116 The Beauty’s Trap (Part Two) (Eighth Watch)

The appearance of Chu Bai exceeded all expectations and disrupted the entire course of events. The carefully arranged script had completely gone off track. As for where things would ultimately lead—no one could say.

At that moment, seeing Chu Bai finally steering matters back on course, the group of reporters could no longer hold back. Having made it this far, they couldn’t afford to leave empty-handed.

So, someone braved a bold move and spoke up, “Not long ago, some online voices questioned the scandal involving Miss Mu, claiming it was entirely fabricated. They say Miss Mu was wrongfully accused.”

“And so?” Chu Bai raised an eyebrow subtly, regarding the reporter with a quietly inscrutable expression.

The reporter hesitated but, feeling trapped, pressed on, “Because of these two opposing views, the online debate has exploded. Eventually, someone suggested we investigate for ourselves. When we arrived here, we found that indeed, some netizens had shown up at the agreed time.”

“An investigation? How amusing,” Chu Bai stifled a laugh behind her hand, then turned to the serene Mu Qingcheng seated on the sofa and politely asked, “Miss Mu, what is your response?”

“I think it’s best not to make a big fuss out of it,” Mu Qingcheng replied calmly.

“You’re just feeling guilty, Mu Qingcheng!” A netizen immediately shouted, pointing at her.

But Mu Jingchi shot a fierce glare at the man, silencing him instantly—he dared not speak further.

“Shh! Quiet, please,” Chu Bai raised a finger to her lips. The man took the cue and sat down, eyes darting around, as if pondering something.

At that moment, Mu Qingcheng continued, “The news is definitely false, but... I did come here that day.”

“Oh? May I ask what brought you here, Miss Mu?”

“To buy something.”

“What did you buy?”

“That’s inconvenient to say.”

Mu Qingcheng’s firm refusal left Chu Bai shaking her head in resignation. Indeed, Mu Qingcheng was just as the rumors described—imbued with an unyielding pride that, even when restrained, made her impossible to underestimate.

Naturally, Mu Qingcheng’s repeated refusals to cooperate did not deter the reporters. Seizing what they perceived as an opportunity, they closed in, raising their devices as close as possible and firing off questions:

“Miss Mu, are you implicitly admitting to the scandal?”

“Miss Mu, do you have some unspeakable secret?”

“Miss Mu, after bullying others with your power, rumors of improper conduct have surfaced. Does this relate to your background?”

One after another, the questions grew harsher and more humiliating.

Just as the Mu family members were about to lose their composure, Chu Bai stepped in once again, placing herself before Mu Qingcheng.

Her face still wore a radiant smile, but her brows tightened with a warning edge. Looking coldly at the crowd of reporters, she sneered and said, “Do you think Chu Bai doesn’t exist? This is my hotel, and those behind me are my guests. Aren’t you being a bit too presumptuous—”

The reporters fell silent.

Chu Bai was the kind of beauty who usually smiled gently, even when upset. She was adept at turning situations around with subtle finesse.

But this time, she was genuinely angry. Every word was sharp and piercing, as if slicing through the air, making hearts race.

Mu Qingcheng had heard of Chu Bai’s name through a legendary tale. In their circles, she was a formidable heroine of great renown. Yet this was the first time she had met her in person.

What puzzled Mu Qingcheng most was why this beautiful owner was so determined to shield her—even to the point of wrapping the entire Mu family in her protective wings.