Chapter 43: Public Humiliation

The expressions of the crowd became even more vibrant. Gu Xiaoqi let out a cold laugh. "Isn't it because you were afraid of gossip that you didn't give your biological daughter anything?"

"How could I? Of course, it's because—" Just as He Xia was about to say more, Gu Xiaoqi raised a hand to interrupt her.

"Fine, let's suppose you're telling the truth this time. Now, you can see your daughter isn't quite up to it, but Yin Yin is! At Starry Group, she's at the helm—a position even better than what the Mu company currently offers. Wouldn't you say she's capable now?"

He Xia's face shifted slightly.

Even Nan Shiqing and He Chengkui showed signs of unease.

But before they could think of a response, Gu Xiaoqi spoke again, half-smiling, "So shouldn't you return the shares to Yin Yin now?"

The implication was clear: Nan Shiqing had no real ability, but Mu Yinyin, as the leader of Starry Group, was undoubtedly qualified.

If He Xia tried to argue further, it would be blatant disregard for decency.

Though the shares were in her hands, giving her the final say, in a public setting like this, she couldn't afford to lose face or the goodwill of others.

If people began to question her character, future partnerships would be jeopardized.

He Xia was nearly beside herself with rage, but could only force a smile, suppressing her anger. "Of course, now that I know about Yin Yin's identity, I'm happy to hand over a portion of the shares."

"A portion?" Gu Xiaoqi sneered. "How many shares are you planning to give Yin Yin?"

Will this never end?! Nan Shiqing wanted so badly to blurt out her frustration.

Mu Yinyin stood up and gently took Gu Xiaoqi's hand.

Gu Xiaoqi immediately turned to look at her, and many others shifted their attention to Mu Yinyin as well.

Since everything had started because of Mu Yinyin, everyone was eager to see her reaction.

Mu Yinyin spoke with a faint smile, "I don't want the shares."

Everyone: "?"

What was going on?

He Xia's heart skipped a beat!

She suddenly recalled what Mu Yinyin had once said!

If she didn't hand over the shares within the stipulated time, she couldn't blame Mu Yinyin for being ruthless later.

Mu Yinyin—was she about to take revenge?

Once, He Xia hadn't taken Mu Yinyin's words seriously at all, dismissing them as nonsense.

But now...

He Xia was genuinely afraid.

After all, behind Mu Yinyin stood Starry—Starry!

And with so many people watching, she couldn't simply go along with Mu Yinyin's words. She quickly shook her head with a smile, "No, that can't be. This is your father's legacy, you naturally have a share. No matter what, Yin Yin, we're family, aren't we?"

She had long wanted to forge a good relationship with Starry Group, but had no means to do so. Now, with Mu Yinyin, at least everyone would know that Starry and the Mu family were inseparable.

He Chengkui also chimed in, smiling, "That's right, Yin Yin, we're all family. Why be so modest?"

Feeling her uncle's glance, Nan Shiqing took a deep breath, stepped forward, and made as if to take Mu Yinyin's hand.

But Mu Yinyin easily stepped back, leaving Nan Shiqing's hand awkwardly suspended in midair.

Nan Shiqing's face stiffened.

If only Fu Siye were the sole witness here, she would have kept up the gesture.

But...

With so many watching, she couldn't let anyone see her strained relationship with Mu Yinyin, or else those eager to curry favor with Starry would distance themselves from the Mu family.

That would be disastrous.

She feigned casualness, bringing her awkward hand up to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear, then smiled and said, "Sister, I'm truly happy for you."

Gu Xiaoqi was so infuriated she laughed. Just as she was about to say something, Mu Yinyin held her hand tightly.

Gu Xiaoqi turned immediately to Mu Yinyin, her eyes full of disagreement, but even more of concern—she knew Mu Yinyin had suffered greatly over the years.

They had all heard about Mu Yinyin's father's situation, but hadn't been able to help, which left them feeling guilty. Now, there was no way they'd let anyone keep scheming against her.

Li Chuan spoke slowly at this moment. "Xiaoqi, come sit."

Gu Xiaoqi looked at Li Chuan suspiciously, but seeing his obvious gesture, she went to his side.

The once bristling Gu Xiaoqi now sat beside Li Chuan, looking for all the world like a docile cat.

Meanwhile, Lu Sinian had finished greeting the guests; most had arrived. He was striding across the room, and seeing everyone's attention fixed on Mu Yinyin in the corner, he raised his eyebrows and headed that way.

Perhaps because everyone's attention was so focused, few noticed Lu Sinian.

Mu Yinyin was no exception.

She looked calmly at He Xia and the others, her voice cool, "Mu Group is your concern, so I'll leave it to you. But I'd like to see how long you can keep it."

He Xia and her companions' faces changed.

Indeed!

Mu Yinyin was about to make her move!

Suspicion flashed across the eyes of many. What did Mu Yinyin mean by this?

Just now, President Gu had been speaking up for President Mu, chastising He Xia and the others. It was clear He Xia had acted unfairly—taking over the Mu Group and not even giving Mu Yinyin a share, which was frankly disgraceful.

He Xia was worried, her gaze tinged with guilt as she looked at Mu Yinyin. "Yin Yin, do you feel I've treated you poorly? Maybe I was a bit strict with you at times, but you were young then, and I was afraid..."

She trailed off, seemingly too guilty to continue, sighing softly, "Ah, it's all my fault..."

Mu Yinyin's expression remained perfectly calm. Before the people in front of her, she showed not a hint of disturbance; even with so many watching, she didn't play the helpless victim to make them uncomfortable.

Fu Siye gazed at the noble, beautiful woman in silence.

He made no move to approach.

Yet his dark, cold eyes held a depth that was hard to decipher.

Amid the crowd's scrutiny, Mu Yinyin suddenly fixed her gaze on He Xia and the others. Her red lips parted.

"You needn't apologize or put on a show for everyone. From today onward, Starry will have no cooperation whatsoever with the Mu Group."

The moment those words fell, He Xia and the others' faces changed dramatically!

What did Mu Yinyin mean by that?! How could she dare say such a thing in front of everyone!

Before He Xia could react fully, Mu Yinyin continued. "Any company that collaborates with the Mu Group will be refused cooperation by Starry."