Recognition

Chen Mu stroked Susu's hair as she rested in his arms. His comforting kisses and all the tears that she had shed drained her energy. Slowly, she closed her eyes and fell asleep. A doting smile tilted up as he continued holding her.

When his stomach growled hungrily, he checked his phone and realized that it was already 3 P.M. He looked at how comfortable she laid in his arms and decided to order a takeout. 'It will take approximately half an hour. That should be enough time for her to nap.'

While the couple enjoyed their time together in bed, things were crashing downhill for the Yin family. When Zin Leung got home, his wife was in a panic as she grabbed every piece of expensive accessory that she had and stuffed it into her suitcase. She was going around the house to look for any valuable items that were worth some money.

Zin Leung stopped her, "What do you think you're doing?"

Her eyes narrowed and she raised her voice with her wrist struggling to break free from his grip, "Is it not obvious enough? I'm packing my belongings and what I deserve. Your company is going down. Your assets are frozen. Eventually, those loan sharks will come knocking down our doors and forcing us out. I'm leaving before anyone touches my accessories. That is all I'm taking after being your wife for the past years."

"So you are just going to leave your husband hanging? Because of my failed business? I'm telling you that everything is going to be alright. Believe in me, would you?" His grip tightened around her wrist, refusing to let her go.

"Let go of me! What is the damn point of having a wife when you could barely afford to save yourself a penny right now? You're going bankrupt, and I'm not willing to give up this type of luxurious living to beg off the streets for a single dime! If you want to beg, you go do it yourself. I'm leaving, and Karen is coming with me!" She shouted and attempted to kick him using her leg.

He skillfully dodged her attacks and shoved her to the ground, "So this is how it really is, huh? When I had the money, you would be as cheap as to slip a drug to get in bed with me. When I lose everything, you toss me away as if I'm garbage from a hiking road! Good! Very well! Well played, I should applaud you for that genius in your mind. If you leave today, don't come back to hug my thighs when I get rich again."

"Hah! What a joke! You're nearly 56 years old and you're acting like you're still 23 with dreams. Let me slap you some reality. At your age, you'll be lucky to even land yourself onto a sanitary worker's job! Don't try to hold my daughter and me back when you failed yourself!" She grabbed the vase on the table and turned around to meet Karen's furious expression.

"Dad! Mom! What the hell do you two think you're doing? Why would we split up as a family? Do you two think we don't have enough problems already, so you're adding more seasonings to it? Huh? To make this topic more spicy for the news reporters?! Calm down. Nobody is leaving, and this family will not go bankrupt with me around."

Karen snatched the vase from her mother's hand and said, "Mom, dad, there are many people who are looking forward to our clown act. If we don't pull ourselves together, then our enemies would be laughing to our faces. Do you really want that?"

Her parents remained silence as they listened to her words and calmed down. Karen continued, "We're not doomed. Remember I told you guys about my fashion boutique? Everything is almost done. All I need is recognition. I already have everything planned. There is a grand event at the Golden Pina tonight and Tian Yuo received an invitation card. I could be his plus one guest and I'll spread the word about my boutique."

"Really? Would it really work?" Zin Leung doubted her idea slightly since he had never seen any of her designs before. Not only that, he knew that the Paris Academy that she spoke about has a minimum requirement of enrollment for three years before anyone could graduate and become a designer. Although Karen had said before that she managed to graduate early because of her extraordinary talents, a part of him was in doubt.

Another reason why he had a lack of confidence in her was that she stole a great amount of money from him to succeed her dreams. If she had the talents for it, she could have asked him to invest money in her projects. Therefore, her abilities were quite questionable.

"Of course! Karen is my daughter! Her talent came from me! I knew she is way better than that Susu who wouldn't help the family. Hmph, you should've had her aborted if you knew how shameful and unfilial she would become. It's obvious that she didn't bother to help us with the way things are going right now."

Liang Yu Qing hugged Karen tightly and smiled, "My daughter is the best. The smartest. You go along and choose your best looking design from your closet for tonight. Remember, we are all depending on you now."

"Mmm! I'm going to call Tian Yuo and have him bring me along now. You two stop fighting each other. I don't want to hear another word about leaving or divorcing or whatever splitting the family!" Karen handed the vase to Liang Yu Qing before heading upstairs.

