The Rise of the White Lotus

"Good to see you too, Mr. Lu."

Ethan Lu's dilated eyes checked her from head to toe as if convincing himself that she's a real person and not an evil, vengeful spirit. His gaze then moved to the few rushing marshals towards their direction.

"Miss Yang, Young Master Lu, we're sorry to interrupt but Miss Yang, you can't go anywhere further the premises." One of the well-built guards courtly informed Lexi Yang bearing their disciplined manner.

Lexi, however, just stood there unmoving—without even giving the men behind her a glance. To her, she perceived this situation as an act of humiliation. But, admitting that she was at the lowest time of her life, this treatment was understandable.

Just as Lexi let out a frustrated sigh as she mustered all her courage to keep her head high like a proud person, Ethan Lu's playful yet enticing voice intercepted.

"Oh, I invited Miss Yang to accompany me today." Keeping his cool front with his ever irresistible grin that most women would fall for, Ethan Lu shifted his gaze from the guards to Lexi Yang before he raised his brows— giving her a knowing look.

"My apologies, young master Lu." The head marshal bowed, showing his sincere apologies and respect. Since Ethan Lu was the heir of Lu Corporation and had a strong bond with the CEO of Liu Empire, they could not simply object and interfere with their business. After all, socialites like them are hard to comprehend and if one offended them, it might cost them their employment.

After paying their respect for the last time, the marshal who was shooing her away earlier left without another word. Surely, whether it was from ancient times or today, people obeyed a person's word if they held great status and has wealth.

"Well, thank you, young master Lu." Lexi awkwardly thanked Ethan Lu out of courtesy.

"Don't mention it. You want to meet brother Mo, right? Then, shall we?" Ethan Lu gestured her to ride the lift first then grinned with excitement as if he was anticipating a great show to unravel. Despite his suspicious intention, Lexi nodded in agreement as she entered the elevator followed by Ethan Lu.

While inside the elevator, Lexi patiently waited for the lift to reach a certain floor where Morris Liu's office resides. On the other hand, Ethan Lu was leisurely leaning against the wall with a phone in his hand. Glancing at her back every once in a while, Than Lu was quite surprised that unlike the rumors: the hysterical, crazy fiancee of the Liu Empire, that hearsay seemed very unlikely to what's in front of him.

"Didn't you --"

"I did… I mean, I almost choked to death but I didn't." Lexi, without turning her head to the man behind her, interrupted his sentence midway as she guessed where his question was going.

Slowly nodding his head in acknowledging her honesty regarding the matter, Ethan Lu pursed his lips as he didn't bother to start a conversation with her.

Gradually, the atmosphere inside the elevator turned boring as neither of them uttered a word. Yet, both of them were unfazed as there was not much interesting conversation they could discuss. Moreover, they were hardly considered acquaintances because Lexi was solely interested in Morris Liu while Ethan Lu was busy living his life to the fullest. Therefore, they never met once despite having the same circle of friends.

"Don't forget your initial task, chu~" Out of nowhere, Churu appeared on Lexi's shoulder and reminded her about her task. Fortunately, Lexi was not startled as she was somewhat accustomed to Churu's sudden appearance and disappearance.

'Shut up, dumpling. This is much important than any task from that stupid system.' Lexi replied inwardly, certain that it will reach Churu.

*DING!*

Finally, the sound of the elevator indicating that they arrived on their specific floor rang— giving Lexi a relief. Without a word, Lexi walked out from the lift without accommodating the dashing man behind her; which he, by the way, did the same.

Ethan Lu never said a word with her as his huge strides soon overtook her and were now leading the way.

When she was in front of the assistant's desk before reaching Morris Liu's office, Lexi stopped behind Ethan Lu and heard her former fiancé's assistant in front.

"Young Master Lu!" The secretary swiftly jolted from her seat and she bowed her head towards Ethan Lu. Alas, when her gaze moved to the figure behind him and saw Lexi, a glint of dismay flash across the secretary's eyes. Still, even upon sensing her hostility, Lexi only raised her brows— keeping her 'b*tch face' as she looked down on the bowing secretary.

"Hey, Assistant Lin, brother Mo was looking for me?" Despite the silent war between both women, Ethan Lu could not be bothered by their animosity as he only cared to meet Morris Liu and perhaps, witness a good show.

"Yes, young master Lu. CEO Liu is waiting inside." Secretary Lin smiled as she courteously informed, disregarding Lexi's existence on the side.

"I see... thanks!" Ethan Lu nodded his head before he nonchalantly resumed on his tracks towards Moris Liu's office. On the other hand, Lexi wasn't the type of person who needed to be assisted as she automatically followed suit. Alas, just as she took a few steps to her, Secretary Lin blocked her way with a scornful sneer.

"Miss Yang, I'm afraid you don't have a scheduled appointment with CEO Liu."

"What makes you think I don't." Arching her brows to intimidate, Lexi blankly responded which evidently irked the secretary. Just as secretary Lin opened her mouth to sassed back, her words halted even before they left her mouth when Ethan Lu's voice reached them.

"Ah! Right, assistant Lin, Miss Yang is with me." Ethan Lu turned his head back to Lexi's figure that was being blocked by assistant Lin. Forming a merry smile, he raised his brows indicating to let Lexi pass before he entered Morris Liu's office.

After hearing Ethan Lu's statement, Lexi smirked, "I don't want to be here as well because... I can't bear to witness assistant Lin's flirtatious nature. Sadly, I have to— despite the fact that you disgust me."