The Black Lotus Wife Forces Me to Pretend to Be an Omega. - Chapter 56

At the entrance of the Lu family estate in Hucheng.

Li Fanshuang and Luo Xiaoxiao awkwardly realized they couldn’t enter the massive manor.

“Damn it!” Luo Xiaoxiao had been inwardly grumbling ever since she laid eyes on the luxurious estate.

Why wasn’t I born rich?!

Li Fanshuang covered her face—her wife was truly something else. “I already told you, the Lu family is one of the most prominent wealthy families in Hucheng. When you see their home, don’t be so…” bitter.

A certain “sour grape” whimpered twice as Luo Xiaoxiao wiped the tears from the corners of her mouth.

“I’m not that kind of person.”

Hmph! I am that kind of person! Damn capitalists, I’ll fight you all!

Stupid rich people!

Damn heavens! What’s wrong with making one more wealthy person in this world?!

“So, what do we do now?” Luo Xiaoxiao took a deep breath to calm herself. There was no way she and Li Fanshuang could just waltz into this place.

The security guard at the gate glanced at them and then… nothing.

What was that supposed to mean? Looking down on me?!

“Maybe we should just go back for now?” Li Fanshuang suggested. Perhaps they needed to rethink their approach.

When Lu Yu had mentioned that even their maids held master’s degrees, she’d been skeptical.

But now, she had no doubts. The security guard was decked out in designer brands—even his cheapest item was a pair of Armani shoes.

If even the security guard was this loaded, just how wealthy were the actual owners?

Luo Xiaoxiao raised her hand. “No way.”

I’ve come all this way—I have to see this through.

“Then what do you propose?” Li Fanshuang sighed.

Luo Xiaoxiao huffed. “Can’t we just wait for Old Yu to come back and let us in? Like, what if she forgot her keys and can’t get in?”

Li Fanshuang’s lips twitched as she stared at the sprawling estate. The property was so vast they couldn’t even see the main house from the gate—heck, the entire hill probably belonged to them.

How the hell would she “forget her keys”?

Just then, a little old man in casual clothes approached, carrying a fishing rod and a small bucket.

“Open the gate for me and call a car to pick me up,” the old man said to the guard.

Luo Xiaoxiao blinked. “Hey, old man, who do you think you are, talking like that? Listen, I’m besties with the daughter of this house, and this guard just gave me one look and didn’t even open the gate!”

The old man—Old Yu—studied the girl. “Oh, you’re Yu’s friend? Hello, hello! I’m her father.”

Li Fanshuang: “…”

This was an option?! Wasn’t this skill a little too overpowered?!

Luo Xiaoxiao eyed him skeptically. “You’re really Old Yu?”

“Huh?” He seemed surprised—no one had ever called him that before.

“My name is Lu Chenggong, though I quite like the nickname you gave me. It sounds very affectionate. Has my daughter caused you much trouble outside?”

Tsk, tsk. After hearing his name, Luo Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but marvel—no wonder he was so successful with a name like that!

“Old Yu, that’s a great name you’ve got. Though when we’re out, the young lady always takes care of me. I originally thought about coming to your place for a meal…” Luo Xiaoxiao felt a bit awkward bringing this up.

“Come to our house as a maid? That might be a bit difficult,” Old Yu said with a regretful expression.

Then his gaze fell on Li Fanshuang, who had been silent. “Perhaps this one could.”

Li Fanshuang replied coldly, “Not interested.”

She crossed her arms, clearly not intending to work as a servant in their household.

“My apologies, Actress Li. I was just joking with you.”

Old Yu laughed heartily.

The more Luo Xiaoxiao looked at this little old man, the more amiable he seemed—he didn’t strike her as someone who would force his daughter into marriage.

Screech—

A car Luo Xiaoxiao had never seen before appeared at the estate’s main gate.

Li Fanshuang’s expression changed slightly when she saw the vehicle. Using an antique car as a shuttle—now that’s what you call a wealthy family.

“Come in. Since you’re here, maybe you can help me persuade my daughter. I’ve spoiled her rotten over the years.”

Luo Xiaoxiao was about to say something, but Li Fanshuang tugged at her sleeve, signaling her to stay quiet.

Luo Xiaoxiao closed her mouth.

The two boarded Old Yu’s vintage car and entered the beautiful grand estate.

Luo Xiaoxiao had imagined the estate would be large, but not this massive.

Good heavens, this place is as big as the National Treasure Park!

“Old Yu, you should build an amusement park here. It’s such a waste of space otherwise.”

