Bai Yan said, "This Boss Zhang is different from ordinary businessmen. He is very willing to spend money and often takes all kinds of people to drink and go out. Because of his generosity, he is able to quickly win over some people and enter Wenjiang's circle. Even Young Master Cui once told me that he thinks Boss Zhang is very generous, honest and trustworthy, and is very willing to patronize his business."
Mu Xing nodded: "He sounds like a very smooth and considerate person, but it's hard to say how much of it is for personal gain and how much is genuine."
Bai Yan agreed, saying, "Indeed, he did this to cultivate his image, but it must be said that he did do some real work. For example, last year when the river embankment was repaired, I heard that he contributed a lot of money, unlike some people who have a lot of impressive reputations but don't actually do anything."
Therefore, he is a shrewd and worldly businessman with sophisticated methods.
This didn't surprise Mu Xing; someone without ambition wouldn't compete for a seat on the council. Besides, although he ran a pharmacy, he was a merchant, not a doctor. This wasn't necessarily a bad thing; as long as profits were offered, merchants were more likely to drive transactions.
Moreover, this person's foundation is still shallow, and he is eager to develop. Compared to supporting an old man who already has a deep foundation, it is naturally easier to control a newcomer who needs to rely on a big tree.
With his uncle having left politics and no one in the family to carry on the family business, and with the current unstable situation, everything seems out of control. If there were a shrewd and resourceful person to keep him informed, the Mu family, being in the rear, could adjust their course more quickly.
With that thought in mind, Mu Xing made up her mind to befriend Zhang Derong. She said, "It seems that I really need to get to know Boss Zhang, but I just need someone to introduce me."
While Tang Yu could certainly introduce her to Zhang Derong, Mu Xing felt uneasy ever since that day on horseback. She felt that if she wanted to maintain their friendship, she could no longer have any financial ties with Tang Yu.
As Mu Xing was pondering this, Bai Yan suddenly said, "Young Master Mu, do you know why I invited you here today? Look over there—" She pointed to a spot, "Isn't that the man in the long robe Zhang Derong?"
Mu Xing looked ahead blankly at first, but when she saw the person and heard Bai Yan say that, she was surprised and said, "Is it really such a coincidence?"
Bai Yan laughed and explained how she had heard about Zhang Derong's hobbies. Mu Xing then understood and quickly thanked Bai Yan.
Bai Yan smiled and said, "In that case, wasn't the ring you gave me just now a great deal?"
Hearing her mention the ring, Mu Xing felt even more guilty and found it hard to face her. In a panic, she immediately stood up and said, "There's no time to lose, I'll go and meet with Boss Zhang."
Unexpectedly, just as she got up, Bai Yan stopped her again: "Don't be in such a hurry, how can you go to find him?"
Mu Xing was taken aback: "Why not?"
Upon hearing this, Bai Yan pulled her to sit down and couldn't help but laugh, "Young Master Mu, you are so honest."
Mu Xing was puzzled and could only listen to her continue, "Young Master Mu, although I don't know what kind of business you want with Boss Zhang, even if you came here today to see him and intend to cooperate, you shouldn't have so openly revealed your hand. If you go there so proactively, won't Boss Zhang think that you really can't live without him? You've lost your dignity, and then where will you have any room to maneuver? Wouldn't you have lost the initiative?"
Mu Xing then suddenly realized what was going on.
She was certainly intelligent, but she had always been the center of attention and pampered child. She always knew that if she wanted something, she could get it. Since being straightforward was enough to get her what she wanted, there was no need for her to scheme and plot.
Even though she knew the business world was treacherous, she was used to being straightforward and couldn't change her ways for a while.
After hearing Bai Yan's words, she immediately understood, and upon thinking about it, she couldn't help but feel heartache.
I wonder how much experience Miss Bai went through to understand these things.
She asked, "Then what should I do?"
