Chapter 274: The Battle of the Three Women

Lin Muqing's unexpected question left everyone stunned. Even though Zhou Ming had anticipated some awkward moments when Su Han arrived, he hadn't expected Lin Muqing to be so straightforward, skipping all pleasantries and going straight to the point.

"Ah? Sister Muqing, why are you suddenly asking this? It's so embarrassing that I don't even know how to respond," Su Han stammered, clearly taken aback and blushing.

Su Han didn't answer, but it's not always necessary to have a clear answer to every question. Su Han's reaction already revealed her feelings. Lin Muqing nodded and said, "Zhou Ming is indeed an exceptional person. He is mature, responsible, and attentive, which makes people feel reassured. His abilities are also extraordinary. He moved from Hong Kong to the mainland, and with his own efforts, he built such a large market, many of which were created from scratch through his vision."

"A man like that is indeed the object of admiration or the ideal choice for many women," Lin Muqing summarized. "However, the best is not necessarily the most suitable, just like almonds, walnuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, and melon seeds. Each is delicious on its own, but when combined into a five-nut mooncake, it may not be as enjoyable."

Women's feelings are delicate and sensitive. Su Han immediately realized the implication of Lin Muqing's words. She furrowed her brows and asked, "What do you mean by that, Sister Muqing?"

"One key fits one lock. I believe every woman should find the partner who is most suitable for her rather than blindly seeking the best," Lin Muqing said, still not directly answering Su Han's question.

Of course, some things don't need to be said explicitly. Many issues can be understood with a hint. Lin Muqing had already made her point clear, and if Su Han still didn't realize that Lin Muqing was indirectly advising her to give up on Zhou Ming, she would be quite dense. Su Han said, "Sister Muqing, are you suggesting that Zhou Ming and I are not suitable? So who is? Do you mean it's you?"

Lin Muqing shook her head gently. "It seems you still don't understand."

She paused and then continued, "Su Han, you are now the General Manager of Factory 760, which Zhou Ming appointed you to be. Although I was once in the factory and didn't join the management team, I know that our factory's system is quite complete. That means whoever takes over can manage it well. But have you ever wondered why Zhou Ming went on to do Eight Treasure Porridge?"

"I know I wasn't doing well. I understand that. But no one becomes a leader of a big enterprise overnight. I believe Sister Muqing, you wouldn't be able to do it either," Su Han said. "Moreover, I have always been by Zhou Ming's side, watching him rise step by step. I know him best."

"During the Chu-Han Contention, Lady Qi was with Liu Bang through thick and thin, but the empress was always Lü Zhi. Do you know why? Was it because Lady Qi didn't understand Liu Bang or didn't see him rise step by step? But why did Liu Bang ultimately choose Lü Zhi? That's what I mean by suitable versus unsuitable," Lin Muqing explained.

"So Lü Zhi was cruel to Lady Qi because of envy and hatred? Isn't that just about suitability or lack thereof?" Su Han retorted without backing down.

Lin Muqing sighed, "It's not about envy and hatred. Every situation has its own cause. Don't attribute everything to envy and hatred. What I want to discuss is the issue of suitability. Xiao Han, you're so beautiful, and I'm sure many people admire you. There's no need to cling to a hopeless situation and give up on a vast forest."

"Sister Muqing, you always say I don't understand, but now I think it's actually you who doesn't understand," Su Han said. "What does suitability mean? I don't know about trees and forests, but if it's for the tree in my heart, it's worth doing anything. I may not have studied as much as Sister Muqing, but at least I know that only the foot knows if the shoe fits. No one who has a pair of shoes would think another pair they haven't tried on fits better."

Su Han continued, "Moreover, Zhou Ming and I have known each other since childhood. Initially, I was the one who sold government bonds with Zhou Ming. I've followed him step by step. Now Sister Muqing comes in and directly interferes. Don't you think it's wrong, Sister Muqing? Besides, you're so beautiful, with such high education and being the boss of a major financial group. I believe there are many people who admire you, like Dai Tingwei. I can see he likes you very much. If you say something, he'd do anything for you…"

Before Su Han could finish, Lin Muqing slammed the table and scolded, "Nonsense!"

