Iceberg's Deep Love - Chapter 21

The Lu Family Mansion, a villa nestled halfway up the mountain, was usually a tranquil residence, but tonight it buzzed with activity.

 

Cars streamed up the winding mountain road, their headlights cutting through the darkness. Elegantly dressed men and women emerged from the vehicles, proceeding in orderly fashion along the narrow path leading to the mansion.

 

Chen Yuefang sat in the living room, tending to a pot of gardenias on the table. With delicate scissors, she trimmed away excess foliage, wiped the leaves clean with a silk handkerchief, and slowly watered the plant from its base.

 

A camel-colored wool shawl draped over her shoulders, and the intricate knot buttons of her Chinese-style jacket gleamed. Her movements were leisurely and composed, radiating an unhurried, serene grace.

 

Lu Shinian, having changed his clothes, descended the stairs and approached Chen Yuefang. He waited patiently for her to finish tending the gardenias before speaking slowly, “Grandma, it’s almost time. Second Granduncle and Second Grandmother will be arriving soon. Should I go greet them?”

 

“Hmm,” Chen Yuefang nodded, then cautioned, “He’s been trying to undermine you at the board meetings, so you must be displeased. But he’s still your elder. Remember to maintain proper etiquette during the family banquet.”

 

“I understand,” Lu Shinian nodded. He knew Chen Yuefang’s temperament well. Though a powerful businesswoman, she remained deeply rooted in traditional, feudal values, placing great importance on familial ties.

 

Having grown up in a modern era, Lu Shinian naturally held different views. He saw such superfluous familial connections as more of a burden than a benefit.

 

Despite his private thoughts, Lu Shinian never argued with Chen Yuefang on such matters, nor did he voice his opinions. He always tried to accommodate her wishes.

 

Chen Yuefang poured a glass of water and said calmly, “Lu Chuan is an elder; we must show him due respect. As for that woman, Deng Fengxian, address her as you normally would. At other times, simply pretend she doesn’t exist.”

 

Lu Shinian was somewhat surprised. “Is Second Grandmother coming tonight?”

 

Deng Fengxian was Lu Chuan’s first wife. By seniority, Lu Shinian was expected to address her as Second Grandmother. Deng Fengxian and Chen Yuefang were sisters-in-law.

 

Over the years, Deng Fengxian had never set foot in the Lu Family Mansion. At the customary family banquets, only Lu Chuan would attend. Lu Shinian had only vaguely heard that Deng Fengxian and Chen Yuefang had a strained relationship, but he never knew the specifics.

 

Lu Shinian didn’t press for details, but Chen Yuefang volunteered the information: “When you were little, we didn’t want you to know about this. But since she’s come to our door today, there’s no point in keeping it from you any longer.”

 

Chen Yuefang continued, “After I married your grandfather, Lu Chuan brought Deng Fengxian home, introducing her as the woman he loved. At first, we were all delighted, treating it as a joyous occasion. Deng Fengxian didn’t care about social conventions and moved into the Lu Family Mansion.”

 

Back then, the Lu Family was dirt poor, and the brothers were very close. Adding another pair of hands to the household was seen as a blessing, especially when it came in the form of a wife who came willingly, without requiring a dowry. The family was overjoyed.

 

Deng Fengxian was a natural beauty. In that era of simplicity and hardship, her patched coarse cloth clothes and simple braids only accentuated her unparalleled elegance and grace.

 

Everyone who knew Lu Chuan said he must have accumulated good karma in his past life to have married such a wonderful wife in this one.

 

During their impoverished years, everything went smoothly. But later, when Lu Yuan and Chen Yuefang started their own business from scratch and became wealthy, while Lu Chuan remained a farmer toiling in the fields, Deng Fengxian grew restless.

 

The couple followed Lu Yuan and Chen Yuefang to the city to start their own business, but Deng Fengxian’s eyes soon fell on Lu Yuan. Eventually, Chen Yuefang returned home to find Deng Fengxian, dressed in revealing clothes, alone with Lu Yuan in a room.

