Dong Anlan had never met someone so full of himself. Furious, she flung him away with a forceful shove.
"Of course, Ke Beichen's strength isn't on the same level as yours—because he's far better than you. While you're still swaggering around relying on your family's power, he's already started his own business."
"Luojialin, I was wrong in the past. I never should've developed feelings for you. That was my mistake. Please, just be the bigger person and let me off the hook. I promise I'll never bother you again!"
People like him—born with the mindset of a crown prince—were simply not to be trifled with!
She truly couldn't understand how Luojialin had managed to keep up that sanctimonious mask for all these years. It was impressive—so impressive it deserved a standing ovation.
Once the three of them had left, Luojialin sneered under his breath, "Naïve."
"What's naïve?" a voice suddenly came from behind. It was the Luos' Third Master.
"I overheard that girl mentioning something about being the top of the class and the school belle or beau—was she talking about you?"
Luojialin's face paled slightly. "Third Uncle, what are you implying?"
"Haha…" Third Master Luo was clearly enjoying watching Luojialin take a hit. This brat had always carried himself like he was above everyone else, as if he were some kind of invincible genius.
"I'm not implying anything. I just want to remind you—sometimes, a person needs to know when to accept defeat. Life is a revolving wheel. No one stays on top forever!"
"I look at your generation and see plenty of talented young people. That kid from the Ke family, and the one from the Mu family—they're all your competitors. Don't get too cocky."
Luojialin scoffed with disdain. "You worry too much, Uncle. As the pre-designated and sole heir to the Luo family, I have no interest in comparing myself to those who haven't even qualified to inherit their own families' businesses."
"You little—" Third Master Luo's face turned green with anger.
Luojialin simply smiled and walked off with a wine glass in hand.
But once his back was turned, a flash of cruelty passed through his smiling eyes.
Dong Anlan, that stupid woman, actually believed Ke Beichen had potential? Didn't she know the Ke family was led by Ke Ling? Ke Beichen's father was a total failure—how could the son possibly inherit anything?
Without the Ke family as a backing, Ke Beichen was nothing. Starting a new company and thinking it could compete with the century-old Luo Corporation? Utter delusion.
And just because he beat Luojialin once in an exam, he really thought he was better? What a joke.
Luojialin had made up his mind. He wanted to see just how long Ke Beichen could keep up that startup. How long it would take to collapse.
And Shu Lanzhou—getting more unruly by the day.
Did she think cozying up to Mu Side meant she could ignore him?
No problem. He didn't mind teaching her a lesson. Let her understand that girls should know their place and behave properly.
—
Outside the hotel, Shu Lanzhou and the others exited together.
"Anlan, you need to be careful from now on. Luojialin holds grudges—I'm afraid he'll retaliate," Shu Lanzhou warned, knowing Luojialin's temperament all too well.
That man could never stand being looked down on.
"Then why did you provoke him? Aren't you afraid of becoming a target too?" Dong Anlan flicked Shu Lanzhou's nose with her finger.
Shu Lanzhou gave a carefree smile. "I've already pissed him off plenty. One more time won't matter. Besides, Luo Corp's investment in Han Weicheng's research puts us on opposing sides anyway."
"But it's different for you. He's taken an interest in you. Until he gets what he wants, he won't let up. And with your company and Ke Beichen's still in the early stages, I'm worried he'll try to sabotage things behind the scenes."
Dong Anlan sighed. "You guessed right. He already tried. Otherwise, Ke Beichen wouldn't have needed to head to another province."
"But it's okay. Ke Beichen said our company and Luo Corp are in different sectors. Even if the Luo family has influence in Shen City, their reach doesn't extend to other provinces."
"If it weren't for Ke Beichen's determination to build something without relying on the Ke family, Luojialin wouldn't have gotten the upper hand."
Dong Anlan gave a cold snort. "Let him have his little victory. One day, we'll rise above him!"
