Chapter 7

Having spent too much time in the military, Xiu Mumo was still not quite used to someone being so polite all of a sudden.

"Give me your contact info, and I'll send you my number later," Xiu Mumo said with a faint smile.

"Alright." Rao Xingsi had assumed that anyone who dared to reject the Xue family so publicly wouldn't be easy to deal with, but the reality was completely different from what he had imagined.

Feeling slightly surprised, he took out a business card from his pocket and handed it over.

"This is my card. You can search for my WeChat using my phone number. I won't disturb your rest any longer; I'll wait for you here promptly at one o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Or, if you prefer, you can notify me in advance and head over on your own." Rao Xingsi spoke politely.

"Got it, I understand." Xiu Mumo nodded, watched him leave, and pulled the door shut.

Barely two minutes after the door closed, a knock sounded again.

Before she even reached the entrance, she heard a voice.

"Boss, it's me." Bie Yuan stood outside the doorway, holding a laptop in his arms.

"You get news fast." Xiu Mumo opened the door, walked back inside, and sat on the sofa, yawning. She was still a bit sleepy.

"They've already tracked you down to your doorstep; if I didn't know about that, I might as well quit being a guard," Bie Yuan muttered. "Putting that aside for a second, last night was quite the spectacle."

He clicked his tongue, unable to hide his shock at the reports he had received.

As expected of the Boss—with just her bare hands, she had turned the entire Beijing circle completely upside down.

For the entire night, dozens of families had been investigating the Boss's personal background. Some of them even had malicious designs, and she hadn't even used her Xiu Family identity—just that of the eldest daughter of the Xue family.

He couldn't even begin to imagine what would happen if the Boss ever truly unmasked all her hidden identities.

"I can guess a bit of it."

Xiu Mumo leaned back, raising an eyebrow. "The Quan family, the Ming family, the Zhuang family, and the Xue family are all investigating me, right? Aside from them, there are the families of the Five Wealths, and various others trying to cozy up to the Xue family—especially those with eligible young bachelors at home."

"Boss, you really anticipated all of this," Bie Yuan said, nodding vigorously. "Quan Xijuan's people are investigating you, and so is Ming Luoxing. Then there's Zhuang Minwei from the Zhuang family, as well as Xue Anyan and Elder Xue from the Xue family. Even the Chen family and the Meng family are looking into you, not to mention a bunch of no-name upstarts."

Everything had been dug up completely overnight; plenty of people had their eyes on the Boss.

"Hmm. So what have they managed to find out about me so far? That's what I'm most curious about. You must have intercepted quite a lot of intelligence on your end, too?"

Xiu Mumo narrowed her eyes, a shimmering light dancing in their depths. "The Old Man told me to come to the Xue family and must have prepared an identity for me, but I didn't know what it was myself. I have to rely on the intel you guys intercepted to figure out what kind of person I'm supposed to be and what kind of background I have..."

She was speechless. That old fox pulling stunts like this was really going too far.

"Didn't the Boss already have an inkling? It's pretty much as you expected. Back when you were first adopted, although the Xiu surname was used on paper, the identity was actually built around the surname of an elderly gentleman in the small town where you lived for three months.

Of course, all your subsequent military records in the Combat Division and things like that were completely omitted, and even your educational background is vague. In short, you're presented as a girl who grew up in a town and now works in computer-related fields."

Bie Yuan pulled up the file, though even this data wasn't entirely complete. "Look, Boss, right here."

Xiu Mumo glanced over it. The information above wasn't very detailed, but it clearly mapped out the trajectory of her life.

It showed that she had never set foot in Shangjing, meaning that even if someone really wanted to dig up her detailed background, it would take a fair bit of effort. The crucial part was that whatever they managed to dig up was just the fake dossier the Old Man had prepared in advance.

These things weren't all that important to her. As long as she knew these basic details, she could improvise the rest freely.

I suppose the Old Man deliberately crafted such an ambiguous profile just to make things convenient for her.

"Alright, I get it. What else? The production crew is already stirring up trouble bright and early this morning—did Xue Anyan make a move?"

Xiu Mumo guessed the answer instantly. "Or was it that Ming Luoxing?"

"It's Xue Anyan. The Xue family has their sights set on an alliance with the Chen family, who made their fortune in gold mines. The Chen family son is already twenty-eight, stuck in that awkward spot where nothing is quite good enough. The Chen family has always wanted to find him a wife with a good family background, but the high-ranking families look down on the Chen family, while the Chen family looks down on low-ranking ones, so the matter dragged on until now."

Having read the detailed dossier on the Chen family, Bie Yuan could only conclude that anyone wanting the Boss to marry into that family wasn't just delusional—they were out of their minds!

