Chapter 19: Caught in the Act

"..."

For a fleeting moment, Lu Qingzhuo saw something in Fu Yumian’s eyes that she shouldn't have.

It almost felt like a strange sense of possessiveness. But she hoped she was just imagining it because the thought of "possessiveness" appearing on Fu Yumian’s face was terrifying.

"What’s your plan next, President Fu? Are you heading back to the hotel, or do you want to go somewhere fun?"

Lu Qingzhuo decided to first figure out Fu Yumian’s schedule. That way, she could find an opportunity to meet up with Lin Zhiyu, who had messaged her earlier, saying she was vacationing on the island and wanted to hang out.

Lin Zhiyu: Where are you filming?

Lu Qingzhuo: On XXX Island.

Lin Zhiyu: No way! I’ll come find you on set.

Lu Qingzhuo: Sounds good.

Lin Zhiyu: I heard Shen Shijun’s new movie is also being filmed on XXX Island. Have you seen her in person? I’m such a huge fan!

Lu Qingzhuo: I’m literally acting in her movie right now.

Lin Zhiyu: "..."

Lin Zhiyu went silent for a long time. Just when Lu Qingzhuo thought she might have irreversibly offended her, Lin Zhiyu suddenly sent a sticker of a drooling pig, leaving Lu Qingzhuo utterly baffled.

Lu Qingzhuo: What are you doing? Don’t do drugs.

Lin Zhiyu: Is Director Shen near you? Can you get her autograph for me? I’m her die-hard fan! 🥰🥰

Lu Qingzhuo: "…"

She replied.

Lu Qingzhuo: She’s not around right now. She’s busy reviewing footage, and I don’t dare disturb her.

Lin Zhiyu: 😭😭 Okay, then. I’ll visit your set tomorrow. Which hotel are you staying at? Let’s have a party in my room tonight—I’ve invited some other friends too!

A party?

That ominous word.

Having read countless novels, Lu Qingzhuo knew that when a group of people threw a party, things always took an unexpected turn—sometimes even leading to utter catastrophe.

She needed an excuse.

Lu Qingzhuo: I have plans tonight. You and your friends have fun!

Lin Zhiyu sent a location.

When Lu Qingzhuo opened it, she realized that Lin Zhiyu was staying at a five-star hotel owned by the Fu Group—the exact same hotel she was staying at.

"…"

Why did she suddenly feel like she couldn't go back now?

Fu Yumian, who had been watching Lu Qingzhuo scroll through her phone with amusement, suddenly had a glint of scrutiny in her eyes. She caught glimpses of the screen flashing as Lu Qingzhuo typed and even heard occasional, suspicious chuckles.

Who was she chatting with?

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Lu Qingzhuo quickly hid her smile and lifted her gaze, only to be met with Fu Yumian’s dark expression.

"President Fu, what’s wrong?"

"Nothing. I’m heading back to the hotel."

"Have you finished all your business?" Lu Qingzhuo glanced at Su Lan, who was standing nearby. Su Lan subtly waved her hand and quickly made her exit, leaving only Fu Yumian and Han Tian.

Han Tian, catching Lu Qingzhuo’s gaze, nervously adjusted her glasses and buried her head in her phone.

Lu Qingzhuo: "…"

Come on, at least pretend to be normal.

"It’s all taken care of. Are you coming with me—"

"I’m not going—"

The words barely left her mouth before she realized her mistake. She immediately clamped her lips shut, awkwardly stepping half a pace back to create what she felt was a safe distance.

Fu Yumian had invited her to return to the hotel together, but she didn’t want to run into Lin Zhiyu. And more than that, she didn’t want to be seen with Fu Yumian and then run into Lin Zhiyu.

"Uh… President Fu, a friend invited me out tonight, so I won’t be going back with you."

She lowered her head, feeling guilty, but when she looked up again, she wore a perfect smile—flawless and impossible to pick apart.

"See you later, President Fu!"

Maintaining her composure, she swiftly maneuvered around Fu Yumian and headed toward another car.

Xie Yun was in the driver’s seat, gripping the steering wheel with curiosity. She watched as Lu Qingzhuo hastily opened the passenger door, her lips pursed.

"Lu Lu, got plans tonight? What’s the rush?"

"Drive, now!"

