Hongmen Banquet: Chen Cai's Invitation

Dai Xingluo visibly froze for a moment upon hearing this.

Soon after, a smile reappeared on her peach-blossom-like face.

"Six wives? That, plus little sister and big brother, makes exactly eight people—just enough for two mahjong tables."

Dai Xingluo covered her mouth, giggling softly.

"Don’t force yourself. You’d kill without hesitation just because I got a little close to other women—would you really be willing to join our big family?"

Xu Mu waved his hand dismissively at Dai Xingluo.

"Of course I’m willing. People age, get sick, and die. Who knows? Maybe by the time I’m gone, everyone else will be dead, leaving only me and big brother."

With no outsiders around, Dai Xingluo didn’t bother hiding her true nature, dropping her cute act.

After all, Xu Mu had already witnessed her ruthless side firsthand.

Being her real self in front of him wasn’t so bad.

"Sorry, but I prefer gentle women."

Xu Mu had no interest in wasting more words on her and turned to walk toward his car.

"Xu Mu, I’ve already tracked down your family—the Jiang City Xu Group."

Dai Xingluo’s smile deepened.

Hearing this, Xu Mu abruptly stopped in his tracks. "A word of advice—don’t do anything reckless."

With that, he opened the car door and got in.

Dai Xingluo watched as the car drove away, black text appearing above her head.

[Affection Points +5]

"Big brother, even after all this, you still won’t use your power to threaten me."

She recalled how Xu Mu had spared her outside the city last time.

He really is so gentle.

---

Meng Wanyue drove off, struggling to hold her food with one hand.

Xu Mu chuckled and took it from her. "Let me help you with that?"

"O-okay..."

Meng Wanyue stole a glance at Xu Mu before quickly looking back at the road.

She had already eaten a small portion of it.

Noticing that Xu Mu didn’t mind eating something she’d already taken a bite from, her cheeks grew increasingly red.

When they arrived at the branch company, Xu Mu signaled for her to stop before they entered.

He spotted a familiar Aston Martin and, using his perception, confirmed that Feng Jian was inside.

"Wanyue, park behind that car," Xu Mu said, pointing ahead.

"Got it."

Meng Wanyue nodded.

Xu Mu stepped out and walked up to the Aston Martin’s window, tapping lightly on the glass.

Feng Jian, who had been scrolling on his phone, turned and immediately got out upon seeing Xu Mu.

"Xu Shao, sister-in-law."

Feng Jian bowed slightly to both Xu Mu and Meng Wanyue, behaving like a subordinate.

In the past, he would never have acted this way.

But times had changed. The past few days had been pure torment for him—every moment felt like an eternity.

His current condition wasn’t like that of a eunuch from ancient times.

His "little brother" was still there, and his mind was still full of desires—yet he was completely useless.

The frustration was worse than death.

Meng Wanyue flustered at being called "sister-in-law."

She glanced at Xu Mu, but he didn’t correct Feng Jian.

[Affection Points +10]

Did his silence mean he was acknowledging it?

Meng Wanyue shook her head, scolding herself for overthinking.

"What are you doing at our company?" Xu Mu asked.

"I was waiting for Zhang Shuaikai, but the real reason was to see you."

Feng Jian scratched his head awkwardly. "Xu Shao, about that medicine..."

"Not happening. Your mother hasn’t delivered on her promise yet. No reason for me to give you anything."

Xu Mu shrugged.

"What exactly do you want her to do? I can do it instead!"

Feng Jian clenched his fists, his voice rising slightly.

"You can’t."

Xu Mu patted Feng Jian’s shoulder. "Don’t take it personally, but you’re too far from the Feng family’s inner circle."

Only three people truly held power in the Feng family: Feng Jian’s parents and his eldest brother, Feng Ruili.

Feng Jian, much like the original villainous Xu Mu, knew fewer secrets than even the company’s executives.

Feng Jian exhaled sharply—he understood Xu Mu’s meaning.

Was he doomed to remain a useless man forever?

Without women, he might as well be dead.

Just as Feng Jian was about to get back in his car, his phone rang.

He pulled it out and saw it was his mother calling.

"Mom."

He answered, stepping back into the car.

Xu Mu and Meng Wanyue turned to leave, heading toward the company.

But after only a few steps, Feng Jian called out to them.

"Xu Shao! Sister-in-law! Wait!"

Feng Jian rushed over, his face lit up with excitement. "My mother wants to invite you to dinner tonight!"

"Dinner with me?"

Xu Mu’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"That’s right! If she’s inviting you, maybe she’s already done what you asked."

Feng Jian grinned. "Does that mean I get the medicine now?"

"We’ll see after tonight."

Xu Mu smirked inwardly—he didn’t believe for a second that Chen Cai would hand over dirt on Feng Kang.

After overhearing her conversation with Dai Xiao earlier, he was certain this was a trap.

She had failed before, and now she was trying again.

"Alright! She told me to let you know—8 PM at Yu Shange. She’ll be hosting you there."

Feng Jian beamed.

"Got it."

Xu Mu replied coolly. He was curious to see what Chen Cai had planned.

After Feng Jian left, Xu Mu and Meng Wanyue entered the company.

Meng Wanyue opened her mouth as if to say something but ultimately held back.

Noticing her hesitation, Xu Mu asked, "Wanyue, what’s on your mind?"

"I feel like I’m overstepping," she murmured.

"We’re close, aren’t we? Just say it."

Xu Mu gave her shoulder a reassuring pat.

"That woman earlier… she doesn’t seem like a good person. I think you should stay away from her."

Meng Wanyue kept her gaze lowered. "But it’s your personal matter, and I don’t have the right—"

"You do have the right!"

Xu Mu cut her off, gripping her shoulders. "And I already know she’s trouble."

[Affection Points +20]

Meng Wanyue couldn’t bring herself to meet his eyes. "I knew you’d be able to tell."

"Wanyue, from now on, speak your mind. I’m not infallible."

Xu Mu smiled and released her.

"Okay."

She nodded softly.

She didn’t quite understand her own feelings. If she saw women approaching the Dragon King, she wouldn’t care.

But Xu Mu was different.

---

Xu Mu and Meng Wanyue spent the rest of the day at the branch company, killing time.

Li Yun gave them a tour of the factory out back, where production was already in full swing.

Before they knew it, dusk had fallen.

After saying goodbye to Li Yun, Xu Mu and Meng Wanyue got back in the car.

He pulled out his phone and searched for Yu Shange, scoffing at the results.

"Xu Shao, what’s wrong?"

Meng Wanyue asked.

"Look where she’s sending me—Yu Shange is on the outskirts of Yang City, deep in Feng family territory."

Xu Mu showed her the map on his phone.

Meng Wanyue, upon hearing this, looked at Xu Mu and said, "They must have set up an inescapable trap. Maybe we just shouldn’t go."

"Go. I want to see what tricks she has up her sleeve."

Xu Mu waved at Meng Wanyue. "Let’s move."

He had his own plans—like releasing the video in his possession to the public.

At worst, it would leave Feng Kang with a reputation for being cuckolded. If he chose to endure it silently, the Feng family would still remain.

But the Xu family would forever be a thorn in their side.

Sooner or later, they would strike again.

What Xu Mu wanted was to eliminate the Feng family once and for all. That’s why he intended to walk right into Chen Cai’s trap—this banquet of treachery.

...

The Imperial Banquet Pavilion was located in the eastern part of Yang City.

By the time Xu Mu arrived, it was already half past seven in the evening.