"Of course," Su Qing purred, his tone dripping with amusement. "Welcome back… Young Master Lu."
As the line clicked off, Zi Zhen placed his phone down quietly, his fingers steeped together before his lips.
"Prepare the car tonight," he ordered Xiao Ru without glancing back, "And bring the green dragon seal from the vault."
"Yes, Young Master."
Left alone, Lu Zi Zhen's cold smirk lingered as he stared out into the sunlit garden beyond the tinted glass, the shadows of his childhood ghosts gathering once more, but this time, he held the blade.
He slid the photo back into place behind the glass, its edges worn from years of silent keeping. Closing the cabinet softly, he let out a quiet sigh, rolling his tense shoulders back as the heavy cloak of power settled over him again.
Turning towards Xiao Ru and Lu Shiyan, who stood waiting with lowered gazes, he flicked his wrist dismissively.
"That's enough for now," he murmured, his deep voice low and cool... "I need to rest before tonight."
"Yes, Young Master." They both bowed deeply before retreating silently, the tall ebony doors closing behind them with a soft thud.
Zi Zhen loosened his tie and walked to the edge of his king-sized bed, sinking onto the plush mattress with a quiet exhale. The soft scent of cedar and fresh linen calmed his mind.
For a moment, his cold amber gaze remained fixed on the rippling garden shadows cast upon his tinted windows.
Then, with fluid grace, he lay back, folding an arm beneath his head, his eyes drifting shut as his breathing slowed into the measured rhythm of shallow sleep.
Outside, the mansion remained still and silent under the golden morning light, a fortress preparing for the night's blood-stained dance of power that awaited its sleeping prince.
LU MANSION – FIRST FLOOR – CORRIDOR...
The silent hallway was lined with pale cream walls and intricate mouldings, the morning light streaming in from tall arched windows.
Lu Ting Cheng who couldn't sleep because of the new surroundings, walked down leisurely, dressed in a loose grey sweater and black lounge pants, his damp hair pushed back casually after his shower.
As he approached the private wing, he saw Xiao Ru and Lu Shiyan walking out of Lu Zi Zhen's suite, bowing deeply upon seeing him.
"Young Master Ting Cheng," they greeted in unison, their tones respectful.
He waved a long-fingered hand lazily, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Don't look so tense. Done reporting to that little emperor already?"
Shiyan lowered her gaze with a faint smile, "Yes, Young Master. Young Master Zi Zhen has retired to rest for now."
"Mn," Ting Cheng hummed lightly, his eyes glinting with fond mischief as he passed them... "Get some breakfast. I will handle him from here."
"Yes, Young Master."
They bowed again before retreating down the hall. Ting Cheng continued forward, pushing open the dark oak door without knocking.
Inside, the room was silent except for the quiet hum of the ventilation system.
Zi Zhen lay sprawled elegantly across the plush king-sized bed, his dark hair fanning slightly against the pillow, one arm folded under his head as he slept.
Ting Cheng smirked lightly, closing the door behind him before strolling over to the bed with unhurried steps.
He gazed down at his younger brother's peaceful face for a moment, his eyes softening with rare tenderness.
Little emperor, always carrying the weight of the world…
Without warning, he leaned down and flicked Zi Zhen's forehead lightly with his finger.
"Wake up, sleeping beauty," he drawled teasingly, his deep voice filled with amused warmth, "Don't tell me the great Young Master Lu is tired already before tonight's battles have even begun?"