The Boss's phone call finally put Ethan's mind at ease. The Boss's focus was clearly on Mulan, even mentioning that Autumn was just 'handling business outside'—he made no mention of the cloned license plates or anything related.
Whether the incident involving the police investigation, triggered by Autumn, was connected to The Boss or not, the fact that it wasn't mentioned meant the matter was officially closed.
As for whether there would be lingering resentment, Ethan figured it didn't matter much.
In any relationship—be it between superior and subordinate, brothers, or even husband and wife—there were bound to be moments of friction. As long as the issue was resolved, it was over. Dwelling on the past usually only happened when a new conflict arose.
He turned off the lights in the hospital room and lay down, closing his eyes.
"Goodnight, Mom."
The next morning, Ethan got up early and headed to school.
Right after morning classes, Ethan received a call from Serena. She said Autumn had come to settle her debt. Her attitude had been very good, and she had sincerely expressed her apologies.
In the evening, Ethan went straight to the casino. Serena informed him that the performance review for the period was tonight; both Uncle Kun and The Boss would be there, and Ethan needed to report on the operations since the opening.
As soon as Ethan entered the office, he was met with a round of applause.
The ones clapping were none other than Uncle Kun and The Boss.
"Ethan, excellent! Truly excellent!" Uncle Kun laughed heartily. "The Boss and I just reviewed the books. Since the opening, not a single bad debt. And the staff's approval rating of you is quite high. Well done."
The Boss came over and clapped Ethan on the shoulder. "I didn't misjudge you. Over this past month—"
Knock. Knock. Knock.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Manager Chen, a Ms. Mu is here to see you."
Hearing this, The Boss wouldn't even let Ethan start his report. "Ethan, you should go attend to that. Heh, don't keep Ms. Mu waiting."
"I should report on my work first."
"Don't worry about it." Uncle Kun also chimed in quickly. "Ms. Mu is more important. Your work speaks for itself; The Boss and I have seen it. Go on."
Ethan glanced at The Boss.
After The Boss nodded his approval, Ethan left the room.
"You go attend to your duties too, dear." Uncle Kun said to Serena.
Serena understood that her father and The Boss needed to talk privately. She left and closed the door behind her.
Uncle Kun offered The Boss a cigarette. "Seems the young Miss Mu is quite taken with Ethan. What's your take on this?"
"Hmm..." The Boss pondered. "Uncle Kun, to be frank, the head of the Mu family called me last night. Specifically warned me to keep my people away from his daughter."
"Oh?" Uncle Kun was intrigued. "And what did you say?"
"Told him the truth." The Boss lit his cigarette. "Ethan does work for me, but I can't control his private life. Besides, he is..."
The Boss let his words trail off.
"So, he knows Ethan's background now," Uncle Kun said, his gaze profound. "What did he say then?"
"Nothing." The Boss exhaled a plume of smoke. "There wasn't much he could say, really. After all, he played his part in what happened back then."
"What are you thinking now?" Uncle Kun asked.
"I'm thinking..." The Boss narrowed his eyes. "This might be an opportunity. That 'Gentleman' is becoming increasingly assertive. His ambition frankly scares me. If I can leverage this into a different arrangement, it would be good for me."
Uncle Kun gave a thumbs-up. "Aren't you afraid he might be forced to intervene directly? His stance towards the Western Alliance Society is far more cautious than yours or mine."
The Boss smiled. "That Mu girl has a rebellious streak. I bet after he hung up on me last night, he gave Ms. Mu a warning too. And yet, here she is today."
Ethan and Mulan sat in the casino's VIP lounge. The vast room was empty except for them, without even a dealer present.
Mulan had ordered a bottle of red wine. She lounged back on the plush sofa, her beautiful eyes scrutinizing Ethan as if trying to see right through him.
"The way you're looking at me is giving me the creeps."
"Is that so?" Mulan smiled faintly. "If you can't handle my gaze, you must get goosebumps when Fang Si looks at you."
"Well, how to put it... you two are different types. I can understand her looking at me like that, you know?"
Mulan's finely shaped eyebrows rose. "Is this what you young people call 'giving me the好人卡' (the 'nice guy/girl' let-down)?"
