At half-past seven in the evening, a deal that had been almost guaranteed was botched. Fang Ying and Zhao Qin had no choice but to host a banquet at the Cloud Hotel to apologize to Boss Chen.

They persuaded a few of the executives who were closely involved in the project, using all kinds of arguments, to help mediate the situation. They hoped that Boss Chen could forgive the resentment of being kicked by Mo Shao the previous night, considering the face of the many executives.

Fang Ying was extremely humiliated, but in order to help Zhao Qin win the contract with Boss Chen's company, she had to put on a happy face and try her best to please him.

Just then, Boss Jiang, who had just received a call, exclaimed excitedly, "Boss Chen, good news."

Boss Chen, known as the top construction materials tycoon in the city, said indifferently, "Let's hear it."

Boss Jiang said gleefully, "We tried all methods before and couldn't meet Mo Shao himself. But just now, his confidant, Lin Jian, surprisingly said, Mo Shao invited us to his supreme VIP room."

Zhao Qin and the other executives were overjoyed. Boss Chen's face twitched in surprise and uncertainty. Despite being kicked by Mo Shao the night before, he didn't want to miss this rare opportunity to make connections. He promptly stood up and set off with the rest towards Mo Shao's supreme private room.

Mo Shao?

In the entire city, there weren't many people with the surname 'Mo'. Those who could be called 'Mo Shao' and who Boss Chen and Boss Jiang dreamed of associating with, were the only two Mo family sons, Mo Lingchuan and Mo Yunchuan.

Mo Yunchuan, the second son, was a rich spoiled brat who is prone to all vices, drinking, gambling, and something that was better left unmentioned.

The one who caused the entire business community to feel awe and respect was the notorious eldest son of the Mo family, Mo Lingchuan.

Fang Ying was trudging behind. Zhao Qin held her hand and whispered gently, "Hurry up. Tonight is a golden opportunity. Fang Ying, we have to seize it. If we can establish a relationship with Mo Shao, our Wealthy Homes Construction Company can grow rapidly. We won't have to worry about orders or funding, and we can proceed with our marriage plans. Moreover, we can quickly raise the funds for your mother's heart bypass surgery. Your mother's illness has been dragging on for so many years, we can't delay any longer."

Fang Ying's eyes welled up, and she said, "Ah Qin, thank you for always considering my mother."

As they walked, Zhao Qin guiltily replied, "Actually, I've always felt ashamed as a prospective son-in-law. I've been unable to allocate funds for her surgery…"

"I know you've been doing your best, I don't blame you," said Fang Ying, her heart warming. No matter how much humiliation she had to endure, she would bear it for him.

She despised such occasions, but in order to obtain more orders, increase the company's profit, save enough for the wedding as well as her mother's surgery fees, she accompanied him to many such banquets ever since she graduated two years ago. She had experienced all sorts of lewd stares and disgusting remarks and actions, being forced to drink had become a common occurrence for her.

Zhao Qin had once said, once they weathered through these years, and the company finally established a firm foothold in Yuncheng, they would host a grand and splendid wedding, and then she could return home, dedicating herself fully to homemaking, caring for her ailing mother, and their future child.

Thinking about such a warm and beautiful future reminded her of the happy times her parents had together. Her parents' love was the epitome of ever-lasting affection, their marriage an embodiment of mutual support and understanding. At that time, they were celebrated as the only fairy-like couple in the upper strata of society.

Fang Ying's lifelong dream was to have a steadfast relationship and stable marriage like her parents. She and Zhao Qin had been childhood sweethearts. She believed that she could also be as happy as her mother had been.

Finally, they arrived at the super-luxurious private room of the young master Mo. Everyone, including the CEO, Chen, was humbly greeting him, sycophantically obeying his every command. Zhao Qin greeted, "Young Master Mo, I'm Zhao Qin. Here's my fiancee, Fang Ying, who is also the manager of the Business Department at my company. Fang Ying, greet Young Master Mo."

Zhao Qin's family business had grown considerably over the years, managing to carve out a reputation in Yuncheng. However, they couldn't compare to the pyramid's top, the Mo Family. There was a world of difference; even those like CEO Chen could only gaze up at Young Master Mo in admiration.

