They realized that the amnesia made Lu Tao became more approachable, as more and more people invited him to parties and banquets.
Lu Tao did not actually decline any of the invitations, especially to gatherings with competitions. He was eager to participate as well. Originally, he enjoyed athletic competition immensely. In addition, most of the awards in the competitions were wonderful trinkets. Every time Lu Tao triumphed, he would give absolutely everything to Cheng Jin.
This time, he returned a bracelet with blue sapphires embedded in it. Cheng Jin was immediately taken with it. Seeing the signature etched into the inner ring shocked him. “This is the work of the renowned Master Quan. It has a very high value. Who is so wealthy as to offer it as a prize?”
“Dunno.” When he saw the item, his sole thought was that his young wife could be interested in it, so he chose to take it seriously and came in first place relatively unscathed despite his lack of concern for this important component. “Renowned Master Quan? Is he that well-known?”
Cheng Jin energetically bobbed his head, while saying, “He enjoys incorporating sapphires in his jewelry. Because my brother took me to his studio, I probably developed a preference for blue. Blue diamonds of different shapes, sizes, and colors were on display.”
Lu Tao felt quite upset when he listened to Cheng Jin praising others. “He shouldn’t be young if he’s called a renowned master, right?”
“The last time I saw him, he was already, like, 85 years old.” Unaware of his husband’s feelings, Cheng Jin sensibly replied, “At that time, I was only seven years old.”
The lord general showed a smile, feeling relieved. Cheng Jin said, At the time, I pleaded with my ge to buy all the jewelry there. My ge also asked Great Master Quan, however, Great Master Quan was adamant and had no intention of selling them at any price, so the old sir could only give me a miniature blue gem pendant necklace, although I have no idea where it has disappeared to. Great Master Quan was 92 years old when he passed away. After his passing, his studio was broken into. His works disappeared into thin air. Prior to three years ago, when three of his most cherished works appeared in the world and were auctioned at an auction house, the police had no success in locating it. I believe this bracelet was among them, along with a matching necklace.”
“You didn’t attend the auction then?” Lu Tao tipped back, uncertain. If his presumptions were correct, the Cheng family was still the richest family on the Imperial Planet. Cheng Jin seemed to be very interested in following this news, so he must’ve gone to participate.
Cheng Jin looked confused for a moment, then soon recovered his calm. He shook his head. “I haven’t.”
“Why?”
Cheng Jin fidgeted with his bracelet as he stated, in a quieter tone, “It’s not a necessity, so it isn’t necessary.” His connection with Lu Tao was extremely strained at the time. For three years, he was left in the cold. The feeling of helplessness and the want to do everything to get the attention of men finally overtook him and he felt as though he couldn’t take it anymore. He also harboured suspicions about Lu Tao’s love life and even considered seeking out a journalist to interview him and break the news that he was Lu Tao’s lover, but he ultimately decided against it.
Cheng Jin put a lot of attention into beautifying the house before his husband’s return, purchased numerous beautiful and expensive accessories, and dressed impeccably in anticipation of a compliment.
However, when Lu Tao noticed the appearance of their home, he ceased his attempt to enter the door. He stared at Cheng Jin and asked in a cold tone, “Is your appearance the only thing you’ll change?”
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He thought that Lu Tao would not hold him accountable for placing blame on others. But the man looked at him even colder, and the man asked with a touch of disdain in his voice. “When will you realize that you’re the one in the wrong?”
No matter how bad his face looked, he should have gone through the door at that point. Cheng Jin also earned his one night of happiness, thus he should have stayed at home for one night. But no matter how much Cheng Jin wanted Lu Tao to stay, he turned around and walked out the door.
After all this, the young master still hadn’t figured out what he’d done wrong. He began to question whether or not Lu Tao had a lover outside, so he decided to have him followed.
The news he purchased for a hefty price indicated that Lu Tao would dine with a woman the following evening at the restaurant. Cheng Jin was furious and delusional after hearing the news. He failed to investigate thoroughly, so he abruptly appeared at their dining table. When he realized the age discrepancy with the other lady, it was too late to change his mind.
Lu Tao was angered by his irrationality. In an unprecedented act of self-initiative, the man grabbed his wrist and led him out of the restaurant. He applied considerable force to his hand. Fingerprints were left on Cheng Jin’s wrist when he was flung out.
Cheng Jin felt guilty for disturbing his dinner, and whispered, “I didn’t mean to, I thought you… I didn’t expect you to be with…” Cheng Jin didn’t know the identity of the other party, but the woman looked to be in her 60s or 70s, so she definitely wouldn’t be his lover.
Lu Tao said coldly, “It’s my aunt.”
“I-It was my mistake…” The young master rarely bowed his head, but he remained skeptical.
Lu Tao appeared to see right through him. His voice became colder, “Do you really know you’re in the wrong?”
The young master nodded somewhat guilty.
Lu Tao gave him a cold, vicious look and declared, “You know nothing at all! Since infancy, you have never understood what a “mistake” is or what courtesy is! You only know how to glam yourself. The fact that you have a lot of money doesn’t mean you’re aware of the fact that your heart is nothing but trash.”
