Chapter 73: You’ve Met Before~

“Host, the system recommends that you accept Madam Lu’s invitation~”

Lu Qingqiang paused, then spoke into the phone.

“Mom, tomorrow morning we have an interview and donation event at the orphanage. I’m not sure when it’ll be done.”

“How about I check tomorrow’s schedule first and call you back in a bit?”

“Alright, alright. Qingqing, take a look. If you have time, come over. If not, it’s fine, we can plan for another day.”

“Got it, Mom. I’m hanging up now.”

“Okay. You’re still a young girl, growing up. Try to sleep early and don’t stay up too late.”

“I know, Mom.”

After hanging up, Lu Qingqiang turned to the system.

“Tonzi, why did you say it’s a suggestion to accept the invitation?”

“Host, I have some news for you.”

“Hmm?”

“Lu Fangyuan is back.”

Lu Qingqiang instinctively furrowed her brows at the news.

She wasn’t sure if the reaction was her own or lingering emotions from the original host.

Either way, the moment she heard Lu Fangyuan had returned, a tightness gripped her chest for no reason.

The fake heiress was back!

Did that mean the plot was finally about to begin?

Was her fate about to be rewritten?

“Host, no need to worry. No matter what happens or when, Xiao Yi will always be with you~” The system’s voice carried a hint of warmth.

“Thanks, Xiao Yi. Don’t worry, I’ve been mentally prepared for this.”

“I just don’t know if her return has anything to do with me being invited to the flower-viewing party.”

Could Madam Lu be using the party as a chance to have her and Lu Fangyuan reconcile in front of everyone?

That possibility wasn’t out of the question.

Thinking of this, Lu Qingqiang’s mood soured a little.

After all, until now, no one in the Lu Family had told her that Lu Fangyuan was back.

No one had even mentioned how they planned to handle things between her and Lu Fangyuan.

“Host, I can tell you with certainty that there’s no direct connection.”

“But… it’s not completely unrelated either.”

“Hmm? Tell me more.” Lu Qingqiang was dying of curiosity.

“Here’s the thing. Lu Fangyuan actually snuck back into the country the day after Madam Lu called her and revealed her true identity.”

“Since she was originally the female lead, she has a lot of skills. One of them is… advanced makeup techniques.”

“She returned under a false identity and with a disguised face.”

“After arriving, she didn’t alert anyone. She checked into a hotel first.”

“Then she hired a private investigator to look into the full story behind what Madam Lu had told her.”

“Along the way, the two of you even had the chance to meet.”

“When?” Lu Qingqiang was shocked.

She had met Lu Fangyuan? That couldn’t be right.

If they had met, why didn’t she feel anything at all?

“Remember the day that mentally ill man attacked someone? You carried a girl in a princess hold into the small truck. Ring any bells?”

“That was Lu Fangyuan??” Lu Qingqiang was completely stunned.

“That’s right, Host. That was indeed Lu Fangyuan.”

“At that time, she had just received the report from the private investigator.”

“In disguise, she went to stake out the orphanage entrance, hoping to observe you.”

“But then the unexpected happened.”

“With her skills, Lu Fangyuan could’ve easily dodged the attacker and subdued him.”

“But one of your orphanage staff members moved faster and kicked the attacker away.”

“After that, you rushed over and carried her to safety.”

“She sat in the truck and watched you for a long time before quietly leaving.”

“After that incident, she immediately packed up and went to your hometown, Peach Blossom Village in Qingtan County.”

“She stayed there for over a month, living the local lifestyle.”

“She just returned yesterday.”

“So the Lu Family didn’t know she was back either?” Lu Qingqiang asked.

“Before yesterday, the Lu Family definitely didn’t know.”

“But now… Xiao Yi can’t say for sure,” the system replied.

“Hmm. So there’s a high chance Lu Fangyuan will show up at tomorrow’s flower-viewing party?”

“Yes, Host.”

“…” Lu Qingqiang.

That girl she met before… was Lu Fangyuan!

Lu Fangyuan had already returned to the country!

She even secretly hired a private investigator to look into them!

Then she went back to the place that originally belonged to her, to experience the life there?

So if she shows up tomorrow, what will she do?

Still, hearing all this did clear up one of Lu Qingqiang’s past doubts.

No wonder, after rescuing that girl and getting into the truck, she had smelled a faint, familiar fragrance.

She had smelled that same scent when Madam Lu invited her to visit Lu Fangyuan’s room!

Back then, Madam Lu had intended to show her Lu Fangyuan’s room.

Then she turned around and brought her to her own room.

Her room was bigger than Lu Fangyuan’s and more meticulously decorated.

Most likely, Madam Lu had wanted to use the comparison to show her that the Lu Family treated their biological daughter better than the fake heiress.

That gesture was meant to comfort her.

And to show her where the Lu Family stood.

But now, who knew what the Lu Family’s stance was?

Regardless, she had to attend tomorrow’s flower-viewing party.

She had been in this world long enough. It was time to finally meet the book’s original female lead, Lu Fangyuan, face to face.

Just thinking about it made Lu Qingqiang a little excited~

“Got it, Xiao Yi. I’ll definitely be there on time for tomorrow’s flower-viewing party!”

“Host, you sound a bit eager~” Xiao Yi teased.

“Of course! I’m finally going to meet the original female lead, Lu Fangyuan. Of course I’m excited and looking forward to it.”

“I really want to see what kind of person Lu Fangyuan actually is.”

“And while I’m at it, see what kind of attitude the Lu Family has~”

“Host, since you’ve been diligently planting trees and raising livestock lately, the system has specially applied for a lottery draw opportunity for you. Would you like to draw now?” Xiao Yi offered.

“Draw!” Lu Qingqiang answered without hesitation.

“Ding! Congratulations, Host. You’ve received a ‘I’ll Hear Your True Thoughts’ skill card. Duration: 48 hours.”

“Note: This skill card can be used on up to three people. Usage: Click to activate the card, then stick it onto the target while making physical contact.”

“Important: Once applied, the skill activates immediately.”

“Awesome! Xiao Yi, mwah mwah~ (* ￣3)(e￣ *)” Lu Qingqiang was instantly thrilled.

With this, she could listen to Lu Fangyuan’s true thoughts tomorrow.

And maybe pick two random Lu Family members to eavesdrop on too. Hehe!

“(#^.^#) You’re welcome, Host~”

In high spirits, Lu Qingqiang opened WeChat and sent Madam Lu a message confirming she’d be returning to the Lu Family tomorrow afternoon.

After a brief chat with Madam Lu, she turned off her phone screen and prepared to enter study mode.

“Ding~~” A WeChat voice message notification rang.

She picked up her phone and saw—huh, it was Lu Jianshen?

Could he be here to spill some secrets?