C10 Careful Not to Play with Fire

In a Rolls-Royce on the highway, Mo Kai's long, deft fingers toyed with a Rubik's Cube as he casually asked, "Did someone upset you?"

Sitting next to him was Faang Ziyu. Ever since they met up today, Ziyu had been sporting a face like he'd just been through the wringer.

"Remember Lan Xin?" Ziyu asked.

"Yeah," Mo Kai replied nonchalantly. "She's about the same age as Ziling, right? You haven't seen your two 'sisters' in quite a while."

"She's not my sister."

Mo Kai paused his Rubik's Cube, looking up at Ziyu. After a long moment, he remarked, "You're quite something."

Ziyu leaned back lazily in his seat, not denying it, and suddenly asked, "Hey, do you think you'll ever fall in love with another woman?"

Mo Kai resumed turning the cube, clearly avoiding the question.

"Never mind, forget I asked," Ziyu said, already knowing the answer. If Mo Kai were capable of falling for someone else, he wouldn't still be single, living a life of such restraint, avoiding even the company of women.

As for Lan Xin, the whole 'sister' thing was just a label. They just happened to live under the same roof, nothing more. The other day, Lan Xin had asked for Mo Kai's schedule. Not only did he refuse to share it, but he also vented his frustration by canceling her plans for the next day.

Faang Ziyu's eyes narrowed slightly. She was destined to be his and his alone.

The car sped into the Qianshou Restaurant. Before it even came to a complete stop, a group of people had already gathered around.

Faang Ziyu scoffed, "These folks sure know how to read the room. Look, they're all at the door to welcome you."

Mo Kai's expression was relaxed, revealing little of what he was thinking. The crowd ushered Mo Kai and Faang Ziyu into a private room.

Today's gathering included the CEOs of several companies that would soon be partnering with the Mosheng Group. Collaborating with Mosheng meant these companies were already quite powerful. Sharing a meal with Mo Kai was a dream beyond reach for someone like Qiao Ann from Fuyang.

But there are always those who, despite not being qualified, create their own opportunities. Take Wu Yao, for instance. She attended as her so-called cousin's date, but ever since Mo Kai took his seat at the head of the table, her eyes were glued to him.

"The Mosheng Group is pleased to work with all of you. Let's hope for a successful partnership. Everyone here is familiar, so there's no need to be formal," Mo Kai said in a deep, resonant voice that carried the weight of someone well-versed in the corridors of power.

To Wu Yao, a man like that—if he even glanced her way—would make her feel as if she'd faint from happiness.

Unfortunately, the man didn't glance at her even once. However, Wu Yao, with her decent looks and today's graceful attire, still caught a few eyes. A man, emboldened by alcohol, asked, "And who might this be?"

"Hello, I'm Wu Yao from the Marketing Department at Fuyang Pharmaceuticals," she replied, her gaze subtly drifting toward Mo Kai.

In the next moment, her heart skipped a beat as Mo Kai looked up, not only noticing her but also speaking to her.

"Fuyang?" Mo Kai inquired.

"Yes, Director Mo! We recently participated in the bidding for a collaboration with Huachen Medicine under the Mosheng Group but, unfortunately, didn't make the cut," Wu Yao paused before continuing, "Of course, we understand that Huachen's selection process is fair. It was our fault for having an unprofessional project liaison. We've reflected deeply on this, and I will be handling the liaison moving forward. We hope you can give us another chance."

In the restroom, another eavesdropper, Qiao Ann, muttered to herself in frustration, "Seriously? Sucking up while lying through her teeth!"

"Oh? So what are your insights on the previous unprofessionalism?" Mo Kai asked, his finger gently tracing the rim of his glass.

Wu Yao, thrilled, quickly pulled out the new proposal from their project team and handed it to Mo Kai, her fingers seemingly brushing against his hand by accident.

Mo Kai glanced at the document briefly before setting it aside.

"Director Mo?" Wu Yao asked tentatively.

"Sorry, I need to step out for a moment." With that, Mo Kai stood up and headed to the restroom.

Qiao Ann, who had been waiting eagerly by the door, was practically bursting with excitement, almost ready to burst into song. She had been pondering how to handle the situation if someone else came by first—whether to lock the restroom or somehow deal with them. But luck was on her side.

As Mo Kai stepped into the restroom, his expression darkened. "What are you doing here?"

Qiao Ann pointed to the window above, looking a bit sheepish. "I came in through there."

Mo Kai followed her gaze. "Miss Qiao, you never fail to surprise."

"What brings you here?"

"I'm here to see you."

"Why? Tired of being Sitang's assistant?"

Qiao Ann tugged gently on Mo Kai's tie, pulling him slightly closer. "Is Director Mo... jealous?"

Mo Kai's eyes narrowed slightly. "I believe I warned you before, Miss Qiao. Don't take things too far, or you might get burned."

"How will I know if I don't try? If it's with you, Director Mo, I wouldn't mind taking the risk."

When it came to banter, Qiao Ann was unmatched. This man had sparked her desire to conquer, and with someone as exceptional as him, even if she got carried away, she'd still come out ahead.

Just then, the situation took an unexpected turn. Joann found herself pinned against the bathroom door by a towering figure.