Mu Yaohui's expression froze instantly, feeling extremely unlucky. However, with so many people present, he couldn't directly drive Mu Beiyin away.
He forced a helpless smile. "Ah, everyone, you may not know, but my eldest daughter is quite headstrong. I didn't intentionally leave her out. Beiyin, how could Dad forget you? Come on in with me."
Lin Ru quickly stepped forward, putting on the act of a good stepmother. "Beiyin, didn't you say earlier that you wouldn't come? Oh dear, it's my fault for not clarifying things, causing you to feel wronged."
The onlookers immediately understood and exchanged glances.
From what they heard, it seemed that Miss Mu had thrown a tantrum earlier and refused to come, but now she was eagerly tagging along.
"Chairman Mu, we understand. You're just worried that Miss Mu might cause a scene."
"Every family has its difficulties. This illegitimate daughter is clever and sensible, while the eldest daughter is petty. It's not easy for Chairman Mu."
After the crowd dispersed, Mu Yaohui suppressed his anger and lowered his voice. "You'd better not cause any trouble today. If you mess things up, just wait and see how I deal with you. Behave yourself!"
"Also, Qianrou can't hold her liquor. If someone offers her a drink, you should step in for her. Our Qianrou is so beautiful; it's inevitable that some might have ill intentions. Be smart about it, do you hear me?"
Mu Beiyin's expression turned cold. Her eyes narrowed, exuding a powerful aura.
"Why should I help Mu Qianrou fend off drinks? Does Chairman Mu think I'm lacking in intelligence?"
"You!" Mu Yaohui was furious, gritting his teeth. "Mu Beiyin, you've grown bold, haven't you? Allowing you into the auction is already giving you face. If you don't agree, then get lost!"
Mu Beiyin sneered, brushed her hair back, and couldn't be bothered to argue. "Got it."
Mu Yaohui didn't expect her to agree so readily and was momentarily taken aback. "Fine, stop blocking the entrance and embarrassing us. Come in with me!"
Mu Beiyin glanced at Mu Qianrou with a faint smile and followed Mu Yaohui inside.
Entering the auction was just the first step. She still had a big surprise to deliver.
...
Not far away, a low-key luxury car was parked under the shade of a tree.
Chu Xiao rolled down the window, looking at Mu Beiyin's back with great surprise. "Shiqing, didn't you ask Miss Mu to wait and go to the auction together? Why did she go in on her own?"
Huo Shiqing's narrow eyes narrowed slightly, exuding an invisible pressure. "Oh?"
Chu Xiao shifted to give him a clearer view. "It's the first time someone dared to disobey your orders. Quite novel."
Huo Shiqing chuckled faintly. "It seems she forgot my words."
Chu Xiao shivered.
Tsk tsk, Mu Beiyin doesn't understand Huo Shiqing. She better not think he's a good person.
Standing him up... Miss Mu is in for it.
Chu Xiao became intrigued. "Shiqing, tell me, how do you plan to punish her?"
Huo Shiqing's eyes deepened with amusement, making it hard to guess his thoughts. He answered evasively, "Let's go. The auction is about to start."
...
At the center of the auction, Mu Yaohui was leading Mu Qianrou around, basking in the compliments from others, feeling elated.
"Chairman Mu, I heard that the highlight of today's auction is the 'Siren' necklace donated by Miss Mu Qianrou?"
Mu Yaohui feigned a gratified nod. "That's right. It was a token of love I gave to Lin Ru, and she passed it on to Qianrou. Qianrou is kind-hearted and willingly donated it to the charity auction."
This statement caused an uproar among those nearby.
"Oh my, I've long heard of the 'Siren.' Someone once offered fifty million for it, and Miss Mu didn't sell. I can't believe she's donating it now!"
"Those rumors about her scheming against her sister and being a homewrecker must be false. Miss Qianrou is so kind; she wouldn't intentionally steal someone else's fiancé."
"Exactly. Donating the 'Siren' speaks volumes about Miss Qianrou's character. Perhaps Mu Beiyin is the one with poor conduct, twisting the truth, which is why Young Master Song doesn't fancy her!"
"Mu Beiyin comes from the countryside. She probably hasn't seen such fine jewelry. How can she compare to Miss Qianrou?"
"Truly, like father, like daughter. Your daughter is outstanding, Chairman Mu. Are you planning to groom Miss Qianrou as the successor of the Mu Group?"
The crowd, whether flattering or sincere, praised Mu Qianrou to the skies.
Lin Ru modestly said, "It's not as exaggerated as everyone says. Qianrou just wants to contribute to charity. This is the principle I've taught her since she was young. We live well, but many still struggle. Once capable, we should help others within our means. Qianrou has always remembered this."
Public opinion increasingly favored Mu Qianrou. Not only was she kind-hearted, but even the rumored homewrecker, Madam Mu, appeared so magnanimous.
Mu Yaohui grew more pleased as he listened. He glanced at Mu Beiyin standing nearby and couldn't help but feel superior.
"Did you hear how others praise Qianrou? Learn from her and stop being so selfish! Qianrou knows to donate her jewelry for charity. And you? Besides spending money, what else can you do?"
Mu Beiyin curled her lips into a cold smile.
Mu Qianrou quickly stepped forward to soothe the situation. "Daddy, don't be angry. As long as Sister is happy, that's what matters. You don't have to be so strict with her."
The onlookers were full of admiration.
"Miss Qianrou really has such a good temper."
"Exactly. Mu Beiyin keeps a cold face, and yet Miss Qianrou still considers her feelings..."
Mu Qianrou concealed the smugness in her eyes.
Her mother was right—Mu Beiyin showing up wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
She couldn't do anything now. All she could do was watch as her mother's belongings became Qianrou's source of pride.
Mu Beiyin must be full of hatred, right? Too bad—she was destined to be trampled under Qianrou's feet for the rest of her life!
Soon, an hour passed, and the auction reached its final segment—the highlight of the event: the "Siren" necklace.
The host specially praised, "The Siren necklace was generously donated by Miss Mu Qianrou. This necklace is valued at over sixty million yuan. Miss Qianrou has made an extraordinary contribution to charity. Therefore, our auction house has decided to award her a special medal—"
Everyone was stunned. This charity auction house operated nationwide and had only awarded nine medals in its decade-long history. Those who received the medal were undoubtedly leaders in their respective fields, widely respected by the public.
And how old is Mu Qianrou now? Just in her early twenties, she's already receiving praise from the auction house—who would dare look down on her in the future!
The spotlight shone on Mu Qianrou. Hearing everyone's compliments, she couldn't help but feel excited.
This is great, so great. After tonight, all her negative rumors would be wiped away. No one would call her a mistress or a homewrecker anymore.
As long as she accepted that medal…
The host handed over the medal and said, "If no one objects, I hereby announce that this medal is awarded to—"
"I object!"
Just as Mu Qianrou was about to receive the medal, a female voice interrupted the host.
Everyone instinctively turned to look. Mu Beiyin stood up with a cold expression and said word by word:
"This Siren necklace belonged to my mother! Sister, isn't it shameless to take the original owner's belongings and use them as your own glory?"
As soon as she finished speaking, the whole venue erupted in shock!
Mu Yaohui finally understood why Mu Beiyin had been waiting at the door all day—she simply couldn't stand to see Qianrou succeed and wanted to ruin her good fortune!
But did Mu Beiyin really think a few words like that would make everyone believe her?