CHAPTER 78: CHAPTER 78; CHEN WAN’S HUSBAND ATTACKS 1

They soon arrived back at the Lu mansion. The gates, massive wrought iron decorated with the Lu family crest, slid open smoothly as the convoy of sedans drove through. The vehicles crunched over the perfectly maintained gravel driveway before coming to a stop in the circular courtyard in front of the main entrance.

The mansion itself was impressive without being ostentatious, a modern architectural masterpiece of glass, steel, and pale stone that managed to feel both imposing and elegant. Gardens stretched out on either side, meticulously landscaped, with a fountain at the center of the courtyard catching the late afternoon light.

They alighted from the vehicles. Lu Yuze immediately went to the back seat where Yuyan sat, carefully scooping his daughter into his arms. She was awake but drowsy, her head lolling against his shoulder.

"Ah-Ling," he said, transferring Yuyan to his assistant’s capable arms. "Take her inside... Be gentle."

"Yes, Master." Ah-Ling received the child with practiced care, cradling her as if she were made of porcelain.

Lu Yuze then turned to the other vehicle, where Shuyin was attempting to exit on her own. Her movements were slow, uncoordinated, her body still recovering from the massive energy expenditure. Before she could stand properly, he swept her up into his arms.

"Geez! I can walk! I’m not crippled!" Shuyin protested immediately, trying to push against his chest, but her strength was negligible in her current state.

Lu Yuze simply tightened his grip, adjusting her weight in his arms as he began walking toward the mansion entrance. "You’re barely conscious. Stop being stubborn."

"I’m perfectly fine...."

"You’re freezing cold, covered in frost, and you nearly collapsed twice along the way. You’re not fine." His tone left no room for argument as he strode up the front steps.

Shuyin wanted to continue protesting, but exhaustion was pulling at her like a physical weight. She went limp in his arms with a small huff of annoyance, allowing herself to be carried like a bride over the threshold.

Behind them, Yuyan watched from Ah-Ling’s arms with a small smile. Her father was carrying her new stepmother into the house, both of them arguing but clearly caring about each other, it was almost... normal. Something domestic. She didn’t mind at all, so long as her parents got along well with each other.

She had always wished her father could move on and have a companion for himself, when she is not around, at least there’s someone to accompany him. She didn’t want him to be lonely. She understood his reasons for not marrying, but years were flying away, and the dead can’t come back alive.

The double doors opened before they reached them, revealing the mansion’s grand entrance hall. Marble floors gleamed under the light of an enormous crystal chandelier. A sweeping staircase curved upward to the second floor, and expensive artwork lined the walls.

But what dominated the entrance was the line of staff ready to welcome their Master.

"Welcome back, Master... Missus... Miss..." The Butler, an older man in his sixties with impeccable posture, bowed deeply, followed by a synchronized bow from the dozen or so servants lined up behind him. Maids in crisp uniforms, groundskeepers still in their work clothes, kitchen staff in white.

They all stared with barely concealed curiosity at the new Missus being carried in the Master’s arms, and at the young Miss who’d been in a coma for six months but was now miraculously awake.

Lu Yuze ignored them all, walking straight through to the main sitting room, a spacious area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens, comfortable modern furniture, and a fireplace that was currently unlit.

Chen Wan trailed behind them uncertainly, flanked by two guards who weren’t quite restraining her but were clearly keeping her under watch. She looked around at the opulent surroundings with wide eyes, clutching her hospital gown closer around herself.

Lu Yuze carefully placed Shuyin down on one of the large leather couches. She immediately tried to sit up properly, but he gently but firmly pressed her back down.

"Rest," he ordered, sitting beside her. "How are you feeling? Do we need to call for a doctor?"

His hand moved to her forehead, smoothing away the frown lines that had formed between her brows. The gesture was tender, intimate, completely at odds with their contract marriage arrangement.

"I’m fine," Shuyin muttered, her jade eye barely open. "I just need to rest. Now go sit on the other empty couch. You’re crowding me."

Lu Yuze hesitated, clearly wanting to stay close, but finally relented. He moved to give her space, then grabbed a soft cashmere throw from the back of the couch and carefully draped it over her body.

Across the room, Ah-Ling was settling Yuyan onto another couch with equal care.

"Father, I’m tired too," Yuyan said, already lying down and curling into a comfortable position.

Lu Yuze immediately went to her, tucking the blanket around her small frame with the same meticulous care he’d shown Shuyin. "Sleep, sweetheart. You’ve had a long day."

"Mmm..." Yuyan’s eyes were already drifting closed.

Lu Yuze stood back, looking between his wife and daughter, both now lying on separate couches in his sitting room. "I have so many bedrooms with beds upstairs. You don’t have to rest down here. You’d be much more comfortable...."

"In the bedroom, you’ll forget our existence," Yuyan mumbled without opening her eyes, her voice already thick with approaching sleep. "We might die up there without you even knowing, you know it!"

Shuyin didn’t respond, she was already in deep sleep, her breathing even and steady, her face finally relaxed and peaceful despite the lingering frost on her skin.

She needed to regain her energy.

And Yuyan, as if being influenced by Shuyin’s energy or simply too exhausted to fight it anymore, fell into an equally deep sleep within seconds.

Lu Yuze stared at them both for a long moment, then sighed in resignation. If they wanted to sleep on his couches instead of in proper beds, so be it. At least down here, he could keep an eye on them both.