Chapter 255 — Are You Even a Man? (1/2)
Zhang Que shot Xu Mu a glance and slipped his hand into his pocket.
Seeing that, Xu Mu immediately took a few steps back, placing himself between Zhang Que and Feng Yue.
Feng Yue's eyes softened. That instinctive move—protective, uncalculated—touched her far more than any deliberate show of concern.
[Favorability +20]
"What are you backing away for? You've got something against ancient martial artists? We're not all maniacs who kill on sight," Zhang Que said, pulling out a pack of Red Double Happiness cigarettes and lighting one.
Xu Mu shook his head slightly. It wasn't ancient martial artists he distrusted—it was this man specifically.
"Senior, if you don't want to talk, fine. Let me ask another way—you're not here to target us, are you?"
"No. I'm not here to cause trouble. I'll even protect the place. Six thousand yuan a month—I earn it fair and square."
Zhang Que struck his lighter and took a drag.
"That's good to hear," Xu Mu said, nodding slightly. Then he turned back to Feng Yue, ushering her into the car.
"Boss, do you know him?" Feng Yue asked as soon as she sat in the passenger seat.
"I've heard of him, but he doesn't know me," Xu Mu said, glancing through the window at Zhang Que, who was still smoking by the gate. "He's a killer—ruthless. Keep your distance."
He phrased it simply so she could understand. Technically, Zhang Que wasn't an assassin in the usual sense—back in that wicked organization, they didn't need to take contracts for money.
They operated more like a dark sect, plundering relics and treasures from others to fuel their cultivation.
"What? Should I report him to the janitors next door?" Feng Yue asked.
"Absolutely not! He's extremely powerful. Those janitors couldn't capture him—and if they tried, you'd be the one in danger."
Xu Mu shook his head. "Just focus on your own business and pretend he doesn't exist."
Feng Yue nodded. "Got it. I really thought he might know you, though."
"Why do you say that?" Xu Mu asked.
"He seemed cold, not much of a talker. But when he spoke to you, he actually smiled."
Feng Yue had been watching Zhang Que closely earlier.
"Maybe he's just in a good mood today," Xu Mu said. Then, with a look of concern, added, "The Chai family won't give up easily. Don't wander around for the next few days. Stay in the company."
Given Zhang Que's words, Xu Mu believed he would protect Feng Yue—at least for now. Nothing should happen for a while.
Feng Yue nodded. She didn't have much going on anyway. The last batch of Beauty Pills had already sold out; in hindsight, she'd priced them too low.
Her goal was to position the product as a high-end luxury supplement—that's where its true value lay.
After all, Beauty Pills were consumables, not miracle cures. One dose wouldn't stop blemishes forever.
Her target customers were rich socialites and female celebrities—women who would gladly pay premium prices for beauty.
Xu Mu had planned to chat more with her, but his phone rang—it was Li Yun.
She told him she was buying a car today and was currently at a Wuling Hongguang 4S dealership, asking if he could help her choose.
Hearing she was at the Yang City branch, Xu Mu decided to drive over—might as well earn a few Fate Points while he was at it.
Without Ye Tong at night, he needed to make up the progress elsewhere.
Wuling Hongguang Showroom
Xu Mu parked by the roadside and walked in.
He had barely stepped through the door when Li Yun appeared, smiling warmly.
For some reason, Xu Mu thought that if Li Yun were a saleswoman here, she'd easily be the top seller.
"Xiao Mu, sorry to trouble you," Li Yun said. She'd only planned to ask for advice over the phone, not expecting him to come in person.
[Favorability +20]
"No trouble—I was nearby anyway." Xu Mu smiled. "Why this brand again?"
"I used to drive one. Got attached to it," Li Yun replied. "Once I finish paying my debts, I'll buy a better car."
Xu Mu nodded.
A young saleswoman in uniform approached them with a smile. But when she saw Li Yun, her eyes widened—then she glanced down at herself.
The difference was… staggering. She had no idea how this woman could look like that.
"Hello, what kind of car are you interested in?" the saleswoman asked politely.
Li Yun turned to Xu Mu—there were so many models, she didn't know where to start.
"Auntie, what's the car mainly for? Just commuting?" Xu Mu asked.
"Right. I don't really go anywhere else—just to and from work," Li Yun said.
"In that case, how about an EV? Your company has free charging stations—it'll save on fuel."
"Xiao Mu, you really think things through," Li Yun said with a smile. Commuting gas costs were indeed high; even with subsidies, electric made more sense.
"Sis, what's your budget? I can recommend something," the saleswoman asked.
"I'll take the Bingo—this white one," Li Yun said, pointing to a nearby car. The listed price was within her budget.
"Go with the Bingo Plus," Xu Mu advised. "Auntie, the Plus version has longer range and doesn't cost that much more."
"This gentleman's right," the saleswoman added. "Cold weather reduces battery life—longer range gives peace of mind."
"No, too expensive," Li Yun shook her head. Her budget was around 50–60 thousand yuan; the Plus version came to nearly 80 thousand with fees.
"Bro, aren't you ashamed?"
A loud voice interrupted. A red-haired young man, about twenty-five, walked over in ripped jeans and a denim jacket, a burly companion with a matching red buzzcut following him.
He had noticed Li Yun the moment she entered.
Running his hand over a Wuling Xingguang, he couldn't help admiring it—its condition was perfect, the engine just broken in, peak performance, direct injection. Sure, the fuel consumption was high, but who cared? Power and torque came first—and that sound!
But what really caught his attention were those laser headlights. On dark roads, nothing was more important than safety.
"A few tens of thousands and you're still penny-pinching? Are you even a man?" the redhead sneered, stopping in front of Li Yun. "Sis, which one do you like? I'll buy it for you!"
For a chance to drive a car like this, what was a few thousand more?
Li Yun ignored him and moved closer to Xu Mu.
"Xiao Mu, I still think it's too expensive," she murmured.
"You have to get it," Xu Mu whispered, glancing at the redhead. "Between us—you've got a few thousand in bonuses coming this month."
"Ha! What a joke!" the redhead barked. "Letting a woman like her drive a Wuling—that's the biggest insult imaginable!"
He grinned at Li Yun. "Sis, a woman like you shouldn't settle for less than a Benz or BMW!"