The Unexpected Encounter

Upon entering the store, Luo Yao noticed the renovation workers busy at work. The shop was filled with dust, suggesting that a thorough cleaning would be necessary once the renovations were complete.

The renovation style aligned with his initial vision, featuring a red and white color scheme inspired by a certain snowy city. Similarly, his milk tea program was modeled after a popular chain, Snow City.

This was a bold move, as street-side milk tea hadn’t yet gained widespread popularity. Luo Yao aimed to seize the opportunity, viewing it as a risky venture. If successful, he would have some leverage with Mu Yaochen. If not, he would be completely at her mercy.

He wasn’t fond of Mu Yaochen’s twisted affection.

“Little… little brother, what are you doing here?” A tall, imposing figure suddenly appeared before Luo Yao.

“Um… well…” Luo Yao looked up to see a muscular woman, a female version of a robust man. Her chest, where one might expect fat, was instead defined by solid muscles.

The woman wore a dust mask, necessary given the room’s thick dust. Luo Yao could tell she was exhausted, her dark circles a clear indicator. The renovation team had been working overtime for two nights to meet the deadline, compressing a two-week project into just one.

Of course, their wages reflected this intense work, offering a substantial income that kept them motivated.

“This isn’t a place for you. Go home,” the woman said, dismissively waving him away. She then returned to her work, using a cutting board to slice through some materials.

“Still here?” she asked, standing up and locking eyes with Luo Yao. She didn’t intend to forcefully remove him but merely wanted to finish her task.

“Are you the one in charge here?” Suddenly, Mu Yaochen appeared behind Luo Yao, her gaze meeting the woman’s.

The woman’s hazy eyes widened in disbelief, and a sense of awe filled her gaze.

“Ms. Mu… Ms. Mu!” She immediately lowered her head, her entire body trembling.

In Bluebird’s subsidiary companies, few knew the true identity of their ultimate boss, let alone what Mu Yaochen looked like. However, the woman had a keen intuition. She understood that this project was ultimately for Mu Yaochen, and her instincts told her that the person before her was her ultimate superior.

“You’re quite perceptive,” Mu Yaochen replied, her brow furrowed as she surveyed the dusty interior. She hadn’t expected so much dust.

“I… I…” The woman stumbled over her words, overwhelmed by Mu Yaochen’s presence. On screen or online, Mu Yaochen’s imposing aura might seem exaggerated, but in person, it was undeniably powerful.

Mu Yaochen’s eyes, usually gentle, now held a deep sense of superiority and contempt. Luo Yao turned to look at her, but in that moment, her expression softened.

“We just wanted to check on the renovation progress,” Mu Yaochen said, shaking her head as she noticed the woman’s struggle to speak.

“I… I’ll prepare everything right away…” The woman tensed, realizing the importance of this inspection. Her team hadn’t been lazy; standards varied, and if her work wasn’t up to par, the consequences could be severe.

“Do you want to go inside and take a look?” Mu Yaochen asked, eyeing the dusty interior. She didn’t want Luo Yao to enter, fearing it might affect his health.

“Yes,” Luo Yao nodded, eager to see the progress. He also wanted to gauge Mu Yaochen’s intentions for bringing him here. The commotion outside had drawn the attention of some of the workers inside.

Luo Yao had expected Congee to bring him, but he was surprised to find Mu Yaochen instead. He knew this visit must have a purpose, and Mu Yaochen never acted without reason.

Mu Yaochen noticed the dust mask on the woman’s face and slightly frowned, realizing her mistake in bringing Luo Yao here. She had hoped to boost his goodwill toward her, but her approach was clumsy.

In business and family matters, Mu Yaochen was always in control. However, in matters of the heart, she was a novice. To her, love and affection were simply about possession and control, which was why she had always avoided romantic entanglements.

“Ms. Mu, we’ve almost…” The woman, sensing Mu Yaochen’s reluctance, quickly understood her meaning. In the competitive world of Penghai, she had learned to read people’s expressions and intentions.

“You should have new dust masks here. Prepare two,” Mu Yaochen interrupted, gently patting Luo Yao’s head.

“Yes, I’ll get them right away,” the woman replied, though internally surprised. She carefully retreated, leaving them alone.

****

Chapter Title: “The Unexpected Encounter”