Gold Cage - Chapter 19

Mu Hanxiao left Yunhai.

Mu Yu was gone too. When he reappeared at the company, everyone was surprised to see their long-absent boss. Huo Shiyin and Lu Hao reported their work to him as he sat on the sofa, flipping through records.

Summer was approaching. Mu Yu wore a light casual suit with a pale lavender shirt, his neck and collarbones delicate and clean. When he asked Huo Shiyin about her work plan, she replied, "I discussed it with Teacher Xie. The front-end and back-end integration issues are tricky to resolve. His suggestion is to minimize conflict dispersion and establish a centralized distribution point."

Mu Yu said, "What's your take?"

Huo Shiyin hesitated. "I think Teacher Xie's arrangement is reasonable..."

Mu Yu slid the tablet toward her. "What percentage of this plan is actually your own idea?"

"About... fifty percent."

"Are you the HR director, or is he?" Mu Yu looked at her. "You were put in this position because of your broad perspective and ability to lead. Why does everything now require Xie Ming's approval? A-Yin, if you've lost confidence in your own judgment, I can replace you with him. What do you think?"

Huo Shiyin flushed crimson. Finally, she took the tablet, murmuring that she'd revise it, and left. When Lu Hao noticed Mu Yu's gaze, he immediately raised his hands. "Hey, I handle all my own work. Lone wolf here."

Mu Yu ignored him, legs propped on the coffee table as he typed. He had a speaking engagement in a few days and was drafting his presentation and speech outline. Lu Hao eyed him. "What's got you so worked up?"

Mu Yu said, "You're really something, trusting Xie Ming so much even though you know he was sent by Mu Hanxiao. As company shareholders, you should act like the seasoned veterans you are. A-Yin is too naive—you need to keep an eye on her."

"You could've phrased that more gently."

"I want to go back to the States for a while," Mu Yu suddenly announced.

This caught Lu Hao off guard. "Why?"

"Fan En needs more hands. Anyway, with you, A-Yin, and Xie Ming here, the team is already perfect."

Lu Hao studied him for a moment before asking, "Mu Yu, did something happen during your stay at your brother's place again?"

Mu Yu remained silent. When Lu Hao opened his mouth to speak, he raised a hand to stop him.

Seeing he didn't want to talk about it, Lu Hao didn't press further. He changed the subject casually, "Did you know the He family was acquired by yours?"

Mu Yu paused. "What about their board members?"

"Not sure about the others, but I heard Chairman He was sent to Macau—packed up with his wife and kids and kicked out." Lu Hao rubbed his chin. "Probably won't ever come back. Consider it an early retirement."

The He family had gone bankrupt and been acquired overnight by their long-time business partners. The former chairman was given some obscure sinecure overseas, effectively exiled with no chance of recovery unless he completely severed ties with the Mu empire.

With the Mu family's influence spanning both domestic and international markets, even if He Cheng's father wanted to start over from scratch, it would be next to impossible.

Mu Yu, however, seemed entirely uninterested, merely acknowledging the news with a detached "I see" as he continued typing. Noticing his lack of enthusiasm, Lu Hao scratched his head and decided not to disturb him further, leaving the office.

While Mu Yu was busy, Lan Mo called, asking him to accompany her to a high-profile gala. It was her first time attending such a grand event, and she was too nervous to go alone.

Wearing his Bluetooth earpiece, Mu Yu said, "You don't have to go if you don't want to."

Lan Mo whined over the phone, "I don't want to either, but my parents pulled strings to get this invitation. They insist I go to network. Though I doubt I'll make any powerful friends... Brother Yu, just thinking about going alone makes my legs shake! Please come with me?"

Unable to refuse, Mu Yu reluctantly agreed.

Zhao Mengling had been in the capital for a month-long meeting and returned to Yu City afterward. True to rumors, she was about to be promoted and would soon be transferred to another province. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, three more years of achievements would secure her a position in the highest echelons of leadership.

The Mu family held a private dinner to welcome their matriarch home. Preferring quiet gatherings, Zhao Mengling limited the attendees to her husband and three sons. Mu Zhiye arrived early, Mu Zeju canceled his social engagements, and later, Mu Hanxiao's car pulled up at Bibotang. He stepped out, ascending the pristine white steps into the emerald-and-snow estate.

