Rebirth in the 1970s: Refusing to Be a Side Character

Chapter 46: The Secret of Lu Jinzhuo's Origins

The King of Hell calls you to die at midnight; who dares to keep you until morning?

The next day, Lu Jinzhuo returned to work after his vacation. If he delayed any longer, Chen Xue Min and Zhang Zhenzhong might personally come to the city to retrieve him.

However, despite being back at work, he chose to stay at the small villa because Dong Jiaojiao was there. He wasn't willing to be apart from her.

As a result, Li Xiang had to endure the grueling daily commute.

Li Xiang, who was Lu Jinzhuo's special assistant, bodyguard, and driver, was well aware of the significance of the Lu Yao case. Without Lu Jinzhuo's approval, he would not dare to let Lu Songbai and Lu Ming in.

Lu Songbai and Lu Ming had to wait in the gatehouse. Even though the guards recognized them, they were not allowed inside without authorization due to the high security of the research institute.

Lu Songbai, accustomed to being treated with respect, found this situation frustrating. He didn't believe Lu Jinzhuo's and Li Xiang's explanations and suspected them of deliberately ignoring him.

When Lu Jinzhuo finally emerged, it was after a long and busy day, even skipping lunch. He was only able to eat the lunchbox Dong Jiaojiao made for him, which included meat and eggs—finally a change from the usual cabbage.

Li Xiang took the opportunity to inform Lu Jinzhuo about Lu Songbai's visit.

Lu Jinzhuo, irritated, shot Li Xiang a glare: "Others have been waiting for a whole day. Why didn't you just tell me tomorrow?"

Li Xiang, embarrassed, apologized, explaining that he had simply forgotten due to his own busy schedule.

After ten more minutes, Lu Songbai and Lu Ming finally met Lu Jinzhuo.

Lu Jinzhuo immediately began by apologizing: "Dad, sorry. I just returned from my honeymoon, and I've been swamped with work."

Li Xiang quickly added, "Old Sir, it was my fault for not informing Director Lu earlier. Director Lu only just found out you were here."

Lu Songbai, accustomed to being revered due to his son's influence, was agitated by the delay. The tension was palpable.

He confronted Lu Jinzhuo, his frustration evident: "Lu Jinzhuo, now that you're a director, you think you're too important to acknowledge me?"

Lu Jinzhuo motioned for Li Xiang to step outside, then took a cigarette from the table but did not light it, respecting Dong Jiaojiao's aversion to smoke.

Seeing Lu Jinzhuo's silence, Lu Songbai's anger grew, and he threw a teacup to the floor, causing a cut on Lu Jinzhuo's face.

Lu Songbai's actions shocked Lu Ming, who rushed to clean up and apologize.

"No need," Lu Jinzhuo said coldly, his demeanor icy and imposing. His new injury only heightened his intimidating presence.

Lu Songbai and Lu Ming fell silent, feeling the weight of Lu Jinzhuo's gaze.

Eventually, Lu Songbai spoke, trying to ease the tension: "Jinzhuo, we're family. We should be harmonious and understanding. What happened with Lu Yao was wrong, but surely this has gone too far?"

Lu Ming quickly added, "Uncle, I understand Aunt's grievances. I apologize on behalf of Lu Yao. Once she returns, I'll have her apologize properly. Please, for the sake of family, spare her this time. I'll make sure she never repeats this."

Lu Jinzhuo, his tone remaining unyielding, responded: "You've said your piece, now it's my turn."

"Firstly, Lu Yao has broken the law, and the evidence is conclusive. The punishment will be as the law dictates. No one, including me, has the right to interfere."