Unable to suppress a laugh, Mu Xing also said, "Goodnight, Shu Wan."
…
The next day, Mu Xing went to the clinic early in the morning to see the woman from the previous night, but the waiter told him that the woman had left early in the morning.
The waiter was puzzled: "She was really unstoppable. Her leg was bleeding a little, and she insisted on leaving. We couldn't stop her, and since you didn't tell her not to leave, Dr. Zhang gave her some painkillers and let her go. By the way, the woman said before she left that she would definitely come back to thank you when she had the chance."
Mu Xing had no shortage of thanks. Although he couldn't figure out the woman's identity, he didn't want to investigate further because of her mysterious nature, so he let the matter drop.
After handling some matters, Mu Xing was to continue going to the stadium to gamble, as planned.
She had already borrowed a considerable amount of money from Kudo Daiki, and these past few days had been the days when the stadium was demanding repayment, but Kudo Daiki was determined not to repay this heavy debt. As one of the creditors, meeting the reclusive Mr. Kudo should be a piece of cake.
However, thinking about what happened yesterday, she couldn't help but hesitate. She had embarrassed that young master Sun in public yesterday, and she didn't know if she would still be able to enter the stadium.
After thinking it over, she decided to go anyway.
Be bold and take responsibility; at worst, just lay things out and explain them clearly.
As expected, as soon as Mu Xing entered the stadium, a waiter rushed over to her and said that Young Master Sun wanted to talk to her.
She readily agreed and followed the host to the "isolated island" viewing platform from the previous day.
She was still some distance from the stands when she saw Tang Yu and Young Master Sun sitting there. Upon hearing that she was coming, they both hurriedly got up to greet her.
After a polite handshake, Mu Xing glanced at Tang Yu, who blinked, seemingly hinting at something.
After taking their seats, Young Master Sun didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "Young Master Mu, I'm very sorry. I really didn't know about your previous relationship with Miss Bai."
Upon hearing this, Mu Xing raised an eyebrow and looked at Tang Yu. Young Master Sun then said, "It was indeed Han Guang who told me, so I understand your behavior yesterday. To express my apology, all of Young Master Mu's expenses and debts at the Grand Global Center this month can be wiped clean."
Seeing his sincerity, Mu Xing couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed, since her attitude yesterday hadn't been very friendly. She was about to apologize as well and politely decline his arrangements when Young Master Sun said, "But despite the apology, I will not give up my pursuit of Miss Bai."
Mu Xing almost choked on the words in his throat.
Tang Yu, who was sitting to the side, probably already knew that Young Master Sun would say such a thing. At this moment, she turned her head away awkwardly, trying to pretend that she did not exist.
Young Master Sun spoke eloquently: "Nowadays, we value freedom of love, and Young Master Mu is an enlightened person; I'm sure he wouldn't disagree with this principle. Although Miss Bai comes from such a humble background, she deserves this freedom! As for Young Master Mu, I've heard that Miss Bai has rejected your advances many times, yet you haven't given up. I must say, this is likely to cause trouble for Miss Bai, and for those of us who want to pursue her. I think you should accept my fair competition..."
Mu Xing almost laughed out of anger.
What kind of background does my Shu Wan have? Who are you to say whether she's worthy or not?
All her previous respect and apology vanished instantly. Maintaining the last shred of dignity, Mu Xing did not argue with Young Master Sun. She stood up directly, looked him straight in the eye, and said, word by word, "Young Master Sun, I will not argue with you, because it is unnecessary. As for your gift, thank you, but I do not need it either. As for your 'pity,' I will answer you on behalf of Miss Bai; it is the last thing she needs."
After saying that, she gestured to Tang Yu, then turned and left the stands.
Chapter 57
Just as Mu Xing reached the door, Tang Yu caught up with him: "Young Master Mu, please wait a moment!"
Although Mu Xing was furious, he hadn't lost his temper. Tang Yu couldn't have been unaware of Sun Yimin's actions, but he figured Sun Yimin had no grounds to say anything, and he shouldn't take his anger out on him. Therefore, he stopped when he heard the voice.
Tang Yu caught up in a few steps, looking ashamed, and said, "Young Master Mu, I'm really sorry, Yi Min... I shouldn't say anything, I hope you can understand."
Mu Xing said, "I know. But what I just said was the truth. If Young Master Sun wants to do anything else, don't blame me for being ruthless."
Tang Yu nodded to indicate that she understood, and then said, "But actually, what Yimin just mentioned about clearing up the accounts is also a bargaining chip that we can use in the future, I think..."
Actually, when Sun Yimin offered to pay off her debts, Mu Xing had already thought of Kudo Daiki's gambling debts. That debt was already quite substantial, and due to the boycott of Japanese goods, Mr. Kudo's business had recently faced many obstacles; repaying it would likely be quite difficult. This might be a way for her to curry favor, and it was probably something Tang Yu was also thinking.