 

Recalling this incident, even Chen Yuefang’s usually composed expression flickered with anger. “That woman must have secretly taken a fortune from your grandfather. Lu Chuan was blinded by her beauty, completely ignoring her character. She played both brothers against each other, and now she has the audacity to attend the Lu Family banquet? She’s just jealous of Lu Di’s success and wants to make trouble for me.”

 

Lu Shinian remained silent. In truth, Deng Fengxian wasn’t entirely to blame. The two men who had succumbed to her charms also bore responsibility. Yet Deng Fengxian had shouldered all the blame, leaving Lu Yuan and Lu Chuan relatively unscathed.

 

Lu Shinian didn’t voice these thoughts. Chen Yuefang’s deeply ingrained beliefs were difficult to change; in her eyes, all the blame rested squarely on Deng Fengxian’s shoulders.

 

The older generation held their own perspectives, and Lu Shinian had no desire to clash with Chen Yuefang. He simply kept his true feelings to himself.

 

Chen Yuefang had always been this way. Though dissatisfied, she maintained the facade of this grand family, never publicly embarrassing Lu Chuan or Deng Fengxian.

 

The phone on the table buzzed twice. Seeing the incoming message, Lu Shinian stood up and said, “Grandma, they’ve arrived. I’ll go greet them at the door.”

 

Lu Chuan had already entered the gate, accompanied by a woman with silver-white hair. Despite the wrinkles etched on her face, she carried herself with an understated elegance. Her pearl earrings were exquisitely crafted, and a jade-green bracelet adorned her wrist.

 

As soon as she saw Lu Shinian approaching, her face lit up with a warm smile. “This must be Shinian,” she said. “It’s been so long! You’ve grown into such a lovely young woman.”

 

“Second Granduncle, Second Grandmother, Grandma is waiting for you in the living room,” Lu Shinian replied with a slight nod, maintaining a polite demeanor while subtly avoiding Deng Fengxian’s attempt to grasp her wrist.

 

Deng Fengxian’s composure was remarkable. Showing no embarrassment whatsoever, she proactively looped her arm through Lu Shinian’s and said with a smile, “Shinian, do you have a boyfriend? I know several promising young men. Would you like me to introduce you?”

 

“No need,” Lu Shinian replied coolly, freeing his arm from her grasp. “I’m not interested in that right now. I’ve just taken over Lu Di and have too much work to focus on.”

 

“Young people always think that way,” Deng Fengxian countered, “but before you know it, it’ll be too late. You’re not getting any younger—it’s time to settle down.” Turning to the man beside her, she added, “Xiao Zhao, this is Shinian. Why don’t you two get acquainted?”

 

The man extended his hand with a smile. “President Lu, it’s an honor to meet you. I’m Zhao Chenguang. My project recently received investment from Lu Di, so our families are practically old friends now.”

 

Lu Shinian recognized Zhao Chenguang; he’d heard about him several times before. It was Zhao Chenguang who had instructed his younger brother, Zhao Chenming, to slip the drug into Lu Shinian’s drink at the bar.

 

Now, Zhao Chenming was working with Dai Meng on the Lost Path project, making him a business partner of Lu Di.

 

Zhao Chenguang remained unaware that his scheme involving the spiked drinks had been exposed, and that his brother, Zhao Chenming, had become Lu Shinian’s mole within the Zhao Family.

 

Both Zhao brothers were handsome, but the elder, Zhao Chenguang, was particularly striking. Dressed in a custom-tailored charcoal-gray suit, his broad shoulders and narrow waist accentuated his long, straight legs. His deep-set, cold features radiated the aura of a domineering CEO from a romance novel.

 

As key figures in the Lu Family, Lu Chuan and Lu Shinian naturally drew attention. Others couldn’t help but glance their way.

 

Lu Shinian’s natural charisma was amplified by his beige faux fur jacket and matching wide-legged trousers, which accentuated his slender figure. Standing beside Zhao Chenguang, they truly looked like a perfect match.

 

Given Deng Fengxian’s actions—bringing Zhao Chenguang to the Lu Family banquet—it was clear the Zhao Family, a prestigious clan, sought a strategic alliance with the Lu Family through marriage. Such a union would be a tale of power and prestige.

