Where on earth did Bai Nuanxi get the audacity to say such things?! The matriarch of the Huo family snorted coldly. Though angered at first, her mood surprisingly settled upon hearing Bai Nuanxi's words. This was exactly what she wanted to hear! "Since you know this, then you should leave here willingly! Leave Muchen's side and stop ruining the rest of his life!"
Bai Nuanxi arched an eyebrow. How amusing this matriarch was—since when did she have the authority to decide who stayed by Huo Muchen's side? How utterly absurd! "Hmph, how can you be so certain that the woman you choose is destined for Huo Muchen?"
She had been reborn twice to finally understand who she truly belonged with. Did the matriarch think she could determine Huo Muchen's soulmate with her so-called life experience, declaring Sun Miaomiao to be the one? What a ridiculous notion!
Considering Sun Miaomiao's actions in her past life, it was clear she could never be someone who would support her husband and raise their children. It was more likely she would drain the Huo family's fortune dry! And then, fleeing with all the assets wouldn't be out of the question! Quite convenient, indeed!
The matriarch gripped Sun Miaomiao's hand, glaring fiercely at Bai Nuanxi. "So, what you're saying is, you want a challenge?"
Bai Nuanxi's lips curled into a smile. She had no intention of competing; she merely wanted to dispel the matriarch's idea of making Sun Miaomiao the lady of the Huo family! However, since the matriarch had proposed a contest, Bai Nuanxi wouldn't back down a step. "If you want a competition, I am more than willing to oblige."
"Very well! Then you shall compete and see who is fit to stay by Muchen's side! The loser must disappear from his life forever!" The matriarch's words were clearly aimed at Bai Nuanxi. Disappearing from Huo Muchen's life sounded simple enough, but it meant avoiding him forever—unless one left the city entirely!
This was an attempt to drive her out of Country A! The old woman certainly had a cruel heart.
Huo Muchen stepped in front of Bai Nuanxi. "Enough! Am I just a wager in your game?!" His voice tinged with frustration. His girl hadn't eaten much earlier and was probably still hungry. And now, the matriarch had appeared, saying these nonsensical things. Ridiculous!
Sun Miaomiao couldn't stand to see Huo Muchen angry. She immediately shrank back, not daring to speak.
Seeing the man standing firmly in front of her, shielding her like a wall against the storm, Bai Nuanxi realized something. If she didn't fight for what she wanted, she would never get it. Thinking this, a smile played on her lips. She had already missed one lifetime—why should she let another one pass with regrets?
Determination filled Bai Nuanxi's eyes. Huo Muchen, since you've chosen me, you shall never escape my side in this life. In life, you are mine; in death, my ghost!
"Darling, how could you be a mere wager? You should be the prize," Bai Nuanxi said, holding onto Huo Muchen's arm. She stood on tiptoe and planted a light kiss on his cheek. "You're the reward, the most precious prize for first place."
"Don't worry, my love. You will undoubtedly be mine. The one who disappears from your life won't be me." She placed his hand over her heart, where he could feel the steady beat beneath his palm. Her voice was firm yet tentative. "Do you... trust me?"
Huo Muchen answered almost instantly, "I do!"
Bai Nuanxi gave him another kiss, this time on his other cheek. "Thank you, darling!"
The unwavering trust Huo Muchen showed her boosted Bai Nuanxi's confidence tremendously, and their intimate interaction left many around them unconsciously choosing sides.
No matter how powerful the matriarch was, everything would eventually belong to Huo Muchen. What's more, Huo Muchen already held eighty percent of the Huo Group's shares in his hands. Most people still had to operate under his influence.
Initially, some favored Sun Miaomiao because she was handpicked by the matriarch as the future lady of the Huo family. With the matriarch backing her, it seemed almost certain. But if Huo Muchen genuinely loved Bai Nuanxi, her chances of winning were far greater.
So, while Bai Nuanxi was unaware, many had already started leaning in her favor.
Bai Jia'an had been watching the drama unfold for some time. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, she thought. Since Sun Miaomiao and Bai Nuanxi were at odds, she could team up with Sun Miaomiao to go against Bai Nuanxi! At least, if Bai Nuanxi disappeared, the place in Huo Muchen's heart reserved for her might become hers. After all, the two did share some resemblance!
"Sister, what are you doing? Don't you love Brother Ziyu? Why would you compete with Miss Sun for Young Master Huo?" Bai Jia'an questioned.
"Your dear Brother Ziyu has been with you for ages. When he was dating me, he was already cheating with my own sister. Is that something to be proud of?" Bai Nuanxi shot her a glance. Some things had been said over and over again to the point she herself was tired of them, yet there were always those who didn't know their limits!
Bai Jia'an seemed to anticipate what Bai Nuanxi would say. With so many industry elites present, Bai Nuanxi would never be kind enough to spare them any dignity. Their relationship now was clearly like fire and water!
"But... Brother Ziyu still loves you," Bai Jia'an hesitated, her eyes filled with a feigned innocence, as if accusing Bai Nuanxi of abandoning her.
"Hah, there are plenty who love me. I'm not exaggerating, but I could just step outside and someone would confess to me. Your Brother Ziyu, wearing a green hat for countless people, still has the nerve to show up in front of me?" Bai Nuanxi chuckled. "How about this: give your Brother Ziyu a call and see if he dares to show up before me."
"Fine, I'll call!" Making a call was no big deal. Ziyu should still be at the banquet, and it would be easy for him to take a few steps over.
The phone rang once... twice... thrice... No answer?
Bai Jia'an looked at her phone in confusion. What's going on? Ziyu wasn't picking up? Damn it...
"Hah... It seems he really doesn't have the guts to face me." Bai Nuanxi knew exactly why Ziyu couldn't answer the call, but Bai Jia'an would never find out.
Bai Jia'an stretched her neck. "Don't jump to conclusions. Maybe Brother Ziyu is just busy and didn't hear his phone. After all, when he came to the banquet, he set his phone on silent to avoid disturbing anyone."
Bai Nuanxi raised an eyebrow. That explanation was quite convenient, covering for Ziyu while also making him look good. But Bai Nuanxi smiled and said, "Whatever you think, that's your business. No need to explain it to me."
"You..." Bai Jia'an was left speechless.