Chapter 1061: A Quiet Morning, A Gathering Storm

Morning arrived in City Z beneath a pale winter sky.

Sunlight slipped through the curtains of the Han Mansion, illuminating the quiet bedroom where Yue Ling and Lu Tian had spent the night. For the first time in a long while, neither had been disturbed by urgent phone calls, business meetings, or matters requiring their immediate attention.

They had slept peacefully in each other’s arms, surrounded by memories of a home that had once been filled with laughter.

But their brief escape from Imperial had come to an end.

By the time the morning sun had risen above the mountains, they were already preparing to return.

Their journey back was uneventful. After landing in Imperial, the couple returned home with no intention of heading to their respective companies.

They had agreed to take the rest of the day off.

With their wedding only days away, there was already enough waiting for them. Neither saw any reason to surrender what little time they had together to another day of work.

At least, that had been the plan.

Inside their bedroom, Yue Ling stood beside an open suitcase, carefully putting away the belongings they had brought to City Z.

Lu Tian had already changed into comfortable clothes. He sat on the edge of the bed, watching his wife move about the room.

His dark eyes followed her as she folded the last few pieces of clothing.

There was something strangely comforting about watching her perform such an ordinary task.

For a man who had spent most of his life surrounded by responsibilities and danger, these quiet moments were becoming increasingly precious.

Yue Ling reached into her overnight bag, her fingers brushing against a small velvet box.

She paused, a faint smile touching her lips as she carefully lifted it out.

Lu Tian immediately noticed.

It was the same box she had discovered among her childhood treasures in the Han Mansion. He had been curious about its contents from the moment she slipped it into her bag, and that curiosity had only grown during their journey home.

Yue Ling glanced over her shoulder.

The instant she caught him staring, amusement flickered in her bluish-green eyes.

"Still curious?"

Lu Tian raised an eyebrow.

"Shouldn’t I be?"

She laughed softly.

"I told you I’d show you."

"And yet," he replied, glancing at the box, "you still haven’t."

"Patience, Mr. Lu."

He sighed dramatically.

"You’re testing mine."

Yue Ling shook her head with a smile and walked toward her closet room.

She opened a drawer, carefully placed the velvet box inside, and closed it.

Lu Tian had followed her into the room. He watched the entire process as he leaned against the door frame.

"Don’t even think about it," she warned.

He looked at her innocently.

"Think about what?"

"Opening that drawer while I’m not looking."

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

"Do you have so little faith in your husband?"

"I know my husband."

Lu Tian chuckled.

Moving from the door frame, he approached her and wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her against him.

"Then you should know how difficult it is for me to wait."

Yue Ling rested her hands against his chest.

"You’ve waited this long. A little longer won’t hurt."

He lowered his head.

"You’re cruel."

She laughed.

"And yet you agree to marry me."

His expression softened.

"Best decision I’ve ever made."

Before she could respond, he leaned down and kissed her forehead.

For a moment, neither moved. The quiet warmth between them was enough to make Yue Ling forget the responsibilities waiting beyond their home.

Unfortunately, that peace was short-lived.

They were about to head down for breakfast when Lu Tian’s phone vibrated.

He glanced at the screen.

Xu Long.

The faint smile on his face disappeared.

He had been expecting this call.

Ever since Xu Long contacted him during their trip to City Z, a quiet uneasiness had lingered in the back of his mind.

His assistant had sounded unusually serious, and Xu Long was not someone who disturbed him without good reason.

Lu Tian looked toward Yue Ling, who was about to go down the stairs.

"Excuse me for a moment."

She nodded.

"Go ahead."

He stepped into his study and closed the door before answering.

"Speak."

Xu Long’s voice came through immediately.

"Boss, you’re back in Imperial?"

"Yes."

"There’s something you need to see."

Lu Tian’s eyes narrowed.

"What is it?"

A brief silence followed.

"I’d rather explain it in person."

Lu Tian’s expression darkened.

He disliked vague answers, especially from someone who usually reported information with precision.

"Is it urgent?"

"Yes."

The answer came without hesitation.

Lu Tian turned toward the window. Outside, morning sunlight illuminated the garden, and everything appeared peaceful.

His lips pressed into a thin line before his deep voice broke the silence.

"Blackhawk."

A brief pause followed.

On the other end of the line, Xu Long immediately understood. It was not merely a name, but an instruction.

"Understood, Boss. I’ll be waiting."

Lu Tian ended the call and remained motionless for several seconds.

Whatever Xu Long had discovered, it was serious enough that he refused to discuss it over the phone.

