Arrangements for Lu Qianqian

In Anhe County, a lively beef noodle shop filled with the warmth of everyday life.

Su Yang sat awkwardly across from Lu Chenyuan, his hands nervously resting on his knees. He couldn’t understand why this mysterious, influential figure—who had appeared in the school cafeteria days earlier to offer Ye Ruoxi an exorbitant sponsorship deal—had suddenly sought him out.

"Su Yang, no need to be nervous."

Lu Chenyuan pushed a steaming bowl of beef noodles toward him, his tone gentle.

"I’m here for business as well."

Su Yang lifted his head, his eyes filled with wariness and confusion.

"We’ve looked into you," Lu Chenyuan said bluntly. He knew that with someone as sharp as this young man, beating around the bush was pointless.

"Your talent in computer science surpasses even your academic performance. You, too, are worth an investment."

Su Yang’s pupils contracted slightly.

"We’re willing to fund your university education and provide you with the opportunity to study at a world-class IT research lab. All expenses covered."

Lu Chenyuan’s voice was calm, yet carried an irresistible allure.

"The condition? After graduation, you work for my company for ten years."

It was an offer that could change his life.

Su Yang’s heartbeat quickened, but instead of immediately agreeing, he grew even more guarded.

"Why me?"

"Because of your worth… and because I need you to do something for me in Anhe."

Lu Chenyuan’s gaze was steady as water, locking onto Su Yang’s eyes.

"Ye Ruoxi is also one of our investments. Her safety and emotional stability directly affect the return on our investment. I need someone reliable here, keeping an eye on her situation, ensuring nothing goes wrong."

He paused, then shifted his tone.

"I know you’ve been quietly watching over her. What I’m offering isn’t charity—it’s a transaction. You help me protect my investment, and I’ll invest in your future. That’s fair."

The word "protect" struck Su Yang like a hammer.

His deepest, most hidden feelings—the ones he’d never dared voice—seemed to have been laid bare by this man.

His face flushed crimson, a mix of embarrassment, exposure, and above all, an unprecedented shock.

For the first time, Su Yang realized that protecting someone could be a legitimate "job."

"I…" Su Yang opened his mouth but found himself at a loss for words.

"You don’t need to do anything out of the ordinary. Just continue as you have been. But if she ever runs into trouble, notify us immediately. Of course, we’ll also have professionals discreetly guarding her. You’re just an extra layer of security."

Lu Chenyuan slid a contract—similar to the one given to Ye Ruoxi—across the table, along with a bank card.

"Read the agreement. If you’re satisfied, sign it. The card holds 500,000 yuan—for your mother’s initial treatment and your living expenses. The PIN is your birthday."

Su Yang stared at the bank card, then back into Lu Chenyuan’s deep eyes. He knew he had no reason to refuse—nor did he want to.

This wasn’t just for himself, or for his ailing mother. It was also for… the girl he’d always wanted to approach but never dared to.

He picked up the pen and signed his name with solemn determination.

"I accept," Su Yang said, lifting his head. The unease in his eyes had faded, replaced by an extraordinary resolve.

"I’ll protect her."

Lu Chenyuan nodded in satisfaction.

Another crucial piece had been placed on the board.

…

By the time Lu Chenyuan finished handling these matters and returned to the Lu family estate, the city was already aglow with evening lights.

The moment he stepped into the living room, he saw Lu Qianqian bounding down the stairs in a pink Chanel suit, her face alight with excitement.

"Big Brother! You’re finally back!"

She clung to his arm affectionately, swinging it playfully as she pouted.

"My birthday is next week! You promised me that limited-edition Aston Martin—when will it arrive? All my friends are waiting to see it!"

In the original host’s memories, Lu Chenyuan had always been powerless against this kind of coquetry, granting even the most unreasonable demands without hesitation.

But now, Lu Chenyuan calmly withdrew his arm.

He looked at this spoiled, entitled "little sister," his expression devoid of emotion—only a serene calm.

"The car has been canceled," he said flatly.

"What?" Lu Qianqian’s smile froze. She thought she’d misheard. "Big Brother, are you joking?"

"I’m not joking." His tone brooked no argument.

"Starting today, all your credit cards—primary and supplementary—are frozen. You may continue using the luxury items in this house, but no new purchases are permitted."

Lu Qianqian was utterly dumbfounded. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Why? Have you lost your mind, Big Brother? What did I do wrong?"

Nearby, Lou Mengling approached, her expression puzzled as she looked at her eldest son.

"Chenyuan, what’s going on? Qianqian’s birthday is coming up. How could you—"

"Mother, I’m doing this for her own good." Lu Chenyuan turned to her, his voice gentle but unyielding.

He faced Lu Qianqian again, enunciating each word clearly.

"If you want a birthday gift, earn it yourself."

"How am I supposed to earn it?" Lu Qianqian’s eyes reddened with anger.

"Starting tomorrow, you’ll work at the charity kitchen in Spring Breeze Community for thirty days."

Lu Chenyuan delivered an answer that left her stunned.

"Three hours a day, no tardiness or early departures. Once your attendance record meets the standard, we’ll discuss gifts."

"As for school, I’ll make arrangements. Tutors will handle your academics."

"What?! You want me to go to that kind of place… to wash vegetables and cook for those poor people?"

Lu Qianqian shrieked, feeling as if she’d been mortally insulted. "I won’t go! I’d rather die!"

"Then no gifts, and not a cent of allowance."

Lu Chenyuan’s expression didn’t waver.

"You—!" Lu Qianqian trembled with rage, tears welling in her eyes. She turned to Lou Mengling in desperation.

"Mom! Look at Big Brother! He’s bullying me!"

Lou Mengling’s heart ached at the sight. She tugged at Lu Chenyuan’s sleeve, chiding him.

"Chenyuan, don’t be like this. Qianqian has never suffered a day in her life. She’s your sister."

"Mother, precisely because she’s my sister—because she’s a daughter of the Lu family—I can’t let her become a spoiled, materialistic waste."

Lu Chenyuan’s voice lowered, carrying an authority he’d never shown before.

"She needs to understand that every grain of rice is hard-earned. She’s enjoyed the privileges of the Lu name—now she must learn the responsibility that comes with it."

This was the conviction carved into his bones from his past life as a poverty alleviation official.

A person’s nobility was never measured by what they owned—but by what they understood, and what they were willing to bear.

"I don't care! I won't go!" Lu Qianqian cried out, stamping her foot before turning and dashing upstairs.

"Bang!"

She slammed her bedroom door shut with a heavy thud, venting her fury and frustration.

The living room fell into silence.

Lou Mengling sighed, her face lined with worry. "Chenyuan, why must you push her like this…"

"Mom, you’ll understand," Lu Chenyuan replied, his gaze fixed on the closed door upstairs, deep and unreadable.

"An overindulged vine, if not pruned early, will one day strangle the very tree it clings to."

This was the first cut to temper her spoiled nature.

It might hurt—badly. But only through pain could true growth come.

His chessboard wasn’t just outside these walls; it extended into this home.

Every piece would be moved back to its rightful place.