"No, absolutely not." Ethan shook his head and poured Mulan a glass of wine. "I just get the feeling you have something to say."
"Your feeling is correct." Mulan gently swirled her glass. "How much to keep you?"
"Pfft!"
Ethan, who had just taken a sip of wine, couldn't hold it in and spat it out.
Mulan took a delicate sip from her glass, then looked at Ethan, waiting for his answer.
Ethan wiped his mouth. "Wait, why?"
"Why what?" Mulan looked genuinely puzzled. "A woman my age wants to keep a young man. Do I need a reason? Isn't it perfectly natural?"
Ethan stared at Mulan's exquisite face and perfect figure. The woman radiated the unique charm of a mature woman, coupled with an indescribable air of nobility.
He couldn't help but retort, "Do you think it's perfectly natural?"
"Stop wasting words." Mulan's face darkened slightly. "Just name your price."
Ethan waved his hands dismissively. "It's not that I'm being difficult, and you are truly exceptionally beautiful. It's just... I really don't have those kinds of thoughts."
Ethan was no fool. A perfect, wealthy woman like this, who certainly had no shortage of suitors, suddenly proposing to 'keep' him? There had to be an ulterior motive; he didn't believe it for a second, nor did he believe he possessed that level of charm.
Seeing Ethan's resolute expression, Mulan sighed and gently massaged her temples. "Ah, forget it if you're unwilling. Let's just drink."
She poured herself a full glass, then glanced at Ethan.
Ethan hurriedly filled his own glass.
Without another word, Mulan threw her head back and gulped it down, as if determined to finish it in one go.
Ethan quickly followed suit.
A trickle of wine escaped the corner of Mulan's mouth, tracing a path down her pale neck and disappearing into her collar, the path it took sparking endless imagination.
"Again."
Mulan refilled both glasses.
"Uh..." Ethan started to protest.
"I'm a client. You're the manager here. Entertaining me with a few drinks is part of your job, isn't it?" Mulan preemptively cut off his objection. "Come on, drink."
Two rounds later, the first bottle was empty.
Mulan ordered two more.
By the time the third bottle was finished, Mulan was completely slumped on the sofa. A rosy flush colored her pretty face, and her drunken, dazed expression was a constant temptation, inviting one to sin.
"Had enough. Take me home."
Mulan threw an arm around Ethan's shoulder, hanging her entire weight on him.
Ethan could clearly smell the unique fragrance on her, a scent that, combined with the alcohol, relentlessly stimulated his senses.
A stray lock of her hair brushed against his neck, causing tingling sensations. As he brushed the hair aside, her tempting red lips came dangerously close to his neck.
At that exact moment, Mulan also lifted her head. The distance between them was minimal. As their eyes met, they could feel each other's breath. Ethan needed only to lower his head slightly to accurately kiss those lips.
The woman remained motionless. Her hazy, drunken eyes seemed to be challenging him.
In that moment, a wave of numbness washed over Ethan. He had never been this close to a woman before, let alone one who possessed both stunning beauty and compelling poise.
"What's the matter? Scared?"
Mulan's other arm also went around Ethan's neck. Her red lips, now glistening, looked utterly sweet and inviting.
Ethan's breathing grew heavy. He slowly lowered his head, until his nose touched hers, then lower still.
"No!"
Slap! Slap! Ethan slapped himself twice across the face, forcing himself to sober up.
"You've had too much to drink." Ethan hooked his arm under Mulan's and guided her out of the lounge.
"Two of you, over here." Ethan waved, summoning two female attendants. "See Ms. Mu safely home."
"All of you, get lost!"
Mulan forcefully waved the attendants away, then clung to Ethan again. "I only want you to take me home."
Seeing Mulan's stubborn, almost petulant demeanor, Ethan let out a heavy sigh. Supporting her, he walked out of the casino, quickly descended the stairs, and got into the car.
"Brother Seven, to Ms. Mu's place."
Wade Qi slowly started the car.
Mulan sat in the back, completely soft against Ethan, not moving a muscle. The dazzling lights of the city streamed into the car, constantly shifting and changing.
Mulan didn't speak. Hidden deep within her dazed eyes was a trace of profound confusion.