That alone was enough to trouble him.

His thoughts immediately returned to Yue Ling.

He had no evidence that the matter concerned her, but his instincts told him otherwise. After everything they had endured, he had learned not to ignore that feeling.

Lu Tian exhaled quietly. He left the study and headed downstairs.

Yue Ling was just about to prepare breakfast when he returned.

"Everything alright?"

Lu Tian approached her.

"Something came up."

She nodded.

"At Lu Corps?"

He paused briefly.

"Something I need to handle."

Yue Ling did not press him.

As a CEO herself, she understood that taking even one day away from the company could result in twice as much work waiting upon her return, especially for someone like Lu Tian.

"Then you should go."

He looked at her.

"You’re not coming?"

Yue Ling blinked.

"To your work?"

He said nothing.

She laughed softly.

"Tian, I thought we agreed to rest today."

"We did."

"Then I’ll stay home."

His expression remained unreadable.

Yue Ling tilted her head.

"What’s wrong?"

"Nothing."

She studied him.

There was a slight tension in his shoulders and a guarded look in his eyes, but she assumed he was reluctant to leave after their time together in City Z.

And she was not entirely wrong.

Lu Tian had no desire to leave her alone.

Their trip had brought him closer to the parts of her past she rarely spoke about. He had seen her childhood home, visited the graves of those she loved, and held her as she confronted memories both beautiful and painful.

After finally having a night of uninterrupted peace beside her, the thought of leaving felt strangely unpleasant.

But that was not the only reason.

He was going to hear what Xu Long had uncovered, and until he knew the truth, he could not dismiss the possibility that something dangerous was approaching.

"I can have someone stay with you," he said.

Yue Ling stared at him before laughing.

"Are you assigning someone to babysit me?"

Lu Tian’s lips twitched.

"That’s not what I meant."

"Then what did you mean?"

He reached for her hand.

"I’d rather know you’re not alone."

Her expression softened.

"Tian, I’m staying home. I’m not planning to disappear."

He remained silent.

Yue Ling sighed in amusement before stepping closer and slipping her arms around his waist.

"Go take care of whatever needs your attention."

His hands settled against her back.

"I’ll be back soon."

"I know."

"Don’t go anywhere."

She raised an eyebrow.

"You’re giving me orders now?"

"Suggestions."

"Very demanding suggestions."

He chuckled.

Yue Ling rose onto her toes and kissed his cheek.

"Go."

He looked at her for another moment before lowering his head to kiss her lips.

The kiss was gentle, lingering just long enough to make her smile when he finally pulled away.

"I’ll be right back."

She nodded.

"I’ll be waiting."

Lu Tian brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face before reluctantly releasing her.

A few minutes later, the low rumble of an engine sounded outside.

Yue Ling stood near the entrance and watched his black Maserati Levante Trofeo drive through the gates.

Only after the vehicle disappeared from view did she turn back inside.

The house seemed unusually quiet without him.

She glanced at the ingredients she had taken out. She didn’t feel like cooking anymore.

Gathering the ingredients, she put them away and glanced at the clock.

It was still early.

Lu Tian had promised to return soon, but knowing him, whatever required his attention might take longer than expected.

She considered preparing their lunch but an idea came to her.

A faint smile appeared on her lips.

She knew exactly where she wanted to go.

Heading upstairs, she changed into a fitted black turtleneck and comfortable black wide-leg pants. She gathered her long, wavy hair into a high ponytail, allowing a few loose strands to frame her face.

After slipping into a pair of white sneakers, she reached for her dark gray wool coat and black shoulder bag.

She picked up her car keys and headed downstairs.

Moments later, her white BMW X5M rolled out of the driveway.

Imperial was already bustling with morning activity.

Cars filled the streets while pedestrians hurried along the sidewalks, their coats pulled tightly around them against the winter chill.

Yue Ling drove past several luxurious restaurants. Some were already open for business while others prepared for the lunch crowd.

She did not stop at any of them.

Instead, she continued toward a busier district.

After crossing a large intersection, she turned into a public parking area and found an empty space.

She parked, stepped out, and adjusted her coat before making her way along the crowded sidewalk.

Small shops lined the streets, and the smell of freshly baked bread mingled with the aroma of grilled meat and steaming broth.

Yue Ling continued until she reached a familiar food stall.

Her steps slowed as a warm smile appeared on her face.

Behind the counter, a middle-aged man was busy arranging trays of food.

"Uncle Nuo."

The man paused and turned toward the familiar voice.