It was the first time he spoke so extensively to Cheng Jin, and it was also the first time he used such weighty language. “Why don’t you look at yourself first if you want me to like you? What could I possibly like?” After he finished speaking, he merely walked back to the restaurant without another glance.
Cheng Jin stared blankly at his tall and straight back, and felt at a loss.
Throughout his life, he had been lavished with attention and affection by those around him. He was oblivious to the concept of mistake. It appeared that, so long as he desired it, he could do everything correctly and obtain whatever he desired with relative ease. Accusations of this nature have never come up in his life before.
Isn’t it just making things right? I can do it too!
When he returned, he let go of the helpers. He also thanked them and launched little Cheng Cheng. He also attempted to alter his privileged lifestyle. He stopped frequenting luxury boutiques and made an effort to be courteous to everyone he encountered. Because of this, my father and brother were convinced that his brains had been completely fried.
He changed little by little, starting from small things, but despite this, his relationship with Lu Tao did not improve. Even after applying to join the army, not long after he arrived at his destination happily, he was sent back with a cold face.
When he saw the news about the gem auction, he had the thought to acquire all of the gems. But, Cheng Jin resisted even when his brother called to see if he wanted it.
If he bought something, it would undoubtedly be reported in the newspaper, which would inform Lu Tao; hence, the other party would think that he is the same as before and that nothing has changed.
So he gave up.
It took him a major event, though, in order to entirely change. Aside from the fact that he had thanked others in the past, he did not get why he was supposed to be grateful; so, his previous behavior was essentially an act of deception. Only then did he realize why Lu Tao disliked his former self.
Lu Tao fastened the bracelet of sapphire gemstones to his wrist. It made Cheng Jin’s complexion appear ivory-pale, which made him a stunning sight. His husband rubbed his chin, his eyes brimming with affection. “Do you like it?”
Cheng Jin nodded vigorously, showing a sweet smile, “I really like it!”
Lu Tao said, “Asher said that there will be another banquet soon, do you want to join us?”
Thinking of the approaching orange floral banquet, Cheng Jin’s heart skipped a beat, and quickly asked, “What kind of banquet is it?”
“Just operating mechas, and also getting drunk by wine. The date is at the end of the month.” Lu Tao said while he pawed his face. He was particularly fond of Cheng Jin’s face, and always felt that pinching was not enough.
The orange floral banquet would also be at the end of the month, but there would never be an event of manipulating mechas. Cheng Jin couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. With a slight smile on his face, he said, “You go, I won’t go.”
The lord general was a little dissatisfied. “Why are you always reluctant to go whenever I invite you to go to a banquet?” He leaned over, kissed Cheng Jin on the lips, and hung a smile, “So you don’t dare to meet anyone?”
Cheng Jin didn’t know how to answer.
Several years ago, He knew what every banquet that Lu Tao was going to attend. He expected the other party to take him there, and even mentioned it, But Lu Tao wouldn’t allow him. He wouldn’t even take him to a family gathering.
Lu Tao is cold-hearted. He could only attend military meetings. There was no way Cheng Jin could travel there unless he had an invitation letter and he was with Lu Tao. And for those “celebrity” parties he attended, it was simply impossible to get his husband with him.
And now Lu Tao would actually complain that he wouldn’t accompany him to the banquet.
It’s hard to describe Cheng Jin’s state of mind, yet he was a little fortunate. Thankfully, few people are aware that he is Lu Tao’s partner. As the general’s wife, he would actually serve someone else for an entire day. If this information were to spread, Lu Tao would surely lose face.
Cheng Jin kissed his husband back and said with a smile, “Isn’t it good if it’s just you who shows up?”
“Of course.” Lu Tao squeezed the soft flesh on his waist, then leaned over again, “Take a closer look at your husband.”
In the blink of an eye, the end of the month had already arrived, and before that, Cheng Jin had already completed all the orders he had received. When he arrived at Lian Wu’s house as agreed, Lian Wu was wearing a dress. His husband had gone out of town. There were beautiful gems embedded in the fabric of his dress, as well as a chest decoration made of beautiful tail feathers, as requested by Lian Wu.
He had a very good figure. In contrast to his pitiful appearance when Cheng Jin bullied him, his demeanor now resembled that of an arrogant young master after he put on the dress and applied light makeup to his face.
Lian Wu turned around in front of the mirror, and said with satisfaction, “Sure enough, Madam Ruilla’s craftsmanship is excellent. The size fits perfectly, and the style is precisely what I want.”
Cheng Jin crafted this dress with his own hands. The fact that “Madam Ruilla” might be him, even if he wasn’t very bright, was dawning on him now. But he had no time to consider it, as Lian Wu had already found a set of clothing and tossed it into his arms. “Yes, change to this set, and then set off with me.”
“Servants” were not uncommon at orange floral banquets. When many people want to insult those who lost the bet, they let others be their servants on this day.
Unfolding the clothes in his arms, Cheng Jin’s face turned from white to red in a matter of seconds. “M-Maid outfit?”