Chapter 10: And You Said There Wasn't Even a Hint of Fate

“Auntie, are you sure this is alright?”
“Why are you being so formal?”
“Mom, I understand now!”
Lu Ye waved his fist, and right in front of Su Shiming and Su Qianqian, he pummeled Li Shuqin’s face with forty-nine punches!
“Ouch, ouch, ouch, be gentle! Oh dear!”
After a round of wailing, Lu Ye finally finished, looked at her face, and smiled with satisfaction, “Mom, it’s done. Take a look in the mirror.”
“Alright... Wow, have I really become younger? Long live my son-in-law!”
In the mirror, Li Shuqin saw that her facial skin had completely returned to normal, even more delicate and flawless than a young maiden’s. It truly looked like silk, and even the crow’s feet at the corners of her eyes had vanished...
Thanks to Lu Ye’s “Return My Beauty Fist,” which he’d administered to Li Shuqin’s face, she had regained her youthful charm.
Li Shuqin immediately changed her tune, flattering him, “Good son-in-law, how long does your Return My Beauty Fist last?”
Lu Ye thought for a moment. “Best to reinforce once a month, then you’ll stay young forever!”
Li Shuqin danced with joy. “Yay, yay, yay! Qianqian, you must treat my son-in-law well from now on. No bullying him, you hear?”
Su Qianqian: “I...”
Never underestimate a woman’s determination to preserve her looks. If Su Qianqian ever wanted a divorce in the future, Li Shuqin would surely be the first to object!
“Good son-in-law, I never thought you had such skills!” Su Shiming laughed heartily, clapping his hands in approval. Tonight, he was the biggest winner by far.
His yellow-faced wife had suddenly reverted to the appearance of an eighteen-year-old beauty; it was as if he had swapped wives for a tender young model. Unable to hold back, Old Su scooped up his wife and rushed back to their bedroom, and minutes later, the sound of rustling and shuffling came from within...
Lu Ye looked at Su Qianqian with a gentle smile, “Old woman, where’s our room?”
Su Qianqian snorted, “Our room? In your dreams!”
“Here, you can stay in this guest room. I’ll be next door.” After leading Lu Ye upstairs, Su Qianqian pointed to a room.
“Alright.”
Lu Ye yawned, moved in with his bag, and locked the door behind him.
Su Qianqian paused in surprise—why was he so well-behaved today?
Little did she know, in the dead of night, after everyone in the Su household had fallen asleep, Lu Ye quietly slipped out, drove to the yacht dock...
Inside the cabin, Chen Xi’s languid, alluring voice drifted over, “Will you unfasten the jeweled sash for me?”
Lu Ye replied, “And you said there wasn’t even a hint of romance?”
The code was correct!
The cabin door slid open, and as Lu Ye stepped inside, he was stunned by the sight before him.
Chen Xi wore only a thin silk robe, her damp hair dripping beads of water, accentuating her mature, alluring figure like a lotus emerging from water—pure and exquisite.

