Get into a fierce row

"Brother, does it feel good?" Lu Xue knelt on Lu Han's back, her soft hands massaging from his tailbone up to his neck, finishing with a few firm presses. A box of rose oil for the massage lay nearby. She noticed the scars on his back, familiar yet still shocking.

"Yes, it feels great," Lu Han murmured, eyes half-closed. While part of the reason he called Lu Xue in was to show off to Lu Ming, he couldn't deny the skill of her hands—it was truly an indulgence.

However, just as they were getting into the rhythm, there was a knock at the door, spoiling the moment. Lu Xue got off the bed and walked out of the bedroom. Opening the door, she saw the unwelcome figure of Lu Ming standing outside.

"Where's the eldest brother?" Lu Ming tried to maintain a semblance of politeness in front of Lu Xue, but seeing her flushed face dotted with sweat made him clench his teeth in anger. Anyone who didn't know better might think something more intimate was happening.

"Do you need him for something?" Lu Xue replied coolly.

"Not me, but Father is looking for him."

Lu Ming kept his expression neutral, though internally, he felt like a thorn had pierced his heart. He saw the woman he loved as being "tainted" by Lu Han, even if it was just a massage. He couldn't help but resent this.

"Oh, I see." Lu Xue closed the door without another word, clearly not wanting to engage further. Lu Ming left, fuming but helpless.

A few minutes later, Lu Han arrived at the study.

"Dad, what's up?"

"It's nothing major," Lu Zhenxin said, pouring tea for his son. After a brief pause, he continued, "Some relatives from your mother's side are coming tomorrow. Just a reminder not to take them too seriously."

"Tell me more," Lu Han raised an eyebrow.

"Well, it's a long story," Lu Zhenxin sighed. "Our family's rise wasn't exactly honorable. Your grandfather started by robbing people in dark alleys. When we had some money, I met your mother."

"When it came to marriage, her family objected strongly. It ended badly, almost cutting ties completely."

"But when our business took off, they came back seeking favors. I've helped them out because of your mother, but now that you're back, they have new schemes."

Lu Han understood—just a bunch of leeches.

He knew how to handle them.

After discussing some details about the engagement party, Lu Han left the study. Outside, Lu Ming was already waiting.

"I thought we agreed to talk after dinner," Lu Han remarked coldly. "So eager?"

Lu Ming didn't respond immediately, giving him a hard look before turning away. Lu Han followed silently.

They stepped out into the bright, sunny day. The estate's lush greenery was gradually turning yellow with the changing seasons. Lu Han looked towards the golf course, remembering Lu Xue mentioning she would teach him golf.

"Lu Han, I suggest you keep some boundaries with Xue'er," Lu Ming said flatly. "She's innocent and doesn't think much of it, but you must consider her reputation. Don't forget, you two share no blood relation. What will people say?"

Lu Han sneered, "Are you speaking as a brother or something else?"

He had always sensed something off about Lu Ming's gaze toward Lu Xue, a hidden greed. 

Lu Ming paused, then asked, "How did you figure it out?"

This admission confirmed Lu Han's suspicions. Lu Ming didn't want to hide anymore, especially not in front of Lu Han.

"You only have one reason to approach me: the family fortune. You don't want anyone else to get a piece of it. But you didn't mention that; instead, you warned me to stay away from Xue'er. That shows how important she is to you, even more than the wealth. I didn't expect you, a bastard child, to be so sentimental."

"A bastard child is still a person," Lu Ming narrowed his eyes. "Lu Han, you're just lucky. Without the Lu family, you're nothing."

"But I'm different," Lu Han countered. "Even starting from scratch, I can surpass you."

"Luck?"

Lu Han laughed bitterly, "Your tone of resentment reassures me. Lu Ming, you don't need to hold back. Hope you'll still be this arrogant when you lose everything."

Lu Ming smiled back, "We'll see who laughs last."

"Wait," Lu Han's voice turned icy. "I know you'll stop at nothing, but I warn you to have some conscience and a moral bottom line."

"You're still standing here intact because Dad is alive."

"Remember, he's your shield."

"If anything happens to him, regardless of whether you're involved, I'll hold you responsible."

"On that day, I'll personally send you to join him."

Hatred can be irrational. Lu Han had seen too much darkness in human nature. Someone as self-assured as Lu Ming wouldn't admit failure; he'd blame everyone else, especially Lu Zhenxin. If Lu Zhenxin hadn't found his long-lost son, none of this would have happened. Even Lu Zhenxin's attempts to treat both sons equally seemed biased to Lu Ming.

Who knows what extreme actions Lu Ming might take? Could he forge a fake will to cover his tracks?

Though Lu Han often referred to Lu Zhenxin as "Old Man" or "Cheap Old Man," deep down, he craved family more than anyone. Having lost his mother at a young age, he didn't want to lose his father too.

...

...