Chapter 57 Running Into Big Brother on a Date

After leaving the cinema, night had already fallen over the city.

“Let’s go eat!” Lu Er’s eyes shone brightly in the night. “I know a really good French restaurant nearby.”

He had already looked it up—romantic ambiance, a popular spot for couples on dates.

With a hidden agenda, he wanted to take Song Jingmo there to experience it.

The restaurant was located on the top floor, decorated in a classic French romantic style.

Each table was adorned with fresh roses, and soft jazz music flowed through the air.

Guided by a waiter, the two took their seats by the window, overlooking the dazzling night view of the city.

Lu Er had just picked up the menu when a small commotion came from a nearby table diagonally across.

A young man knelt on one knee, holding up a ring. The girl opposite him covered her mouth in surprise, tears shining in her eyes.

Resting his chin on his hand, Lu Er watched with great interest, a hint of longing in his gaze.

Turning back, he asked curiously, testing the waters a little, “What kind of confession do you like? Something grand and dramatic, or something low-key and subtle?”

Song Jingmo looked up at him, about to answer—but his gaze suddenly shifted past Lu Er and fixed on the restaurant entrance.

Following his line of sight, Lu Er turned around—and instantly froze.

His older brother, Lu Chen, was walking toward them arm-in-arm with Luo Bingbing.

Dressed in a well-tailored dark suit, Lu Chen looked cold and imposing. The moment he appeared, he drew plenty of attention.

Lu Er’s heart leapt into his throat, a guilty feeling of being caught red-handed washing over him.

Lu Chen had clearly seen them too. He paused briefly before walking straight over.

“Jingmo, long time no see.”

He greeted Song Jingmo in a relatively calm tone, then shifted his gaze to the visibly tense Lu Er, raising an eyebrow. “What are you two doing here?”

Song Jingmo set down the menu, his expression calm. “Brother Chen, sister-in-law, we just came for a meal.”

Panicking inside, Lu Er snapped back impatiently, “Bro, what else would you do at a restaurant if not eat? What kind of question is that?”

Lu Chen turned to his wife. “Bingbing, didn’t you say this place is specifically for couples?”

Meeting Lu Er’s pleading eyes and recalling their earlier chat on WeChat, Luo Bingbing immediately understood.

Though startled inside, she kept a polite smile and smoothed things over gently, “The atmosphere here is nice, but it’s not like only couples are allowed. Maybe Lu Er and Jingmo just thought the environment was good and came in for a casual meal. Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

Lu Chen’s deep gaze swept back and forth between the two but he didn’t press further.

Instead, he changed the subject. “Since we’ve run into each other, let’s eat together. It’s been a while since we had a meal.”

With that, he signaled the waiter to add seats.

Lu Er groaned inwardly, but under Lu Chen’s long-established authority, he didn’t dare refuse.

He could only watch helplessly as their two-person world turned into an awkward four-person dinner.

For Lu Er, the meal was pure torture.

Both he and Song Jingmo behaved especially properly, keeping their heads down as they ate, barely exchanging a word. They didn’t even dare meet each other’s eyes, afraid Lu Chen might notice something.

Yet the more they avoided it, the more obvious it became.

Lu Chen cut his steak slowly, occasionally glancing at the two sitting stiffly across from him, his gaze growing deeper.

After a while, he set down his knife and fork, wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin. His movements were elegant—but carried a strong sense of pressure.

Looking at Lu Er, though speaking in front of Song Jingmo, he said, “After you finish filming this project, go home for a visit. Mom has arranged a few blind dates for you. Get your marriage settled before the end of the year.”

The fork in Lu Er’s hand fell onto his plate with a sharp clatter.

As if he hadn’t noticed, Lu Chen turned to Song Jingmo. “I have a few female executives in mind—good education, family background, and looks. When you have time, I’ll introduce you.”

“Bro!” Lu Er immediately panicked, his voice rising unconsciously and drawing glances from nearby tables.

“Isn’t it enough that you control me? Now you’re interfering with Jingmo too? Since when have you cared this much about me?”

Lu Chen picked up his wine glass, gently swirling the dark red liquid inside.

His sharp gaze fixed on Lu Er, his words carrying deeper meaning. “If you behaved properly, I wouldn’t bother meddling.”

Lowering his voice slightly, his tone turned into a heavy warning, “Get rid of those inappropriate thoughts as soon as possible. Otherwise, one day you might end up with broken legs—and drag innocent people down with you.”

The atmosphere at the table dropped to freezing point.

Seeing this, Luo Bingbing quickly tried to ease things. “Why talk about this now? Lu Er is still young, there’s no rush for marriage. Jingmo, don’t mind him—he might’ve had a bit to drink today.”

“Alright, husband, I’m a bit tired. Let’s go.”

With that, she cast an apologetic glance at Lu Er and Song Jingmo, then half-forced the displeased Lu Chen to leave.

Looking at Song Jingmo, who had remained silent the entire time, Lu Er felt flustered and uneasy, mixed with deep guilt.

He spoke with difficulty, “I’m sorry… my brother, he… How about we go somewhere else to eat?”

Song Jingmo slowly put down his knife and fork. He had barely touched his food.

He lifted his eyes to look at Lu Er, his gaze complicated—tired, or perhaps something else.

“No need.” His voice was low and slightly hoarse. “I don’t really feel like eating anymore. I’m a bit tired.”