Second Master

The layout of the room was not as extravagant as the others in Huo's residence, but it was airy and orderly. Everything was placed in a designated location accordingly.

The tidiness…it feels almost like…

It can't be…

Lu's heart raced. It pumped so fast she almost could not breathe, her boiling adrenaline surged to her head as she walked towards the desk, where a partially covered photo frame was found.

The suspense built up as she reached out her shivering hand, to pull that white cloth down. There was an unreasonable chill that froze her hand as she stumbled before the desk.

The familiarity was engulfing her, a name was forcing through her locked throat. Her rationality was denying everything she felt yet her instinct was slamming the ground refuting the claim.

The ambivalence of both "yes" and "no". The tip of her finger touched the cloth.

"Madam, why are you here may I ask?" The entire frame was taken away.

She was so consumed by her intensity that she did not notice the maid who came in few minutes ago.

"Geez…" Sighed the maid.

"S-sorry, I was just checking out this mansion the first time," said Lu apologetically, although her eyes remained glued at that curious frame, "Um… who's that… may I ask?"

"This *was* the second master's room. The master ordered us to clean the room on a daily basis ever since the second master passed away. The place is restricted however. I'm sorry, ma'am but you have to leave."

"Sorry… I didn't know this was uncle's room."

Apparently, Huo's granny had two sons, one being Huo Zhenning - the person who married Madam Xue, the other being this mysterious Second Master who seemed to be an authoritative figure in the military, even though he had already passed away.

She slowly walked towards the door, taking her time to survey the room with the last few glances of course, the room was sending her nostalgia nonstop after all.

The theories bloomed in her head vigorously like springtime the more she observed the room.

Only if I could see that picture underneath, everything would have been answered.

But I can't enter this room anymore. I might be able to pass by pretending as a lost intrigued guest at the residence the first time, but not the second.

It was lunchtime and still Lu could not concentrate on spooning her food right.

Huo Yunting glanced at her and pursed his lips, "My dear sister, is everything fine? You seemed puzzled, wanna head back to work already?"

"Well, it is my duty after all." An ambiguous reply from her. She knew that the inquiry was not a sincere one from Huo. He simply asked because he himself wanted to leave this damn place and he, as usual, shoved every attention to her.

Geez.

"Alright! Your big brother will grant your wish. We will head back right after lunch." He smiled, as if a merciful emperor.

"Mhm." Lu sealed the deal instantly since it would be a red-letter day tomorrow. She *must* leave.

"Okay, okay, head back to work after this. You youngsters have a lot of work. I'll handle your father." The granny giggled as she was pleased seeing the loving interaction between brother and sister.

They stayed after lunch to chat with granny a bit, then they left.

When they got back to the city, it was dusk, way after working hours. So they headed home.

On that night, "I'll be on leave tomorrow," said Lu briefly as she slammed the door shut.

I haven't forgiven him for what he did. I'm POSITIVELY, ABSOLUTELY, UNDOUBTEDLY not ready for penetration.

"Knock knock," said Huo.

"Ugh, who's there?"

"The man with a chain of keys," said Huo playfully as he leaned against the door.

There was no response from her other than the heavier, more violent footsteps that trailed off in her room.

"Sounds like 'come in' to me." Huo unlocked the door, only to see his wife removing her clothing, heading to the bathroom.

"So…" His eyes shone as he waddled towards her, "What kind of leave is that? My fellow employee~?"

"WELL, I still have personal business to settle despite being your wife!" She shut the bathroom door and changed into her pajamas, with a threatening glare, "I don't care, I am NOT going to work tomorrow. Cut my wage if you want!"