Chapter 96: I Am Yao’s Fiancé

Hearing the familiar voice, Lu Yao turned around.

The motion-activated light flickered on instantly, and as she looked at ALL standing two meters away, she was struck with astonishment.

His tall, graceful figure stood upright in the corridor, and his sharply defined face broke into a warm smile directed at her.

Three years.

It had been three whole years since they last saw each other.

The excitement in her heart, the kind only stirred by seeing family, overflowed onto her face.

"Yao, are you stunned?"

ALL opened his arms toward her.

Lu Yao paused for a moment, then with delight swelling within her, rushed into ALL's embrace.

ALL gently stroked Lu Yao's back, finally easing the anxiety he'd been carrying.

In a voice of utmost tenderness, he asked, "I've been waiting at your place for two or three days, but you haven't come home. Did something happen? Do you need me to help?"

Lu Yao drew a deep breath, feeling immeasurably comforted.

She shook her head lightly, and replied softly, "It's just some troublemakers unhappy with a judgment. They'll make noise for a few more days, but won't be back after that."

"What are their names?"

ALL pressed, his icy eyes fixed on the garish paint smeared across the door.

Lu Yao shook her head again.

Looking into ALL's eyes, as she had so many times before, she smiled and teased, "Really, it's fine. I can handle it myself."

ALL reached out and gently tapped her nose, his gaze brimming with affection.

Lu Yao, shy, nestled in his arms and sighed, "I can't believe we've gone three years without seeing each other."

"You cold and heartless little girl, you've hidden away for three years. You have no idea how worried I've been that you might run into trouble."

"Do I seem that fragile to you?"

"In my heart, you'll always be the little girl who needs protecting."

With that, ALL lowered his head and kissed her forehead.

The two exchanged glances, their faces radiant with the joy of reunion after a long separation.

Just then, the elevator doors slid open. Inside, Ye Zehong witnessed their kiss and the smiles they shared.

His fingers clenched tighter around the bouquet he held.

A chilling light flickered in his eyes.

His stern features, under the dim light, appeared even more solitary.

With a single glance, he recognized the man holding Lu Yao as the one he had rescued years ago.

Ye Zehong’s heart sank abruptly, his jaw clenched.

Lu Yao immediately stepped out of ALL’s embrace, so hastily that she stumbled back a few steps.

ALL reached out to steady her shoulder, concern in his voice, "Careful."

No sooner had his hand touched Lu Yao’s shoulder than it was forcefully pushed aside.

Ye Zehong’s imposing figure blocked ALL’s path, his deep black eyes radiating a coldness that chilled to the bone.

ALL’s lips curved slightly.

Looking past Ye Zehong to Lu Yao, he asked, "Is he your boyfriend now?"

Boyfriend?

She and Ye Zehong had already broken up; he couldn't be considered her boyfriend anymore.

Lu Yao hesitated for a moment, pondering how best to introduce Ye Zehong.

ALL scrutinized Ye Zehong, seeing the dominance and possessiveness in his eyes.

He guessed that Ye Zehong must be Lu Yao’s admirer.

Thinking this, he smiled and, without hesitation, pushed Ye Zehong aside, shielding Lu Yao behind him.

Ye Zehong’s eyes grew darker, his expression icy as he demanded of Lu Yao, "Who is he to you?"

Lu Yao felt a headache coming on; she hadn’t even figured out how to introduce Ye Zehong, and now she needed to introduce ALL.

She was at a loss.

ALL saw her predicament and, with a hint of provocation, said to Ye Zehong, "My name is Zhou Luoxi. I am Yao’s fiancé."

At those words, Lu Yao’s pupils widened in shock.

She had never expected ALL to declare himself her fiancé.

Those three words—fiancé—were like a merciless dagger, stabbing straight into Ye Zehong’s heart.

Blood poured forth.

His pitch-black pupils contracted, brows furrowed, and he asked Lu Yao, "Is that so?"

(End of chapter)