Chapter 111: Wishing to Devour Her

Mu Yinyin nodded and was about to sit opposite the man’s previous seat, but unexpectedly, he simply didn’t return to his old spot and instead sat right beside her.

He glanced at Yun He and Meng Tao, raised an eyebrow, and said, “From now on, it’s just the two of us here. Shall we have them leave?”

Meng Tao’s expression shifted slightly.

She knew this man’s true nature all too well.

Sending those two away would only make it easier for him to make his move!

How could she feel at ease with that?

Mu Yinyin’s eyes flickered as she smiled and said, “Isn’t it fine for them to stay? It’s a good opportunity to discuss things together.”

“Eh—” The man’s tone was not a question but a rebuttal. Then, smiling again, he said, “Matters like these are for us to decide. The assistants merely follow our orders. What could they possibly add?”

His voice dripped with disdain, almost outright declaring that assistants were nothing more than dogs, incapable of making decisions for their masters.

Meng Tao pursed her lips but said nothing; at this moment, she dared not speak rashly.

Mu Yinyin’s gaze shifted toward Gao Zhusheng.

Gao Zhusheng narrowed his eyes slightly. “Today’s occasion isn’t bad, and the atmosphere is decent. Madam Mu, do you really want those two assistants to stay and keep spoiling it?”

Mu Yinyin’s eyelashes trembled.

She wasn’t foolish; she understood the veiled threat in Gao Zhusheng’s words.

If she didn’t let the assistants leave, it would show non-cooperation. Then he’d be displeased, and there’d be no point continuing the discussion.

Everyone understood the unspoken rules of a dinner invitation—no one would invite someone out unless there was a matter to discuss. The person initiating had the weaker position.

This was also why Gao Zhusheng behaved so arrogantly.

If the other party came knocking on his door, how could he possibly let Mu Yinyin slip away? What a joke!

Meng Tao’s eyes filled with worry as she looked at Mu Yinyin, but she couldn’t say a word. She knew the whole process of today’s meeting, and at such a critical moment, discretion was the best course.

“Madam Mu?” Seeing Mu Yinyin still silent, Gao Zhusheng smiled and gently prodded.

Mu Yinyin’s eyes shifted. She looked at Meng Tao and said, “You may leave.”

Meng Tao’s expression changed slightly. “Madam Mu—”

“Go,” Mu Yinyin said, her tone firm but calm, clearly conveying: don’t upset Gao Zhusheng; whatever’s going on with Xiao Qi is very important.

Meng Tao parted her lips but said nothing further. She rose and left, glancing back with every step.

Yun He saw this and also left without another word.

Once the door closed behind them, the private room held only the two of them.

Gao Zhusheng’s smile deepened, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.

This woman seemed perceptive; she knew exactly what to do to keep him pleased.

That made everything easier.

He chuckled warmly, “I never expected Madam Mu to be such a stunning beauty. I’ve heard of your company before but never seen you. You truly are a hidden gem.”

Mu Yinyin’s eyes flickered as she smiled politely. “Mr. Gao, you’re too kind.”

“Oh, it’s no kindness, just the truth. I’ve never seen a woman as beautiful and elegant as Madam Mu,” Gao Zhusheng said, scanning her from head to toe as if trying to see through her clothes.

If this compliment had come from Lu Silai, it would have sounded refined and alluring. But coming from this oily middle-aged man, it was nauseating and made it hard to swallow his words.

Mu Yinyin’s ability to maintain a smile was a testament to her endurance and poise.

After a pause, she softly said, “Thank you.”

Just those two words; she didn’t say more.

Besides, things were just beginning—too soon to reveal too much.

“Come, let’s eat,” the man said, picking up chopsticks and handing them to Mu Yinyin.

She was disgusted, even a little repulsed.

Yet she did not speak, only took the chopsticks.

She hadn’t planned to eat anyway.

Gao Zhusheng’s craving was uncontrollable; he wanted to dive into the main topic immediately, but for appearances and interests, he restrained himself.

This woman was too beautiful, elegant, and charming. He couldn’t risk losing his chance after just one meeting.

Moreover, she wasn’t an ordinary woman. If he failed to win her over now, he’d never get another opportunity.

He poured her a glass of wine next.

Mu Yinyin’s expression stiffened instantly.

Wine.

This was perhaps her greatest dread.

Gao Zhusheng was unaware of her poor tolerance for alcohol. Smiling broadly, he raised his glass, “Madam Mu, fate has brought us together. The fact we’re still dining side by side proves our meeting is nothing short of miraculous.”

“Miraculous.”

Those words carried a deeper meaning in his tone.

Mu Yinyin’s eyes flickered. She smiled and said, “Mr. Gao, we haven’t even started eating yet, and suddenly drinking wine—I’m afraid I won’t manage well. My stomach’s been weak. Could we perhaps—”

Understanding immediately, Gao Zhusheng set down his glass, “Is that so? Then let’s chat first. We can drink after some food.”

Mu Yinyin quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Delaying was always better.

Before she could think of what to say next, Gao Zhusheng changed tack, smiling warmly at her, “You invited me here for a reason. Why not just say it?”

Since she was reluctant to cooperate, he’d cut to the chase, giving her hope to gain her compliance in a series of dealings.

This kind of coaxing had worked many times before.

Mu Yinyin looked at him and sighed softly, “There is indeed an awkward request this time.”

“Do tell~” The man smiled, lips curling with calculation.

Mu Yinyin feigned ignorance and said slowly, “This time you came to the auction hoping to acquire the Green Bamboo, right?”

Gao Zhusheng was somewhat surprised. He had expected her to come seeking some business cooperation for the company’s growth.

He hadn’t anticipated her reason was this straightforward.

Smiling, he said, “What do you mean? You want that item too?”

Mu Yinyin nodded apologetically, “The Green Bamboo is truly important to me. I know this puts you in a difficult position, but I can offer you other guarantees.”

“Other guarantees?” Gao Zhusheng narrowed his eyes. Though he wanted to devour this woman before him, he was also a man who valued interests above all else.