Accusations of not wanting to marry: The prosecutor pressed him relentlessly.

Every year, in order to accompany Jiang Chengyun, Yun Qiao would go home before the Spring Festival and spend the rest of the time in Beicheng.

In previous years, Yun Qiao would always be with him at his childhood friends' gatherings. Jiang Chengyun would only stay with his parents for three or four days during the Spring Festival. But this year is different. He and Tan Jia are about to get engaged. Both families want them to get engaged after the Spring Festival. Once they are engaged, they will no longer be single. He probably can't delay his relationship with Yun Qiao any longer.

Thinking of this, Jiang Chengyun's mood plummeted, and he became somewhat irritable.

The car was unusually quiet.

Mu Wangbei didn't ask Fang Youxi a single question about Lu Yanli today.

Clearly, even if the two families had previously intended to arrange a marriage, it's no longer a big deal.

The Lu and Tang families still had a relationship and business dealings, so he couldn't sever ties with them.

Fang Youxi was willing to take him to the Tang family. He knew what that meant. They had only been together for half a year, so they couldn't be too hasty.

He thought to himself that when his grandfather returned, he would first greet him in advance and take Fang Youxi to meet the old man when he had time.

In previous years, he would either work overtime or have dinner with a few friends before going home early to shower and rest. This year is different. He has a girlfriend and wants to introduce her to his friends, hoping she can integrate into his circle.

Just as he had just told Fang Youxi in the car, being together is not just about physical attraction; the emotional resonance and dependence are even more precious and valued by him. They still have a long way to go, and he wants to know everything about Fang Youxi's past.

The three of them went to the club together. Jiang Chengyun often came here and had his own room.

Unlike the place Fang Youxi went to see Tang Ze last time, this place is more elegant and private. It's a courtyard-style building, and once you go inside, you'll find yourself in a hidden paradise with artificial hills, flowing water, pavilions, and towers. From the outside, you would never guess that the inside is like this.

There wasn't any special Christmas decorations here; it felt like a secluded place.

There wasn't even a sign at the entrance.

Mu Wangbei explained to her, "This place is generally not open to outsiders. It's run by a friend, and it's not for making money. It's just a place for people to rest and chat."

That's quite impressive, such a large place with so many people providing services, and they're not doing it for profit.

Once inside, they found six or seven other people. Seeing them enter, they all greeted them with smiles: "Beizi's here?"

"Hey, you finally decided to bring your legendary girlfriend out?"

"They've kept it well hidden. I've heard Cheng Yun mention it several times, but I've never actually seen it in person."

……

Everyone joked around casually, but it didn't seem abrupt or frivolous. It was clear that they were familiar friends who knew Mu Wangbei well.

Fang Youxi recalled that when she went to see Tang Ze last time, someone in their group said: "That guy from the Mu family doesn't even bother to hang out with us. There's nothing we can do about it; he's from a high-ranking family, so we're not in the same circle."

Mu Wangbei introduced Fang Youxi to everyone, holding her hand: "This is my girlfriend, Fang Youxi."

After that, he introduced them to Fang Youxi one by one. Most of them were from the same system. One of them, Rong Qian, was obviously older than them, looking to be in his thirties. He was wearing a string of sandalwood beads on his wrist. He waved to Fang Youxi and said, "Sit down. We're all family. Don't be shy. Bei Zi, you take care of your girlfriend."

Mu Wangbei whispered to Fang Youxi, "Brother Qian is the owner here; this place belongs to him."

After they sat down, someone called Mu Wangbei to play billiards. Mu Wangbei asked, "Does Tangtang know how?"

"I know a little bit. You go ahead, I'll watch you play."

The two walked hand in hand to the pool table. Rong Qian joked with Jiang Chengyun from behind, "Wow, so lovey-dovey. So this is what Bei Zi is like when she's in love~"

Jiang Chengyun also laughed and lowered his voice, saying, "This girl is from the Tang family. They were even thinking of a marriage alliance with the Lu family before, but Beizi didn't care and just jumped right in. She's fallen for him."