Bai Yan smiled and said, "Since I said that, of course I have an idea, but I can't just give it away for free."
Upon hearing her say that, Mu Xing assumed she wanted the ring again, and hesitated, then couldn't help but berate himself.
Miss Bai treated her so well, yet she was still deceiving Miss Bai. Now that she had this favor, she owed Miss Bai even more... But why did things turn out this way?
Now, she could no longer ignore the strangeness. Miss Bai had clearly developed feelings for her, but these feelings were based on her identity as a man. In other words, Miss Bai was attracted to men. If she weren't a man, would Miss Bai still like her...?
For some reason, this realization caused her heart to ache.
Perhaps noticing the hesitation on her face, Bai Yan smiled and said, "I don't want any gold or silver jewelry either, Young Master Mu, you don't need to worry." Her eyes darted around and landed on the snack plate in front of her.
She said, "As long as Young Master Mu peels some melon seeds for me, I'll have a plan after I eat them."
An indescribable sadness spread through Mu Xing's heart. She avoided Bai Yan's smile and nodded with difficulty, saying, "Okay, of course, no problem."
Looking at her, Bai Yan smiled and said, "In that case, I will make this trip for Young Master Mu."
After saying that, she got up and left the private room. Mu Xing hesitated and turned around, but only saw the swaying curtain.
Outside the door, out of her sight, Bai Yan leaned against the wall of the private room, her smile completely gone.
She opened her left hand, looked at the ring, gently picked it up, and slipped it onto the ring finger of her left hand.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
During intermission, the second floor of the theater was bustling with people, busy washing their hands or preparing snacks and buying cigarettes.
Seeing the vendor selling cigarettes and soft drinks heading towards Zhang Derong's private room, Bai Yan quickened her pace and followed him.
Fei Lan has always hated watching plays, so she'll definitely be out and about during this break. However, even if she doesn't come out, there are still ways to meet up.
Bai Yan had just walked around the private room when she saw Fei Lan lift the curtain and beckon the vendor over.
As soon as Fei Lan showed her face, Bai Yan turned her head away, pretending to go wash her hands. She hadn't taken two steps when, unsurprisingly, she heard Fei Lan's voice: "Sister Bai! Over here, over here!"
Bai Yan stopped swaying and turned to look, meeting Fei Lan's gaze. She feigned surprise and said, "Oh my, Fei Lan! What are you doing here?"
Fei Lan rushed forward and whispered, "Heaven saw it, and it really was you, sister!"
Bai Yan deliberately asked in a bewildered tone, "What's wrong? Why are you in such a hurry for no reason?"
Fei Lan, still young and lively, had a good relationship with Bai Yan. She spoke up frankly, "Boss Zhang only thinks about spending all his time in the theater, it's driving me crazy! I heard there's still over an hour of performance to go. Sister Bai, you have such a silver tongue. Please, have some mercy, do you have any way to get me out of here, instead of making me suffer here!"
Bai Yan said, "What's so difficult about that? Just act cute and it'll be fine."
Fei Lan pouted: "How can that be? What if I say I don't like listening to opera? What if Boss Zhang won't invite me to the next gathering?"
Fei Lan pleaded for a while longer before Bai Yan finally agreed to go to her private room to sound out Boss Zhang's opinion.
Upon entering the private room, Zhang Derong, who was smoking, put out his cigarette when he saw Fei Lan come in. He then stood up and greeted Bai Yan.
Bai Yan observed this and thought to herself that such a person, if he were to cooperate with Young Master Mu, wouldn't be so bad. Even an old fox like him was better than those filthy bastards who spent their days smoking opium and indulging in prostitution and gambling.
Thinking this, Bai Yan put on a smile and said, "Master Zhang, you have such refined tastes. I wonder if today's play suited your taste?"
