Chapter 69; Your Highness

"Your Highness!" He nonchalantly eyed him before gazing away. Nothing about this Highness fazed or enticed him.

"Huh.... I have heard you! And then, I saw news of you racing along the highway!" He spoke up, eying him. This boy had an attitude, he was more like his mother from the facial features and the way they looked at people with such a judgmental face.

"Oooh, your Highness! We all commit a crime from time to time, but that won't be the last one! Haven't you?" He loudly smirked, glaring at him. His mother had forgotten about that incident, and now he had to bring it up? Who did he think he was?

The prince felt mad, and his smiling face immediately wrinkled up. Lu Ting Cheng was respectful, but this prick in front of him was something else. He was full of thorns.

"Your Highness... Don't mind about my brother, he is like that, a sharp mouth but with a soft heart!" Lu Ting Cheng hurriedly held his hand, dragging him to the back. Lu Wan Ruyi was already used to Lu Zi Zhen being a rosy thorn.

"Hehe... I don't mind it at all!" He laughed it off, masking his anger while he sneakily glared at Lu Zi Zhen. He didn't see his parents react in any way, and immediately knew this was how he had always been.

"And finally, my youngest, Lu Ting Zhou," Zhi Hao said, "I know you know him, he is a singer and actor... That's his area of passion."

Ting Zhou bowed slightly, steady in his movements. "Your Highness," he said evenly while keeping his eyes low.

"Impressive," the prince replied, his gaze flicking over at Lu Zi Zhen with interest. He was totally different, a different breed. "A strong family you have here, Master Lu."

"Hehe, thank you for that compliment, Your Highness! See you around." He gently nodded at him as they moved to other people.

The introductions didn't stop there. Zhi Hao moved them toward the country's Prime Minister next, an imposing figure with lines of war and wisdom on his face.

"Prime Minister Ralph," Zhi Hao said, offering his hand. "You know my name, I don't need to introduce myself. Now meet those who bear it."

One by one, the ministers, secretaries, and political titans were introduced, each offering polite nods or respectful greetings.

There were subtle glances exchanged, coded acknowledgments of old alliances, quiet rivalries, and silent truces.

But none failed to show respect.

Because Lu Zhi Hao wasn't merely a name, he was an institution. A force. The power behind the curtain whose word could shift policy, whose alliances could decide futures.

Tonight, with quiet pride and deliberate intent, he had brought his family into the limelight—not just to be seen, but to be remembered, and respected.

As the final handshake faded and the hum of conversation resumed, the Lu family took their place among the evening's honored guests. The atmosphere glittered with elegance, the music swelling softly in the background.

Lu Zhi Hao leaned toward Wan Ruyi, his hand resting lightly over hers. His voice was low, meant for her alone. "I hope you are enjoying yourself, my dear."

She turned to him with that calm, timeless smile of hers. "With you and our children by my side? Always."

Just then, the lights dimmed slightly, and the MC's voice rang out from the elevated stage at the head of the hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, may I have your attention? Tonight's charity gala would not be possible without the gracious support and vision of the Lu family; their support behind the curtains has been the reason for this event to always be successful every single year. To open the evening, we invite Mr. Lu Zhi Hao and his family over to the floor."