Chapter 281: His Benevolence

Chapter 281: His Benevolence

Inside the screening room, soothing and melodious music flowed smoothly as Lu Mingfei, holding a rose, stood on stage, while the others below were shocked by the sudden turn of events, unable to think straight.

Lu Mingfei tentatively asked, "Who are you, and how do we know each other?"

"I texted you before. You wanted a blessing for your confession, and I gave it to you. It's that simple."

The person's voice rose at the end, indicating a cheerful and enthusiastic mood, as if they were eagerly anticipating Lu Mingfei's next move.

What a great answer, as good as no answer at all.

Lu Mingfei took a deep breath, "I want to make it clear that although I'm very grateful, I don't have the money to pay for all this."

"Something for nothing."

Lu Mingfei's tension eased a little. Was this a test of his English skills? He wasn't sure how to respond.

"Umm... Does that mean 'creating something out of nothing'?"

"I prefer to translate it as 'unearned gain.'"

The other person laughed, "I'm someone who gains without effort, so I don't mind occasionally letting others do the same. Don't worry, I won't ask for any cost in return."

Faintly, a cold hum of a little boy seemed to sound from an unknown source.

Lu Mingfei's feelings were mixed. He had indeed fantasized that one day, when he was at his most desperate, a tall and slender beauty with a small waist, long legs, and a large chest would fight her way through a bloody path, take his hand, and lead him away.

He never expected this fantasy to come true, but instead of the cold beauty, it was a man who saved him from the depths of trouble.

This was like a third-rate idol drama heroine treatment, even if the person across from him was a hero, he wasn't a beauty.

Lu Mingfei couldn't help but complain in his mind, but he couldn't help feeling a sense of warmth, making the tingling sensation in the corners of his eyes even clearer.

After so many years, this was the first time someone had stood up for him. Although he wasn't into that kind of thing, and couldn't follow the 'saving my life, I can only repay with my body' routine, he could still acknowledge a boss and become his henchman.

Suddenly, his hand was empty, interrupting the conversation between the two. Lu Mingfei looked up and saw Zhao Menghua.

The Nokia N96 was built tough, but no matter how sturdy it was, it couldn't withstand being slammed to the ground by an enraged young man. The phone collided with the floor, cracking into two pieces with a 'crack' sound, then bounced twice before lying still.

"Lu Mingfei, you're quite something!"

Zhao Menghua called out Lu Mingfei's name, emphasizing each syllable, his face dark as the bottom of a pot, and the throbbing blue veins on his forehead spoke of his fury.

He extended his finger and poked Lu Mingfei's chest, causing him to stumble back two steps.

Then, Zhao Menghua pointed at the middle-aged man with a frown, then at the groups of people holding flowers on both sides of the theater, and finally at the violinists still playing. A scoffing sound escaped his lips.

"This whole setup must have cost a fortune."

How could Zhao Menghua not know what Lu Mingfei was capable of? It would be a miracle if he knew any influential figures.

A quick review of the events would make it clear that everything that had just happened was a scam. Lu Mingfei must have heard rumors of Zhao Menghua's plan and hired a group of actors in advance, preparing a grand performance to turn the tables on him.

Zhao Menghua was furious. Not only had his romantic confession to Chen Wenwen been ruined, but he had also been upstaged by Lu Mingfei, a small-time punk, which was a great humiliation.

He clenched his fist, ready to punch Lu Mingfei. If that large fist landed, Lu Mingfei's small frame would likely end up in the ICU. The others, realizing the danger, quickly restrained him.

"Hey, Zhao, don't do it, we're all classmates."

"Let's talk this over. Lu Mingfei didn't mean it."

"Yeah, let's not ruin the harmony."

Several people signaled to Lu Mingfei, "Lu Mingfei, quickly apologize to Zhao Menghua. This was not a nice thing to do."

Lu Mingfei, holding a bouquet, ignored his classmates who were acting out a farce. He just stared blankly at his phone, now split into two pieces, not far away.

This was the best phone he had ever used, sent by Cassel Academy, and he hadn't returned it even after declining their offer. The people at the academy were indeed generous, but now the phone was ruined after just a few days of use.

He was about to acknowledge a boss, and a boss who could pull off such a grand display should be able to contact him, right? He needed to get his SIM card back.