 

Lu Shinian frowned slightly, then took a half-step back, his voice rising slightly. “The Lu Family banquet is for family only. Mr. Zhao, please leave.”

 

Deng Fengxian’s expression stiffened momentarily, but she maintained her composure. “Shinian,” she said gently, “Zhao Chenguang has traveled far to be here. At least let him stay for dinner. We wouldn’t want to appear inhospitable.”

 

“In what capacity would he be staying?” Lu Shinian’s gaze swept over them, his voice cold. “Has Second Grandmother adopted him as a grandson, or is he merely a male companion? If it’s unclear, it could cause misunderstandings.”

 

“This…” Even Deng Fengxian, a woman known for her social finesse, was momentarily speechless, caught off guard.

 

The Lu Family’s banquet rules were strict: only family members were allowed to attend. Any outsiders brought along would be assumed to be romantic partners.

 

Over the years, Gu Jihuan had been the sole exception. However, Chen Yuefang had publicly announced Gu Jihuan’s engagement to the Lu Family, and everyone had tacitly accepted her as Lu Shinian’s future wife.

 

Deng Fengxian’s intentions were simple: if Zhao Chenguang stayed for the Lu Family banquet, rumors would spread throughout Jiang City’s elite circles that the Lu and Zhao families were planning a marriage alliance. The obvious candidates for this union would be Lu Shinian himself, who had personally greeted Zhao Chenguang upon his arrival.

 

But her calculations had backfired. Chen Yuefang valued family reputation and strategic alliances, while Lu Shinian cared little for such matters. He had no qualms about publicly embarrassing the Lu Family in front of outsiders.

 

By speaking so bluntly, he had effectively trampled Deng Fengxian’s dignity underfoot.

 

Deng Fengxian, ever composed, paused briefly before replying, “How could he possibly be my escort? Shinian is just joking. The Zhao Family and ours have been close for generations. Breaking this rule wouldn’t be a problem.”

 

“Deng Fengxian, I’m still standing here. Who gave you the right to decide whether to break any rules?” A cool voice cut through the air, its calm tone barely concealing a condescending anger.

 

Chen Yuefang emerged from the house and patted Lu Shinian’s shoulder. “Yuqiong’s here. Go play with her. I’ll handle things here.”

 

Lu Shinian glanced up and saw Lu Yuqiong waving from a nearby chair. Her ankle injury was clearly still healing.

 

Chen Yuefang clearly wanted to keep Lu Shinian and Zhao Chenguang apart to avoid gossip. Her gaze toward Deng Fengxian was icy.

 

By turning Zhao Chenguang away, Lu Shinian risked being seen as lacking proper manners. But welcoming him in would only fuel further rumors. Deng Fengxian’s visit today was clearly about more than just a meal.

 

Lu Shinian sat beside Lu Yuqiong and accepted the juice she offered. Her eyes scanned the surroundings. “Where’s Gu Jihuan?”

 

“Hey, shouldn’t you be more concerned about my injury?” Lu Yuqiong huffed. “If you’re so interested in other girls, your little girlfriend might get jealous.”

 

“What little girlfriend?” Lu Shinian genuinely didn’t understand.

 

“Those red high heels at your place,” Lu Yuqiong whispered conspiratorially, lowering her voice. “Don’t worry, I won’t spill the beans until we’ve smoothed things over with Grandma.”

 

Red high heels? Lu Shinian suddenly remembered—those were Gu Jihuan’s, left behind after their encounter at the bar that night.

 

He said nothing, though, since he and Gu Jihuan were no longer involved.

 

“Jihuan said there was an emergency surgery in Qingnan,” Lu Yuqiong glanced at her watch. “A doctor broke their arm, and they were short-staffed, so she rushed over to cover. But I’ve arranged for a driver to pick her up; she should be here before the banquet starts.”

 

Hearing that Gu Jihuan hadn’t arrived yet, Lu Shinian felt a sudden loss of interest. He stood up and said, “It’s too noisy here. Want to find a quiet place to hang out for a while?”