For a moment, he simply stared.

Then his face brightened.

"Young Miss!"

Yue Ling smiled.

"Good morning."

Uncle Nuo quickly set down the tray in his hands.

"What a surprise! What brings you all the way here?"

Yue Ling glanced toward the food displayed along the counter.

"To buy food, of course."

Uncle Nuo laughed.

"You came all this way just for my cooking?"

"Is there a better reason?"

His laughter grew louder.

"Ah, Young Miss. You haven’t changed."

He gestured toward a nearby chair.

"Sit, sit. I’m almost finished setting everything up."

Yue Ling obeyed, settling into a chair beneath the stall’s awning as she watched him work.

Uncle Nuo’s food stall had been part of her life for many years. He had watched her grow from a young girl into the woman she was today, and throughout those years, she had never forgotten him.

Even after becoming a successful businesswoman, she continued visiting whenever she could.

When she was too busy, her subordinates often stopped by instead.

Sometimes they bought food, while other times they simply came to talk.

On particularly busy days, they even insisted that Uncle Nuo take a break while they helped attend to customers.

His family had long since grown accustomed to their presence.

To Uncle Nuo, they were no longer merely customers but familiar faces he had come to care for.

Yue Ling watched him arrange the last tray of food.

For some reason, the sight made her think of her parents.

Perhaps visiting City Z and returning to her childhood home had stirred memories she had spent years carefully keeping beneath the surface.

Whatever the reason, an unexpected ache settled in her chest.

She thought of the mornings her father would prepare breakfast for her.

The familiar sound of utensils clinking against plates, and the aroma of warm food drifting from the kitchen.

Her mother’s soft laughter would often accompany him.

Sometimes her father would pretend to complain that his wife was distracting him, and her mother would laugh before stealing a bite of whatever he was preparing.

Yue Ling lowered her gaze.

’If they were still alive...’

Would her father still prepare her favorite meals?

Would she still find her parents standing together in the kitchen whenever she visited home?

Would her mother fuss over whether she was eating properly while her father insisted on packing extra food for her to take away?

A faint, bittersweet smile touched her lips.

She would never know.

"Young Miss?"

Yue Ling looked up.

Uncle Nuo stood before her, holding a steaming bowl.

"Here."

He placed it gently on the table.

"It’s not much, but I hope you enjoy it."

Yue Ling looked down at the simple bowl of chicken congee.

For a brief moment, the ache in her chest deepened.

Then she smiled.

"Anything from here is always enjoyable."

Uncle Nuo’s expression softened as he poured her a cup of hot tea.

"Eat while it’s warm."

She nodded.

"Thank you, Uncle."

He smiled and returned to the counter.

Yue Ling picked up her spoon and tasted the congee.

The warmth spread through her, bringing with it a familiar sense of comfort.

There was nothing extravagant about the meal. It was simple food prepared with care, and somehow, that made it all the more comforting.

As she ate, Uncle Nuo occasionally stopped beside her table to chat.

They spoke about the stall, his family, the growing number of customers, and the colder weather approaching Imperial.

"How is your mother?" Yue Ling asked.

Uncle Nuo paused before smiling.

"She’s doing better."

Yue Ling looked at him attentively.

"That’s good."

"She still has difficult days," he admitted. "Her memory comes and goes, but lately, she’s been more comfortable. Some mornings, she even remembers what she ate the night before."

Yue Ling smiled gently.

"That’s wonderful."

Uncle Nuo nodded.

"Her Alzheimer’s hasn’t gone away, of course, but we’re grateful for every good day."

He chuckled quietly.

"Yesterday, she insisted I was still a young boy who needed to hurry home before dark."

Yue Ling laughed softly.

"And did you listen?"

"Of course."

He grinned.

"Who would dare disobey his mother?"

They both laughed.

For a while, their conversation continued in the easy manner of people who had known each other for years.

When Yue Ling finished her congee, she placed her spoon down and reached for her tea.

Her gaze wandered around the stall.

Five patio heaters stood at different corners, providing warmth for customers seated outside.

But the temperature was dropping steadily. Even with the heaters running, cold air occasionally swept beneath the awning.

Uncle Nuo was bundled in several layers of clothing, yet she noticed him rubbing his hands together whenever he stepped away from the warmer cooking area.

Her brows drew together slightly.

Without saying anything, she took out her phone and sent Liu Shan a brief message.

Then she put the phone away.

"Uncle Nuo."

The man turned.

"Yes, Young Miss?"

"I’d like to order a plate of everything."

He blinked before bursting into laughter.

