86: Chapter 86 Dangerous Woman

Su Mu watched her daughter walk into the room, swaying, her cheeks flushed.

"Xi Xi? Have you been drinking? Do you... do you have alcohol here?" Su Mu hurried forward to support her daughter.

Ye Xi leaned into her mother's embrace, her head spinning even more severely.

She mumbled vaguely:

"That's not important, Mom. Qi Yun wants to talk to you... You, you need to make a good impression... First, go take a bath; the bathtub is over there... I'm, I'm going to sleep for a bit..."

After stumbling through her instructions, she collapsed onto the soft animal skins and lost consciousness almost instantly.

After Ye Xi fell asleep, the weak and loving expression on Su Mu's face vanished instantly.

Her eyes became clear and sharp, as if she could see right through people's hearts.

Her entire demeanor underwent a radical transformation.

The formidable businesswoman who had once navigated the treacherous seas of commerce and held high positions shed her maternal mask.

She walked to the bathtub in the corner of the hall and washed herself very carefully.

...

Very light footsteps came from outside the door, followed by a soft knock.

"Come in." Qi Yun turned to face the door.

The door was pushed open.

A woman walked in.

Having just bathed, water was still dripping from the tips of her hair, and her features carried a unique, mature charm refined by time.

Her face was fully revealed; she bore a sixty or seventy percent resemblance to Ye Xi, but her features were softer and more mature, having shed the callowness of youth.

She radiated an indescribable yet highly aggressive feminine charm.

Qi Yun was stunned.

He was not only struck by her beauty but also shocked by the drastic change in her temperament.

How could this be the same tearful, weak mother from before?

This was clearly a mature woman who had seen it all and possessed a deep, calculating mind.

"Chief Qi Yun, you wanted to speak with me."

Su Mu spoke first, her voice carrying just the right amount of respect without appearing subservient.

Qi Yun quickly reined in the surprise in his eyes and nodded:

"Ms. Su, please sit."

Su Mu sat down as instructed, her movements natural and elegant.

She made no deliberate effort to pull the animal skin to cover her body.

Qi Yun spoke first:

"Ms. Su, take off the animal skin."

"I need to ensure that you don't have anything on you that shouldn't be there. For example, hidden brands, contract symbols, or other marks that might pose a threat to the Tribe."

He possessed a Space Imprint; there was no guarantee others wouldn't have similar means.

"That is only right." Su Mu looked at Qi Yun quietly.

Without any coyness or hesitation, she raised her hand and untied the animal skin on her body.

The animal skin slid silently down her smooth shoulders and piled up on the stone floor at her feet.

A mature woman's body was presented to Qi Yun without reservation.

Every curve seemed meticulously carved by time, full of the plumpness and elasticity unique to a mature woman—a depth of charm that a callow girl could never possess.

There were indeed no visible suspicious marks on her body.

Qi Yun's gaze, like the most precise scanner, slowly swept over her, not missing a single inch.

After the inspection, he nodded, indicating he found no issues.

Qi Yun's eyes narrowed, and he reached out to gently pat the center of Su Mu's back.

His touch met with warmth and smoothness.

"Hmm?" Su Mu's body trembled slightly, and she let out a very soft grunt.

Su Mu slowly turned around to face Qi Yun.

There was no fear, anger, or grievance on her face as one might expect; instead, she revealed a faint smile.

Her gaze landed on Qi Yun's face. "You are the second man in my memory to see my body completely."

"Is that so?" Qi Yun said noncommittally, pointing to the animal skin on the floor. "Who was the first?"

"A mistake." Su Mu answered briefly. She bent down to pick up the animal skin but did not put it on immediately, remaining frankly exposed to Qi Yun. "Can you tell me what you did to my back? Just curious."

"A mark, an insurance policy. Your life is now, to a certain extent, in my hands."

Qi Yun did not hide it.

"That's fair." Su Mu nodded. Not only was she not angry, but the look of appreciation in her eyes deepened. "Cautious, steady—you are even more exceptional than I imagined."

She paused, then added, "In negotiations, controlling the other party's life or vital interests is one of the most effective bargaining chips. You used it well."

She was actually critiquing his methods?

