Punish one as a warning to others

Shen Luoyan left before the banquet officially began.

The show was over, and she had tasted the pain Lu Han must have felt years ago. There was no need to stay here and subject herself to further torment.

Despite her apparent victory over Su Qingli, she envied her rival for being able to stand openly by Lu Han's side.

Unlike herself, from now on, she would be nothing more than a secret lover. Even when they met in public, she would have to act indifferent.

Though she felt wronged, Shen Luoyan accepted it willingly. After all, compared to Su Qingli, who hadn't even tasted the "meat," she had already enjoyed it, hadn't she?

And that "meat" was quite delicious, indeed.

As Shen Luoyan walked out of Chanson Hotel, she unexpectedly saw a woman she both expected and didn't expect to see.

Chu Ruoyan.

Lu Han's ex-girlfriend stood on the steps, looking inside with a complex expression, while the security guard beside her watched her warily.

"Miss... Miss Shen?"

Chu Ruoyan was surprised to see Shen Luoyan. Their previous encounter had been strange and unpleasant, and she hadn't expected to see her again today.

She could vaguely sense that the relationship between Shen Luoyan and Lu Han wasn't simple, but it was no longer her concern.

Because she had no right to interfere.

Chu Ruoyan now had a clear understanding of her position. She just hoped Lu Han would accept her again; she didn't dare hope for anything more.

Shen Luoyan glanced at Chu Ruoyan, dressed elegantly with wavy hair like seaweed, wearing a silver fish-tail dress and matching diamond-studded high heels. Her bare legs were smooth, and she looked quite beautiful, though not as stunning as Su Qingli.

It seemed she wasn't ready to give up either.

Shen Luoyan asked casually, "Why are you standing here? Why don't you go in?"

This was a rhetorical question.

Chu Ruoyan replied bitterly, "I don't have an invitation."

She knew she wouldn't be allowed in even if she came, but she still came without much hesitation.

Self-punishment like this made her feel slightly better.

The weather was nice, but it was freezing outside due to the onset of winter.

Seeing Chu Ruoyan shivering, Shen Luoyan said softly, "Go back."

Chu Ruoyan shook her head stubbornly, "I'll wait a little longer."

Shen Luoyan didn't say anything more, nodded slightly, and walked past her.

She didn't want to know why Lu Han had rejected Chu Ruoyan or why Chu Ruoyan regretted it.

None of it mattered.

To Shen Luoyan, comparing herself to Chu Ruoyan was like the pot calling the kettle black.

Fortunately, she had some luck on her side.

Otherwise, there might have been two women standing there now.

---

There were so many people present that Lu Han didn't notice Shen Luoyan had left, nor did he know Chu Ruoyan was outside.

Under the soft spotlight, he looked at Su Qingli's breathtaking beauty, mere inches away. With her eyes closed and lips slightly parted, clearly anticipating the moment, he leaned in and kissed her.

This was the final segment of the engagement ceremony, a public display of affection for all the guests to witness.

But Lu Han found it somewhat amusing. Must lovers always kiss?

Must those who sleep together be married?

So what was the point of these so-called displays?

Like now, he and Su Qingli appeared to be kissing earnestly, but it was all just for show.

However, he couldn't deny that Su Qingli's lips were incredibly soft, her tongue like jelly, making the kiss surprisingly pleasant.

Lu Han wasn't emotionally invested in the kiss, but Su Qingli was fully immersed.

In fact, there was no requirement for a kiss during the engagement ceremony. This was something she had arranged with Lu Zhensheng beforehand.

After their kiss ended, Lu Zhensheng announced the start of the banquet.

As servers began serving dishes, Su Qiuchao and Xie Qingwan went on stage, followed by Lu Xue and Lu Ming, who stood beside Lu Han.

With the flash of cameras, the seven family members were captured in a group photo.

The photographer believed he had taken excellent photos, with perfect lighting, angles, and expressions. It seemed flawless.

He was very satisfied, unaware that the harmony was only superficial, hiding deeper tensions beneath.

Next, according to etiquette and custom, they needed to toast each table.

The first table was filled with key figures, all senior members of the Lu Corporation, including several elders whom Lu Zhensheng addressed as uncles.

"Zhengsheng, today is a joyous occasion, and I shouldn't speak of such matters, but we discussed it and thought it best to address it now rather than later," an elderly man with white hair but sharp eyes suddenly spoke.

Lu Han had seen him during the welcoming ceremony.

Lu Zhensheng had introduced him as Chang Yuzhou, a minor shareholder of the Lu Corporation.

Though he owned only a small percentage of shares, given the corporation's market value, he was already a billionaire.

Chang Yuzhou smiled at Lu Han, then turned to Lu Zhensheng, "We always say to use talents where they're most effective. I know you love both your sons equally, but for the long-term prosperity of the company, Ming is undoubtedly the better choice."

"Of course, I don't mean to belittle Lu Han, just stating facts."

"Three billion isn't much, thirty million isn't insignificant. Zhengsheng, regarding the company's future, you can't let emotions cloud your judgment."

This was clearly favoring Lu Ming. Lu Han smirked inwardly; even the way he addressed them showed his bias.

Lu Zhensheng pretended to think carefully, "Uncle Chang, what do you suggest?"

"Ming manages several subsidiaries, and we've seen his performance," Chang Yuzhou praised Lu Ming with a look of admiration. "I believe he's ready to take on a role at the headquarters."

Lu Zhensheng turned to Lu Ming, "What do you think?"

"With my current abilities, returning to headquarters might be a bit premature," Lu Ming responded humbly, adding quickly, "Dad, I'll follow your arrangements."

Lu Zhensheng then turned to Lu Han, "What about you?"

"What can I say?" Lu Han looked at Chang Yuzhou with a half-smile, "Today is supposed to be my happy day. You know discussing business isn't appropriate, yet you insist. Aren't you disregarding me too much?"

"Do you know the saying 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down'? Or 'killing a chicken to scare the monkeys'?"

"You, being old enough to be both the bird and the chicken, make things difficult for me."

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