"Ring, ring, ring—"

A phone ringtone suddenly pierced through the tense atmosphere.

"Zhao, your phone is ringing..."

Xu Yanyan reminded him, but before he could finish, his phone also started ringing, followed by Xu Miaomiao's, then Chen Wenwen's...

Like ripples spreading from a stone dropped into a pond, one after another, all the phones in the theater began to ring simultaneously.

"What the hell is going on?"

Zhao Menghua, suppressing his anger, took out his phone and found the screen had turned white. He looked up and saw that everyone around him had the same shocked expression, as if their phones had been 'hijacked' by an invisible, intangible ghost.

Soon after, the bright projector light also flickered and went out for a few seconds before turning on again, and a familiar face appeared on the huge screen.

"Hiss~"

A male voice exclaimed in awe, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"No way..."

The man on the screen was around twenty years old, with deep eyes, thick eyebrows that exuded a noble air, a straight nose, thin lips, and a smooth jawline. He was stunningly handsome.

However, it wasn't his exceptional looks that shocked the audience, but his identity.

They had seen this face in various places, on the cover of China Entrepreneur, in a live CNN interview, on the front page of the New York Times, and in promotional videos for the Consumer Electronics Show in the tech industry...

This was a big shot they dared not even dream of. Aside from using Lu Corporation's products, they really didn't know how else they could be connected to the head of Lu Corporation.

"Today is the day my friend confesses to his beloved, and he asked me for a blessing, wishing him all the best."

Lu Ke's tone on the screen was calm and composed, and no one dared to interrupt while he spoke.

Zhao Menghua shivered as he glanced at Lu Ke and then at Lu Mingfei. After looking back and forth several times, he shook his head.

"It's a recorded broadcast. Lu Mingfei is just playing tricks by showing a clip, who knows if he's talking about himself or not!"

Lu Ke on the screen seemed to have taken an interest, and his playful gaze turned towards Zhao Menghua.

"I wish my friend Lu Mingfei success in his confession today."

Zhao Menghua continued to shake his head, unwilling to believe the truth.

"Same name and same surname! It must be a coincidence!"

Lu Ke's smile was reminiscent of the cruel act of pouring hot water into an ant nest.

"I wish my friend, Lu Mingfei, who is 18 years old this year, 172 cm tall, weighs 63 kg, 14.36 cm long, blood type A, with an ID number of xxx... studying at Shilan High School, likes to speak profanities and complain in his heart, enjoys reading Novel Illustrations, playing StarCraft, Resident Evil 4, and Dynasty Warriors, loves JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Kamen Rider, FATE, and WALL-E. Yesterday, he even charged into the top 100 rankings of Black Myth with a burden... I wish him a successful confession."

Hey, how do you know so much? Especially about the 14.36, how did you find out? Even I don't know! Who gave you this information? Did you secretly measure it while I was sleeping?

Lu Mingfei covered his face with one hand, feeling embarrassed. He wondered if Old Tang would scold him if he knew he was considered a burden.

Compared to Lu Mingfei, who still had the leisure to think about such trivial matters, Zhao Menghua's face turned pale, and cold sweat soaked his clothes. He clenched his teeth, and his entire body was on the verge of fainting.

He had to admit that Lu Mingfei had no idea how lucky he was to have caught the attention of the Lu Corporation and even managed to get such a big shot to back him up.

It was like cheating; what was initially just a high school romance issue had now become a matter of life and death. Chen Wenwen was no longer important. If others found out that he had offended the Lu Corporation, his family might collapse.

Zhao Menghua shivered again, closed his eyes, and felt his legs going soft. He steadied himself against the chair to avoid falling.

Lu Ke seemed to have lost interest and did not give Zhao Menghua another glance. Instead, he nodded slightly at Lu Mingfei, as if to say, "Go ahead, I've got your back."

The scene with the projector changed, and the violin orchestra's tune shifted seamlessly from the famous piece from the opera "Thais" to an interlude from WALL-E. The dreamlike face-slapping plot transitioned harmoniously, returning to the confession scene.

On the screen, Eve and Wall-E broke the sound barrier and soared through the sky. It was a story of a girl using all her abilities to save the boy she loved, and it was also Lu Mingfei's signal to initiate his attack.