Zhang Derong exchanged a few polite words with her, and Fei Lan quietly tugged at her hand. Bai Yan then said, "It's quite a coincidence. I was watching a play with Young Master Mu across the street, and I ran into my younger sister while I was washing my hands. I thought I'd come over to say hello and bring Fei Lan over for a chat. I wonder if Master Zhang would be willing to let her go?"
She casually mentioned Young Master Mu, and Zhang Derong naturally noticed it as well. Only then did he turn his head to take a serious look at Bai Yan.
I've heard that Bai Yan is now a favorite of Young Master Mu, but I wonder just how much influence she carries when he sent her over to greet people…
My gaze swept across the room and settled on Bai Yan's left hand, which was holding onto the sofa. A diamond ring shone brightly under the dim light.
He wasn't from an auction house, so he couldn't say how good the craftsmanship of the ring was, but just by looking at the diamonds set in it, he knew that even if it wasn't expensive, it wasn't a gift he'd just bought casually to make a woman happy.
It seems that Mu San really dotes on this woman.
Having made up his mind, Zhang Derong smiled and said, "Feilan is young and lively. I'm afraid she'll get bored watching the play with me. I'd appreciate it if Miss Bai could take care of her."
Nodding, Bai Yan said, "Of course." After a few more casual words, she was about to take her leave with Fei Lan when Zhang Derong pretended to suddenly come to his senses and said, "By the way, speaking of which, it's been a while since Young Master Mu returned to the country. I've been hoping for an opportunity to meet him, having heard so much about him. Now that we have this chance, why don't we go together? If we can get to know Young Master Mu, it won't be a wasted trip."
He assumed Bai Yan would readily agree, but to his surprise, she smiled and said, "Master Zhang, it's not that our Young Master Mu is being presumptuous, it's just that so many people have been inviting him to meet them these past few days, they've practically worn out my doorstep. It's precisely because Young Master Mu couldn't get any peace and quiet that I persuaded him to come and listen to a play to rest. Now that he's finally had a moment of peace, if I were to invite you over, Master Zhang, I'm afraid Young Master Mu would blame me."
Zhang Derong had initially intended to be arrogant, and although he was asking for a favor, he deliberately spoke coldly because he thought Mu Xing was a junior. Now, hearing that many people were asking Mu Xing for favors, he couldn't help but wonder: Could it be that besides him, someone else wanted to use Mu Xing's connections?
Thinking this through, his expression softened immediately: "I know that, of course. Young Master Mu is young and accomplished, unlike us ordinary merchants. Naturally, many people seek to see him, which is quite unpleasant to hear. But Miss Bai should also know that Young Master Mu's family does medicinal herb business. I have made a deal with the Mu family through personal connections, and we will inevitably have contact in the future. I would appreciate it if Miss Bai could introduce me to them. There will certainly be many benefits to it."
After saying that, he glanced at Fei Lan again. Having received his hint, Fei Lan, though confused, hurriedly said, "Sister is the most considerate person, and she is usually well taken care of by Young Master Mu. If Sister is willing to help make an introduction, even if Young Master Mu doesn't like to bother you, there's nothing that can't be accomplished."
Bai Yan still declined, but after a few words, Zhang Derong's suggestion of "getting to know each other" turned into him asking to see Mu Xing.
Having determined that the time was right, Bai Yan sighed and said, "In that case, I can't refuse Master Zhang. But please, let our young master Mu have some peace and quiet and not discuss business matters."
Zhang Derong readily agreed. The two followed Bai Yan out of the private room and headed towards Mu Xing's room. As they walked, Bai Yan subtly loosened her grip, and the ring, now larger than before, slid into her palm.
Stroking the ring, she raised her hand and put it into her purse.
Meanwhile, after Bai Yan left, Mu Xing peeled melon seeds for her while his mind raced with thoughts.
At first, she really didn't expect that Miss Bai would fall in love with her.
Now, if you say she's toying with Miss Bai's feelings, she is genuinely sincere towards Miss Bai, without any pretense.
