He Lost Control with Jealousy — What Happened to Being Untouchable? - Chapter 23

For a long time, neither of them spoke.

In the silence, Lu Tingzhou could hear Sang Wan’s breathing, and the ache in his heart intensified, twisting painfully.

“Miss Sang, I have other matters to attend to. Goodbye.”

He didn’t give Sang Wan another chance to speak, and truthfully, she had nothing left to say.

Because the faint joy in her heart had been completely negated.

Sang Wan hung up the phone, feeling unsettled. After overhearing the conversation among the staff at Lanqin, she had been unable to contain her excitement and eagerly called him.

But in his eyes, it was nothing more than business.

Leaving Lanqin, Sang Wan didn’t say a word to Xu Shiming and simply got into the car and left.

As soon as she arrived home, Su Mo called her.

“Wanwan, Qu You is back. Let’s have dinner together tonight. She tried calling you earlier, but your line was busy.”

Qu You, Su Mo, and Sang Wan had been classmates. Compared to the other two, Qu You came from a less privileged background, her mother was often ill, so she had always worked hard.

She had been selected by the hospital for an academic exchange and had just returned today.

Though Sang Wan was in low spirits, it was rare for the three of them to be together.

As night deepened, the neon lights of Shencheng stretched like scattered starlight across every corner of the city.

Inside the elegant private dining room, the air was filled with a faint, pleasant fragrance.

Sang Wan listlessly poked at the food in her bowl, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, clearly still lost in her disappointment.

“My big star, are you picking a fight with that dish?”

Su Mo placed a crystal shrimp dumpling into her bowl, her tone teasing.

Qu You also set down her chopsticks and asked gently, “Wanwan, what’s troubling you? Tell us.”

Sang Wan looked up at the concerned expressions of her two friends, and the frustration in her heart found an outlet.

“Tell me, how can there be so many coincidences in this world?”

She put down her chopsticks, her voice full of grievance.

“I just landed the lead role in Storm Rising, and then I find out Lu Tingzhou is the biggest investor.”

“When the Sang family ran into trouble, Lu Jinxuan just happened to come in with an investment.”

“And then at Lanqin Tech, it just so happened that because of Storm Rising, President Luo approached me for an endorsement and even threw Xu Shiming a collaboration opportunity.”

The more Sang Wan spoke, the more she felt Lu Tingzhou was behind it all, her tone tinged with accusation.

“He explained that it was all for the reputation of Storm Rising‘s female lead, for the return on his investment. But going to such lengths, is that really all there is to it?”

She paused, her fair cheeks flushing slightly, her voice dropping lower.

“And… I always feel like his gaze is familiar, that kind of feeling…”

Su Mo and Qu You exchanged glances, then looked at Sang Wan with keen interest.

“So you’re saying he’s interested in you but just won’t admit it?”

Qu You was also curious. “For your reputation, he’s pouring in money and projects? Didn’t you say earlier that you were aiming for the supporting role in Storm Rising?”

Sang Wan sighed. “Yes, Sister Wei thought even the supporting role was a stretch for me, given my limited experience compared to Luo Zheng’s usual standards. But Director Luo chose me anyway, how can I not suspect Lu Tingzhou’s involvement?”

Su Mo rested her chin on her hand, deep in thought. “This plot is beyond my comprehension.”

Qu You, always composed, analyzed carefully, “Lu Tingzhou’s actions really don’t seem like purely business behavior. What is he after? If it’s for you, why won’t he admit it and even resolutely rejected you?”

Sang Wan sighed, “Who knows what that ice-cold face is hiding up his sleeve.”

Su Mo’s eyes sparkled with an idea, and she suddenly slapped the table, “Got it!”

She glanced at Sang Wan, then at Qu You, leaning forward with a mysterious whisper, “How about we test him?”

Both Sang Wan and Qu You looked at her in confusion.

“How?” Sang Wan asked softly.

A mischievous smile curled at Su Mo’s lips, “Use that Lu Jinxuan as bait!”

“Think about it, Lu Tingzhou claimed he invested in that drama because of Lu Jinxuan. And it was him who stepped in to help the Sang Group, so technically, the one who did you a favor is Lu Jinxuan. So, why not openly get closer to Lu Jinxuan? Show up in front of him now and then, act a little ambiguous.”

“If he really has feelings for you, would he just stand by and watch you flirt with his own nephew? I bet if he cares, that perpetually icy expression of his will crack!”

“And,” Su Mo raised an eyebrow, “we can also annoy Xu Mingyue and her social-climbing mother. It’s killing two birds with one stone… no, three birds with one stone!”

Sang Wan felt both tempted and hesitant, “Would that… really work? Isn’t it too obvious? What if he really is just in it for business…”

Then wouldn’t she just be making a fool of herself? Besides, she had just cleared things up with Lu Jinxuan.

But Qu You thought the idea had merit and chimed in, “Wanwan, I think Momo has a point. Since you can’t figure out his intentions anyway, why not take the initiative? If it works out, great. If not, there’s no harm done, at least you’ll know where you stand and can move on.”

Sang Wan was swayed.

Su Mo smirked slyly, “Wanwan, do you actually have feelings for Lu Tingzhou?”

Sang Wan froze for a moment before meeting her gaze, “Do I?”

“Tsk tsk, who was it that said just the other day they’d never fall for anyone? That didn’t last long.”