“Hahaha,” Old Yu laughed heartily, pointing to a hill behind them. “There’s an amusement park back there—a gift for Yuyu when she turned five. There’s also a horse ranch, a present for her sixteenth birthday, and a golf course…”

Luo Xiaoxiao felt a pang of envy. She was genuinely envious—what a great dad!

“We’re here. Let’s go in.”

After forty minutes, the three finally arrived at the villa’s entrance.

As soon as they stepped out of the car, rows of maids stood in perfect formation.

A pristine red carpet was rolled out from the entrance to the car door, and a maid stepped forward to open it.

“Master, you’ve returned.”

“Hmm.” The warmth on Old Yu’s face vanished in an instant.

Luo Xiaoxiao shrank back slightly. Why did Old Yu suddenly seem so intimidating?

“What is the young lady doing? Has she still not eaten?”

Wang Ma stepped forward and bowed her head. “She has eaten.”

“Seems she’s come around. Good. Has the Lu family boy arrived yet?”

The Lu family?

Luo Xiaoxiao wondered if this was the same Lu family as Lu Chenfeng’s—the legendary illegitimate son?

“These two are my guests. Take them to see the young lady,” Old Yu said sternly.

“I’ll handle it.”

A familiar voice rang out. Luo Xiaoxiao looked up and saw a familiar face—hey, wasn’t that Zhu Yuxin?

And she had to admit, the maid outfit suited her perfectly.

“Hmm.”

Old Yu nodded in approval, not bothering to look at Zhu Yuxin’s face—otherwise, he might have recognized her as the one who had “stolen” his daughter.

–

Zhu Yuxin led Luo Xiaoxiao and Li Fanshuang to Lu Yu’s room.

The moment she saw Lu Yu, Luo Xiaoxiao rushed forward excitedly. “Young mistress, this old servant has arrived late. Have you suffered much?”

Lu Yu replied calmly, “I’m doing fine.”

“By the way, this…” Luo Xiaoxiao was just about to mention how long Zhu Yuxin had been working here when Li Fanshuang suddenly covered her mouth.

Lu Yu sighed in relief and pointed to a corner of the room.

Following her finger, Luo Xiaoxiao spotted a blinking red light. How insane—installing surveillance in her own daughter’s room? What was this, some kind of spy operation?

“I’ve told you many times, Xiaoxiao, we’re friends. But if you want to work for our family, your education level just isn’t sufficient.”

Luo Xiaoxiao thought: You really don’t need to keep bullying me like this.

Her eyes reddened slightly. “Even now, you still look down on my education. I know—I’m just a massage girl, not good enough for a young lady like you. I get it…”

Before she could finish, Li Fanshuang covered her mouth again.

“She’s been like this recently.”

Lu Yu didn’t seem bothered. “Ah, it’s all my fault. If I hadn’t rejected her so harshly back then, Xiaoxiao wouldn’t have turned out like this. It’s all because of me…”

Zhu Yuxin stared in disbelief. What was this about? Did you two have some past I don’t know about?

The four of them began communicating through glances. With her mouth still covered, Luo Xiaoxiao waggled her eyebrows exaggeratedly at Zhu Yuxin.

Luo Xiaoxiao: Listen, she’s lying to you!

Zhu Yuxin: No idea what you’re saying. You look like you’re having a seizure.

Giving up, Luo Xiaoxiao noticed how soft and smooth her wife’s hand was. Without thinking, she gently nipped Li Fanshuang’s knuckle.

“Ouch! Are you a dog?” Li Fanshuang released her grip.

Luo Xiaoxiao blinked. “How’d you know? Wow, you’re so smart, wifey!”

Li Fanshuang realized: So she’s actually a year younger than me—if time works the same way in that other dimension. Guess her calling me “big sister” wasn’t wrong after all.

“As you can see, Old Yu wants to marry me off to that Lu family’s illegitimate son,” Lu Yu said casually, shrugging.

Luo Xiaoxiao glanced at Zhu Yuxin with a questioning look: What’s your take on this, Detective Yuanfang?

Zhu Yuxin rolled her eyes in response: Over my dead body!

Clapping her hands, Luo Xiaoxiao suggested, “Miss Lu, why not just talk to your daddy directly? When I saw him earlier, he seemed perfectly reasonable—not the type to force you into anything.”

Lu Yu snorted. “Then how do you think I ended up here?”

After a thoughtful pause, Luo Xiaoxiao ventured, “Is your family going bankrupt? So your dad needs to ally with the Lu family… though picking an illegitimate son seems kinda low-class, no?”

