Xiao Ran blinked at Xu Mu and said teasingly,
"President Xu, I really must thank you for saving my life. The Blood Mountain Yam isn't on me right now—I'll need to go back for it. How about I bring it to you tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow won't work," Xu Mu replied. "My family's going on a trip."
He looked at her and added with a half-smile,
"How about this—I'll leave the window open tomorrow, and you can slip it through the crack."
"President Xu, that's a fifth-grade heavenly treasure we're talking about. You're not worried I'll just run off?" Xiao Ran rolled her eyes.
That Blood Mountain Yam had cost her dearly when she obtained it back then.
"I used a seventh-grade heavenly treasure to save you," Xu Mu said lazily, reclining on the sofa.
"It wasn't a complete one, but it was still worth a fortune. If you can't even part with a fifth-grade treasure, then I'll just have to ask your boss for compensation."
"Hehe, I was just joking," Xiao Ran said quickly. "President Xu, you saved my life—giving you the Blood Mountain Yam doesn't even cover the favor I owe you."
She slid her hands into her coat pockets. "It's getting late, I won't disturb you all any longer."
"I'll walk you out," Xu Mu said—but didn't actually move from the sofa.
"No need." Xiao Ran waved her hand and left the villa.
Outside, she took a few deep breaths and realized—the pain in her body was truly gone.
She turned back toward the villa, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly.
This Xu Mu… really is something.
[Favorability +10]
Ye Tong and Ye Yu spent a long time discussing where to go for the weekend.
In the end, they decided there was no need to go far—it was just a short trip.
Thinking of Ye Chen's imminent return, they planned to visit their old home in Yang City.
Xu Mu also told Ye Tong about Meng Wanyue's real identity—she, too, had been sent by Ye Chen to protect them.
So it made sense to bring her along on the trip.
Ye Tong agreed readily.
Xu Mu sent Meng Wanyue a message telling her she didn't need to come to work tomorrow, and she promptly replied in the affirmative.
That night, Xu Mu waged another "battle"—its echoes, as usual, reached Ye Yu's ears.
She couldn't help but wonder what her sister was feeling at that moment.
A dangerous curiosity stirred within her.
The next morning.
Ye Tong woke up early and prepared breakfast.
During the meal, Xu Mu, as usual, earned himself two batches of Fate Points.
"Wife, that floral dress looks like it was made just for you."
"Ye Yu, that slim skirt fits you so perfectly—if I hadn't met your sister first, I'd have married you instead."
[Favorability +20]
[Favorability +20]
Ye Yu's heart raced hearing him say that.
Xu Mu drove to Meng Wanyue's apartment complex.
Once he texted her that he'd arrived, he used his perception to scan the area.
His range had now expanded to two hundred meters—enough to easily cover her entire building from the gate.
"Hm?" Xu Mu's eyes lit up.
He saw Xiao Ran lying in Meng Wanyue's bedroom—clearly, she'd stayed the night there.
She was still wrapped in a quilt, her posture languid and graceful.
Meng Wanyue, already dressed in casual clothes, was speaking to her—obviously saying goodbye—before hurrying out toward the elevator.
Moments later, she appeared before him.
"President Xu, I'll drive today," Meng Wanyue offered.
"Sure," Xu Mu nodded and got out of the driver's seat.
Once inside, Meng Wanyue greeted the backseat politely. "Good morning, Sister Ye."
"Wanyue, thank you for getting up so early," Ye Tong said warmly.
"I usually get up at this time," Meng Wanyue replied softly.
After Xu Mu sent her the destination, he sat in the front passenger seat.
The highway drive was smooth, and in just two hours, they reached Yang City.
"Brother-in-law, let's go to the outskirts—there's a scenic area there," Ye Yu suggested from the back seat.
"Alright, send me the location," Xu Mu said.
She quickly forwarded it to him, and he in turn sent it to Meng Wanyue's phone.
When they arrived, Meng Wanyue parked along the roadside, and everyone got out together.
A small river stretched before them, willow branches swaying gently in the breeze.
Across the river, construction cranes loomed—new high-rises rising from the old land.
"That used to be our home," Ye Yu said softly, pointing across the water, her voice tinged with melancholy.
Ye Tong shook her head slightly. "Years ago, to cover the debts and losses, Father sold the estate. I didn't expect it to be demolished so soon."
"Don't dwell on it," Xu Mu said, standing between them and resting an arm around each shoulder.
"Didn't you say there's a scenic spot nearby? You two are the guides today—it's your hometown, after all."
[Favorability +10]
[Favorability +10]
Both sisters knew he was just trying to comfort them.
"Come on, Brother-in-law! Follow me along the river—it's not far. There's an old town there," Ye Yu said eagerly.
"My sister and I used to eat there a lot; it's full of street snacks."
"Lead the way," Xu Mu said with a smile.
They decided to walk rather than drive. After a short stroll, they reached the entrance to the old town.
Ye Yu tugged on Ye Tong's arm, laughing as they ran ahead—until she suddenly stopped.
Xu Mu and Meng Wanyue also halted behind them.
"What's wrong?" Xu Mu asked.
"In the past, my sister and I didn't have to buy tickets here, but now…"
"Heh, you think I can't afford tickets?" Xu Mu chuckled, flicking her forehead lightly.
After buying their passes, they entered the old town.
It was built along the river—clear green water shimmering in the sunlight, with small boats gliding slowly past.
Arched bridges connected both banks, making for a picturesque view.
The only flaw was how overly commercialized it had become.
Despite the antique façade, no one actually lived here—only rows of souvenir shops.
"Out of the way! Move! No photos!"
A loud shout broke through the calm. A young man wearing a staff tag was clearing the road, shoving people aside.
Ye Tong happened to be standing in the middle of the path, taking a photo of Ye Yu.
The man roughly shoved her in the back—she nearly fell.
Xu Mu's expression darkened instantly. He strode over with Meng Wanyue following close behind.
"Move! Move aside!" the staffer barked again—
but before he could push Xu Mu, Meng Wanyue caught his wrist.
A shrill cry escaped him—like a pig being slaughtered.
"Wanyue, let him go," Xu Mu said calmly, shaking his head.
She released him and rushed to Ye Tong. "Sister Ye, are you okay?"
Xu Mu's tone, however, was cold.
"Whose dog is this? Where's its owner? Get out here."
The young man clutched his wrist and glared. "Don't block the road!"
"This scenic area yours? We all paid for tickets. What gives you the right to shove us? You think you're the emperor here?"
Xu Mu's voice rang out firm and clear, carrying far in every direction.
The people who'd also been pushed earlier began voicing their support.
"Yeah! Why are you pushing us? Can't you walk around?"
"Even a simple 'excuse me' would've worked! You in a hurry to get to your mother's grave or something?"
The crowd's anger swelled.
Realizing he'd sparked a commotion, the staffer shrank back, silent.
"I recall this scenic site is state-owned," Xu Mu said, expressionless.
"Every brick here was paid for by taxpayers. In other words, we're the shareholders here. You've got some nerve."
Just then, someone stepped out from the crowd behind them.