The Rise of the White Lotus

Three weeks later...

"I miss you," Lexi said. "Two more days felt like forever." Indistinct noises came from the other end of the line. She wasn't able to analyze them as Ethan Lu's reception wasn't particularly good at the moment.

It's been almost a week since Ethan Lu went on a business trip for seven days. It was his fifth day today that he wasn't around. Hence, Lexi missed him more than she could say it. However, since she also needed to manage Beauty DR, especially now that she was taking part in formulating cosmetic samples, she couldn't fly to country M.

"Love, you don't know how I missed you too. Also, the twins — aya! I don't think I can stay here for another day." Dejected, Ethan Lu frowned as he truly yearned to hug Lexi and his children. 

He went to Lu Corporation's branch in Country M for a specific reason. Although he wanted to go home, he needed to settle the problem that occurred in this branch of their company. Also, to broaden his connections in this country.

Country M, a well-known country to be one of the most dangerous countries. Not just that, it was said that other mob bosses live around the country. Despite that, this branch was one of the strongest pillars of Lu Corporation as they monopolized this particular country.

Therefore, now that Ethan Lu had become the new head, he wanted to personally firm his ties with government officials and some powerful individuals. After all, although they respected Edward Lu, Ethan Lu must also gain their trust. It just so happened that a problem occurred in the said branch that he had to settle and investigate the matter along with his other motives.

Nevertheless, it would save him the trouble since he would hit two birds with one stone. Hence, the duration of his visit.

"Haha," Lexi chuckled, "then come home. You know, Lara had been looking for you." She teased. Well, it was true though. Lara had been a little grumpy when her father left for business purposes. 

Although the twins were seven months old, Lexi's heart magically understood them. Perhaps, it was because of maternal instinct. Hence, whenever Lady Lara Lu cried, she would let her hold on her father's photo or video call him if he was available. 

On the other hand, Evan Lu would also occasionally throw a tantrum. However, he was always like that. He would only stop when his sister would stop crying or when he was held by his grandparents or his mother. 

What a sweet, clingy child.

"Ahh… my daddy's girl~" More frustrated by Lexi's teasing, Ethan Lu frowned even more. How could he not go home if his little angel was looking for him? How hard it was to earn money.

"Also, Evan… I guess." Lexi added with a chuckle. She heard a deep sigh coming from Ethan Lu's end and she could imagine the face he was making right now. "I'm just teasing you. Two more days will pass in a blink of an eye. I will fetch you at the airport then?" Leaning her back against her office chair, Lexi subtly smiled.

Well, even she wasn't convinced of her remarks. However, what could she do? Ethan Lu was there for business purposes and not for a vacation. Thus, she fully understood the reason for his occupied time. At the very least, he would update her from time to time and make time for her.

"Mhmm," Humming a tune, Ethan Lu responded. "I love you. I'll see you in two days." 

"I heart you too. Alright, you might miss your meeting. Bye~" Reluctant to end the line, Lexi waited for his reply, which she answered with a "take care" before the line was sadly cut short.

"Well," After some time, Lexi exhaled heavily before forcing a smile on her face. "Two days will pass, in a blink of an eye." She repeated her words earlier just to motivate and convince herself. With that said note, Lexi stood from her seat and then headed out of her office.

She went straight to the laboratory of Beauty DR where the magic of the best product happened. Little did she know, later that night, she would receive the most shocking news she would ever hear in her life; it would turn her life around and drag her to the deepest part of the darkness.

****

"Master,"

"Ah, yes. I heard." Looking up at Lyrick Jiang who approached him, Ethan Lu briefly raised his brows up. "Have you told Red to fetch me?" He asked as he pulled up the handle of his luggage.

"Yes." Nodding his head, Lyrick Jiang was extra solemn by the sound of his voice.

"Alright." Stretching his lips to a smile, Ethan Lu began taking strides to the departure area of Country M's airport. However, he stopped when he heard Lyrick Jiang call him out.

"Master!" Lyrick Jiang saw him turn his head around, bearing an inquiring front. "Nothing. Safe flight." He wanted to stop his master from leaving the country without him. But, who could stop a father and a husband from surprising his family with his early return?

Maybe he was just used being on his master's side all the time that he was nervous. Since this plan was unprecedented, the earliest flight back to their home country was fully booked. Meanwhile, the Lu's private choppers were under maintenance and Edward Lu used the other one that supposed to fetch Ethan Lu in two days.

Hence, Lyrick Jiang would have to take the next flight as his master couldn't wait to see his children and lovely wife. 

"Haha. I somehow think I have a mistress because of you. See you later." Ethan Lu chuckled as Lyrick Jiang's thoughts were plastered across his whole face. Shaking his head, he resumed on his tracks before he waved his hand on the side as he bid his farewell.

***

Later that night…

"Breaking news: A plane crash in the border of Country M…" On her way home, Lexi was listening to the radio and suddenly a newsflash about a plane crash interrupted the station. 

Upon hearing that it was near where her husband was staying right now, Lexi's interest was piqued. The more she listened to it about the sharp jump of deaths, Lexi heaved a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Ethan Lu scheduled flight was after two days.

Just as Lexi sighed in relief, the next words the report stated made her entire world stopped. 

"In the flight BN XXX, it was confirmed that the CEO of the Lu Corporation was one passenger…"