Chapter 8: Human Nature, Cold as Snow

Mu Yiren stepped out of the office, her eyes rimmed with red. The mocking laughter and sycophantic flattery toward Chairman Wang that echoed behind her cut her to the quick, filling her with fury and grief.

Yet… how could her young and inexperienced shoulders bear the weight of the Yiren Group?

“Father, I hope your spirit in heaven can bless me—help me win Omega’s business and preserve the legacy you poured your life into.”

After composing herself, Mu Yiren led her secretary to the VIP lounge of Yiren Group. Several managers from Omega were already there. When they saw Mu Yiren’s face, their expressions reflected not just a flash of admiration, but more distinctly, a hint of displeasure.

This was a business negotiation; what mattered was capability, not appearance.

“Apologies for keeping you waiting. I am Mu Yiren, president of Yiren Group,” she said, her fluent English taking them by surprise.

“I didn’t expect the president of Yiren Group to be so young—and your English is excellent.”

Mu Yiren offered a slight smile. For the past three years, she’d slept only three hours a night, balancing work and study, honing her English to a level beyond even most university students.

“You flatter me. Keke, please serve tea to our esteemed guests from Omega.”

“No need, President Mu. We’re here to discuss business, not to drink tea. I am Ferdy, Executive Manager at Omega. I suggest we get started so as not to waste each other’s time.”

“Very well. Here is our company profile. Yiren Group owns its own garment factory and distribution channels in Jiangzhou. If Omega entrusts us with production, we guarantee your satisfaction.”

Ferdy glanced quickly through the documents, frowning slightly before setting them on the table. Crossing his legs, he spoke gravely:

“President Mu, I visited your factory this morning. Your product quality is good, but your operation is far too small to meet our requirements. Moreover… forgive my bluntness, but you are simply too young. I cannot believe you can ensure the stability of our cooperation. Therefore… I’m sorry.”

Mu Yiren’s face paled with anxiety. “That’s not true. I promise, if Omega partners with us, Yiren Group will devote itself fully to delivering results that will satisfy you.”

Ferdy shook his head. “I am a businessman. I cannot risk an investment based merely on your assurances. Let’s end our discussion here. Goodbye.”

He stood and extended his hand. Mu Yiren, numb with pain, reached out to shake it, feeling as though she could scarcely breathe.

This failed negotiation meant that her father’s lifelong work… might soon be lost.

As Ferdy turned to leave, Mu Yiren seemed to lose all strength—her documents slipped from her hands, scattering across the floor.

“President, are you alright?” her secretary, Keke, knelt quickly to help her gather them.

From the corner of his eye, Ferdy noticed something on the floor—a black business card. His pupils contracted instantly.

Mu Yiren also crouched down to help, each page feeling as heavy as iron.

“President, let me—there’s no need for you to pick these up.”

“It’s alright,” Mu Yiren replied with a bitter smile, her eyes stinging. If not for the others present, she might have burst into tears on the spot.

But just then, Ferdy knelt down as well, helping her collect the papers.

“President Mu, I suddenly feel that Yiren Group is actually an excellent choice. I take back what I said earlier. I wonder—can we resume our negotiations?”

Both Mu Yiren and Keke were stunned, as if unable to believe their ears.

“But… didn’t you just say our factory was too small?”

Ferdy chuckled. “At first I did. But then I realized that large factories are set in their ways, lacking growth potential. Omega can invest to help you expand your operations!”

Mu Yiren’s heart pounded. Could it really be her father’s spirit watching over her from above?

Just moments ago, Ferdy had dismissed Yiren Group—but now, not only did he want to cooperate, he even offered funding to help them grow.

Heavens, this was unbelievable…

Seeing Mu Yiren’s hesitation, Ferdy frowned slightly. “President Mu, are you dissatisfied with my proposal? How about this: I’ll make a personal investment of ten million in Yiren Group. I hope you won’t refuse our cooperation.”

Mu Yiren nearly choked in shock. Ten million was nearly enough to buy out the whole company!

Father, your spirit must be truly powerful…

—

Meanwhile, Ling Xiao finished lunch and spent a long afternoon talking with his grandfather. In the evening, he returned to Jiangzhou.

Following his grandfather’s instructions, he made his way to Jinlong Community.

His third uncle lived here.

When the security guard saw the Rolls-Royce, he let it pass without question.

“Young Master Ling, should I accompany you upstairs?”

“No need. I’ll just sit for a bit and come right down.”

Carrying two boxes of gifts, Ling Xiao arrived at apartment 205.

He rang the doorbell. The door was opened by a girl about his own age.

“Who are you?” she asked, her delicate brows drawn together. Ling Xiao couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Three years ago, they were cousins who played together.

Three years later, everything had changed—even his face was no longer familiar to her.

“Ling Xue, it’s me, Ling Xiao.”

“Ling Xiao? You’re… you’re alive?”

Ling Xue’s eyes went wide, as if she’d seen a ghost. But her expression quickly returned to normal.

Ling Xiao’s keen gaze caught not just curiosity in her eyes, but also a trace of disdain and impatience.

He vaguely remembered that, three years before, when the Ling family was still in its glory, his cousin would look at him with admiration and envy. Back then, she was like a little shadow, trailing after him, always calling his name with affection.

Perhaps only time can change people.

Ling Xiao nodded coolly. “I just returned to Jiangzhou. Grandpa asked me to visit Uncle.”

“Oh… well, come in then.”

“Mm.”

As soon as he entered, Ling Xue pulled out a stack of clean shoe covers from the cabinet, ready to offer one. But catching sight of two used pairs beside them, she put the clean ones back and handed Ling Xiao an old pair. “Shoe covers are running low. Just make do with these. You’ve just come from the countryside, so your shoes are probably dirty anyway.”

Ling Xiao’s brows drew together for a moment, but he said nothing more.

If a stranger disrespects me, I can retaliate.

But if family disrespects me, how should I respond?

Human nature… cold and indifferent as snow.