Chapter 19: Only the Fu Corporation Is Truly Suitable

Li Chuan’s question, “Have you made up your mind?” referred to whether she intended to return to work. This surprised them somewhat; after all, Mu Yinyin had been very firm in her decision to prioritize her family, saying she would still manage some affairs from afar but wouldn’t return in person. Now, hearing her speak like this caught them off guard.

Mu Yinyin had sacrificed much for this company; without her, it would never have reached its current stature, and naturally, they were grateful to her. After so many years of friendship, whatever she wanted to do, they would support her unconditionally.

Mu Yinyin smiled softly. “Of course, I’ve made up my mind. From now on, our company will be my top priority.”

Both Li Chuan and Gu Xiaoqi looked a bit surprised.

Gu Xiaoqi studied her for a moment before speaking with some hesitation. “You’re certain? Then what about Fu Siye…?”

She trailed off, but everyone understood her meaning.

Mu Yinyin’s lips curled faintly. “I’m divorced.”

The room instantly fell silent, as if no one could quite process the news.

Li Chuan frowned. “You loved him desperately, yet now you’re divorced?”

Jiang Ling lifted his dark eyes to her in silence. He knew the whole story and had nothing to add.

Mu Yinyin smiled gently. “Yes, it was all just an empty dream. It’s time I woke up.”

Jiang Ling’s gaze darkened slightly. “Let’s order first.”

“Oh, right!” Gu Xiaoqi hurriedly handed the menu to Mu Yinyin. “Darling, see what you’d like. Don’t hold back today—order whatever you want, the best of everything! Boss Jiang is treating!”

Mu Yinyin laughed softly and began to order.

She had no idea, however, that at that very moment, a group of familiar faces had entered the private room next door.

Three men took their seats, and the other two turned their attention to Fu Siye.

Dyson lounged lazily across from Fu Siye, a mischievous smile on his lips. “Heard someone visited the Civil Affairs Bureau this morning?”

Fu Siye lifted his icy gaze and stared at him. He didn’t utter a word, but the sense of oppression was palpable.

Dyson was unfazed—he was long accustomed to his friend’s intimidating demeanor. With a careless shrug he went on, “Sorry, I was trying to drag a girl to get a marriage license this morning, and just happened to see you.”

Fu Siye frowned slightly. “What scheme are you up to now? Getting married?”

“The old man’s been pressing me to settle down, so I figured I’d show him a wedding. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to trick the girl.” Dyson snorted, a trace of irritation in his voice as he stubbed out his cigarette and tossed it into the ashtray.

Fu Siye’s frown deepened. “Marriage is a serious matter. Don’t be reckless. I’m a case in point.”

“You? A case in point?” Dyson looked at him with bemused confusion. “Honestly, I always thought Mu Yinyin made a good wife. You were never sure about those things in the past, yet you blamed her for everything. If you discovered the truth had nothing to do with her, would you regret it?”

“Regret?” The memory of Mu Yinyin’s not-so-clever ploy that morning flashed through Fu Siye’s mind, and his eyes brimmed with sarcasm. “Marrying her was the thing I regret most in my life.”

“Tsk.” Dyson gave a small laugh. “So now, after the divorce, are you going to marry Nan Shiqing?”

Fu Siye fell abruptly silent.

Lu Tingshen, who had been quiet all along, glanced up at Fu Siye, his expression calm. “Are you treating Nan Shiqing as a responsibility?”

Lu Tingshen was an old friend, practically raised alongside them. He was president of the Lu Group, which focused on entertainment. Many of the most famous actors and actresses were signed to his company.

The room lapsed into silence once more.

A responsibility?

Fu Siye pressed his thin lips into a tight line and said nothing.

…

Meanwhile, Mu Yinyin and her friends had already been eating for a while.

Knowing that Mu Yinyin couldn’t hold her liquor, no one allowed her to drink that night. She herself, remembering how she’d gotten drunk and tried to arrange a date with Fu Siye just days before, wanted to slap herself for it and vowed never to touch alcohol again.

Gu Xiaoqi took a sip of her drink, fixing her eyes on Mu Yinyin with some curiosity. “Yinyin, what are your plans now?”

Mu Yinyin’s lips twitched. “I’m taking back everything that belonged to my father. I always thought he and He Xia had a deep bond, so I never fought for anything in that family, letting them have it all. But then my father was caught trafficking drugs and died suddenly of a heart attack—both things are inseparable from them. I won’t let them get away with it, and I’ll find out the truth!”

“Insatiable greed! How could that mother and daughter be so despicable!” Gu Xiaoqi gritted her teeth in anger.

Li Chuan glanced at her, hitting the nail on the head. “How many who come later aren’t motivated by profit?”

Mu Yinyin’s eyes flickered. She smiled bitterly. “My father and I were simply too naive. They’re truly gifted actresses.”

Gu Xiaoqi instantly squeezed Mu Yinyin’s hand, her voice earnest. “Yinyin! No matter what, we’re here for you! We’re your truest friends. Whatever happens, we’ll stand by your side without hesitation, because we believe in you!”

A wave of warmth swept through Mu Yinyin’s heart. Smiling, she squeezed Gu Xiaoqi’s hand in return.

Jiang Ling looked at her as well, his expression solemn. “Just go for it.”

Li Chuan also met Mu Yinyin’s gaze. Though he said nothing, his eyes conveyed the same support as the others.

A tremor passed through Mu Yinyin’s chest. She smiled wryly. “Why did I ever distance myself from friends like you and keep up such a shameful family instead?”

She and Fu Siye hadn’t even had a wedding, only a secret marriage.

Sometimes she truly felt sorry for herself.

When the marriage was first arranged, she’d been overjoyed, but Fu Siye hated the idea and had no intention of marrying. Later, forced by circumstance, he insisted on keeping it secret. At the time, she thought as long as they were married, as long as they had the certificate, it would be enough.

Now, she realized how foolish she had been to throw herself into love so recklessly.

“We were never really apart! Even if you weren’t at the company, we always stayed in touch. Our bond didn’t fade, and now that you’re back, Yinyin, I’m just so glad you’re here!” Gu Xiaoqi’s grip on Mu Yinyin’s hand tightened.

Mu Yinyin smiled softly. “Thank you.”

Jiang Ling took a sip of his drink and changed the subject. “There’s a new development project in the western suburbs. If we land it, our company will have another chance to shine.”

Their company, Starlight Corporation, was already quite formidable, but everyone was eager to climb higher.

“The western suburbs?” Mu Yinyin, having just returned, wasn’t too familiar with the situation.

Jiang Ling nodded. “Yes, bidding is about to start. Our staff have come up with a new proposal, but you’ll all need to review it and find a reliable partner. If we secure the right collaborator, the deal should be within our grasp.”

Li Chuan frowned slightly, his voice low and steady. “There’s only one suitable partner: the Fu Group.”