174: sense of security

Lu Chen's gaze indifferently swept over the old man before him.

The corners of his lips curved slightly, forming a faint smile.

He spoke, "Your expression is barely adequate, but your emotions are far from enough. You haven't fully conveyed that anger and condescending attitude."

Upon hearing this, the old man's facial muscles instantly tensed.

His already hunched body bent even lower.

He nodded rapidly, a fawning smile on his face, his voice tinged with flattery: "I'm sorry, CEO Lu, it was my oversight. I'll pay attention next time and definitely won't make this mistake again."

Lu Chen narrowed his eyes slightly, an imperceptible coldness flashing within them.

His tone remained calm but carried an undeniable authority: "Your actions must also keep pace with your words. As a professional actor, do I really need to remind you of these basic things repeatedly?"

The old man's body trembled violently, his face instantly turning ashen.

A fine layer of sweat beaded on his forehead, and he spoke in an almost pleading tone:

"Yes, CEO Lu, I deeply recognize my mistake. Please give me another chance. I will thoroughly reflect and guarantee a good performance. I will definitely not disappoint you again."

Lu Chen nodded slightly, his eyes filled with scrutiny.

He spoke unhurriedly, "Go and reflect properly. There's another scene tonight. If you still can't meet my requirements by then, you won't need to appear before me again."

The old man's legs went weak, and he fell to his knees with a thud.

His body trembled incessantly, and his voice was choked with sobs: "CEO Lu, please give me another chance. I will do my utmost to immerse myself in the role and I will definitely not disappoint you again."

Lu Chen no longer looked at him, his gaze coldly shifting to the other men.

His voice was deep and powerful: "And all of you, each of you needs to think carefully about your role and position. I don't want to have to say these words a second time."

Everyone's expressions changed dramatically, and they quickly fell to their knees with a series of thuds.

They said in unison, "Yes, CEO Lu."

Afterward, Lu Chen gently turned and left with steady steps.

Upon stepping outside, Lu Chen immediately saw Yu Miaoyin pacing back and forth not far away.

Yu Miaoyin's brows were tightly furrowed.

Her hands unconsciously twisted the corner of her clothes in front of her, the once smooth fabric now crumpled from her tugging.

Her steps were hurried and disheveled, each one like treading on cotton, appearing somewhat unsteady.

She occasionally raised her head, her eyes filled with anxiety and worry, looking towards the main hall, a hint of unease in her gaze.

Seeing Lu Chen emerge, Yu Miaoyin's eyes instantly lit up.

Her previously dim gaze seemed to ignite with the flame of hope.

Her steps immediately quickened, and she almost ran to Lu Chen's side.

With a hint of urgency in her eyes, she nervously asked, "How was it? They didn't make things difficult for you, did they?"

Lu Chen's lips curved slightly, revealing a comforting smile.

He said in a relaxed tone, "Don't worry, they won't make things difficult for me."

Upon hearing this, Yu Miaoyin's previously tense body instantly relaxed.

She let out a soft sigh, and the worry on her face also receded somewhat.

She had been constantly worrying in her heart, afraid that Lu Chen would be troubled because of her. If that were the case, she would feel incredibly guilty.

At this moment, Yu Miaoyin heard Lu Chen's voice again, tinged with apology: "It's you, though, who suffered grievances. Their attitude was like that."

Yu Miaoyin quickly shook her head, her eyes filled with heartache: "How could that be? I also didn't expect you to bear such great pressure. This matter is all my fault."

Lu Chen smiled, a hint of tenderness in his eyes: "This is nothing. It's good as long as I can help you and your Senior Sister."

Yu Miaoyin looked at the warm smile on Lu Chen's face, a warm current welling up in her heart, her gratitude evident.

She hesitated, her lips moving slightly, and she softly said, "Perhaps I should still leave. That way, you won't be so troubled."

Lu Chen's smile faltered slightly, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes.

He looked at Yu Miaoyin and said seriously, "If you leave, your Senior Sister's company will definitely not be saved. Do you want to just watch your Senior Sister's company go bankrupt like this?"

Yu Miaoyin's eyes instantly dimmed.

She lowered her head slightly, biting her lip, and fell silent.

Of course, she didn't want to see her Senior Sister's company go bankrupt, but she also didn't want Lu Chen to bear so much pressure for her. She didn't want to give up either side, which put her in a dilemma.

Lu Chen gently reached out and softly stroked Yu Miaoyin's hair.

His tone was gentle yet firm: "Don't worry, don't think so much. Just leave these matters to me."

Yu Miaoyin raised her head, a hint of apology in her eyes, and said with a slight choke in her voice: "I'm sorry, I've caused you so much trouble."

After witnessing the attitude of the Grand Elder of the Lu Family, she truly understood Lu Chen's difficulties.

She also understood how much Lu Chen had done for her behind the scenes, and all of this deeply moved her.