Qu You chuckled softly, “With a face like Sang Wan’s, an ordinary life was never in the cards. Marrying into wealth was always inevitable.”

Sang Wan smiled sheepishly but didn’t deny it, even lifting her chin proudly, “In the future, I’ll be the wealthy one myself. It’s not his money I’m after, it’s just…”

Just that she wanted to be near him.

Of course, she didn’t say that out loud, no one would believe her anyway. There was something about Lu Tingzhou that drew her in, an inexplicable pull.

Su Mo gave her a knowing look, “Three days from now is our chance. The Huangting Club’s anniversary gala, he’ll definitely be there. Want to give it a try?”

Without an excuse, seeing Lu Tingzhou would be nearly impossible. The idea stirred something in Sang Wan.

One last test.

…

Three days later, at the Huangting Club.

The moment Sang Wan stepped into the banquet hall, her eyes locked onto that familiar, towering figure in the crowd.

Lu Tingzhou was exchanging pleasantries with a few business tycoons, his impeccably tailored black suit enhancing his aloof, aristocratic aura.

Even among the crowd, he stood out: commanding, extraordinary.

Sang Wan took a deep breath. Tonight, she had deliberately chosen a silver mermaid gown with a V-neck that tastefully accentuated her delicate collarbones. Her slightly curled hair cascaded lazily over her shoulders.

Red lips, bright eyes, every glance was captivating.

The crowd fell silent as the woman arrived.

Lu Tingzhou turned his gaze and saw Sang Wan approaching gracefully, his eyes darkening slightly.

The phrase “a vision of elegance” was made for someone like her.

Shen Yubai leaned in and whispered in Lu Tingzhou’s ear with a sigh, “A natural-born enchantress. Pity she’s not interested in me.”

As soon as Sang Wan entered, men flocked to strike up conversations with her. She handled each one with grace and charm.

Lu Tingzhou watched the curve of her smiling eyes, an indescribable jealousy gnawing at him.

Her alluring figure and captivating features made it impossible for anyone to look away.

It was hard not to want to get closer.

Yet he couldn’t, he could only watch as she laughed and chatted with others.

And endure the gazes fixed on her.

Sang Wan glanced subtly at Lu Tingzhou before gliding toward the drinks area. Before long, Lu Jinxuan approached with two glasses of champagne.

“Sis Wan, you look stunning tonight!” Lu Jinxuan’s eyes sparkled, his admiration plain to see.

Sang Wan smiled softly, accepting the champagne he offered. “Thank you. I came tonight just to see you.”

Lu Jinxuan blinked in surprise. “Me?”

She nodded. “I never got the chance to thank you properly for helping with my family’s matter.”

Lu Jinxuan paused for a moment before scratching his head sheepishly. “We’re friends. It was nothing.”

“Maybe to you, but to me, it meant everything. Thank you.”

Her lips curved as she raised her glass to clink with his.

Lu Jinxuan took a sip, and the two shared a warm smile.

Out of the corner of her eye, Sang Wan noticed the man in the distance, seemingly watching them. Casually, she reached out to adjust Lu Jinxuan’s slightly crooked bowtie.

“With so many beauties watching tonight, Young Master Lu should mind the details.”

The intimate gesture made Lu Jinxuan’s cheeks flush slightly. He chuckled awkwardly.

“Thanks, Sis Wan.”

The scene played out clearly in Lu Tingzhou’s peripheral vision.

His fingers tightened imperceptibly around his glass, his expression darkening further, the chill around him thickening.

Not far away, Song Zixi chatted idly with Xu Mingyue, her gaze flickering toward Sang Wan and Lu Jinxuan.

Seeing Lu Jinxuan’s obvious infatuation, her jealousy burned brighter. Yet she was puzzled, wasn’t Sang Wan supposed to be after Lu Tingzhou? Why was she cozying up to Lu Jinxuan?

“Mingyue, why is your sister making eyes at your boyfriend?”

Xu Mingyue had just been brushed off by Lu Jinxuan, who had rushed over to Sang Wan the moment he saw her.

Already in a foul mood, she gritted her teeth as she watched Sang Wan adjust Lu Jinxuan’s bowtie.

“That slut, first she went after Lu Tingzhou, and when he ignored her, she switched to Jinxuan.”

The two women stared at Sang Wan, nursing their own grudges as they sipped their drinks.

Shen Yubai sidled up to Lu Tingzhou, nudging him with an elbow, his voice low and teasing.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. See that? Your nephew’s practically spellbound by the gorgeous Sang Wan. Half the men here are eyeing her, aren’t you tempted?”

Lu Tingzhou shot him a cold glance, his tone flippant. “Tempted? How? Like you, falling for every pretty face?”

“Damn, no wonder they say you’re pent-up. Look at you, snapping at the slightest provocation. Sang Wan clearly has a thing for you, but you’d rather keep playing the lone wolf.”

Song Ze gave him a look, signaling him not to stir the pot.

Shen Yubai didn’t care in the slightest and deliberately needled him, “Such a stunning beauty, and you just let your nephew have her without a fight. If word gets out, people will think the great CEO Lu isn’t up to the task, that he can’t measure up to his own nephew! Wife turned into a niece-in-law, now that’s spicy!”

Lu Tingzhou’s knuckles whitened around his glass as he shot Shen Yubai a glare but remained silent.

Just then, Lu Jinxuan and Sang Wan took their seats in the booth next to Lu Tingzhou.