When Fang Ying looked at Mo, surrounded by stars, she was shocked and gasped, "You...are Young Master Mo?!" Wasn't this the man she slept with last night?

Mo Lingchuan raised his sword-like eyebrows and smiled teasingly, "In such a hurry to find your next man?"

Fang Ying turned pale in an instant. His words were so insulting. Did he think she was selling herself? But he was too noble to be offended. Fang Ying just responded respectfully while ignoring his insulting remark, "Good evening, Young Master Mo."

"Evening?" Mo Lingchuan repeated the word with deep implication, glanced at her dismissively, and sneered, "Mmm, last night was indeed enjoyable."

Everyone immediately turned their gaze to Fang Ying. Zhao Qin's face also changed, and he immediately put an arm around Fang Ying's waist, "Young Master Mo, please do not insult my fiancee."

"Apologies, I didn't realize you cared about your fiancee," Mo Lingchuan answered sarcastically.

On her neck and collarbone, traces that led to wild speculations were faintly visible. Fang Ying, feeling extremely humiliated, lowered her head.

Mo Lingchuan's assistant, Lin Jian, concluded, "You may all take your seats."

CEO Chen and the others hurriedly sat down at the lower end of the table, each flashing the most unassuming smiles, eager to please. Their only desire was to land any form of collaboration with the young master Mo, which they knew would bring about triumphant advancement to them.

Mo Lingchuan had a faint look of impatience. He pointed to the empty seat beside him and asked, "Why has no one snatched up this seat?"

Recalling the scene of young master Mo carrying Fang Ying away last evening, CEO Chen hastily offered, "Fang Ying, you should take that seat. Ladies first it is. We dare not occupy such a spot."

Fang Ying felt a flutter within; she turned towards Zhao Qin who smiled warmly at her. He gently patted her on the back of her hand, suggesting, "Since everyone insists, you should go ahead and sit there."

Every time she attended a banquet to discuss contracts for the past two years, her role was to break up any stalemate; sometimes, having a few drinks with the head honchos, and engaging in bouts of pleasant conversation.

Did this mean that Zhao Qin intended for her to charm and win over some alliances for him using the same tactics?

However, who was Mo Lingchuan? He was unaffected by elite socialites, wealthy heiresses, and supermodels; even if Fang Ying were to be exceptionally beautiful, it did not warrant Zhao Qin to consider her as bait.

Yet facing the powerful aura of Mo Lingchuan, Fang Ying dared not defy. She cautiously moved to occupy the empty seat adjacent to him.

He personally poured her a glass of fruit juice, suggesting that it was not good for ladies to drink alcohol.

It was a rare sight to behold, for Mo Lingchuan was renowned for his high standing and having others serve him. Pouring juice for someone else was unheard of.

An air of surprise swept the room. Everyone glanced at each other, none daring to utter a word.

CEO Chen shared a few vulgar jokes, attempting to lighten the atmosphere. However, Mo Lingchuan showed no interest. They quickly grasped his temperament and preferences and divert the topic to maintain a more proper conversation, simply urging each other to drink and discuss business.

Fang Ying sat there, rigid all over, her back soaked with cold sweat.

Mo Lingchuan purposely leaned close to her; he whispered in a low voice, "Why are you trembling?"

Fang Ying lowered her head and gnashed her teeth in silence. She wished she could bite him to death, kick him to death.

He seemed to have guessed her thoughts and chuckled softly, "I prefer biting."

With that, his hand that rested on the back of Fang Ying's seat moved under the table to her thigh. Yet, on the surface, he maintained a detached demeanor, as though he couldn't be bothered with the fawning crowd.

Fang Ying's heart pounded with fear, wanting to push Mo Lingchuan's hand away.

But his grasp was too strong. Far from being able to push it away, her hand was clasped within his, as he carefully played with her fingers one by one.

Fang Ying was aware that she had beautiful hands, with the potential to be a hand model. They had always been nimble and slender, especially due to her piano playing from a young age. But now, at this moment...

She pleaded in a whisper, "Mo Shao, please stop."