Lu Mingfei turned to Chen Wenwen. The girl at the center of the vortex was overwhelmed by this series of events. In the moment their gazes met, Lu Mingfei felt her shrink back, and the power dynamic between them shifted.

Gathering his courage, Lu Mingfei walked up to Chen Wenwen, and no one dared to stop or mock him again.

For the first time, Lu Mingfei felt his head held high and his back straight. He walked with newfound confidence and took a deep breath. With what might be the most solemn tone he would ever use in his life, he began to speak.

"Chen Wenwen."

"Hmm."

Chen Wenwen softly acknowledged with a "hmm" and lowered her head, playing with her hair. Her fingers clutched her skirt, and her face turned slightly red.

Lu Mingfei handed her the rose, scratching his head, looking a bit awkward.

"Actually, I had prepared other flowers for you, a dandelion stem. Do you remember? Last time, when you went to the riverbank and picked a lot of dandelions, you said that after graduation, we would have fewer opportunities to meet, just like dandelions. I want to say that dandelions scatter with a single blow, but their stems remain here. I like you, Chen Wenwen. I've liked you for a long time."

Chen Wenwen took the rose, lowering her head even further.

She didn't know how to respond. In fact, she and Zhao Menghua were just a step away from becoming a couple, and today was the time to break through that barrier.

But now, the boy who had always been by her side suddenly became radiant and dazzling. He gathered his courage, changing from his usual timid self to a brave and sincere man, confessing to her with clumsy yet sincere words.

Wasn't this a love story straight out of a book?

At that moment, Chen Wenwen thought of Marguerite Duras's "The Lover," Marie-Henri Beyle's "Red and Black," Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre," Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," and countless other classic love stories. The entangled words of these literary works intoxicated this literary girl, and the sense of betrayal overwhelmed her.

The words "I do" almost burst from her lips, but the boy interrupted her.

Lu Mingfei saw the shyness on her face, and a trace of disappointment flashed in his eyes. Without waiting for her response, he forced a smile and walked past her, heading outside.

He pushed open the door, and a series of car engine roars followed his action, capturing everyone's attention.

Unbeknownst to them, a whole fleet of luxury cars had already parked outside: Maybach, Lamborghini, Aston Martin... These cars were as common as vegetables on a salad plate, lined up in a row like empresses awaiting the emperor's favor.

The headlights of each luxury car flashed incessantly, creating a solemn and scorching rhythm of light and darkness—the most luxurious and extravagant display of light and shadow in the world.

Countless pedestrians on the street stopped to take out their phones and start filming. Some even approached the cars, posing with a V-sign for a souvenir photo.

"We've been waiting for you for a long time, Ricardo."

Nonno leaned against a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, which looked slightly plain among the fleet of luxury cars. Her dark red hair was neatly combed, and she wore a deep purple dress, a moon-white silk undershirt, purple stockings, and a full set of custom-made jewelry with gold and purple crystals. This outfit completely outshone Chen Wenwen's white dress.

Is Cassel Academy's financial strength so terrifying?

Even though Lu Mingfei's mind was in a mess due to the bizarre events of the day, he couldn't help but exclaim in awe at the sight of such an extravagant luxury car convoy.

The students who followed behind were equally shocked by the car fleet that seemed to swarm like cockroaches. At this moment, they looked at Lu Mingfei with admiration in their eyes.

Lu Mingfei maintained his composure, but quietly spoke to Nonno.

"Don't bother, I already said yesterday that I'm not going to Cassel with you guys."

Nonno raised her eyebrows, "Then where do you want to go?"

"I'm going to apply for a job at Lu Corporation. You might not believe it, but the old man of Lu Corporation wants me to be his henchman."

As the underachiever spoke, his eyebrows danced with excitement, and his eyes shone brightly.

"You're not going to college, but directly into the workforce?"

Lu Mingfei spread his hands, "I'll save four years of detours. Getting into Lu Corporation is harder than passing the civil service exam. I'll take this opportunity while the old man still wants me. In the future, if he doesn't want me anymore, having this work experience will make finding another job much easier."

"You're truly a remarkable person... thinking about quitting before even starting the job."

Nonno touched her forehead and opened the car door, gesturing for him to get in, "Get in the car."

