CH 132

As Qin Zhou and the others looked at the little child, they were only somewhat surprised. In the past six years, Mu Yazhe had carefully kept him away from the eye of the media.

Why was he wearing an English-style Armani suit? Was this a plan to let him publicly be known as the Mu Group’s future successor via the gala?

What came as a greater surprise to Qin Zhou, however, was that Yichen’s physical appearance looked very familiar to him. Had he seen someone with the same physical looks before?

Qin Zhou came to a sudden realization at that, and he turned to look at Yun Shishi, only to see that her head was down while she bit on her lower lip. She was clearly suffering in silence.

She looked dejected and helpless. With her handsome brows knitted together and her arms defensively hugging each other, she hid herself behind Gu Xingze.

If one were to look at her and Yichen separately, perhaps it would be slightly difficult to make the connection.

However, they were now facing each other, and the comparison could be done easily.

If it were addressed earlier that Mu Wanrou was not Yichen’s biological mother, Qin Zhou might have still withheld his suspicion, but with Yichen standing next to her, a clear distinction could easily be made.

Blood relation, although mysterious, could not deceive anyone.

Inheritance was something even more profound.

Little Yichen and Mu Wanrou that were standing side by side looked nothing alike.

In contrast, if he stood next to Yun Shishi, he totally looked like her biological son.

Qin Zhou went back and forth surveying Yun Shishi and Yichen, his eyes unduly reticent.

Gu Xingze saw Qin Zhou’s scrutinizing eyes on Yun Shishi and Yichen and directed him a warning look.

Qin Zhou received his warning signal and pursed his lips.

He was unaware that, for a long time, Gu Xingze’s heart could not calm down.

Gu Xingze, just like the others, had not seen the Mu family’s young master before; this was indeed his first time seeing the child.

However, unlike others, he had seen the child by Yun Shishi’s side before; that boy shared the same facial features with the Mu family’s young master.

It was as if they were cast in the same mould.

No one would believe it if someone said that they were not twins.

The shock and suspicion he felt were more intense than anyone else.

The situation suddenly became tense, and the air was so still it seemed frozen.

Alan reacted first by respectfully greeting the man, “Mr. Mu!”

“Mr. Mu…” Shao Dong returned to his senses as well. He retracted his anger and courteously inquired, “Mr. Mu, how have you been?”

Unlike his earlier display of haughtiness to Gu Xingze, his attitude did a one-eighty – his conduct and manner became proper – in front of Mu Yazhe.

No matter how well-known Gu Xingze was, he was ultimately only a star. Mu Yazhe was different.

Mu Group was a well-known, influential family and owned a business empire. A small subsidiary of it was much more powerful than Shao Group.

He could afford to ignore Gu Xingze but not Mu Yazhe!

Han Yuyan had never met Mu Yazhe before; the successor to Mu Group was all along mysterious and unfathomable. Any news with regard to the Mu family was always based on hearsays.

Still, she knew how to act accordingly. Observing the once proud Shao Dong being all respectful, she also put on a graceful mannerism. She formed a flawless smile on her face and looked at Mu Yazhe charmingly.

Shao Dong noticed that Mu Yazhe had not given a response. He stepped forward and stretched out his right hand. “Mr. Mu, do you remember me?”

Mr. Mu?!

Could this man be from the rumored wealthiest, most mysterious, and most influential family in the capital… the Mu family?!

Han Yuyan listened from the side and kept cursing to herself.

The noble with the title of Young Master Mu that was able to humble and cow the snobbish Shao Dong into submission; who else could it be other than the man from the capital’s Mu family?

Mu Yazhe nodded first and then looked at him. Compared to Shao Dong’s face that displayed formalities, his remained emotionless. “You are?”

Shao Dong froze, a flustered smile appearing on his face. “Mr. Mu, have you forgotten? We’ve met each other before for the takeover of Meng Corporation—”

“I forgot,” the man cut him off. Clearly, he did not have the patience to listen to him.

He then left Shao Dong, who had yet to retract his outstretched hand, and Han Yuyan, who had an elegant smile on her lips, foolishly standing in one spot. The situation became extremely awkward.

Qin Zhou could not help but let out a “Pfft!” He then muttered, “How delusional. He’s just an upstart, yet he’s already dreaming of having ties with someone from the high society.”

These words of his were spoken softly, as if he were talking to himself, yet they were directed to Shao Dong’s ears. Shao Dong’s face showed rage and Han Yuyan’s face was no better as she flushed from embarrassment.

He presented himself with utmost respect to the man, yet the man ignored him. Shao Dong was seething.

What an egocentric!

Mu Yazhe walked toward Gu Xingze. There was, ultimately, a flaw in his cold and indifferent expression.

Two men. One mature and conceited; the other as gentle as jade.

One threateningly beautiful; the other refined and handsome.

Mu Yazhe just had to be taller than Gu Xingze. Thus, the former was unavoidably looking down at him.

Comparing the two, Gu Xingze’s presence was somewhat suppressed.