“Sister, calling me over so late—don’t tell me you want me to warm your bed?”
“Don’t flatter yourself. I wouldn’t dare cuckold the most beautiful woman in Mingzhu City.”
“Bah! In that old woman’s eyes, I’m just a pretty boy...”
After Lu Ye recounted the events of the afternoon, Chen Xi laughed so hard she shook, “Our Republic’s God of War is being protected like a pretty boy by his wife? Hahaha.”
“Exactly! From start to finish, I didn’t get a chance to shine. That old woman stole the whole show. It’s so frustrating!”
Chen Xi dried her hair and said, “Back to business. What I need to discuss also concerns Lin Zhongze.”
“An hour ago, a woman’s body was found by the river. Initial suspicion is accidental drowning, but the deceased’s identity is special—she was Lin Zhongze’s wife, Zheng Meixin.”
Lu Ye nodded. “I know about this. Lin Zhongze was poisoned by his wife with corpse rot toxin. I rescued him, and afterward, he went home to settle things.”
Chen Xi paused, “Zheng Meixin was with the Hong Ying Society.”
“So the attempt to poison Lin Zhongze was actually a Hong Ying Society plot?” Lu Ye was surprised.
“Exactly. Lin Zhongze is principled and won’t be bribed or threatened. He’s blocking too many people’s profits. If Hong Ying Society wants to launder dirty money in Mingzhu City, he’s the first obstacle they must remove.”
Lu Ye pondered for a while before saying, “I’ve already established a connection with Lin Zhongze, and he thinks highly of me. He wants to deepen our relationship.”
“Sister, Lin Zhongze is a major line of defense against Hong Ying Society’s money laundering. At the critical moment, we need to protect him—make sure he doesn’t fall.”
Chen Xi said, “I agree. Lin Zhongze is definitely someone worth recruiting.”
“And another thing—I must warn you. The Zhang family has planted commercial spies in Yi Ren Group. They’ve been lurking for quite a while and may act soon.”
Lu Ye nodded, “Alright, I’ll be vigilant.”
After discussing business, Lu Ye took a cloth bundle from his pocket and handed it to Chen Xi.
“What’s this?” Chen Xi took it, feeling its heavy weight.
Lu Ye said, “It’s the golden compass my mother left behind. It was almost stolen today. I figured it’s safest with you.”
“Golden compass?” Chen Xi unfolded the bundle curiously. The compass gleamed gold, an exquisite piece of craftsmanship, though she wondered what was the point of forging it from such expensive gold.
Lu Ye said, “Sister, you can study the golden compass when you have time. I don’t think what Mom left behind is just an art piece.”
Chen Xi paused, then nodded, “As a legendary agent, Godmother never left anything simple. I’ll investigate this compass carefully.”
“Alright, I’m heading off. Good night.”
“Good night.”

...

The next morning, Lu Ye rose early.
He intended to fulfill his role as the son-in-law by preparing breakfast for the family. But when he went downstairs, he found Li Shuqin bustling in the kitchen with an apron, the air rich with the savory scent of seafood porridge...
Lu Ye grinned and greeted her, “Good morning, Mom!”

“Good son-in-law, come wash your hands and eat breakfast. Where’s Qianqian?” Li Shuqin was glowing today, and it was obvious Su Shiming had showered her with tender affection all night.
“No idea, probably still asleep.”
Li Shuqin paused, “You two didn’t sleep in the same room?”
Lu Ye shook his head innocently. “No.”
“Huh? What’s Qianqian thinking... Don’t worry, son-in-law, I’ll scold her for you!”
It was a scene of motherly kindness and filial son-in-law, thanks to Lu Ye helping Li Shuqin rediscover the passionate spirit of her youth and rebuild her confidence as a woman.
Speaking of which, Su Shiming hadn’t been so energetic in years as he was last night.
Li Shuqin hurried upstairs, but at the landing, she stopped and turned quietly, “Son-in-law, could you help Qianqian’s father with his... stamina?”
Lu Ye was taken aback, “Oh? Is Father-in-law not so capable? I heard you two were at it for quite a while last night!”
Li Shuqin blushed and whispered, “He thinks he’s still lacking, but he’s too embarrassed to ask you himself.”
“I see. It’s nothing to be ashamed of—everyone faces these things. My mother taught me plenty of remedies, and I happen to know one that boosts vigor and strength. I’ll arrange it for you soon.”
“Wonderful! Thank you, good son-in-law!”
“No need to thank me, really.”
On the way to work, Su Qianqian sat in the passenger seat with a face full of grievance, occasionally turning to glare at Lu Ye.
“Old woman, what did your mom say to you this morning upstairs?”
Su Qianqian snorted, “She insisted I sleep in the same room and bed as you! Happy now? You scoundrel, bribing my mother!”
Lu Ye stifled a laugh and explained, “Come on, it was your mom’s idea, not mine. Don’t blame everything on me!”
“I’ll blame you! I’ll blame you! Why did you have to give her your Return My Beauty Fist? Now she’s obsessed—she spent the whole morning admiring herself in the mirror and won’t let you leave!”
Lu Ye coughed lightly, half-joking, “Is your mom’s sudden beauty making you feel threatened?”
Su Qianqian pretended not to hear, gazing out the window in silence...
Oh dear!
Could I have really hit the mark? The old woman is actually jealous of her own mother?
“Hey, don’t sulk. Should I give you the same treatment tonight?”
Su Qianqian suddenly arched her brows and smiled, “Since you’re so sincere, I’ll reluctantly give you a chance to prove yourself.”
Damn, Su Qianqian, you cunning vixen!