Chapter 44: Shameless Old Man

When Ling Xiao arrived at Yiran Group, he was informed that Mu Yiran and her secretary, Coco, had gone out together to discuss business and were currently hosting a meal at a hotel. After confirming the name of the hotel, Ling Xiao and Xiu’er immediately set off.

Meanwhile, in the Xu Family Grand Hotel in Jiangzhou, Mu Yiran was entertaining several men in a private dining room. The man sitting closest to her, a balding middle-aged fellow with a lecherous grin, chuckled and said, “President Mu, such a beautiful lady treating us to dinner today—you really are too generous!”

Mu Yiran responded with a gentle smile. “You’re too kind, President Niu. You gentlemen have come a long way and must be tired. I specially reserved this private room and had a few bottles of ’82 Lafite opened. I hope you’ll find everything to your satisfaction.”

“Satisfaction? More than satisfied! Dining with such a beautiful woman as President Mu—why, we’d be happy even at a roadside stall!” another added with a laugh.

“President Qi, President Niu, please, enough with the compliments. If you keep this up, I won’t know where to put myself.”

“What’s there to be embarrassed about? We’re only stating the truth.”

Mu Yiran’s attire was always on the conservative side, yet her stunning beauty could never be concealed behind a mask. These seasoned men of the world, instead of preferring more flamboyant women, found her purity and poise all the more alluring.

“Thank you for your kind words. Now, about the matter of our Yiran Group’s products entering your department stores…”

“No problem at all! It’s our honor to cooperate with such a promising young leader.”

“Indeed, President Mu. As soon as we finish this meal, let’s move forward with the contract.”

Mu Yiran breathed a sigh of relief, her smile blossoming as she raised her glass. “Then I must thank you all for your generous support!”

“It’s our duty, truly!” The men all stood to clink glasses with her.

After the first round, they exchanged glances, and one of them lifted his wine again. “President Mu, there’s a prime spot on the first floor of our Jiangcheng Mall that just became available. How about having Yiran Group’s brand take over?”

Mu Yiran’s eyes sparkled. For a brand, location within a mall was everything. If this was true, Yiran Group’s sales would soar.

She immediately stood, poured another glass, and toasted, “If that’s the case, we’ll be sure to offer your mall even better rebates.”

“President Mu, you’re straightforward indeed. Here, let me toast you as well. If you give us a little more rebate, we’ll be sure to reserve the best spot for your brand!”

Three glasses down, Mu Yiran felt her cheeks begin to burn.

“Gentlemen, I’m sorry, but I can’t hold my liquor. I hope you’ll forgive me if I can’t keep up.”

Hearing this, the men’s eyes glimmered with renewed interest. “Don’t worry, President Mu. None of us are heavy drinkers. Just a few glasses for good company—that’s all. We still have a contract to sign this afternoon, after all.”

“President Mu, let me offer you one more. After this, I won’t insist any longer.”

“Well…alright.”

With coaxing and flattery, the group pressed her into three or four more glasses of wine. By now, her face was crimson, her large eyes growing hazy.

“Gentlemen, I really can’t drink anymore. If I do, I won’t be able to work this afternoon.”

“Alright, no more,” one of them said, changing the subject. “President Mu, the drunken shrimp here is excellent. Please, have a taste—they use only the finest ingredients.”

“Yes, yes, have some more food. You’ll feel better.”

Forcing herself, Mu Yiran ate a few bites, but her stomach churned violently. Covering her mouth, she asked, “Is there any juice or something to drink? I’d like something non-alcoholic.”

“Juice? That’s too plain. Here, President Mu, another sip of wine will help you feel much better.”

Outside the door, Secretary Coco peeked in, her heart aching at the scene. She knocked and entered.

“Gentlemen, our president can’t hold alcohol well. Perhaps she should rest for a while, or let me drink in her stead.”

The men shot her an annoyed glare. “Who do you think you are? Just a secretary—how dare you try to drink with us?”

“Get out of here! We’re here to have a drink with President Mu, not you!”

Mu Yiran waved her hand. “Coco, please step out. I’m fine.”

“But, President, you’ll get drunk like this—it’s bad for your health.”

“It’s alright. Just go. Don’t let others laugh at us.”

Coco bit her lip, her eyes reddening as she left reluctantly.

The men exchanged cunning glances.

“President Mu, you really owe us an apology. Your secretary was quite out of line.”

“That’s right. President Mu, you should drink a glass as a penalty, otherwise what do you take us for?”

Mu Yiran’s head was spinning, her will weakening.

“I…I truly can’t drink anymore. I’ll pass out if I have another.”

“President Mu, what are you afraid of? With so many of us here, what could possibly happen? Besides, your secretary is right outside.”

“Well…alright.”

Unable to refuse, Mu Yiran had to keep drinking.

…

By this time, Ling Xiao and Xiu’er had arrived at the hotel.

“Excuse me, could you check which private room Yiran Group booked?” Ling Xiao asked at the front desk.

The receptionist glanced at him and replied with a polite smile, “I’m sorry, sir. Our hotel keeps all guest information confidential.”

Ling Xiao took off his watch and placed it before the two receptionists. “Tell me the room and this watch is yours.”

The two young women stifled a laugh. “Sir, you must be joking.”

“Really, how much could a watch be worth? If we told you, we’d probably get fired! Do you take us for fools?”

Xiu’er rolled her eyes. “You clearly don’t know what you’re looking at. Our young master’s watch is a custom Swiss piece, worth a hundred and thirty million!”

“What did you say?” The two hostesses froze in shock, then eagerly turned to their computer screens. Within moments, they looked up in unison.

“Yiran Group’s private room is on the seventh floor, room 706.”

“Let’s go!” Ling Xiao turned on his heel, Xiu’er hurrying after him.

“Young master, don’t be so anxious!”

“I can’t help it. My heart is racing—I have a bad feeling.”

“Really? In broad daylight, Miss Yiran is just talking business. Perhaps you’re overreacting?”

“The Six Paths of Fate cannot sway me. If I feel uneasy, something must be wrong.”