The Little Brat's Sweet And Sassy Chapter 5

The air in the room grew deathly still. Ye Ming’s face drained of color before shifting to a mask of seething rage, his eye twitching uncontrollably. Last month, a legendary timepiece—the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona—had been snatched up at the Carlsberg auction for an astronomical sum of RMB 130 million. The identity of the winning bidder remained shrouded in mystery. Little did Ye Ming suspect that the enigmatic buyer was none other than Lu Huaiyu! More baffling was the fact that he had casually sacrificed such an invaluable treasure just like that. In contrast, Ye Cheng’s ruined porcelain vase, adorned with mere blue moonflowers, paled in comparison to the worth of that watch. How on earth was he expected to make restitution to Lu Huaiyu? Finally grasping the gravity of his mistake, Ye Cheng cowered behind Su Yuan, desperate for protection. Mommy, save me, he whimpered. He never in his wildest dreams imagined that the watch would be worth a fortune. Ye Ming fought to steady his breathing. Second Master Lu, this entire mess is indeed my son’s doing. Please forgive us. Ye Cheng, apologize now! he bellowed. The boy trembled, his face etched with terror. Although Su Yuan doted on her son, she realized this situation was far from trivial. That multi-million dollar timepiece was worth more than their entire estate, and they had dared to offend Lu Huaiyu on top of everything else. Gritting her teeth, she shoved her son forward. Hurry up, apologize to Second Master Lu! Any trace of insolence had vanished from Ye Cheng. He stood shivering, stuttering out a weak, I… I’m sorry. You need to apologize to the right person, Lu Huaiyu remarked, his voice smooth and cold as he raised his chin. Ning Li’s gaze flickered. Ye Cheng turned pale, clearly unwilling, but the dread Lu Huaiyu inspired kept him silent. With flushed cheeks, he turned toward Ning Li and muttered, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have… I shouldn’t have thrown that dart at you. Listening to Lu Huaiyu’s subtle prodding, it suddenly dawned on Ye Ming how far this went. He knew his son despised Ning Li’s presence in the household, but he never dreamed he would resort to such malice. And that Lu Huaiyu had stepped in was an even greater shock. Ning Li narrowed her eyes. This apology was something she had never heard in her past life. Back then, Ye Cheng had unleashed the same cruelty on her the very day she returned from the hospital, the dart leaving a mark on her face. That was precisely why she had been on high alert before crossing the threshold today. Nevertheless, she had not expected Lu Huaiyu to intercede. Ning Li frowned slightly. She owed him a debt, once again. Reading her expression as lingering anger, Lu Huaiyu raised an eyebrow. Louder, he commanded. The demand was low and languid, yet carried the weight of absolute authority. Ye Cheng had no choice but to shout, I’m sorry! Ignoring him entirely, Ning Li stepped forward to retrieve the watch. The face was pristine, though a faint scratch defaced the band. She marched toward Lu Huaiyu and stopped before him. Standing at 1.68 meters, she was tall for a girl, yet beside Lu Huaiyu, she only reached his shoulder. Ning Li tilted her head, extending the watch back to him, and said, Thank you. Lu Huaiyu ran his gaze over her, from her delicate, porcelain-like skin to her captivating, misty eyes that seemed to hide a brilliant depth. Her features were ethereal, the corners of her eyes retaining a cold, defiant edge that hinted at an iron will beneath the surface. A sudden thought struck him: she must look radiant when she smiles. A gentle smile touched his lips as he looked down at her. I’ve done you such a great favor, and a simple thank-you is all I get? Ning Li was silent. When had he become so exacting? He hadn’t been like this when he offered his help previously. What are you implying, Second Master Lu? Taking the watch, he replied, I think this serves as a lovely token of gratitude. Ning Li looked down, following his gaze to her wrist, where a black hairband sat. It was worth a mere three RMB. Watching from the sidelines, Cheng Xiyue scoffed inwardly. What a sly man! There were countless ways to deflect a dart, yet he had specifically blocked it with his most expensive watch, only to then solicit a gift in return. He really was shameless to demand the hairband. After a brief pause, Ning Li slipped the band from her wrist and handed it to him. I know it’s not much. I still owe you for today. A strange look crossed Lu Huaiyu’s face before he melted into a smile. Very well, he conceded. Usually frigid and imposing, he looked suddenly graceful and warm, like ice yielding to the sun. Even having seen his face before, Ning Li was momentarily stunned. With such lethal charm, it was no wonder the socialites of the capital were obsessed with him. The bystanders, however, found the interaction entirely surreal. Meanwhile, Ye Ming stood frozen, his mind reeling with confusion as he observed the two of them. Yet, the main issue remained unresolved. Hesitation gripped him, but he finally decided to confront the inevitable. Second Master Lu, your watch… If it were a common item, he would gladly pay, but a 130 million RMB piece was another matter entirely. Lu Huaiyu pulled the hairband through his fingers, still warm from her skin. The comfort of it lifted his spirits. He gave Ye Ming a lazy look. Ye Ming choked on his remaining words, unable to produce any further defense. Finally, Cheng Xiyue stepped in to diffuse the tension. He descended the stairs, glancing at the damaged timepiece. Second Master Lu, it appears there’s only a minor scratch on the strap. Considering this vase was a long-cherished item of Uncle Ye’s, could you both compromise for my sake? How does that sound? Lu Huaiyu acknowledged him with a nod. Ye Ming breathed a massive sigh of relief. Paying for just a watch strap was well within his means. I’m terribly sorry for the trouble. I will arrange to have the funds transferred to your account tomorrow— There’s no need, Lu Huaiyu interrupted. Send the money to him instead. He meant, of course, Cheng Xiyue. Cheng Xiyue looked stunned by the sudden mention. Simply consider it your driver’s fee, Lu Huaiyu added pithily. Cheng Xiyue blinked, speechless, feeling the entire situation had spiraled into absurdity. Refusing to linger any longer, Lu Huaiyu turned. Let’s go. Cheng Xiyue waved a polite, if bewildered, goodbye as the drama finally reached its end. … As they drove far away from the Ye residence, Cheng Xiyue could not resist a curious glance. Lu Huaiyu sat reclined in his seat, resting his head on one hand. His other hand loosely toyed with the black hairband. His fingers, long and elegant, looked almost out of place against such a cheap accessory. You really like it that much? Cheng Xiyue asked, lifting a brow. Lu Huaiyu offered no answer. His eyes were half-closed, a swirling depth hidden behind his lids. After a long silence, he chuckled to himself. She looks much better without her hair tied up.