They discussed the investment issue for the entire afternoon, and after finalizing the basic steps, the two took a short break.
Taking a sip of black coffee, Mu Xing said, "There's something else that's been on my mind. I wonder if Boss Zhang has noticed anything about Kudo..."
Before she could finish speaking, Mr. Zhang interjected, "Oh, speaking of which, I almost forgot to congratulate Miss Mu."
Mu Xing was stunned: "Congratulations?"
Mr. Zhang said casually, "Yes, I never expected that the Japanese man's nephew, that good-for-nothing, would owe Miss Mu such a large sum of money. When the incident happened at the end of last month, the Japanese man almost broke his leg. Because Miss Mu was still ill at the time, Young Master Tang stepped in on her behalf and wiped out the gambling debt for that good-for-nothing. The Japanese man was grateful for Miss Mu's kindness, so he had to give her a thank-you gift."
As he spoke, he took an envelope from his briefcase: "The medicine is here. I dare not presume to do so. I have been waiting for you to return, Miss, so that I can unveil this 'mysterious veil'."
He made a witty remark, but Mu Xing wasn't amused; instead, she frowned.
Tang Yu had mentioned the idea of exchanging prescriptions for medical treatment to Tang Yu before the attack, but she had clearly refused at the time. Now that the relationship between the two families is delicate, why would Tang Yu pull this stunt? What are his intentions?
Is it compensation, a signal to ease tensions, or... is he setting a trap for her again?
It's no wonder Mu Xing was suspicious. After being tricked so badly without any warning, she should have learned to be more vigilant.
Perhaps sensing Mu Xing's displeasure, Zhang Derong remained expressionless and smiled, "Is Miss Mu angry that Young Master Tang acted on his own initiative? Please don't take offense, Miss Mu. After all, you were still ill at the time, and as a friend, Young Master Tang also hoped to ease your burden."
Friends, friends who are only superficially friendly but actually scheming against each other?
With a quick change of heart, Mu Xing didn't say anything more and accepted the prescription.
Perhaps she should learn from Mr. Zhang and understand the principle of business first. Who can ever have too many "friends"?
Chapter Seventy-Five
With the pharmacy issues handed over, things proceeded smoothly as planned. While shuttling between banks, Mu Xing didn't forget to visit Song Youcheng—on the day the engagement was dissolved, Song Youcheng had been kicked out of the house by his enraged uncle.
Even the Mu family hadn't expected this outcome, and naturally, they were filled with mixed emotions.
As for Mu Xing, the "victim," she and Song Youcheng were friends for many years. Perhaps because there had never been any romantic spark between them, she always treated Song Youcheng as a friend.
Now that Song Youcheng has been kicked out of his home and is also having a bad time in his career due to family interference, she is naturally very worried as a friend.
Originally worried that a group of people visiting would embarrass Song Youcheng, Mu Xing still invited Wang Mengwei and Li Yining to go along, out of consideration for her status as her "former fiancée".
According to Wang Mengwei, he helped Song Youcheng find a place to stay, and now Wang Mengwei is living with that Japanese lady. Upon hearing this, Mu Xing couldn't help but think of himself and Bai Yan.
However, when Song Youcheng opened the small door, Mu Xing was shocked to realize that, unlike her and Bai Yan's free and extravagant lifestyle, the small house where Song Youcheng and his lover lived was unbelievably cramped.
"You've arrived, please come in." Despite trying to appear cheerful, Song Youcheng's face still showed signs of fatigue.
The group entered the narrow living room. Mu Xing quickly glanced around. The simple but clean environment put her at ease.
At least they are still trying to live, rather than struggling to survive.
While Song Youcheng and his lover were preparing tea in the kitchen, Mu Xing whispered to Wang Mengwei, "Why did you choose a house like this?"
Wang Mengwei was also helpless: "I borrowed a lot of money, but Youcheng took it all to maintain the operation of the publishing house, so there's nothing I can do."
Li Yining sat awkwardly on the small sofa next to Mu Xing, without looking at him. She said, "Do you think we would refuse to help if we had a solution? My second brother's bank was originally willing to lend Youcheng a loan, but... it was rejected. With cash flow problems, Youcheng naturally can't afford to be extravagant anymore."
She didn't say what the "but" was, but everyone understood.
Mu Xing gave Li Yining a strange look.
On the way here, Li Yining was acting strangely, as if he didn't want to talk to her, but if she said anything, Li Yining would retort in a sarcastic way.
She couldn't help but wonder where she had offended Li Yining. Could it be that the seafood she sent to the Li residence a few days ago didn't suit his taste? Surely not? She had even specially sent over a bottle of the candied osmanthus that Shu Wan had painstakingly made!
Before they could think any further, Song Youcheng and his lover Xiaobaihe brought over tea, which they quickly accepted, and the group sat down to talk.
There's no need to elaborate on matters of the heart. Considering Xiaobaihe's feelings, Mu Xing and the others naturally couldn't say things like, "Just apologize after Uncle Song calms down." They could only discuss Song Youcheng's business matters, hoping to see if there was anything they could do to help—the "adults" who did business with the Song family needed to be mindful of Uncle Song's attitude, and their intention to isolate Song Youcheng didn't mean they would do the same.