Qi Yun was surprised; this woman was even less simple than he had anticipated.

"The current you is completely different from the... panicked and helpless mother I saw earlier."

Qi Yun looked at her, his gaze sharp.

Su Mu smiled, a smile that carried a sense of clarity and a faint weariness.

"Ye Xi is my only daughter, my only weakness in this world. In front of her, I only want her to think that I am a qualified mother."

Her voice was very soft, yet it carried authenticity.

"I don't want her to see my other sides, those sides that are not so pleasant."

Qi Yun could tell she was speaking the truth.

That genuine protective instinct and deep love for her daughter could not be faked.

"But now, I want to stay, to be with Xi Xi, and to earn your approval. So, I have decided to show you my truest self, frankly. Including my value, my... experience."

Su Mu changed the subject, her gaze becoming clear and firm again. She took a step forward, closing the distance between her and Qi Yun.

"Experience?" Qi Yun raised an eyebrow, his gaze sweeping over her still-naked but composed body. "What kind of experience are you referring to?"

The curve of Su Mu's lips deepened, her smile carrying a hint of confidence and a faint allure.

"A lot." Her voice was steady.

"I am quite a bit older than you, Qi Yun. I have experienced the deceit of the business world, witnessed the darkest and brightest sides of human nature, and know how to negotiate and maneuver."

Her body leaned forward subconsciously, her chest rising and falling gently with her breath, forming a breathtaking curve. "I know what kind of posture can attract a man, and what kind of boundaries can best maintain distance while still tugging at the heartstrings."

Qi Yun looked at her face and body, which were inches away and full of mature charm.

This woman knew too well how to utilize her advantages, and she knew too well how to control the rhythm and initiative of a conversation.

She appeared to be showing honesty, but in reality, every step was to increase her own bargaining chips.

"Are you always... this casual?" Qi Yun asked, his gaze falling on her tender leg that was intentionally or unintentionally touching his.

"Casual?" Su Mu repeated the word, shaking her head gently. "No, Chief. I am never casual. My body, my heart, my loyalty—they are all given only to those I have decided upon. The first time, I was too young, blind, and lost everything, only gaining a daughter in exchange."

"But I, Su Mu, will never make the same mistake twice."

She raised her eyes, looking straight into Qi Yun's eyes:

"Qi Yun, I believe that this second time, my judgment will not be wrong. Only by following you can Xi Xi and I be truly safe."

Qi Yun sighed inwardly. This woman was simply a temptress.

"You are very dangerous, Su Mu." Qi Yun evaluated her honestly.

"To enemies, perhaps." Su Mu accepted this evaluation calmly and leaned in a little closer.

"But if you accept me, I will place you in my heart, second only to Xi Xi. You hold my life in your hands and also protect my daughter. In this world, there is no bond stronger than that."

Her gaze slowly moved downward, sweeping over Qi Yun's body, her red lips parted slightly, her breath fragrant:

"If you want to... verify my 'loyalty,' or if you just want to taste the flavor of 'experience'... I can give it to you right now."

Her hand even lifted slightly, as if she wanted to touch Qi Yun.

Qi Yun's breath hitched, and he abruptly took a half-step back, creating distance.

He had expended too much energy today, and his 'comrade-in-arms' was still protesting faintly; he really couldn't withstand any more provocation from this experienced woman.

"Today... it won't really work." Qi Yun's voice was a bit dry.

"However, I have seen your honesty. I have also heard your value."

He paused, then made his decision: "I still need a few days to observe you and confirm that your words and actions align. As for Ye Xi, you need to soothe her."

A flash of disappointment crossed Su Mu's eyes. Could it be that he wasn't interested in her body?

She nodded and stepped back: "I understand. I know what should be said and what should not."

She finally wrapped the animal skin back around her body, her movements elegant and composed.

"As long as you do not harm my daughter, I will use my methods and experience to remain forever loyal to you and the 01 Tribe." She looked at Qi Yun and added this final sentence.

After speaking, she nodded slightly to Qi Yun, then turned and left the room with a steady gait, closing the door behind her.

Qi Yun watched Su Mu leave.

Dangerous.

But perhaps she also contained immeasurable value.