"We haven't learned how to race, Daddy... That's just a normal drive! I think those guys edited the video making us look suave, but I will tell you the truth, we drive and know just the basics of driving." Lu Zi Zhen hurriedly responded, vowing earnestly like a good boy he had always been, he could lie through those innocent and pure eyes of his, they always kept mum with whatever things that were connected to their mom. They sneakily eyed their mom, so long as she didn't say anything, they weren't going to say anything.
Lu Zhi Hao knew better not to trust that innocent face and eyes. He has lived with him for the last six years and is almost going to seven. He knew him better than anyone else. People would think he was naive and innocent, but he was him who dealt with the underground business. Lu Zhi Hao already knew everything he had been up to in the darkness.
He has been present in his life, he has treated him as his son, and he understood why he didn't want to confide in him. He would just look out for him from the shadows.
Lu Zi Zhen held his mother's hand, kneading it intimately... "Momma, don't be mad at me, I will change my ways!" He whined while pouting his lips. His eyes were turning misty. He didn't like seeing her so quietly.
Lu Zi Zhen held on tighter, the warmth of his mother's palm grounding him, though his heart fluttered with unease.
Her silence was the scariest kind of scolding, no raised voice, no reprimand, just that deep quiet that made his chest feel too tight. He has always treated her like his mother, the only person who truly loves him. He didn't want to have a cold argument with her.
Lu Zhi Hao watched the boy's performance with a raised brow, arms folded across his chest, watching them. He had to admit, the kid was good at conveying emotions when even he knew he wouldn't keep the promises; if he hadn't known him so well, he might have been moved by her antics. But those misty eyes? That trembling lip? All part of the act. He would have definitely become the best overall actor, winning Oscar awards.
Still, even the best liars sometimes told the truth in their own way. Sometimes they convey their emotions in the same way.
Lu Wan Ruyi finally turned to look at her son, her expression unreadable.
Her silence had never been cruel, it was restraint, she was holding herself back. She was battling between scolding him, protecting him, and the unbearable worry that had tightened around her heart ever since she saw that video.
She didn't dare scold him, knowing very well she was his closest relative amongst the Lu family, he wanted to protect him, but this guy always does the wrong thing at the wrong time. Looking at those misty eyes, she would have to give in
"How many times have I heard you make that promise, Zi Zhen?" Her voice was soft, almost too calm.
From school to University, he was wild by nature, not only once, she had been called to the school for his skipping classes, for him jumping through the fence, it wasn't the first time they were at the police station, it wasn't the first time she was cleaning his mess, and the chain seemed to be endless.
Lu Zi Zhen's head drooped, his shoulders shrinking as guilt clawed its way through his chest. He also didn't want to get her worried, but he was grown now and wanted to be someone she could depend on.
"I didn't mean to worry you, Momma. It was just supposed to be fun… I didn't expect things to get out of hand. My moods spiraled in the wrong direction." His voice was small now, no theatrics, just the raw truth of a boy who didn't want to disappoint his mother.