The force of the slam made Zhou Ming's heart race. Although he had seen many dramatic scenes in videos, he had never personally experienced such a confrontation. He was unsure how to handle the situation.

Lin Muqing and Su Han's conflict was different from what was shown in videos and dramas. Lin Muqing, being a mature woman, didn't resort to public outbursts but spoke from the heart, trying to persuade Su Han gently. However, Su Han wasn't willing to listen and accused Lin Muqing of being a mistress, which escalated Lin Muqing's emotions.

Even a seasoned playboy would find it difficult to manage a direct confrontation between two women, let alone Zhou Ming.

Su Han, instinctively shrinking back, was overwhelmed by Lin Muqing's mature demeanor and authoritative presence, especially after Lin Muqing had spent nearly a year in Hong Kong. It created an intimidating atmosphere.

If Su Han hadn't had some experience from being involved with Zhou Ming in Zhongnanhai, she might have been completely overpowered. Nevertheless, Su Han remained stubbornly facing Lin Muqing, unwilling to back down.

At this moment, Shen Xin, who had been silent, spoke up. Her focus shifted from Lin Muqing and Su Han to Zhou Ming: "Zhou Ming, since Sister Muqing and Su Han have made their points, don't you have any thoughts on the matter?"

With the three women's gazes on him, especially the two currently in conflict, Zhou Ming felt immense pressure.

Despite the pressure, he had to address and resolve the situation. Zhou Ming said, "If I hit the palm, it hurts. If I hit the back of the hand, it hurts too. Sister Muqing, you are beautiful and graceful, and it's impossible for me not to like you. Su Han has been my childhood friend, and if I could easily abandon her, it would reflect poorly on my character."

Lin Muqing and Su Han frowned, while Shen Xin asked, "What are you saying? Do you want both fish and bear paws?"

Zhou Ming was indeed thinking along those lines but didn't dare to admit it in front of the three women. He said, "I'm not trying to be greedy. It's just that neither option is acceptable."

"Zhou Ming!" Shen Xin was no longer willing to beat around the bush and directly said, "Do you know how Sister Muqing has spent this past year in Hong Kong? You left a mess in Hong Kong and expected Sister Muqing to handle everything. Do you know how much she missed you and how many tears she shed privately? Her most frequent activity was to visit places you used to go together and daydream. But here you are, enjoying yourself in the mainland and talking about how neither option is acceptable. Do you think you deserve Sister Muqing's deep affection?"

Zhou Ming had no response. He only knew that Lin Muqing had genuine feelings for him, which left him unsure about what to do. If Lin Muqing were only interested in his wealth, it would have been easier to handle.

"Alright, Xin Xin, why don't you step out for a moment?" Lin Muqing suddenly spoke.

Shen Xin looked surprised. "Sister Muqing, what are you…"

Lin Muqing raised her hand to interrupt. "I know you're doing this for me and don't want me to suffer, but there's no benefit in anyone being at a loss. Moreover, this is a matter between the three of us. If you get too involved, I'll feel guilty."

Lin Muqing's words were perfect. Shen Xin was left speechless, unable to find a reason to insist further. She sighed and accepted Lin Muqing's request.

"Alright, I'll step aside." Shen Xin turned and left. At the door, she looked back and warned Zhou Ming, "Zhou Ming, don't let Sister Muqing down, or I'll hate you for life!"

With a firm slam of the door, Shen Xin left the room, and the atmosphere inside became eerily quiet.

The silence was broken by Zhou Ming, who lifted his tea cup, drank it all, and set it down. He said to Lin Muqing and Su Han, "Sister Muqing, Xiao Han, today's events are my fault!"