“Exactly right!”

At that moment, Old Yu pushed the door open and entered.

Lu Yu immediately turned away, ignoring him.

Seeing his precious daughter giving him the cold shoulder, Old Yu panicked. “Sweetheart, how could that Zhu family girl be any good? Her father… pah! That old coot is downright vile!”

Zhu Yuxin: I’m right here.

Luo Xiaoxiao: Old Yu doesn’t know that.

“Just leave, Boss Lu. I don’t get it—if you’re going bankrupt anyway, why keep this house? Trying to keep up appearances?” Luo Xiaoxiao challenged.

“Who said anything about bankruptcy?!” Old Yu snapped, shooting Luo Xiaoxiao an icy glare. This loudmouth and her nonsense…

Li Fanshuang raised an eyebrow. She was well acquainted with Luo Xiaoxiao’s capabilities—there was a real chance Old Yu might go bankrupt in the next second.

Lu Yu snorted coldly, “If it weren’t for the risk of bankruptcy, why would you push me to be with someone from the Lu family? And a bastard child at that.”

“This was your father’s oversight,” Old Yu smacked his own head in frustration. “I apologize. I’ll go inquire about their legitimate sons right away and arrange your marriage immediately.”

“No need,” Li Fanshuang shrugged. “They don’t have any legitimate sons. Their proper heir is a daughter—a female Alpha.”

She deliberately emphasized “female Alpha,” and sure enough, Old Yu’s expression darkened upon hearing it.

“Hmph!” Old Yu scoffed. “Then there’s nothing more to discuss. I’ll find someone else for you.”

Luo Xiaoxiao arched a brow. So this man had mistaken Li Fanshuang for an Alpha, which was why he’d made her play the maid at the door?

“Who would’ve thought, Old Yu—you’re actually a fossilized traditionalist?” Luo Xiaoxiao’s tone dripped with disdain.

Old Yu crossed his arms defensively. “That’s not true! Don’t go spreading nonsense.”

Oh-ho!

Luo Xiaoxiao wasn’t having it. How dare he cross his arms at her?

She mirrored his stance. “What’s your problem? You claim you’re not old-fashioned, yet you’re pressuring your daughter to marry? Yuyu is still so young, and you’re already desperate to marry her off. Never mind whether she’s into men or women—she’s only 24! Fresh out of college, her career hasn’t even taken off, and you’re already pushing her into marriage. Can’t stand her eating your rice anymore?”

“How could you think that?!” Old Yu stomped his foot in outrage. His precious daughter was his whole world—how could anyone assume such a thing?

Luo Xiaoxiao spread her hands. “Then explain what’s really going on in that head of yours.”

Old Yu snorted. “Just look at my face—Yuyu didn’t inherit her looks from me…”

“I noticed. When I first saw you outside, I almost didn’t recognize you. So rough around the edges—nothing like Yuyu’s father.” Luo Xiaoxiao sniffed.

Old Yu: “That actually hurts!”

He pouted unhappily. “Back then, there was this female Alpha who was drop-dead gorgeous. Omega girls went crazy over her—Yuyu’s mother included. She was depressed for ages after that woman got married…”

Luo Xiaoxiao nodded along, summarizing, “So, Yuyu’s mom fell for a stunningly popular female Alpha, who later married someone else. And you swooped in to comfort her?”

Old Yu fell silent—now he was a mute fish.

Lu Yu sneered. “Such an absurd reason. Don’t tell me Mom’s been pining for her all these years?”

At that, Old Yu’s face turned ashen.

Luo Xiaoxiao secretly gave a thumbs-up. Seems like it was true.

Yu’s mom was really something…

“Hmph! Back then, even Zhu Rong was in the same boat—his Omega crush was obsessed with that female Alpha. But unlike me…” Old Yu gritted his teeth. “That old bastard’s daughter turned out to be an Alpha.”

Li Fanshuang squinted at Old Yu’s profile. From a societal perspective, this man was downright anti-female-Alpha.

“Old Yu, all this fuss is completely pointless,” Luo Xiaoxiao shook her head.

Old Yu bristled, planting his hands on his hips and tilting his head back. “How is it pointless? I just don’t like female Alphas!”

Luo Xiaoxiao raised a hand. “Hold it right there. Your words reek of discrimination. Have you even asked Yuyu for her opinion?”

“Parents’ orders—”

“Then have you consulted her mother?” Li Fanshuang’s words landed like a hammer blow.

