Iceberg's Deep Love - Chapter 22

Gu Jihuan was momentarily confused by the situation. She glanced back and saw Lu Yuqiong, who had just limped over, give her a slight nod.

 

Never mind, she thought. It’s all just a pretense of being a girlfriend anyway. Whether I’m Lu Yuqiong’s girlfriend or Lu Shinian’s makes no difference.

 

Taking a deep breath, Gu Jihuan spoke up, “Grandma, we’re serious about this. Even if you disapprove and revoke the 10% share dowry, I won’t change my mind.”

 

This was a subtle reminder to Chen Yuefang: If you’re angry, start by revoking the 10% share.

 

Gu Jihuan had never wanted the shares in the first place. They had only brought her trouble, like Lu Bei. She would be delighted if Chen Yuefang canceled them in a fit of anger.

 

“Nonsense!” Chen Yuefang’s voice was laced with fury. “That was an agreement between me and your grandmother. The Lu Family has always honored its word above all else. How could we revoke such a promise based on the whims of you young people?”

 

She glanced sideways at Deng Fengxian, who was watching the drama unfold, and slowly suppressed her anger. “Add a chair next to Shinian,” she said calmly. “Sit down and join us for dinner.”

 

As Lu Shinian sat down, he thoughtfully pulled out a chair for Gu Jihuan.

 

Once the surrounding gazes gradually dispersed, Gu Jihuan finally let out a slow breath and whispered, “What’s going on here?”

 

“Someone’s trying to stir up trouble,” Lu Shinian replied calmly. “Just consider it helping out. I’m sorry you have to endure this; Grandma will likely give you the cold shoulder for a while.”

 

“That doesn’t bother me… but… are you sure it’s okay that I’m taking your girlfriend’s place?” Gu Jihuan asked softly. “It’ll interfere with your normal dating life.”

 

“Will it?” Lu Shinian instinctively countered, then blinked. “You don’t like this role, do you?”

 

Her deep, dark eyes remained utterly calm as she looked at Gu Jihuan, reflecting only her image. Her long, curled lashes hung motionless, her gaze fixed intently on Gu Jihuan.

 

Gu Jihuan’s hand, holding her chopsticks, paused slightly. For a moment, she couldn’t tell if Lu Shinian was joking or serious…

 

Out of the corner of her eye, Gu Jihuan noticed the food in front of Chen Yuefang and quickly reached out to stop her. “Grandma, this ham is smoked. Your bl00d pressure was a bit high during your last checkup. It’s best not to eat it.”

 

Chen Yuefang paused, surprised, and looked at Gu Jihuan. “How did you know that?”

 

“I overheard you mention it last time…” Gu Jihuan’s voice wavered slightly, as if she felt it was inappropriate to stop Chen Yuefang in such a setting. But her actions had been purely driven by a doctor’s professional instinct.

 

“Then why don’t you help me pick out some dishes?” Chen Yuefang smiled, handing the serving chopsticks to Gu Jihuan.

 

Though her smile was gentle, Gu Jihuan sensed an undercurrent of hostility beneath the surface.

 

Normally, Chen Yuefang’s meals were prepared by a dedicated nutritionist. Perhaps because of today’s banquet, the chefs hadn’t paid as much attention, resulting in several greasy, meat-heavy dishes unsuitable for the elderly.

 

Having already spoken up, Gu Jihuan couldn’t refuse the old woman now. She focused on serving Chen Yuefang, leaving herself no time to eat.

 

After the lavish dinner, Gu Jihuan hadn’t managed to eat much. Fortunately, Chen Yuefang had gone to chat with Deng Fengxian, giving Gu Jihuan a chance to slip into the garden and breathe a sigh of relief.

 

The city lights were too bright to see the stars. Gu Jihuan leaned back in her chair, gazing up at the dark, starless sky.

 

Suddenly, the rich aroma of milk wafted through the air, followed by Lu Shinian’s voice: “Freshly baked cupcakes from the kitchen. Want to try one?”

 

He held out a cupcake to Gu Jihuan. “I’m sorry. It seems I kept you from eating anything tonight.”

 

“Grandma probably holds a grudge against me now,” Gu Jihuan said, taking the cupcake and nibbling at it with a hint of resignation. “It makes sense, though. She only has one granddaughter. If I really did ‘steal’ her away, Ludi Group would have no heir.”

 

“Who still believes in pure bloodline inheritance these days? This isn’t the imperial throne,” Lu Shinian said casually. “I think Sister Qiong is better suited for the job than I am. She’s been working diligently in the country for years and is far more capable than me.”

