Chapter 181: Chapter 181

"Even compared to that Qi Longbing, you are not the slightest bit inferior, not even by a hair. Moreover, in many areas and domains, especially in the expansion of overseas markets, our Mohai has advantages that the Qi Imperial Court simply can’t surpass," Long Shangxuan said, his eyes gleaming with a sly light.

"But... but Xiao Mo has such a deep misunderstanding of me... She even said I’m not as good as Qi Longbing!" Mo Rutian spoke through gritted teeth, a deep bitterness hidden in his eyes, his brows furrowed in pain, casting an increasingly melancholic expression on his face.

After that, Mo Rutian fell silent, lost in the self-torment of his emotions, unable to let go for a long time.

Long Shangxuan looked at him and also remained silent for a good while.

It wasn’t surprising to me that Hua Xiaomo could say such things; if I were in her shoes, I would probably be attracted to Qi Longbing too. Frankly speaking, those bad-boy, domineering CEOs are always so appealing!

On the contrary, this gentle CEO, always lost in his own world of melancholy and emotions, is simply not popular or well-liked! He also doesn’t know how to win a girl’s heart.

As these thoughts crossed Long Shangxuan’s mind, a hint of a smile touched his lips. He calmly said, "Director Mo, these issues aren’t insurmountable. I can help you remove all obstacles, even assist you in winning over the woman you love. However, I hope you’ll allow me to join the board of directors. I intend to use my funds to purchase Old Zhang’s shares."

"So, I hope Director Mo can persuade Old Zhang to sell his Mohai shares to me," Long Shangxuan said very calmly, his voice steady without a hint of fluctuation.

"Shang Xuan, do you really want to join the board of directors?" Mo Rutian asked, looking at him with a hint of disdain. Hesitance filled his heart.

Old Zhang was a standing director on the board and had been unwaveringly loyal to Mohai, holding a full ten percent of the company’s shares.

Aside from myself, he’s the veteran with the second-largest amount of shares in Mohai.

"Director Mo, my joining the board would only benefit the company and you. Besides, after all these years, surely you know of my loyalty to you? Or would you still suspect that Shang Xuan has ulterior motives?" Long Shangxuan said.

"No, that’s not what I meant. I’m just thinking that persuading Old Zhang to sell his shares might not be so simple. Let me give this proper consideration..." Mo Rutian said, his gaze growing heavier.

This matter is of utmost importance; I truly need to think it over carefully...

"Hmm." Long Shangxuan looked at him and smiled. "Then, I’ll take my leave. Xiao Mo is waiting for me. Director Mo, you can expect good news!"

With that, Long Shangxuan quickly descended from Mohai’s Empire Building, drove his sleek silver Mercedes back to his garden mansion at 120 Jiayuan International on Fenghua Road.

Indeed, he saw a slender figure squatting on the steps, motionless. It was hard to tell if she was asleep or something else.

At that moment, Long Shangxuan’s attention was caught, and he quickly went forward, draping his coat over her.

The touch roused her. Hua Xiaomo lifted her head and, seeing the person before her, exclaimed, "Brother Long! You’re finally back!"

"Yes. Sorry to keep you waiting. Let’s go inside quickly," Long Shangxuan said, promptly unlocking the door and letting her into the room.

By then, the lights in the living room had been turned off.

"Is your sister asleep?" Hua Xiaomo asked cautiously. For some reason, the thought of his little sister stirred a strange feeling in her heart.

He’s only twenty-six now, and his sister is eight—a whole eighteen-year difference! That’s truly rare!

Hua Xiaomo mentally shook off the thoughts, not allowing herself to overthink. If he said it was his sister, then it must be his sister. She shouldn’t doubt him. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩✶𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚✶𝕟𝕖𝕥

"She went to visit relatives and hasn’t been home these past two days," Long Shangxuan said openly, then took out two bottles of juice from the double-door fridge and handed one to her.

"Thank you." Hua Xiaomo took it, her heart inexplicably stirring. She remained silent for a good while.

Long Shangxuan looked at her and, as if recalling something, said, "I’m sorry about last time. Don’t take what Wen Xin said to heart; she’s just a child and doesn’t understand anything."

"I know. How could I blame her?"

"Oh, really? Heh. Then why do I get the feeling you keep asking about her? You seem quite afraid of her!"

Hua Xiaomo retorted, her spirits lifting slightly as she looked at him and smiled again...

Her smile was somewhat wordless, somewhat wild...

Long Shangxuan naturally walked over, his arm casually resting on her shoulder, his gentle voice rippling through the air, "Don’t just stand there. Sit!"

"Mhm, mhm." Hua Xiaomo felt a bit nervous. Guided by him, she sat down on the soft sofa, right beside him.

A comforting sense of security washed over her, and a softer light seemed to gleam in her eyes.

"Do you like the drink?" Long Shangxuan asked softly, holding her gently. A peculiar sense of happiness welled up inside him.

Qi Longbing, Mo Rutian... they all racked their brains trying to win this woman’s favor, yet she wouldn’t even spare them a glance.

But with him, she was remarkably docile.

Involuntarily, his hold on her tightened a fraction.

"Mhm." Just as Hua Xiaomo responded, she suddenly felt a moist sensation on her cheek. An unexpected kiss, accompanied by his soft chuckle, had landed there. Then, his large hands took hold of hers.

"Err..." Hua Xiaomo was startled.

What was happening? She definitely hadn’t come to find him today for *this*...

Suddenly, a flash of displeasure appeared in Hua Xiaomo’s eyes. She quickly pushed herself away from him, stood up, and stepped back. "I’m sorry, Brother Long. Did any of my actions give you the wrong impression? If so, I apologize!"

Long Shangxuan was taken aback. As his composure slowly returned, he looked at her, his rationality resurfacing. "Xiao Mo, I don’t understand what you mean. But I think I’m the one who should apologize."

Hua Xiaomo turned her face away, her beautiful features clouded with gloom. A sheen of tears veiled her eyes, evoking immense pity.

A pang of emotion struck him. Long Shangxuan quickly stood up and held her shoulders. "Xiao Mo, what’s wrong?"

"I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. Please don’t be sad. Seeing you genuinely pains me," Long Shangxuan said, gently reaching out to brush away a tear that was about to fall from her eyelid.

Why do I feel so wronged right now? I feel so helpless, so utterly lost, with no one to turn to. But then I thought of Long Shangxuan... that’s why I came to find him. I was hoping he could help me.