Rong Qian frowned: "Tang Yi's sister?" He knew Tang Yi, but they weren't close. However, he was familiar with Lu Yanli, who had a good relationship with Tang Yi.

Jiang Chengyun raised an eyebrow and replied, "That's right, my half-sister."

"It seems the Tang and Lu families have always cooperated. The banquet has been quite successful in recent years. The Tang family has a considerable share and has earned a lot. I'm afraid Uncle Mu might..."

Jiang Chengyun smiled faintly: "Who says otherwise? Last time I said a few too many words and he gave me a piece of his mind. We don't need to worry about him and offend people for nothing."

From afar, Rong Qian watched as Mu Wangbei taught Fang Youxi how to play basketball. He laughed and said, "You always have such a sharp tongue; you're bound to offend people. But Bei Zi knows what he's doing; he's a very composed person."

There was one thing he didn't say: the more composed a person is, the more irresistible they become once they've won someone's heart.

The girl's face suggests a carefree and easygoing personality. She comes from a good family, is beautiful, and can take things in stride. Mu Wangbei, on the other hand, has always been serious about everything. These two might not be a good match.

But that's a story for another time. What kind of family the Mu family is is none of their business.

This group of people formed a small circle with core interests, supporting and helping each other. Their ancestors had been friends for two generations, forming a community of shared interests. Everyone knows the ways of the world: without allies, no one can go far.

Mu Wangbei was just too cautious. He had always been the most upright and self-disciplined among them since childhood. He never caused trouble and was also excellent. No one could find fault with him in terms of either character or academics.

There are plenty of reckless people in the circle, like Jiang Chengyun, who has a smooth tongue and is never serious. Even Chi Mo sometimes shows the hooliganism of a soldier. But Mu Wangbei is never like that. He grew up straight and upright in accordance with the expectations of his elders, and he did not pick up any of the bad habits of a playboy.

He was seven or eight years older than Mu Wangbei and had watched him grow up. He was a truly upright and promising young man. At this moment, Rong Qian looked at him with genuine joy and happiness.

Fang Youxi also glanced at her a few more times. The girl was indeed very beautiful. He hoped that the two of them could stay together for a long time and not let down his younger brother's feelings.

Fang Youxi's earlier anxiety and fear about driving had completely dissipated. She hadn't expected Mu Wangbei to be so good at snooker, at a completely professional level. She had thought that he spent his time either working or reading. In her memory, Mu Wangbei's daily routine was so normal that he didn't seem like a modern person.

Mu Wangbei laughed at her inquisitive look: "What? Can't I play these games? What's with that look?"

"I thought you were a decent person?"

"What kind of talk is that? Playing Sloch is considered unsportsmanlike?"

"You've obviously played a lot; you're so good at it."

"I was obsessed with it for a while in college, and I even hired a coach to teach me for a period of time. Once you have the ability to control something, the allure fades. Now I don't play much anymore, because I feel like it's a waste of time."

Fang Youxi repeated with a mischievous grin, "Yeah, once you have it, the allure fades, which is good." She whispered in his ear, "Starting tonight, we'll sleep in separate beds. Stay away from me, and keep things fresh."

Mu Wangbei tied her up with his elbows: "That won't do, except for you."

A bystander joked, "It's one thing for you two to win, but it's not right to feed us dog food (a Chinese slang term for witnessing public displays of affection) on a holiday like this. Are you trying to torture us with your love?"

Jiang Chengyun and Rong Qian came over. Rong Qian said, "Don't talk nonsense. That was just torturing the three of you. Chengyun has always had company."

Someone chimed in, "That's right, we've all been promised that we can now enjoy the blessings of having multiple wives."

"Get lost, don't talk nonsense."

"Isn't it because Qiaoqiao isn't here? She wouldn't dare to be near us."

Everyone joked and laughed, and then it was over; nobody took it to heart.