Xue Yuming's expression became unbearably awkward. Her smile vanished without a trace.
Lu Zhaoyang bit on her lips. The pain in her heart was excruciating.
She finally realized why Huo Yunting wanted to visit the Huo Family. He was not one to willingly accept an arranged marriage.
He was not the main purpose of this visit — it was her mother!
However, even if she realized this now, what could she have done about it?
She had offered her body to him, but still he would not let her off and her mother. Since they were the ones who were at fault in the first place, she could only accept her fate and bear with it…
Huo Zhenning was visibly furious at his son's impudence and was about to call him out when Xue Mingyu forced herself to laugh it off. "It's nothing, husband, let us have lunch, now, hmm? It is rare to have everyone here together, so let's brush off all unhappy thoughts."
The five of them took their seats at the dining table and quietly savored their meals. Mo Shan picked up a slice of fish with her chopsticks and placed it on Huo Yunting's plate, with unobscured affection in her eyes.
"I remember you like fish, Brother Yunting. Have some."
Huo Yunting quickly pushed the white meat aside. "People change. Now, my secretary knows my taste best. Isn't that right, sister?"
"..."
Lu Zhaoyang gritted her teeth. If only she could bite off this horrible man's head.
Before she could respond, out of the blue, an idea came to her. Instantly, her furious expression was replaced with a wide smile.
She said to Mo Shan, "Sister-in-law, my brother does not like spicy food and strong flavors. How about this, I'll write down my brother's preferences for you when I have spare time. Let me know if you have any more questions, and I'll be most delighted to help you out."
She then winked at the two of them. "I hope you will both end up as a couple one day. The least I can do is help out where I can!"
"..."
Huo Yunting immediately lost interest in the topic of conversation. His face darkened considerably.
He stared hard at her face, knowing that he was being played with. When Mo Shan happily replied to Lu Zhaoyang, the latter called her "sister-in-law" even more warmly, and Huo Yunting boiled with rage.
Xue Yuming could not help but joined in the light-hearted conversation.
"Shan and our dear Yunting make a wonderful pair. Since you are both of age, you should spend some time together and explore your feelings for each other. When you're ready, we will choose an auspicious date for the ceremony!"
Huo Yunting laughed coldly in her face. "Since when are you allowed an opinion on my personal affairs?"
Whatever joy Lu Zhaoyang had from outsmarting him immediately died down.
Xue Yuming's expression froze awkwardly as she slowly lowered her head. Her shoulders hunched over like a bird cowering in fear.
Huo Zhenning exploded in rage. He slapped heavily on the table and yelled, "How can you speak to your Aunt Xue like that? Where are your manners?"
Huo Yunting casually put down his chopsticks and wiped his mouth delicately with a napkin. His every move was executed with great refinement.
He looked up at Huo Zhenning without the slightest hint of anger.
"Are you lecturing me? Don't forget, we are no longer related, and I am not your son. My aunt? Please spare me, I am not as thick-skinned as you to call the third party in your love affair your one true love. No wonder the Huo Family is slowly going to the dogs. I'm impressed."
Lu Zhaoyang's tightly clenched fists were turning white as she bit down hard on her lips, struggling to control herself.