"They're probably trying to use you to bridge a connection with the Chen young master. Boss, you kept distancing yourself from the Xue family at the annual gala, so Xue Anyan—being a trendy traffic-star—pulled you straight into the spotlight for the sake of clout and other motives, trying to bind you to the Xue family once and for all.

The Old Marshal called me, demanding that I treat getting involved in the entertainment industry as a normal thing to adapt to. I have no idea what the Old Marshal is thinking, but he seems strangely enthusiastic about this whole affair."

He had received a call from the Old Marshal just half an hour ago.

"The Old Man called you?" Xiu Mumo paused, a thoughtful glint coloring her eyes.

"He called just this morning, so Boss, it looks like you really have to go on this show."

Bie Yuan looked anxious. Once the Boss went on that show, the place was bound to turn upside down.

What on earth were they thinking, making the Boss go on a reality show?

She was an absolute ruffian in the military; could she possibly turn over a new leaf in the entertainment industry?

That was pure wishful thinking.

"It's fine, I expected this. The production crew just asked me to register a Weibo account—it looks like Xue Anyan has already started stirring up public opinion on Weibo, doesn't she?"

"You can just log on and see for yourself." Bie Yuan smiled. Calling this mere public opinion-building was an understatement—it was a full-scale board sweep.

"Right, let me go register an account."

Xiu Mumo switched over to Weibo and registered a brand-new profile, setting her handle simply as Xiu Mumo. A quick search showed no duplicates, so she didn't even bother applying for a yellow V-verification.

Besides, if she actually got verified, what was she supposed to do—verify herself as the biological daughter of the Xue family?

Better not.

Just the thought of it made her skin crawl.

Clicking on the discover tab, she saw that the top trending search was all about Xue Anyan.

#Xue_Anyan_Adopted_Daughter_Of_Xue_Family# (Exploding)

Right below it, a flurry of related topics followed closely.

#Eldest_Daughter_Of_Xue_Family_Found# (Frenzied)

#Eldest_Daughter_Of_Xue_Family_Keeps_Original_Name_And_Surname# (Hot)

#Xue_Anyan_Posts_Welcome_Back_To_Elder_Sister# (Hot)

She tapped into the entertainment section. Aside from a few unrelated entries interspersed here and there, the entire board was practically dominated by the topic.

It was either about her, about Xue Anyan, or about Xue Anyan's personal statement and clarification.

Xiu Mumo's first impression of Xue Anyan was already terrible, so she simply tapped in to read it.

Xiu Anyan V: [I haven't said anything about this until now, but I need to make an announcement: my older sister has been found.

That's right, I am not the biological daughter of the Xue family, but their adopted daughter. My adoptive parents have always loved me, doting on and indulging me, allowing me to pursue my dreams and even enter the entertainment industry, while constantly taking care of and helping me.

I've walked further and more steadily than many actors, and I owe it all to my adoptive parents and grandfather. They are the ones who have always supported and encouraged me, holding up the sky for me.

Ever since I was born, I've been an unfortunate person. My health wasn't particularly good, and because I was a girl, my biological parents never treated me well. My father loved to drink, and whenever he got drunk, he liked to subject both me and my biological parents to domestic violence.

Later on, the three of us went out and got into a car accident. I was the sole survivor. Many of my true fans know that there is a very obvious scar on my waist. Even after going to beauty parlors for scar removal treatments many times, the mark remains—it's the scar left from that childhood car accident.

I never offered any explanations before, but today I'd like to explain it here.

Later on, my adoptive parents adopted me. They loved their own daughter dearly, but their daughter—my adoptive older sister—had been abducted.

They searched for my adoptive sister for over twenty years and finally found her. I've borrowed her identity for all these years, and now it's time to return it.

My adoptive sister has always held a grudge against our adoptive parents; she is unwilling to change her name, nor is she willing to return to the Xue family, because her original name was Xue Wanyan, whereas after I was adopted, my adoptive parents changed my name to Xue Anyan.

Perhaps she believes that I easily usurped her identity, but in reality, that's not the case at all.

My adoptive parents love her deeply. The name 'Xue Anyan' actually expresses their hope that their little Anyan is safe and well in some corner of this world.

Grandfather, Dad, Mom, and younger brother are all waiting for you to come home.

Come home, Sister.

As for the fact that I previously failed to acknowledge I was an adopted daughter, it was indeed driven by a degree of vanity, and I want to say I am sorry.

I've occupied public resources. Lastly, I'll just say this: I'm sorry.]

The post ended there. Everything that needed explaining was explained, and she even issued an apology for her past concealment.

People are always inclined to soften toward a bit of selfishness, especially when that selfishness hasn't harmed anyone else; it makes forgiveness come very easily.

Especially on the internet—though haters were excluded from this rule.

