115 The Beauty Trap (Part I) (Seventh Installment)

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Fingers, covered in tiny, aged scars, clenched and relaxed repeatedly, tangled in hesitation.

Eventually... they went limp, falling dejectedly to his sides.

His naturally robust frame took on a slightly hunched, desolate curve, exuding a bleakness that seemed ill-suited to his stature, yet possessed an inexplicable, seamless harmony that fused the two into one.

Even his expression grew hazy.

...

"That’s enough."

A moment later, a hand slapped firmly against his stiff shoulder as someone brushed past, leaving behind a word of consolation.

But... was it even possible anymore?

****

On this side.

Mu Yao and Chu Bai returned together.

Behind them trailed a swarm of eager reporters. Though they vied impatiently for position, they still made a conscious effort to keep their voices low, not daring to be too reckless.

The Mu family had already moved to a nearby lounge area and taken their seats.

A few indignant netizens remained as well. One of them was even secretly livestreaming, the camera aimed directly at Mu Qingcheng, who stood not far away.

At that moment, Mu Qingcheng’s communicator vibrated.

She raised a hand to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, simultaneously tapping her ear bone twice with practiced, subtle movements.

Ye Zi’s voice came through, also deliberately lowered:

"Boss, someone is secretly livestreaming. Should I intervene?"

Mu Qingcheng looked down, fiddling with her phone as two fingers tapped rapidly against the back of the device.

On her screen, Ye Zi watched a string of code appear, which then quickly transformed into a single line of text:

‘Route it to the mirror zone.’

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"Got it, understood. Watch yourself, I’ll keep monitoring from the back."

With that, the connection was cut.

By then, Chu Bai and the others had arrived.

Mu Qingcheng looked up and immediately met a pair of remarkably sharp eyes. They shimmered with rainbow-like brilliance, overflowing with spirit and vigor, yet seemed to hide a fleeting, unintentional sorrow.

‘Interesting.’

She took the initiative to stand up, adjusted the heavy-rimmed glasses on her nose, and extended a hand.

"Hello, I am Mu Qingcheng."

"Hello, Chu Bai."

"Apologies, I’ve caused you trouble."

"Not at all, don’t mention it."

Chu Bai had always been a beauty with high standards. Yet, meeting Mu Qingcheng now, she appeared approachable and devoid of airs.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two sat down.

Chu Bai immediately apologized to Elder Mu. The old man had always respected talent, so he said little in response.

The group, however, was clearly distracted, their minds preoccupied with the "truth" of that night.

Thus, once everyone was seated, before Chu Bai could speak, one of the netizens could wait no longer and blurted out loudly, "Boss Chu, are you here to shield Mu Qingcheng?"

The Mu family’s expressions had already been grim; hearing this, their faces darkened further, and they cast cold, indignant glares toward the man.

Chu Bai, however, smiled brilliantly. Dressed in a silk cheongsam featuring white peonies and wrapped in a wool shawl, she could not conceal the vibrant, seductive charm that radiated from her.

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She stood up, her gaze instantly locking onto that specific person in the crowd. Before the Mu family could strike back, she spoke first:

"Look, handsome, while you may have strength in numbers, you’re bound to be alone eventually, aren't you?"

"What do you mean... are you threatening me..."

"Hmm," Chu Bai shook her head and continued, "I’m telling you that you still have to live in the Imperial Capital. As everyone knows, in this city, there is the Mu family to the north and the Si family to the south. In the end... you won't be able to escape."

"I... I don't know what you're talking about."

"Not knowing is fine. Once you truly understand, you’ll have no way out, won't you?"

Chu Bai’s tone was light and indifferent, yet her words sent a chill through the crowd.

She was right. No matter who stood behind you, in the end, they could never protect you forever. Either of these two families was an untouchable entity.

After all, in the Imperial Capital... bloodless killings were the norm.

Seeing that the netizens had finally quieted down, Chu Bai wore a stunning smile and turned toward the reporters.

She leaned back against the sofa, resting one elbow on the armrest, her voice soft, sweet, and cloying.

"Go ahead, dear reporters. What is it that you want?"