Chapter 9: Hotpot Banter and Bold Revelations

Xiao Yu, starving, devoured his hotpot with gusto.

Mu Qingwu took a few sips of the clear broth hotpot before setting her chopsticks down.

Yet she seemed oddly fascinated by the restaurant’s free drinks…

“The drinks are really good?”

Xiao Yu teased with a smile, “I can see it in your eyes—you’re starving for a taste of poverty!”

Mu Qingwu: …

I really want to hit him, or else I’ll never get over this!

“I haven’t even asked my sister yet.”

Xiao Yu slurred, “So, what does she do?”

“She runs a small company.”

Mu Qingwu glared at him coldly, her clear eyes like a deep autumn pond filled with both derision and anger.

“…”

Now it was Xiao Yu’s turn to feel like punching her.

“Your sports car could probably be traded for a small company, right?”

It was easy to guess that Mu Qingwu was the kind of ‘domineering businesswoman’ type.

The very kind of ‘auntie’ every guy secretly longs for but can never have…

“Auntie, I just don’t feel like trying anymore.”

Xiao Yu chuckled as he played an old joke from his past.

“What?”

Mu Qingwu paused, then quickly regained her composure with a blend of warmth and anger, “Does it really suit a man to bully a weak woman?”

“If I can’t even bully a weak woman, how on earth am I supposed to bully anyone else?”

Xiao Yu shook his head lightly and replied, “Sis, don’t pretend—I’m not blind.”

In truth, he was only getting back at her for treating him like a tool.

“Hmph,” Mu Qingwu snorted coldly.

“Spit it out—how can I help?”

Xiao Yu’s heart raced as he mumbled, “Your mom… no, I mean, Auntie—what’s she like?”

“She’s pretty great, I guess.”

After a moment’s thought, Mu Qingwu smirked, “She’s just not too kind to me!”

“Just like my own mom.”

Thinking of his own mother, Xiao Yu managed a bitter smile.

It seems like every parent in the world favors someone else’s child.

“Should we head home tonight?”

“Master’s working overtime tonight. Let’s spend the evening at the Criminal Investigation Team,” she suggested.

He remembered barely exchanging words with his blind date before darting off.

If he went home, his mom would surely give him a beating!

Noticing Xiao Yu’s sudden worried expression, Mu Qingwu asked curiously, “Is your mother really that formidable?”

“Formidable?”

Xiao Yu’s face turned pale. “You might be misunderstanding ‘formidable’—how can I describe my mom? She’s pretty ruthless.”

“Haha!”

Mu Qingwu burst into laughter, her moist, beautiful eyes lighting up soft with amusement, “Really?”

“Really.”

Xiao Yu smiled wryly, “Even though my dad and I get our fair share of beatings, honestly, my mom is the best mother in my heart.”

Thinking of his mother in this life brought a warmth to his face that knew no bounds.

Yes, she was a mother who fiercely protected her own.

Don’t be fooled by the fact that she often bullies her son and husband.

If anyone dares mess with them,

she’ll have their ancestral grave dug up.

A quintessential Northeastern woman!

“I kind of envy that,” Mu Qingwu sighed.

“They’re all the same.”

Xiao Yu grinned, “Moms envy other people’s kids while kids envy other people’s moms.”

“Seems about right,” she agreed.

Nodding, Mu Qingwu eyed the exuberant young man before her, “You full? Let’s head somewhere.”

A boutique store.

Xiao Yu, acting like nothing more than a tool, rolled his eyes throughout.

Under Mu Qingwu’s command and the busy hands of the boutique’s staff and owner, he tried on outfit after outfit—suits, belts, shoes… even got a haircut.

When he finally emerged from the changing room,

everyone’s eyes grew wide.

People say clothes make the man—and a good saddle makes the horse. It’s no joke.

Set against a backdrop of sumptuous attire, Xiao Yu now stood tall, his fair skin, straight nose, and starry eyes complemented by a presence as refreshing as a spring breeze.

Paired with perfectly tailored casual wear, he could only be described as dashing.

This was a far cry from his usual, unkempt style.

Clearly, with a face too handsome for words and a model’s physique,

he could have easily relied on his looks—yet his career in the police force only seemed to dwindle further.

After a moment, Mu Qingwu regained her focus; seeing the boutique owner and attendant staring at Xiao Yu in admiration sparked an inexplicable anger inside her.

“Huh?”

What’s gotten into me?

Shaking her head, Mu Qingwu said, “This outfit’s enough.”

Without further thought, she left the boutique with Xiao Yu.

In the car.

“Tomorrow, wear this outfit when you meet my mom.”

With a cool, icy expression, Mu Qingwu added, “Just for tomorrow—no repeats.”

“Huh?” Xiao Yu looked puzzled.

Is she on her period? Her mood seems off.

“Did you hear me?”

Mu Qingwu turned and shot Xiao Yu a cold look.

“You choose what you buy,” Xiao Yu shrugged.

It was obvious—she was on her period, and her temper was sour.

At times like these, it’s best not to add fuel to the fire—only trouble would follow.

Later, the two discussed the details for meeting elders the next noon.

Xiao Yu got out of the sports car and returned to the Criminal Investigation Team.

Mu Qingwu didn’t drive off immediately; instead, she watched the young man’s retreating figure.

Only when he vanished from sight did she come to her senses and drive away…