“In my heart, you are already more than a friend, boyfriend, or even family. To me, the two most important persons in my life now is Mommy and you.”


  At that, Lu Qianqian clenched on Lin Mu’an’s hand. “I am willing to make amends if the first half of my life was wrong, because I want to give all my love to you too.”


  “Lin Mu’an, I don’t actually just cherish you……”


  “I do love you.”


  Lin Mu’an eyes went red at that. “My little pepper has finally grown. I love you too—to the point that I could ignore everything else.”


  “Then let’s work hard together to become strong, and protect each other.”


  Lin Mu’an nodded, and finally leaned down to kiss her shuddering lips.

  It did not matter how difficult the future could be or how many obstacles were ahead of them. The most important thing was that they had the determination to be together.

  Even though this confession of love came late, it was still not too late. Moreover, Mama Lu had long since considered that Lin Mu’an was the best son-in-law she could get, and she would accept the Lin family’s refusals, just as she would try to change their biased views.

  The heavens were being unfair if two good kids like them are not allowed to be together.

  The pair hence stood outside the police academy, giving each other a long embrace after they spoke the most important words of their lives, unwilling to part. They would not care even if many rumors would spread at the academy over that.

  Lin Mu’an only let Lu Qianqian free when it was time. “The lawyer would be going to your house soon. Time for you to get back.”


  “Alright. You should hurry off to eat…… we’ll talk at night.”


  Lin Mu’an leaned down to kiss her, only satisfied then.

  From here on out, they were lovers.

  And for his lover, Lin Mu’an would shoulder the duty to resist the Lin family, and must become powerful.

  That was why he should no longer be whimsical.

  Hence, before the Lu family’s lawyer would reach Qianqian’s home, he gave Sheng Xiao a call. “Crown Prince……”


  “What is it?”


  “Please build me an enterprise. You would definitely receive an unexpected return when the time comes.”


  Since he had already invested into the Lu family, why would he mind investing in one more person?

  “You really trust me, huh.” Sheng Xiao’s lips curled up.

  “The best birds know where to perch. I’m sure that even Zhongteng requires the backing of various factions, and though you have a military backing now, the military and police remain two different bodies.”


  “It’s easy if I need some police backing, and I wouldn’t need to groom a student.”


  “But don’t you think that a young partner who would never betray you much more valuable?”


  Sheng Xiao grinned at that. “You’ve convinced me. That said, I am not choosing because of your ability, but because of your courage and ambition. Just tell Xu Che whatever you need, and he’ll convey your intentions to me in time.”


  “I have something I need your help with right now.”


  “Your request really comes quick!”


  Still, just as Lin Mu’an had put it—Sheng Xiao did find the matter quite interesting. He was also very curious how much effort Lin Mu’an would pay in his determination to become stronger.

  And the mini objective Lin Mu’an had right now was simple: to permanently stop the Lin family from interfering between him and the Lu family.

  With Sheng Xiao’s help, he could do that.

  Though he would have to resort to mind games in the future, this was still a necessary path for a man to protect a woman.

  Right now, the first thing Lin Mu’an had to do was to drive the transfer student out of his sight. Her mere existence left his little pepper uncomfortable, and since the transfer student had ulterior motives in the first place, he would not have any misgivings.

  Of course, all of this would be a secret between gentlemen, and Sheng Xiao would never tell anyone else about that.

  He would wait until the time was right even if he had to tell his Xiao Qi’er.

  ***

  Lu Qianqian’s uncles were already present when she reached home, with all of them waiting in the living room. Only the Lu family’s lawyer had yet to arrive.

  Stilll, Mama Lu appeared composed, allowing no one to see that she was flustered at all. After all, she had to keep this nest of vipers in line, or she could not ensure that they would not devour her and her daughter straightaway.

  “Mommy……”


  Mama Lu rose to greet her daughter when she saw Lu Qianqian arrive home. “How are things with Mu’an?”


  “Don’t worry. Your son-in-law is not running away.” Lu Qianqian replied.

  Of course, the word ‘son-in-law’ itself explained the relationship between them, and that they were now truly together.

  And for this family, Mama Lu had to be even stronger.

  “The lawyer would be here soon. Don’t say a word, but react under your own discretion.”


  “Would we have outside help today?”


  Mama Lu winked at her in return.

  Some backing was certainly needed for this matter, of course. How else would they get to enjoy the good show?

  ***

  Meanwhile, Lin Mu’an’s afternoon training regime began, although his roommates were all laughing at him.

  “Bro, why are you acting like you’re dating Sis-in-law for the first time? Hugging away for so long in the middle afternoon…… the whole school knows about it now.”


  “You didn’t see the look on that transfer student’s face…… how bombastic it was, hugging and then kissing!”


  Lin Mu’an turned to slide a glance at the transfer student. If Sheng Xiao moved fast enough, she would be gone from the police academy before tomorrow.

  “That’s your sis-in-law. Show respect.”


  “We were already respectful before.” The roommates chuckled.

  “I mean at heart. If you also share other’s opinions that she’s…… that, I think we can’t be friends.”


  “Bro Lin, we all think well of her. What year is this, that the ladies have to protect their virtue or get penalized? As long as her character is fine, I believe that the soul’s beauty triumphs over all.”


  Lin Mu’an could not help grinning at that. If the Lin family could understand his feelings like his roommates, things would not have come to this between them.

  There has been a dilemma to choose between lover and family since ancient times. One would have to decide the value on one before turning their back on another.

  And his little pepper was the best.

  ***

  Soon, Papa Lu’s lawyer arrived at Lu Manor.

  Taking out some documents from his briefcase, he took a seat on the sofa opposite the Lu family and said, “Because Mister Lu’s death was too sudden, the law dictates that his spouse and child should have an equal share of his assets. As such, Misters Lu, all of you have no share despite being his siblings.”


  However, that was when the lawyer drew out a specific sheet of paper. “And here is Mister Lu’s will.”


  Mama Lu and Lu Qianqian’s expressions promptly shifted at that, although Mama Lu stopped Lu Qianqian just as she was about to speak, and to remind her to stay composed.

  “I am unaware that my late husband has a will.”


  “Missus Lu, I drafted it myself, so you don’t have to worry. Still, it seems that Mister Lu could not tell his family in time.”


  “If that’s the case…… then please read it. I wish to see what my late husband was thinking.”


  Meanwhile, the youngest uncle of the Lu family had been fiddling with the ring on his finger while seated.

  After all, he knew very well what the lawyer was about to read out.