At this moment, in the Yuan family’s villa, a group of wealthy second-generation heirs clustered together, holding champagne glasses and whispering among themselves.

“I heard the Mu family’s precious daughter and the real heir of the Kuang family are coming today.”

“Really? Then there’s going to be some drama for sure. I heard Mu Wan can’t stand the real heir and is much closer to the Kuang family’s adopted son.”

“Kuang Shuyu is here too. It’s a showdown waiting to happen. I can’t wait.”

Someone glanced toward the dance floor where Kuang Shuyu, refined and courteous, was standing next to Yuan Weiwei. They made a fair observation.

“But honestly, as the Mu family’s treasured daughter, if I were her, I’d also choose the outstanding and handsome childhood friend over an incompatible and unremarkable fiancé.”

“…Uh, is Kuang Ye really as bad as you’re all saying?” A short-haired girl looked embarrassed. She had run into Kuang Ye once by chance and thought he was quite good-looking.

“I don’t know; it’s all rumors. I’ve never met him. But they say he’s a thug who got into trouble with the law before returning to the Kuang family, and he doesn’t get along with his family.”

“There was one incident where he caused such a huge scene that his dad’s high blood pressure acted up. After that, his dad was so disappointed that he handed the company over to Kuang Shuyu to manage.”

“Uh… Kuang Shuyu must feel incredibly lucky to have an opponent like that. In wealthy families, where illegitimate children often fight over inheritance, having such an incompetent rival would be a dream come true.”

“Holy—”

Suddenly, one person in the group glanced toward the door and let out a gasp, leaving the others curious. They followed his gaze and were equally stunned.

At the entrance, a man and woman walked in, arm in arm.

Their outfits were color-coordinated. The woman was elegant and poised, breathtakingly beautiful. The man exuded a dangerous charm, devastatingly handsome to the point of being “unfair to humanity.”

“This is supposed to be a thug? This is clearly a divine… no, wait. Why did no one tell me Kuang Ye looks like this?”

“They’re holding hands and walking in with affectionate glances. Are you seriously telling me they don’t get along?”

“Which idiot spread those rumors?”

—

Kuang Shuyu’s gaze fell on Kuang Ye standing beside Mu Wan. A flicker of coldness and annoyance flashed through his eyes.

Why is he here?

As long as Kuang Ye was around, he would never escape the label of “fake heir.” He loathed the constant reminder of his illegitimacy.

“Shuyu-ge, what’s wrong?” Yuan Weiwei noticed the shadow clouding Kuang Shuyu’s expression.

Kuang Shuyu shook his head. “Nothing. Maybe I’ve been overworked lately. Don’t frown. You’re the birthday girl today; you should be happy.”

Yuan Weiwei felt her heart melt with sweetness.

Catching sight of Mu Wan and Kuang Ye entering arm in arm, she let out a dissatisfied huff and led Kuang Shuyu upstairs.

“Come on, Shuyu-ge. I’ll take you to see my dad.”

Mu Wan and Kuang Ye headed over to meet her parents.

Wang Lan’s smile widened as she noticed their matching outfits.
“These clothes look great! Who picked them? They’ve got good taste.”

Mu Wan pointed at Kuang Ye.
“He bought them.”

Realizing this was her bringing up old grievances, Kuang Ye couldn’t help thinking this young lady sure knew how to hold a grudge. He quickly explained to Wang Lan with a grin.
“Wanwan picked them. She’s always had great taste.”

Mu Jianhua discreetly sized up Kuang Ye. Seeing none of the unruly behavior described in the rumors, a hint of approval flickered in his eyes.
“Let’s go. I’ll introduce you two to some people.”

Mu Jianhua then took on the role of an elder, leading the young couple to introduce them to his friends.

There were many circulating rumors about Kuang Ye in this social circle, so the guests were naturally curious about him. However, his humble and polite demeanor throughout the interactions made those rumors seem doubtful.

—

Suddenly, Kuang Xingran approached, greeting the Mu family elders before addressing Kuang Ye.
“Gege, Dad wants to see you.”

Kuang Ye glanced up and noticed Kuang Zhongbai standing in the distance, his expression far from pleasant.

“Uncle Mu, excuse me for a moment,” Kuang Ye said politely.

Mu Jianhua nodded in acknowledgment.

Kuang Xingran: “…”
Why did she feel like Kuang Ye was the one being “married off”?

Mu Wan watched Kuang Ye walk away, a tinge of unease creeping into her heart. However, since they had only called for Kuang Ye, it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to follow.

Seeing her expression, Kuang Xingran couldn’t bear to look and pulled her aside, whispering,
“Relax, what’s the worst that can happen? He’s not going to get eaten. By the way, where’s your brother? Why isn’t he back yet?”

Mu Wan snapped out of her thoughts.
“Not yet. I heard his project’s been tricky. He probably won’t be back until the end of the month.”

Mu Wan’s brother was a big-shot CEO, managing a company specializing in aerospace materials. He was constantly flying between countries, always busy. Mu Jianhua often regretted not sending him to the military when he was younger.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Kuang Xingran’s face, but she quickly masked it and shifted the conversation to other topics.

—

Upstairs, in a private room.

Kuang Zhongbai’s square-shaped face carried an air of authority as he looked at Kuang Ye and said sternly,
“You’re engaged to the Mu family’s daughter now. It’s time to settle down, drop those ridiculous games, and start working at the company.”

Kuang Ye didn’t hesitate.
“No.”

The cane in Kuang Zhongbai’s hand struck the floor with a heavy thud as his face contorted in anger.
“Kuang Ye, how much longer are you planning to fool around? Because of the mix-up, I’ve already tolerated you far more than I should. Don’t push my limits.”

Before Kuang Ye could respond, Kuang Zhongbai sneered and warned,
“As long as I wish it, you’ll never step foot on the racetrack again. You know I can make that happen.”

Kuang Ye’s laid-back expression turned icy. After a moment, he suddenly laughed, his tone laced with mockery.
“Then I’ll strip naked and perform interpretive art outside the Kuang Group’s headquarters. You know me—I’m a shameless thug. I’ll do anything.”

Kuang Zhongbai was so enraged that he was left sputtering, his beard practically bristling.
“You scoundrel!”

Kuang Ye nodded as if it were a genuine compliment.
“You’re absolutely right—I am a scoundrel. If there’s nothing else, this scoundrel will take his leave now.”

He turned and reached for the door handle when a cold chuckle came from behind him.

“You like Mu Wan, don’t you?”