Su Mu merely glanced at it and didn't take it. "Teacher Wen, this isn't your home, and I'm not your servant. I shouldn't be obligated to accept your orders."
Wēn Zhīxuě's face stiffened. She pulled her hand back and forced a laugh. "It was my mistake. Because you've always prepared drinks for us, Su Mu, I naturally assumed it was your job. I was being foolish. It's just that I'm not very skilled in this area. Could you help me out?"
Dīng Yáo, unable to contain herself, rolled her eyes to the heavens. Listen to what she was saying! What did she mean by naturally assuming it was Su Mu's job? Was Su Mu here to find work? Who was she mocking?
Su Mu had only kindly prepared desserts and drinks for them a few times, and Wen Zhīxuě took it for granted! Was she afraid others wouldn't realize how passive-aggressive she was being?
This time, Su Mu didn't refuse. She took the teacup in front of Wēn Zhīxuě, returned to the water bar, replaced it with a cup of plain boiled water, and brought it back.
Hè Jì watched the teacup being taken away, but he couldn't bring himself to object, as it was his beloved woman doing it. Even though he didn't dislike tea, he had to act like he did in this situation.
Su Mu placed the plain boiled water back in front of Wēn Zhīxuě, not forgetting to add, "Teacher Wen, plain boiled water is very simple to make. You can learn it if you have the time."
"Pfft," Dīng Yáo couldn't help but laugh out loud. Noticing everyone looking at her, she quickly suppressed her smile. "Sorry, I suddenly thought of a funny joke and couldn't help myself."
Wēn Zhīxuě's face flushed, turning red and then pale. How could she not tell that Su Mu was mocking her? She was an adult, how could she possibly not know how to make plain boiled water?
Seeing his beloved woman being bullied, Hè Jì immediately stepped forward to defend her. "Zhīxuě was just flustered with concern. Miss Su, there's no need to wound her like this, is there? Please apologize to Zhīxuě."
"On what grounds? Su Mu didn't say anything wrong. Even if you're Wēn Zhīxuě's fan, you don't have to shield her like this!" Hearing Hè Jì's words, Dīng Yáo was the first to object. It was okay for Wēn Zhīxuě to mock Su Mu, but Su Mu couldn't retaliate? Was his bias leaning towards the Pacific?
"As you said, I'm Zhīxuě's fan, so naturally, I'll side with her. However, I just felt Miss Su's words were a bit harsh. I didn't mean any harm."
"That's harsh? Then Wēn Zhīxuě's words earlier were even harsher, and you didn't react at all?" Dīng Yáo was amused by his words. This was the first time she had seen someone openly admit to being biased.
"Teacher He is joking. What I said was just a kind reminder and carried no ill will. Why should I apologize?" Su Mu calmly sipped her slightly cooled tea, her expression neither humble nor arrogant, showing no intention of apologizing.
How ridiculous! Earlier, when Wēn Zhīxuě insulted her, Hè Jì acted like a blind man, ignoring it. Not only did he not think she was wrong, but he was also very indulgent. When it was her turn to fight back, he immediately protected her. What a devoted love!
Just as the atmosphere between the four became tense, Bái Mò's appearance quickly normalized the situation.
Seeing a man on the sofa, he paused his steps as he was about to go downstairs.
"I remember you. You're Hè Jì from the Hè Family, right?" Bái Mò had a good memory. He had met Hè Jì a few times at previous banquets, so he could accurately call out his name now.
"That's right. I didn't expect Young Master Bai to remember me. I'm the substitute guest this time." Although the Hè and Bái families were equally matched in strength, Hè Jì did not neglect superficial courtesies. After all, he never disliked having more friends.
Bái Mò gave a soft "Mm," but his heart doubted Hè Jì's purpose for being here. He came because he was bored; he didn't believe Hè Jì was the same.
"What were you guys just talking about?" After coming downstairs, Bái Mò walked directly to Su Mu and sat beside her.
Hè Jì's eyes flickered when he saw this. There was clearly an empty seat next to him, yet Bái Mò chose to walk the extra steps to sit next to Su Mu. Was this... showing support for her?
"We weren't talking about anything. It's just that it's my first time here, and I might not be accustomed to Miss Su's tea, so there was a minor disagreement."
"That's a shame. Su Mu's skills are excellent. It seems you're not destined to enjoy them." Although he said it was a shame, Bái Mò's words clearly implied that Hè Jì lacked good fortune.
Su Mu subtly curved her lips. This guy usually seemed lazy and didn't meddle much, but who would have thought he was so sharp-tongued? Look at how Hè Jì's expression had changed.
However, she was quite happy to hear it. She could have argued back herself, but since someone else was doing it for her, why not?
Hè Jì's tone didn't improve after being stabbed by him. "You're right. I think I'll go back and rest first. Zhīxuě, can you take me to my room?"
"Okay." Wēn Zhīxuě agreed readily. She also didn't want to face Dīng Yáo and Bái Mò alone. Both of them seemed to have been bought by Su Mu, as they kept speaking up for her.
The two quickly disappeared from the living room.
"It seems the days ahead won't be easy!" Dīng Yáo flopped onto the sofa and sighed inexplicably.
"Hè Jì's family is not simple. You all need to be careful," he added immediately after speaking. "If he dares to trouble you, you can come to me."
Su Mu didn't expect him to say that. Just as she was about to tease him, her phone suddenly rang in her pocket. At this moment, there was only one person who could be calling her.
"Excuse me, I need to take this call." Su Mu stood up, gave them an apologetic smile, took out her phone, and walked out of the villa.
She arrived at the garden, took her phone out of her pocket, and pressed the answer button. "Hello?"
"Su Mu, it's me, Sister Li. I watched your latest recorded episode. You performed very well. I'm so proud of you!" Sister Li's voice came from the other end of the phone.
Su Mu couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Proud of her? It's more like she felt she had become more valuable, right?
Sister Li was as hypocritical as ever. But she wasn't in a hurry. Sister Li wouldn't have called for no reason. There might be some other tricks waiting for her.
As expected, after a string of pleasantries, she finally got to the point.
"It's like this, I heard your show is short of guests right now? Why not let Nánnán come over to save the day? Nánnán is obedient and has good emotional intelligence, making her the most suitable candidate for a dating show."
Here it comes!!
Only then did Su Mu understand the purpose of Sister Li's call: she wanted to find resources for Lǐ Nán. But unfortunately, someone had already gotten there first.
Compared to Lǐ Nán, she would rather Hè Jì be the substitute guest.
"Sister Li, the production crew has already found a substitute guest. Please find other resources for Lǐ Nán. Since he's obedient and has good emotional intelligence, other programs should be quite suitable for him."