The Rise of the White Lotus Chapter 305 – Love, where are you…?

“Right, we can talk about it later then!” Nodding in understanding, Master Li thought he was referring to the fact that they should talk about it later in their private meeting as the event was just about to start.

Ethan Lu only peered at the old man with a smile and said nothing afterward. By the looks of it, Master Li seemed to want to propose something in his marriage as the wealth of the Li family, they would surely be the first family that suited to be a candidate to be in-laws to the Lu family. Alas, just as Ethan Lu thought that he dodged the discussion about this matter, for now, Edward Lu hammered the bottom of his fist against his palm as if he finally decided about something.

“Right! My adorable Tantan is at his ripe age!” With that said note, everyone around the table including all people nearby turned their heads to the old master of the Lu family. “Hehe, let’s see if we can find a suitable partner here.” As shameless as he may sound, Edward Lu just added more flame to the fire around this matter as he made use of this event to find the future Madam Lu.

Upon hearing his last remarks, everyone around— ladies and master’s of their own families, this statement made their eyes light up. After all, being in the Lu family and marrying the family head was everyone’s wish. Even if others knew how messy the family rules were, it would still be a good benefit to be in-laws with them. After all, being business partners and having a stronger tie through marriage was like a difference between heaven and earth.

‘Aiya, what is going on?! Did something really happen earlier today with the old master and Madam’s meeting? Why would the old master seemingly want to provoke master in broad daylight…? I mean it’s night, but whatever.’ Keeping his silence on the side, Lyrick Jiang’s busybody self could not help but wonder what actually happened.

After all, all he heard from Nico Zhuang was Lexi went home and spent the whole time in the Yang Mansion. His colleague didn’t respond to any of his inquiries after that. Even with all the nagging and even before the event would start, he only got information that Lexi was still in the Yang Mansion for some reason.

Soon, the host of the event jogged and stood proud in the middle of the stage. Clearing his throat, he smiled brightly and welcomed everyone. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen!” traveling his gaze to each and every socialite of the upper society, the MC slightly bowed his head to the noble surroundings.

“Tonight, we will witness the official take over of the Lu Corporation— CEO Ethan Lu!” The emcee went on and on about the history and achievements of the said company. He also didn’t forget all of the charitable works of the family and their fair share of participation in the economy of the country.

Everyone attentively listened to the host as if they didn’t know anything about what he was saying. Soon, the emcee invited the star of the night to make his speech which caused a round of applause.

Taking up the stage as all eyes were on him again, Ethan Lu calmly smiled. Others watched him as if he were a bright star that seemed to be so far to reach despite that he was just standing several feet away from them. Still, his smile was just too dashing not to notice.

“Gosh… why didn’t he date me back then?”

“Ethan Lu… he’s so charming— he looked at me earlier, I think he likes me.”

“What? Dream on! He definitely looked at me not you!”

“Did you hear that the old master was choosing the future bride of CEO Lu tonight?”

“What? really? “

“Yes! I heard it loud and clear while I was conversing with Senator Wang earlier!”

One after another, murmurs and whispers about how they admire Ethan Lu and his irresistible charms resounded as Ethan Lu remained silent for a moment as he took his time to scan the hall as if he was looking for someone. Along with it, news about the future bride of the said man would also be picked tonight which hyped up all the young misses who had the chance to flaunt their grace.

No one cared about this added game which was made by Edward Lu as everyone showed their interest in it. Not just all the young misses but also, well-known men from their chosen field showed their inclination as they had sisters and cousins they could recommend to be a candidate.

On the other hand, the sparkling and awe-inspiring gazes that were cast upon him seemed to not matter as Ethan Lu peered at the audience with the same gaze as ever. Granted that he had been smiling all this while, only one woman could bring the best mood and genuine smile to his face. Yet, despite the sparking vibe around, to him, to his eyes, everything seemed too dim.

It was as if he was the only person in this dark world waiting for the light of this long, obscure tunnel.

‘Love… where are you? Have you decided…?’ Asking this question to the image of Lexi inside his mind, his heart clenched yet nothing showed on the surface.

“Good evening, everyone. First and foremost, I sincerely thank you for giving me your precious time tonight.” Taking a step back, Ethan Lu made a deep, humble bow to thank everyone. His act of sincerity satisfied everyone as they felt that he was truly thanking them personally. Hence, the contented smile on everyone’s faces.

“Tonight, as the official head of our Lu Corporation, you know that we all have a long way ahead. Still, our Lu family wouldn’t have come this far without everyone’s support. I especially thanked all our business partners that have trusted us through and through, all employees that give their best in our daily operations, and all friends and family for being our ally. Thank you.”

“I, Ethan Lu, the new head of our Lu family and the Lu Corporation, will assure you that with my lead, I will not disappoint the trust you have given me.” Keeping it short and simple, Ethan Lu didn’t elaborate or explain his vision and mission and what to expect from him. Instead, he only gave his gratitude to everyone as if he was truly sincere while uttering such a speech.

Granted that he was thankful for everyone’s hard work, especially those who worked their hearts out in the daily operations of the company, alas, that’s all he was thankful about. Others who only reaped the benefits from them just by sitting around, he was disgusted seeing their smiling faces as if telling him it was nothing.