Chapter 106 — The True and False Heiress

“Ding—”

Mu Ran’s phone vibrated in her hand.

With an air of indifference toward those around her, the woman answered her call.

Gu Beicheng could vaguely hear a man’s voice on the other end, speaking to Mu Ran in a tone of deep respect.

He knew there was an enormous conglomerate behind Mu Ran. Could it be...?

If it really was that group, then Mu Ran’s power and wealth would be unmatched.

“Brothers, I heard the Xue family has completely collapsed. The old man of the Xue family was so furious he’s been hospitalized.”

The Xue family collapsed?

How did that century-old family fall?

Gu Beicheng glanced at Mu Ran, who was still on the phone, then turned to Gu Xiao, whose hair was jet-black. “Bankrupt?”

Gu Xiao waved his phone with a smile. “Almost, they’re struggling to hold on. The old man from the Xue family went to our grandfather, begging him to let you spare the family. Big brother, your methods are ruthless this time. You even dug up their shady business from over a decade ago.”

Old Master Gu was an avid internet user.

When he saw the photo of Mu Ran and Gu Beicheng embracing, he was extremely pleased—even though the man in the picture was only a silhouette.

But he was certain that was his grandson, Gu Beicheng.

To think his little idol Mu Ran could become his granddaughter-in-law—Old Master Gu could barely contain his joy.

However, seeing the girl from the Xue family twisting the truth online and deliberately smearing Mu Ran, he was furious.

He’d planned to call Old Master Xue, suggesting he educate his granddaughter properly.

Who would’ve thought, within an hour, the Xue family was on the verge of bankruptcy.

Old Master Gu instantly guessed it was his eldest grandson’s handiwork.

So he quickly called his younger grandson, Gu Xiao, hoping he could persuade his brother.

“Tell Grandpa it wasn’t me.”

Gu Beicheng lowered his gaze, eyes fixed on Mu Ran’s cold, noble face, a proud smile tugging at his lips. “It was his granddaughter-in-law.”

“What? Mu Ran is the one who bankrupted the Xue family?”

Gu Xiao was stunned, taking several steps back. He was grateful that when he’d teased Mu Ran before, the woman had shown mercy.

He followed Gu Beicheng’s gaze to Mu Ran’s decisive face, feeling his temple throb. “No way. Is SY’s power really that vast? They managed to topple the Xue family?”

Mu Jingcheng and Mu Jingrong exchanged looks, casually picking up three glasses of red wine from the table and handing them to their younger brothers. Mu Jingcheng narrowed his eyes and smiled, “Our little sister is truly full of surprises.”

“When did Mu Ran become your sister?” Gu Xiao’s pupils contracted, snatching the wine from Mu Lang’s hand and downing it in one gulp. “Let me steady my nerves.”

He’d only been away a short while, and so much had happened?

Mu Ran had become the Mu brothers’ sister?

And toppled the Xue family in the process?

“Did you help her?”

Gu Xiao poured another glass, neck craned to drink, but Gu Beicheng stopped him.

“Put it down. Drink less.”

Gu Xiao frowned, scoffed coldly, set down his glass, and squeezed in beside Mu Lang.

He poked Mu Lang’s shoulder, reeking of alcohol. “Tell me, was it the Mu family who helped Mu Ran?”

Mu Lang shook his head, indicating it wasn’t the Mu family. The power behind Mu Ran rivaled that of the Qin family.

“Bei Bei, I need to go on stage and speak.”

Gu Beicheng held Mu Ran’s wrist gently. “Ran Ran, you don’t have to work so hard. I’ll always be by your side.”

“Mmm, I know, Bei Bei.”

—

Mu Ran, wearing five-centimeter stiletto heels, strode confidently before the crowd. “If you have any questions, ask me directly. There’s no need for wild speculation.”

“President Mu, we mean no offense. We’re just questioning SY’s capabilities. Although SY’s influence and finances surpass all entertainment companies in the capital, do you possess the skills to manage SY effectively?”

An impassioned young director challenged her from the podium.

As soon as he finished, several other directors and minor celebrities chimed in.

Mu Ran smiled calmly, her face still cold and commanding, unfazed by their doubts and taunts.

“You’ve all heard the rumors about me. SY has already posted a statement online. As for my abilities, there’s no need for you to question them. The company pays to work with you—just do your jobs. Whether I’m qualified to lead SY is none of your concern.”

“I see some newly signed SY artists are also doubting me. Let me remind you—consider your current status and resources. SY gives you opportunities, invests in your growth, and provides you with resources. I hope you recognize the situation.”

“If I have the ability to found this company, I have the ability to make it the top entertainment firm in the country. Even now, some people can’t even dream of climbing to SY’s level. So who are they to question the boss’s qualifications?”

After Mu Ran’s remarks, the room fell silent.

“President Mu is absolutely right. I wonder if I’m lucky enough to sign with SY?”

Mu Ran smiled, eyes narrowed as she nodded at Mu Jingrong. “Of course. Welcome, Movie King Mu, to SY!”

The crowd erupted in astonishment. The superstar, a bellwether for male actors in the industry, was voluntarily signing with SY?

Gu Beicheng, Mu Jingrong, and the others strode lazily toward Mu Ran.

