Xingchen Clubhouse.

It was the largest clubhouse in Jiangling, second to none, because it was owned by the Fang Family.

「Eight o'clock in the evening.」

The grounds in front of the clubhouse were filled with countless luxury cars, enough to make anyone feel inadequate. An endless stream of well-dressed, successful individuals walked into the clubhouse, their expressions full of confidence.

Lin Mu and Qin Luoli also arrived, entering the clubhouse together.

"Luo Li, you're here too?"

No sooner had they entered than Lu Jia and Wenwen came running over to greet them, their faces alight with excitement.

However, when Lu Jia saw Lin Mu, her expression changed slightly. For some reason, she always felt an inexplicable fear whenever she saw him.

"Lu Jia, what's wrong?" Wenwen nudged her. "You look so pale. Didn't you get enough rest?"

Lu Jia shook her head. "I'm fine."

Wenwen complained, "I told you to stay in the hospital for observation for a few more days, but you just wouldn't listen."

"Alright, I'm fine now, aren't I?" Lu Jia took Qin Luoli's hand. "Let's go over there. I'll introduce you to some of my friends."

"Okay."

Qin Luoli whispered to Lin Mu, "I'll go over first. Don't cause any trouble."

Lin Mu gave a bitter smile. "What trouble could I possibly cause?"

Qin Luoli glared at him. "I don't care. You better keep a low profile today."

"Fine, fine, as you wish."

Resigned, Lin Mu found a quiet spot to sit down.

Meanwhile, Qin Luoli was chatting happily with a few wealthy young ladies, thanks to Lu Jia's introductions. Seeing this, Lin Mu could only smile ruefully. This woman is truly a social butterfly.

Bored, Lin Mu observed the main hall, noticing that the guests all seemed to have extraordinary identities; each one was dressed in a sharp suit, speaking with an air of sophistication. Only Lin Mu, dressed plainly, seemed out of place. Fortunately, his nature was rather indifferent, and he didn't care much for these things.

However, someone did take notice of him.

A girl in an evening dress approached, holding a glass of red wine, a mischievous smile on her face.

It was Yang Zi.

"Yo, isn't this our Young Master Lin? What a rare guest." Yang Zi was dressed exquisitely that day, her entire demeanor exuding a sense of superiority.

"Is there something you want?" Lin Mu's brows furrowed upon seeing her. He didn't have the slightest bit of affection for this woman.

"Can't I come over for a chat?" Yang Zi pursed her lips in a smile, her gaze carefully assessing Lin Mu. "With all your money, why don't you dress better? You should know, people here are very judgmental about appearances."

Lin Mu said flatly, "Are you finished? Then get lost."

Yang Zi's smile instantly stiffened, her expression turning incredibly ugly. "What gives you the right to be so arrogant?" she snarled. "You think you're something special just because you have some dirty money?"

A slight curl formed on Lin Mu's lips. "Apologies, but my 'dirty money' is more wealth than you could earn in several lifetimes."

"You..."

Yang Zi was choked speechless, but she knew he was telling the truth. He was the holder of the Nine Dragons Supreme Emperor Card, and that card alone represented an astronomical sum.

"Hmph, what's there to be so proud of!" Yang Zi snorted coldly. "You probably don't know yet, but my sister is about to marry Young Master Bin of the Fang Family. Once that happens, your little bit of money will mean nothing."

"What does that have to do with me?" Lin Mu said impatiently. "Besides, are we that close?"

Yang Zi took a deep breath, clearly incensed. She had only wanted to show off in front of Lin Mu, but he had rebuffed her so harshly. It felt like she had just offered up her own face to be slapped.

"Sis, what are you doing over here?"

Just then, a clear voice rang out as a girl in a white dress walked over. However, when she saw Lin Mu, her expression changed drastically, and her whole body trembled as if she had seen something inconceivable.

Yang Zi, not noticing her sister's reaction, grabbed the girl's arm. "This is my sister, Yang Qing. She's about to marry Young Master Bin of the Fang Family. Soon, she'll be the young mistress of the Fang Family. So what if you're rich?"

Yang Qing tugged at Yang Zi, trying to get her to stop talking.

Yang Zi continued, "What are you afraid of, sis? It's not like he can eat you. Today's gathering was specially arranged by the Fang Family to announce your joyous engagement to Young Master Bin."

"What?" Yang Qing seemed to finally process her words, looking at Yang Zi in disbelief. "Marry Young Master Bin? How come I didn't know?"

Yang Zi pulled her closer. "My silly sister, are you speechless with joy? Let me tell you, you're about to become the envy of every woman in Jiangling, so you can rejoice in your good fortune."

"I..." Yang Qing started to panic. "I don't—"

At that moment, a group of people entered the clubhouse. The middle-aged man in the lead had an imposing aura, his face carrying the authority of one long accustomed to power.

It was none other than the Family Head of the Fang Family, Fang Tang.

"Good evening, everyone!" Fang Tang announced in a booming voice as soon as he appeared. "At tonight's gathering, I have a piece of good news to share."

With that, he beckoned to Yang Qing.

"Quick, go! Patriarch Fang is calling you!" Yang Zi pushed Yang Qing forward, walking excitedly with her.

Fang Tang smiled. "My son, Shao Bin, will be taking Yang Qing of the Yang Family as his wife. I hope everyone will come to celebrate with us when the time comes."

"Ah? Congratulations, congratulations!"

"Congratulations, Patriarch Fang!"

"Tsk, tsk. The Yang Family is about to soar to new heights."

"Indeed. With the backing of a powerhouse like the Fang Family, it would be hard for them not to prosper."

Every face in the room wore a different expression of shock and surprise. Some were disappointed, others frustrated. A few even began blaming their own daughters for not being able to win out over Yang Qing.

The Patriarch of the Yang Family was so excited he could barely contain himself, repeatedly giving Yang Qing pointed looks.

"Aren't you going to thank Patriarch Fang?" Yang Zi nudged her sister, her tone slightly reproachful.

"I..."

With so many people watching, Yang Qing was too nervous to speak. She turned her head to glance at Lin Mu and, drawing courage from somewhere, shouted, "I disagree!"

"WHOA!"

Her words sent the entire room into an uproar.

She disagreed? Had Yang Qing really refused? How could she turn down such an incredible offer? Marrying into the Fang Family would have been a meteoric rise.

"Yang Qing, shut your mouth!" the Patriarch of the Yang Family barked before hurriedly turning to Fang Tang. "Patriarch Fang, my granddaughter must be overwhelmed with excitement and misspoke. Please, don't hold it against her."

Fang Tang's smile slowly faded. He looked at Yang Qing and said in a deep voice, "Why do you refuse? Is my son not good enough for you?"

"No... it's not that." Yang Qing shook her head frantically, extremely nervous. "I didn't mean it like that."

"Then what did you mean?" Fang Tang's voice was cold.

Yang Qing was so frightened that tears welled up in her eyes.

"She meant nothing."

Just then, a quiet voice cut through the tension.

"She probably just doesn't want to marry a cripple."

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