This is the author's alter ego, another side of her, the one she keeps hidden.
As Mu Xing read those novels, he could feel himself getting closer to Miss Bai. This was a different level of spiritual communication, a kind of communication that couldn't be achieved face-to-face.
This completely new experience delighted her, making her even more engrossed in it.
However, Mu Xing himself was quite pleased with himself, but it frightened Madam Mu.
In the past, when Mu Xing went out to play, Madam Mu always kept her in check; but now that Mu Xing was staying at home, which was unusual, Madam Mu thought that she had been mistreated outside and was very worried. She tried to find out what was wrong with Mu Xing.
One minute they'd send summer clothes to Mu Xing's room for her to try on, the next they'd hint that she should go out and meet Song Youcheng. They practically wanted to force Mu Xing to go out and have fun.
Mu Xing was initially quite happy, but after it happened several times, she became annoyed. That day, she happened to receive a call from Tang Yu, inviting her out for a walk to clear her head.
"Young Master Mu is quite the ladies' man lately, enjoying a life of romance. With such a beauty by your side, are you ignoring us friends?" Tang Yu chuckled on the phone.
"A new racetrack has recently been built in the suburbs. Would Young Master Mu like to come out for some fresh air?"
Recently busy dealing with Miss Bai, Mu Xing realized that he hadn't met with his new friends, such as Tang Yu, for several days. So he readily agreed to meet at the racetrack.
The weather in early summer is extremely pleasant, especially in the suburbs where the sky is clear and the air is crisp. The open racecourse is filled with the faint scent of grass, which makes people feel refreshed and happy.
Mu Xing has always enjoyed various sports and loved going to the racetrack when she was abroad. However, she had been too busy with work to go horse racing for a long time. Therefore, as soon as she arrived at the racetrack, she was eager to choose a horse.
Tang Yu wasn't in a hurry. He walked slowly and said to Mu Xing, "Young Master Mu, is this your first time here? I recommend choosing that pony named 'Lucy.' It has German blood..."
As they were talking, several people walked towards them, and the one leading them was none other than Jin Feng, who had met Mu Xing a few times before.
Compared to when we first met, this young scholar who used to sit on the sidelines at Youfeng Bookstore was quite different. She was dressed in a dashing riding outfit, her makeup was exquisite, and her three-white eyes looked rather captivating.
She walked over gracefully and took Tang Yu's hand: "Why are you so late? You've kept us waiting."
Tang Yu smiled gently: "Something came up on the way and I was delayed."
Jin Feng twisted her body like a brown sugar twist: "The sun is so strong, people are almost melting..."
Tang Yu quickly comforted her.
As the two continued their back-and-forth, Mu Xing watched with a chilling unease, feeling utterly awkward.
I never expected that Young Master Tang would like this feeling, and I never expected that the usually straightforward Jin Feng would be such a clingy person.
After a coquettish gesture, Jin Feng looked at Mu Xing with flirtatious eyes and said, "Young Master Mu, it's been a long time."
With an awkward smile, Mu Xing automatically moved a few steps away, keeping a distance from the two of them.
Fortunately, Miss Bai isn't that kind of delicate person, otherwise she wouldn't be able to stand it.
However, on such a beautiful day, Miss Bai should definitely come out for a stroll. But it's already so late; if she goes any further, she might get too late, which is a real shame…
As they spoke, the three of them walked to the stable, and Mu Xing chose Lucy, the horse that Tang Yu had recommended earlier.
With a powerful kick, Mu Xing mounted his horse and was about to go to the racetrack with Tang Yu when he turned around and saw Tang Yu helping Jin Feng teach her how to use the stirrups.
Perhaps because she had always stayed in the brothel and had never exercised, Jin Feng couldn't muster any strength and was also somewhat afraid. After failing to get up several times, she was so tired that her face was flushed, and she slumped into Tang Yu's arms like a puddle of water.
"Why is this so troublesome? Ugh, I'm so tired, Young Master Tang..."
Tang Yu helplessly helped her up and could only say to Mu Xing, "You go first, we'll come find you in a bit."
Nodding, Mu Xing rode his horse out of the stable and headed towards the racetrack.
She was moving very fast, the summer wind whistling past her ears, and the thrill of speed made her heart race. A passing rider whistled at her, amazed by her speed.
Everything was as it had always been, but Mu Xing did not feel the same joy.
After running around for a while, she saw Jin Feng swaying on her horse in the distance, with Tang Yu holding her steadily behind her. The two walked forward side by side, and Jin Feng's silvery laughter carried far on the wind.
Hmph, if Miss Bai were here, her smile would be even more delightful!
Mu Xing gritted his teeth angrily.
