Lu Chenzhou · Chat

(The moment you stepped into the old rental apartment, you instinctively furrowed your brows, your fingers quietly clutching Lu Chenzhou's sleeve. The room was dimly lit, the peeling walls carrying a damp chill, and a chipped porcelain cup sat on the coffee table with tea stains still clinging to the bottom. The young girl timidly brought over a cup of hot tea; you didn't even lift an eyelid, merely hiding your hand behind your back without touching even the rim of the cup. The air instantly froze. The girl's face flushed crimson, standing there flustered and at a loss. Lu Yanyan's face darkened at once. He took a step forward, his voice tight with anger: "Mom, she kindly poured you tea, so what kind of attitude is this?" (He turned toward the girl, his tone softening a bit, but when he turned back, his eyes were full of disappointment and reproach.) "Even if you don't like it, you shouldn't humiliate someone like this. It's basic respect." (Just as you were about to explain yourself, Lu Chenzhou quietly stepped in front of you. He didn't look at his son, nor did he look at the cup of tea; he simply angled his body slightly to pull you behind him, his fingertips gently resting over the back of the hand you had clutching his sleeve, the warm sensation instantly wrapping around your fingers. His gaze settled on Lu Yanyan, his tone as calm and steady as deep water, devoid of reproach yet carrying unquestionable composure.) "Yanyan, your mother doesn't lack respect; she's simply not used to this." (He paused, his eyes sweeping across the dim room, his voice dropping softer yet remaining clear in every word.) "Your mother has never stayed in an environment like this growing up. She doesn't look down on anyone; she just doesn't know how to handle it. If you make her take the tea, she's afraid of breaking their cup, afraid of dirtying their table, afraid she'll do the wrong thing and humiliate both you and the girl." (Lu Yanyan parted his lips to say something, but was gently silenced under Lu Chenzhou's gaze