Chapter 15: Lies

Ari’s questions came one after another, and meeting her expectant gaze, Lu Jinyan, for the first time in his life, felt an urge to escape.

He should have told her the truth outright.

But Lu Jinyan couldn't bear to dampen her spirits when she was at her happiest.

This little girl would surely cry.

Her deer-like eyes would redden, her lips pressed together, tears brimming and threatening to spill, looking utterly aggrieved and heartbroken.

He didn't want to see that.

Lu Jinyan wrapped his pampered little girl in his arms, his voice caught in his throat before he spoke slowly, “Those masters are not easy to invite. We’ll have to wait a while longer.”

Maybe this girl’s enthusiasm would only last a few days.

After some time, perhaps she’d lose interest in the piano, and that would be for the best.

“I see…”

Though Ari was a bit disappointed, she didn’t doubt Lu Jinyan’s words.

She nodded and said, “I noticed those pianists travel the world for concerts. It really must be difficult for them to find time to teach. Alright, I’ll wait a bit longer and practice by myself in the meantime!”

Ari’s agreeableness left Lu Jinyan momentarily stunned.

He gently played with her earlobe, his voice rough and low, “So obedient?”

“Hehe, Uncle, you already agreed to let me play the piano, didn’t you? Of course I have to be good! It’s only fair!”

Ari’s smile was bright and charming, always with a hint of playful logic.

Something in Lu Jinyan’s heart was stirred. He bent down, his cool lips grazing her hair by her temple, his breath hot against her skin.

“Stop, Uncle, that tickles…” Ari tried to dodge, but Lu Jinyan scooped her up around the waist and carried her straight upstairs.

Realizing his intentions, Ari’s face grew warm and she whispered, “Uncle, aren’t you going to have breakfast?”

“I’ll have you first.”

…

Lu Jinyan truly devoured every inch of Ari.

Pinned beneath him, her body was like a small boat tossed on the sea, rising and falling with him.

She wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but today, Uncle seemed to be in a somber mood.

Before, he would always tease her with wicked words in bed. He might have seemed aloof and restrained, but in the bedroom he dared to say anything.

But today, he was silent.

Just relentless…

Ari felt as if she was being ground to pieces, pressed into his very being.

She didn’t know how much time had passed.

Exhausted and utterly spent, Ari was fed some rice porridge by him in a haze before slipping into sleep once more.

The next day.

When Ari woke, there was no sign of Lu Jinyan.

At this time, he should have just gotten up, but when Ari touched the sheets beside her, they were already cold—he must have left long ago.

Has Uncle been busier than usual lately?

Ari never asked about Lu Jinyan’s work; she wouldn’t understand anyway.

Still—

If she became a pianist one day, perhaps she could help with Uncle’s business as well.

With that thought, Ari couldn’t stay in bed a moment longer. She jumped up, planning to have breakfast and then go back to practicing the piano.

Just as she was getting dressed, her phone rang.

It was Grandma Lu calling.

“Hello, Grandma.”

“Ari, did you check the trending topics?”

“Trending topics?” Ari was puzzled and, feeling a bit embarrassed, she laughed lightly. “Not yet… Sorry, Grandma, I just woke up…”

“Oh, you child, how can you be so unconcerned?”

Grandma sounded exasperated. “This morning, the top trend is photos of your husband out with Liu Mengwan. Those gossip accounts are all saying the two are getting back together! They don’t even respect you, the legal wife!”

Ari listened, but her heart remained calm. She reassured Grandma Lu with composure.

“Grandma, how can you believe what the gossip accounts say? After what happened the other day, Uncle still didn’t divorce me. That alone shows where his heart lies. Maybe they just met to discuss something important. I trust Uncle!”

“Ari, you’re too naïve!” Grandma’s voice grew stern. “Even if Jinyan doesn’t intend to divorce you, nothing good can come from him always meeting with Liu Mengwan. That woman is clever—this time she’s retreating to advance. Be careful!”

At first, Ari hadn’t felt there was anything to worry about.

But Grandma’s words unsettled her.

Could it be…

Did Liu Mengwan still have feelings for Uncle?

But she couldn’t just confront her directly. Even if she did, the truth would hardly be told.

Later that morning.

Ari checked the trending topics.

The top post was a video.

In the video, Lu Jinyan and Liu Mengwan maintained a perfectly proper social distance—there wasn’t the slightest hint of impropriety between them.

Seeing that, Ari felt a bit more at ease.

Uncle knew how to keep boundaries.

At the end of the video, a foreigner appeared.

The three of them exchanged brief greetings and walked into a hotel together.

After watching, Ari finally relaxed.

It was all just the gossip accounts making things up—there was no sign of the two reconciling. They were just having a proper business meeting! Grandma had been worrying too much.

Ari opened the comment section.

There were some people shipping them as a couple, and others reminding everyone that Lu Jinyan was a married man.

Until one particular comment caught Ari’s attention.