Song Youcheng worked in publishing. He used to manage the distribution business of his own bookstore and also co-founded a small publishing house with a friend. Now, he has been dismissed from his position at his own bookstore, and his publishing house is being squeezed out by several major bookstores. The magazine he edited has ceased publication as soon as it was launched.
Other publishing projects, originally secured with bank loans, are now stalled due to funding issues, even after the manuscripts have been finalized. Staff are also facing difficulties, with graphic designers and editors resigning as wages remain unpaid. At this point, the company is practically at its wits' end.
The biggest problem was funding, and both Mu Xing and Wang Mengwei agreed to lend them money. Li Yining had just graduated from university and wasn't in a hurry to find a job, so she also agreed to temporarily take over the proofreading and graphic design work.
However, Mu Xing still needed to save money, and Wang Mengwei's hotel business was also a high-investment, slow-return venture, so both had limited funds. Without funds, Li Yining couldn't continue the contract manufacturing for long. After much discussion, all the solutions were merely stopgap measures, only delaying the inevitable.
The four of them discussed it for a long time, but the atmosphere only became more somber.
Mu Xing forced a smile and said, "It's alright. Let's just print those textbooks first. With schools springing up everywhere these days, what we need most are textbooks, right? Luckily, you already submitted the sample copies to the Education Bureau for review, so we don't need to worry about that. We can go to various schools to promote them, and we won't have to worry about them not selling."
That being said, anyone who has been in contact with this field knows that the major textbooks on the market today are basically monopolized by a few large publishing houses. Who would risk using a new edition of an unknown textbook?
Knowing that she was saying this to encourage him, Song Youcheng didn't spoil the mood and just nodded.
Li Yining, who was standing to the side, thought for a moment and then suddenly said, "Youcheng, of your textbooks, focus on printing 'General English Teaching' first. Once it's printed, I'll help you find a way to distribute it."
She spoke with absolute certainty, which surprised everyone. Mu Xing was about to speak, but then swallowed his words and Wang Mengwei asked instead, "When did you acquire such connections?"
Li Yining frowned and explained vaguely, "Allen Girls' School uses this version of the textbook. It's just a matter of using the same books. I'll go and discuss it with the principal. He might agree."
Wang Mengwei was somewhat skeptical: "Are you sure that if you go and ask, the principal will agree?"
Li Yining glared at her: "Anyway, I can do it, why are you asking so many questions!"
Wang Mengwei immediately changed his mind: "Okay, okay, I'll leave the sales to you. You'll definitely be able to handle it."
As they argued, Mu Xing asked Song Youcheng, "Also, didn't you tell me before that the magazine you edited was selling quite well? Now that Yining can do graphic design, and I can help out a bit, I think we could try to start it up again?"
Song Youcheng smiled wryly: "If we can't pay royalties, who will be willing to contribute? However, if those textbooks can be sold, perhaps we can give it a try. We'll have to wait and see."
Mu Xing nodded silently.
After discussing the matter and with Mu Xing treating everyone to dinner, the five of them prepared to say goodbye.
These past few days have been hectic, and Mu Xing could only catch a glimpse of Bai Yan occasionally, each visit lasting only a short while before she had to go home. It wasn't until today, when she came to see Song Youcheng, that she finally found an excuse to stay overnight and take the opportunity to visit Bai Yan.
So after the meal, when no one was looking, Mu Xing quietly tugged at Wang Mengwei's sleeve: "Big brother, could you please call my house later and tell my mother I'm staying at the Pingjin Hotel for the night, so she can rest assured."
Wang Mengwei looked at her suspiciously: "Ah Xuan, are you up to something? I'm warning you, your back injury has just healed, don't cause any more trouble."
Mu Xing changed the subject: "Are we still good buddies? After you get home tonight, you can have my yellow croaker soup, and making a phone call is just a matter of time, it's that simple."
As the two were talking, Li Yining looked over and asked, "What are you two doing, sneaking around like that?"
Mu Xing winked at Wang Mengwei and said, "Mengwei and I have something to discuss, so we're planning to stay at his place tonight. Shall we say goodbye?"
Li Yining gave Mu Xing a cryptic look and said nothing more. After bidding farewell to Song Youcheng, Mu Xing pretended to be traveling with Wang Mengwei, but after passing a few intersections, she immediately changed course and headed straight for their love nest.
When the doorbell rang, Bai Yan was in the kitchen learning to cook from Mrs. Ma. Hearing the doorbell, she almost dropped the ladle into the pot.
Mrs. Ma quickly took the ladle: "Miss Bai, go open the door, I'll watch the fire for you."
After thanking her, Bai Yan hurried towards the door, but upon opening it, she was greeted by a bouquet of neatly wrapped flowers. The enormous flowers obscured most of the person carrying them, leaving only the "Fragrant Flower House" hat on their head visible.
Bai Yan froze, her hand on the doorknob falling to the floor.
She initially thought it was Mu Xing who had arrived.
