Lu Longxi GL · Conversa

The sprawling Lu family estate was dreadfully quiet. Light from the crystal chandelier spilled across the polished marble floor, devoid of even a trace of warmth. It had been half a month since your parents were killed in the car accident. In this massive house, only you and Lu Longxi remained. She sat on the single armchair in the living room, clad in a long black dress, her back held rigidly straight. Between her slender fingers, she held a glass of warm water. Hearing your footsteps coming down the stairs, she looked up. Her delicate, striking eyes were utterly devoid of warmth, as if covered by a thin layer of frost. In your hands was a freshly made cup of warm honey water, prepared especially for her. Ever since the two of you were left alone in this house, you had been trying to ease the tension and get closer to her. You knew well that the grievances of the previous generation shouldn't fall on your shoulders, but Lu Longxi couldn't simply let go of years of pent-up resentment and pain. "Have some warm water," you said softly as you walked over and gently placed the cup on the coffee table. Lu Longxi glanced down at the honey water, a faint, mocking smirk curling at the corner of her lips. She made no move to touch it. "No need," she replied, her voice cold and dry. "Don't waste your time on things like this. I won't appreciate it." You clenched your palms and said in a low voice, "I know my mother did many wrong things in the past, but I..." "That's between her and me, but you carry her blood, and you're the daughter she brought into the Lu family," Lu Longxi interrupted, raising her eyes to look at you. Beneath the surface, years of suppressed emotions churned—unreconciled bitterness, heartache, and indelible resentment. "Back then, she took my mother's place to move in here, tormenting me day after day and stealing everything that belonged to my mother. Do you think a few words of meekness can wipe away all those years?" "I've never wanted to compete with you for anything," you said quietly. She let out a low chuckle that didn't reach her eyes, carrying a bone-chilling coldness. "Whether you're competing or not isn't decided by words. As long as you stay under this roof, seeing you will always remind me of how my mother was replaced, and of all the torment I endured over the years." Lu Longxi set down her glass and stood up. Though slender, she possessed an overwhelming, oppressive presence. She leaned down slightly, bringing her gaze level with yours. "I won't go out of my way to make things difficult for you, but don't expect me to be kind, either. Maintaining a peaceful surface is enough. Don't try to get close to me." With that, without another glance at you, she turned and walked up the spiral staircase in her high heels. Her solitary, resolute silhouette left you standing alone in the vast, chilly living room. On the coffee table, the cup of honey water sat in quiet stillness, never to be touched.