 

This was Lu Shinian’s genuine belief. She had no desire to inherit such a vast enterprise. She had only passively accepted the role because Chen Yuefang insisted, and now she felt compelled to do her best.

 

“Sister Qiong always says you’re as cold as an ice cube, but I don’t think so,” Gu Jihuan said, leaning closer and smiling at Lu Shinian. “Big Iceberg Lu, you’re actually quite soft.”

 

“Big Iceberg Lu? What kind of ridiculous nickname is that?” Lu Shinian frowned slightly, a hint of exasperation in his voice. He’d tolerated Lu Yuqiong calling him that before, but now Gu Jihuan had picked it up too.

 

“Sister Qiong told me about it—your childhood stories,” Gu Jihuan laughed freely. “She said when you were little, back in China, you made the little boy sitting next to you cry.”

 

That incident had happened when Lu Shinian was in elementary school. In his new class, the boy sitting next to him couldn’t resist teasing the exquisitely handsome young Lu Shinian. During class, the boy threw a piece of eraser at him.

 

Despite being in the middle of class, Lu Shinian immediately threw the eraser back. He stood up, glaring coldly at the boy. “If you keep bothering me, I’ll throw you out.”

 

His childish voice carried an icy edge, and combined with his naturally cold eyes and features, it terrified the boy so much that he burst into tears on the spot.

 

The children in Lu Shinian’s class were no ordinary kids; their parents were well-known figures in Jiang City. After school, one boy’s parents even brought him to Lu Shinian to apologize.

 

From then on, Lu Shinian’s reputation as “Big Iceberg Lu” spread among his peers. Recently, after returning from abroad, his decisive handling of matters and aloof demeanor toward everyone only amplified this reputation.

 

Gu Jihuan’s gaze lingered on Lu Shinian, but her mind couldn’t help but conjure up images of his childhood features—certainly softer, cuter, though even then, his expression must have been just as cold and stern, making him strangely adorable and amusing.

 

Lu Shinian glanced up, a hint of resignation in his eyes. “Go ahead and laugh.”

 

He reached for a napkin from the nearby table and handed it to Gu Jihuan. “You’ve got cream on your nose.”

 

Her eyes flickered toward him, her tone carrying concern, yet her expression remained calm, her gaze as still as a bottomless well, radiating a subtle chill.

 

For some reason, as Gu Jihuan looked at Lu Shinian, her mind swiftly conjured up an image of young Lu Shinian saying the same words—a soft, chubby little boy with an old-fashioned expression. She couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

 

“Don’t… don’t mind me. Just let me laugh for a bit…” Gu Jihuan took the tissue Lu Shinian offered and wiped her face casually, her eyes and brows still crinkled with amusement.

 

“It’s all Sister Qiong’s fault for telling you everything,” Lu Shinian muttered under her breath, feeling that Gu Jihuan’s gaze held a teasing glint.

 

But Lu Shinian had always been reserved, her expressions rarely betraying her emotions. She was used to this, and it was impossible for her to suddenly transform into a cheerful, radiant person.

 

“You didn’t wipe it all off,” Lu Shinian pointed out, noticing a smear of cream still clinging to the tip of Gu Jihuan’s nose.

 

“Oh.” Gu Jihuan wiped again, following Lu Shinian’s directions, then tossed the tissue aside. “Forget it. I’ll clean up properly after we finish eating.”

 

“Who cares so little about their appearance?” Lu Shinian sighed, instinctively pulling out another tissue and reaching over to wipe the cream from Gu Jihuan’s nose.

 

Gu Jihuan froze for a moment, then leaned forward, sitting perfectly still as she blinked. “Don’t mess up my makeup,” she warned. “I had to do it in a rush on the way here.”

 

“Mm, I know,” Lu Shinian replied, her movements becoming even gentler.

 

Gu Jihuan’s makeup was indeed hastily applied today, consisting only of a thin layer of foundation and no eyeshadow. However, her fair skin allowed her to look stunning even with just lipstick.

 

A faint, subtle fragrance drifted from Lu Shinian’s fingers and sleeves, barely noticeable amidst the rich aroma of cake and cream, yet undeniably captivating.

 

Gu Jihuan sniffed lightly and murmured, “It’s a perfume with woody and bamboo notes as its base—a very distinctive scent, like a refined young lady from a scholarly family.”

 

“Do you like the fragrance?” Lu Shinian asked, sniffing her own wrist. She had opened a new bottle of perfume today, forgetting it was a custom blend sent by a brand a few days prior. This was her first time wearing it.

