Chapter 20: The Strange Liu Family Parents
Liu Family Villa, Dining Room.
The car pulled up to the Liu family villa. Lu Qingqi glanced at Mother Liu in the passenger seat and Father Liu in the back. “Godmother, Uncle, we’re here.”
Mother Liu glanced at the villa, then turned away, smiling as she patted his arm. “Thanks, Qingqi. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Just a drive, no big deal.”
“Little Luzi, so sensible—way more than Wangjiang.”
“Nah, just let him learn from me.”
“I didn’t bring gifts this time. How about a car? Name a price, up to 3 million, and I’ll have it delivered in days.”
Lu Qingqi’s mouth twitched.
He knew the Liu family was loaded, but their wealth still stunned him. A founding family, trailing the Speaker to conquer worlds—even in decline, money was just digits to them.
“No need. My car’s fine. If you’ve got time, Godmother, talk to him. He really scared my friend.”
He didn’t say “Wangjiang,” but Mother Liu caught it.
“Alright, it’s late. Godmother, off you go. I’m heading home to eat.”
Lu Qingqi hit a button, doors sliding open. His eyes narrowed, a virtual panel flickering in his vision.
Superpower Refresh Countdown: [02:36:21]
Weekly refresh time. He buzzed with anticipation for the new abilities. His current trio—[Gender Swap], [Mental Domination], [Forced Extreme]—were potent, but what would this round bring?
“Little Luzi.” Mother Liu grabbed his wrist, her expression warm. “Don’t rush off. Dinner’s ready. Join us.”
He froze, waving his hands. “Godmother, that’s awkward. You know me and him… we don’t click. He tried stealing my girlfriend back then. It’s weird now.”
She brushed it off, patting his hand. “Pfft, he’s him, we’re us. Just a meal. I’m here, no worries.”
She tugged him out. “Come on, your godfather’s inside. Don’t keep him waiting.”
Stumbling under her insistence, Lu Qingqi sighed and got out.
Entering the villa, he spotted Liu Wangjiang in the living room, Butler Meng bowing beside him.
Father and Mother Liu entered; Wangjiang nodded coolly, his gaze skimming them like distant acquaintances before dropping. But when he saw Lu Qingqi, half-dragged by Mother Liu, a flicker of surprise crossed his purple eyes.
The dining table, draped in a dark-patterned cloth, gleamed with polished cutlery.
Lu Qingqi picked the seat farthest from Wangjiang, but Mother Liu yanked him to the middle, chirping, “Closer’s better—I can serve you food easier.”
Dinner felt heavy, like a storm cloud hung over the table. Wangjiang stayed silent. Father Liu, too. Lu Qingqi kept his head down, eating quietly.
Mother Liu, oblivious to the tension, piled food on Lu Qingqi’s plate—braised pork ribs, squirrel mandarin fish, meatballs—chattering away. She recounted their travels: stargazing in dome tents, ice-fishing in Iceland for half-meter fish, meeting the Xu family—another founding clan—whose couple was just as lovey-dovey.
Lu Qingqi nodded, eyeing the food mountain in his bowl. Wangjiang’s bowl? Barely touched, just rice.
Catching Mother Liu’s kind gaze, he felt like a daughter-in-law—if he weren’t a guy.
“I’m done,” Mother Liu announced, dabbing her mouth. She sidled to Father Liu, voice girlish. “Siwei, I’m full. Head pat, please.”
Father Liu set down his teacup, naturally stroking her head, eyes soft with affection.
Mother Liu squinted, smiling like a content cat.
“One more kiss,” she cooed, tilting her face, her tone far younger than her years.
Father Liu, indulgent, leaned in, kissing her forehead lightly.
“I’ll wait in the bedroom.” Mother Liu’s eyes curved like a kid with candy. She pranced upstairs.
Wangjiang’s purple eyes darkened, unreadable.
Lu Qingqi, watching, thought they were adorable—Godmother a perpetual child, Uncle doting endlessly.
Post-dinner, Lu Qingqi said his goodbyes. In his car, he glanced back at the glowing villa, muttering, “Why’s Wangjiang so cold with his parents?”