Chapter 88

One must admit, Mu Xue’s shrewdness is of the highest order.

"Catering to one’s preferences, skilled in calculation—the Mu family truly deserves its reputation as one of the ten richest families of the Grand Xia Nation!"

As expected, Chu Tianhe, holding Yaoyao in his arms, halted his steps. His gaze shifted, and a piercing look swept instantly over Mu Xue and Mu Sihai.

In that moment, both Mu Xue and Mu Sihai were stunned.

Chu Tianhe’s tone was calm. Even though Mu Xue and Mu Sihai were elite figures in the business world, for a moment they could not discern whether Chu Tianhe was praising them or mocking them.

"Mr. Chu, please don’t misunderstand. Our Mu family merely wishes to offer you a modest contribution," Mu Sihai, unable to fathom Chu Tianhe’s intentions, quickly spoke with a smile.

"Is it truly a modest contribution you wish to offer, or are you seeking favor with the powerful?"

Chu Tianhe’s question was blunt and direct, cutting straight to the heart of the matter and exposing the Mu family’s hidden intentions for all to see. He had, in effect, shattered the thin veil between them. Even the seasoned Mu Sihai was momentarily at a loss; he had never encountered such a style of conduct and did not know how to respond.

"Yes!"

While Mu Sihai hesitated, Mu Xue answered crisply, "Mr. Chu, our Mu family are business people, and we speak from a business standpoint. You are a distinguished Supreme Black Card holder, your status and background must be extraordinary. Our Mu family dares to say it outright—we simply want to board your great ship!"

Since Chu Tianhe had chosen to be so forthright, Mu Xue saw no point in hiding anything either. Needle met needle, and she laid her intentions bare.

This scene left not only Mu Sihai dumbfounded, but even the core members of the Mu family’s board were stunned.

They had weathered countless storms and participated in hundreds, if not thousands, of business negotiations, yet had never witnessed such a direct exchange.

Flattery, catering to preferences, sycophancy, and all manner of ingratiating tactics—they knew them all well and could play them to perfection.

But to speak so openly, as Chu Tianhe and Mu Xue had just done, was unprecedented.

At that instant, the hearts of everyone in the Mu family rose to their throats, their expressions tense as they watched Mu Xue and Chu Tianhe intently.

They all understood the importance of a Supreme Black Card holder to the South China Mu Mansion Group, and how rare this opportunity was. If not for this, Mu Sihai would not have rushed overnight from the capital city.

"You are Mu Xue?"

Chu Tianhe’s gaze, sharp as a blade, fell upon Mu Xue. His profound eyes seemed to penetrate her soul, making her heart shudder; though she maintained a calm facade, her palms were slick with cold sweat.

"Yes," Mu Xue replied cautiously, nodding.

"To board my ship, the Mu family is not yet ready," Chu Tianhe said with a faint smile, then shook his head.

In an instant, hope drained from the faces of the Mu family; Mu Sihai, in particular, cast a displeased glance at Mu Xue, inwardly blaming her methods.

To approach a great figure in such a straightforward manner—his daughter, after all, was still too inexperienced.

The Mu family was likely to lose this opportunity.

"Mr. Chu, perhaps our Mu family is not yet ready, but with your guidance, I believe that in the future, we will become the foremost financial group in the Grand Xia Nation. I implore you to give us a chance!"

Though everyone felt that their prospects were bleak and that Chu Tianhe had no regard for their Mu family, Mu Xue continued to argue her case with conviction. Before Chu Tianhe, she displayed an extraordinary confidence, and it was precisely this that piqued Chu Tianhe’s interest in the Mu family.

"You are an ambitious woman."

"Yes," Mu Xue admitted without hesitation, nodding in acknowledgment.