Chapter 101: Chapter 101: Warning.
After breakfast, the mother-daughter duo visited the spa.
It was meant to be a fun outing, a lighthearted bonding time. But unfortunately, before they could even step inside, they were stopped by a sharp, mocking voice.
"Well, well... if it isn’t Madam Lu and her..." The voice paused deliberately, her gaze sweeping over Yue Ning with thinly veiled disdain. "...daughter."
Yue Ning’s brows creased, irritation flashing in her eyes. She could sense the disdain and mockery in the older woman’s voice. Lu Ting’s expression darkened immediately, her lips pressing into a firm line.
"Madam Jiang, I suggest that you don’t cause a scene here," Lu Ting tone was icy calm She tugged Yue Ning’s hands towards the entrance, not sparing time on the other lady.
"I only wanted to congratulate you. After all, you have found your real daughter... that is if she is the real one."
Lu Ting stopped in her steps, prompting Yue Ning to stop as well.
Madam Lu slowly and calmly turned to Madam Jiang, taking slow and deliberate steps towards her. Yue Ning folded her arms, interested in the show that was about to take place.
Fear rose in Madam Jiang’s heart as she subconsciously took two steps backwards.
With a sweet smile, Lu Ting said. "I didn’t quite hear what you said. Could you kindly repeat your earlier words?"
Madam Jiang could see the danger in Lu Ting’s eyes although she had a smile on her lips.
Fortunately for her, she knew her boundaries. She grinned widely. "Madam Lu, you shouldn’t take my words to heart. I am just concerned about you, and that’s why I am keeping a watch for you."
Lu Ting subtly rolled her eyes, not buying her words at all.
’She is so two-faced,’ the system commented mechanically, there was a little scoff at the end of its words.
Yue Ning laughed mentally. "When did you learn how to scoff?" She asked amidst her laughter.
’Don’t ask him. Make sure your mother has the last laugh,’ the system calmly said to her.
Yue Ning’s attention turned to Madam Jiang who was trying to ’convince’ her mom that she wasn’t the real Lu Ning, while not giving Lu Ting the chance to speak.
Taking a step forward, she said, "alright, you have said enough. It is my turn." There was a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
Madam Jiang was momentarily dazed. Yue Ning stood beside Lu Ting, and the resemblance between both of them was clear.
The resemblance between mother and daughter was unmistakable in that moment. Even the onlookers—already drawn to the commotion—began whispering among themselves.
Madam Jiang swallowed seeing that Lu Ting’s gaze softened when they landed on Yue Ning. It seemed she had offended her.
She lowered her head while thinking of how she could salvage the issue, but Yue Ning didn’t give her the time.
"Madam Jiang," she started, a smile still at the corner of her lips. "My mom doesn’t have to report to you. You claim that I might not be the real daughter. Well, I’m standing beside her, what do you have to say?"
"Do you think a family as prestigious as the Lus wouldn’t do their best while investigating?" She demanded loudly while folding her arms.
Lu Ting standing beside her nodded her head in complete agreement with her words.
By this time, the confrontation has already attracted a few passers-by as well as some customers from the spa shop.
"I... well... I was..." Madam Jiang stuttered, unable to form a simple sentence.
Yue Ning waved her hands. "That is enough, I am not interested in listening to your explanation." Her gaze sharpened, "I don’t want to hear you say such things to my mother. Let me make one final thing clear to you—I am Lu Ning, their only daughter... don’t ever doubt that."
"Come on, Mom. Let’s go. There is no use speaking with such people. They will only ruin your mood," Yue Ning snorted, directly taking Lu Ting’s hands, walked into the spa shop, while ignoring Madam Jiang.
Yue Ning’s voice had been loud and firm. The entire passerby heard her words, and they pointed fingers at Madam Jiang while whispering.
She was unable to take the humiliation anymore, and she rushed to her car with her chest heaving. ’That little bitch!’ She cursed inwardly.
What she didn’t know was that Yue Ning’s words weren’t just for her—they were for everyone present. A warning, clear and unshakable: her identity was not up for debate.
’Host, you were so cool!’ the system squealed. ’She couldn’t even argue with you!’
Yue Ning’s lips curved faintly. The satisfaction in her chest was undeniable.
Inside the spa, the mother and daughter enjoyed their treatments—massages, facials, and laughter easing the earlier tension.
By the time they stepped out a few hours later, Lu Ting looked radiant and refreshed, while Yue Ning dragged her feet, exhaustion etched on her face.
’Host, it seems you are not used to such pampering,’ the system spoke up, her tone carrying just the right amount of teasing.
Yue Ning’s lips twitched, but she didn’t give it a reply. It was a form of silent acknowledgement. The system snorted seeing her go silent.
"Xiao Ning, I had so much fun." Lu Ting squealed happily, gripping her daughter’s hands. "Let’s hurry home. I’ve already arranged for the best stylists to come. Tonight, you’ll be the most beautiful girl at the party."
"Mom, that’s not necessary. Since I inherited your beauty, I hardly need a stylist," Yue Ning said helplessly.
Lu Ting only laughed. "Nonsense. Dressing you up has been my dream. Now that you’re finally back, don’t even think of denying me this joy."
Yue Ning caught the light in her mother’s eyes and couldn’t bring herself to refuse. She nodded softly, letting her indulge in this rare sight.
___________
Meanwhile, in a different part of the city...
Huo Feng sat at his office desk, flipping through documents with a taut expression. His phone buzzed. He picked it up, and a single message lit the screen:
The fish has eaten the bait. He’s in the trap.
Huo Feng’s lips curved slowly, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes. "Good," he murmured. "Get ready, Song Kai."