As noon approached, Lu Yuze set aside his work, wanting to be fully present when lunch was served in case Shuyin and the children woke and came down. The kitchen staff had outdone themselves, a beautiful spread of exactly what he’d requested, artfully arranged on fine china. Clear chicken broth in delicate bowls, perfectly steamed sea bass with ginger, fresh fruit arranged like art, and a pot of fragrant jasmine tea that made him think of Shuyin’s supernatural scent.

He was reviewing the dress delivery confirmation on his tablet when he heard soft footsteps on the stairs. Looking up, he found Shuyin descending carefully, one hand on the railing, her movements still carrying that slight stiffness that spoke of lingering soreness. She’d changed into a comfortable silk robe, and her hair was tousled from sleep, but her eyes were clearer than they’d been that morning, more alert and rested.

"You’re awake," Lu Yuze said, standing immediately and moving to offer his arm for support. "How are you feeling?"

Shuyin accepted his arm gratefully, leaning into him slightly as they walked toward the dining table. "Better," she admitted, her voice still carrying a hint of sleepiness. "Sore, but better. Sleep helped." She paused, glancing around the quiet mansion. "The children, they’re all gone?"

"All relocated safely," Lu Yuze confirmed, pulling out a chair for her. "Seventy-three being processed for family reunification through the police. Nearly a hundred at a good hostel run by a woman named Mrs. Liu. The boy who attacked Yuyan is receiving proper psychiatric care. Everyone is where they need to be."

Shuyin sank into the chair with visible relief, both physical and emotional. "Thank you for handling that while I rested. I know it couldn’t have been simple."

"Ting Fei and Ah Ling did most of the coordination," Lu Yuze said, settling into the chair beside her rather than at the head of the table, wanting to be close. "I just made the final decisions. Speaking of which....." he gestured to the food spread before them, "....lunch. You need to eat before we discuss anything else."

As if summoned by the mention of food, more footsteps sounded on the stairs. Yuyan appeared first, Chen Xiao’s hand held firmly in hers as she guided the younger child down carefully. Both looked sleepy but more peaceful than they had that morning, the rest having done them good as well.

"Mama! Papa!" Chen Xiao’s face lit up when he saw them, and he pulled free from Yuyan to run to the table, climbing into the chair next to Shuyin with practiced ease. "We’re hungry!" 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Then you came at exactly the right time," Lu Yuze said, guding Yuyan into her seat. His daughter moved more carefully than usual, and he could see the bruises on her shoulders where her shirt didn’t quite cover them. But her expression was calm, the morning’s trauma not defining her the way it might have.

The four of them ate together, a proper family meal in the quiet dining room. The food was perfect, easy on Shuyin’s sensitive stomach but nourishing enough to restore energy. Chen Xiao chattered about the cartoons they’d watched while sleeping, blissfully unaware of the morning’s more serious concerns. Yuyan was quieter but present, occasionally smiling at her brother’s enthusiasm.

Lu Yuze watched Shuyin carefully throughout the meal, noting the color returning to her cheeks, the way her movements became less careful as the food settled and gave her strength. When she reached for her second cup of jasmine tea, he decided it was time to mention the charity event.

"The Orchid Charity Society event begins at two o’clock," he said casually, not wanting to pressure her. "You were invited remember, and you did give your word you’d attend. But given everything that’s happened, no one would blame you for sending regrets."

Shuyin paused with her teacup halfway to her lips, considering. "What time is it now?"

"Just past noon," Lu Yuze said. "Which gives you about ninety minutes if you wanted to attend, or gives us time to send a polite cancellation if you don’t feel up to it."

"What would attending require?" Shuyin asked practically.

"Not much," Lu Yuze assured her. "I’ve arranged everything already. There’s a dress being delivered...." he checked his phone, "....that should arrive any minute now. A stylist will be here at one o’clock to handle hair and makeup if you want her. We’d only need to stay for thirty minutes or so, just long enough to make an appearance and show you honor your commitments. Then we could come home."

Shuyin set down her teacup, looking at him with an expression that mixed surprise with something warmer. "You arranged all of that while I was sleeping?"

"I didn’t want you to have to worry about logistics if you decided to go," Lu Yuze said simply. "Everything is ready. The only question is whether you feel well enough to attend, even briefly."

Yuyan looked between her parents with interest. "What kind of event is it?"

"A charity fundraiser," Shuyin explained. "Very fancy, very exclusive. The kind where wealthy women gather to donate money and judge each other’s dresses."

"Sounds boring," Yuyan said with the blunt honesty of a twelve-year-old. "But also kind of important for you, right? To show them you belong there?"

"Very perceptive," Lu Yuze said, pride evident in his voice. "Yes, that’s exactly what it is. Your mother was invited because she now has the status and respect these women can’t ignore. Attending would reinforce that position."

Shuyin was quiet for a moment, clearly weighing the decision. Lu Yuze could see her considering her body’s current state, the soreness that had improved but not disappeared, the lingering exhaustion despite the rest, the emotional toll of the morning’s events. But he could also see her strategic mind working, understanding the value of making this appearance.

"Thirty minutes?" she asked finally.

"Thirty minutes," Lu Yuze confirmed. "We arrive fashionably late, you make your entrance, exchange pleasantries with the key people, and then we leave before anyone expects us to stay longer. Quick and efficient."