Lu Qingzhuo shut the door, buckled her seatbelt, and finally took a deep breath, sipping some water to calm herself. Just as she was about to relax, Xie Yun casually said,

"President Fu was watching us the whole time. Are you two playing some kind of chase-and-escape game?"

Lu Qingzhuo nearly spat water all over the windshield. She wiped her lips with a tissue and shot Xie Yun a glare.

"Don’t. Talk. To Me. And never mention Fu Yumian in front of me again."

"Fine." As a newly devoted Fu Yumian fan, Xie Yun pouted but obediently stepped on the gas, driving them out of Fu Yumian’s sight.

"Where are we going? Didn’t you message me earlier about eating crayfish? I found a great spot, but they don’t do delivery."

Lu Qingzhuo pulled on a baseball cap and mask.

"Then we’ll take it to the hotel. These are dangerous times—we can’t risk being recognized."

---

Xie Yun followed behind Lu Qingzhuo, carrying two thermal bags. Both were fully equipped as they got out of the car and stood in front of the hotel.

Lu Qingzhuo first surveyed the area, paying close attention to the front desk lobby, almost as if she were playing a shooting game.

Thankfully, she didn’t recognize anyone, nor did she run into Lin Zhiyu.

Letting out a sigh of relief, she stepped inside, but just as she reached the front desk, a tall Alpha in a nightgown called out to her.

"Qingzhuo? What are you doing here?"

Lin Zhiyu’s face lit up with excitement. She had just come downstairs for a walk and some fresh air, only to stumble upon Lu Qingzhuo returning from outside.

She rushed forward and hugged Lu Qingzhuo tightly, as if greeting an old friend she hadn’t seen in ages.

Smiling, she said, “You’re staying here too? Why didn’t you tell me sooner? I’ll come to your room, and we can hang out.”

Lu Qingzhuo nearly lost her balance under Lin Zhiyu’s enthusiasm. Turning her head slightly, she asked, "Aren’t you hosting a party tonight? Did it end?"

"It was boring without you, so I sent everyone home. Mostly, I was just lonely."

Noticing Xie Yun holding the thermal bags and staring at them in surprise, Lin Zhiyu smiled. "Qingzhuo, who’s this? She’s quite cute."

"She’s my assistant." Lu Qingzhuo patted Lin Zhiyu on the head. "This isn’t the best place for a chat. Let’s go back to my room. I bought some crayfish. How about we eat together?"

"Let’s go. I’m starving."

As they walked down the corridor, Lin Zhiyu kept a hand on Lu Qingzhuo’s shoulder. For a moment, Lu Qingzhuo almost felt as if she were being clung to by a mischievous husky that refused to leave her alone.

When she reached her door, she pulled out the room card from her bag, ready to unlock it—just as the door to the opposite room suddenly swung open.

Fu Yumian stood at the doorway, dressed in a light-colored nightgown, her hair down. Her cold gaze swept over the three of them.

"Out with friends?"

Her eyes briefly lingered on Lu Qingzhuo’s neck and lips, as if surveying her territory, before shifting to the Alpha standing beside her.

When she noticed Lin Zhiyu’s arm resting on Lu Qingzhuo’s shoulder, her fingers lightly brushing against her neck, Fu Yumian blinked slowly.

"Yes, President Fu, this is my childhood friend. She’s staying here too and came over to see me."

For some reason, meeting Fu Yumian’s eyes made Lu Qingzhuo feel uneasy.

Lin Zhiyu also sensed the shift in atmosphere—it almost felt like Lu Qingzhuo had been caught cheating. The Omega in front of them, with her glasses and unwavering presence, radiated a quiet pressure. She seemed like someone they couldn’t afford to provoke.

Quickly, Lin Zhiyu snatched the room card from Lu Qingzhuo’s hand. With a beep, the door unlocked.

"Qingzhuo, I’ll go in first," she said.

Lin Zhiyu and Xie Yun slipped inside.

"Mm."

Lu Qingzhuo nodded, then turned to Fu Yumian. "Is there something you need, President Fu?"

She couldn’t shake the feeling that Fu Yumian had come to reprimand her, but she reminded herself of their mutual "no interference in each other’s private matters" agreement. Summoning her courage, she added, "Zhiyu is my good friend. I assume it’s fine if I bring her to my room, right?"

Fu Yumian’s glasses reflected the dim glow of the hallway lamp. She turned around and walked away.

"You’re free to do as you wish."  

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