But before Sun Yimin rambled on, this collaboration was a good thing. Now, she doesn't need Sun Yimin's help at all!
Therefore, she replied without hesitation, "No need, I have other ways, I don't need Young Master Sun's 'kindness'."
Knowing that she would say that, Tang Yu felt it was a pity, but she didn't say much, only that she would help her find a solution later.
The two had now reached the outside of the casino. After apologizing again for what had just happened, Tang Yu casually remarked, "Speaking of which, did you know there was a shooting incident in the city last night?"
Mu Xing's heart skipped a beat. He paused for a moment, thinking of the woman's mysterious attitude, and said, "I think I overheard a few words of gossip, but I don't know the specifics."
Tang Yu turned to look at her and said, "The patrol officers said it was a robbery, and the robbers escaped. The shooting reportedly happened near Dr. Mu's clinic. You weren't at the clinic at the time, were you?"
The robbery happened, and the robber escaped... I wonder if that lady was the robber or the victim?
Thinking back to how close she and Miss Bai had come to danger yesterday, Mu Xing was filled with lingering fear. She casually said, "I wasn't at the clinic yesterday. How could this happen? I wonder which young lady was so unlucky..."
Before he could finish speaking, Tang Yu suddenly asked, "Hmm? How did Young Master Mu know that 'Miss' was in trouble?"
Mu Xing choked.
Tang Yu continued, "I heard about this in my father's office this morning. There was no news about it. It happened late at night. How did Young Master Mu know that there was a woman at the scene?"
His attitude wasn't exactly aggressive, but it felt strangely urgent. Mu Xing inwardly regretted his slip of the tongue, and couldn't help but find it odd: if it were merely a robbery, why would Tang Yu be so concerned, and why did his attitude seem to suggest suspicion…
But Tang Yu had already asked the question, and she didn't have time to think it over. She could only pretend to be calm and say, "Really? I hadn't thought that much about it. I just thought that ordinary robbers would be greedy and would definitely target the weak, right? Otherwise, wouldn't it be risky for men like you and me?"
“However, it’s just an ordinary robbery. Why would it be reported to the mayor?” She deliberately lowered her voice, feigning curiosity. “Is there something else going on? If Brother Tang knows, you must tell us. If there’s any trouble, we can be prepared.”
Her words were sincere, and her question was so pointed that Tang Yu couldn't say anything more. He could only suppress his previous emotions and say, "I see. There is indeed some news. Recently, Nanjing has issued an order to prepare for the suppression of bandits. The city is not safe, so Young Master Mu should try not to go out at night."
Upon hearing this, Mu Xing knew that the woman's matter was indeed a big problem. She was just glad that she hadn't gotten too involved. Otherwise, she wouldn't care, but if it involved Shu Wan...
He decided to return to the clinic and instruct everyone not to say a word. Mu Xing bid farewell to Tang Yu and headed to the clinic.
Unexpectedly, as soon as she arrived at the clinic, the doorman saw Mu Xing and hurriedly came up to her, saying, "Miss, the garden called just now and said that if you come here, they want us to tell you to go back quickly."
This statement seemed to come out of nowhere, and Mu Xing asked, puzzled, "What is it?"
The gatekeeper shook his head and said, "He didn't go into details, but it seems to be related to the young master of the Song family, right?"
Upon hearing that it was about Song Youcheng, Mu Xing instinctively knew it must be related to the annulment of the engagement. Without time for further explanation, she hurriedly told the gatekeeper, "Pass the word that the young lady I brought back last night was a classmate of mine, from a wealthy family. Don't tell anyone about her; just pretend she doesn't exist. Understand?"
"Oh dear, this is not a good situation." The gatekeeper frowned immediately. "Just now, the second master from the eldest son's side came over, and we just treated it as a fun occasion and told him about it. But the second master is family, so it shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Second Uncle? Isn't Second Uncle only in charge of the pharmacy? What's he doing here if he has nothing to do?
Without time to think, Mu Xing simply said, "Don't worry about what happened before, but don't bring it up again, understand?"
The gatekeeper readily agreed, and Mu Xing hurried off to Mu Garden.
Back at Mu Garden, Mu Xing didn't feel anything amiss while outside the garden, but as soon as he approached the main hall and before even entering, he realized something was wrong.
The maids, unlike their usual chatty selves, stood outside holding their breath, not daring to utter a sound.
In the dead silence, only the faint sound of heated conversation could be heard from the living room.
Just as Mu Xing was about to ask what was going on, a maid saw her and quickly gestured towards the hall. A moment later, Fu Guang hurriedly came out, looking nervous, and upon seeing Mu Xing, she immediately abandoned all decorum and ran over.
"What's going on?" Mu Xing asked hurriedly.
Fu Guang lowered her voice and said urgently, "It's about the Song family's young master. Half an hour ago, Master Song suddenly brought the young master here, saying that the young master was outside..." She paused, then looked at Mu Xing's expression and whispered, "He said that the young master had taken a mistress outside and wanted to... wanted to break off the engagement with you, Miss... Miss, please don't be sad, you must stay calm!"
