55: At this moment, the God of War Xiao Tianyu is still on his way

Arriving at the mansion's entrance, the heavy, intricately carved doors slowly opened.

Inside was a high-ceilinged domed hall, with a crystal chandelier resembling a brilliant galaxy cascading down, its light flowing and reflecting freely on the highly polished marble floor, making one dizzy.

Lu Chen frowned slightly, seemingly displeased that the strong light bothered Gao Xuewei, and raised a hand to partially block it, stepping sideways to shield her slightly behind him.

Gao Xuewei's steps dragged, her heart filled with trepidation.

Lu Chen noticed her unease, leaned down slightly, his warm breath brushing her ear, and with a concerned, gentle tone, his sword-like brows slightly raised, he whispered, "If you're tired, rest. I'll have someone prepare a room."

Gao Xuewei's heart pounded erratically; she nodded hastily, her gaze darting away, not daring to meet the eyes of the handsome and imposing man before her, and a shy blush crept up her earlobes.

Upon entering the guest room, the luxurious decor once again overwhelmed her senses.

European-style four-poster bed curtains hung softly, embroidered with intricate gold-thread patterns, smooth to the touch.

Every ornament in the room was a priceless antique, quietly displayed, speaking of the passage of time.

Xiao Xi excitedly bounced onto the bed, startling the sheer curtains by the bedside into a gentle sway.

Gao Xuewei, however, was filled with melancholy, sitting by the bed, gently stroking her daughter's hair, her expression desolate, her thoughts drifting far away.

Outside the window, the warm sun gradually rose higher, its afterglow filtering through the window frame, casting warm yellow light and lengthening her lonely silhouette.

Lu Chen stood at the doorway, watching quietly for a moment, his hands in his pockets, then gave a few soft instructions before closing the door, leaving the mother and daughter to themselves.

Gao Xuewei let out a long breath, the tension she had held throughout the journey finally easing.

But the thought of facing the days ahead with Lu Chen made the complex emotions in her heart tangle like a messy knot, tightening with each passing moment, impossible to untangle.

Recalling War God Xiao Tianyu's past promises, and looking at the unfamiliar, opulent surroundings before her, Gao Xuewei's eyes welled up slightly, her heart filled with confusion and helplessness about the future.

Just then,

The door silently closed behind Lu Chen.

The room was so quiet that only the faint rustling of Xiao Xi occasionally turning over on the bed could be heard.

Outside the window, the morning light struggled to pierce through the thin clouds; a few faint rays barely squeezed through the window frame, scattering onto the carpet in the room, as if trying to add a touch of warmth to the room's pervasive anxiety, but to little effect.

Gao Xuewei was still lost in her own thoughts, not noticing Lu Chen's return.

Her heart was filled with trepidation about the unknown, as if she were adrift in a vast sea of fog, unable to find her way, her past and future tangled into a chaotic mess in her mind.

Until Lu Chen's slightly deep voice sounded in her ear: "Xuewei, I know your heart is troubled. If you have any questions, feel free to speak directly."

Gao Xuewei suddenly looked up, her eyes still holding a hint of alarm and helplessness; meeting Lu Chen's deep and calm gaze, she frantically looked away, her hands unconsciously twisting the corner of her clothes.

Outside the window, a gentle breeze rustled through the flowering trees in the courtyard, as if mocking her awkwardness or urging her to respond.

Her heart was trembling; the man before her exuded an overwhelmingly powerful aura, every gesture revealing a calm control over everything, making her feel like a helpless fledgling before him, with no secrets to hide.

She stammered, "Mr. Lu, I... I truly have many questions. This estate, your influence—everything far exceeds my imagination. I merely wish to protect Xiao Xi and live a stable life, but now, plunged into this unfamiliar situation, I am truly terrified and unsettled."

As she spoke, her eyes reddened, her heart full of grievance and unease, almost overflowing.

Lu Chen frowned slightly, took a few steps closer, and stopped beside her, his tall figure casting a shadow that inexplicably gave a sense of oppression, yet also conveyed an irresistible protective desire.

He looked down at Gao Xuewei, slowing his speech: "Don't be afraid. Bringing you here is to protect you. Those dirty tricks of the Gao Family will no longer appear. As for my identity, for now, you only need to know that in Yanjing, the Lu Family can ward off all overt and covert attacks."