Everyone parted to make way.

Mu Ran, an obscure actress, was truly formidable.

What kind of powerful force was backing her?

The peerless Movie King Mu Jingrong, the capital’s youngest squad captain Mu Jingcheng, the legend of the medical world Mu Lang.

The leading director of Star City Films, Gu Xiao.

And—Gu Beicheng himself, who dominated both the entertainment and financial worlds!

Just what was their relationship to her?

“Today, I declare this: if anyone stirs up trouble online or harms me or my beloved, let the Xue family serve as an example.”

Mu Ran never bothered with pretense.

Xue Xiaowan had crossed her line, and Mu Ran would show no mercy.

Her beloved?

Was it Gu Beicheng?

That legendary man of the capital?

How had Mu Ran managed to win the heart of Star City Group’s CEO?

Questions swirled in everyone’s minds. Unconsciously, they all reached for their phones to check the news.

Shock!

Gu Beicheng and Mu Ran really were a couple—officially announced by Star City Group!

And the Xue family!

The century-old Xue clan had collapsed!

That so-called “Star City Group’s secretary” stirring up trouble online, Xue Xiaowan, was actually the Xue family’s heiress!

Reports revealed the Xue family’s food business was in serious violation of laws and regulations.

At the same time, many of their illicit operations were exposed.

Overnight, the old dynasty was destroyed.

All of it was Mu Ran’s doing?

Everyone present marveled at Mu Ran’s ruthless methods. How could a minor celebrity wield such immense power?

Xu Yunshu and Mu Yuewei stood in the hall, watching the radiant woman on stage, alarm bells ringing in their hearts.

Perhaps, Mu Ran had already become the capital's new power.

—

She was someone they could not afford to provoke.

“Mu Ran, no matter how powerful you are, you’re nothing but a selfish person! Ugly, disgusting! You let others die without lifting a finger to help!”

All eyes turned to the woman in a yellow evening gown at the center of the banquet hall.

Gu Beicheng’s cold eyes flashed icily toward Qin Yu, who stood behind Qin Ranyan.

Qin Yu broke out in a cold sweat, never expecting Qin Ranyan to suddenly lose control and shout wildly.

“Ranyan, come with Second Brother.”

Qin Ranyan, spoiled and headstrong, shook off Qin Yu’s hand and strode angrily toward the woman on stage.

“Qin Ranyan, are you sure you want to provoke me?”

Mu Ran curled her lips, a shadow flickering in her eyes, her entire aura dark and oppressive as she towered over Qin Ranyan, who was a head shorter.

“I… how am I provoking you? I just want everyone to see your true face.”

It was Qin Ranyan’s first time standing before so many people. Her legs trembled, her voice quivered, and she dared not look at the crowd below.

Her hands twisted her dress tightly. She swallowed hard, took a deep breath, and met Mu Ran’s expressionless gaze.

The woman’s eyes were deep, calm, but enough to shake Qin Ranyan to her core.

“Mu Ran, why are you staring at me like that?”

Qin Ranyan took a step back, casting a glance at her second brother, Qin Yu.

But Qin Yu was surrounded by Gu Beicheng and the others, unable to help her.

“What’s the matter, you have a face and won’t let people look?”

Qin Ranyan stared fixedly at Mu Ran’s flawless features, overwhelmed with inferiority.

Mu Ran was silent for two seconds, her gaze locked on Qin Ranyan’s small eyes. “How did the Qin family raise you? Today, I am the host and you are the guest. You deliberately cause trouble—aren’t you afraid of disgracing the Qin family?”

Qin Ranyan bit her lip, fists clenched, chest heaving violently. She looked again to her second brother.

Mu Ran followed her gaze.

The Qin family’s second son was flushed red.

Both women on stage could clearly see the veins pulsing on the man’s forehead.

The guests hardly dared breathe, for fear of offending the Qin family—or worse, provoking Mu Ran and facing retribution.

“Qin Yu, you dote on your sister, but have you ever considered—she’s not really a Qin?”

Gu Beicheng grabbed the man’s collar, laughing coldly.

“Beicheng, there are too many people here. We’re all brothers—let go.”

The eldest Mu brother, Mu Jingcheng, pried Gu Beicheng’s hand away, turning with disapproval and disappointment toward Qin Yu.

“Ah Yu, though it’s not my place to interfere in your family affairs, you have eyes. Can’t you see that Qin Ranyan looks nothing like the Qin family?”

Qin Yu’s lips trembled. He stepped back, replying coldly, “I only believe what I’ve seen. The DNA test says Qin Ranyan is the Qin family’s third daughter—my sister!”

“I don’t understand why you all like Mu Ran so much! She’s selfish! What’s wrong with donating a little bone marrow? Ever since she was a child…”

The man shouted without restraint, in a state even more deranged than Qin Ranyan’s earlier tantrum.

“Isn’t it possible to falsify DNA tests?”

Mu Ran sneered from the stage. Ever since Lin Chong handed her the test report, she knew she was really the Qin family’s third daughter—Qin Ranyan—and the woman before her was a fraud.

But she would never return to the Qin family.

Originally, Mu Ran thought if this woman didn’t provoke her, she might allow her a few more days of luxury.

Now, this imposter would never have another good day.