Lu Chen smiled, a hint of doting in his eyes: "It's nothing, what's this? There's a Family dinner tonight, you'll come with me, and I'll make sure they accept you then."

Upon hearing this, a hint of nervousness flashed in Yu Miaoyin's eyes.

Her hands unconsciously clenched, and she asked with a slight tremor in her voice, "Can I really?"

Just thinking of the Grand Elder of the Lu Family's stern face and cold gaze filled her with worry.

Lu Chen nodded firmly, his eyes conveying a reassuring strength: "Of course, you don't need to worry, I'm here."

Yu Miaoyin hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded, and softly said, "Okay."

Then Lu Chen looked at Yu Miaoyin again, a hint of seriousness in his eyes: "You might have to endure some hardship temporarily, but don't worry, in a maximum of one hundred days, I will completely resolve the matter of your Senior Sister's company. By then, you won't have to worry at all. Trust me, okay?"

Yu Miaoyin nodded heavily, a hint of trust in her eyes: "Okay."

Time passed quickly. Night fell, and the lamps were lit.

Lu Chen and Yu Miaoyin entered the dinner venue hand in hand.

The hall was brightly lit, and brilliant crystal chandeliers cast soft yet bright light.

Illuminating the exquisite murals and lavish decorations on the walls.

The long dining table was laden with delicacies, and the exquisite tableware shimmered with a silvery luster under the lights.

The air was filled with the aroma of delicious food.

Many extraordinary people sat at the head table, all dressed in luxurious attire and possessing exceptional temperaments.

And the Grand Elder of the Lu Family, whom they had seen during the day, sat in the very center of the head table, his white robe particularly striking under the lights.

As Yu Miaoyin stepped into the hall, her gaze involuntarily fell upon the Grand Elder.

Her heart instantly tensed.

Her hand unconsciously gripped Lu Chen's sleeve, her fingers turning white from the exertion.

Her palms were slightly sweaty, and her breathing quickened, her chest rising and falling slightly.

A hint of unease showed in her eyes, and her steps became somewhat hesitant.

When the Grand Elder of the Lu Family saw Yu Miaoyin and Lu Chen, his previously calm face instantly became stern.

A hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes, and he snorted coldly, his gaze like a knife shooting towards them.

"A common woman who hasn't even entered the Qi Refinement Stage is not worthy of the Lu Family's threshold."

The Grand Elder's voice was deep and authoritative, echoing through the spacious hall, his tone full of disdain.

Every word seemed to carry an invisible pressure.

Upon hearing this, Yu Miaoyin's body stiffened abruptly.

Her heart trembled, her face instantly turned pale, and her lips quivered slightly.

She subconsciously leaned closer to Lu Chen, because the Grand Elder's words were so accurate, undoubtedly striking her deep-seated inferiority.

The Grand Elder then turned his gaze to Lu Chen, his eyes filled with anger and disappointment.

He questioned, "Is it for this woman that you are obstructing the decision of the Family Elders?"

Lu Chen's gaze was unwavering. He tightly gripped Yu Miaoyin's hand.

As if proclaiming his resolve to everyone, he said firmly, "That's right."

The Grand Elder was completely enraged by Lu Chen's answer. His face turned crimson.

Veins bulged on his forehead, and he slammed the table heavily, causing the tableware on it to clatter and produce clear sounds.

He roared, "This is outrageous! Have you forgotten the Lu Family's Family precepts? Never be seduced by beauty, no matter the time! Look at what you've become now, how can I possibly feel confident in passing on the position of the Lu Family head to you!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Miaoyin's heart instantly tightened.

Her body trembled slightly, and a hint of fear and helplessness flashed in her eyes.

She bit her lip, lowered her head, and dared not look at the gazes of those around her.

At this moment, several young men stood up.

One of them was dressed in luxurious brocade, with exquisite cloud patterns embroidered on the fabric.

He had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, with arrogance and disdain in his gaze.

A mocking sneer hung at the corner of his lips. He crossed his arms over his chest, slightly lifting his chin.

He said disdainfully, "Big Brother, for a woman, you're disregarding the Family's great cause. It's truly eye-opening. You usually pretend to be a gentleman in the Family, but I didn't expect that at a crucial moment, you would go against the Family for an outsider. If this gets out, it will truly be a joke for our Lu Family."

Another was slender, with sunken cheeks and sinister, snake-like eyes.

He tilted his head slightly, a malicious smile on his face.

He said in a sarcastic tone, "Hmph, I think Big Brother has been bewitched by this woman. I don't know what seductive tricks she used to make Big Brother cast aside his identity and responsibilities."

There was also a tall man, with a fleshy face and a hideous scar across it.

He stood with his hands on his hips and his feet apart, like an enraged bull.