 

“Let’s go, let’s go. I’ve been wanting to leave this place for ages,” Lu Yuqiong agreed, nodding. The gathering was filled with elders, and she had to constantly smile and greet them, which she found exhausting.

 

Despite her lingering difficulty walking, Lu Yuqiong remained fiercely independent. She refused a wheelchair and wouldn’t let Lu Shinian support her, insisting on moving slowly on her own.

 

As Lu Shinian walked beside her, she grumbled, “It’s all that wretched Little Potato’s fault. I’ve been hobbling around like this for days, greeting guests. I’ve completely lost face.”

 

“Everyone gets injured sometimes. What’s so embarrassing about that?” Lu Shinian replied, a hint of exasperation in his voice. He hadn’t realized Lu Yuqiong held such a grudge, still harboring resentment toward Doctor Li Mingyue after all this time.

 

After settling into the study, Lu Yuqiong realized she’d forgotten her handbag outside. Given her limited mobility, returning for it would take too long.

 

Lu Shinian left her to wait in the study while he went to retrieve the bag.

 

However, before he even reached the bottom of the stairs, he paused, hearing voices from outside.

 

“Xiao Qing, do you think the rumors about Gu Jihuan and Lu Shinian are true?”

 

Lu Jingqing declared firmly, “I saw it with my own eyes in M Country. How could it be false? They stayed in the same hotel and even went swimming together in the rooftop pool. I even saw the photos!”

 

“Didn’t Grandma say before that same-s3x marriages were forbidden in the Lu Family?” someone remarked, clearly relishing the drama. “This is going to be good.”

 

“She’s been so secretive that even Grandma doesn’t know. Soon, the entire Lu Family will be hers. I think you’re all just worrying yourselves sick over nothing. What nonsense are you even thinking?”

 

“Don’t be so sure. Could she be after that ten percent share? Given her status, ten percent is a lot, but it’s not like she needs to fight for it, right?”

 

“That’s not necessarily true. Who doesn’t want more money? I’d take that ten percent share in a heartbeat.”

 

“Then go after Gu Jihuan yourself! If you want it, go for it.”

 

“Get lost! Grandma might call it a dowry now, but if she doesn’t approve later, it’ll all be for nothing. I’m not taking that risk.”

 

“Gu Jihuan is dating President Lu now. She’d never give us the time of day.”

 

Lu Jingqing pursed her lips and lowered her voice. “I heard someone’s planning to show the photos to Grandma tonight. The family banquet tonight is going to be quite a show.”

 

Hearing the surrounding chatter, Lu Jingqing smiled smugly. She neither claimed to have taken the photos nor admitted to orchestrating the scheme. By the time the scandal erupted, no one would be able to trace the source back to her.

 

She knew these photos couldn’t strip Lu Shinian of his position as first heir, but she was simply too resentful to let it go. She wanted to irritate him and enjoy the spectacle.

 

Upstairs on the staircase, Lu Shinian’s eyes darkened. Photos?

 

The rooftop pool hadn’t been crowded that day, but as a hotel pool, it wasn’t entirely private. There would have been staff and a few other guests around, though he hadn’t paid much attention at the time.

 

Lu Shinian felt a headache coming on. Deng Fengxian causing trouble today was one thing, but Lu Jingqing adding fuel to the fire out of sheer spite, combined with Lu Yuqiong’s original plan… it was all becoming quite complicated.

 

Lu Yuqiong had introduced Gu Jihuan as her female companion, and now photos of them together were being presented to Grandma.

 

In Grandma’s eyes, Gu Jihuan would now appear to be a woman like Deng Fengxian, flitting between sisters—a story involving three women.

 

Under normal circumstances, this might have been manageable. But today, with Grandma already in a foul mood, Gu Jihuan’s sudden appearance was like dancing on the old woman’s landmines.

 

In the operating room at Qingnan Hospital, Gu Jihuan focused intently on the procedure, her gaze lowered as she asked, “Is the bypass vessel ready?”

 

“Yes, it’s ready,” Li Mingyue replied with a nod. “We still need to check the flow to ensure there are no issues.”

