Chapter 20: You Are His Wife-After Leaving the Monastery, I Had a Flash Marriage with the Capital’s Elite Heir at the Civil Affairs Bureau(A Pillow of Spring Dreams)

Old Master Lu cast a disdainful glance at the tea leaves. Wasn’t this the sort that sells on the street for a hundred yuan a pound? How could anyone have the nerve to present it as a gift! Lu Beiqin felt a headache coming on and shot his grandfather a look. He drove a taxi—he was one of those people without money! Giving away jewelry worth tens of millions? Did you rob a bank last night?

Shen Chutang, however, took a liking to the tea, “Thank you, Grandfather. I came in a hurry and didn’t bring anything particularly nice. This is a century-old wild ginseng, I hope you won’t mind.” The old man’s face bloomed with delight. “Oh, this is good stuff! Thank you, my girl.” Shen Chutang smiled, watching Old Master Lu’s happiness and knowing she’d prepared well enough. She did have a thousand-year-old ginseng, but such things are priceless and too valuable; she feared if Grandfather learned its worth, his heart couldn’t take it.

“Beiqin, everyone’s here. Hurry and have the dishes served. Don’t neglect Tangtang.” Seeing Old Master Lu’s eager hands, Lu Beiqin shot him a blank look, the message clear: Don’t give it. The old man had to give up, and once he was sure his grandfather wouldn’t persist, Lu Beiqin signaled for the dishes to be brought out.

Turning around, he saw Old Master Lu pull a jewelry box from his coat. “This is what Beiqin’s grandmother left behind—a family heirloom. She said it must go to the future granddaughter-in-law of the Lu family.” Opening it revealed a jade bracelet of pure hue. Shen Chutang declined, “Grandfather, this is too precious. I can’t accept it.” Old Master Lu smiled, “You’re Beiqin’s wife, you should take it. Beiqin, isn’t that right?” His eyes signaled: I can’t give away jewelry worth millions, but surely a family heirloom is acceptable?

Lu Beiqin paused. Watching Shen Chutang’s nervous expression, he finally spoke, “Take it, it’s Grandfather’s heartfelt wish.” She could tell at a glance this was expensive, a family treasure, and as a fake daughter-in-law, it didn’t feel right to accept it. But with Lu Beiqin’s words, she could only accept it for now.

Just then, the door opened. “Brother, how could you and Grandfather eat here without inviting me? I happened to be dining nearby with several board members…” Shen Chutang looked toward the door in confusion, and saw a man in a wheelchair maneuvering inside. She didn’t notice Old Master Lu behind her hurriedly making a hush gesture, while Lu Beiqin’s face darkened instantly.

Only then did Lu Yuebai realize there was a woman at the table. He suddenly recalled his brother mentioning recently marrying a wife, but hadn’t specified who she was. Lu Yuebai’s mind worked quickly. “I was just eating with some colleagues nearby and thought I’d drop by.” Outside, several board members froze in their tracks, subtly dismissed by Lu Yuebai’s hand gesture. Crisis averted.

Old Master Lu looked at Lu Yuebai and couldn’t help saying, “Your health isn’t good, why go to the company… to work? Just rest at home.” Lu Yuebai smiled gently, “I can’t let big brother shoulder everything alone.” He turned to Shen Chutang, “You must be my sister-in-law. I’m Lu Yuebai, pleased to meet you.” Shen Chutang reached out to shake his hand, her fingers inadvertently brushing his pulse, causing her to pause slightly.

This man’s breath was weak. From the pulse she felt, Lu Yuebai seemed to have little time left. He had been poisoned, and the toxin had already penetrated his bones, corroding his organs. Moreover, the poison was fierce, and she was missing several vital herbs needed to save him—rescuing him would be difficult.

Lu Beiqin observed Shen Chutang’s expression. When Shi Hanhan had said the Shen family’s young lady had saved someone, he’d suspected Shen Chutang. Yet, watching her interaction with Lu Yuebai, she seemed unaware of his poisoning. It probably wasn’t her.

Lu Yuebai ate little, simply watching Shen Chutang and Lu Beiqin. His brother didn’t seem the nurturing type, but when Shen Chutang reached for food, he rotated the lazy Susan for her; when she wanted shrimp, he peeled it without a word. They seemed quite harmonious. Most importantly, Shen Chutang had a good temperament and could chat, making the old man happy. If it weren’t for her status as a granddaughter-in-law, the old man might have sworn allegiance to her on the spot!

After the meal, Shen Chutang helped Grandfather out of the restaurant. “Grandfather, I’ll visit you again in a few days.” “Good, good, Grandfather will be waiting.” Lu Yuebai was also looking unwell; Lu Beiqin helped him into the car. “Go home and rest.” Lu Yuebai nodded, “Brother, I think this sister-in-law is quite good. You should put in some effort.” Lu Beiqin patted his shoulder, “Don’t overthink it.”

After they left, Shen Chutang finally spoke, “I’m not going back yet. I want to stroll around the streets. What about you?” “I’m going to work.” “Alright then, drive safely. I’ll make you a feast tonight when you come home.”