Old Yu’s remaining arguments stuck in his throat. For a moment, his mind seemed to blank out.

Luo Xiaoxiao noticed it clearly—a flicker of confusion in his eyes. What? Had someone put a hex on him?

“Old Yu?” Luo Xiaoxiao craned her neck. “You okay? Possessed or something?”

Old Yu shuddered as if hearing something inauspicious. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

“Then answer the question, Old Yu!” Luo Xiaoxiao arched an eyebrow. “The one from earlier.”

Old Yu scratched his head. “Right… why didn’t I ask her mother? She’s already passed… but she said she wanted Yuyu to be happy…”

Seizing the moment, Luo Xiaoxiao sidled up to Lu Yu. “Young miss, does your daddy often act like this?”

Lu Yu’s brows knitted together. Why did her father seem normal one moment and a complete stranger the next?

“I haven’t seen him in a long time,” Lu Yu said with a frown.

Luo Xiaoxiao clicked her tongue. “Back in the countryside, I’ve seen cases like this. Actually quite easy to fix—just needs some charm-infused water.”

“That’s superstitious nonsense.” Li Fanshuang flicked her forehead.

Rubbing her head, Luo Xiaoxiao—whose acting had improved after spending so much time with Li Fanshu—pouted pitifully. “Wifey, it huuurts~”

Everyone present: Sorry, I think I’m gonna be sick.

“Yue~” Old Yu dragged over a trash can and vomited. “Apologies, just had some Biluochun tea earlier.”

Luo Xiaoxiao’s eye twitched. This old man was truly a master—insulting people without a single curse word.

Noted, noted. She pulled out her phone to record Old Yu’s verbal masterpiece.

Old Yu shot his daughter a look: Where did you pick up this weirdo?

Lu Yu rolled her eyes. “What are you looking at?”

These days, just seeing Old Yu put Lu Yu in a bad mood.

Luo Xiaoxiao glanced between them. Wait a minute…

Why did Old Yu seem like some abandoned child?

She whispered in Li Fanshuang’s ear, “Wifey, do you really think Old Yu is that heartless?”

“How so?” Li Fanshuang asked.

Luo Xiaoxiao tapped her temple with a pencil. “I keep feeling… there’s something wrong with his head here.”

Though she spoke softly, Zhu Yuxin nearby caught the remark too.

Zhu Yuxin studied Old Yu, who had once again lapsed into a dazed state.

“Master?” Zhu Yuxin ventured cautiously.

Old Yu paused, then mechanically turned his head toward her before mumbling, “You’re not from the book.”

A chill ran down Luo Xiaoxiao’s spine upon hearing this. What the hell?

Had she heard that right?

Li Fanshuang’s expression also turned more serious. Why did this Old Yu seem like a robot?

“Yuyu, Daddy only wants what’s best for you. What’s so great about Zhu Yuxin? You should stay with Lu Ling instead.”

Lu Yu looked suspiciously at Old Yu—his tone didn’t sound like her father at all.

“Who are you?” Lu Yu asked.

Old Yu paused, then answered mechanically, “I’m Lu Chenggong.”

“Chenggong, chenggong! We know you’re successful!” Luo Xiaoxiao said impatiently, though she felt a chill down her spine. Forcing herself to muster courage, she planted her hands on her hips. “Act normal! Stop being so creepy like a robot—it’s unsettling!”

Click—

Something vanished from Old Yu’s eyes. He looked at Lu Yu in confusion. “Yuyu, why do you look so pale? How did I end up in your room? You’re already a grown woman—this is highly inappropriate.”

Old Yu patted his forehead, suddenly resembling an awkward father who had accidentally intruded on his daughter’s space.

“Old Yu, do you remember who I am?” Luo Xiaoxiao stepped forward, scrutinizing his mental state.

Old Yu’s brow furrowed slightly, but after glancing at Lu Yu, his face lit up with a smile. “You must be Yuyu’s friend, right? How about this—let Yuyu take you all shopping at the mall.”

As he spoke, he pulled out a black card.

Luo Xiaoxiao: Why does this black card look so blindingly shiny?

Zhu Yuxin: That’s it? He’s just letting Yuyu go out that easily?

Lu Yu stood up abruptly, eyes wide. “What are you up to? Is this another scheme? Tell me—is Lu Ling waiting to ambush us at the mall?”

Old Yu let out a scoff, as if hearing a joke. “Lu Ling? That illegitimate son of the Lu family who can’t even show his face in public? Hmph, if he dares lay a finger on you, the Lu family will go bankrupt.”