The corners of Mu Yazhe’s mouth curled with scorn and arrogance. He had an indifferent and insincere smile on his face.

“How beautiful!”

His eyes turned to the adorned Yun Shishi behind Gu Xingze, and he was unexpectedly surprised.

This woman looked like a lotus in full bloom in the past. Her aura was so elegant it seemed otherworldly, but, right now, wearing the glamorous dress, she was dignified and pristine.

The red and coquettish dress made her graceful figure stand out. The long dress, which was touching the ground with its hem, was akin to a blooming rose. It complemented her so much that, in that moment, she looked like an alluringly beautiful noble.

Mu Yazhe smirked and added two words, “This gown.”

Whether a piece of clothing was beautiful depended on the person wearing it.

Yun Shishi was somewhat afraid of the man with an overwhelming presence, so she subconsciously retreated behind Gu Xingze even more.

Her small, jade-like hand instinctively clutched the hem of Gu Xingze’s suit. This small gesture was captured by Mu Yazhe’s eyes.

This prideful man, at this very moment, was slightly disappointed.

Yichen, who was standing by his father’s side, blinked his eyes. The longer he looked at the woman, the odder she seemed to him.

She looked so timid, just like a small deer.

Deep down, however, Yichen thought that she was very beautiful.

She looked particularly classy and sophisticated in that long and exquisite red gown!

This beautiful woman gave him a strange feeling.

Where had he seen this woman before?

Somehow, bits and pieces of his dreams appeared in his mind. At this moment, he could not recall anything, but why did he feel that she was so, so familiar…

Somehow, there seemed to be a very deep bond between them.

It was an indescribable and unfathomable feeling, but he did not find it the least bit repulsive.

The first time he saw her, she did not feel like a stranger. He even perceived an odd sense of warmth.

This warmth was too strange yet very attractive. He had never felt it before even from his ‘mother’.

Yichen tilted his head. His mind was in quite a mess!

His lovely mother was right next to him, yet he could not feel any familial warmth from her.

A stranger was right in front of him, and he could feel warmth radiating off of her.

He puckered his lips and shook his head.

Don’t think too much about it!

Mu Wanrou looked at Yun Shishi and saw the strikingly beautiful long gown – it was such an eyesore.

Yun Shishi was standing in front of Mu Yazhe like an elegant and noble fairy queen when she was simply a commoner. What rights did she have to be in this place?

EMPRESS was a fashion landmark of those in high society. A commoner should know better than to invade her territory.

She was stealing the limelight, too. Was this not a provocation toward her?

“ALAN!” Mu Wanrou bellowed.

Alan hurriedly said with great politeness, “Yes, Miss Mu.”

“Since when did EMPRESS welcome such a lowly commoner?” Mu Wanrou pointed at Yun Shishi scornfully. Her voice was cold; it was as if she were chasing away a lowly beggar.

Alan’s face immediately displayed awkwardness as he thought to himself, Oh, my. Why don’t you just admit that you’re jealous?! Where did Miss Y

un offend you? Isn’t it just because she’s prettier and more elegant than you? Miss Mu, you really aren’t tactful when you’re jealous.

“Miss Mu, there seems to be a misunderstanding. Miss Yun is invited here by Xingze!”

“Oh?” The arrogant Mu Wanrou began to lose her smile. “Xingze, when did your standard stoop so low that you would actually invite a pitiful commoner to this place?”

Qin Zhou showed a cold and stern expression at that. “Miss Mu, please be respectful! Don’t live in too much comfort. When are people classified as nobles and commoners in this store? I did not see a ‘commoners prohibited’ signage at the entrance of EMPRESS!”

He purposely pretended to cry a little. “Miss Mu, is the commoner you were talking about, me?”

Flustered, Mu Wanrou stoically refuted, “I’m not talking about you!”

“Then… Is it our Xingze?” He looked at her with a saddened expression. He just had to hold a handkerchief and his innocent act would be completed.

“No, I’m talking about her!” She gritted her teeth and pointed at Yun Shishi once more.

“Oh, my. When did our Shishi become a commoner? She’s Xingze’s female partner for the gala tonight, so I brought her here to try out a gown.”

“Xingze’s female partner?”

Gu Xingze’s female partner?

Her expression completely changed. Even Han Yuyan paled in shock.

What did being Gu Xingze’s female partner mean?

It meant confirmed exposure and publicity. With Gu Xingze’s popularity alone, one was sure to be featured in many entertainment media outlets!

Why?! Why her of all people? Back when Huanyu Entertainment was heavily promoting Han Yuyan, the company’s higher-ups pressured Gu Xingze into walking the red carpet while holding hands with her, but he never agreed! Why exactly was it her?!

Han Yuyan was so jealous that her eyes turned red.

Mu Yazhe’s eyes, meanwhile, slightly turned cold.

Gu Xingze’s female partner? Would she be attending Huanyu’s annual gala tonight?

This woman was dolling herself up in grandeur for another man.

Mu Yazhe lifted his haughty chin a little higher, and the eyes he used to look at Yun Shishi suddenly turned dark and gloomy.