"…"
From the look in her eyes, it was clear Dong Anlan's heart was now fully committed to Ke Beichen. There was no longer any risk of her being fooled by Luojialin again, and that was all Shu Lanzhou needed to feel at ease.
Mu Side had the driver take Dong Anlan home. After she got out of the car, he tilted his head and leaned against Shu Lanzhou.
"What's wrong?" Shu Lanzhou asked, quickly supporting him. "Did you drink?"
"Had to block a few drinks for my second uncle." Mu Side didn't move, still leaning on her. "Let me stay like this for a bit. I'll be fine soon."
Shu Lanzhou instinctively tried to pull away. "Then rest as long as you need. If you feel worse, let me know—I'll press some acupoints to help you sober up."
"Hm?" Mu Side glanced at her. "Why not press them now?"
Shu Lanzhou's face flushed bright red. "I-I can!"
After hesitating for half a second, she took his hand and placed it in her palm, gently pressing the pressure points.
But something about the mood was changing. Her heart began to race, and her attention faltered.
Her gaze kept drifting to Mu Side's hand.
His hands were large, with long, strong fingers—not bulky, but powerful in a rugged, masculine way.
With just a slight curl of his fingers, he could envelop her entire hand in his palm. It gave her a surprising sense of safety.
But… wasn't she just massaging his acupoints?
Why did he suddenly curl his hand into a fist?
Shu Lanzhou froze, her hand now wrapped in his.
She turned to look at him, only to find him lifting his face toward hers.
Their noses were almost touching.
Shu Lanzhou instinctively tried to pull back—but he was still leaning against her.
She stiffened, her entire face now the color of a ripe peach.
"big brother…"
Mu Side's chin lifted slightly, his lips just about to brush hers—
The car came to a stop. The driver in the front turned and said, "Young Master Mu, we've arrived."
"…"
Shu Lanzhou bolted out of the car like a startled cat, scrambling to open the door and rushing inside.
"Click!" Mu Side sat upright, pressing a hand to his forehead. Why couldn't he hold back again?
In the front seat, the driver stammered awkwardly, "Young Master Mu, I…"
"It's fine. It's late. Head home and get some rest." Mu Side straightened his collar and stepped out of the car.
As he entered the house, he ran into Mu Yanning and Granny Gu, who were sitting in the living room drinking tea.
He had barely called out "Grandma" when the old lady waved him over.
"What did you do to Shu Lanzhou?"
"What did she say?" Mu Side tensed up, worried Shu Lanzhou might never speak to him again.
The old lady shook her head. "She didn't say much. Just that she was going to make you some sobering soup. But her face was completely red, and she looked downright panicked. You better tell me the truth—did you drink and then take advantage of that girl?"
"I didn't!" Mu Side got up and headed for the kitchen. "I'm going to check on her."
Mu Yanning exchanged a look with the old lady. "Looks like something's happening."
"I'd say so!" Granny Gu looked pleased. "You'd better finish the disciple ceremony before that girl from the Long family comes back. Don't let your nephew steal the spotlight!"
Mu Yanning looked hesitant. "But back then, Long Xingyu wanted to join the Mu family's attic. Now you want me to take Shu Lanzhou as my apprentice at such a crucial time?"
"You think Elder Long sent her here for the attic?" Granny Gu tapped her forehead. "You're too rigid. Thank goodness He Sixin didn't inherit your stubbornness!"
Mu Yanning pouted. "It wouldn't be so bad if she did…"
—
In the kitchen.
Mu Side pushed open the door. "Shu Lanzhou?"
"I… I'll be done soon!" Shu Lanzhou stiffened, turned, and walked up to him. "You… you should head back to your room. I'll bring it to you when it's ready."
But seeing him leaning against the doorframe, smiling lazily without moving, she grew more nervous. Her head lowered, her fingers twisting the edge of her dress.
"That… just now… I didn't mean to…"
"Which part?" Mu Side suddenly stepped closer—