Chapter Nine: A Complicated Web

As Mu Yusi sat in his office, lost in thought, he couldn't shake off the feeling that his life was about to become a lot more complicated. His family's expectations, his business dealings, and now his growing feelings for Ava all seemed to be pulling him in different directions.

He sighed, rubbing his temples. He needed to focus on the task at hand, which was to take down Harrison Yu's empire and protect Ava. But every time he thought about Ava, he felt a pang of excitement and nervousness.

Just then, his assistant knocked on the door. "Sir, Marcus is here to see you."

Mu Yusi nodded, gesturing for Marcus to come in. "What did you find out about Harrison Yu's business dealings?" he asked, getting straight to the point.

Marcus handed him a folder filled with documents. "It's not good, sir. Harrison Yu is involved in some shady dealings, and it looks like he's using Ava as leverage to get what he wants."

Mu Yusi's eyes narrowed as he scanned the documents. This was worse than he had thought. He needed to act fast to protect Ava and take down Harrison Yu's empire.

But as he looked up at Marcus, he knew that he couldn't do it alone. He needed Marcus's help, and he needed Ava's trust.

"Marcus, I need you to dig deeper into Harrison Yu's business dealings. I want to know everything about his plans, and I want to know now."

Marcus nodded, his expression serious. "I'll get right on it, sir."

Little did he know, however, that Ava was about to receive some shocking news of her own. News that would change everything.

As Ava walked into her apartment, she was greeted by her best friend, Sophia, who was sitting on the couch, looking worried.

"Ava, I've been trying to reach you all day," Sophia said, jumping up from the couch. "I have some bad news."

Ava's heart sank as she dropped her bag onto the floor. "What is it?" she asked, feeling a sense of trepidation.

Sophia hesitated before speaking. "It's about your engagement to Harrison Lee. I just found out that his mother, Rachel Lee, has been secretly working with your father to merge their businesses."

Ava's eyes widened in shock. "What? That can't be true."

Sophia nodded. "I'm afraid it is, Ava. And it gets worse. Rachel Lee has been using her influence to manipulate your father into forcing you to marry Harrison Lee."

Sophia's expression turned sympathetic as she watched Ava's face pale. "Ava, I'm so sorry. I know this must be a lot to take in."

Ava nodded, still trying to process the shocking news. She felt like her whole world had been turned upside down.

Sophia put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Let's leave this matter for now, okay? We can deal with it later. But first, tell me, where have you been all day? I've been trying to reach you for hours."

Ava took a deep breath, trying to shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach. She hesitated for a moment before answering.

"I was with Mu Yusi," Ava said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sophia's eyes widened in surprise. "Mu Yusi? Who's that?"

Ava smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest. "He's...complicated. But I think I might like him."

Sophia's expression turned curious. "Oh? Do tell."

Ava laughed, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was glad to have Sophia to talk to, and she was eager to share more about Mu Yusi.

Sophia's eyes sparkled with excitement as she urged Ava to spill the details. "Come on, Ava! Tell me everything! You deserve to move on from that scumbag, and I'm so glad to see you're finally doing something about it."

Ava laughed, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Okay, okay! I'll tell you everything."

Sophia leaned in, her eyes shining with anticipation. "So, who is Mu Yusi? And what's going on between you two?"

Ava took a deep breath, feeling a sense of excitement. "We met at a club last night," she said, a sly smile spreading across her face. "And let's just say we had a very interesting night."

Sophia squealed with excitement. "Ava, you're killing me! Tell me everything!"

Ava laughed, feeling a sense of freedom. She hadn't planned on telling Sophia about her night with Mu Yusi, but now that she had started, she couldn't stop.

As she recounted the details of their encounter, Sophia listened with rapt attention, her eyes shining with excitement.

When Ava finished talking, Sophia let out a low whistle. "Girl, you're in trouble. Mu Yusi sounds like a player."

Ava rolled her eyes, feeling a sense of defiance. "I can handle myself, Sophia. Besides, I think Mu Yusi might be different from what I expected."

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what makes you think that?"

Ava smiled, feeling a sense of connection to Mu Yusi that she couldn't explain. "I don't know, Sophia. I just feel like there's something about him that's...different."

Sophia's eyes sparkled with excitement as she asked Ava for more details. "So, what's Mu Yusi like? How does he look? Where is he from?"

Ava laughed, feeling a sense of playfulness. "Sophia, I just met him, okay? I don't know much about him yet."

Sophia pouted, looking disappointed. "Ava, come on! Give me something. What's his story?"

Ava shrugged, feeling a sense of teasing. "I don't know, Sophia. Maybe I'll find out more about him tonight."

Sophia's eyes widened with excitement. "Tonight? You're seeing him again tonight?"

Ava nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation. "Yeah, I am."

Sophia grinned, looking mischievous. "Well, in that case, I expect a full report tomorrow morning."

Ava laughed, feeling a sense of playfulness. "Deal, Sophia."

As they chatted, Ava couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement about Mu Yusi. She had only just met him, but she couldn't deny the connection they had shared.

Just then, Ava's phone buzzed. She looked down and saw a text from Mu Yusi.

"Hey, I'm looking forward to seeing you tonight," he wrote.

Ava's heart skipped a beat as she read the text. She felt a sense of excitement and nervousness, and she couldn't help but wonder what the night might hold.