Zhao Mengling was the last to take her seat. It had been a while since the family had gathered like this. Since stepping down, Mu Yunting had largely withdrawn from business affairs, spending his time traveling with friends and often disappearing without notice. Today, seated at the head of the table, he casually inquired about his sons' recent activities and asked Mu Hanxiao why he hadn't brought Shuyan along.

Mu Hanxiao replied, "She's busy."

"Since Xiaoliu took over, Hongfeng has finally gotten back on track. She's swamped right now, and her brothers are no help at all. It's been tough on her."

Mu Zeju joked, "Big brother poured so much money into sister-in-law's company. How about investing in me too?"

After marrying Liu Shuyan, Mu Hanxiao injected an astonishing amount of capital into Hongfeng, pulling the major corporation back from the brink of bankruptcy. This move led many to speculate whether there were hidden business motives behind it or if he'd truly been bewitched by beauty.

Mu Hanxiao glanced at Mu Zeju. "Stop thinking about reaping without sowing."

Mu Zeju had no choice but to shut up.

Mu Yunting showed some warmth toward the younger family members, while Zhao Mengling remained completely aloof, eating with an indifferent expression. Noticing his wife's demeanor, Mu Yunting asked, "Why are you still in a bad mood after coming home?"

Zhao Mengling curled her lips into a sarcastic smile. "The moment I left, such major incidents happened at home. I certainly can't bring myself to smile. Mu Yunting, you've washed your hands of everything. I suppose even if this household descended into chaos, you'd still be content playing the carefree recluse."

"Isn't everything at home fine?"

"Your old friend was driven all the way to Macau by your own son. He just casually acquired the entire He Group your son's ambitions know no bounds these days, daring to swallow anything in his path."

Mu Zeju and Mu Zhiye sat silently to the side. Mu Yunting said, "The He family's directors were either imprisoned or fled. Their company was practically gone—Hanxiao's acquisition was one way to salvage the situation."

"We all know exactly who bankrupted the He family," Zhao Mengling said coldly. "Weren't you trying to stop your son before? Why are you speaking up for him now?"

Mu Hanxiao, who had seemed detached from the conversation until now, finally spoke. "The acquisition of the He Group was unanimously approved by the board after evaluation determined the benefits outweighed the risks. There's no need for excessive concern, Mother."

"You're severing your own connections! When everyone sees how mercilessly you treated longtime collaborators, who would dare work with us in the future?"

"The He family's accumulated problems over the years became an unwieldy burden. Their management and operations were severely corrupt, with critical talent gaps." Mu Hanxiao stated calmly. "We need partners, not parasites."

At this point, Mu Yunting interjected, "Enough. Today is your mother's welcome dinner. Let's not discuss business."

Zhao Mengling's displeasure was palpable, and the atmosphere at the table remained strained, everyone seemingly preoccupied with their own thoughts. Mu Zhiye kept his head down while eating. Normally lively and playful around family, he was unusually quiet today.

As his parents and brother discussed the He family, Mu Zhiye felt unsettled. He had been quite close with He Cheng before. Though he'd long known He Cheng was unhinged with no moral boundaries, capable of anything, He Cheng had always sided with and protected him. When that girl publicly humiliated Mu Zhiye, it was He Cheng who insisted on teaching her a lesson, forcibly dragging her to a gathering to embarrass her.

But He Cheng's audacity knew no limits. Mu Zhiye never imagined that when He Cheng asked about Mu Yu, he actually intended to act! Even more shocking were the catastrophic consequences—He Cheng lost a leg, Mu Yu was hospitalized in critical condition, and the He family, prominent for decades since He Cheng's father's generation, collapsed within months, reduced to an empty shell.

Mu Zhiye hesitated, stealing glances at his elder brother. He couldn't detect anything unusual, nor could he decipher the power play behind this acquisition. No matter what, he refused to believe the He family's bankruptcy had anything to do with Mu Yu—just an illegitimate child no one liked, someone who could never stir up any real trouble in their household.

But what puzzled Mu Zhiye was this: he'd clearly heard that Mu Yu had nearly shot He Cheng with a gun that day. How could such a major incident go completely unnoticed at home?

Lost in thought, he suddenly heard his mother say, "After the transfer, I'll take Xiao Ye with me. His new school is already arranged."

Mu Zhiye was stunned. "Mom! Why is this so sudden? I don't want to leave."

Zhao Mengling frowned. "Why not? Don't you want to live with me?"