 

“It’s a very layered scent,” Gu Jihuan said, her eyes crinkling with a smile as she gazed at Lu Shinian. “The perfumer must be incredibly skilled.”

 

The fragrance suited Lu Shinian perfectly. She wasn’t suited for heavy floral scents; this light, lingering aroma, paired with her cool, aloof demeanor, gave her an air of detached elegance, inspiring admiration yet discouraging familiarity.

 

Finally, Gu Jihuan added, “It’s not just the perfumer who’s impressive. You have remarkable taste to find such a unique fragrance.”

 

Lu Shinian’s fingers paused slightly as he looked up at Gu Jihuan’s smiling eyes. Was he being praised again? Gu Jihuan certainly wasn’t stingy with compliments…

 

Their laughter carried across the garden to where Chen Yuefang and Deng Fengxian were strolling side by side.

 

Deng Fengxian’s eyes darted around before she remarked, “No wonder Eldest Sister-in-Law chased young Zhao away. It seems Shinian already had someone in mind. If only he’d said so sooner, we wouldn’t have wasted so much breath on Zhao.”

 

It wasn’t just wasted breath. Chen Yuefang, ever mindful of the Lu Family’s reputation, had felt compelled to compensate Zhao Chenguang for his fruitless visit by awarding him a major project. The thought still made her bristle with discomfort.

 

“Spare me your roundabout nonsense,” Chen Yuefang said, her smile cold. “If not for today’s family banquet, I would have kicked you out long ago.”

 

“But it is the family banquet,” Deng Fengxian replied, her thick-skinned smile unwavering. “Eldest Sister-in-Law can’t possibly throw me out and make the Lu Family a laughingstock across Jiang City. Harmony among sisters-in-law makes for a much better story.”

 

She had indeed grasped Chen Yuefang’s temperament, confident that Chen Yuefang would not only refrain from kicking her out today but would also maintain a facade of harmony, refusing to tear down the pretense.

 

Both women heard laughter drifting from Gu Jihuan and Lu Shinian’s direction, and Chen Yuefang’s expression darkened slightly.

 

Deng Fengxian’s eyes, however, gleamed with even greater amusement. “It seems Eldest Sister-in-Law wasn’t informed of this surprise beforehand. If one isn’t satisfied with their children’s marriages, it’s a lifetime of discontent.”

 

Sensing Chen Yuefang’s displeasure, Deng Fengxian relentlessly poked at her sore spots. “Brother and Eldest Sister-in-Law are wonderful in every way, except for this one flaw. Xuanming was so immature, and now Shinian is just as stubborn. What on earth are we going to do?”

 

The Xuanming she referred to was Lu Shinian’s father, Lu Xuanming. At eighteen, he had rejected the marriage arranged by his family, declaring his intention to pursue his artistic dreams and running away from home, remaining absent for years.

 

He eventually fathered a daughter abroad, who was sent back to the family. If Lu Shinian now caused another family scandal over this matter, the entire Jiang City would be laughing at the Lu Family’s misfortune.

 

Chen Yuefang had lived a life of glory and prestige, yet her plans for her descendants had capsized. Normally, no one dared mention Lu Xuanming’s name in her presence, but Deng Fengxian was utterly fearless.

 

Not only did Deng Fengxian bring up Lu Xuanming, but she also dragged Lu Shinian into the conversation, subtly implying that neither grandson followed Chen Yuefang’s wishes, embarrassing her.

 

Chen Yuefang snorted softly and replied slowly, “How do you know Shinian didn’t tell me beforehand? Shinian has always been the most obedient. He excelled in school and manages the company with remarkable efficiency, unlike that pampered grandson of yours.”

 

Compared to Deng Fengxian’s veiled remarks, Chen Yuefang’s words were razor-sharp. With no outsiders present, she saw no need to spare Deng Fengxian’s feelings.

 

The “pampered grandson” Chen Yuefang referred to was Lu Zongsha, Deng Fengxian’s grandson, a notorious playboy in Jiang City whom Deng Fengxian and her husband doted on excessively.

 

Compared to Lu Shinian, who had excelled in everything he did for years, Lu Zongsha was utterly eclipsed.

 

Deng Fengxian possessed an extraordinary mental fortitude, yet she maintained her smile. “Eldest Sister-in-Law, there’s no need to save face. Everyone could see you had reservations about Gu Jihuan earlier. How could you have known about their relationship beforehand?”

