Lu Qianzhou sneered, "So you think so highly of my face."
Yan Xia didn't even want to bother with him. The way he was acting so brazenly now was nothing like the aloof Lu Qianzhou she used to know!
"Don't worry. Next time I take you guys out, I'll wear a mask to cover my face. I definitely won't let others take an extra look."
Just then, his phone beeped, reminding him to pick up the food.
"I'll go get the food. Wait for me here." With that, he got up and headed to the pickup counter outside.
Yan Xia's eyes followed him. She really didn't know how to act around him anymore. No matter how cold she was to him, his brazenness always managed to break through.
Lan Mengfan had put down her phone at some point. She looked up at Yan Xia, noticing that she was looking in Lu Qianzhou's direction. She couldn't help but ask, "Mom, do you not like this uncle?"
She could clearly see that among Fang Jiangyi, Shangguan Yao, and Lu Qianzhou, Yan Xia had the worst attitude towards Lu Qianzhou.
Yan Xia looked away. "Kids shouldn't worry about this. But remember to stay away from him. Don't go with him without my permission, and never meet him alone. Got it?"
Lan Mengfan nodded thoughtfully.
At that moment, Shangguan Yao's voice came through the earpiece.
"Goddess, are you there?"
Yan Xia got up and walked to the window. "I'm with Lu Qianzhou, but he's not around me for now."
Shangguan Yao said, "I saw the pictures and videos the netizens posted. He's really something, chasing you all the way to the downstairs of Shengshi Building. Making such a big show. No wonder you can't handle him."
"What do you want from me?"
As for the matter between her and Lu Qianzhou, it was okay for people who didn't know the truth to just watch the fun. But Shangguan Yao knew everything, yet he still had to tease her. She really didn't want to hear it.
"Okay, I'll make it short. Remember I told you before that Lu Qianzhou is involved in some sensitive gray industries. His business partner has been making moves recently. We've been keeping an eye on him for a long time. We almost caught him red - handed some time ago, but then our operation was exposed, so he's been very vigilant. If possible, use the excuse of the casino involved in drug - related and prostitution - related activities that Lord Lu gave you to get close to him. Try to gain his trust and do business with him. Once you infiltrate Lu Qianzhou's cooperation with his partner, you might be able to help us catch them all."
Shangguan Yao rattled off a long speech in one breath.
Yan Xia asked, "What's the name of that person you mentioned?"
Shangguan Yao said, "Long Tao. This guy is very cautious. But since your background is clean, you shouldn't arouse his suspicion. But remember, you still need to be careful."
If Lu Qianzhou found out that Yan Xia was approaching Long Tao, he would probably be furious and try his best to stop her next move. On the other hand, with Lu Qianzhou protecting her, Shangguan Yao wasn't too worried about Yan Xia's safety.
"I see."
Shangguan Yao added, "Do you have any questions for me or need me to do something for you?"
Yan Xia looked back at Lan Mengfan, who was playing with Lu Qianzhou's phone.
"Lan Yuzhou will be released from prison tomorrow, but he may not be able to protect Lan Mengfan well with his ability. If I'm not available at that time and Lan Mengfan has to stay with Lan Yuzhou, you must ensure their safety."
She didn't want her affairs to affect the safety of the children. It was her mission to avenge her sister and find out the feud between Lu Qianzhou and her father. She couldn't let any other innocent people get involved.
"Since you've entrusted me, don't worry."
Yan Xia thought for a while and then asked, "Also, how often does Lu Qianzhou meet and do business with Long Tao in person?"
She needed to get a clear understanding before taking action.
If Lu Qianzhou found out before she successfully got close to Long Tao, the difficulty of this matter would increase significantly.
Shangguan Yao said, "Not very often."
Yan Xia didn't reply. Shangguan Yao knew she was still listening, so he reminded her again.
"Goddess, you must pay attention to your own safety. Do your best in everything. If you have any problems, communicate with me in time. I'll try my best to provide you with convenience and protection."
Yan Xia agreed.
When she returned to her seat, Lan Mengfan knew that playing with the phone for too long would make her mom unhappy, so she obediently put the phone aside.
Lu Qianzhou's phone was right there. Yan Xia hesitated for a moment. She originally wanted to see if she could find any useful information on his phone, but before her hand even touched it, Lu Qianzhou came back with the food.
She had no choice but to withdraw her hand.
Lan Mengfan's eyes lit up when she saw the tray of food. She grabbed a hamburger and started munching on it. Yan Xia ate the fries one by one, looking a bit absent - minded.
"What are you thinking about?" Lu Qianzhou suddenly asked.
Yan Xia snapped back to reality and looked at his handsome face that was so close. The setting sun shone on half of his face, and he looked just like before, giving her a fluttering feeling.
Good looks could really be a distraction, especially for someone like her who was a die - hard face - lover.
"Nothing." Yan Xia lied effortlessly. "I'm taking Mengfan to pick up Lan Yuzhou tomorrow. I may have to give the child back to him. I'm just a bit emotional about what the future holds."
Lu Qianzhou said, "If you like kids so much, you can have one of your own."
Maybe it was the mood, but Yan Xia actually responded to his words without thinking.
"I can't just have a child whenever I want."
Lu Qianzhou said seriously, "I can help you."
Yan Xia snapped back to her senses and realized what he meant.
"Don't talk nonsense in front of the kids." Since there was a child around, she didn't argue with him or bring up anything that might make her angry.
Lu Qianzhou laughed and said, "I'm not talking nonsense. I'm serious. Tell me what you want, and I'll do my best to make it happen for you."
Yan Xia ignored him.
After they finished the hamburgers, Lu Qianzhou drove them home himself.
When they got to the outside of the house, Yan Xia told Lan Mengfan to go home with her schoolbag first. She stayed behind to talk to Lu Qianzhou.
"What, can't bear to part with me?" Lu Qianzhou smiled.
Yan Xia took a deep breath and said, "Don't come to see me again. Don't use the kids as an excuse, and don't hurt the people around me."
Lu Qianzhou's gentle expression instantly disappeared. "Who do you mean by the people around you? Fang Jiangyi?"
She was too tired to argue with him.
"You know what I mean. I won't be with him. The feud between us is over. Let him go."
Under the street lamp, she did look a bit haggard.
Lu Qianzhou suddenly reached out and pulled her closer. He held her chin with one hand, forcing her to look up at him. The distance and the posture were ambiguous.
"Do you think I'm targeting Fang Jiangyi just for you?"
Lu Qianzhou seemed to find it extremely funny. He suddenly burst out laughing and leaned in closer, their breaths mingling.
"Xiaxia, why are you always so easily deceived by a person's appearance? Haven't you learned your lesson?"
Yan Xia frowned. His face in front of her looked like a desolate mockery.