Volume One, Chapter 66: Mu Shaozhou's Fiancée

Only then did Yu Mo recall the promise she had made to Qi Yancheng earlier. She brushed it off casually. “Not interested,” she said.

Glancing at her phone, she realized she hadn’t contacted her pretty boy these past few days, nor had he called her. It seemed this relationship was coming to an end. A wave of reluctance swept through her heart. Forget it, she thought. After attending the birthday banquet, she would call him and explain Qi Yancheng’s identity, so he wouldn’t be needlessly jealous.

The banquet was held at the Wald Hotel, a five-star establishment in the imperial capital. Stepping out of Qi Yancheng’s car, Yu Mo was greeted by the sight of the resplendent hotel—the gleaming brass façade and sharp angles, softened by golden light, made it dazzling from every perspective.

Yu Mo linked arms with Qi Yancheng as they entered the grand doors together. Tonight, she wore a lavender gown, the waistline not particularly tight, which only accentuated her slender figure, making her waist look delicate enough to encircle with a single hand. Her makeup was subtle, yet her long, dark lashes and rose-red lips made her strikingly beautiful, while thick, glossy black curls tumbled over one shoulder. Oversized pearl earrings lent further depth to her already sculpted features, and her fair skin glowed under the hall’s brilliant lights, so radiant it was impossible to look away.

Beside her, Qi Yancheng’s handsome face and willowy frame made the two of them the focus of every gaze in the ballroom. Many recognized Qi Yancheng and came over to greet him. Yu Mo noticed quite a few women, likely heiresses from prominent families in the capital, shooting her fierce, jealous looks, as though she were an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire.

She leaned in to whisper in Qi Yancheng’s ear. “Looks like you’re quite a few ladies’ dream man.”

Qi Yancheng’s lips curled in a faint, crimson smile. “Let’s keep a low profile. But I’m nothing compared to Mu Shaozhou, the young prince. When he shows up, I’ll be out of the spotlight.”

Yu Mo walked to an extra-long bar and casually picked up a glass of whiskey. Before she could take a sip, Qi Yancheng pulled her closer to a group of women, their voices drifting over at once.

“When will the prince make his appearance tonight? Have you heard any news?”

“The eldest young master of the Mu family never celebrates his birthday, but this year he’s holding a banquet. Maybe he’s looking to find a bride for the prince? Do you think my makeup is too heavy? I heard the prince likes innocent girls.”

“What are you worried about? I just found out last night—the prince already has a fiancée. She’ll definitely be here tonight. Once she shows up, we’re all out of luck.”

“So our days of pining after the prince end tonight? It’s so hard to accept. At least we’re all heartbroken together—it won’t be so bad.”

“Then all the money I spent buying tips about the prince’s preferences, and dressing up like this, is wasted. I spent hundreds of thousands—what a loss!”

As he listened, Qi Yancheng watched Yu Mo’s expression, trying to spot a hint of curiosity. Yu Mo simply pressed her hand to her lips and stifled a yawn, clearly uninterested in their conversation.

She took a sip of whiskey, found the taste agreeable, and tossed it back, intending to get another. Qi Yancheng stopped her. “Aren’t you curious what the prince looks like? Or who his fiancée is?”

Although this was the first he’d heard of Mu Shaozhou having a fiancée, it wasn’t anything remarkable. What mattered was Yu Mo’s reaction.

He took the glass from her hand, a meaningful smile on his lips. “If you drink too much, tonight won’t be any fun.”

Yu Mo was puzzled, but Qi Yancheng wouldn’t explain, and she had no way to press him. She pinched the hem of her skirt and stepped away. “I’m going to the restroom.”

After leaving the stall, Yu Mo saw a young woman with a gentle, youthful face struggling to fasten the back of her dress in front of the mirror. “Need a hand?” Yu Mo offered quietly.

Tang Xinyan looked up at Yu Mo, her delicate features creased with anxiety, as if she’d just found a savior. “Thank you, big sister.”

Yu Mo helped her secure the clasp and looked at her again. The woman in the mirror had a round face and large, clear, innocent eyes. “Are you still in college?” Yu Mo asked, her curiosity slipping out unbidden.

Tang Xinyan nodded. She was petite, much shorter than Yu Mo, and had to tilt her face upward to speak. “Mm, I’m here for Uncle Mu’s birthday banquet. Since Mu-ge will be here, I got so nervous I didn’t even notice my dress had come undone—someone even laughed at me just now.”

She finished with a pout, adorably dejected. Yu Mo almost couldn’t resist reaching out to pinch her chubby cheeks, but managed to restrain herself.

“You like Mu Shaozhou too?” Yu Mo wanted to roll her eyes. Was every woman here infatuated with him? Was the prince really that appealing? With his cold, masked demeanor, she couldn’t imagine a man like that engaging in romance, whispering sweet nothings and embraces—it all sounded dull.

“I’ve liked Mu-ge since I was little. My biggest dream is to marry him one day,” Tang Xinyan answered shyly, biting her lip.

Yu Mo sized her up. This girl was a hopeless romantic, the type who wouldn’t survive without love. “Well, I hope you marry your Mu-ge soon. I’ll be going now,” she said, then left the restroom.

The banquet had officially begun. The emcee was introducing the Mu Corporation. Yu Mo found herself growing sleepy.

“Tonight, in addition to celebrating Mr. Mu’s birthday, we have another announcement: Mr. Mu’s son, the young prince, is now engaged. In a moment, I’ll invite the prince and his fiancée to come on stage.”

At these words, the crowd erupted in excited whispers, all speculating about the identity of Mu Shaozhou’s fiancée. The emcee spoke again. “Now, let’s welcome the prince to give a speech.”

Suddenly, the room fell silent, everyone holding their breath as they waited for Mu Shaozhou to appear.

A tall, slender figure strode onto the stage, Mu Shaozhou moving with calm assurance to stand beside the emcee. The women in the audience let out a collective sigh of admiration. “So handsome!”

Yu Mo, half asleep, was startled awake by the lovesick cries. She looked up at the man on stage—and in that instant, all drowsiness vanished.

She stared at that familiar face, pondering for a few seconds.

Mu Shaozhou spoke briefly. His features were sharply chiseled, his long, deep eyes gazing coolly at the audience. His thin lips moved as he spoke, his expression detached, exuding an innate, imposing reserve.

Yu Mo knew that face all too well. On countless nights of passion, it was that face she clung to, gasping and sighing. Yet now, all the seductive charm was gone, replaced by an icy dignity that brooked no intrusion.

He seemed nothing like the charming, affectionate pretty boy who used to cuddle her.

But the truth was undeniable.

Yu Mo finally saw things clearly.

So the pretty boy was Mu Shaozhou—he was the prince.

A blaze of anger flared in her eyes.

Ha! She’d been played by this man for so long.