Lu Mingfei furrowed his brows, "Can't you understand? I already said I'm not going to Cassel."

"Idiot, your new boss is also from Cassel Academy." Nonno looked at the long line of luxury cars, her eyes gleaming with complex emotions.

"Huh?" Lu Mingfei's eyes widened, his mind filled with a million galloping horses.

"Do you think your senior sister has the ability to arrange such a grand car fleet for you? The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is already the limit. Only two people in the entire school can make such a big scene."

The two got into the Ferrari, and amidst the envious and jealous gazes of the onlookers, Nonno honked the horn to clear the way, slowly driving away from the bustling area.

The car wound its way towards the airport, and Lu Mingfei, following the navigation, spoke.

"Hey, I haven't prepared my luggage and documents yet."

"It's all ready." Nonno handed him a new phone, "Your new boss wanted you to have this."

Lu Mingfei's eyes widened, "iPhone 16 Pro? I've only heard of the iPhone 3GS!"

"Your new boss made it himself." Nonno kept her eyes fixed on the road, "Haven't you heard the rumors that Lu Corporation has technology that surpasses current standards? This is it. It's exclusive to internal employees, and it's rare for a man to get one. You're one of them."

"Boss is awesome!"

Nonno suddenly asked, "Why didn't you wait a little longer? Chen Wenwen was about to agree to you."

Lu Mingfei turned his face away, his gaze drifting out the window at the flashing scenery, not answering.

Yes, Chen Wenwen was about to agree to him, but she should like Zhao Menghua. If she really agreed to him, would it be a momentary emotion or true love? If no one had backed him up today, if there had been no violin, roses, or spotlight, if Zhao Menghua's confession had gone smoothly, what would he be like now?

Lu Mingfei was quite happy that Chen Wenwen didn't agree to him. At least the girl he liked was still the literary girl from his memories, who was devoted to love and unaffected by external temptations. When she was about to agree, Lu Mingfei couldn't bring himself to like her.

"Do you really not know that I like you? Zhao Menghua realized it, and others did too. What about you? If you knew, why didn't you tell me clearly and leave me hanging for three years? Did you know about Zhao Menghua's plan to embarrass me today? If you knew, why didn't you tell me?"

"You read those emotionally stirring novels every day, and you yearn for love so much. How come you're willing to dump Zhao Menghua and be with me just because I became a little cool? Aren't you also quite vulgar? You didn't feel touched when you were hanging me to help you, but now that I'm holding a rose and coming towards you, you're touched. What's the difference between you and those green tea bitches? Chen Wenwen, do you know you're such a bitch?"

These were the words he had wanted to say to Chen Wenwen, but he didn't say them. Instead, he chose to interrupt her, walk away, and leave no room for either of them.

After all, these words could cause significant harm to a girl's body, mind, and reputation. Chen Wenwen was also a proud girl, and she might be left with a psychological shadow. So, there was no need; after all, she was the girl he had liked in the past.

Lu Mingfei slumped, his eyebrows drooping, and he curled up in the passenger seat. Due to his slender build, this action made him look like a child seeking a hug.

Nonno glanced at him and snorted, "Put your feet down! You'll have to pay if you dirty the seat!"

"Oh, oh, oh."

Lu Mingfei obediently put his feet down, his eyes reflecting the ever-growing airport.

...

"I don't understand."

NoMa, in her girlish image, expressed her incomprehension of Lu Mingfei's choice.

"Because he's kind."

Lu Ke, on the other hand, was very open-minded, "If you look at Lu Mingfei's experiences, you'll find that he's always been a kind-hearted kid, albeit a bit pathetic. Still, there are some redeeming qualities."

"I also don't understand why you're willing to help him. Theoretically, Lu Mingfei should be your competitor, even though he can't possibly threaten you. But he'll always be a competitor. Why do you want to help him?"

Lu Ke replied confidently, "Of course, it's because I'm kind too!"

NoMa: (￢_￢)



"What, you don't think so?"

"How could I not!"

Diary of a Loser

Do you know there are four ways to write 'pu'?

Best-selling Author: I don't know.

Famous Author: I don't know either.

LV.5 Newbie: Just look in the mirror!

Me: (σ)



I realized it's been a long time since I last shared a loser joke. I can't even remember when it was.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end