Tang Yu went too far. They agreed to go out together, but he secretly brought a girl with him, and the two of them were being so affectionate, as if he was deliberately trying to annoy her.
She slowed down and followed behind Tang Yu and the others, watching silently.
If only Miss Bai were here too. Miss Bai once lived at Andrew's house, so she must know how to ride horses, and then they could race together.
Even if she doesn't know how, it doesn't matter. She can teach Miss Bai step by step, just like Tang Yu did. Miss Bai is so smart, she'll definitely learn quickly.
Besides, Miss Bai would definitely look beautiful in riding attire. Come to think of it, I don't recall ever seeing Miss Bai wear anything other than a cheongsam…
Thinking this, the image of Bai Yan, wearing a petticoat and covered in moisture, suddenly reappeared in Mu Xing's mind.
The lights were on, and she could clearly see what a beautiful view lay beneath that white slip dress…
Stop!
Feeling the heat rising in his face, Mu Xing pursed his lips, suddenly cracked his whip, and charged out.
As dusk approached, Mu Xing had run countless laps, while Tang Yu and Jin Feng were still slowly turning around, their faces even redder than Mu Xing's.
The three men, their faces flushed, returned the horse and went to the restaurant for a meal.
While waiting for their meal, the three chatted for a while, and Jin Feng suddenly said, "Speaking of which, I heard there have been some big changes in the pharmacy recently. Does Young Master Mu know about it?"
Mu Xing's uncle is the chairman of Wenjiang Industrial and Commercial Firm, and the family also runs a pharmacy. Logically, she should have some understanding of business. However, there are three siblings in her family: the eldest brother is in politics, and the second brother and Mu Xing are both pure medical students who know nothing about business.
However, she did not directly say that she did not understand, but only said: "I have heard about it, but I have not paid much attention to it. What, does Miss Jin Feng also like to pay attention to business?"
Seeing that she seemed interested, Jin Feng glanced at Tang Yu and said, "It's not that. It's just that a few days ago, after I was eliminated, I overheard an old man mentioning it, and I took note of it."
It seems that this is the focus of today's gathering.
Although she wasn't interested in business, Mu Xing wasn't stupid; she was well aware of her family's position in the pharmaceutical industry. The fact that Jin Feng was hinting at this to her was likely Tang Yu's doing.
Mayor Tang has only been in office for three months, but his influence has already spread far and wide.
Influenced by her family's traditions, Mu Xing has always had little interest in business and political maneuvering, and even less in the scheming and backstabbing that mixes friendship with self-interest in interpersonal relationships. Originally, she only dated Tang Yu because she felt they were compatible, but now that she sensed Tang Yu's probing, she couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.
Disappointed as she was, she wouldn't do anything rude, especially since Tang Yu was just testing her; it all depended on her decision.
After a flurry of thoughts, Mu Xing finally said, "I'm also a little curious. If Miss Jin Feng doesn't mind, please tell me."
Seeing her say this, Jin Feng breathed a sigh of relief and quickly explained the matter in a few words. Mu Xing mentally skipped over some unnecessary details, meticulously analyzing the situation, and finally came to a conclusion:
It turns out that the Chinese medicine association is preparing for a leadership change, and apart from the Mu family, people from several major Chinese medicine pharmacies are eyeing the position of chairman.
One of them, Zhang Derong, also wanted to compete, but his rivals were all family businesses, established for many years with solid foundations. Zhang Derong's pharmacy had only been established for a few years, and competing with them was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. So he asked Tang Yu to ask Mu Xing to help him connect with the Mu family, in order to increase his bargaining power.
After sorting things out, Mu Xing was initially surprised.
What exactly does Zhang Derong have that makes Tang Yu act as a go-between for him? And what makes him so certain that she will agree to communicate with his uncle on his behalf?
As Mu Xing was pondering, Tang Yu spoke for the first time, saying, "In my opinion, this is a very good opportunity for Brother Mu."
Tang Yu stopped addressing her as "Young Master," a gesture intended to show him closer to her.
Mu Xing raised an eyebrow: "What makes you say that?"
"Brother Mu has just returned to the country and is currently only practicing medicine at Minkang Clinic," Tang Yu said. "But I heard that Mu Gong's only son, the Second Young Master Mu, who returned to the country with Brother Mu after completing his studies, will be entering Peking Union Medical College Hospital for further studies in July." The implication was that the Mu family was treating Mu Xing differently.
Mu Xing pursed her lips.
Oh no, is Tang Yu trying to sow discord?
However, it was originally she who deliberately fabricated the identity of being fostered, so it's no wonder that Tang Yu felt she was not valued in the Mu family.
