Natural Disasters Strikes: I stockpiled like crazy! novel Chapter 220

In the Main Hall's Dining Room

At the head of the long banquet table sat Emperor Lan Fuyou, clad in silk robes embroidered with golden dragons. The fabric strained against his rotund frame, barely concealing the rolls of flesh beneath. Grease glistened on his thick fingers as he noisily chewed on a piece of cured jerky, his jaw working with unrestrained enthusiasm.

A consort hurried forward to refill his wine cup, and Lan Fuyou waved indulgently, his voice booming through the hall.

"Ah! To think we still have such feasts while the outside world crumbles! It is proof that fate favors the strong, is it not?" He raised his cup high and chugged it.

To his right, Consort Lu Meiying, his most favored, sat with impeccable posture, her slender fingers resting lightly on the edge of her untouched bowl.

Even in middle age, she remained a striking beauty—her features sharp, her dark hair still lustrous. Yet her phoenix eyes, filled with unspoken rage and grief, were fixed on the man sitting opposite Lan Fuyou—her own younger brother, Lu Chenyu.

Lu Chenyu was unbothered by her piercing gaze. He swirled his wine leisurely before taking a sip, his lips curving into a smirk.

"Your Majesty, I hear you plan to take my nephew, Lu Jian, to the Crystal Water Facility tomorrow?"

Lan Fuyou burst into laughter, swirling his wine cup carelessly. "Ah, Brother-in-law, always so attentive. Yes, yes! I intended to announce it tomorrow, but I suppose now is as good a time as any!"

At his words, Lu Meiying's brows knit together, though she maintained her composure. Her voice was steady, but beneath the table, her fingers tightened within her silk sleeves.

Crystal Water Facility? Isn't that place dangerous?

"Then I must ask Your Majesty to reconsider. That place is dangerous. The last scouting team never returned. If something goes wrong—"

Lan Fuyou waved a plump hand dismissively. "Nonsense! That was because they were useless cowards! With my dog around, what could possibly happen? Hahaha!"

The man called a dog stood behind Lan Fuyou, his molars grinding audibly. A storm brewed in his eyes, dark as the abyss. Though his face remained impassive, the murderous intent in his gaze as he stared at the back of Lan Fuyou's head was unmistakable.

The oppressive atmosphere in the room grew heavier.

Then—

BANG!

The dining hall doors burst open with a deafening crash.

Only did the rest exhaled.

Lan Fuyou's jovial expression twisted into irritation. "This disrespectful dog!'

Lu Meiying's gaze sharpened, though her tone remained gentle. "But, Your Majesty, Lu Jian is still young. His abilities are not fully developed. Would it not be wiser to—"

A low chuckle cut through the air.

Lu Chenyu, the ever-smirking viper, leaned forward, propping an elbow against the table as he regarded his sister with mock amusement.

"Why not, Sister? Lu Jian's spatial ability is rare and extremely useful. His Majesty needs him. Surely, you wouldn't doubt His Majesty's wisdom… unless, of course, you do not trust him at all?"

Lu Meiying turned to him slowly, her phoenix eyes unreadable. But beneath that composed smile, fury simmered like molten steel.

"Brother," she said softly, her voice as delicate as the unsheathing of a blade, "when have I ever said I doubted His Majesty?"

Lu Chenyu tilted his head, feigning curiosity. "Oh? Then why are you so… hesitant? Could it be that you think His Majesty is incapable of protecting your son? That he would send Lu Jian to his death?" _{ƒreewebɳovel.com}

Lu Meiying smiled, but beneath the table, her nails pressed into her palm. "I have never doubted His Majesty's intentions… only the world's cruelty."

A flicker of satisfaction passed through Lu Chenyu's eyes. He knew she could not argue too forcefully against him.

Lan Fuyou grinned, raising his goblet. "There, you see? Meiying trusts me! Besides, I'll keep the boy safe. If I don't, who will open a spatial storage for me, eh? Hahaha!"

Apart from Lu Meiying's beauty and skills, Lan Fuyou favored her even more because of the usefulness of her son.

Lu Meiying lowered her gaze slightly, bowing in acknowledgment, her smile never faltering. But her mind was already racing.

The feast continued, though the food had long lost its taste for her.

She could feel Lan Fuyou's greasy fingers trailing along the silk of her sleeve, lingering too long at her wrist. The scent of wine and sweat clung to him, making her stomach twist. Yet, she endured.

"Meiying, my lovely Meiying," he murmured, pressing a sticky, damp hand against her cheek, the remnants of beef jerky still glistening on his fingers. "You always look so cold. It makes me want to warm you up."