[1] The Whole Family Is Insanely Eavesdropping on My Thoughts

The next day, Lu Chao Chao had just woken up when she heard the news that her second brother, who had been away on business, had returned to the manor.

With her short legs, Lu Chao Chao dashed outside, shouting, "Second Brother, Second Brother..."

Deng Zhi chuckled teasingly, "The second young master hasn't been seen in half a year, and it seems Chao Chao has missed him dearly." Madam Xu's brows curved in amusement.

"Second Brother, Chao Chao missed you!" The little one ran straight into Lu Zheng Yue's arms.

Lu Zheng Yue looked travel-worn, and though only half a year had passed, he had shed his youthful immaturity and appeared much more mature.

"Second Brother, did you make lots of money?" Lu Chao Chao planted an affectionate kiss on her brother's cheek.

Lu Zheng Yue nodded. "Yes, I did. Providing for my little Chao Chao will never be a problem. Whatever you want, just tell me, and Second Brother will get it for you!"

Lu Chao Chao grinned slyly. "Chao Chao also made money collecting debts for Emperor Uncle..."

Lu Zheng Yue gestured for a small chest to be brought over. "Mother, after six months away, your son has not failed and has earned eight thousand taels."

Then, he looked down at Lu Chao Chao. "Chao Chao, how much did you earn?"

"You really collected debts for His Majesty?" Lu Zheng Yue's face was full of astonishment.

Madam Xu sighed, thinking, [This little one is not like ordinary children.]

[It's getting harder to hide her abilities. I can only hope His Majesty will provide some protection.]

Lu Chao Chao extended her tiny fingers, first showing one, then three.

"Thirteen taels?"

Lu Chao Chao shook her head.

"One hundred and thirty taels?"

Lu Chao Chao shook her head again.

Lu Zheng Yue's eyes widened. Could it be thirteen hundred taels?

Madam Xu covered her face in exasperation. Her second son, disheveled and weary, had managed to earn eight thousand taels in half a year, a remarkable feat.

But...

Chao Chao's skills were off the charts.

"Thirteen hundred thousand taels," the little one said in her soft, innocent voice, the words cutting like ice.

"How much?" Lu Zheng Yue's voice cracked, his eyes nearly popping out.

"Thirteen hundred thousand, Second Brother!"

Lu Zheng Yue stared at her in disbelief. "So, you're saying my hard work for half a year doesn't even compare to a fraction of what you've earned?"

"She managed to recover debts owed to His Majesty, and this was her reward," Madam Xu explained, recalling the Emperor's personal visit with some concern.

Lu Zheng Yue felt a wave of defeat wash over him. [Is my sister too capable?]

Once Lu Zheng Yue had washed up and returned to his courtyard, Lu Chao Chao followed closely behind.

"Second Brother, you're upset," she said, studying him.

"Is it because Chao Chao made more money than you?"

Lu Zheng Yue sighed lightly. "Chao Chao, don't overthink it. Second Brother just feels... maybe he isn't suited for business." Six months away had brought him no joy from commerce.