Chapter 468: Meeting Qu Youran Again!
Arrival in Shanghai
The dozen-plus souls resumed their psychic debate, but Number Eight remained outwardly composed, unhurriedly walking down the stairs.
Zhao Kuo, CEO of Lanfei Group, quickly approached, greeting him in English with a distinctive local accent.
"We extended an invitation to you a long time ago, and we've finally waited for your arrival."
Number Eight smiled and nodded, replying in perfectly fluent Mandarin.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Zhao."
Zhao Kuo's eyes lit up. "Mr. Shaw's Mandarin is truly fluent, much better than mine. I'm not afraid to admit it, I can handle the local dialect, but I can't quite nail standard Mandarin."
"We have dialects in the US, too, which I also can't speak perfectly."
Number Eight exhibited excellent manners. His gaze shifted to the beautiful woman beside Zhao Kuo.
"We meet again, Miss Qu."
Zhao Kuo looked surprised.
"You two know each other?"
"We've met a few times."
Number Eight did not want to dwell on the question. Ultimately, he lacked confidence. While he could mimic the Original Body's demeanor, there were subtle differences. His intelligence was top-tier among the Thirteen Apostles, and he excelled at observing the essence of things, always cutting to the chase. However, he was less polished and articulate in language and expression compared to Luke, and he lacked Luke's sense of humor.
After exchanging greetings, the group followed Zhao Kuo out of the airport. As they exited the tunnel, they were immediately met with a wave of noise.
Young men and women were gathered outside the railings, holding photos and banners of Luke, expressing a fervent welcome for his arrival.
Zhao Kuo smiled.
"Are you surprised? Your popularity here rivals a top celebrity. So many young people see you as their goal."
"Is that so?"
Number Eight's expression stiffened. The situation was somewhat unexpected, and he didn't know what face to put on. Fortunately, Number Eleven stepped forward. He smiled, waved, and even took a notebook handed over by a girl to sign his name. His smile never faded. He not only signed autographs but also posed for photos, his flawless performance raising the atmosphere to a fever pitch.
In that moment, he was a global celebrity and a popular idol.
Linda's mouth twitched. She suddenly regretted letting these guys out.
Zhao Kuo and the reception staff also looked astonished, having not expected this side of the famous Young Master Shaw.
After satisfying the fans' demands, "Luke" reverted to the composed, calm man.
The group left the airport and boarded the luxury sedans waiting outside, heading toward the hotel.
Whether intentional or not, Zhao Kuo arranged for "Luke" to be separated from Linda, placing him in the first car, personally accompanied by the exquisite Miss Qu.
A Change in Demeanor
Sitting close to the young man, Qu Youran felt a mix of emotions.
The events of two years ago flashed through her mind. Her superiors wanted her to build a friendship with him, while her maternal grandfather hoped she would honor the engagement made in their youth.
After numerous attempts, Qu Youran had resigned herself to fate, visiting Old Mr. Shaw as the child of an old friend. The old man showed great enthusiasm for her visit, treating her like his own granddaughter and even actively trying to set them up, urging them to meet.
She had assumed everything would proceed as planned: meeting, getting acquainted, getting engaged, and marrying, becoming the Young Mistress of the Hongmen in the eyes of others.
Unfortunately, plans rarely survive contact with reality.
Luke Shaw was nothing like the womanizer rumor suggested. Faced with a stunning beauty like herself, he was capable of ruthlessness, severely punishing her people and severing all her influence, rendering years of effort useless in an instant.
Because of this, she had to leave Coast City and develop in the East. Unfortunately, her identity still remained an issue.
Qu Youran's feelings toward Luke Shaw were complex.
This young man was different from others. Beneath his handsome, boyish appearance was a heart comparable to a demon's. At a young age, he had unified the underworld of Coast City, becoming the dreaded Young Master Shaw.
Two years later, he transformed, shedding his gangster facade to become a commercial star and Person of the Year. ShowMe and Tesla developed and expanded at an unimaginable pace.
ShowMe was fine, just a social networking platform.
Tesla was different. Its power armor was military technology that could decide the outcome of a war. No country dared to ignore it, which was one of the reasons for her presence.
The atmosphere in the car was quiet. If Qu Youran didn't speak, Number Eight certainly wouldn't offer conversation. He was delighted she was silent, hoping she would just leave soon.
After a long silence, Qu Youran said softly,
"You've changed. The person you used to be wasn't like this."
Number Eight was startled. He chuckled. "Is that so? I don't feel any different."
Qu Youran opened her mouth, unsure how to continue the conversation. With her transcendent temperament, she was the object of attention wherever she went and rarely initiated chats. After a moment, she lowered her voice.
"My maternal grandfather has always wanted to meet you. Do you have time?"
Number Eight remained silent, considering how to answer.
"Never mind if you don't."
Qu Youran turned her head to look out the window, seemingly upset. Number Eight was happy to have the peace. He had no desire to meet some old man; that was Grandpa's friend, and it had nothing to do with him.
Number Thirteen couldn't stand it. Qu Youran's ethereal beauty reminded him of the sweet love of his innocent youth.
"Eighth Brother, can't you be nicer to her?"
"Get lost!"
The single word enraged Number Thirteen. He psychically kicked Number Eight out, taking over Luke's body himself.
"Are you alright? Have you run into some trouble?"
Qu Youran turned her head in confusion. What she saw was a pair of eyes full of concern. She couldn't tell if it was an illusion, but she saw pity in those eyes.
"If you have trouble, tell me. Whatever the problem is, I'll help you solve it."
Number Thirteen held her hand, sincere and resolute.
Qu Youran's face flushed slightly. She quickly looked away. This version of Luke was too unfamiliar and made her nervous.
At the same time, the eleven souls inside the body began whispering excitedly.
"Did Number Thirteen fall for her?"
"No need to ask, he definitely did."
Number Seven pouted. "Poor little brother, poor simp."
Number Six sneered. "If the Original Body knew he was acting like this, he'd smack him to death."
"Love at first sight! Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk!!!!"
Number Nine shook his head, looking smugly entertained. Number Twelve was excited. "Should we help him? Get them together?"
Number Four scoffed. "If you want to die, don't drag me into it."
"I think that's a good idea."
Number Eleven was enthusiastic. "Let our little brother experience the beauty and hardship of love. Complete the huge transformation from boy to man. I believe he'll make great progress."
Number Three said soberly, "He's currently using the Original Body's physique. The reason Qu Youran reacted that way is because of the Original Body's status and position: young, handsome, billionaire, powerful, well-connected... these titles have a tremendous attraction for the opposite sex. If he truly wants to experience love, he should become an ordinary person and pursue her as one."
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