Chapter 5 – Two Women, One Balance
Night fell quietly.
Lin Mo stood in the living room of his new residence—floor-to-ceiling windows, minimalist design, the city glowing beneath him like a conquered map.
The system panel hovered in the air.
[Active Sponsors: 1]
[Potential Sponsor: Chen Yao – Trust Level: High]
He confirmed.
[Sponsor Contract Established: Chen Yao]
A soft chime followed.
[Cashback Multiplier Increased: x6]
[Daily Income Stream Enhanced]
His phone vibrated rapidly.
+800,000 yuan
+800,000 yuan
Lin Mo exhaled slowly.
Two women.
Two very different worlds.
The system didn't care about morality.
Only influence.
His phone rang.
Su Qingyu.
Lin Mo answered calmly. "Miss Su."
"You invested again today," she said, voice cool, precise. "Explain."
"I spent money," Lin Mo replied. "It came back."
Silence.
Then, faint amusement. "You're playing a dangerous game."
"Dinner tomorrow," he said. "I'll explain everything."
Another pause.
"…Send me the address."
She hung up.
Almost immediately, another notification appeared.
Chen Yao: I had fun today. Are you free tomorrow evening?
Lin Mo leaned against the window, city lights reflecting in his eyes.
Two invitations.
One night.
The system chimed.
[Harem Dynamic Initializing]
[Warning: Emotional Overlap Detected]
He smiled.
"Good," he murmured. "Let's see how you handle this."
The restaurant was private—membership only, discreet, designed for people who didn't want to be seen unless they chose to be.
Su Qingyu arrived first.
She wore a black dress, elegant and severe, hair pinned perfectly, expression unreadable.
Lin Mo greeted her smoothly.
"You're late," she said.
"I like to let people settle first."
She raised an eyebrow. "Confident."
Before she could say more, footsteps approached.
Chen Yao entered.
Her dress was modest, her nervousness obvious—but her eyes lit up when she saw Lin Mo.
"Sorry, I—"
She stopped.
So did Su Qingyu.
The two women looked at each other.
Sharp assessment met gentle confusion.
Lin Mo stood between them effortlessly.
"Let me introduce you," he said calmly. "Su Qingyu. Chen Yao."
Su Qingyu's gaze sharpened.
"And who is she to you?" she asked coolly.
Chen Yao stiffened.
Lin Mo didn't hesitate.
"Important."
The word landed heavily.
[Hidden Event Triggered: Harem Tension Lv.1]
Dinner proceeded with politeness sharp enough to cut.
Su Qingyu dominated the conversation with control and authority.
Chen Yao listened quietly, occasionally glancing at Lin Mo.
When wine was poured, Su Qingyu spoke again.
"You seem… generous," she said to Chen Yao. "Does he always pay?"
Chen Yao flushed. "He insisted."
Su Qingyu smiled thinly. "Men who insist usually want something."
Lin Mo met her gaze calmly.
"And women who challenge," he said, "usually stay."
Silence followed.
Then Chen Yao laughed nervously, breaking it.
"I think he's… kind."
Su Qingyu looked at Lin Mo.
For the first time, jealousy flickered—fast, controlled, dangerous.
The system chimed approvingly.
[Affection Fluctuation Detected]
[Cashback Multiplier Stabilized]
As the night ended, both women left separately.
Both glanced back at him.
Two different expressions.
Two different claims.
Lin Mo stood alone for a moment before turning toward the elevator.
His phone vibrated.
[System Message: Excellent Balance Control]