The more readily someone confesses their own selfishness and vanity, the easier it is for them to be forgiven. Combined with a bit of empathy, it's all the more easy to evoke shared emotions and sympathy.After all, who doesn't have a selfish side?

When a big star suddenly speaks about their personal selfishness in such a humble tone and posture, without causing trouble for others, their concealment is easily forgiven and even met with sympathy in such a situation. People start to feel that a big star is just an ordinary person, and then they find them down-to-earth, as if they are just like everyone else—self-interested and possessing their own thoughts.

It is like a deity descending to the mortal world. Unless they are extreme fans who decide to leave, they will immediately attract a large number of new fans who perceive them as kind, grounded, natural, and unpretentious. The veteran fans then begin to promote them, urging new fans to dig into their history, effectively turning them into devoted new followers.

These are the most common ways to gain fans in the entertainment industry. Xue Anyan is using this method right now; it is simple, crude, yet effective at capturing fans and winning the favor of passersby. Those "tragic" past experiences of hers are even bound to trigger empathy from those who have suffered similar fates.

After reading it, Xiu Mumo’s expression was hard to describe. "This Xue Anyan—she’s a clever one."

"Of course she’s clever. If she weren't, how could she have stayed in the Xue family for so long? Even as an adopted daughter, she's loved by everyone in the Xue family. She has a sharp, adaptable mind," Bie Yuan remarked with a click of his tongue.

"As long as she doesn't try to adapt that mind to me, it's fine." Xiu Mumo had no interest in how others managed to survive. "By the way, what about Quan Xijuan, whom I asked you to look into? I want his full background."

"I have the general information, but the truly private stuff... I don't." Bie Yuan stuttered for a second, then spoke cautiously.

"Too private? How private are we talking?" Xiu Mumo paused for a second.

"Well... you know, down there. Isn't this for your happiness, Boss? I don't have the guts for that. How about I kidnap him later, and you check for yourself?" Bie Yuan scratched his head in embarrassment.

Xiu Mumo: "..."

Right. She knew exactly what he was talking about. *Damn, why does this feel so perverse?* Since when did checking someone's background turn into investigating "too private" details? However, she did have to admit she was a little curious. With a physique that hot, he shouldn't be a disappointment, right? She was indeed quite vulgar; she had no interest in a platonic relationship.

"Boss? Why aren't you saying anything?" Bie Yuan’s heart skipped a beat. Had he gone too far? Was she a pervert? Well, that wasn't entirely impossible.

"It’s fine." Xiu Mumo waved her hand. "Start with his basic information." She leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes to rest.

"Alright." Bie Yuan pulled up the information he had gathered. "Quan Xijuan, height 1.89 meters, weight 82kg. Eight-pack abs, two pectoral muscles, no chest hair, but has leg hair. Age 28. He has one younger sister, good family relations, and graduated from Shangjing University. His personality is cold and aloof, and he has no interest in women. He was once thought to be asexual..."

Hearing this chaotic, suggestive data, Xiu Mumo raised a hand. "Stop!"

Bie Yuan froze. "What's wrong, Boss? I think he’s a good match for you. He’s tall enough; you’re almost 1.8 meters yourself."

"Is this what I wanted to hear? Can you give me something normal?" Xiu Mumo’s face darkened. She gritted her teeth and said, "First, tell me, has he served in the military?"

"The records don't show it, but he doesn't often appear in the public eye. It might be classified; I'm not entirely sure." Bie Yuan realized something. "Wait a minute—could he be from the Kill Camp?"

If he were in the Combat Division, his records would definitely appear during his search, as even ordinary law enforcement and military agencies could access them, especially with the authority of the Combat Division. Unless he was in the Kill Camp. The Kill Camp and the Combat Division were two completely separate systems. If he served in the Kill Camp, his records would likely be untraceable. But why would the Boss think Quan Xijuan had military experience?

"That's not right, though. He doesn't look like a soldier, does he? Isn't he just a rich playboy?" Bie Yuan muttered.

"He has instinctive reactions—instinctive strikes to vital points. Even a playboy who is frequently targeted for assassination wouldn't necessarily be able to pull that off. If I hadn't reacted quickly, I might have been injured," Xiu Mumo explained, grabbing her phone to have breakfast delivered. Under these circumstances, she didn't dare use a delivery app, fearing someone might take advantage of the opportunity.

"Ah? Then it's true he could be a soldier, but if it's the Kill Camp..." Bie Yuan chuckled.

The Combat Division and the Kill Camp were friendly organizations, but they were also rivals, each responsible for different things. Furthermore, the Kill Camp had been established longer, which gave it a relatively higher status than the Combat Division—though that was before the Combat Division had Xiu Mumo. Ever since she took charge, the mission success rate had become one hundred percent; she never missed. Now, the Combat Division’s status exceeded that of the Kill Camp. People from the two sides looked down on each other, so there was no way to get a lead.

