Chapter 42: Zhao Rong’s Kindness.

Sometimes, Lu Zhao couldn’t help but marvel at how small this world was—like not knowing whether tomorrow or an accident would come first.

Zhao Rong’s reaction was a bit surprising, but not entirely unexpected.

He shrugged, grabbing a pair of slippers for her. “Sister Rong, come in, sit. Eaten yet?”

“…Not yet.”

His casual hospitality only confirmed her suspicions.

Still in a glamorous black dress that hugged her curves, Zhao Rong seemed to always dress like this. Was it a job requirement? Didn’t it hinder movement?

Lu Zhao wondered.

She eyed the food on the table, impressed. She hadn’t pegged him for a cook.

He fetched a bowl and chopsticks, setting them before her, then sat across. “Sister Rong, you know Miss Yu?”

“Yeah, old friend. Dropped my niece off at school and swung by to see her.”

Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she took a bite and nodded. “Not bad. Didn’t expect you to have skills like this.”

“Thanks.”

“So, care to answer my earlier question?” Her gaze carried a subtle pressure.

She had no issue with Lu Zhao—unless he was tied to someone she knew closely.

If he was Yu Baowei’s boyfriend, they needed to talk.

Lu Zhao smiled, reading her subtext. “Think you’ve got it wrong, Sister Rong. I live next door. Miss Yu hired me to cook for her, but she’s staying at school now and said I could use her place to eat.”

“Oh.” Zhao Rong lowered her eyes. She didn’t think he’d lie—checking with Yu Baowei later would clear it up.

“My attitude earlier… don’t take it personally. I’ve seen another guy who wasn’t… proper, so…”

“Got it, got it. Honestly, I admire your straightforwardness. It’s easy to get along with someone who says what they mean.”

He meant it. Who wouldn’t want a friend like that?

“Oh? You’re a rare one, Lu.” Zhao Rong’s lips curved. “First guy to say he appreciates me like this.”

She felt it too. Her job put her around men often, but they were always timid, avoiding her eyes, boring her.

Lu Zhao’s genuine ease impressed her.

Pulling out a cigarette, she paused. “Mind?”

First time she’d ever asked permission to smoke.

Lu Zhao knew she was finally seeing him for real.

“Nah, go ahead.”

Hiss… exhale…

Tobacco mixed with her fragrance filled his nose. He knew the scent well—used to be a smoker himself, though this body didn’t need it.

“By the way, Sister Rong.” He figured he’d set some ground rules, though Zhao Rong didn’t seem like a gossip.

“Hm?”

“Well… uh…”

Seeing his hesitation, she laughed, shaking her head. “What, want me to keep your past quiet?”

Cough. He nodded. “Yeah.”

“Haha, of course. I’ve got professional ethics, you know? No blackmail or nonsense.”

He scratched his head, feeling he’d overthought it.

“Eat, eat. Your cooking’s legit. Yu’s lucky to have you—she’s hopeless in the kitchen.”

She shivered, recalling Yu Baowei’s cooking attempts.

They ate and chatted, and Lu Zhao learned how the two women met.

Talk about coincidence—they were high school classmates.

A classic nerd-and-slacker duo, but shockingly, Zhao Rong was the nerd, Yu Baowei the slacker.

Zhao Rong’s eyes softened with memory. “Yu was a mess grade-wise, but I knew she was faking it. She’s brilliant, just acted carefree for some reason.”

Lu Zhao could guess why—her rebellion started early.

“After graduation, we went to different colleges but still met up sometimes.”

“Then… sigh…”

Her face darkened, and Lu Zhao didn’t pry. Everyone had scars they didn’t want touched.

He cleaned up and said goodbye, heading home.

Unbeknownst to him, Zhao Rong’s well-meaning move would stir up trouble.

[Yu, I’m at your place.]

[What? I’m not home.]

[I know. Lu Zhao let me in.]

[…You saw him? He okay?]

At her office, Yu Baowei sat up straight. She wasn’t worried Zhao Rong would do anything—her friend didn’t seem into men. She was worried Lu Zhao got spooked.

[…Am I a monster? He’s fine. We ate together. Guy can cook.]

[Thumbs up.jpg]

Relieved, Yu Baowei slumped back. She wanted to go home but was stuck on duty.

Exhausted…

[Good. I’m stuck here a few days. Come to school tomorrow?]

[Nah, heading back to Bin City. Catch up later.]

[Fine. (¬_¬)]

Zhao Rong hesitated, then decided to warn Yu Baowei—for everyone’s sake.

[Yu, keep your distance from this Lu Zhao.]

[What’s that mean?]

[Exactly what it sounds like. He’s got a complicated thing with Yan Ruyue. Don’t cross any lines.]

She trusted Lu Zhao, but not men—especially good-looking ones.

Sorry, Lu. It’s for your own good. You don’t know how she and that woman don’t get along.

Yu Baowei was baffled. Wasn’t it obvious Lu Zhao was tied to Yan Ruyue? Why state the obvious?

Unless…

[Little Rong, do you know who Lu Zhao’s girlfriend is?]

[Dunno, don’t care, didn’t ask.]

Classic Zhao Rong—clueless, muscle-brained.

Yu Baowei, a subtle genius when she tried, started piecing it together.

If Zhao Rong didn’t know his girlfriend was Yan Qingxin yet warned about Yan Ruyue, it meant Lu Zhao had another connection to her—one Zhao Rong hinted at cryptically, tied to her line of work.

Checking Lu Zhao’s student file, she scanned his life history.

A bold theory formed. Had Lu Zhao been to Zhao Rong’s place, met Yan Ruyue there, and…?

Her grip on her phone tightened, knuckles whitening.

Could it really be that wild?

[Got it, Little Rong. Thanks.]

Seeing her reply, Zhao Rong smiled, relieved.

“That’s the way. Keep it harmonious. Drama’s ugly. Stay classy.”

Her slender fingers held the cigarette, taking a deep drag and blowing a smoke ring.