After I left, the female CEO was utterly heartbroken.

"There's no such thing as a free lunch. If someone shows you unexpected kindness, they either have ulterior motives or are up to no good."

Lu Han never believed in things that seemed too good to be true and always approached such situations with the utmost caution. He decided to observe his half-brother Lu Ming's intentions without making any immediate moves.

Lu Zhenxin was also surprised by Lu Ming's initiative and asked, "Which company do you plan to hand over to Lu Han?"

Lu Ming smiled, "We're family. Let Brother choose whichever he likes. Whatever he picks, I'll give it to him."

He clearly had prepared for this, handing over a file to Lu Han.

Lu Han took the file, which contained detailed information about several companies, including financial reports and other relevant documents.

"Since this is my brother's goodwill, I can't refuse it," he said, putting the file away. "Give me some time to consider which company to take on."

Lu Ming half-joked, "Brother, please decide quickly. I'm really swamped and waiting for you to rescue me from this mess."

Afterward, he turned to Lu Zhenxin, "Father, I have nothing else to discuss. You two continue."

Once Lu Ming left, Lu Zhenxin smiled, "Lu Han, your brother isn't bad. Just to clarify, I didn't tell him to ingratiate himself with you."

Lu Han glanced at Lu Zhenxin, who was pretending not to understand the situation, and replied coldly, "Dad, don't pretend you don't know what he's up to. I'm not as naive as you think."

Lu Zhenxin dropped his playful demeanor, and a stern, authoritative aura emanated from him. With lowered eyes, he muttered something seemingly out of context, "It's not that you're stupid; it's that he's too impatient."

Lu Han was momentarily taken aback, then gave him a deep look before leaving the study.

Back in his room, Lu Han tossed the thick files onto the sofa, thought for a moment, and dialed a number he only kept in his memory.

"Come to Jiangcheng as soon as possible."

He hung up after just one sentence and proceeded to wash up and go to bed.

Lu Han always had an early morning routine, even now back at the Lu family estate. He got up at six sharp, just as dawn broke, when few servants were around.

He ran a large loop around the artificial lake and golf course, returning to the front lawn after more than an hour. After a set of Tai Chi and a shower, he headed to the dining room where the rest of the Lu family was already seated.

Whenever Lu Zhenxin wasn't alone with Lu Han, he maintained a serious expression, making even meal times feel oppressive.

Lu Han disliked this atmosphere. The mansion was vast but lacked any sense of home.

Only after Lu Zhenxin finished eating and left did the tension in the dining room dissipate.

"Brother, I need to go change and put on some makeup. Wait for me a bit, okay?"

Lu Xue smiled sweetly at Lu Han.

Lu Ming paused slightly in picking up food and asked, "You two going out?"

Lu Xue nodded, "No classes today, so I thought we'd get Brother some clothes and shoes."

She left the dining room after speaking.

"Han-ge (Brother Han)?"

Lu Ming knew Lu Xue called him that to distinguish him from Lu Han, but it sounded overly intimate. Why hadn't she ever called him Ming-ge?

He looked at Lu Han with a forced smile, "Didn't expect you two to get along so well in just a few days."

Lu Han stuffed the last bite of bun into his mouth and countered, "Are you upset?"

"How could I be?"

Lu Ming smiled faintly, "I'm glad you're integrating into the family so quickly." Lu Han just smiled in response.

After changing clothes, Lu Han waited outside for a short while until Lu Xue came out. She wore a white hoodie and a white A-line skirt, with matching white shoes, though her legs were clad in black thigh-high cotton socks, adding a touch of maturity to her youthful appearance.

"Brother, let's go," Lu Xue ran up to Lu Han and naturally linked her arm through his.

Both wearing similar white outfits, they looked like a couple walking side by side.

Lu Xue drove a white Porsche Cayenne, taking Lu Han away, unaware that Lu Ming stood by the window upstairs, watching them leave with a dark expression, clenching his fists tightly.

It was late autumn, and the air in Jiangcheng carried a chill. Lu Han habitually reached for a cigarette but, noticing the faint fragrance inside the car, realized smoking might not be appropriate and tried to put it away.

Unexpectedly, Lu Xue opened the window herself. 

"Brother, go ahead and smoke if you want," she smiled, thinking she should buy an ashtray for the car later.

Seeing Lu Xue's permission, Lu Han didn't hesitate and lit a cigarette, staring out the window pensively.

"What are you thinking about?" Lu Xue, perceptive and sensitive, noticed his preoccupation.

Lu Han flicked some ash out the window casually and mentioned, "Lu Ming went to the study last night, saying he's overwhelmed and wants me to help manage one or two companies."

Suddenly, Lu Xue braked sharply and parked by the roadside, frowning, "Did you agree? Which company does he want to give you?"

Surprised by her strong reaction, Lu Han explained, "Not yet. He gave me all the company files and told me to pick any."

Lu Xue bit her lip, "Brother, listen to me. Find an excuse to decline. Don't take any."

"Why? Isn't this a kind gesture?" Lu Han asked curiously.

"This isn't kindness at all. He's clearly plotting against you!" Lu Xue said urgently. "The thriving companies are run by his people. Not only will you face obstacles everywhere, but even if you achieve results under pressure, the elders won't credit you. Instead, they'll think it's because of his solid foundation, and you merely added a finishing touch."

"If you take on mediocre or struggling companies, he'll leave you with a mess to clean up."

"If you handle it well, it's fine. If not, you'll become the scapegoat."

"So, just ignore him."

This analysis, though not entirely perfect, accurately exposed Lu Ming's ill intentions, aligning with Lu Han's thoughts.

He couldn't help but scrutinize Lu Xue. Despite being an adopted daughter still in university, her insight was remarkable.

"Brother, why are you looking at me like that?" Lu Xue reverted to her innocent demeanor, blushing slightly and feeling embarrassed.

"Nothing," Lu Han tossed the cigarette butt out the window and softly said, "I thought you and Lu Ming were close."

"Oh, that's just on the surface," Lu Xue restarted the car, pouting, "If my stepmom were still alive, she wouldn't tolerate him."

"Why would I be close to him?"

...

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