 

On the tray before her lay a short, white vessel, just a few centimeters long—a segment of the great saphenous vein that Li Mingyue had just harvested from the patient’s lower leg.

 

The patient was suffering from acute heart failure triggered by an acute myocardial infarction. The quickest and most definitive solution was coronary artery bypass surgery. Gu Jihuan, as the lead surgeon, would perform the thoracotomy, while other doctors were responsible for harvesting the bypass vessels.

 

Gu Jihuan’s first collaboration with Li Mingyue went smoothly. She glanced up at Li Mingyue and remarked, “Your work is clean and efficient. Well done.”

 

Li Mingyue blinked, pressed her lips together, and lowered her head. As she injected saline into the vessel with a syringe to check its flow, her eyelashes trembled slightly, and a faint blush crept across her cheeks beneath her surgical mask.

 

Beautiful women were indeed different. Some, like Lu Yuqiong, made you want to punch them, while others, like Gu Jihuan, delivered praise that left you feeling embarrassed…

 

Li Mingyue wasn’t unaccustomed to praise, but Gu Jihuan’s compliments felt different, like stepping on a cloud, leaving her feeling light and airy.

 

Gu Jihuan, oblivious to Li Mingyue’s subtle reactions, examined the patient’s bl00d vessels and announced, “We’ll target the left anterior descending artery and the left circumflex artery for the bypass.”

 

Time ticked by, the red LED clock on the wall nearing 7 PM. With the final stitch completed and bl00d flow restored, the patient’s complexion gradually regained its rosy hue.

 

Emerging from the operating room, Gu Jihuan popped open a can of soda and drained it in one gulp, letting out a small sigh of relief.

 

Technically, she hadn’t fully started her official position yet. This emergency bypass surgery couldn’t be postponed, so Yu Hong had called her in. By now, she had already performed two surgeries at Qingnan Hospital.

 

Gu Jihuan couldn’t resist rubbing her aching shoulders and sore lower back. She tossed the empty can into the trash bin from a distance.

 

With a satisfying clank, the can landed perfectly in the center of the bin.

 

“Doctor Gu, your basketball skills are amazing!” Li Mingyue’s voice chimed in from beside her, her dark eyes sparkling with amusement.

 

“You’re praising me for that too? You’ll have me floating on air soon,” Gu Jihuan chuckled. “Sister Qiong was right—you really do have two faces, you little rascal.”

 

“Her?” Li Mingyue paused, pursing her lips. “Someone as rude as her deserves to be treated rudely in return.”

 

With that, Li Mingyue leaned closer, her smile widening. “Professor Gu, why don’t we grab dinner at the cafeteria? You probably don’t have a Jianghuan Hospital employee card yet. I’ll swipe mine—my treat.”

 

“Thank you for the offer, but I have a prior engagement,” Gu Jihuan replied with a gentle smile, adding, “An engagement with that rude person, actually.”

 

“Oh, how boring,” Li Mingyue muttered, trailing behind Gu Jihuan. Suddenly, she remembered something. “Oh, right! Vice President Yu mentioned a new team member joining us. I think they’re transferring from Jicheng.”

 

Gu Jihuan, already aware of this, casually asked, “Do you know them? Are they a friend of yours?”

 

“I don’t know her,” Li Mingyue said, shaking her head and blinking. She took a few quick steps to catch up with Gu Jihuan. “But you absolutely have to choose me for the Qinglan Project! I’ll study so hard that next year you’ll be standing on the podium accepting the Best Mentor award!”

 

“So that’s what you’ve been thinking about,” Gu Jihuan mused. “They might not even want me. Besides, the Qinglan Project isn’t just about one apprentice. I promise to take you, okay?”

 

The Qinglan Project, proposed by Vice President Yu, was being implemented at Qingnan Hospital. The program paired senior doctors with junior physicians for one-on-one mentorship and support.

 

However, since junior doctors currently outnumbered senior staff, each senior doctor would typically mentor around three apprentices.

 

Even before officially joining the hospital, Gu Jihuan had already had one of her apprentice slots reserved by Li Mingyue.

