Demon Consort Runs into the Beijing Crown Prince - Chapter 13

Chu Muyun turned to see Zhou Wei.

Zhou Wei had deliberately shouted loudly, fueled by malicious teasing.

He held no personal grudge against Chu Muyun, but he strongly suspected that Lu Hanzhang’s forced acquisition of Huashi was solely for Chu Muyun’s sake, leading him to harbor some resentment toward the actor.

“Greetings, Crown Princess! May the Crown Princess be blessed!” The others chimed in with laughter. They had all heard Zhou Wei’s exaggerated rants about this matter in their group chat, and now they finally saw the real person.

He’s certainly beautiful, they thought. The Crown Prince really likes this type, those eyes with a hint of seductiveness.

Though he’s probably even more seductive in bed, they mused, but we’ll never get to see that.

“Hello everyone,” Chu Muyun said with effortless grace. “Please, no need for formalities. Rise.”

“I heard the Crown Princess is an actor,” someone said with a forced smile. “Could you tell me about your representative works? I’ll catch up later.”

The question carried a veiled insult, implying he had no notable achievements and was merely a kept man of the Crown Prince.

Chu Muyun remained unfazed, “I don’t have any representative works yet, but they’re coming soon.”

Knowing that everyone at the banquet was either wealthy or influential, he added with a smile, “If I were you, I’d seize this opportunity to secure my endorsement now. The fees are still reasonable. Once I become famous, you’ll have made a fortune.”

With that, he walked away, his plate piled high with food.

Whispers rippled through the crowd behind him.

“He’s quite confident.”

“Looks like this time it’s for real.”

“I saw it with my own eyes. How could it be fake?” Zhou Wei scoffed.

Lu Hanzhang’s continued bachelorhood wasn’t without reason.

Everyone in their social circle knew the old story from years ago. The previous generations of the Lu and Li Clans had been close, and they’d casually discussed a childhood betrothal. It was just a passing remark, not taken seriously at the time. Later, Lu Hanzhang grew into an exceptionally capable and handsome man, and the Li Family’s daughter fell for him. The Li Family then revived the old agreement, hoping to arrange a marriage between the two. But Lu Hanzhang firmly refused, and Old Master Lu couldn’t sway him, so the matter was dropped.

Miss Li, unwilling to give up, continued to introduce herself as his fiancée. When they ran into each other at a banquet, Lu Hanzhang publicly humiliated her, leaving her no face whatsoever. Miss Li cried until her eyes were swollen and fled the country that very night, never to return.

This guy was truly a cold, unyielding ice mountain, showing no mercy even to women. For Chu Muyun to dare acknowledge the title “Crown Princess” must mean it’s genuine, right?

While they whispered among themselves, Chu Muyun was busy enjoying the food.

Everything tasted delicious, and he even mixed a low-alcohol cocktail with rum, lime juice, and Sprite to complement his meal.

Just then, someone approached him with a smile, “Future superstar, care to chat?”

When Lu Hanzhang entered, Chu Muyun was deep in conversation with Meng Qin, a female entrepreneur.

This elegant and sophisticated woman was the CEO of Shu Meijia, a domestic cosmetics company. She had invited Chu Muyun to shoot a print ad for their newly launched product, the Ancient Pearl Cream.

Meng Qin felt Chu Muyun’s image and demeanor were perfect for the brand. She had happened to be nearby earlier when he was talking to the group of people, discreetly observing the scene.

Sign him now while his endorsement fees are still low, she thought. Once he becomes famous, this will be a steal.

To be honest, she found the idea quite appealing.

With the backing of the Beijing Crown Prince, Chu Muyun’s rise to fame was only a matter of time.

Chu Muyun was easy to work with. When an advertising contract landed in his lap, offered by someone who seemed genuinely sincere, he naturally accepted. He gave Meng Qin his manager Jin Ming’s contact information, promising to have Jin Ming handle the specifics later.

As their conversation continued, Chu Muyun happened to glance over his shoulder and noticed Lu Hanzhang had arrived.

