Chapter 47: Intentions Toward Marriage?

“It seems that from now on, we may really have to curry favor with the Starry Group…”

“But if we cozy up to Starry, we can’t work with the Mu Corporation. I still have a project running with them. Damn, I regret it. If I’d known earlier, I wouldn’t have signed with them!”

“How much longer until it’s over? If it’s almost done, better pull out quickly. The Mu Corporation is already on the decline; they’ve held on this long only because of their previous reputation. It wouldn’t hurt not to work with them.”

“Sigh, there’s still over a month left. What a headache.”

Many people whispered in private, unable to suppress their chatter, treating the Mu Corporation as though it were a plague.

Their voices, perhaps not as hushed as they thought, drifted over to Nan Shiqing and Fu Siyue’s ears.

Nan Shiqing’s eyes lowered, a clear trace of disappointment passing through them.

She couldn’t help but sigh softly, her gaze flickering towards Fu Siyue from the corner of her eye.

She didn’t believe for a moment that he hadn’t heard what was just said.

Nan Shiqing said nothing, choosing instead to let her silence express her sorrow.

She believed Fu Siyue would comfort her—after all, all of this was the result of Mu Yinyin’s cruel actions, forcing the Mu Corporation to this point.

But…

She waited two minutes and still, Fu Siyue said nothing. She’d maintained her mournful demeanor for so long, yet received no comfort from him!

Her composure faltered, and a deep unwillingness flashed in her eyes.

She glanced at Fu Siyue, only to see that his cold gaze was still fixed in Mu Yinyin’s direction!

Nan Shiqing drew a sharp breath, nearly choking on her own anger.

“Siyue…”

She called his name gently; she absolutely couldn’t let Fu Siyue be drawn in any deeper. If he kept watching, she feared he might regret it.

That was not what she wanted!

Why had Mu Yinyin’s personality become so infuriating, yet Fu Siyue remained drawn to her?

Nan Shiqing couldn’t understand.

Weren’t women supposed to be gentle and delicate to win a man’s affection? Yet Mu Yinyin was so assertive, her words hardly pleasing, so why did Fu Siyue keep looking at her?

Was it just because she’d suddenly become the head of Starry Group?

But he was president of the Fu Corporation—a company so powerful, surely he didn’t need to look up to Starry!

Why? Why!

And more—why did Starry dare to be so arrogant? Their company wasn’t even that large, so what gave them the confidence to publicly declare they’d no longer partner with the Mu Corporation, and urge others to end their collaboration as well?

Where did she get such nerve? Where?

Lu Sinian! Why was he so close to Mu Yinyin, even supporting her with all his resources? Why?

Fu Siyue finally withdrew his gaze, glancing coolly at Nan Shiqing. “What is it?”

Nan Shiqing pressed her lips together, her expression a mix of complexity and sorrow as she shook her head. “It’s nothing…”

She bowed her head again.

Nan Shiqing felt she’d played her part well this time. That air of desolate grievance, yet refusing to utter a word—what man wouldn’t feel sorry for her?

She was convinced Fu Siyue would help her.

But…

She waited a good while, but the man said nothing. With disbelief clouding her eyes, she looked up at him, only to discover—

He was once again staring at Mu Yinyin!

Unwilling, she followed his gaze, only to see Mu Yinyin laughing and chatting with several men.

She glanced back at Fu Siyue, noticing how dark his expression had become.

Nan Shiqing drew another steadying breath. Control! She had to maintain control.

Clearly, today wasn’t the right day to speak with Fu Siyue. She would have to wait until Mu Yinyin was gone, when Fu Siyue could no longer be distracted…

This banquet…

It seemed casual—everyone mingling and chatting—but because of Mu Yinyin’s dramatic turn, the atmosphere had changed entirely.

At that moment, Lu Sinian had been called into a room by the old Master Lu.

Only the two of them were present.

Old Master Lu still sat in his wheelchair. Though he was already over seventy, his face had only recently started to show his age. Before his illness, he might have passed for a man in his fifties; but after suffering so much recently, time had finally left its mark, and now he appeared to be in his sixties.

Both hands rested on his wheelchair, as he looked up at his grandson standing before him.

There was a hint of puzzlement in his eyes as he spoke: “The Starry Group may have risen quickly in recent years, and the prospects are bright. It makes sense to collaborate with them, to support their company. But why did you have to declare, in front of so many people, that you’d no longer work with the Mu Corporation?”

Although Lu Sinian hadn’t stated it outright, Mu Yinyin’s words had made it clear: Lu Sinian was expressing his intention to partner only with Starry, and cut ties with the Mu Corporation.

Old Master Lu knew his grandson well—level-headed, decisive, clear-minded. He’d never had to worry about his grandson’s decisions.

But today…

Though they’d never truly regarded the Mu Corporation as a challenge, this was a public occasion, and such a direct stance could have consequences for their own company.

Lu Sinian’s lips curved into a slight smile. “Grandfather, the head of Starry Group, Mu Yinyin, is the miracle doctor who treated you.”

He offered no further explanation.

Old Master Lu’s expression froze in surprise, staring at him in disbelief. “What did you say? Say that again?”

Lu Sinian smiled softly. “It’s true no matter how many times I say it. She is the Lord Yama, the same Lord Yama who’s long worked with Wan Yu.”

Old Master Lu’s eyes widened in shock, his disbelief plain to see.

“Lord Yama—is really her?!” Old Master Lu’s voice trembled with amazement.

Back when he awoke, he’d been stunned. He’d believed he wouldn’t survive this time, had felt his end coming before he lost consciousness, and had even left words for his family. Yet, against all odds, he’d woken again.

His family told him Lord Yama had saved his life, and that it was a young woman.

He had been surprised then, but to learn today of Mu Yinyin’s identity as well—

The leader of Starry.

If Starry Group continued to develop, it might one day rival the Fu and Lu Corporations.

“I understand now.” Old Master Lu nodded, saying nothing more.

Lu Sinian smiled quietly. “Building a good relationship with her can only benefit us.”

Old Master Lu’s gaze lingered on his grandson, eyes thoughtful. “From the way you acted just now, are you considering an alliance by marriage?”