Tang Yu continued, "If this matter is accomplished, Zhang Derong will be able to establish himself in the council. Brother Mu will be his benefactor. If Brother Mu needs help in the future, will you still worry about lacking assistance? Moreover, this matter is entirely beneficial to the Mu family. If Brother Mu can help make this happen, I think Lord Mu will be very pleased."
Incidentally, it also allows Mayor Tang to connect with the Mu family through Zhang Derong, truly a "good thing" that kills multiple birds with one stone.
Mu Xing thought silently.
However, setting aside prejudice, it seems that this matter is indeed beneficial to the Mu family, especially after the uncle left the Bureau of Industry and Commerce. Being able to secretly keep a pawn can also prevent them from getting involved, so it is not a bad thing.
Thinking this, Mu Xing said, "This matter is quite interesting, I will keep it in mind."
Chapter 33
Hearing Mu Xing's words, Tang Yu felt relieved and resumed her usual interactions with Mu Xing, but Mu Xing still felt awkward. After dinner, although Tang Yu tried to persuade her to stay several times, Mu Xing politely declined and took a car back to Mu Garden alone.
Instead of going directly to her uncle to talk about Zhang Derong, she went back to her room and took a shower first.
Having not exercised for a long time, her thighs ached from the chafing when she rode a horse for the first time. Soaking in the warm water, she felt her body gradually relax. Mu Xing wearily brushed the hair from her forehead, and the rippling water reflected her face faintly.
Her hair has always grown very quickly. When she first returned to China, it was only up to her ear tips, but now it's grown to her earlobes. It's not very noticeable when she uses hair wax to style it, but now that her hair is down, she no longer looks any masculine.
To be honest, I originally planned to grow my hair long after returning to China so I could style it into a bridal updo for my wedding. But given the current situation, growing it long is not an option, and if I don't grow it long... my mother would probably be the first to object.
Looks like I'll have to wear a hat when I go out from now on.
After taking a shower, Mu Xing changed into some casual clothes. Although she had already eaten, she wanted to go downstairs to sit with her grandmother. As soon as she reached the dining room, she smelled an extremely delicious aroma.
"What is this?" she asked as she went into the kitchen.
Aunt Liu, who was in charge of the kitchen, was directing the serving of dishes. As soon as she saw her come in, she hurried over and said, "Miss, why did you come in? The kitchen is full of fumes, be careful not to get smoked."
Mu Xing asked, "I think I smell seafood. What kind of fresh seafood is it?"
Aunt Liu's eyes lit up, and she quickly replied, "It must be yellow croaker. The fishing season is here now, and the yellow croakers are very fresh and plump. The water shield and yellow croaker soup I prepared today is appetizing and goes well with rice, just what the old lady likes best."
After glancing at the other dishes, Mu Xing sat back down in the restaurant and suddenly remembered that Bai Yan had said the food at Changsantangzi was terrible.
I haven't treated Miss Bai to any of her meals these past few days, I wonder how she's been eating...
Suddenly, an idea came to Mu Xing's mind.
Even if she invites Miss Bai out to dinner every day, no matter how good the food in the restaurant is, can it ever be as good as home cooking?
The yellow croaker is so delicious today, why not invite Miss Bai to try it too?
Having made up her mind, Mu Xing couldn't sit still any longer. As soon as she got up, she went back to the kitchen. As soon as Aunt Liu saw her come in, she hurriedly came out to greet her, worried that she would be bothered by the fumes.
Because the freshest dishes, such as yellow croaker, had to be served to Grandma first, Mu Xing didn't ask for the dishes directly. Instead, she first asked how many portions of yellow croaker there were. Aunt Liu answered truthfully.
Hearing that there were enough yellow croakers, Mu Xing said with relief, "I won't be eating at the clinic's canteen tomorrow. I'll have to trouble you to arrange the dishes for lunch and have Fu Guang deliver them to me."
"Oh dear, why bother telling me this yourself, young lady? Just have Fuguang inform me," Aunt Liu readily agreed.
Mu Xing smiled slightly and said, "For tomorrow's dishes, I'd like two servings of pickled mustard greens and yellow croaker soup. I just saw that the crab roe has arrived, hasn't it? I'd also like a serving of stir-fried bamboo shoots with crab roe. May peaches are in season, so please prepare two servings of fresh peach snowball pudding. Oh, and do you still have any ham?"
Aunt Liu flipped through the little notebook she always carried with her and said, "Yes, it's canned ham from Yunnan Xuanhe Company. It smells really good."
Remembering Bai Yan's earlier comment about disliking canned ham, Mu Xing frowned and said, "No, no canned ham. Fine, then I'll have some shrimp oil tofu and stir-fried mushrooms with chicken oil..."