Chapter Nineteen: Preferences.

The incident had become a trending topic online. Even though Lu Xia usually paid little attention to such matters, she was well aware of it now.

The researchers returning from their trip were particularly excited.

After all, their product hadn’t even hit the market yet—it was still in the testing phase—and it was already receiving such a response. Just imagine the sales once it officially launched!

With such a positive reaction on their side, the people in the hair growth serum research department next door also saw hope. One after another, they eagerly rolled up their sleeves, determined to produce results quickly and hoping to have as successful a start as the beauty cream.

In recent days, more and more people had been reaching out to Lu Xia. It was a mystery how her personal contact number had become so widely known.

Early one morning, Lan Ya rushed over to ask when the beauty cream would be available for sale. If it couldn’t be launched immediately, could she at least have a few jars to try or to give as gifts?

Watching the once proud Duchess Lan Ya now adopt such a changed attitude, Lu Xia’s expression remained unchanged, as natural as when she had invited Lan Ya to invest that day. “It won’t be on the market until the end of next month. I can give you some, but not too many.”

“How many can I get? Don’t forget, we have quite a few old friends. They said if they can’t reach you, they’ll have to come to me. It wouldn’t look good if I can’t help, would it?” Lan Ya wore a face that said, “We can’t betray our friends.”

Lu Xia remained indifferent, lounging lazily in her oversized chair. “I can only give you three boxes. No more than that. As for those friends, you can refuse them all.”

“Why refuse?” Lan Ya looked puzzled. “You don’t mean to say you think you’re all that now and look down on them? Don’t forget, I’m the same. Does that mean you don’t plan to keep me as a friend either?”

“How could that be? You invested in me; you’re a shareholder. But what can they do besides leech off you and me? Think about it carefully—every time we go out with them, it’s us footing the bill. It didn’t matter before when we were together, but now we’re apart, and yet you still want to keep giving them favors? Isn’t that a bit foolish? Of course, if you want to, just ignore what I said. I’ll have the stuff sent over later. Anything else?”

If Lan Ya hadn’t readily given her five million, Lu Xia wouldn’t have bothered to talk so much.

The Duchess was taken aback by Lu Xia’s words. Clearly, she had never thought about it from this perspective. Neither of them lacked money, so whenever they went out for fun, they naturally paid the bill.

But on reflection, those so-called “good friends” only came around when they needed something. Otherwise, there was no contact, let alone any support.

Some things go unconsidered when no one points them out, but once someone does, it’s like a seed planted—taking root and sprouting.

Lan Ya, now a duchess, wasn’t truly foolish. After a long silence, she finally spoke. “I’m not as clear-headed as you. You really are different from before.”

She said this without hurry, sitting cross-legged on the sofa as if preparing for a deep conversation. “What exactly are you thinking? Do you really want to build something meaningful?”

Despite Lu Xia’s great change—so great as to seem almost unfamiliar—Lan Ya found it hard to believe that their once like-minded friends had raced off on such different paths.

Lu Xia remained languid, seeming somewhat careless. “We’re not teenagers anymore. We’ve each inherited our family titles. I think it wasn’t easy for the title to come down to my generation. If it’s destined to end, it shouldn’t be on my watch. To be frank, I’ve tried all the fun and pleasures there are. Do you really think this life is interesting?”

This question stumped Lan Ya. She had never pondered whether it was interesting at all. After all, this was her life.

But now, asked by Lu Xia, she realized it wasn’t particularly engaging.

No matter how much you indulge, it’s always the same. Eventually, you grow tired of it. She had never admitted it aloud before.

“Is that why you’re so driven now?”

“Something like that. Don’t you think it’s fascinating to watch others go crazy over something, especially when that something is in your hands? You decide who gets it. When they don’t get it, they have to beg you. Isn’t that satisfying?”

Lan Ya’s expression shifted, as if recalling something. Recently, many had come to her, some with connections far more prestigious than hers, leaving her feeling honored.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so anxious to come to Lu Xia for these things. Before, she couldn’t explain the feeling.

Now that Lu Xia put it into words, it was clear: it was the sense of fulfillment.

Before, they couldn’t get close to the powerful. Now, through connections, they came looking for her. How could that not bring joy?

“You’ve really figured it out,” Lan Ya sighed again. Then she noticed Lu Xia’s lazy demeanor from the moment she’d arrived and asked with curiosity, “What’s wrong with you? Are you sick or feeling unwell? You don’t look quite right.”

Lu Xia yawned, unfazed. “Nothing’s wrong. I’ve always been like this. I’m just a little tired. If you hadn’t come, I’d be resting now.”

“So you’re saying I disturbed your rest?”

“I didn’t say that.” Just then, there was a knock on the office door. Grace entered holding a food container in one hand and a bag in the other. The bag bore the emblem of the First Courtyard—clearly the items Lan Ya had requested.

Lan Ya raised an eyebrow, blunt as ever. “How do you have defective male specimens here?”

Grace showed no signs of beastly transformation, clearly identifiable.

Lu Xia took the items from Grace and tossed the bag in front of Lan Ya. “He’s my man. I hope you’ll show him some respect. The things you wanted are here. If there’s nothing else, you can leave.”

Lan Ya approached the desk, glanced at the bag, and said, “I didn’t say anything, and now you’re on the defensive. I never realized you liked this sort of thing. But he does look alright—down there…”

“Shut up. Where’s the door? Go out and close it,” Lu Xia interrupted, pointing outside with an unspoken meaning.

Lan Ya snorted but finally got serious. “Only three boxes? That’s too few. You should at least give me two more.”

“Take it or leave it. If not, get lost!” Lu Xia said, making a move to snatch the bag, but Lan Ya dodged, grinning. “Three boxes it is. I’m off. Enjoy yourself with your little lover. Bye!”