He Lost Control with Jealousy — What Happened to Being Untouchable? - Chapter 24

“Lu Jinxuan, there’s a charity banquet tomorrow evening. I was wondering if you might be free to join me? Consider it my way of thanking you for your help.”

Lu Jinxuan’s eyes lit up with delight. “Of course I’m free. Just send me the time and location, I can even pick you up if you’d like.”

Their conversation drifted lightly on the breeze, slipping into the ears of the three people next door.

Shen Yubai glanced at Lu Tingzhou, sensing that his feelings for Sang Wan were anything but ordinary.

What had happened at the racetrack that day couldn’t have been just about protecting the venue’s reputation. With so many business ventures under his name, why would he risk his life for something as trivial as a racetrack?

“Hey, if you’re really not interested, I’ll make my move. Sang Wan and your nephew aren’t a good match. And when it comes to money, I’m not lacking either.”

Shen Yubai knew Sang Wan’s intentions likely lay elsewhere.

He just wasn’t sure how long his friend could hold out.

Song Ze remained silent as he observed Lu Tingzhou. Unlike Shen Yubai, he knew the truth, and had no idea how to advise him.

Lu Tingzhou shot him a glare. “If only your mouth weren’t so loose.”

Shen Yubai scoffed. “Do you even have a conscience? Who do you think I’m doing this for? If you didn’t have feelings for her, would I have noticed? Investing in her, handing her roles, do you really think people are too stupid to see through it?”

Lu Tingzhou didn’t deny it. Instead, he stood and headed for the restroom.

Noticing his departure, Sang Wan excused herself from Lu Jinxuan and quietly followed.

Spotting that noble figure from a distance, she pushed open the restroom door and stepped out, just in time to cross paths with Lu Tingzhou.

At the sight of him, she paused for a moment before taking a slight step back. “President Lu, please go ahead.”

The polite distance in her demeanor made Lu Tingzhou frown slightly.

She was all smiles and ease with others, yet with him, she was formal and reserved.

This sudden shift in Sang Wan left Lu Tingzhou feeling unsettled.

Memories of her teasing him just days ago flashed through his mind.

Watching her slight bow and impeccable manners, a tangle of emotions twisted in his chest.

Wasn’t this exactly what he wanted? For her to keep her distance?

But now that she was truly pulling away, he found it hard to bear.

A sour, bitter ache rose within him.

Suppressing the turmoil, he took a slow step forward, only to pause after two strides, his voice both a reminder and a warning.

“Miss Sang, if you’re thinking of setting your sights on Lu Jinxuan, his mother won’t make it easy for you. And neither will I.”

Sang Wan took a step closer, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The delicate scent of gardenias instantly filled the air between them, teasing his senses.

“No need for your concern, President Lu. Though having a… little uncle like you looking out for me is quite nice.”

She deliberately lingered on the words “little uncle,” her voice laced with a suggestive, almost forbidden allure, as if the term carried an unspoken implication.

As though she were hinting that one day, she might call him that for real.

Her lips curved into a faint smile as she met his gaze, then dipped into another slight bow, playing the part of deference so well it was as if she truly saw him as an elder.

Unintentionally, the low neckline of her dress offered a glimpse of soft curves, just enough to tempt without revealing too much.

Lu Tingzhou’s throat tightened, his Adam’s apple bobbing before he quickly averted his eyes.

Sang Wan didn’t linger. With one last glance at his cold profile, she walked away, her graceful posture accentuating every curve, leaving an impression that begged to be explored.

Lu Tingzhou realized his thoughts were straying and took a deep breath to calm himself.

When Sang Wan returned, a man blocked her path.

“Miss Sang, I was wondering if there might be an opportunity for us to collaborate in the future. My company is currently looking for the right spokesperson for our jewelry line.”

The man stepped closer as he spoke, his lecherous gaze making Sang Wan uncomfortable.

Mindful of her public image, she forced a polite smile and declined, “I’m sorry, but any collaboration matters should be discussed with my agent.”

Su Mo had been temporarily assigned by her company to organize tonight’s anniversary celebration.

She had just stepped out from backstage when she noticed Sang Wan being cornered. Without hesitation, she grabbed a glass of wine and approached.

“Oh, Director Li, if there’s anything lacking in tonight’s arrangements at Huangting, I hope you’ll be generous and overlook it.”

As she spoke, she subtly signaled for Sang Wan to leave.

Director Li saw through her attempt to shield Sang Wan. Recalling how Sang Wan had been chatting and laughing with Lu Jinxuan earlier, he held back his frustration out of respect for the Lu family.

But this girl in front of him seemed like a decent alternative.

He raised his glass and stepped forward, his hand shamelessly resting on Su Mo’s waist. “Overlooking is unnecessary, just a matter of drinking.”

Su Mo felt the unwelcome touch and curved her lips into a smile. “Director Li, your hand is in the wrong place. If you don’t know where to put it, shall I help you?”

Director Li had drunk quite a bit, his mind foggy but his baser instincts sharp. “You’ll help me? How? With your hands-”

Su Mo gritted her teeth in a smile, refusing to indulge him. She lifted her foot and drove her stiletto heel straight into the top of his shoe.

“How’s this method of help? Satisfied?”

“Ah!”

Director Li had barely let out a cry when another voice cut in.

“I can help too.”

Then came another howl of pain.

The commotion drew the attention of the crowd.

“Misbehaving in my venue? I can help you, help you behave properly and stay in line.”

Shen Yubai’s sudden appearance stunned Su Mo for a moment. She hadn’t expected him to intervene like this.

“Thank you, President Shen.”

Shen Yubai raised an eyebrow. “You’re one of mine. In my own venue, you can’t afford to lose face.”

