Chapter 73 - Timely help

"Get up, come with me."

The cool voice sliced through Jian's dazed state, pulling him back to reality. He blinked, looking up blankly at his cousin, Lui Wang, who was standing above him with a calm yet commanding presence. With a subtle motion, Lui gestured for him to stand.

Jian rose like a poorly programmed robot, clutching the plate of pastries in his hand. He followed Lui without a word, his mind still foggy.

To his surprise, Lui was walking directly toward the white-haired man standing amidst a small group of people. Jian froze mid-step, an odd hesitation gripping him. Should he follow? Or stay behind?

But then those piercing green eyes found his again, dragging him forward with an almost magnetic force. It was as if the man's gaze wove an invisible tether around him, pulling him closer. His feet moved on their own, even as his mind screamed at him to stop. This feeling was strange, foreign—something Jian had never experienced before.

"Mr. Yu," Lui Wang greeted, his tone cold and formal.

The man's gaze broke from Jian, shifting to Lui with the ease of a predator acknowledging a lesser threat. "Mr. Wang," he replied smoothly, before his attention returned to Jian. "I see you've brought company."

"Yes," Lui Wang said curtly, "this is Jian Wang, my uncle's long-lost son."

The words caused an audible stir among the nearby crowd, whispers spreading like wildfire. Jian suppressed the smirk threatening to surface. Why are they pretending to be shocked? They all knew this already. Tsk.

"I see." The man's voice was cool, his green eyes unyielding as they fixed on Jian once again. "Good to know you, Mr. Jian." He extended his hand, an unspoken challenge hanging in the air.

Jian stared back, their gazes locked. He searched those eyes for disdain, mockery, or even indifference, but found none. Instead, he saw curiosity—raw and unfiltered—tinged with something primal, something he couldn't name. It made his spine tingle.

A sharp nudge from Lui Wang snapped him out of his trance. Blinking rapidly, Jian tore his gaze away, his cheeks flushing slightly. What the hell just happened to me? Damn it, those eyes have some kind of power. He stared at the floor, suddenly finding it fascinating.

"Sorry," Lui Wang said smoothly. "He's quite new to all this."

"It's understandable," Mr. Yu replied, withdrawing his hand without a trace of offense. A faint smile ghosted his lips as he added, "Though the last time I met Mr. Jian, he wasn't so timid. Are you enjoying your stay at the Wangs'?"

Lui Wang faltered slightly before nudging Jian again.

"I'm doing well, Mr. Yu," Jian managed, glancing up briefly before looking away again, feeling inexplicably self-conscious.

The interaction ended as Mr. Yu shifted his attention elsewhere, his tall frame disappearing into the crowd of admirers vying for his attention. Lui Wang led Jian away in silence.

As they walked, Jian finally broke it. "Who is he?"

"Xing Yu," Lui Wang replied without looking back. "A British conglomerate owner. He has his hands in almost every business in and around this country." Pausing, he added, "And you were rude to him."

"Sorry," Jian muttered, grabbing a pastry from his plate. He chewed thoughtfully before admitting, "He… threw me off."

Lui Wang rolled his eyes. "He has that effect on people." He gestured subtly toward the crowd encircling Xing Yu, their laughter and flirtations echoing faintly. "Fresh meat. Everyone wants a bite."

Jian chuckled softly but quickly stifled it under Lui's disapproving glare. "Sorry."

They left the event shortly after, boarding the car for the ride back. The road was deserted, winding through the forested hills. The once-enchanting landscape now seemed eerie under the dim light of dawn, shadows stretching like gnarled fingers across the pavement.

The quiet was shattered by a loud pop, and the car swerved violently before coming to a shaky stop by the roadside.

"What happened?" Lui Wang demanded, frowning at the driver.

"A burst tire, sir. I'll replace it immediately." The driver scrambled out.

"I'll help," Jian offered, stepping out as well. Crouching by the damaged tire, he frowned. The tires had been brand new, and yet this one was worn to the point of destruction. Peering closer, his suspicion grew. This was intentional. Someone switched them.

Before he could voice his thoughts, headlights cut through the mist, and a sleek black car pulled up beside them.

The window rolled down, revealing none other than Xing Yu, his sharp features illuminated in the glow. "Need a ride?"

Jian blinked, momentarily stunned.

"That would be very helpful, Mr. Yu," Lui Wang interjected smoothly, stepping out. He placed a firm hand on Jian's shoulder, steering him toward the other car. "Thank you for your timely assistance."