Zhou Xuan then understood why Lu Ling'er’s expression had become unnatural the moment she saw this man.
It turned out that the newcomer was the adopted son Lu Mingyuan had mentioned earlier, and also Lu Tianming’s father.
Lu Tianming had indirectly died by his own hand, and Lu Ling'er was aware of these circumstances.
Therefore, her expression naturally wouldn't be good upon seeing Lu Linxiao arrive!
"What's wrong? Ling'er!"
"With such an expression, are you not welcoming your Uncle Linxiao home?"
"I know that child Tianming did some things that wronged you before!"
"And his eventual fate was his own doing!"
"Don't worry, no matter what, your Uncle Linxiao is your elder!"
"I won't implicate you in these matters!"
"After all, every wrong has its cause, and every debt has its owner!"
As he spoke, Lu Linxiao's gaze briefly swept over Zhou Xuan and Hei Hu.
"How could that be, Uncle Linxiao!"
"My father died early, and you took care of me when I was young!"
"I have always regarded you as an elder as respectable as my grandfather!"
"How could I not welcome you back now!"
"But I also want to explain to you, I also have a responsibility in Brother Tianming's matter!"
"So if you're angry, please take it out on Ling'er!"
"Whether it's beating or scolding, Ling'er will not complain!"
"Just please don't take it out on Brother Xuan, he is innocent!"
Upon hearing Lu Linxiao's words, Lu Ling'er immediately snapped back to reality and stepped forward to block Zhou Xuan.
It was as if she were afraid Lu Linxiao would do anything to Zhou Xuan!
"You girl, you're truly like your father!"
"Always so kind!"
"But don't worry, your Uncle Linxiao isn't here to cause trouble this time!"
"I still can't let go of Tianming's matter for now!"
"But your Uncle Linxiao is a reasonable person!"
"If he did something wrong, he should pay the price for it!"
"I've returned suddenly this time simply because it's been too long since I last visited my father!"
"I want to fulfill my filial duty, and I have no other intentions!"
"You don't need to worry about this matter anymore from now on!"
"As you said, your father died early!"
"Your Uncle Linxiao has always treated you like his own daughter!"
"So no matter what happens, your Uncle Linxiao would never blame you!"
"Alright, let's not talk about these unhappy things!"
"In which room is father?"
"I want to pay my respects to him first!"
Seeing Lu Ling'er's actions, Lu Linxiao surprisingly showed no signs of displeasure.
Instead, he looked at Lu Ling'er with a gentle expression, even offering her words of comfort in the end.
Such unusual behavior not only left Lu Ling'er momentarily bewildered.
Even Zhou Xuan beside her was confused.
If he hadn't known that Lu Ling'er couldn't possibly mistake someone, Zhou Xuan would have doubted whether this person before him was actually Lu Tianming’s father.
What kind of father would react this way upon seeing the murderer of his son?
No matter how gentle or magnanimous he was, it shouldn't be like this!
"What?"
"Is Father not at home?"
Seeing Lu Ling'er standing there, frozen and bewildered by his words, Lu Linxiao spoke again.
"No, no!"
"Grandfather is at home!"
"But he should be resting in the study now!"
"Uncle Linxiao, I'll lead you to see him!"
Upon hearing Lu Linxiao's words, Lu Ling'er finally came to her senses and quickly responded.
Although she still didn't understand why Lu Linxiao was acting this way.
For Lu Ling'er, this was undoubtedly a piece of incredibly good news.
After all, what they had said earlier was the truth.
Lu Linxiao had indeed taken great care of her since she was young.
Not only did he protect her and reprimand Lu Tianming when Lu Tianming quarreled with her as a child.
Even after Lu Ling'er's father accidentally died later.
When Lu Tianming mocked her about it, Lu Linxiao found out.
Lu Linxiao actually tied the then-under-ten Lu Tianming to a large tree and whipped him fiercely.
If Lu Ling'er's grandfather hadn't come out to stop Lu Linxiao, Lu Tianming might have been beaten to death at that time.
Therefore, although Lu Ling'er disliked Lu Tianming immensely, she had always respected Lu Linxiao.
"No need. Since you know Father is in the study, I'll go pay my respects to him myself!"
"Aren't you preparing dinner for your little boyfriend? Don't delay!"
"Oh, and don't forget to prepare one for me too!"
"Your Uncle Linxiao is genuinely hungry, I wasn't joking with you earlier!"
Looking at Lu Ling'er, who was beaming and about to lead the way, Lu Linxiao smiled and refused her.
Leaving behind a request to prepare an extra meal, he then strode directly towards the study.
"Brother, this..."
Watching Lu Linxiao’s figure gradually recede, Hei Hu beside him couldn't help but look at Zhou Xuan with surprise.
"I know what you want to say!"
"Ling'er, are you sure this Uncle Linxiao of yours is Lu Tianming's biological father?"
Seeing Hei Hu's expression, Zhou Xuan interrupted him directly, instead looking at Lu Ling'er with some doubt.
"Of course!"
"Brother Xuan, I know the current situation is a bit absurd!"
"But Uncle Linxiao is indeed not like Lu Tianming!"
"Perhaps he truly feels that Lu Tianming's actions were too extreme, which is why he didn't hold us responsible!"
"Brother Xuan, I also want to beg you!"
"If Uncle Linxiao truly doesn't pursue this matter further!"
"Could you also let this matter go and not have prejudice against him!"
"He has indeed been very good to me!"
Hearing Zhou Xuan's question, Lu Ling'er understood his confusion.
She immediately began to speak well of Lu Linxiao, truly not wanting Zhou Xuan and Lu Linxiao's relationship to become too strained.
After all, both sides were considered family to her.
"Alright, I promise you!"
"As long as he has no ill intentions towards you and Grandpa Lu!"
"Even if he wants revenge on me later!"
"I will spare his life!"
"Of course, perhaps as you said, he is indeed not like Lu Tianming!"
Looking at Lu Ling'er's pleading eyes, Zhou Xuan smiled, gently patted her head, and comforted her softly.
"Mhm, Brother Xuan, thank you!"
"Mwah!"
"Hehe, Brother Xuan, I'm going to prepare dinner for you!"
Hearing Zhou Xuan's reply, Lu Ling'er immediately hugged him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
Then, with a flushed face, she scampered away!
"This girl!"
"I hope it's truly as you think!"
"If he poses a threat to me, I can indeed spare him!"
"But if he dares to pose a threat to you!"
"Girl, you can't blame me!"
Watching Lu Ling'er disappear quickly into the night, Zhou Xuan gazed at her retreating figure and murmured softly.