White Lotus: 白莲花 (Bai lian hua), meaning White Lotus Flower, is a Internet slang used by young people to refer to girls who are innocent looking but with an evil heart, something like femme fatale in English. A lotus flower is white in colour but underneath its roots are dirty and covered in mud.
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Two hours later, Mu Wan walked out of the movie theater looking pale and shaken. Who would have thought that the gentle and sweet Li Shuqin would take her to watch a horror movie? She had been startled so many times that her nerves were frayed.

Li Shuqin handed her a bottle of mineral water, her expression tinged with guilt. “Sorry, Wan wan. I didn’t know you couldn’t handle these kinds of movies. When we went to that haunted house in New York, you seemed pretty interested.”

Mu Wan took a sip of water and waved her hand dismissively. “I’m not scared of the ghosts in a haunted house because I know they’re fake.”

“But this kind of Chinese horror, where it’s all about the ugliness of human nature? That I can’t handle—it’s way too creepy.”

It gave her the unsettling feeling that everyone passing by her might harbor malicious intent.

Li Shuqin blinked innocently. “But that’s what makes it interesting!”

With a hint of regret, she added, “I’ve always wanted to take on a role in a film that digs deep into the dark side of human nature. But my agent thinks it’s too risky for me to change my image right now, so they won’t let me take on such roles.”

For now, she could only watch these movies in secret, and the more she watched, the more she longed to act in one.

Mu Wan, thoroughly spooked, waved the white flag. “Next time, bring Zhou Yang with you. He’s got nerves of steel.”

Li Shuqin shook her head. “Can’t do that. If we’re photographed together, it’ll stir up dating rumors.”

“What about Fang Li?”

“She’s currently in negotiations with the company and is focusing on her studies. If I get too close to her, the company might see her as valuable and won’t give her any peace.”

“Well, Yi-ge then… Actually, never mind. He’s still a man, and he’s married.”

Mid-sentence, Mu Wan gave up on her suggestion. After all that deliberation, it seemed like she really was the only suitable option.

Li Shuqin shook her head, smiling kindly. “It’s okay. I’ll just come alone next time. I don’t have many friends, and being alone is a bit lonely, but I’m used to it.”

Mu Wan: “…”

Why did that sound so heartbreaking?

She studied Li Shuqin closely and caught the fleeting glimmer of amusement in her eyes. That’s when she realized it—this sweet-faced woman had a sharp, manipulative edge. A total white lotus with a dark side.

Resigned, Mu Wan sighed. “Fine. Next time, I’m picking the movie.”

She’d make sure to choose something that wouldn’t send her heart into a rollercoaster of fear and anxiety.

Li Shuqin’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she hooked her arm around Mu Wan’s and replied, “Deal.”

After the movie, the two strolled through the shopping mall near the theater. But Li Shuqin, worried about being recognized, came prepared with her hat, scarf, and sunglasses—full incognito mode. At a glance, she looked like…

It seemed to the onlookers that Mu Wan was an undercover officer fishing for a suspect in plain clothes.

—

In the same mall, Yuan Weiwei walked out of a high-end Japanese restaurant arm-in-arm with Kuang Shuyu.

“Shuyu-gege, you’re the best. Even with your busy schedule, you still made time to have lunch with me. My girl friends are all so envious of me,” Yuan Weiwei said, her tone sweet and full of admiration.

Kuang Shuyu suppressed the irritation in his eyes and responded with a forced smile, “You’re my fiancée; it’s what I should do.”

Yuan Weiwei’s smile deepened at his words. “Shuyu-ge, don’t pay attention to the rumors going around in our circles. You are you, and your father is your father. I won’t judge you through a prejudiced lens.”

Kuang Shuyu’s smile stiffened, his annoyance barely hidden. This woman really knew how to poke where it hurt.

“Wei wei, you’re always so understanding. By the way, about that project I asked you to mention to your father…”

“Don’t worry,” she reassured him quickly. “You’re his future son-in-law. Any project that connects the Yuan family with the Kuang family will definitely go to you.” Lowering her voice conspiratorially, she added, “Actually, Shuyu-ge, you don’t have to work so hard. I’m the only child in my family. Even if you can’t become the heir of the Kuang family, the Yuan family will still be yours in the future.”

Kuang Shuyu’s eyes flashed with contempt. ‘Who said I wouldn’t inherit the Kuang family?‘ Besides, the Yuan family was a family business. Even if Yuan Wei wei was an only child, her second and third uncles would never hand over the company to an outsider like him. She was delusional.

This woman was unbelievably foolish. Mu Wan would never say something this ridiculous.

“Wei wei, we’ve finished lunch, but I have some urgent business back at the office. I’ll call a driver to take you home?”

Yuan Wei wei looked disappointed. “You can’t spend more time with me today?”

“The company is really busy,” Kuang Shuyu replied with feigned regret. “I barely managed to carve out time for this meal.”

“Alright then,” she said reluctantly.

—

After parting with Yuan Wei wei, Kuang Shuyu tugged at his collar in frustration. He was at his wit’s end. Every moment spent with Yuan Wei wei felt like a chore—he had to humor her, indulge her, and cater to her whims.

When he used to be with Mu Wan, it was always the other way around—Mu Wan had followed his lead.

When would he finally be free of this life? Was he really going to marry such a foolish woman?

—

“Wan wan, this hat looks great. Want to try it on?”

Hearing a familiar name, Kuang Shuyu’s ears perked up, and he instinctively turned his head.

It was a hat store. To try on a hat, Li Shuqin had taken off her disguise.

Mu Wan picked up the hat Li Shuqin recommended and tried it on, realizing it complemented her outfit perfectly. She decided to buy it and asked the store clerk to wrap it up.

Kuang Shuyu’s eyes lit up with excitement.

Mu Wan and Li Shuqin…

So she did care about the rumors linking him to Li Shuqin. He knew it!

There was no way that rogue Kuang Ye could ever compare to him. ^[1]T/L’s note: Can someone just snatch this crazy delusional guy out in the novel? He is infuriating me agh! I thought he is dead but viola he is alive again amp!