- Karen's room-

She nervously bit her fingernails as she went through her closet while calling Tian Yuo. When he picked up, he remained silent on the line.

"Hello? Brother Yuo? I'm sorry for my earlier behavior. I've thought things through already. I know my request was unreasonable, and I'm calling to apologize for that."

"That's alright. I understand that it's hard to face such difficult times. Let me know if you and your parents need a place to stay in. I have a few locations that are empty, so you three could live there for a bit before finding your own place." His tone was back to its original calmness.

She relaxed after hearing his words, "Actually, Brother Yuo, I was wondering if you could bring me along to the event tonight at the Golden Pina. I know that it might seem awkward, but I really need the connections! In order to pay our debt and help my father with his company, I need people to buy my designs. Besides, my boutique is nearly done. All I have to do is find customers now! Please."

She bit her lips anxiously, "This is my only chance to revive the Yin family. Susu already seduced Chen Mu and had him take her side. Nobody could help the family but me now! All you have to do is bring me along and I'll pass out my business cards."

"Okay." Tian Yuo was planning to ditch the event tonight because he didn't want to entertain the socialites. He didn't understand why he agreed to it after he had heard that Susu and Chen Mu were together. Once he heard that Susu 'seduced' Chen Mu, his expression darkened.

"Thank you! You're the best! I knew I fell in love with you for a reason!" She cheerfully said before hanging up the call. After he had heard the beep from the ended call, Tian Yuo brushed the documents in front of him off his desk and slammed his fist against the glass surface, "Let's see how much of a slut you really are! I didn't see you approaching me when you claimed that you loved me for all these years! Let's see how much you've changed."

His fingers pressed the call icon, and the call was picked up immediately, "Yo! Chen Mu! It's been a long time since we've seen each other. I've been wanting to talk to you about the dinner incident. Are you free tonight? I know you must have received the invitation card to Golden Pina."

Chen Mu was annoyed that his call almost woke Susu up from her nap. In order to end this call quicker, Chen Mu whispered, "I'll see you there."

"Okay then! I'll see you tonight! By any chance, how is Susu doing?" He tried to suppress his anger, but the volume of his voice gave away his temper.

Susu groaned from hearing a disruptive voice, "Nnn.. who is it? So loud!" She complained and pursed her lips. Chen Mu responded to Tian Yuo, "She's doing very well. Maybe I'll bring her to the event tonight. I'm busy at the moment. I'll talk to you later."

Before Tian Yuo could follow up with another question, he realized that the call had ended. He gritted his teeth, "That was definitely her! What were they doing together?! Did she really climb onto his bed and seduced him?! Arghhhh!"

He tried calling Chen Mu for multiple times after that call, but ended up with no luck. Chen Mu rejected each call that came through and eventually left it on the silent mode. He was coaxing the beauty in his arms back to sleep.

"Nmmm.. I'm awake now." She yawned.

"Had a good nap?" He kissed her forehead.

"Mmm.. comfy." She snuggled close to his body and groped his butt cheeks.

"Hahaha, let's eat lunch then. The food should be here soon. By the way, I have to attend a business event tonight, and I'm missing a partner. Would Miss. Yin like to join me?" He purposely moved closer for her to gain better access to his butt.

"Mmm.. sure! But who is going to be there? What event is it? What will I wear?" She threw question after question at him.

"Hmmm.. everyone that you don't want to see would be there. At least Lily will also be there tonight so you wouldn't be totally bored. As for your outfit, my stylist and designers are hired for a reason."

"Mmm~ Okay~~ Let's go eat then." She got out of bed and walked towards the door.

"Umm.. I wouldn't mind you wearing this outfit at home when I'm alone, but I mind if others get to see it." He smirked and teased her as he stared approvingly up and down her curvy body.

"Huh?" She looked down and realized that she was only wearing undergarments and a tank top. Her cheeks flushed, and she threw a nearby pillow to Chen Mu's direction. "Y..you pervert!!!"

"Oh? Says the one who groped my butt like a few seconds ago." He chuckled and handed her her top and skirt. His palm covered her cheeks as he whispered, "You're mine alone. I'm not sharing."

"Mister Chen, I'm not sharing you and your tooshies with anyone either." She giggled and moved away from him as she got dressed.