 

“Rest assured, I’m perfectly satisfied,” Chen Yuefang replied, her gaze fixed on Deng Fengxian. “I couldn’t be happier about Shinian’s marriage. The shares will remain within our family, which delights me beyond words. Not only that, I plan to throw a lavish wedding celebration, letting all of Jiang City know I’ve found such a wonderful granddaughter-in-law. My life will naturally be wonderful, free from worrying about our family’s incompetent descendants. You’d be better off focusing on cleaning up the mess in your own household.”

 

Chen Yuefang was a fiercely competitive woman, a trait she had cultivated throughout her life, especially in Deng Fengxian’s presence. She would never allow herself to lose face before Deng Fengxian, nor would she ever let Deng Fengxian gain the upper hand in their confrontations.

 

As Lu Yuqiong approached from the banquet hall, she caught sight of the two elderly women standing shoulder to shoulder, their backs to her. Startled, she ducked her head and quickly changed course, taking a side path to find Gu Jihuan and Lu Shinian.

 

She rubbed her arms dramatically, goosebumps rising, and clucked her tongue. “You two seem to be chatting and laughing, but over by Grandma, the air feels like it could freeze solid.”

 

“I knew their meeting would go like this. I wanted to stop Second Grandmother from coming, but Grandma wouldn’t have it,” Lu Shinian explained. “You know how Grandma is.”

 

“Forget it, forget it. I wouldn’t dare get close. Let them settle things themselves,” Lu Yuqiong said, settling down beside Lu Shinian with a comfortable sigh. “You two really know how to find a quiet spot. It’s so peaceful here, no one to bother us.”

 

“If they saw you coming, they’d all swarm around you, and you wouldn’t be able to escape,” Lu Shinian said, glancing at Lu Yuqiong’s feet with a hint of amusement.

 

Though not closely related to Chen Yuefang by bl00d, Lu Yuqiong was deeply favored by her due to her close relationship with Lu Shinian. Moreover, her own capabilities were formidable, and she managed many of the Lu Family’s projects.

 

As a skilled socialite, she was always surrounded by a crowd at such gatherings, eager to curry favor.

 

Lu Shinian, however, was entirely different. Despite everyone’s desire to ingratiate themselves, he maintained a cold distance, keeping people at arm’s length. This aloofness actually spared him a great deal of trouble.

 

Gu Jihuan listened to their conversation, uninterested in gossiping about the old grudges of Chen Yuefang’s generation. Instead, she focused on diligently finishing the cake in her hand.

 

She was genuinely hungry. She had eaten a hasty lunch and spent the entire afternoon concentrating on surgery, barely touching her food at the evening banquet.

 

The Lu Family employed a dedicated pastry chef, and the cakes were exceptionally delicious. Faced with such a rare and delectable treat, Gu Jihuan savored every bite.

 

Just as she finished her piece, she noticed another one had appeared before her. Lu Shinian had quietly pushed his own slice over.

 

Lu Shinian’s eyes flickered upward slightly as he said casually, “I haven’t touched it. If you like it, you can pack some to take home later.”

 

“No need to pack any, but you and Sister Qiong will have to make up for my missed dinner tonight,” Gu Jihuan replied without hesitation, accepting the cake.

 

But as soon as she took the cake, she felt something brush against the back of her calf. Startled, Gu Jihuan instinctively cried out and shot to her feet.

 

“It’s nothing, just a little dog,” Lu Yuqiong quickly explained, tugging the leash to bring the puppy closer. “My sister’s latest treasure. She even brings it to family banquets, then dumps it on me.”

 

Gu Jihuan and Lu Shinian only noticed the tiny creature on the floor at that moment.

 

It wasn’t their fault they hadn’t noticed earlier. They had been chatting when Lu Yuqiong arrived and hadn’t seen the tiny thing—a long-haired, brown Yorkshire Terrier small enough to fit in two adult hands.

 

The puppy didn’t bark, but its round, bright eyes fixed on Gu Jihuan as it bounced excitedly, straining against its leash.

 

Relief washed over Gu Jihuan as she recognized the breed. “Oh, it’s a Yorkshire Terrier! I thought a giant rat had scurried past my feet.”

 

“Huh? You actually know the breed?” Lu Yuqiong looked surprised. “My sister called it a ‘teacup Yorkshire Terrier’ or something—some kind of extra-small dog. I’m not really a dog person, but what can you do? The family patriarch insisted on keeping it.”

 

As she finished speaking, Lu Yuqiong sighed audibly.

 

Lu Yuqiong had a much younger half-sister, only eight years old, who was pampered like a little princess at home.

 

Though Lu Yuqiong wore a helpless expression, anyone familiar with their family knew she was the one who spoiled her sister the most. The little princess’s upbringing owed much to her older sister’s doting indulgence.