Su Mo froze briefly, since when was she “his”?

Watching him saunter away with his usual carefree demeanor, she pursed her lips. Well, she was his employee, so in a way, she was his.

Not a bad boss, standing up for his staff when it mattered.

Sang Wan glanced back at the scene, thinking Shen Yubai wasn’t so bad after all.

Meanwhile, Xu Mingyue and Song Zixi had already taken seats beside Lu Jinxuan.

Xu Mingyue leaned slightly closer to him and spoke softly, “Jinxuan, Daddy told me you invested in the Sang Group. I knew you’d always be good to me.”

As she spoke, she tried to loop her arm through his.

Lu Jinxuan instinctively moved away, his brow furrowing. “Xu Mingyue, you’re overthinking it. I invested in the Sang Group because of Sang Wan.”

Xu Mingyue’s smile stiffened, disbelief flashing across her face. “F-For Sang Wan?”

“Of course.” Lu Jinxuan nodded, indifferent to her embarrassment. “Sang Wan is collaborating with our company. Her family’s business was in trouble, of course I’d help if I could.”

Xu Mingyue’s face paled. Even Song Zixi beside her felt Lu Jinxuan was deliberately humiliating her.

When Sang Wan returned to her seat, Xu Mingyue shot her a venomous glare.

“Sister, what were you chatting about with Jinxuan earlier? You seemed so happy.”

Lu Jinxuan answered first, his tone indifferent. “Nothing much, just casual conversation.”

Song Zixi gave a slight nod and raised her glass toward Sang Wan, trying to ease the tension.

“Sang Wan, we’ll be starting filming in a few days. I’m really looking forward to working with you.”

“I’m quite looking forward to it too. Since Ms. Song debuted earlier than me, I’ll definitely learn a lot from her.”

These words hit a nerve with Song Zixi, she had debuted earlier than Sang Wan but didn’t have the same level of fame or fanbase.

Unable to help herself, she shot Sang Wan a venomous glare.

Sang Wan had no interest in idle chatter with the two of them and stood up to move to another seat.

Song Zixi gave Xu Mingyue a meaningful look, and as Sang Wan passed by, Xu Mingyue subtly raised her foot.

Sang Wan caught the glance out of the corner of her eye, but she also spotted Lu Tingzhou preparing to leave ahead of her.

So instead of avoiding the trap, she played right into their hands.

“Ah!” Sang Wan let out a startled cry.

Her body lurched forward uncontrollably, and she instinctively reached out to steady herself, her head collided directly with Lu Tingzhou’s back, her hands clutching at the fabric of his suit.

“That hurts…”

Lu Tingzhou had no interest in petty squabbles between women and had been about to step out for a cigarette when Sang Wan crashed into him.

The impact seemed rather forceful.

He quickly reached out to steady her by the wrists before turning around.

Her eyes were misty with unshed tears, and a bright red mark bloomed across her forehead.

Yet she pushed him away, enduring the pain like a startled deer, flustered as she apologized, “President Lu, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to!”

Her peach-blossom eyes shimmered with guilt and helplessness, her voice soft and trembling, enough to melt anyone’s heart.

Lu Jinxuan, seeing how Sang Wan seemed almost afraid of his uncle, grew even more uncertain about the nature of their relationship.

He abruptly stood and steadied her, asking with concern, “Does it hurt badly?”

Compared to the throbbing on her forehead, the sharp pain in her twisted ankle was far worse.

But she forced a brave smile. “I’m fine.”

As she tried to take a step forward, her stiletto heel wobbled, and she nearly fell again.

This time, two men caught her simultaneously, Lu Jinxuan on her left, Lu Tingzhou on her right.

Once steady, Sang Wan frowned, her first instinct being to push Lu Tingzhou’s hand away.

“Please, Young Master Lu, could you take me back?”

Tears already spilled down her cheeks, one lingering on her lashes, heart-wrenching to behold.

Before Lu Tingzhou could react, Xu Mingyue’s soft, anxious voice cut in.

“Sister, are you alright? Let me take you back.”

Sang Wan replied with a wounded tone, “No need for your concern, little sister. Just keep your feet to yourself.”

Hearing this, Lu Jinxuan shot Xu Mingyue a sharp glare before bending down and scooping Sang Wan into his arms.

“I’ll take you to the hospital.”

Lu Tingzhou stood to the side, fists clenched tightly.

Sang Wan, stealing a glance at him and seeing his inaction, decided to commit fully to the act, she wrapped her arms around Lu Jinxuan’s neck.

Though her hold was light, to onlookers, it was undeniably intimate.

The sudden scene stunned everyone, the Lu family’s eldest grandson and the rising starlet? If this got out, it would be front-page news.

Though the surrounding guests continued their conversations, many eyes were drawn to the commotion.

“Isn’t that Sang Wan? Why is she so close to the Lu family’s young master?”

“I heard she’s been getting cozy with President Lu.”

“That Sang Wan has some nerve, playing both uncle and nephew. Does she have a death wish? Someone like Lu Tingzhou, does she really dare provoke him?”

“Still, you have to admit, Sang Wan is stunningly beautiful. No wonder the Lu family’s young master is completely smitten.”

“The uncle-nephew battle over a wife would surely be quite the spectacle if it were to unfold.”

The murmurs were soft, yet faintly discernible.

However, their wishes were not granted, Lu Tingzhou remained unmoved, simply watching as the figure departed.

Shen Yubai, for reasons unknown, actually followed Lu Jinxuan’s steps and escorted him all the way to the door.

After a moment of silent lip-pursing, Song Ze finally spoke in a low voice, “Tingzhou, some things are destined to happen. There’s no avoiding them. Unless… you can truly bear to watch her marry someone else.”