Xu Mu chatted for a while longer before Xu Shou got up to leave.
He was preparing to take Xu Ningbing to Yang City to negotiate partnerships with major companies—meeting every one of the Feng Family's former collaborators.
Xu Mu also planned to go there today; he had his own business to handle.
When he arrived at the Yang City branch, the first thing he did was call Zhang Shuaikai over.
Since Zhang had contributed greatly to taking down Feng Kang, Xu Mu naturally intended to reward him.
"Brother Xu, what can I do for you?"
Zhang Shuaikai smiled as he approached Xu Mu.
"The Feng Family is finished, but some of their subsidiary companies might still be viable."
Leaning back on the bench, Xu Mu said casually, "I can pull some strings and get one of those companies under your name."
"Brother Xu, forget it. I'm happy where I am. I don't know anything about running a company—if you give me one, I might just drive it into bankruptcy."
Zhang Shuaikai was genuinely touched. Xu Mu was a good man.
His current position was already considered upper management—he was satisfied.
"Alright then."
Xu Mu didn't insist and gestured for him to return to work.
Just then, a woman in a fitted uniform walked out from the company lobby.
The few tight buttons on her chest hinted at the restrained storm of power beneath.
It was Li Yun.
"Xiao Mu!"
When she saw Xu Mu from afar, her face lit up with surprise and delight as she walked toward him.
Xu Mu studied her for a moment and was startled to see she was wearing light makeup—making her look at least five years younger, even more charming and mature.
"Auntie put on makeup? I almost didn't recognize you—I was about to call you Sister."
Xu Mu said with a teasing smile.
[Favorability +10]
Li Yun brushed her hair aside, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"Don't joke with me like that."
Normally she went without makeup, but lately her colleagues all did, and she'd started to feel out of place without it—especially since her job involved representing the company's image.
"Where are you off to, Auntie?"
Xu Mu asked curiously.
From her direction earlier, it seemed she had been planning to leave the company, but changed course when she saw him.
Li Yun didn't hide it. "Fang Chu called me—he's waiting outside."
"Fang Chu?"
Xu Mu frowned. What was that live-in son-in-law doing here?
After a moment's thought, he said, "Auntie, mind if I come along?"
"Of course not. I actually wanted to ask you to come, but I was embarrassed to say it."
Li Yun smiled softly.
Outside the company, a black Rolls-Royce Phantom was parked.
Fang Chu sat in the driver's seat, waiting. Through the glass, he soon saw Li Yun approaching.
She looked even more attractive than before—mature, alluring, just like the women he'd seen in those Korean comics he often read.
The thought of having such a woman stirred something in him.
But then his expression darkened—he saw Xu Mu walking beside her.
Every woman he fancied seemed to have feelings for Xu Mu.
That, he couldn't stand.
He stepped out of the car with a smile. "Auntie."
Li Yun instantly recognized the luxury vehicle. After all, Chairman Xu owned one too—it was worth tens of millions.
"Xiao Fang, what brings you here? Working as a driver now? With a car like this, your boss must be quite wealthy. Keep it up—you've got a bright future."
Fang Chu's mouth twitched, but he forced a smile. "Auntie, this car is mine."
Behind them, Xu Mu had his hands in his pockets, realizing this was just another show-off act.
"Huh? You bought this car? Why not use that money to improve your family life first?"
Li Yun was surprised.
"Auntie, remember I told you I used to run a company but went bankrupt? Well, I started a new one, and now I'm rich again."
He patted the hood proudly. "Cars like this—I can buy as many as I want."
"Impressive! Ambitious young man."
Li Yun gave a polite thumbs-up. "So, what did you want from me? I'm still on the clock."
"Auntie, you shouldn't work anymore. Come work for me instead."
He said it with an ambiguous tone, then added, "The pay's five times higher than here!"
"Xiao Fang, no need. I'm fine where I am."
Li Yun shook her head gently.
"Auntie, I'm serious! I can pay you in advance—two million upfront! You won't even have to do anything. Just stay with me from now on!"
Fang Chu couldn't understand why she kept refusing.
"Fang Chu, and how is that different from being kept as a mistress?"
Li Yun's face darkened.
"I just want to… no, wait, this is for your own good!"
He stammered in panic.
"Don't ever call me again."
Li Yun turned and walked away.
Xu Mu simply shook his head—Fang Chu completely failed to understand Li Yun's heart.
In the past, when she'd been ill, perhaps she might have sacrificed her pride for her daughter Zhao Yingying's future.
But now? Never.
She was strong—and she wanted to live with dignity.
"Xu Mu! You bastard! Did you threaten her?"
Fang Chu shouted, pointing at Xu Mu. Why else would Li Yun refuse him, even when he was rich and driving a luxury car?
She clearly needed money!
[Fate Power -10]
"Xiao Mu, ignore him!"
Li Yun grabbed Xu Mu's hand and led him back toward the company.
At first, she'd had a good impression of Fang Chu—she had even thought of letting her daughter marry him after she passed away.
But later, she realized he wasn't normal, and her feelings disappeared completely.
And now, after making money, he came flaunting it and tried to buy her?
Did he really think she was that shallow?
If she truly cared only for money, she could've remarried into a wealthy family long ago instead of struggling alone to raise Zhao Yingying.
Compared to Xu Mu, Fang Chu was worlds apart.
When Xu Mu gave her that million-yuan pill, he hadn't even mentioned the price—only urging her to take it.
She had to press him repeatedly before he told her how valuable it was.
And Fang Chu?
A little money and he already thought he could impress her.
[Favorability +10]
Li Yun glanced sideways at Xu Mu—truly, a heaven of difference.
Fang Chu watched their backs as they walked away and roared, "Damn it! Xu Mu, you think I'm still that weak, patient fool? I'll destroy the Xu Family! Let's see how long you can stay smug!"
He yanked open the car door, and the Rolls-Royce roared away.
Meanwhile, Yang City's business scene was buzzing with activity.
Just today alone, dozens of new large companies had been registered.
The Shen Family.
Shen Hong had planned to seize some of the Feng Family's assets, but something unexpected delayed him.
In the spacious living room, Shen Hong sat on the sofa, uneasy.
Across from him sat a young man in a black overcoat, slicked-back hair, with a cold and commanding presence—
It was none other than Dragon King Ye Chen.
Behind Ye Chen stood two people: a short-haired beauty and a middle-aged man with a beard—
His right-hand and left-hand aides, Xiao Ran and Huang Qu.