Meng Qin also saw him. With a smile and a nod, she said, “I won’t intrude any further.” She gracefully picked up her wine glass and excused herself.

Chu Muyun stood up, turned around, and hurried toward Lu Hanzhang.

“I just landed an ad!” he exclaimed.

Chu Muyun’s eyes sparkled with laughter, a smug grin spreading across his face.

“Hmm, not bad,” Lu Hanzhang murmured. He had originally intended for Chu Muyun to network at the reception and build connections. If Chu Muyun wasn’t interested in that and simply wanted to freeload, that was fine, too.

“Um, Boss, I need to use the restroom, but I don’t know the way,” Chu Muyun said. “Could you show me?”

Lu Hanzhang replied, “The restroom is easy to find. Just exit the ballroom, walk straight to the end of the hall, and turn left…”

“I’ll get lost! I have no sense of direction. Just take me~” Chu Muyun cut him off, resorting to childish pouting.

“……”

“Boss~”

“……Follow me.” Lu Hanzhang realized he couldn’t bring himself to refuse.

The two left the ballroom side by side, a trail of astonished gazes clinging to their backs.

Though they had mentally prepared themselves, witnessing the Beijing Crown Prince’s icy facade melt into such warmth was still a shocking sight.

The restroom was nearby, just a short walk away.

As expected of a top-tier private club, the restroom’s decor was lavish. Every surface gleamed with polished brilliance, even the sinks looked as if they might be gold-plated. There wasn’t a hint of unpleasant odor; the air carried a delicate fragrance from incense.

Chu Muyun pulled Lu Hanzhang into the private stall, “I need to tell you something. It’s not convenient out here. Let’s talk inside.”

Lu Hanzhang, “……”

What is it? Why does this feel like a shady drug deal?

Despite his thoughts, he allowed Chu Muyun to tug him inside.

The moment the stall door closed, Chu Muyun leaned in, rising onto his toes to force a kiss. He failed, his advance halted by Lu Hanzhang’s firm, muscular arms.

The enclosed space instantly reminded Lu Hanzhang of the two forced kisses he’d endured in the descending elevator. His instincts flared, and he reacted instantly to Chu Muyun’s sudden lunge.

Chu Muyun struggled briefly, but his efforts were futile. His strength was no match for Lu Hanzhang’s.

“Chu Muyun,” Lu Hanzhang frowned, his voice stern, “did you trick me into this again—”

“No,” Chu Muyun surrendered, his tone aggrieved. “I really do have something for you.”

He fished a silver chain from beneath his shirt collar. Dangling from it were two platinum cufflinks inlaid with black onyx, which he had carefully concealed against his skin. He had gone to great lengths to smuggle them in.

Chu Muyun detached the cufflinks from the chain. The two small, four-leaf clover-shaped pieces lay quietly in the palm of his hand.

Lu Hanzhang recognized the brand and asked, “How did you afford this?”

He remembered Chu Muyun saying he couldn’t even pay next month’s rent.

“The hundred thousand you gave me,” Chu Muyun replied. “I didn’t buy the high-end bracelet, so I used the leftover money to get you these cufflinks.”

He said it so matter-of-factly, casually admitting he’d used Lu Hanzhang’s money to buy him a gift.

For some reason, Lu Hanzhang’s heart stirred.

This straightforwardness was endearing, and Chu Muyun could have easily kept the money for himself instead of thinking of him.

After a moment of silence, Lu Hanzhang said, “Next time, get the high-end bracelet.”

“Mhm, we’ll worry about that later. Let me put these cufflinks on you.” Chu Muyun paused, then added, “Do you think you’ll be embarrassed to wear them?”

His gaze drifted to the watch on Lu Hanzhang’s wrist, worth dozens of times the price of the cufflinks.

“No.”

“Then let me put them on!”

Chu Muyun reached over, his fingers slender and pale as he carefully fastened the cufflinks. Though they were meant for a shirt, a lingering warmth seemed to transfer to Lu Hanzhang’s skin, leaving a tingling heat.

Once the cufflinks were secured, Chu Muyun looked up and asked, “Can I kiss you, now?”