"Everything?"

Yue Ling nodded.

"Everything."

Uncle Nuo shook his head.

"Young Miss, how can you order a plate of everything when there are dishes here you don’t even like?"

She laughed.

He had known her far too long.

Even as a child, she had been particular about certain foods, and Uncle Nuo remembered every one of them.

Yet whenever she visited, she often ordered far more than she could possibly eat.

He knew why.

It was her way of supporting his family’s business.

Yue Ling smiled.

"It’s alright. Anything I don’t finish, Lu Tian will eat."

Uncle Nuo’s laughter gradually quieted, though the smile remained on his face.

He looked at her for a moment.

There was something comforting about hearing her speak so naturally about Lu Tian.

"I’m glad to hear that."

She had always been so busy taking care of everyone else that she rarely left room for anyone to take care of her. She was the one others turned to for comfort, the one who carried their burdens while quietly bearing her own.

Uncle Nuo had watched her grow from a cheerful little girl into a woman who had endured more heartache than anyone her age should have known.

He remembered how brightly she used to smile when her parents were still alive and how, over the years, that same smile had gradually become something she offered others while keeping her own sorrow hidden.

There had been times when he wanted to ask if she was truly alright, but whenever he looked into her eyes, she would simply smile and assure him that everything was fine.

And he knew better than to believe her.

Now, hearing her mention Lu Tian so naturally, as though having someone beside her was the most ordinary thing in the world, Uncle Nuo felt an unexpected tightness in his chest.

His smile softened, and he quietly lowered his gaze, blinking away the moisture gathering in his eyes.

For years, he had worried about the young woman who never seemed to worry about herself.

Seeing that gentle smile return to her face brought him a relief he could hardly put into words.

At last, there was someone she could lean on. Someone who would notice when she was tired, hold her when she was hurting, and care for her without waiting for her to ask.

Uncle Nuo looked at her again, his eyes filled with quiet affection.

Perhaps now, the little girl he had watched grow up would finally have someone looking after her, too.

Yue Ling drank her tea while Uncle Nuo turned toward the counter.

"Then I’ll pack everything carefully for you."

He worked efficiently, arranging the different dishes into containers.

By the time he finished, several bags stood neatly on the counter.

He carried them over.

"Here you go."

Yue Ling reached for her wallet.

Uncle Nuo immediately waved his hand.

"No, no."

She looked at him.

"Uncle?"

"This one’s on me."

Yue Ling shook her head.

"Absolutely not."

"Young Miss—"

"You’ve already fed me breakfast."

"That was nothing."

"And now you’re trying to give me lunch for free?"

He laughed.

"What’s wrong with treating you once in a while?"

Yue Ling smiled.

"Nothing."

She placed the payment on the counter.

"But I came here to support your business."

Before he could protest again, she picked up the bags.

"Besides, I’ll come back another day and let you treat me then."

Uncle Nuo sighed helplessly.

"You always say that."

"And one day, I’ll mean it."

He laughed.

Yue Ling turned to leave but paused after a few steps.

"Oh, Uncle."

"Yes?"

"Someone will be delivering a few more patio heaters."

Uncle Nuo froze.

"What?"

She smiled.

"The weather’s getting colder. I thought you could use some extra warmth."

His eyes widened.

"Young Miss! You can’t keep doing this!"

She blinked innocently.

"Why not?"

He gestured toward the heaters already surrounding the stall.

"These five were all from you!"

"I know."

"Then why are you buying more?"

"Because five aren’t enough."

"Young Miss—"

"I don’t want you catching a cold."

His protests faltered.

Yue Ling’s expression softened.

"You spend so many hours out here, Uncle. At least let yourself stay warm."

He looked at her for a moment, seemingly unable to find the words.

Then he sighed.

"You’re too good to this old man."

Yue Ling shook her head.

"You’ve been good to me for years."

She adjusted the bags in her hands.

"Take care of yourself, alright?"

Uncle Nuo nodded slowly.

"You too, Young Miss."

She smiled.

"I will."

He watched her walk away.

Only after she disappeared into the crowd did he turn toward the heaters surrounding his stall.

His eyes softened before he quietly returned to work.

While Yue Ling made her way home with lunch, a black Maserati Levante Trofeo pulled into a parking space outside a modest restaurant on the other side of Imperial.

The establishment stood along a relatively quiet street, far from the towering headquarters of Lu Corps.

From the outside, there was nothing remarkable about it.

