Fox Spirit

"I smell something sour and stinky."

Ye Yu covered her nose as she observed her sister's expression.

"You little brat! What nonsense are you spouting?"

Ye Tong flicked Ye Yu’s forehead, her face flushing as she avoided Xu Mu’s gaze.

"Should we head home first, or grab a bite here?" Xu Mu asked the two of them.

"Let’s go home and eat. It’s healthier and saves money. I’ve learned a few new dishes—I’ll show off my skills today," Ye Tong replied, glancing at Xu Mu.

"Alright, whatever you say." Xu Mu nodded.

……

Driving back to the villa district, Xu Mu parked the car in the garage beneath the house.

Ye Yu dashed upstairs, carrying the clothes Xu Mu had bought for her.

Watching this, Ye Tong felt a pang of emotion.

Truth be told, it had been a long time since she’d bought Ye Yu new clothes.

Even when she did, they were always cheap online purchases, barely costing more than a few dozen yuan.

"I’ll start cooking first."

Ye Tong tied on an apron and headed into the kitchen.

Xu Mu settled onto the sofa and checked his "Justice Points."

After everything that had happened, he now had over 400 points.

Aside from contributions from Ye Tong and Ye Yu, Zhao Yingying had provided a significant boost this time.

Mainly because Zhao Yingying’s initial impression of him had already been positive.

Still, Xu Mu wanted to save up, hoping to accumulate enough for a "10-draw" today.

A 10-draw came with an extra reward—might as well take advantage of the perk.

……

At the same time.

Lin Yang lounged on a sofa in a private room on the second floor of a bar.

This exclusive space was reserved for VIPs—only the most influential figures could enter.

The room was furnished with plush seating, walls lined with an array of fine liquors, and a small bar in the corner.

The soundproofing was impeccable; the thumping music from downstairs was completely muted.

Under dim lighting, the atmosphere was as quiet as a still night.

The door swung open, letting in a burst of music from outside.

A woman in a qipao stepped inside, her age hovering around thirty.

The dress clung to her curvaceous figure, accentuating her peach-like hips and heart-shaped silhouette.

Her voluminous black waves framed a face with striking features—full red lips against porcelain skin.

Her almond-shaped eyes shimmered with a knowing allure, exuding seduction with every glance.

The woman was Feng Yue, the owner of the bar.

She shut the door behind her, sealing out the noise. Now, the only sound in the room was the click of her high heels.

Feng Yue took a seat across from Lin Yang, her lips curling into a sultry smile. "And who might you be? How do you know about my identity?"

"Just an unemployed drifter who happened to stumble upon the information."

Lin Yang leaned back, hands behind his head, studying the mature woman before him. She was practically a succubus.

That irresistible charm of hers must work on men of all ages.

"Let’s skip the games. Since you sought me out, you must be here to negotiate?" Feng Yue’s smile remained unwavering.

"Exactly. Feng Yue, the illegitimate daughter of the Feng Family’s patriarch in Jiangbei. Almost no one knows you exist. You came to Jiang City with a mission—to dismantle the Xu Family."

"But two or three years ago, the Xu Family exhausted their resources helping the Ye Family, leaving them severely weakened. The Feng Family won without lifting a finger."

"You happily returned home, but your father refused to see you. They demanded you finish the job—completely ruin the Xu Family. These past few years, you’ve been trying, but with no success."

……

Lin Yang spoke with confidence, having spent considerable resources and money to uncover this intel.

Feng Yue’s smile didn’t waver. "So, what do you want?"

"Cooperation. We team up to destroy the Xu Family. You get to return to the Feng Family in triumph, and I eliminate an enemy."

Lin Yang grinned.

"What if I refuse?" Feng Yue tilted her head. "I don’t even know who you are. How can I trust you?"

"If you refuse, I’ll leak some information to Xu Shou. For example, how you’ve been bribing Xu Family executives."

Lin Yang smirked. "Don’t worry—I have proof. If this gets out, your fate won’t be pretty."

"So, you’re threatening me."

"Exactly! But I’m doing this for your sake too."

Lin Yang’s gaze lingered on Feng Yue.

"What do you want me to do?" she asked.

"Judging by your tone, you’re agreeing."

Lin Yang’s face lit up. "We’ll start with Xu Mu. That kid has a thing for you, right? Lure him here tonight. Follow my lead, and I guarantee we’ll deal with him."

Feng Yue’s smile faded. After a long pause, she gave a slight nod.

……

Xu Mu was enjoying dinner with his family.

He had to admit—Ye Tong had outdone herself today. The food was excellent.

While it couldn’t compare to his own skills as a top-tier chef, for an average household, this was gourmet-level cooking.

"Delicious. My wife’s cooking never disappoints."

Xu Mu gave Ye Tong a thumbs-up.

At the word "wife," Ye Tong’s cheeks flushed crimson, the redness spreading all the way to her ears.

[Affection Points +10]

[Affection Points +10]

……

Xu Mu chuckled as he watched the black text float above Ye Tong’s head.

"Ugh, school starts tomorrow. Finally, I won’t have to third-wheel anymore."

After spending these past few days with Xu Mu, Ye Yu had grown comfortable enough to joke around.

In the past, she wouldn’t have dared.

Back then, she wasn’t even allowed at the dinner table—she ate alone in her cramped room.

"Don’t talk nonsense!"

Ye Tong shot her sister a glare. "We’re family. No one’s a third wheel here."

"Exactly, Yu. If you want, I can pick you up from school every day. It’s not a problem."

Xu Mu chimed in.

"No need. I’ll buy her an e-bike soon. She can ride to school herself," Ye Tong interjected.

"My sister’s right. The gas money from you driving me a few times could buy an e-bike already," Ye Yu added.

Xu Mu nodded. Just as he was about to speak, his phone buzzed.

He pulled it out, and his eyes narrowed at the caller ID.

Feng Yue.

The owner of Moonlight Bar. Why was she calling him?

From what he remembered, the original Xu Mu had been infatuated with her. Every time he visited the bar, he’d go to hers—often footing the bill for the entire place just to impress her.

But Feng Yue was a master manipulator—a textbook "player."

She never outright rejected Xu Mu’s advances, but she never committed either. She happily accepted his gifts and the money he poured into her bar.

The classic "I’ll take your gifts, but that doesn’t mean I’m yours" routine.

"Aren’t you going to answer?" Ye Tong asked.

"It’s the bar owner. Probably upset I haven’t been spending money there lately," Xu Mu joked.

At that, both Ye Tong and Ye Yu’s expressions darkened.

[Affection Points -1]

[Affection Points -2]

Xu Mu nearly facepalmed. Did their reactions have to be this instant?

"So… are you going?" Ye Tong asked, feigning nonchalance as she picked at her food.

"Let’s see what she wants first."

Xu Mu answered the call, placing the phone on the table and switching to speaker.

"Xu Shao, are you busy?"

Feng Yue’s sultry voice drifted through the speaker.

Ye Yu muttered under her breath, "Fox spirit!"