C# to get a list item lookup value

I just recognized that I always deal with lookup column in the customized .net form. This is the first time I have to deal with the lookup column in a SharePoint list. I have tried the following and it did not work, no error but took forever a long time…

SPFieldLookupValue contractor =newSPFieldLookupValue(Convert.ToString(cItem["VendorType"]));

string VT = contractor.LookupValue;

The same thing happen when I did

string VT = cItem["VendorType"].ToString();

I need help on how to get the “VendorType” value, not just the ID.

Many thanks