He leaned casually against a streetlamp post, naturally releasing her hand as she tried to pull away. Lowering his head slightly, he waited for her to continue, his gaze steady.
Now, there was no backing out.
Ji Nian, who still hadn’t grown immune to his beauty, let her eyes linger for a second on his striking golden hair—so dazzling it drew glances from passersby.
Then she spoke. "There’s someone’s private matters I can’t investigate myself. I need your help."
Lu Jinghuai smiled warmly, though the darkness in his heart had already spiraled beyond his control.
He wondered:
If Ji Nian said Chen Mo’s name, should he gladly agree, then fabricate evidence to frame him as a morally corrupt old man? Or should he refuse?
But refusing… he didn’t think he could.
Perhaps she didn’t realize it herself, but when asking for a favor, she’d unconsciously widen those emerald-green eyes, her gaze holding nothing but the person before her.
A few soft curls framed her cheeks. Lu Jinghuai wasn’t one to judge by appearances, but humans were visual creatures—and Ji Nian happened to be breathtaking.
To him, her beauty and charm were magnified tenfold.
Who could refuse her?
Who would dare?
It’s fine. Even if it’s Chen Mo, I can handle it.
"Alright…"
He heard himself say.
Then the girl before him glanced around furtively, like a thief.
Lu Jinghuai thought: So afraid of Chen Mo finding out?
She really does care about him…
Unnoticed by her, the warmth in his smile chilled with something darker as Ji Nian motioned for him to lean in.
She whispered near his ear, "I want you to look into…"
"Ji Tingzhou."
Hearing the name, even Lu Jinghuai couldn’t hide his surprise.
They were so close that with just a tilt of her head, Ji Nian saw the unspoken question in his eyes: "Your dad?"
It almost looked like he’d cursed.
Ji Nian couldn’t help but think.
Straightening up, she nodded firmly. "Yes, you heard right. Him."
"Not that kind of private life, though."
At this, she rubbed her nose.
She knew exactly what Ji Tingzhou’s private life was like.
A shut-in who could stay holed up in one spot all day—what illicit affairs could he possibly have?
She explained in a low voice what she actually wanted to know.
Hearing her clarification, Lu Jinghuai’s expression returned to normal.
"Got it."
If it was just this, he had no issues.
Of course, if Ji Nian really did want to dig into her father’s personal affairs, he’d still help.
No wonder she came to him.
If the target was Ji Tingzhou, it made sense she couldn’t investigate herself.
She was still young, and all her resources came from her father’s side.
Lu Jinghuai was different.
Princess Feia had assigned him a team of his own since childhood—even Lu Zhi couldn’t interfere.
After seeing Lu Jinghuai off, Ji Nian got into her family’s car and immediately faced Wei Yang’s furious glare.
"Ji Nian! Why were you standing so close to him? What could possibly require that kind of distance?!"
Wei Yang looked like he wanted to scrub her from head to toe.
"You’re acting just like Dad right now…"
Ji Nian sighed.
"The young prince said he needed to rush home to take a dump. Of course we had to whisper—you want everyone to hear that?"
Sorry, little prince. I’ll owe you one.
Wei Yang’s face twisted comically.
"Someone that good-looking needs to poop too?"
Ji Nian shrugged. "Dad poops every day, and he sits around all the time without getting constipated. He just uses a lot of toilet paper."
"Fair point."
Wei Yang instantly looked less agitated.
"Did Dad say when he’s coming back?"
Wei Yang answered casually, "An old friend dragged him out hunting. Might be late."
"Oh, really?"
After asking, Ji Nian turned to watch the scenery flash by outside the window.
Liar.
Ji Tingzhou had never liked hunting.
Ji Nian had an excellent memory.
So sharp she’d notice immediately if any servant who usually appeared in her daily life suddenly went missing.
The staff member who abruptly took a long leave, the way Ji Tingzhou’s gaze would sometimes fixate on nothing, the unused incense in his room with no trace of ever being lit—
Every detail was suspicious.