 

Gu Jihuan playfully twirled the puppy around with her finger, laughing. “Puppies are so adorable! When I was little, I wanted one so badly that I researched all the breeds. But then I moved abroad and never got one.”

 

The puppy followed Gu Jihuan’s finger, its tail wagging so hard it cast a shadow. Its excited jumping made Gu Jihuan smile. “Does it have a name? What’s its name?”

 

“Xin Xin,” Lu Yuqiong replied, shuddering at the saccharine name. “Our family elder says it’s her precious darling, so she named it Xin Xin. Now it ranks second in our household hierarchy—I’ve been demoted to third!”

 

The obvious jealousy in her voice made Gu Jihuan laugh. “You’re clearly jealous of Xin Xin! And you said you didn’t like our names? Xin Xin, Xin Xin—it’s so cute!”

 

When she was a child, Gu Jihuan had indeed longed to have a dog. After begging her parents for ages, she finally obtained permission. She spent weeks researching breeds, eventually settling on two toy breeds: the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese.

 

The plan was to get her a puppy during the upcoming holiday, but tragedy struck when her parents passed away. The matter was never mentioned again, and Gu Jihuan never considered getting a dog again.

 

Lu Yuqiong extended the dog leash and casually looped the end around a chair. “If you like, let it play with you for a while. Meeting such a beautiful lady will make this family gathering worthwhile for him.”

 

At this, Gu Jihuan couldn’t help but remark, “You’re such a smooth talker and flatterer. No wonder everyone flocks around you.”

 

“Flattery? I’m just speaking the truth,” Lu Yuqiong insisted, pulling Lu Shinian into their united front. “Shinian, tell me—isn’t Jihuan a beautiful lady?”

 

Lu Shinian froze for a moment. Weren’t we talking about the puppy? She had been listening quietly, so how had the conversation suddenly shifted to her?

 

She looked up and met Gu Jihuan’s gaze. Beneath her long, delicate lashes, Gu Jihuan’s bright, sparkling eyes blinked expectantly, as if eagerly awaiting her response.

 

Lu Shinian’s eyelashes lowered slightly, a hint of awkwardness in his voice as he slowly replied, “Mm, she’s a beautiful woman.”

 

“Lu Shinian, I didn’t know you could give compliments!” Lu Yuqiong exclaimed, the most surprised of all. “When did you learn that trick? I don’t remember you ever being like this.”

 

Lu Yuqiong had always been outgoing, adept at socializing, and her honeyed words could charm even the most reserved adults into beaming with delight.

 

Lu Shinian, on the other hand, was completely different. She was proper and reserved, always polite and well-mannered, but she never engaged in such frivolous displays. Her nature was inherently reserved and introverted.

 

Lu Yuqiong had only meant her comment as a playful tease, never expecting Lu Shinian to actually say something so uncharacteristic.

 

Gu Jihuan was playfully teasing a small dog on the ground, twirling her finger to make it chase in circles. The dog clearly adored her, leaping up to try and snuggle into her arms.

 

Still holding a slice of cake, Gu Jihuan instinctively dodged, causing a strand of her brown, curled hair to slip from her shoulder and dangle precariously close to the cake in her hand.

 

“Careful,” Lu Shinian blurted out instinctively, reaching out to catch the falling strand of hair.

 

Her fingertips brushed against Gu Jihuan’s cheek, transmitting a faint, cool sensation along with Lu Shinian’s distant, woody fragrance that enveloped her in an instant.

 

Gu Jihuan raised her hand to smooth a stray strand of hair by her temple, her eyes sparkling with a radiant smile. “Thank you! You’re a beautiful older sister too. Would you like to play with Xin Xin?”

 

Her words conveyed gratitude for two things: the earlier compliment and saving her hair. Her bright eyes tilted upward at the corners, radiating genuine warmth and cheerfulness.

 

Beautiful older sister… Lu Shinian’s heart couldn’t help but flutter slightly. People often praised her decisive actions or her filial piety, but few dared to approach her so directly and call her a “beautiful older sister.”

 

Gu Jihuan’s compliment wasn’t insincere. Lu Shinian’s features were naturally refined, though she rarely dressed extravagantly, preferring black, white, and gray attire. Even so, she possessed an understated air of nobility.

 

Calling her a “beautiful older sister” was hardly an exaggeration.

 

Lu Yuqiong’s gaze darted between Lu Shinian and Gu Jihuan, her expression a mix of surprise and suspicion. If she hadn’t known Lu Shinian already had a girlfriend, she might have suspected something was going on between these two.