Xu Ningbing was still dressed in her formal office attire.
When she lifted her arm to check Xu Mu's forehead, the resulting movement created a… striking visual contrast that left quite the impression.
Noticing where Xu Mu's gaze had drifted, she immediately elbowed him.
Xu Mu gave a helpless smile—it wasn't intentional.
It was just too noticeable. No matter where he looked, his peripheral vision caught it.
And that area seemed to have its own gravitational pull—his eyes couldn't help but wander back.
"Sis, we just started eating. Come sit."
Ye Tong stood up with a smile and went to the kitchen to get her a bowl and chopsticks.
As Xu Ningbing reached the table, she glanced at Meng Wanyue. "You're here too?"
She had once considered letting Meng Wanyue follow her to learn combat training.
But since Meng Wanyue had already become an ancient martial artist with Xu Mu's help, that plan had been dropped.
"Yes, Director Xu," Meng Wanyue replied politely, standing up.
"Sit down," Xu Ningbing said, taking the seat beside her.
Ye Tong returned, handing her the utensils. "Sis, come on—this is your first time eating at our house!"
"Work's just been too busy," Xu Ningbing replied softly.
Of course, that was only an excuse. She had once despised Xu Mu, thinking he was the man she hated most.
There was no way she would have willingly come here to eat before.
Now she realized just how shallow she had been.
"You've seen those online comments cursing you, right?" Xu Ningbing asked, glancing at him.
"I've seen them."
Xu Mu nodded calmly. "Ye Tong and Ye Yu were furious. I told them to relax—and cooked a nice dinner myself."
"What? You cooked this?"
Xu Ningbing stared at the table full of delicious dishes in disbelief.
She had assumed Ye Tong had done it.
"Sis Ningbing, my brother-in-law's cooking is even better than my sister's! Try it!" Ye Yu grinned.
Even with Xu Ningbing's stunning looks, Ye Yu felt no pressure—after all, she was his sister. A non-competitor.
Xu Ningbing took a bite—and her eyes widened.
[Favorability +20]
She could hardly believe it. Beyond his other talents, Xu Mu was this good at cooking too?
This man… was too capable.
Her eyes drifted toward Ye Tong. She remembered when Ye Tong had married Xu Mu—back then, she had only felt pity.
She had thought such a good woman would surely suffer.
But now… Xu Ningbing actually felt a tinge of envy.
"So, what did you come here for?" Xu Mu asked with a faint smile.
"I… Dad asked me to come. He said you're being attacked online and was worried you might get depressed."
Xu Ningbing's tone was even, almost awkward.
"I'm fine. Lies can't stay hidden forever—the truth will come out."
Xu Mu looked around at everyone at the table. "Even if the whole world slanders me, as long as you all believe in me, I'll stay optimistic."
[Favorability +20]
[Favorability +10] ×3
The +20 was from Ye Tong. The other three—Ye Yu, Xu Ningbing, and Meng Wanyue—each contributed +10.
Xu Mu was amazed. Having everyone gathered together like this really was wonderful.
Someday, when the family grew bigger and they were all under one roof, maybe a single sentence from him could trigger a ten-draw in the system.
He'd just have to keep working toward that.
"So what's your plan? Have you figured out how to handle this situation?" Xu Ningbing asked curiously.
"Not exactly. But I've asked some people to investigate. We should soon know who that guy really is."
Xu Mu hadn't expected the network he'd built while accumulating Fate Points to pay off like this.
Fate Points truly were a wonderful thing—they not only brought strength but also connections.
He had originally intended to have Meng Wanyue look into Ma Feng.
But unexpectedly, Yun Wu and Fan Shiyu had both messaged him at almost the same time—offering to investigate Ma Feng on his behalf.
With those two killer organizations on the case, Xu Mu wasn't worried. Their intelligence networks were formidable.
He'd have results soon.
"I see." Xu Ningbing nodded. "So who do you think is behind it?"
"Not sure. Definitely not the Feng Family—they're finished."
Xu Mu shook his head slightly.
In his mind, there was only one real suspect—Fang Chu.
But since Xu Ningbing didn't know him, he didn't mention the name.
"It's the Chai Family!" Xu Ningbing said firmly, pressing her jade-like hand against the table. "Dad and I saw their shadow everywhere during today's negotiations. They're opposing us at every turn, even taking losses just to compete."
"The Chai Family…"
Xu Mu's eyes narrowed slightly. He recalled that their business was mainly in entertainment—bars, KTVs, TV variety shows, film investments.
Come to think of it, the massive wave of online slander and reversed narratives on social media—yes, that did sound like their handiwork.
He'd have to dig deeper.
If Fang Chu suddenly had money to throw around, maybe the Chai Family was backing him.
At that very moment, Fang Chu was roaring down the street in his Ferrari.
He felt great seeing people's envious stares.
After years of frustration and restraint, he deserved some pleasure.
Then, he spotted a familiar figure—Lu Xueyao.
Wearing a baseball cap and casual clothes, she was walking along the sidewalk—clearly heading home.
Fang Chu immediately rolled down his window. "Xueyao!" he called.
Lu Xueyao frowned and turned toward the voice—her expression darkened when she saw who it was.
"Xueyao, what a coincidence! I just went by your house and you weren't there—didn't expect to run into you here."
Fang Chu stepped out, smiling as he walked toward her.
"What did you go to my house for?" Lu Xueyao asked coldly.
Fang Chu cursed inwardly—damn that Xu Mu.
If not for him, Lu Xueyao would never treat him this way.
But soon, Xu Mu's good days would be over.
After all, his three-year promise was up.
"Xueyao, you've probably heard about Xu Mu's company, right?" Fang Chu smiled faintly.
"Don't you dare gloat! Brother Xu is being framed—his company will be fine!" she snapped coldly.
"Xueyao, let me show you something. After you watch this, you'll understand why I've always said Xu Mu isn't the good guy you think he is."
He unlocked his phone and handed it to her. "Look—tell me if that man in the video isn't your so-called 'Brother Xu.'"
Originally, Fang Chu had planned to show it to Li Yun, but she'd gotten angry and blocked him completely.
So now, he'd let Lu Xueyao see it first—then send it to Zhao Yingying, who could forward it to Li Yun.
This was his secret weapon—a video meant to destroy Xu Mu's relationships with every one of those women.
Lu Xueyao, half skeptical, took the phone.
The video showed a bar scene.
A man had someone pinned against the counter and was punching them repeatedly—seven, eight times—before stopping.
And that man… was none other than Xu Mu.