Mu Lichuan's personality had turned cold and aloof only after his mother's death, exuding an aura that kept others at a distance. Apart from Mo Shanshan, who could sway his decisions, everyone else feared the young master of the Mu family. A single misstep could cost them their jobs, and finding another with such generous benefits wouldn’t be easy.
When the boy spoke those innocent words, even the weeping middle-aged woman froze, staring at Mu Lichuan in shock.
"Master, he..." The young woman’s face was full of panic, as if deeply wronged.
Mu Changnian frowned at his son’s words. "Lichuan, you’re not a child anymore. Can’t you speak more maturely?" If not for the fact that he had been tested at birth and confirmed as a cripple (physically or spiritually defective in the world of cultivation), he wouldn’t have to struggle so much.
Though he was the chairman of Mu Corporation, respected in public, behind the scenes, he held no real status, even his own father constantly berated him as trash.
"Dad, am I being immature? But I really don’t think he looks like you." Mu Lichuan blinked, his clear eyes tinged with a hint of grievance.
It was only after his death, when his soul was tormented, that he learned the truth: his father doted on Mu Xiaolin solely because the boy possessed a rare fire-attribute single spiritual root. This had elevated the Mu family to one of the most powerful cultivation clans on the planet, and Mu Xiaolin had been taken away by a sect for training. Fifteen years later, he returned, seized control of the Mu family, and even attempted to refine Mu Lichuan’s soul.
Mu Xiaolin, the Mu family - though their surnames shared the same pronunciation, the difference between "Mu" (慕) and "Mu" (幕) was vast. How ironic that his shrewd merchant of a father failed to realize he’d been cuckolded. The master who took Mu Xiaolin as a disciple was likely from the "Mu" (幕) family. Sensing he had stumbled upon something significant, Mu Lichuan’s mood darkened.
[Mu Lichuan and the Mu family (慕), Mu Xiaolin (幕)]
"Young Master, even if you don’t want us in this house, must you slander us like this?" The young woman sobbed, turning pleading eyes to Mu Changnian.
Mu Lichuan feigned surprise. "Auntie, we’ve never met, how could I slander you? Can’t I even speak the truth? He really doesn’t resemble Father. Look at me, I share at least fifty percent of his features."
"Dad, have you had a DNA test done?" The boy’s tone turned grave. "Our Mu family holds significant influence in Chuanshi. If we mistakenly acknowledge an impostor, it could have severe repercussions for Mu Corporation."
Though other members of the Mu family also kept mistresses, none dared make trouble for the legitimate wife, likely because those illegitimate children lacked spiritual roots. After all, most people in this world were ordinary.
At these words, doubt flickered across Mu Changnian’s face. "This… could it be?" Though phrased as a question, suspicion laced his voice.
"Master! How- how could I dare! I-" The young woman fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face, while the boy she shielded glared venomously at Mu Lichuan.
The family matriarch, who had been weeping moments ago, now seized the opportunity. "Husband, if he truly is a Mu, as your lawful wife, I wouldn’t be so narrow-minded. But if he isn’t…" She paused meaningfully. "Our Mu family doesn’t just let any stray cat or dog waltz in!" Her son had pointed the way, she wouldn’t let this chance slip.
[阿猫阿狗 (ā māo ā gǒu): lit. stray cats and dogs; fig. insignificant or unworthy people.]
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