The Funeral

Chapter 1

My father’s funeral had been both beautiful and sorrowful. Though I had been adopted as a child and we shared no blood, Lu Weiyu, my adoptive father, had welcomed me into his grand home and given me the childhood every child deserved.

Now, I was eighteen, technically an adult—but only on paper. I had always been the kind of girl who didn’t want to grow up or take on responsibility. When I had played around as a child, meddling with my father’s belongings, he had never scolded me. Instead, he would laugh and say,

“My Xixi, what am I going to do with you?”

I might never have learned to be properly well-behaved, but my father couldn’t stay angry. I had always been the sunshine of his house, the little girl he doted on. Never did I imagine that he would be struck by such a terrible tumor, and that he would die so soon.

The funeral concluded, and I knelt quietly, tears streaming down my face, taking my time while the other guests remained seated, waiting for their turn to pay respects.

“Bàba… this is Xuxia,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I know you wouldn’t want to see me like this, but now that you’ve been taken from this world, I can’t think of anything positive anymore. I will miss you for all eternity. Thank you for everything.”

Suddenly, the doors of the temple burst open, and at least thirty men in black suits stormed in.

“Who dares to crash Mr. Lu Weiyu’s memorial?” shouted a man who had known my father.

“I do,” a deep male voice answered.

The suited men parted like soldiers, forming a path in the middle. In stepped a tall man with sharp, striking features. He looked dangerous, like a real-life criminal straight out of a TV drama. My whole body froze when our eyes met. Who in the world was he?

“Look! It’s Mr. Lu Zeyan! What could he possibly be doing here?!”

“That’s him for sure. He looks like an actual model.”

The man called Lu Zeyan ignored the whispers and attention and walked straight toward the altar where I was sitting at the front.

I rose to block his path, stretching out my arms and glaring at him with all the courage I could muster. No one would ruin my father’s memorial—not while I was here.

“Xiǎomèi, you’d better move,” he said arrogantly. (Xiǎomèi: Chinese nickname for a young girl)

“Never,” I snapped, surprising myself with my firmness despite my fear. “You and your men may have stormed in, but don’t think I’ll let you ruin my father’s funeral too.”

I had hoped my defiance might make him reconsider. Instead, he gave me a self-assured smile—one that only promised trouble.

“I didn’t know my uncle’s adopted daughter had grown up to be so… sassy. Has no one taught you to show respect to your elders?” His tone was sharp, laced with mockery.

How dare he speak to me like that? Who did he think he was?

Then I realized something in his words. He hadn’t said “uncle.” Could it be… impossible?

Whispers began to ripple through the guests.

“Wait… is Mr. Lu Zeyan Mr. Lu Weiyu’s nephew?”

“The mysterious nephew sent abroad for studies… is that really Lu Zeyan?!”

Another voice spoke, confirming the rumors.

“Yes. As Lu Zeyan’s assistant, I can officially confirm that Mr. Zeyan is Mr. Lu Weiyu’s nephew and has now returned to China. Following Master Lu Weiyu’s tragic passing, Lu Zeyan is the oldest surviving member of the Lu family, and will officially inherit all of his uncle’s assets.”

A wave of shock passed through the guests. Everyone, including myself, had assumed Lu Tianye would inherit after my father’s death. Now, with Lu Zeyan back, everything was about to change.

“From today onward, I assume the position of CEO of Lu Corporations, as well as the title of Master Lu. I have grand plans, and many changes will happen soon—”

I interrupted him, unable to listen further. It was just too unfair.

“Mr. Lu, even if you are my father’s nephew, my stepbrother Lu Tianye has worked at Lu Corporation since he was a child. Tianye has spent years preparing to take over the company. It’s not right to take that away from him,” I said.

“A man who cannot even speak for himself, and must rely on his so-called stepsister as a spokesperson, does not have what it takes to hold a CEO position,” he sneered,

aiming his words at my brother.

Lu Zeyan’s piercing gaze then fell upon me again. The difference in height and

presence made me feel a hundred times smaller; he was overwhelming, powerful, and fully aware of it.

“As for you, little péngyǒu,” he said, gripping my jaw firmly, “remember, you are not a real Lu. Best you keep your place and do not defy me too much.”

I had made up my mind. I wouldn’t let Lu Zeyan take control, and I certainly wouldn’t make it easy for him. He had been cruel, good. It was time he got a taste of his own

medicine. I smiled slyly, grabbed his hand, and pushed it away from my jaw, holding his gaze steadily. He looked at me with surprise and

disbelief at my fearlessness.

“Mr. Lu, we are not acquainted, so there is no reason for familiarity. I am already eighteen, so calling me ‘xiǎomèi’ is

inappropriate.”

“You speak as though you have been

appointed head of the family,” he said,

patting my head lightly. “I feel generous

today, so no punishment this time.”

Great. Now he was not only disrespectful, he was treating me like a child.

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