"It’s fine. I have someone planted in the Kill Camp." Xiu Mumo smiled faintly. "I planted the person before the new leader of the Kill Camp took office. It’s been many years; they will never be exposed."

"Huh?" Bie Yuan was dumbfounded. What? She planted someone? And before the new leader took office? *Damn, since when? How did he not know anything about this?*

"Why so shocked? I planted someone in the Kill Camp, and naturally, the Kill Camp planted someone in the Combat Division. Only by knowing yourself and your enemy can you win every battle. The difference is that the Kill Camp doesn't know about my spy, but the spies they planted are all right under my nose. They never get a chance to touch my files." Xiu Mumo’s lips curled into a smile. "However, I get the feeling his status shouldn't be very low. We can't just send someone to check on him; it would be too easy to expose them. I worked hard to get that person in there; I don't want them exposed just like that."

Bie Yuan: "..." Boss, she’s still the Boss. Just how long has this person been there to remain completely undetected?

"You can try to make contact with Quan Xijuan. If you can't kidnap him, that's fine, but it would be best if you could." Xiu Mumo still decided to let Bie Yuan probe him. She trusted his abilities. If even he couldn't kidnap him, she would have a better idea of what they were dealing with.

"Got it, Boss." A glint of eagerness flashed in Bie Yuan’s eyes. He could go kidnap someone again—wasn't life wonderful? The Boss was still too un-hungry; she could have easily kidnapped him last night.

"Breakfast will be here soon. Eat before you go; I’m going to take a nap afterward." Xiu Mumo suddenly remembered something else. "Almost forgot about Weibo." She tugged at the corner of her mouth and tapped on the screen.

Soon, some text appeared on the screen. She thought for a few seconds, forwarded it, and then took out Rao Xingsi’s business card to add him on WeChat.

He accepted quickly.

Rao Xingsi: Ms. Xiu?

—It’s me. I’ve registered for Weibo. It’s called "Xiu Mumo." You can search it yourself. —Also, no need to pick me up tomorrow. Send me the address; I’ll get there myself. But I’m bringing my assistant.

Rao Xingsi: Understood, no problem. Here is the location. You just need to arrive at two o'clock; I will come to pick you up personally.

—Mm.

After turning off her phone, Xiu Mumo felt relieved. She had finally finished all the things she needed to do.

Bie Yuan took the opportunity to check Weibo. He searched for the Boss’s name and clicked on it, then choked. "Boss, if you post like this, won't you get roasted?" He stared blankly.

On his phone screen was Xiu Mumo’s personal Weibo page. The latest post read:

Xiu Mumo: 【Are you sick? Are you having a self-induced climax? Go fawn over someone else, but leave me out of it. I don't change my name, and I don't hide my identity: Xiu Mumo. And don't call me "sister" every other sentence; I don't have a younger sister, and it gives me a headache whenever I hear people say "sister" over and over. If your mouth is really that foul, maybe you should eat more? OK? Reposting @Xue Anyan V: I never said anything before...】

"So what? I don't rely on fans to make a living. Besides, if I don't stir the pot, how can this play between Xue Anyan and the old man continue?" Xiu Mumo scoffed. She knew the old man well, and as for people like Xue Anyan, she had seen hundreds, if not a thousand, of them. She was already bored of it. She could already guess how things would unfold next.

"Are you trying to feed yourself to them?" Bie Yuan’s jaw dropped. "The Beijing circle is only so big. Quan Xijuan is the Crown Prince of the Beijing circle, Ming Luoxing is the Princess of the Beijing circle, Zhuang Minwei is the playboy of the Beijing circle, and Xue Anyan is the sweetheart of the Beijing circle. What kind of persona are you trying to build for yourself?"

"It’s just one circle—why are there so many ridiculous titles?" Xiu Mumo’s eyelid twitched. Who came up with these names? Was it a terminal case of *chuunibyou*?

"The netizens did. Their actual status is set in stone, so isn't it better to have something nice to say?" Bie Yuan couldn't understand it at first, but later he was assimilated. He had seen plenty of it at Nantian Garden—after all, wasn't the Boss’s little nephew a "Crown Prince" too? The Crown Prince of Nantian Garden.

Nantian Garden was the most mysterious and noble place in all of Shangjing. Only top politicians and bigwigs with military power could live there, alongside the three great families of the Empire. That included the Xiu family, the Jing family, and the Qi family. The Xiu family ranked first; it was also the family that had raised the Boss. The head of the Xiu family, the Empire’s number-one old Marshal, was also the Boss’s foster father.