“You’re joking, right?” Lu Yu took the black card, half-convinced.

Old Yu hesitated, then leaned in close to Lu Yu, whispering (though not quietly at all), “That friend of yours—her clothes aren’t even as nice as our housekeeper’s. Hurry up and take her shopping for better outfits, or she’ll embarrass you in public.”

Luo Xiaoxiao nearly exploded, but Li Fanshuang quickly grabbed her arm.

“Calm down, calm down!” Li Fanshuang muttered under her breath.

Luo Xiaoxiao bared her teeth: Let me go—I’m gonna fight these rich people!

Lu Yu’s lips twitched. Daddy, your ‘whisper’ is way too loud.

She gave Luo Xiaoxiao an awkward smile. “Xiao Xiao, how about I take you shopping?”

Luo Xiaoxiao crossed her arms and lifted her chin proudly: No way!

Lu Yu shot Old Yu an exasperated look. “See what you’ve done?”

Old Yu sheepishly pulled out a check and scribbled an impressive string of zeros.

With a smile, he held it out to Luo Xiaoxiao. “Young friend, I, Lu, have been inconsiderate. Since it’s your first time visiting, please accept this small token of my goodwill.”

Luo Xiaoxiao turned her head slightly, her gaze drifting toward the check in Old Yu’s hand.

“Let me make one thing clear—I’m not the kind of person who bows to money!”

Holy—!

Five million?!

She snatched the check in an instant, her earlier displeasure vanishing without a trace. In the blink of an eye, she beamed with genuine delight. “You really know how to read people!”

Li Fanshuang covered her face and muttered in dissatisfaction, “As if I never sent you any money.”

Luo Xiaoxiao let out a huff, pretending not to hear her complaint.

How could I not know how much money you have in your wallet?

Luo Xiaoxiao grumpily took out her phone and opened Li Fanshuang’s WeChat.

Luo Xiaoxiao: Do you still have five million in your account?

 

Li Fanshu: …

Li Fanshuang let out a sigh and thought to himself: Indeed, my wife still loves me—she didn’t bring up our financial issues in front of so many people.

Li Fanshuang also felt a pang of envy—not for the vast sum of money, but for why he hadn’t persisted back then. If he had, he could now be relying on his mother’s wealth.

After all, his family’s fortune was no less substantial than Old Yu’s.

Lu Yu stood up, her face straining to maintain composure. “Since you insist, I’ll go have fun with my friends.”

“Go ahead, go ahead. Which car do you like? Take any one you want.”

Old Yu was an extreme doting father when it came to his daughter.

Lu Yu raised an eyebrow. “Can’t I just have the driver take me? I don’t like driving.”

“Of course, my precious daughter. Whatever you say goes.”

Luo Xiaoxiao clicked her tongue. Indeed, Old Yu’s magnanimity was extraordinary.

She gave Old Yu a thumbs-up. “Old Yu, you’re truly an enlightened father.”

“Damn right!” Old Yu proudly patted his chest. “I’ve always been the cool dad who never ruins the fun.”

Li Fanshuang interjected, “Then why did you drag her back from Jincheng? Just because she was with Zhu Yuxin?”

Lu Yu: Why did you suddenly bring this up?

Zhu Yuxin: Great, just when we were about to make our escape.

Luo Xiaoxiao: Both of you shut up. My wife’s actions might seem unreasonable, but I believe she must have her reasons.

“Hmph!” Old Yu snorted. “Let me tell you, I’ve never met that Zhu family girl, but if you really like her, it’s not completely out of the question.”

Now Li Fanshuang was certain—Old Yu had definitely been under the influence of some plot-like manipulation before, and Fu Xinting was undoubtedly involved.

If the Lu and Lu families became in-laws, the Lu family would benefit, while Lu Ling and Fu Xinting’s relationship remained ambiguous.

Therefore, there must be some system’s handiwork behind this.

What a pity, Li Fanshuang thought to himself. He still couldn’t discuss this directly with his wife.

Luo Xiaoxiao also sensed something amiss. Her sidelong glance lingered on Li Fanshuang’s profile. What a shame—she couldn’t talk to her wife about this either.

His wife was such an innocent woman; hearing that she was the heroine of a book would surely frighten her. But letting things continue like this wasn’t a solution.

Li Fanshuang: Maybe I should find an opportunity to tell her?

Luo Xiaoxiao: Maybe I should find the right moment to explain it to her?