Chapter 3: CEO’s Heartbeat Level: 99% – Uniquely Different

Under the close supervision of the old Master Mu and his eldest son Mu Runbang, preparations for the welcome banquet of Mu Runnian progressed smoothly. All the prominent families in Shanghai received an invitation to the event.

The Mu family had always kept a low profile, but this time, to welcome the illegitimate son who had lived abroad for twenty-five years, the old master lavishly booked three entire banquet halls at the city’s most luxurious hotel—highlighting the importance he placed on this reunion.

The banquet was grand, lights dazzling and drinks flowing. All the guests were influential figures, curious to see this illegitimate son whom the old master favored so highly—someone whose presence seemingly surpassed both the well-established eldest son Mu Runbang and the second son Mu Ruye, a rising star in the business world.

Since Mu Ruye was officially the banquet’s organizer, he had no choice but to greet the guests at the entrance, representing both his father and older brother.

Standing beside him was Su Shangfei, dressed in a sleek black strapless evening gown, adorned with Australian white pearl necklace and earrings. She remained alert, whispering the background of incoming guests into his ear—reminding him of titles and past interactions.

“This is the newly appointed CFO of Xingke Corporation, the second son-in-law of Chairman Wang. You briefly met him once at a gathering when he came to pick up his drunken father-in-law.”

After briefing Mu Ruye, Su Shangfei stepped back. Mu Ruye then stepped forward smoothly, warmly shaking hands, “Brother-in-law, we meet again. I heard about your promotion—congratulations!”

Xie Zizhen hadn’t expected Mu Ruye to remember him—a man who had always lived under the shadow of his wife and father-in-law. Stunned, he quickly broke into a pleased smile. “Compared to you, the President of Greater China, my position is hardly worth mentioning.”

Though sharp-tongued to those close to him, Mu Ruye was a master of diplomacy in public. Sensing Xie Zizhen’s insecurity, he said half-sincerely, “Don’t sell yourself short. Only the most trusted become CFOs. Chairman Wang placing you there says a lot.”

The words lifted Xie Zizhen’s spirits. He warmed up quickly and even invited Mu Ruye to a future private meetup, treating him like a real brother.

The entire evening, Mu Ruye was all smiles, offering courtesy and grace to every guest. Many elders in attendance praised him as the most accomplished of his generation.

Once most of the guests had arrived, Mu Runye told Su Shangfei, “Go rest and eat something. I’ll call you if I need anything.”

But Su Shangfei shook her head. “I’m not tired.”

Before Mu Ruye could insist, the lights dimmed. Spotlights beamed onto the center stage, where the old Master Mu walked up with his illegitimate son Mu Runnian, hand-in-hand, radiating warmth and pride.

Mu Runnian was tall and handsome, bearing a clear resemblance to the Mu brothers, confirming their shared bloodline. He stood stiffly onstage, clearly uncomfortable in this kind of setting.

Su Shangfei noticed Mu Ruye clenching his fists, lips pressed tightly together, his expression unreadable. She leaned in and whispered, “Are you okay?”

There was no response—only silence.

In contrast to his son’s quiet intensity, Master Mu beamed as he addressed the crowd.

“Thank you for taking the time to attend this welcome banquet for my youngest son, Mu Runnian. He was raised abroad and is now of age to build his career and settle down. I wanted to introduce him to all of you today. He will soon be entering Guishang Group, and I hope you’ll lend him your support and guidance.”

The guests shifted their gazes to Mu Ruye with mixed emotions.

Everyone knew how harsh Master Mu had been with his two elder sons. Both started at the bottom in Guishang Group under pseudonyms, enduring hardship before finally earning promotions. Only after they independently made a name for themselves were their identities revealed and they rose to leadership.

But now this illegitimate son had just returned to the country and was immediately announced as a “young master,” with Master Mu publicly asking everyone to take care of him. It was clear he intended to pave an easy path for the newcomer.

Such favoritism in a wealthy family would inevitably lead to disaster.

Still, every family had its own issues. Even those who had a good relationship with the Mu brothers stayed silent—none of them wanted to get involved in what was obviously a battle over inheritance.

Mu Ruye felt the malicious glances surrounding him—curious, pitying, mocking, gloating—but kept his composure. He believed people were inherently self-serving. Though everyone appeared friendly and supportive, many were secretly hoping for internal conflict within the Mu family so they could benefit from Guishang’s fall.

All the more reason for him to stay calm. He unclenched his fists, forced a sincere smile, and took the lead in applauding once his father’s speech ended.

From the stage, Mu Runnian saw his second brother smiling and clapping warmly. Relieved, he smiled back, clearly hoping to win his favor.

But Mu Ruye ignored the expression entirely. He was just playing his role as the polite older brother, with no intention of being kind to a stranger who shared no bond with him.

“Ruye, come up here,” Master Mu called.

Knowing his second son’s character, the old man continued to push boundaries. “I heard you prepared a gift for your younger brother. Why not present it in front of everyone?”

Though the gift—a sports car—wasn’t rare among this crowd, Master Mu clearly wanted a public show of acceptance to legitimize Mu Runnian’s identity.

With his eldest son still abroad, Mu Ruye had no choice but to comply. In front of everyone, he handed over the keys to the car.

Master Mu, seeing his submission, urged his youngest son to thank him. “This is from your two older brothers. Go on, thank your second brother properly.”

Eyes shining, Mu Runnian stepped forward and hugged Mu Ruye.

Stiff and unmoving, Mu Ruye didn’t hug back. Mu Runnian, sensitive to this, pulled away awkwardly, disappointment written all over his face.

Master Mu quickly diverted attention: “Let’s not drag this out—please enjoy yourselves.”

After the speech, his assistant took the mic. Master Mu passed Mu Runye and ordered coldly, “Come with me.”

Su Shangfei followed behind them to the lounge and overheard Master Mu snapping: “Why the long face on stage? You’re just like your dead mother—always bringing bad luck!”

Mu Ruye said nothing. He was used to this treatment.

“I’m warning you: Runnian is back, and whether you or your brother like it or not, he’s entering the company. Don’t try anything foolish. Act wisely.”

Mu Ruye silently took the insults, fists clenched.

The angrier he got, the calmer he became. Master Mu’s voice rose: “You and your brother had everything growing up. If you have any conscience left, you’ll treat your brother well. He’s suffered enough!”

Later that night, after the guests had left, Mu Ruye was visibly drunk. Finally showing vulnerability, he leaned on Su Shangfei in the elevator and rested his head against hers. “My head hurts. I want some air.”

At the rooftop garden, he slumped in a rocking chair—shoulders slouched, completely defeated.

Worried, Su Shangfei called the driver to help. But before the call ended, Mu Ruye suddenly grabbed her wrist and said firmly, “Don’t call him.”

Startled, she turned to look at him—and saw eyes full of sorrow, helplessness, and pain. It pierced her heart like a thousand needles.

“Shangfei,” he whispered, “I don’t want anyone else to see me like this. Only you.”