Polite applause followed, a wave of approval that rippled across the hall.
Lu Zhi Hao rose, elegant and sure, adjusting his cuffs with unhurried ease. He guided Wan Ruyi down the short steps to the center of the dance floor, his children following in perfect form, Zi Zhen steady, Ting Cheng poised, and Ting Zhou burning quietly with promise.
A hush fell as he took the microphone. The lights softened, golden and reverent.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice deep and deliberate, "thank you for gracing us with your presence tonight. This gathering is not only about charity, but about legacy, what we choose to build, preserve, and pass on to those who come after us."
He glanced back at his family, his gaze lingering a heartbeat longer on each of them.
"The Lu family has always believed that true strength lies not only in influence or wealth, but in purpose. And tonight, we stand here with a purpose, and that's to give back, to lift others, and to remind ourselves that greatness must always be tied to responsibility."
A short pause. He offered the room a slight smile.
"So let tonight be a celebration, not just of what we have, but of what we can give. To the future, to hope, and to the bonds that keep us whole."
The applause swelled with genuine warmth as he handed the microphone back. He turned to Wan Ruyi, took her hand, and gently guided her into the first steps of the opening dance.
As the music began, low, elegant, and timeless, others slowly joined them on the floor. But all eyes remained, for a moment longer, on the Lu family. And the power they carried not just in their name, but in their unity.
Lu Zhi Hao moved with calm precision, guiding Wan Ruyi effortlessly across the floor. Their steps were unhurried, fluid, mirroring decades of trust and silent understanding.
In his arms, she was regal, graceful, the kind of woman who had weathered storms with him and emerged ever unshaken. She had everything every man yearned for in a woman.
Around them, the chandeliers shimmered like stars, and the orchestra played a sweeping waltz that wrapped the hall in its delicate spell.
Lu Zi Zhen stepped forward next, offering his hand to a poised young heiress from an influential financial family.
Lu Ting Zhou followed with a diplomatic attaché's daughter, while Ting Cheng, ever slightly hesitant, was gently nudged by his mother toward the daughter of a cultural ambassador.
"You won't learn by watching forever," she whispered to him with a knowing smile. His son was always nonchalant when it came to these kinds of events; he wasn't like Lu Zi Zhen, who could flirt and a minute later act like he hadn't done that.
Lu Ting Cheng joined, and so he danced. They all did. A unit, harmonious and composed.
As they moved beneath the golden lights, whispers drifted through the crowd.
"That's the eldest—Lu Ting Cheng. He's already heading negotiations with the Eurasian Council. He is young and a capable man, already done with his degrees before hitting 18 years old."
"The middle one— Lu Zi Zhen, sharp mind. Keeps a low profile, but is dangerous in a room of ministers. I had he is already a billion-dollar made bachelor... He is immensely wealthy."
"And the youngest—Ting Zhou... Is a big name, already renowned actor and singer... The Lu Young Masters are the upcoming most perfect bachelors."
People murmured admiring the Lu family, the boys, and some ladies were already making plans.
From the balcony above, camera flashes captured the moment, an image of legacy in motion, of power made flesh and blood.
The Lu family wasn't just present tonight. They were the main event.
As the first song neared its end, Lu Zhi Hao drew Wan Ruyi close for one final turn. He leaned down, brushing his lips against her temple before pecking her lips.