Chapter 6: Am I Going to Be Slapped in the Face?

Mu Mansion, side hall.

Mu Zhian had just changed his clothes when he entered the clean and elegant hall, where he encountered the most beautiful woman in Tianxuan City. Unlike her daytime visit, Bai Ruoxi wore a white double-breasted dress that perfectly suited her personality. The long skirt accentuated her curves, showcasing her plump breasts and slender waist. Underneath, she wore plain-colored shorts and compact boots. Her hair was simply pulled up with a hosta, with strands of black silk cascading down to frame her delicate face, enhancing her mixed-race beauty.

Bai Ruoxi held a cup of tea, recently brought by a maid, and gazed absentmindedly at it, unaware of Mu Zhian's presence. He calmly took a seat beside her, poured himself a cup of tea, and quietly admired her dazed expression.

After a while, Bai Ruoxi snapped out of her reverie, turned her head slightly, and expressed surprise, "Master Mu, when did you come?" Realizing her oversight, she quickly bowed her head and apologized, "Sorry, I was lost in thought and didn't notice you."

Mu Zhian smiled gently, shaking his head. "It's okay; I don't mind such little things." After a pause, he shifted the conversation, "But I'm curious—it's pouring rain tonight. Why did Miss Bai come to the Mu family so late? It's already past a reasonable hour."

Bai Ruoxi's expression faltered, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled for words. She nervously pinched the fabric of her skirt, her eyes filled with confusion. An eerie silence enveloped the hall.

Observing her reaction, Mu Zhian calmly took a sip of his tea and broke the silence, "Miss Bai, if there's nothing urgent, I can ask my servant to take you back." He began to rise, prompting Bai Ruoxi to reach out and grasp his hand anxiously.

"Master Mu, Ruoxi does have something to ask for," she said hurriedly.

Mu Zhian sighed softly. "If it's not about the Bai family, everything else is easy to discuss." 

Bai Ruoxi stiffened slightly, looking at him with a mix of emotions. Initially, she had expected Mu Zhian to take the initiative to help her family, believing that her troubles would draw him closer to her. After all, this was the perfect opportunity to win his favor—her in distress, and him swooping in like a hero. However, she was taken aback by how swiftly he had changed in just one day, appearing indifferent to the "goddess" he once pursued.

Uncertain if Mu Zhian had lost interest in her or was simply waiting for her to take the lead, she felt cornered. The Bai family was on the brink of collapse, pressured by the Gongsun family and the Dawn Chamber of Commerce. Regardless of Mu Zhian's feelings, she needed to seek his help, even if it meant turning to someone she had secretly despised.

Suddenly, a loud clap of thunder echoed outside, and a gust of cold wind swept through the hall, extinguishing the candles. Mu Zhian was about to rise to relight them when he felt a delicate hand resting on the back of his. Startled, he turned to see Bai Ruoxi's flawless face illuminated by a flash of lightning. She had gently unbuttoned two buttons on her collar and was holding one of his hands with both of hers, her eyes sparkling with charm as she softly asked, "During the day, Master Mu mentioned needing something to impress his interests... Is this enough?"

Mu Zhian was momentarily taken aback. He had anticipated Bai Ruoxi's reactions after his rejection, but this bold move exceeded his expectations. Bai Ruoxi was known for her pride and beauty, a coveted prize among many suitors in Tianxuan City.

Frowning slightly, Mu Zhian squeezed her palm gently and coughed, trying to regain composure. "Miss Bai, I'm not that kind of person."

Bai Ruoxi bit her lip, her beautiful eyes misty as she glanced at him but did not withdraw her hand. Despite her reservations, she had prepared for this moment. Yet, doing it in the hall felt overwhelming. Her cheeks flushed with a mix of reluctance and helplessness, knowing that while Mu Zhian was handsome, his past behavior had been insufferable. Still, the Bai family's crisis left her with no choice.

Bai Ruoxi closed her eyes slightly, her long lashes trembling as she tilted her flawless face upward. Under the candlelight, her lips appeared soft and inviting. Mu Zhian studied her for a moment, then sighed and gently released her hand.

As she came to her senses, Bai Ruoxi looked up at him, confusion etched in her features. "Master Mu...?"

"Miss Bai, you may have misunderstood me," he replied, taking a sip of tea. "What I meant was that you should provide something valuable that can impress the Mu family, not just me."

While the distinction seemed subtle, it was significant. Mu Zhian would be pleased to accept Bai Ruoxi's affection or gifts, but to gain the Mu family's support, she needed to offer something of real worth.

"You are a very beautiful girl," he remarked, observing her perfect features marred by a hint of sadness. "A girl's charm lies in her modesty and elegance. Your temperament makes you captivating, so take care of yourself."

He reached across the table, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and gently patting her shoulder. "As for the Bai family, this situation is beyond your current capabilities. You should let it go."

Bai Ruoxi was stunned. Had she just been rejected? The most beautiful woman in Tianxuan City, turned down by a notorious lecher? It felt like a cruel joke, one that no one would believe if it got out.

Mu Zhian glanced at the maid, Wei Mengrou, who had silently appeared at the door. "Sister Mengrou, please escort Miss Bai back."

He exchanged a knowing look with Wei Mengrou, who stood with her sword at her back, her half-long hair adding a touch of heroism to her demeanor. She caught Mu Zhian's gaze and rolled her eyes in disdain before turning her attention back to Bai Ruoxi.

Bai Ruoxi, still in a daze, slowly made her way to the door. As she paused, she turned back to Mu Zhian, her voice laced with desperation. "Master Mu, is there truly no other way?"

Her tone had shifted, losing the contempt she had earlier. This young man had transformed overnight, and she began to realize that her assumptions about him had been misguided. When Mu Zhian remained silent, her smile faded, replaced by sadness. Without the Mu family's assistance, the Bai family faced dire straits.

Bowing politely, she prepared to leave when Mu Zhian suddenly called out, "I need to reconsider this matter."

The situation involved the Gongsun family and the Dawn Chamber of Commerce, and any rash action could lead to dissatisfaction from both parties. Yet, allowing the Bai family to falter would set a dangerous precedent; if they were consumed by their rivals, the Mu family could be next.

Bai Ruoxi's eyes widened in surprise, a glimmer of hope sparking within her. "Thank you," she said softly.

Mu Zhian waved his hand dismissively, and Bai Ruoxi understood, turning to leave. Just then, a commotion erupted outside.

"Let me in quickly; Ruoxi is in danger now!" a high-pitched voice called out.

Realizing the voice belonged to her childhood sweetheart, Ye Yu—the once-promising genius now fallen from grace—Mu Zhian couldn't help but smirk. It seemed the plot was thickening, and he felt a flicker of anticipation as he turned to watch the unfolding drama.