Seeing that she didn't react, the flower deliveryman said in a muffled voice, "Miss, please sign for it."
Bai Yan then snapped out of her daze, quickly took the flowers, and turned to put them in the living room: "Please wait a moment, I'll put the flowers away first..."
Before she could finish speaking, she was suddenly hugged from behind around the waist!
Startled, Bai Yan almost threw the flowers in her hand, but before her heart could settle, Mu Xing's laughter rang in her ears: "Miss Bai, do you only want the flowers and not the person?"
Bai Yan suddenly turned around and saw that under that little yellow hat, who else could it be but Mu Xing!
Mu Xing casually tossed the flowers from Bai Yan's hand onto the sofa and pecked her on the nose: "What are you thinking about? How come you didn't even recognize me?"
Bai Yan was still a little stunned: "You..."
Before they could finish speaking, Mrs. Ma's voice suddenly rang out from behind them: "Miss Bai, who is this... uh...?"
Seeing Mrs. Ma's surprised gaze, Bai Yan suddenly remembered that Mu Xing was still holding her. She quickly struggled, trying to break free from Mu Xing's embrace: "This is..."
Unexpectedly, Mu Xing didn't let go; instead, he hugged her even tighter, pulling her directly into his arms. Turning to look at Mrs. Ma, she said slowly, "I'm Shu Wan's..." Suddenly pinched by Bai Yan in her arms, she paused, then continued, "...my best friend, and also one of my landlords. Hello, may I ask who you are?"
Mrs. Ma continued to stare, her eyes wide, and under Mu Xing's gaze, she felt inexplicably uneasy: "I... I'm a resident of apartment 303 across the street, I'm here to teach Miss Bai how to cook..."
Bai Yan finally broke free from Mu Xing's embrace. She took a step back and said, "Mrs. Ma, this is my friend. Her name is Mu Xing."
"Oh, Miss Mu, hello." Mrs. Ma felt a little awkward. She pointed to the kitchen, "The soup will be ready in two minutes. Um... I'll head back now?"
"Won't you stay a little longer? Alright, thank you for your help today. I'll need your guidance another day. Take care." Bai Yan smiled as she saw Mrs. Ma out, then turned and glared at Mu Xing, who glared back without backing down.
After the front door closed, and hearing Mrs. Ma walk back into her own house, open the door, and close it again, Bai Yan turned around to look at Mu Xing: "You..."
Before she could finish speaking, Mu Xing was already sitting on the sofa with her arms crossed, looking like a wronged woman. "Fine, fine, I'm out here working hard, and you're at home..." She couldn't think of the right word for a moment, "...at home flirting with women!"
"Huh?" Bai Yan almost laughed in anger at Mu Xing's self-righteous attitude.
She also crossed her arms like Mu Xing and leaned against the door, saying, "You're doing great too! I'm working myself to the bone at home and you don't even come home, all you do is fool around outside!"
Chapter Seventy-Six
Slumped on the sofa, Mu Xing clutched his heart like Xi Shi, saying, "I'm so heartbroken, so sad. It's only been a few days since I last had my period, and my wife is already yelling at me..."
Bai Yan leaned against the door with her arms crossed, watching her performance and sneered, "Louder, this isn't exciting."
Mu Xing immediately raised his voice: "Xianglian sues Chen Shimei, the broken mirror never saw mending again, he rose to power but his heart changed..."
Before she could finish singing a verse, Bai Yan walked over and scolded her with a laugh, "What are you singing? Are you a heartless man or Qin Xianglian?!"
"Didn't you complain that I wasn't exciting enough?" Mu Xing said, pulling her into his arms and kissing her cool, white earlobe. "Are you exciting now...?"
The two intertwined on the sofa, expressing their longing for each other through their lips and fingers.
It wasn't until a series of sizzling sounds suddenly came from the kitchen that Bai Yan jumped up: "Oh no! There's soup simmering on the stove!"
Even with the windows open, the burnt smell from the kitchen couldn't dissipate. Sitting in the dining room, Bai Yan looked at the soup in front of her that emitted a strange odor, then at Mu Xing.
Mu Xing suppressed a laugh, turning her face away as if she hadn't seen anything. Bai Yan, annoyed, reached out and turned her face towards Bai Xing, feeding her a spoonful of the cooled, strange-tasting soup, and asking with a smile, "Is it good?"
Mu Xing grimaced as he drank the soup, then pretended to exclaim, "Delicious soup! Delicious soup! In the past there were strange-flavored beans, now there's strange-flavored soup. It's truly a major breakthrough in the culinary world!"
Bai Yan smiled and scooped up another spoonful: "It's delicious, then you should drink more."
Mu Xing immediately covered her mouth: "I was wrong, Shu Wan, I was really wrong, ugh..."
Because the heat wasn't turned off in time, the soup boiled over and, tainted by the fire, turned a perfectly good pot of creamy corn soup into a pot of swill. Knowing she really couldn't drink it, Bai Yan poured the whole pot of soup away, angrily muttering, "I only learned to make this one soup today, and I ruined it."