"I just got here too," Xu Mu replied with a friendly smile.
[Favorability +5]
Guo Xiao took off her outer coat and hung it neatly to the side. Today she wore a tight black pencil skirt that accentuated her curves, and her long wavy black hair was tied up, giving her a more polished, professional look.
"Please, have a seat."
Xu Mu pressed the service button on the table, signaling the waiter to bring in the dishes.
Guo Xiao sat across from him, her eyes curious. "Brother Xu, may I ask what this meeting is about?"
"These past few days, the news about me has been spreading everywhere," Xu Mu said, folding his hands on the table and smiling slightly. "I assume you've heard?"
"Of course."
Guo Xiao nodded. As a figure within the business circle, she was always among the first to hear about such things. Even if she hadn't noticed, her secretary would've briefed her.
She had followed the whole situation closely — and when she learned that Xu Mu had long been donating to orphanages, she couldn't help but feel admiration for him.
Of course, many people still claimed those donations were all handled by Xu Shou, his father.
But Guo Xiao didn't believe that. She felt this was Xu Mu's own doing — and that he was nothing like the rumors painted him.
"Miss Guo," Xu Mu said calmly, "that's exactly why I asked to see you. Do you know who's behind the smear campaign against me?"
Guo Xiao's clear eyes flickered. "Wasn't it the Chai family? They've already released a statement denying involvement, but all the evidence points to them."
"You're right — it was the Chai family who acted," Xu Mu said slowly. "But behind them… was Fang Chu pulling the strings."
At that, Guo Xiao's expression faltered slightly. In truth, she had already suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed still made her tremble.
"Brother Xu… how do you know that?" she asked, her voice shaking.
"I believe I mentioned before that Fang Chu has a thing for a few of his students," Xu Mu began, smiling faintly. "I have a good relationship with those girls — and that made him jealous."
He went on to explain the entire situation — how before the video of his fight even surfaced, Fang Chu had already sent it privately to those same students, trying to sow discord between them and Xu Mu.
Hearing that, Guo Xiao clenched her fists.
That man… what a despicable bastard!
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, until tears began welling in her eyes.
"Miss Guo, I know this has nothing to do with you," Xu Mu said, waving a hand. "No need to be nervous."
[Favorability +20]
Guo Xiao felt a deep pang of emotion — Xu Mu was so much better than Fang Chu in every possible way.
The more she thought about it, the more wronged she felt. In the end, her tears slipped free.
"Brother Xu… whatever you want to ask, I'll tell you everything I know."
She took a tissue from the side and gently dabbed at her eyes.
"What's the deal with Fang Chu?" Xu Mu asked. "How did he suddenly manage to cozy up to the Chai family?"
"That's what I was going to mention…" Guo Xiao said quietly. "Brother Xu, do you know about ancient martial artists?"
"Of course."
"I don't know how, but Fang Chu suddenly became one. He's been extremely arrogant ever since — he even beats my mother whenever he gets angry."
Her tears flowed again. "He threatened us… said if we ever went against him, he'd kill her."
Xu Mu narrowed his eyes — just as he suspected.
So Fang Chu's body had recovered, and he'd stepped once more into the path of martial cultivation.
The Chai family, like the Feng family before them, was just a traditional business clan. With a single display of martial skill, Fang Chu could easily earn their cooperation.
"I see," Xu Mu said softly, nodding. "Miss Guo, if you ever run into trouble again, call me directly. I'll help you."
[Favorability +10]
Guo Xiao nodded firmly — even she hadn't expected that, at such a moment, the person she'd turn to would be another man.
Just then, the waiter brought in the dishes.
As they ate, they continued chatting. Xu Mu learned that Fang Chu hadn't consulted anyone in his recent schemes — not even Guo Xiao. She had no idea what he planned next.
Still, now that Xu Mu knew Fang Chu was an ancient martial artist, his strategy had to change.
This son-in-law was more cunning and underhanded than Lin Yan ever was.
After dinner, they parted ways.
Xu Mu had just gotten into his car when his phone rang again — this time, it was Zhao Yingying.
He answered, "What's up?"
"Brother Mu, are you free tonight? Mom and I would like to treat you to dinner," Zhao Yingying asked over the phone.
"Maybe another day," Xu Mu said. "I just finished eating, and I'm still pretty full."
"Brother Mu! I want to apologize on behalf of my mom — we wronged you! I'm so sorry!"
Her voice cracked, nearly crying.
"Huh? Apologize? For what?" Xu Mu asked, genuinely confused. "What did you think I did?"
"Brother Mu, please don't pretend — you must still be mad… wuu…"
Xu Mu sighed. Why is she crying now?
"All right, all right. Where are you? I'll come over."
Could this all really be because Li Yun hadn't picked up his call earlier?
If that was it, weren't they being a bit too sensitive?
"We're at home," Zhao Yingying said quickly, her tone brightening. "Mom and I cooked dinner ourselves!"
"Don't make too much — I really just ate," Xu Mu said before hanging up.
He texted Ye Tong to tell her not to prepare dinner for him tonight, then started driving toward Li Yun's home.
He also began thinking about Fang Chu again.
From the way Fang Chu had been moving, he was clearly far more insidious than Lin Yan — someone who preferred dirty tricks to open confrontation.
People like that were never easy to deal with.
By the time Xu Mu parked in front of Li Yun's home, the sky had already darkened.
He knocked on the door.
"Coming!"
A young voice called out. The door opened to reveal Zhao Yingying, looking as sweet and pure as ever — the very picture of the girl next door.
She wore a simple beige dress, her straight black hair cascading like silk down her back.
"Brother Mu, come in!"
She grabbed his arm and pulled him inside, then shut the door behind them.
[Favorability +10]
From the kitchen, Li Yun quickly walked out, wiping her hands.
She wore jeans and a soft white sweater that hugged her figure, its folds outlining a graceful shape.
[Favorability +20]
Her face was full of guilt. "Xiao Mu, I'm so sorry. I really misunderstood you today."
Her eyes were still slightly red as she spoke.
"Auntie, I still don't know what you misunderstood me for," Xu Mu said with a gentle wave.
"I shouldn't have believed Fang Chu's nonsense…"
Li Yun's face turned red as she trailed off, remembering exactly what Fang Chu had said — things far too embarrassing to repeat.