A simple sign hung above the entrance, large windows overlooked the sidewalk, and several neatly arranged tables could be seen inside. It looked like any other family-owned restaurant preparing for the morning rush.

The driver’s door opened.

Lu Tian stepped out, his tall figure dressed in dark clothing beneath a tailored black coat.

His expression was devoid of emotion, his dark eyes carrying an icy indifference that made him appear almost unapproachable.

Gone was the man who had reluctantly parted from his wife that morning, lingering over a goodbye kiss as though a few hours apart were an unreasonable demand.

In his place stood the man known to the outside world.

Cold. Ruthless. Unreadable.

The kind of man whose presence alone could silence a room without him uttering a single word.

He adjusted the cuff of his coat before approaching the entrance, his movements unhurried yet purposeful.

The moment he opened the door, a small bell hanging overhead chimed.

Behind the front counter sat an elderly man with white hair.

He had been reaching for the morning newspaper when the sound caught his attention.

Looking up, he met Lu Tian’s eyes.

A faint smile appeared on his weathered face.

"Mr. Lu. It’s good to see you."

Lu Tian acknowledged the greeting with a slight nod.

Nothing more.

His expression remained indifferent as his gaze swept across the restaurant, briefly taking in the empty tables and the faint activity coming from the kitchen.

There were no customers yet.

The restaurant was quiet, with only the occasional clatter of utensils disturbing the stillness.

Lu Tian stood near the entrance, his imposing figure casting a long shadow across the tiled floor.

There was something unsettling about his silence.

He did not appear impatient, nor did he display the slightest irritation. Yet the coldness surrounding him seemed to discourage even the most harmless attempt at conversation.

His dark eyes revealed nothing of his thoughts.

The elderly man, however, appeared entirely accustomed to his demeanor.

He had encountered Lu Tian enough times to know that the man’s silence was not necessarily a sign of displeasure.

It was simply how he was.

A man who rarely wasted words and had little interest in unnecessary pleasantries.

The elderly man calmly picked up his newspaper.

"He’s in the back."

Lu Tian gave another faint nod.

Without a word, he strode toward the rear of the restaurant.

His footsteps were steady and measured, each movement carrying the quiet authority of someone accustomed to having his orders obeyed without question.

He did not look back.

Nor did he offer another greeting.

The elderly man watched him disappear through the doorway before shaking his head with faint amusement.

For all the years he had known Lu Tian, the young man had hardly changed.

Still as cold as winter.

Still as indifferent to the world around him.

And still capable of making grown men nervous without doing anything at all.

Yet the elderly man knew better than most that beneath that seemingly impenetrable exterior was a man whose loyalty, once given, was unwavering.

As Lu Tian disappeared through the back door, the old man tapped the counter once.

"Table for one."

Silence followed.

Then, from somewhere beyond the kitchen, a single knock answered.

The elderly man lowered his gaze to the newspaper.

And just like that, the restaurant returned to its ordinary morning routine.

Beyond the rear door, Lu Tian entered a narrow corridor.

At the far end stood a large industrial freezer.

He approached it without hesitation, his expression remaining cold and unreadable.

The heavy door opened with a low metallic groan, releasing a rush of freezing air.

Lu Tian did not so much as flinch.

Inside, rows of neatly stored meat hung from overhead rails while shelves lined the walls, stacked with labeled containers and supplies.

He walked past them, his footsteps echoing faintly against the metal floor.

At the very back of the freezer stood another door.

Unlike the first, this one was made of reinforced steel.

He reached for the handle.

A quiet click sounded as the door opened, revealing a narrow staircase descending into darkness.

Lu Tian stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

The steady rhythm of his footsteps echoed through the enclosed stairwell as he descended.

The temperature gradually changed. The cold air of the freezer gave way to the dry, controlled atmosphere of the underground level.

At the bottom of the staircase, a corridor stretched before him.

Five doors lined its walls, each leading to a separate room.

There were no windows or decorations, nothing that suggested this place belonged beneath an ordinary restaurant.

Lu Tian turned toward one of the doors.

Before he could reach it, a soft click sounded.

The handle moved, and the door opened from the inside, as though the person waiting beyond it had known the exact moment he would arrive.

Lu Tian stopped. His dark eyes settled on the figure standing in the doorway.

His expression did not change.

There was no curiosity in his gaze, no impatience, and certainly no warmth.

Only a chilling indifference that made it impossible to discern what he was thinking.

Neither spoke.

For a brief moment, the underground corridor remained perfectly still.

Then Lu Tian stepped forward.

Whatever Xu Long had uncovered, he was finally about to learn the truth.