125 Sowing the Seeds of Disaster (Seventh Installment)

"Have you finished your discussion, Young Master Si?"

"Yes. Why haven't you left yet, Fourth Master?"

"I was waiting specifically for you."

"Very well. Let's talk in the car."

"Agreed."

Si Qingchen and Mu Yao boarded the Si family's limousine one after the other.

Meanwhile, at the Mu estate, it was only after the entire Mu family had gathered in the main hall that they realized the elusive fourth son, Mu Yao, had not returned with them.

"Where is the fourth one?"

Old Master Mu sat alone on the sofa, his expression cold and stern, devoid of any warmth. Butler Ji bowed his head nervously and replied in a low voice, "Fourth Master... has left."

"The scoundrel! You boys are becoming increasingly unruly."

Seeing that the old man was genuinely angered, Mu Jingchi sat properly in his place; despite his usual rebellious demeanor, he did not dare to retort.

Mu Zongxing sat beside Mu Qingcheng, with Mu Qing on the other side. The three were whispering to each other, but before they could finish, Old Master Mu let out a sharp shout.

"Ran Siya, get on your knees!"

Thud.

Ran Siya knelt straight down beside the sofa, her makeup ruined by tears, her shoulders trembling uncontrollably. Old Master Mu, seemingly frustrated by her lack of character, pointed at her and unleashed a torrent of harsh rebukes. Ran Siya wept as she offered explanations, consisting of nothing more than claims of being "bewitched" or acting "in a moment of confusion."

After a long while, Mu Qing suddenly stood up. The others were taken aback as they watched him rub his brow with a weary expression. "I’m a bit tired. I’m heading upstairs." With those words, he departed.

Mu Zongxing followed shortly after. The eldest brother of the Mu family had been busy managing business abroad and had not returned since the funeral. This visit had only been a coincidence, as he happened to be in the country for a business deal when these events unfolded.

"Qingcheng, come see your eldest brother off," Mu Zongxing said, nodding toward her.

Before Mu Qingcheng could rise, Mu Jingchi added, "I’m leaving too. Wait for me." He draped an arm around Qingcheng’s shoulder and followed their eldest brother out.

Behind them, Old Master Mu watched the scene with a look of desolation, sighing wearily. He was well aware of the resentment his children held toward his favoritism for Ran Siya, but he was old now and could not bear the pain of another family rift.

Old Master Mu shifted his gaze back to the still-weeping Ran Siya and said, "Siya, there is no need to be jealous of Qingcheng's position in this house. You must first understand your own place. Qingcheng is a member of the Mu family; she is my own granddaughter. While you are also called my granddaughter, you do not carry the Mu surname. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Grandfather. I understand."

Ran Siya lowered her head further. From an angle where no one could see, she glared at the pristine white tiles like a vengeful spirit, biting her lip until she tasted the faint, metallic tang of blood.

Indeed, the Mu family was the pinnacle of high society. Old Master Mu had always favored boys and prioritized blood relations above all else. If her mother hadn’t died young, she might never have even crossed the threshold of the Mu family. How could she ever compete with that wretched... Mu Qingcheng!

***

Elsewhere, inside the limousine.

Mu Yao and Si Qingchen sat opposite each other, their figures cloaked in the dim light. After a moment, Mu Yao sighed and said, "Young Master Si, I have fulfilled my end of the bargain. I hope you will not go back on your word."

"I will. I will certainly help you find it."

"Then I thank you."

With that, Mu Yao didn't linger. He opened the car door to step out, but as he moved, he paused and looked back at the man still hidden in the shadows. "One more question: are you serious about my sister?"

"Yes. Serious enough to marry her into the family."

"That is good."

The man's decisive response prompted a satisfied nod from Mu Yao. He stepped out of the car and climbed into his own vehicle.