Chapitre 17: The Awkward Dinner

Scarlett felt the scrutinizing gaze of both Jack and the unnamed woman upon her. Debating whether to make the phone call, she quickly weighed her options and decided to dial. If she didn't, it would seem like she was trying to hide something. She couldn't afford to offend Jack, who she thought of as a mischievous imp, and therefore needed to summon Lucius, known as the 'Black Death', to counteract him.

She pulled out her phone and dialed Lucius' number, secretly hoping for an automated message stating the phone was switched off. It would solve everyone's problems; however, as luck would have it, the call connected. Damn, it went through!

She didn't need to lift her head to know the expressions on the faces across from her. One was probably smirking while the other was likely suppressing anger.

After four rings, Lucius' deep voice echoed from the phone, "What is it?"

Scarlett, stiffening her resolve, replied, "Mr. Zhou, Aunt Feng is here."

Lucius paused, his response as calm as ever, "I'll be home in forty minutes."

"Alright, I'll pass that on."

She hung up the phone and relayed Lucius' response verbatim. The woman maintained a faint smile, her emotions inscrutable, "You should have asked him where he was. I could have gone to him directly."

Scarlett didn't respond. Jack spoke up leisurely, "Aunt Feng rarely comes for a visit. I've made arrangements. It's almost lunchtime when he arrives. We should all have lunch together."

A pang of realization hit Scarlett. Four people. Was she included?

Jack lifted his gaze to Scarlett, "Miss Li, you didn't seem to enjoy the meal yesterday. What do you prefer? I'll have the kitchen prepare it."

Scarlett smiled briefly, replying, "No need, I've arranged to meet a friend for lunch."

A frown creased Jack's brow, his tone petulant like a child, "Why don't you keep your word? You promised we would have lunch together... Aunt Feng doesn't come often. You don't need to feel awkward."

Scarlett, considering herself an intellectual, couldn't help but think: Awkward? Not at all! This kid is trying to mess with me under the pretense of asking for my help. I see he's trying to kill two birds with one stone!

The woman, caught between the affectionate mentor and student, grew more aloof as her smile faded. She interjected, "You two should continue your tutoring. Don't let me distract you. I'll head downstairs."

As soon as she left the room, Jack instructed, "Miss Li, please close the door."

Scarlett closed the door, standing in thought. After a while, noticing that she wasn't speaking, Jack nudged her, "Aren't you going to push me to study?"

Scarlett didn't look at him, her voice low, "If you truly want me to leave, don't do it like this. Tutors rely on their reputation, especially with a prominent family like yours involved. This could affect my future work prospects."

She didn't cry or show anger, her tone was merely resigned. Seeing this, Jack felt a sudden pang of guilt, blurting out, "Who wants to kick you out? I've already said it. You're helping me. I acknowledge you as my teacher."

He paused, then added, "If anyone dares to say anything bad about my tutor, it means they're attacking the Zhou family. They won't get away with it easily."

Scarlett Li didn't reply, her

gaze slightly lowered, looking somewhat wronged.

Jack was unsettled, he pursed his lips, then spoke again, "I was the one doing all the talking earlier. I know who you are and that's enough for me. If anyone misunderstands, let them take it up with me. I'd like to see who dares to make things difficult for you."

Scarlett, her head lowered, was almost bursting with joy inside. Ah, he's such a child, both born under the sign of the pig in the Chinese zodiac. He was a cycle younger than her. If she was the wolf in sheep's clothing, he was just a paper tiger at best.

To conceal her internal unrest, Jack was cooperative for the remainder of the time. Scarlett, of course, didn't show her delight. She carried herself with a hint of worry, until Uncle Chan knocked on the door, calling them downstairs for dinner.

"I should probably leave you to it," said Scarlett.

Before Jack could respond, Uncle Chan chimed in, "Mr Zhou asked you to stay for dinner. It won't take long, and we'll arrange a ride for you afterwards."

As they walked downstairs, Lucius Zhou was seated on the sofa opposite a woman. They were at either ends of the sofa, not looking like they were in love, but more like they were discussing business. He looked up at Scarlett, his handsome face as stern as ever, he simply said, "Let's eat first."

Scarlett had figured out what Jack was thinking, but she couldn't discern what Lucius intended. She didn't want to cause a scene in front of Lucius Zhou, so she nodded and followed him towards the dining room.

The long table was familiar. Lucius Zhou sat at the head of the table, with Scarlett and Jack on one side, across from a woman whose behavior was appropriate but distant.

When the food was served, Scarlett noticed that the dishes were quite different from the previous day. Closest to her was a well-prepared roast duck, accompanied by small pancakes for wrapping. If that was an exception, then the arrival of the crystal pork knuckle and moo shu pork confirmed it was not a coincidence.

The dining table was quiet. The woman asked, "Why the sudden craving for Night City dishes?"

Lucius calmly replied, "Miss Li has spent a long time in Night City, she's not used to Deep City cuisine."

Upon hearing this, the woman finally looked at Scarlett and smiled lightly, "To have earned Mr. Zhou's approval, you must truly be capable, Miss Li."

Scarlett Li responded with a smile, "I'm always grateful for Mr. Zhou's recognition."

The woman lowered her gaze to her food. Just when Scarlett thought the topic was over, the woman suddenly spoke, "Judging by Miss Li's appearance alone, I could guess any profession for her, except for a tutor. But seeing you here, it's not surprising."

Scarlett looked up at the woman, who maintained her elegant smile. "Men are visual creatures, and Mr. Zhou is particularly fond of beauty. Even the ornaments in the corners of the room must be attractive."

Though the words sounded like a compliment, they were actually a sarcastic jab suggesting Scarlett was nothing more than a decorative piece. Scarlett caught a glimpse of Lucius's face growing pale. He didn't say anything, so she remained silent with a forced smile.

She lowered her gaze to eat. After only a few bites, a pair of chopsticks reached over and served her a piece of abalone. Following the chopsticks, she caught Lucius Zhou putting down the serving chopsticks as everyone at the table watched him with a mix of expressions.

Lucius, unfazed, said, "

You should eat some seafood too. Abalone is beneficial for women."

In an instant, Scarlett could feel a rush of heat to her face. She wasn't shy, rather startled. However, this scene in the eyes of the onlookers could be interpreted in many ways.

The dinner was incredibly awkward, even more so than the previous day. After the meal, Scarlett suggested leaving. Lucius rose unhurriedly, "I'll walk you out."

He didn't call for someone else to escort her, but chose to do it himself. Scarlett was about to refuse when the woman on the sofa leisurely said, "Let the driver take her. I have things to discuss."

Lucius responded casually, "I don't trust anyone else to do it."

The woman stared at Lucius unblinkingly.

Scarlett was thinking: What role am I playing in this?

After a few seconds, the woman finally showed a faint, seemingly forced smile, her tone carrying a hint of suppressed irritation, "It's broad daylight. What could possibly go wrong?"

Lucius returned her gaze with a knowing look and said calmly, "I can't help it if she's so beautiful."