The news of Li Haochen and his roommates opening another branch spread like wildfire throughout Bin University, causing a massive buzz. Opening two successful shops as freshmen was an unprecedented feat for Bin University.
However, a few people within Bin University were far from happy.
One of them was Li Qianrong, Li Haochen's inseparable companion from high school. She was now filled with regret, beating her chest and stomping her feet. Although the young, rich second-generation heir, Zhang Zhihao, provided her with a good life, it was merely "good," not the affluent lifestyle she ultimately desired. Her monthly allowance of just over ten thousand yuan wasn't even enough to buy a designer handbag.
Meanwhile, Li Haochen's two shops were flourishing, raking in a fortune daily. How could she not feel envious? Of course, it was just a fleeting envy; she knew none of this could ever be hers. It was simply the sight of a familiar poor acquaintance making a brilliant comeback and surpassing her that irked her.
Another was Mu Shaoyang. He had been suffocated for quite some time. With the upcoming leadership transition, his family's Mu Yongqi, despite having strong support, faced considerable political opposition. To avoid any complications, he was confined to home daily, unable to cause trouble for Li Haochen and Murong Yanran. He had considered using other illicit means to deal with them, but his father, Mu Zhengtao, discovered this and gave him a severe beating, forcing him to abandon the idea.
Then there were Liang Xiaoxi, who had helped Li Haochen with his enrollment registration, and the other three roommates in Zhang Guifang's dorm. They were all sighing with their hands on their chests, unable to sleep through the night.
At this moment, the Mu family residence was filled with jubilation. The reason was simple: through provincial connections, it was confirmed that Mu Yongqi would soon be taking charge of Binhai, and the appointment letter would arrive any day now.
"Dad, why are you so happy today?" Mu Shaoyang asked curiously as he came down after playing games, seeing Mu Zhengtao smiling as widely as a chrysanthemum.
"Hahaha, I'll tell you in a bit. Where's your mother?" Just as Mu Zhengtao finished speaking, Zhang Ziqi, who had just finished her facial mask, walked down.
"Husband, you're back. What's made you so happy, smiling like that?"
"Master, Madam, Young Master, dinner is ready."
"Come, come, let's talk while we eat." Mu Zhengtao walked over to the wine cabinet, took out a bottle of aged Maotai, poured a glass, and took a sip.
"Ah... I've been reluctant to drink this thirty-year-old Maotai, but today I'll have a few good sips."
"You usually treasure it so much, why are you willing to bring it out to drink today?"
"Dad, get me some too," Mu Shaoyang interjected.
"Go, go, go. I don't even have enough for myself, let alone you? Go drink your soup. And let me tell you, absolutely don't secretly drink any, or I'll cut off your bank card."
Mu Shaoyang had indeed intended to do so, but after his father's stern warning, he dared not harbor such thoughts. Having his bank card cut off would be worse than death.
"Alright, stop scaring the boy. Tell me, what's going on today?"
"Heh heh, news from the province confirms that Yongqi's appointment is a done deal."
"Really?" Mu Shaoyang exclaimed excitedly.
Mu Zhengtao ate a piece of lobster and took another sip of Maotai, looking utterly content. "Secretary Liu from the province passed it on, how could it be false?"
"Has Third Brother been informed?"
"He has. He's the one who told me this news, and also..."
Mu Zhengtao's expression changed, and he became serious. "It is said that a very important figure has arrived in Binhai. We need to be careful, especially you, Shaoyang."
"I know," Mu Shaoyang replied verbally, but he didn't take it to heart at all.
"Dad, I want to tell you something."
Mu Zhengtao took a bite of food, looked at Mu Shaoyang, and knowing his son well, he knew what he wanted as soon as he shifted his weight. "You want to go out and play again, right? This is no..."
"Alright, the child has grown up. Besides, his uncle is settled. He knows what he's doing. If he's confined any longer, he'll become ill," Zhang Ziqi interrupted Mu Zhengtao, speaking with a touch of indulgence.
"Dad, don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Mu Shaoyang said, making a solemn vow.
Mu Zhengtao thought about it and then agreed, "You're not young anymore. Don't be too fond of playing, and be careful!"
Mu Shaoyang's face lit up. He immediately grabbed his car keys and ran off, "Dad, Mom, I'm done eating. I'm going out for a bit."
"This child..."
"It's all because you spoil him."
Zhang Ziqi shot him a glance, thinking that he was just as complicit.
Mu Zhengtao downed the wine in his glass and smiled at Zhang Ziqi, "Wife!"
"Mmm..."
Zhang Ziqi knew exactly what Mu Zhengtao was thinking. As an old couple, a single glance was enough to understand each other.
She softly responded, stood up, and linked her arm with Mu Zhengtao's as they walked up to the second floor...
Not long after, Mu Shaoyang appeared with Mai Jiaqi in the presidential suite of the Sri Lanka Grand Hotel. Having been pent up for so long, he was impatient the moment he entered the room. He swallowed a small blue pill and went straight to the main event. After a passionate encounter, he lit a cigarette, in a state of bliss that even immortals would be tempted to indulge in.
"Young Master Yang, why haven't you been out lately? I've missed you terribly," Mai Jiaqi said in a coy, spoiled tone, resting her head on Mu Shaoyang's arm.
Mu Shaoyang, with a cigarette in his mouth, pinched Mai Jiaqi's chin. "I've been busy with some things lately. Tell me about Yanran's recent situation."
Ever since Mu Shaoyang had treated her like an object and sent her to a young master from the provincial level the last time, even though the young master had disdainfully refused, Mai Jiaqi had a sudden realization. She was merely a plaything that Mu Shaoyang doted on a little. She abandoned the idea of marrying into a wealthy family.
Of course, she had no intention of leaving Mu Shaoyang's side; he was her major benefactor. And for some reason, she hated Murong Yanran even more.
Without concealing anything, she even added a few embellishments. "Oh, she's doing very well lately!"
Mu Shaoyang let out a soft "Oh?" and gestured for Mai Jiaqi to continue.
"She's living outside with Li Haochen now. And Li Haochen and his friends opened a coconut jelly shop on the pedestrian street. Business is booming. They even opened a second branch yesterday. They say they're making several thousand yuan a day." Her tone was tinged with sourness.
Mu Shaoyang's lips curved upwards, an idea forming in his mind. He was a vengeful person, having been beaten by Li Haochen twice, and with Murong Yanran's broken engagement, his resentment had long been deep. He hadn't acted before due to special circumstances, but now things were different.
"I didn't expect these trash to have some ability. This is good; the higher they stand, the harder they fall. It's no fun to finish them off in one go, hahaha!"
"Since you're opening shops, I'll first make your business decline and go bankrupt, and then I'll play with you slowly. Jiaqi, come here, I'll give you a million yuan... Understand?"
Mai Jiaqi's eyes widened at the mention of a million yuan. She sat up abruptly, the silk quilt sliding off her. As she listened to Mu Shaoyang's words, her mind began to whir, calculating how to make even more profit.
Mu Shaoyang looked at the beautiful, fair scenery before him. The residual energy from the small blue pill earlier surged again. He could no longer restrain himself and pulled Mai Jiaqi into his embrace, pressing down on her...