"I—all my friends are in Yu City, and I haven't even finished middle school—"

"How dare you mention those so-called 'friends' of yours!" Zhao Mengling's tone darkened. "If this hadn't come to light, I wouldn't have known you'd befriended someone so reckless! Using underhanded tricks at such a young age—"

She left the rest unsaid. Of course, she despised Mu Yu, but regardless, Mu Yu bore their surname. Even if he was only half a Mu, he still carried the family name. That He boy daring to lay a hand on Mu Yu was nothing short of disrespect toward the Mu family. Mu Hanxiao had been right about one thing—the He family had long been rotten to the core. The wisest decision they'd ever made was aligning themselves with the Mu family years ago. But after years of reaping obscene profits, greed had blackened their hearts. From top to bottom, they were insatiable, even raising a son as poisonous as a tumor. Zhao Mengling had warned her youngest to stay away from the He family, yet that He boy had clung to him like a disgusting leech.

His mother rarely spoke to him so harshly. Mu Zhiye sat at the dining table, silent and aggrieved. Seeing his expression, Zhao Mengling softened her tone. "I'll be gone for at least three years. I won't feel at ease leaving you behind..."

"But you can't just arrange everything without even discussing it with me!" Mu Zhiye slammed his chopsticks down and stormed out of the dining room in a huff.

Neither parent called him back or scolded him for his rudeness—they'd spoiled him too much. They simply had the butler send food to his room. With only four left at the table, Mu Yunting remarked leisurely, "With Xiao Ye staying with us, what's there to worry about?"

Zhao Mengling's face remained cold. "It seems no one in this family cares about him anymore. Meanwhile, that outsider gets all the attention, held close to your hearts."

Mu Zeju's expression flickered. Mu Yunting replied calmly, "Xiao Yu is seriously ill. It's only right to visit him more often."

Zhao Mengling scoffed. "I wouldn't dare visit a madman who nearly shot someone."

Mu Zeju couldn't help muttering, "That He Cheng isn't any better..."

Zhao Mengling shot him a glare, and he quickly fell silent. Just then, Mu Hanxiao set down his chopsticks and stood.

Mu Yunting asked, "Where are you off to now?"

"I have an evening event with Shuyan. We agreed to meet after lunch."

He turned to Mu Zeju. "Coming?"

Mu Zeju seized the lifeline, eager to escape the tense atmosphere—especially his mother's icy demeanor—and quickly stood to bid his parents farewell. As the two were about to leave, Zhao Mengling suddenly spoke from behind them.

"Hanxiao, remember to mind your words and actions," Zhao Mengling said gravely. "Your father, your brothers, and I are bound by blood— our fates are intertwined. As your mother, my deepest love has always been for you three brothers. Everything I do is for your sake. A’ju, you must understand this too."

Mu Zeju turned back in surprise, meeting Zhao Mengling's gaze.

His mother's eyes reminded him of many years ago. That year, when his father brought Mu Yu home, his mother—then pregnant with Xiao Ye smashed the family's white jade tea set upon hearing the news. The young Mu Zeju, still in school, rushed home to find the shattered jade already cleared away, his mother calm once more.

He still remembered how tightly his mother had gripped his hand that day, looking at him just as she did now. "A’ju," she had said, "you must remember how many outsiders covet everything we have. But you are the true masters of the Mu family. Never let anyone steal what rightfully belongs to you."

Even those who pledge lifelong loyalty may betray. Only by keeping the scales in your own hands can you grasp reality. Affection follows wealth and power; trust is measured by calculation. Such is the way of business and politics—and marriage is no exception.

His mother's gaze now was reminding him not to forget those words.

Mu Zeju left Bibotang with Mu Hanxiao. His elder brother was unusually silent today, barely speaking to either of them. Normally, Hanxiao would at least exchange words with his younger brothers, but this time, their eldest brother remained withdrawn, not even responding to their mother's questioning.

Mu Zeju could never guess what his brother was thinking, instinctively both trusting and fearing this father-like figure. From childhood, Mu Hanxiao had been groomed as the family's successor, subjected to far stricter education than Zeju or Zhixiao. Destined to become the unshakable pillar against stormy seas, he had fulfilled that role perfectly—bearing immense pressures without complaint, so composed and flawless that Zeju sometimes wondered if his brother was human at all.

Except when facing Mu Yu...

The very name soured Mu Zeju's mood, and he irritably pushed the thought away. Watching his brother's retreating figure, he sighed inwardly.

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