Mu Xing already knew about this, and forgot about her grief at the moment, she asked, "And then? How are Mother and Father? Does Grandma know?"
Just as Fu Guang was about to speak, Madam Mu's voice came from inside: "Is Ah Xuan back? Fu Guang, bring Miss in to talk."
Upon hearing this, Mu Xing hurriedly went inside.
As soon as Mu Xing entered the living room, he met Song Youcheng's gaze.
Madam Mu, her second brother, her uncle and aunt, as well as Uncle Song and her eldest brother, were all present. Only Song Youcheng stood to the side. When she entered, he forced a smile, but it was more pathetic than crying.
Thankfully, her grandmother wasn't there. Without saying anything more, Mu Xing rushed straight to her mother, and Madam Mu reached out and hugged her tightly.
Reaching out and patting Mu Xing, Madam Mu, who had been holding back her tears, suddenly burst into tears. She said to Song Youcheng, "Youcheng, how could you do such a thing? How could you face my Ah Xuan!"
Upon hearing her mother's sobbing voice, Mu Xing's eyes immediately welled up with tears as well. She quickly comforted her, "It's alright, it's alright, Mother..."
Before she could finish speaking, Uncle Song across from her said sternly, "You still have the nerve to stand there! Apologize to Miss Mu right now! For doing such a disgraceful thing, not only Miss Mu, but even the Song family will not tolerate you!"
Song Youcheng walked over and apologized to Mu Xing as instructed: "Ah Xuan, I... I'm sorry."
Seeing his haggard appearance up close, Mu Xing couldn't bear it and whispered, "No need, no need."
Uncle Song added, "Miss Mu, as an elder, I failed to properly educate this unfilial son, leading to this situation today. It is truly my fault."
Mu Xing quickly declined, and Uncle Song then briefly recounted how he discovered Song Youcheng's "shameful act."
"...I thought this unfilial son was sincere and wanted to make something of himself, but I never expected that it would be Young Master Liu from Kaining Bookstore who told me about this in person!" At this point, Uncle Song couldn't help but get emotional and scolded Song Youcheng a few more times before Aunt Mu persuaded him to stop.
Curses, pleas, cries, and sighs filled the living room, and the gloomy mood was like a dark cloud hanging over the room, almost suffocating people.
Mu Xing was mentally prepared for this, but when she actually faced the situation, the unavoidable arguments, blame, and tears, she realized that she was really struggling to cope.
Looking at Song Youcheng standing to the side, seeing his disheveled, dejected, and defeated state, bearing the heartache and disappointment of his parents, the misunderstanding of his relatives, and the whispers and ridicule from the shadows, she felt a mixture of pity and indescribable emotions.
Song Youcheng suffered such a fate because he fell in love with a dancer and wanted to break off the engagement, causing the Song family to lose face.
What if she were even more outrageous...
If she tells her parents that she wants to be with Miss Bai... what will she face then?
Turning my head, I saw my mother's red eyes, my uncle's sigh, and my aunt's resentment...
She believed she was fearless in the face of all difficulties and obstacles; she was willing to work hard for her future; she could ignore the malicious words of others; she could disregard worldly opinions…
She even felt that as long as she persisted and spoke kindly to her parents, they might be able to accept her relationship with Miss Bai.
But at this moment, it seemed that just a single tear from her mother was enough to break her spine.
Chapter Fifty-Eight
After scolding Song Youcheng, Uncle Song said, "In short, things have come to this point. Please, Ah Xuan, understand. The Song family will definitely urge Song Youcheng to correct his behavior..."
Does this imply that he is unwilling to annul the engagement?
Pulling himself back to his senses, Mu Xing was about to speak when Song Youcheng suddenly knelt down, startling everyone.
Song Youcheng said, "Father, Aunt, I have let down my parents, my uncle and aunt, and especially Ah Xuan. I am ashamed before heaven and earth, but there is no turning back! The only way now is to annul the engagement, so as to preserve both families and Ah Xuan's reputation..."
Before he could finish speaking, Uncle Song flew into a rage: "What nonsense are you talking about!" He stood up and was about to attack, but Mu Yun, who was sitting nearby, quickly stood up and stopped him, and the others also tried to persuade him.
Uncle Song said repeatedly, "Don't stop me! Let me beat this bastard to death, and I'll be done with it!"
Amidst the chaos, Uncle Mu, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up: "Alright! Shuye, why aren't you trying to stop your Uncle Song!"
Auntie also said, "That's right, hurry up and pull them apart. You child, your Uncle Song is angry, but have you become confused? Making such a scene, instead of trying to stop him, you're just joining in the commotion!"
Mu Yun was called out for no reason and had no time to feel aggrieved. He could only repeatedly urge Uncle Song to sit down.