 

Initially, the surgical nurses had warned Gu Jihuan that Doctor Li Mingyue was a troublemaker. But after getting to know her, Gu Jihuan found her completely different—she felt more like a little tagalong.

 

This so-called “troublemaker” had no real bite; she was just a straightforward young woman who spoke her mind.

 

After finishing her work, Gu Jihuan rushed to the Lu Family Mansion, arriving just before eight o’clock. She quickened her pace, knowing the family banquet was scheduled to begin at eight, and being late would be terribly impolite.

 

Only maids and chefs hurried about the entrance and courtyard, clearly indicating everyone had already gathered in the banquet hall.

 

Having visited the Lu Family Mansion before, some of the maids recognized Gu Jihuan and immediately approached her. “Miss Gu, the banquet is about to start. I’ll take you there.”

 

“Thank you,” Gu Jihuan replied with a slight nod, hurrying after the maid. With only five minutes to spare, she hoped she could make it in time.

 

Soft, elegant music drifted from the banquet hall, mingled with the faint murmur of conversation. The maid pushed open the door, and instantly, numerous eyes turned toward them.

 

Aware that her late arrival was impolite, Gu Jihuan quickly weaved through the crowd to the central seating area, making her way to greet Chen Yuefang first.

 

Chen Yuefang looked visibly surprised but her warm, affectionate smile widened. “Jihuan, what are you doing here? Didn’t you say you had surgery today?”

 

Chen Yuefang was able to offer ten percent of her shares as a dowry for two reasons: first, she was a woman of traditional values who honored her commitments; second, she genuinely liked this younger woman and treated her like a granddaughter.

 

“Grandma, I’m late…” Gu Jihuan’s eyes scanned the room, but she didn’t see Lu Shinian or Lu Yuqiong.

 

She had just texted Lu Yuqiong to say she had arrived at the Lu Family Mansion, but Yuqiong hadn’t replied. She couldn’t check her phone now.

 

She had to say what she came to say. “Grandma, I’m here because I’m…”

 

“My girlfriend,” a calm voice interrupted her. The hand hanging at her side was suddenly gripped tightly, the touch slightly cool.

 

Gu Jihuan froze for a moment, turning her head to see Lu Shinian’s composed profile. Loose strands of hair framed his face, partially obscuring his features, but his grip on her hand was firm, his fingers pressing tightly against hers.

 

Lu Shinian squeezed Gu Jihuan’s hand gently, as if signaling her, before introducing her to Chen Yuefang in a measured tone: “Grandma, I invited her here. She’s my girlfriend.”

 

The most central table was occupied by the core members of the Lu Family, who now exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of what to say.

 

As news of the commotion spread, the chatter at the surrounding tables gradually died down, leaving only the music echoing through the banquet hall.

 

Gu Jihuan stood awkwardly, feeling as if all eyes were on her. She lowered her voice and asked, “Lu Shinian, what do you mean by this?”

 

Lu Shinian remained silent, only turning her head slightly to give Gu Jihuan a reassuring glance.

 

This was the plan Gu Jihuan had just discussed with Lu Yuqiong. Since the photos had already spread widely, even if they suppressed them tonight, they couldn’t keep the truth from Chen Yuefang forever.

 

Rather than remain passive, they decided to take the offensive, extricate Lu Yuqiong from the situation, and directly acknowledge their relationship.

 

Lu Yuqiong had texted Gu Jihuan the plan earlier, but Gu Jihuan had been rushing over and hadn’t had time to check her messages.

 

A faint sheen of sweat dampened Lu Shinian’s palms. She was nervous not only about Chen Yuefang’s reaction but also about how Gu Jihuan would respond.

 

Lu Shinian had his own selfish reasons. If tonight’s incident were to come to light, Gu Jihuan would be seen by Chen Yuefang as no different from Deng Fengxian—fickle and indecisive, flitting between sisters like a butterfly. Chen Yuefang was a stubborn woman; once she made up her mind, it was nearly impossible to change it. Any future attempts by Lu Shinian to deepen his relationship with Gu Jihuan would become even more difficult.

 

Lu Shinian didn’t want to completely destroy all his hopes right now. Even if Gu Jihuan disapproved, he could explain later.