Today, Chu Zimu spent a fortune on a birthday gift for You Mingyue. By the looks of it, he’s ready to spoil her to the skies.

You Mingyue blushed slightly, and with a shy demeanor, she glanced at Chu Zimu and bashfully said, "It’s still early; we’ve only just confirmed our relationship, no rush to get married."

"That’s true. We can all see Mr. Chu’s affection for you."

On the other side, Chu Zimu was chatting with You Jiaoyang.

"Jiaoyang, I heard that the City Lord Mansion is going to hold a recruitment exam soon. The best performer will have the chance to work in the City Lord Mansion’s secretariat and become a close aide to the Lord City Lord."

Chu Zimu patted You Jiaoyang’s arm with a smile and said, "Ming Yue told me you signed up as well. I hope your exam goes well, and you can become the Lord City Lord’s right-hand man!"

You Jiaoyang smiled slightly and modestly said, "At the City Lord Mansion’s secretariat, there are already seven or eight secretaries. Even if I do get the chance to join the City Lord Mansion and help the Lord City Lord, it will still require a lot of practice to become his right-hand man."

Chu Zimu had a lot of confidence in You Jiaoyang and said, "Regardless, if you can work at the City Lord Mansion, it’s something to be proud of."

Those who get to work for the Alliance Government are generally of clear background and exceptional talent.

Getting to work at the City Lord Mansion is even more so a mark of pride.

The Chu family, being in business, had a tainted legacy from their forefathers.

Though a few family members succeeded in joining the Alliance Government, their background kept them from gaining important positions.

If You Jiaoyang could indeed make a name for himself at the City Lord Mansion, he could support the Chu family in the future.

This is also why Mrs. Chu reluctantly acknowledged You Mingyue.

Simply put, Mrs. Chu doesn’t really think much of You Mingyue; what she really values is You Jiaoyang’s potential.

"Well, I’ll take your word for it." You Jiaoyang noticed his sister continuously making eyes at Chu Zimu from afar. He smiled helplessly and mused, "Girls grow up and can’t be kept around. My sister truly is devoted to you."

"I am genuinely committed to her as well." Chu Zimu apologized with a smile to You Jiaoyang, "I’ll go to Ming Yue now. Let’s meet again when we have time."

"Okay."

Chu Zimu accompanied You Mingyue in singing the birthday song and cutting the cake. You Mingyue, concerned about her weight, only had a few bites before putting down the cake.

She leaned close to Chu Zimu’s ear and said, "Brother Chu, wait for me a moment while I go upstairs to change, then we can head out."

Chu Zimu’s heart fluttered, "Okay."

You Mingyue returned to her room, opened her wardrobe, and carefully selected a set of seductive lingerie. After thinking it over, she went into the bathroom for a quick shower, shaved her legs, and applied some foundation cream.

Gazing at the mirror, pleased with her radiant complexion, You Mingyue finally smiled with satisfaction.

She put on the sexy lingerie, then chose an elegant long-sleeved dress to wear over it.

Knock, knock—

Hearing the knock on the door, You Mingyue assumed it was You Jingqiu and sat down at her vanity, casually responding, "Mom, come in."

"It’s me."

Hearing her brother’s voice, You Mingyue was momentarily taken aback.

Since moving into the Xu family home over two years ago, this was the first time You Jiaoyang had come to her room.

You Mingyue turned to look at the door, "Come in."

You Jiaoyang opened the door and walked in.

Noticing that You Mingyue had showered, with a cherry blossom fragrance in the air, he said, "You took a shower?"

Seeing You Mingyue holding a powder puff, seemingly about to redo her makeup, You Jiaoyang’s expression shifted slightly, and he frowned, "Are you going out for the night?"

Even though You Jiaoyang was her own brother, being asked like this made You Mingyue feel a bit awkward.

Applying foundation, she softly explained, "Brother Chu asked me out. I probably won’t be back tonight."

"You Mingyue, do you know what it means when a man asks you to spend the night?" They were all adults now; he didn’t believe You Mingyue was unaware.

You Mingyue was silent for a moment, then suddenly put down the puff and, with a displeased expression, stared at You Jiaoyang, demanding, "Are you going to lecture me? You Jiaoyang, you’ve been dating girls non-stop since high school. Do you dare say you’re very innocent?"

"None of us are pure kids here, so no need to lecture me."

You Jiaoyang wanted to give his sister some advice, but seeing her so confrontational, he realized that nothing he said would change You Mingyue’s decision.

"Do you really love him?"