Although Xu Mu wasn't especially close to Wang Biao, the plot he remembered said Wang Biao would one day die at the hands of the Dragon King's men while protecting him. That alone told Xu Mu this guy was loyal. He really didn't want to see Wang Biao get played by some woman.
Reading through the messages made Xu Mu angry.
"It's Sunday—so many girls got milk tea today."
Wang Biao immediately transfers money.
"Ugh, I was just replying and my phone lagged. All my friends switched to the newest iPhone."
Wang Biao transfers again.
"Look at this picture—does this gold bracelet suit me?"
Wang Biao transfers yet again.
…
By Xu Mu's quick calculation, Wang Biao had spent nearly twenty thousand in under a week of knowing her. He had to admit, though, the woman was good at "emotional value"—every time he sent money she'd lay on the praise until Wang Biao grinned ear to ear.
"How is it, Mr. Xu?" Wang Biao asked, curious.
Xu Mu handed the phone back. As a man with high EQ, he wasn't going to say outright, She's treating you like an ATM. Instead, he asked mildly, "Old Wang, you've already spent twenty thousand. What's your plan here?"
"I think she's a good person. I want to marry her," Wang Biao chuckled.
"If you're thinking marriage, why not meet her? Text alone won't tell you her looks or personality," Xu Mu said.
"I… feel a bit embarrassed."
"You're embarrassed, but she's not. It's been one week and you've shelled out twenty thousand already," Xu Mu said flatly. "How much do you even make?"
"You're right, Mr. Xu." Wang Biao nodded. At this rate he couldn't keep spending. Forget everything else—he wouldn't have money left for a house or bride price, and there was no family help to lean on.
He pulled out his phone and took the initiative.
"Are you free today? Let's meet."
"I'm a bit busy today," she replied at once.
"Mr. Xu, she says she's busy," Wang Biao said awkwardly.
"Idiot." Xu Mu snatched the phone. Still, it was precisely this temperament that made Wang Biao so loyal—no scheming, no games.
He tapped out a long message and sent it.
"Then I'll have to meet another blind date today. I'm not young anymore and don't want to waste time."
Wang Biao stared, nervous. "Mr. Xu, won't that make her mad?"
"No." Xu Mu's tone was calm.
A normal girl might be annoyed. But a girl like this? She'd panic—her cash machine was about to run off. How could she sit still?
"You have other blind dates?" she replied.
Xu Mu took the phone back and answered: "A friend just introduced one. My friend says if someone won't meet up, it means she's not interested."
"I'll ditch my bestie's plans. Let's meet at noon. If I wasn't interested in you, I wouldn't be talking this much."
"See? Meeting secured." Xu Mu patted Wang Biao's shoulder.
"As expected of you, Mr. Xu," Wang Biao said, delighted. He'd wanted to meet her sooner anyway.
"Call me at noon and bring me along. I'll help you vet her," Xu Mu said, then headed out.
He had originally thought about raising Wang Biao to the ancient martial realm today. Now, it looked like that should wait.
At the very least, he needed Wang Biao to see for himself that this woman wasn't any good.
A proper woman wouldn't dare spend a man's money before even meeting him. And even if the man did spend, a good woman would promptly reciprocate with a gift—she wouldn't want to owe him.
Wang Biao agreed. Having Xu Mu present sounded great—Xu Mu had seen a lot; he might really spot what Wang Biao couldn't.
…
At his own office door, Xu Mu used his senses to check first. Meng Wanyue was still showering, so he didn't go in. He rode the elevator to see Xu Shou.
Besides Wang Biao, he had several other candidates in mind for upgrades—family first: Xu Shou, Xu Ningbing, Ye Tong, and Ye Yu.
Especially with the Marrow-Cleansing Pill, which reshapes the constitution and purges built-up impurities. It lays a much stronger foundation for cultivation.
Xu Mu planned to take one himself later today when he got home.
He knocked on Xu Shou's office door. He had already sensed earlier at the elevator that both Xu Shou and Xu Ningbing were inside.
"Perfect timing," Xu Shou said with a smile when Xu Mu entered. "When will our new company medicine hit the market?"
"Forget the company's new medicine—let's talk my new medicine first."
Xu Mu sat on the sofa, crossed one leg over the other, and took out two Marrow-Cleansing Pills.
Seeing the pills in Xu Mu's hand, Xu Ningbing folded her arms, chin tipped up. "What disgusting thing did you cook up this time?"
"Disgusting? Then you don't get any."
Xu Mu tossed one pill toward Xu Shou. "Catch, old man. Know what this is?"
Xu Shou lifted it to his nose, sniffed, and his expression shifted. "A Marrow-Cleansing Pill?"
Xu Mu smiled. As expected, the old man knew.
"Dad, what's a Marrow-Cleansing Pill?" Xu Ningbing asked, intrigued by his reaction.
"This tiny pill is called a dividing line," Xu Shou explained. "You know why those top hidden clans or sect disciples have impressive strength at such a young age?"
She stared at the pill, waiting for more.
"Besides training and guidance, an important reason is this pill. It purges years of accumulated impurities in the body," Xu Shou said. "Think of it like cars: you and Xiao Mu are both twenty-something-year-old cars. You take this pill—it's like getting an ultra–full service. Think your performance will be the same after that?"
"I see." Xu Ningbing finally understood why it was called a dividing line. Ordinary people didn't have access to this, while powerful factions did. From the very start of cultivation, the starting line was different.
"Dad, go ahead and take it," Xu Mu said. "My sister thinks it's gross, so she's out."
"Xiao Mu…" Xu Ningbing hurried over, fingers fidgeting in front of her. In a rare soft tone she pleaded, "Can I have one?"
"Hahaha! Here, take mine," Xu Shou laughed. "My car's been running fifty years—no need for premium service."
"No way! They're limited," Xu Mu glared at him, then produced another. "Old rules—I want to be alone and reminisce about childhood."
Hearing that, the cool beauty's face went a little stiff. She still nodded. "Okay, we'll step out."
"What childhood?" Xu Shou asked, curious.
"None of your business!" Xu Ningbing shot him a look, then grabbed Xu Mu by the arm and pulled him out.
Xu Shou drew a sharp breath. Her face just now… Something was off. Could those two really…?
He decided that in the future he might… nudge things along a little.
…
Xu Mu was also "nudging things"—with his face. For some reason, having two terrifying thunderbolts dangling over his cheeks always calmed him down.
He closed his eyes and used his senses to check upstairs. He found that Xu Shou had already taken the pill.