Outside the window, the warm sun finally broke through the clouds.

A vast expanse of light surged in, illuminating the intricate patterns on Lu Chen's crisp suit, and also reflecting his face, which was stern yet held a subtle, almost imperceptible tenderness.

Gao Xuewei bit her lower lip tightly, and after a moment of hesitation, asked, "Then this hundred-day agreement... why did you propose it? I am merely an ordinary woman, bringing a child, in a state of disarray. Why would I be worth such effort from you?"

As she said this, she looked up directly at Lu Chen, her eyes filled with inquiry and stubbornness.

In truth, she was vaguely afraid of hearing the answer, fearing both that Lu Chen was merely amusing himself with her on a whim, and that his feelings might be too fervent and intense, leaving her powerless to resist and deeply entangled.

After all... she hadn't completely escaped the quagmire of War God Xiao Tianyu.

Lu Chen's lips curved slightly, as if amused by her directness; in a moment, his expression returned to its sternness:

"The first time I saw you, you were in a desperate situation but fought to protect your daughter, and the resilience in your eyes moved me. Xuewei, we have a long time together ahead. One hundred days is enough for you to see my intentions clearly, and it also gives you time to slowly let go of the past."

He deliberately emphasized the word "past," and Gao Xuewei's heart trembled, understanding that he was referring to War God Xiao Tianyu.

Mentioning that person, Gao Xuewei's eyes instantly dimmed, and after a long silence, she softly said:

"It's been six years, and he's had no news. I should have given up hope... but to truly let go, how can it be so easy? Mr. Lu, I'm afraid I'll hold you back."

Her heart was filled with bitterness and wistfulness.

War God Xiao Tianyu was the light of her youth; his sweet promises still echoed in her ears. How could six years of bitter waiting be forgotten so easily?

Yet, the imposing and gentle Lu Chen had forcefully entered her life, pressing closer step by step, leaving her bewildered and at a loss, unsure how to choose.

Outside the window, a bird flew past, casting a dark shadow, like a fleeting reflection of fate's unpredictability, then vanished, leaving her to suffer alone in the room.

Lu Chen leaned down slightly, his hands braced on either side of the bed frame, trapping Gao Xuewei in a small space, his gaze burning as he stared at her:

"Whether it's worth it, I decide. These hundred days, I won't force you, but I hope you trust me wholeheartedly. You can put aside those hesitant thoughts."

His warm breath brushed Gao Xuewei's cheek; her heart pounded like thunder, and her cheeks flushed crimson.

Gao Xuewei felt her mind go blank.

Her pounding heart made her eardrums ache; being stared at so closely by Lu Chen, an inexplicable panic and shyness surged in her heart, her palms were clammy with cold sweat, and her fingertips trembled slightly.

Gao Xuewei turned her head away, avoiding his intense gaze, and whispered, "I'll try. It's just Xiao Xi... she's been through so much fright. I only hope she can be happy from now on."

Lu Chen straightened up, his expression returning to calm: "Don't worry, Xiao Xi is clever and adorable. In this estate, she will have everything she wants. Since I, Lu Chen, have made a promise, I will ensure the safety of you and your daughter."

With that, he gently ruffled the top of Gao Xuewei's head, his action tender and intimate, seemingly comforting, then turned and walked towards the door.

Upon reaching the door, Lu Chen paused, turning back to instruct, "You rest first. If you need anything, tell the servants. We'll have dinner together later."

The door opened and closed again, and silence returned to the room.

Gao Xuewei sat stunned, her inner turmoil transforming into a soft sigh. How the future would unfold, she was still uncertain, yet she inexplicably felt a growing sense of reliance and anticipation towards Lu Chen.

She gently caressed her chest, trying to calm her racing heart.

Looking at the closed door, the faces of Lu Chen and War God Xiao Tianyu alternately flickered in her mind. She secretly wondered what would happen during these hundred days, her emotions wavering like a candle in the wind.

Outside the window, the sunlight grew stronger, illuminating every blade of grass and tree in the estate, outlining a scene of tranquility and peace, a stark contrast to Gao Xuewei's turbulent heart within the room.

At this moment, War God Xiao Tianyu was still on his way, driving.