He said fiercely, "Someone like her, does she even deserve to enter our Lu Family's door? Big Brother, if you insist on this, don't blame us brothers for being impolite. By then, you might regret it."

Lu Chen slightly turned his head and whispered to Yu Miaoyin, explaining, "They are the other direct eldest sons of the Lu Family, all of whom aspire to contend for the Family head position. They have always coveted the Family head position and will stop at nothing."

Yu Miaoyin nervously swallowed, looked at them, her eyes full of vigilance.

Then she nodded, secretly memorizing their appearances.

Lu Chen then softly said, "The rumors about me were very likely spread by these people. They will do anything to achieve their goals."

Yu Miaoyin secretly tightened her grip on Lu Chen's hand. Her palm was already exuding fragrant sweat.

Her fingers trembled slightly, showing her extreme nervousness.

Lu Chen noticed her unease and slowly turned his head.

He looked at her gently, the corners of his lips curving into a comforting smile.

That smile was like the warm sun in spring, dispelling the gloom in her heart.

"Don't be nervous," Lu Chen said softly, his voice deep and powerful, conveying a reassuring strength.

After speaking, Lu Chen slowly turned around, his gaze like a torch.

He successively swept his gaze over the young men who had spoken mockingly, a hint of disdain and calmness in his eyes.

His back was ramrod straight, his posture tall and erect, exuding an innate majesty.

He first looked at the man dressed in luxurious brocade with an arrogant face, his gaze as sharp as a drawn sword, piercing directly at the other party.

"Second Brother," Lu Chen's voice was steady and powerful, echoing through the hall, "you constantly say I disregard the Family's great cause, but how many tangible things have you done for the Family in your daily life? You idle away your days, only knowing how to contend for power and profit. What right do you have to accuse me?"

As Lu Chen spoke, he slightly raised his chin, his eyes filled with confidence and determination.

As if proclaiming that his stance was beyond doubt.

The brocade-clad man was choked by Lu Chen's words, his face instantly turning ashen.

His lips trembled slightly, wanting to retort, but he was momentarily speechless.

Then, Lu Chen turned his gaze to the slender man with sinister eyes.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, a cold light flashing within them.

"Third Brother," Lu Chen's tone carried a hint of coldness, "you say I've been bewitched, but what about you? To contend for the Family head position, you stop at nothing, spreading rumors everywhere, framing others. Such behavior is what truly harms the Family's reputation."

As Lu Chen spoke, his hands were clasped behind his back, and he took a slight step forward, his Aura pressing.

The slender man's face turned pale, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes.

But he still feigned composure, snorted coldly, and turned his head away.

Finally, Lu Chen looked at the tall man with a fleshy face.

A hint of disdain showed in his eyes, and the corners of his lips curved slightly, revealing a mocking smile.

"Fourth Brother," Lu Chen's voice was unhurried, yet carried an invisible sense of oppression, "you're threatening me? Do you think I'm afraid of you? You're just relying on a bit of brute strength to swagger around. If you truly have ability, prove yourself with strength, instead of spouting useless threats here."

As Lu Chen spoke, he shook his head slightly, his eyes full of disdain for the other party.

The fleshy-faced man was enraged by Lu Chen's words, his face turning crimson.

His hands clenched into fists, his knuckles white from exertion, his body trembling slightly.

He seemed ready to charge forward at any moment.

But Lu Chen remained completely unmoved. He still stood there, his gaze firm, his Aura powerful.

Like an unshakeable statue.

The atmosphere in the hall instantly became tense, and everyone's gaze was focused on Lu Chen and the young men.

A tense atmosphere filled the air.

Yu Miaoyin looked at Lu Chen's back, her heart pounding in her chest.

Her gaze was tightly fixed on Lu Chen, her eyes filled with reliance and trust.

Lu Chen's back was ramrod straight, like a sturdy pine tree, standing firmly in front of her, shielding her from wind and rain.

His shoulders were broad and powerful, as if they could bear all the weight in the world.

Yu Miaoyin's breathing gradually stabilized, her previously rapid gasps becoming long and gentle.

Her brows also slowly relaxed, no longer tightly furrowed as before.

The tension and worry on her face slowly faded.

Although her hands were still tightly holding Lu Chen's hand, the grip was much lighter.

The fragrant sweat on her palms was no longer as profuse as before.

Her fingers no longer trembled, but became steady and peaceful.

Her eyes sparkled with an unusual light; it was a sense of emotion and peace after being protected and cherished.

The light shone on Lu Chen, outlining his handsome features, as if plating him with a sacred glow.

In Yu Miaoyin's eyes, Lu Chen at this moment was like a hero descended from the heavens, fearless and captivatingly powerful.

The corners of her lips unconsciously curved upward, revealing a faint smile, a smile filled with sweetness and contentment.

Yu Miaoyin took a deep breath, her chest filled with a strong sense of security.