Chapter 154: Shadowing

Qin Miaoyu and Pei Yixue had already moved on to another shop. Pei Yixue continued to regale Qin Miaoyu with the unspeakable history between Old Madam Li and Elder Lu. Compared to the version Lu Qi’an had shared with her, the rumors held some differences.

According to what Pei Yixue had heard, Elder Lu and Old Madam Li were once deeply in love, but the Lu family had heartlessly torn them apart, forcing Elder Lu into an arranged marriage with the current Old Madam Lu. Later, as the marriage between the elder couple fell apart and Old Madam Li’s husband passed away, the two reconnected. Over the years, Old Madam Li had allegedly reaped many benefits by leveraging Elder Lu’s reputation.

The rumors lacked specific details, perhaps because Pei Yixue belonged to the second generation down, and the elders were unlikely to discuss such matters with them.

However, from Lu Qi’an, Qin Miaoyu knew that while the Lu family had indeed disapproved of the union between Elder Lu and Old Madam Li, they had not forced a breakup. Instead, they gave Old Madam Li a choice, and she chose money, parting ways with Elder Lu. Elder Lu then married Old Madam Lu. Somehow, Old Madam Li managed to connect with the Li family and returned to the Jingcheng social elite circles less than two years into the marriage. Her reappearance accelerated the collapse of the already fragile relationship between Elder Lu and Old Madam Lu. Later, when the Cao family faced a crisis and Elder Lu refused to intervene, Old Madam Lu’s heart turned cold, leading to years of separation. Contrary to the rumors, the connection between Elder Lu and Old Madam Li had not waited until after his marriage failed to begin.

"I heard that the Li family is facing a cash flow crunch?" Qin Miaoyu asked.

Pei Yixue pondered. She recalled hearing the elders mention something similar, though, judging by Old Madam Li's behavior earlier, she hardly seemed short of money.

"I bet Elder Lu is helping them out again! He’s helped the Li family’s business before. My father even said that Elder Lu basically just hands money over to them!"

"He’s helping them again?"

Recalling how lavishly Old Madam Li had been shopping, Qin Miaoyu realized she needed to tell Lu Qi’an about this immediately. Upon hearing from Qin Miaoyu that his grandfather might be bankrolling the Li family again, Lu Qi’an let out a long, weary breath.

He knew it had to be his grandfather; no one else would be so generous toward the Li family. Having previously rejected the elder’s request to resume cooperation with the Lis, and having had his father speak to him about it, Lu Qi’an had assumed the matter was settled. Why was he helping them again?

Coincidentally, Lu Fuling was at the company that day. Lu Qi’an went straight to his father’s office. After listening to his son, Lu Fuling’s expression remained as indifferent as ever.

"I already spoke to your grandfather about the partnership. He promised not to involve you again. If he is helping the Li family now, it must be coming from his own private assets. We should leave it be."

Lu Qi’an knew he couldn’t interfere with his grandfather’s private wealth, but given their close relationship, he found it difficult to understand his grandfather’s obsession with aiding the Lis. Lu Fuling understood this, but instead of lecturing his son, he suggested, "The issue of the Lu Corporation collaborating with the Li family is over. If they have his help again, it must be because something else has happened. Why not look into it? If you resolve the root cause, perhaps he will stop helping them."

Lu Qi’an’s brow remained furrowed. Getting his grandfather to stop was a monumental task, but his father’s logic was sound. Something must have happened to the Li family that made his grandfather act so easily, all while keeping it completely quiet from them. What could possibly drive his grandfather to such lengths?

Recently, Qin Miaoyu had been feeling uneasy at work. For some reason, she felt as though someone was trailing her, but whenever she turned around, there was nothing to see. She mentioned it to Xu Xiaoqi and Pei Yixue, who decided to take turns walking her home.

This continued for several days. When the feeling of being followed vanished, Qin Miaoyu told them it was no longer necessary. Both women, however, adamantly refused.

"It’s only been a few days; we can't let our guard down. Better safe than sorry!" Xu Xiaoqi insisted.

Pei Yixue nodded in agreement. They had both been deeply concerned since hearing the news, especially given the frequent reports of young women being stalked. They knew Qin Miaoyu wasn't the type to be paranoid, so they took her claims seriously, especially since she lived alone.

Pei Yixue lived with her family, and Xu Xiaoqi lived with friends. Knowing Qin Miaoyu wouldn't want to move in with them, they insisted on continuing their escort duty.

While they were debating this, Lu Qi’an sent a message inviting Qin Miaoyu to dinner with his grandmother. Qin Miaoyu immediately agreed.

"It’s settled. I’m having dinner with his grandmother tonight, so you don't need to worry about me getting home. He’ll take me back, so you two should go enjoy your own plans!"

Both Xu Xiaoqi and Pei Yixue had their own social circles and had already turned down several invitations for Qin Miaoyu’s sake, something she hadn't failed to notice. They trusted Lu Qi’an, so they finally felt at ease.

That afternoon, Lu Qi’an picked up Qin Miaoyu as usual. As she climbed into the car, she had that same feeling—the sensation of being watched. She glanced out the window but saw nothing.

Lu Qi’an noticed her unease. "What's wrong?"

Qin Miaoyu shook her head. "I suppose I'm just being paranoid, but I keep feeling like someone is following me."

Lu Qi’an grew tense immediately. "Why didn't you tell me? I’ll arrange for someone to pick you up and drop you off."

"It's fine," she replied. "Xiaoqi and Yixue have been walking me home the last few days, and I haven't felt it since."

Lu Qi’an said nothing more, but he had already resolved to find someone reliable to handle her transit. As they drove along, Qin Miaoyu reached for a tissue, but caught a glimpse in the rearview mirror of a car that seemed to be trailing them. Thinking it might just be a coincidence, she watched for a while longer before finally saying to Lu Qi’an, "I think that car behind us is following us."