But Miss Bai has indeed fallen for him in his male form, and if she continues to deceive her, the consequences will be unimaginable. If she causes Miss Bai pain and suffering because of her own selfish desires, she herself will not be able to forgive herself.
Therefore, she had to confess to Miss Bai. As for what would happen next, if Miss Bai couldn't forgive her, then she…
Upon thinking of this, Mu Xing's hand trembled involuntarily, and the sharp, sharded sunflower seed shells suddenly pierced her hand. However, she didn't react much, just staring blankly at the pile of peeled sunflower seeds in front of her.
What about her and her relationship?
Is she going to continue relentlessly pursuing Miss Bai?
Miss Bai had said long ago that she would find someone to redeem her. What will she do then?
Yes, she not only deceived Miss Bai's feelings, but also wasted Miss Bai's time, causing Miss Bai to miss so many good opportunities.
"You're so mean, Mu Xing, you've gone too far..." Lowering her head, Mu Xing felt a genuine sense of self-doubt and disgust for the first time.
"How could this happen? I just... enjoy being with her..."
As soon as Bai Yan entered the private room, she sensed something was wrong. Seeing Mu Xing slumped over the table, she rushed over and asked anxiously, "Young Master Mu, Young Master Mu? What's wrong?"
Mu Xing straightened up, not daring to look at Bai Yan. She said in a muffled voice, "I was peeling sunflower seeds for you, and I pricked my hand." Turning her head, she saw Zhang Derong and felt a little embarrassed, so she greeted him in a low voice.
Upon hearing this, Bai Yan was both amused and exasperated. She first turned to Zhang Derong and Fei Lan and invited them to sit down, then took Mu Xing's hand and brought it close to her face: "I was just saying it casually, why did you take it so seriously and be so careless?"
She examined it closely for a while and noticed a small piece of sunflower seed shell stuck in her hand. She took a hairpin from her hair, intending to use the pointed end of the needle to remove the splinter. She glanced at Mu Xing and said, "It will hurt a little, just bear with it."
Looking at Bai Yan from the side, Mu Xing nodded and sighed softly in his heart.
Such a wonderful Miss Bai will no longer belong to her after tonight.
"Alright." After removing the thorn, Bai Yan released her hand.
Mu Xing's hand suddenly felt empty, and he unconsciously clenched his fist, but couldn't hold onto anything.
She regained her composure and turned to Zhang Derong, saying, "I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Mr. Zhang."
Zhang Derong naturally exchanged pleasantries and introduced himself. The two of them went back and forth, praising each other commercially. Before they had said more than a few words, the gongs and drums on the stage sounded, and the grand finale had begun.
She hadn't paid attention before, but after hearing Bai Yan's words, Mu Xing realized that she should indeed change her mindset. Therefore, she was not in a hurry to talk about cooperation, but just watched the show and occasionally chatted with Zhang Derong.
"Does Mr. Zhang also enjoy watching plays? What do you think of this one?" she asked casually.
Zhang Derong said, "This play is great! Listen to it, this Bangzi opera flavor! It's the authentic flavor of Xun Huisheng."
Mu Xing nodded: "Yes, I think it's good too. I heard a child actor in Beijing before who was said to be a rising star, claiming to have studied the Mei School, but it didn't sound like that to me."
Zhang Derong hurriedly said, "I know, Li Xiaotong, I've heard of her too. She sings in a high-pitched and urgent way, making the listener feel flustered and disoriented, like they're rushing to catch a train."
Mu Xing laughed, his lips curling to one side, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. It was a half-smile, tinged with mockery, yet his laughter seemed sincere, leaving onlookers feeling uneasy.
Bai Yan sat to the side watching, and couldn't help but smile.
Mu Xing usually seemed like a cheerful, warm, and gentle person, with a touch of silliness at times. But right now, she was like a different person—cold and emotionless—but Mu Xing was still very much liked.