Zhuang Yu watched Mu Chen's departing figure with a trace of an unusual expression in his eyes.

Chen Moran, seeing Zhuang Yu's complexion, couldn't help but feel a surge of irritation.

"What's wrong, A Yu?" Chen Moran asked, grabbing Zhuang Yu's hand.

Zhuang Yu offered a faint smile, "Nothing much. I just feel like Mu Chen's attitude towards me has changed. Maybe he won't bother me anymore."

Zhuang Yu's feelings were complex. He had always detested Mu Chen's persistence, but now, Mu Chen's current attitude left him feeling empty.

Chen Moran scoffed, "A Yu, do you still not understand Mu Chen? He's like a plaster, extremely annoying. I think today he's just playing hard to get, trying to catch your attention."

Zhuang Yu glanced at Chen Moran, "Playing hard to get?"

"Of course. I've known that guy for over a decade. I can tell what he's planning just by a flick of his eyebrow," Chen Moran stated proudly.

Hearing Chen Moran's words, Zhuang Yu's heart flickered with disdain. Looking in the direction Mu Chen had left, his eyes showed a trace of disgust.

...

Mu Yuanhang frowned, listening to a report from a subordinate, "You're saying Mu Chen and Chen Moran had a conflict but didn’t end up fighting?"

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"Yes," the shadow monitoring Mu Chen confirmed.

Mu Yuanhang squinted, "Mu Chen has changed, huh?"

"It seems Qi Si is falling out of favor with Mu Chen," the shadow added.

"Yes!" A flicker of anger crossed Mu Yuanhang's heart.

That useless Qi Si couldn't even manage to keep Mu Chen happy, letting him call Ren San back. He hoped that fool hadn't slipped up, causing Mu Chen to suspect him.

"You may leave now," Mu Yuanhang dismissed the shadow.

The shadow nodded and silently withdrew.

...

As soon as Mu Chen returned to his residence, he was greeted by an unexpected visitor, Mu Yuanhang.

"Uncle," Mu Chen greeted. The original owner had a good relationship with Mu Yuanhang, who always spoiled him.

"Chen'er, you're back," Mu Yuanhang said with a smile.

Mu Chen nodded, "Yes."

"How's everything going?" Mu Yuanhang inquired.

"It's okay," Mu Chen replied indifferently.

"You are a son of the Mu family, and the Mu family is your strongest support. Whatever you want to do, just do it. The Mu family will always protect you. You don’t have to be cautious," Mu Yuanhang encouraged.

Mu Chen smiled sheepishly, "I know."

A cold sneer rose in Mu Chen's heart, thinking: My avoidance of Chen Moran today must have reached Mu Yuanhang's ears. He seems to be saying that I should have fought Chen Moran instead of backing down, thus embarrassing the Mu family.

"I heard you called Ren San back. I thought you didn’t like him?" Mu Yuanhang asked.

Mu Chen shrugged, "Though Ren San might not be likable, at least he can take a beating. Unlike Qi Si, who hides behind me in every fight, expecting me, a young master, to protect a servant. What is he thinking!" Mu Chen's expression soured with disgust by the end.

Qi Si, hiding nearby and observing the situation, turned pale upon hearing Mu Chen’s words.

Others around, pretending to be busy but actually eavesdropping, started to scheme quietly.

"Qi Si is still young, a bit timid," Mu Yuanhang commented lightly.

Mu Chen snorted, "If he’s timid, then replace him with someone braver. I, a young master, shouldn’t have to accommodate a servant."

Seeing Mu Chen's displeased look, Mu Yuanhang smiled and said, "As you wish."