The Master’s Mask Unveiled Again
Chapter 932 - 931: I Am the Man Behind Lu Mian

Chapter 932: Chapter 931: I Am the Man Behind Lu Mian

Boss lady...

Yuren was holding back laughter on the side, unclear whether he was enjoying the drama or watching the spectacle.

The prestigious Mr. Qimo of Jinjing, being called "Boss lady" by so many employees in public?

This must be the first time in Xiao Qimo’s life.

There’s no way someone like him would tolerate such injustice, right?

Yuren gave Xiao Qimo a cryptic smile that said, "Be a man and step up."

Xiao Qimo shot Yuren a sinister glance, ignored the taunt, and stepped closer to Lu Mian, elegantly taking her arm. Cool and aloof, he nodded to the staff, "Hello, everyone."

It’s not his first time playing from the wrong script, and by now, he’d gotten used to it.

He had endured being called "Teacher’s wife," so why make a fuss about this?

Yuren: ... This man actually went along with it.

The refined gentleman, now solemn, directly met Yuren’s gaze with a mocking smirk laced with disdain.

Some people, for all their ambition, can’t even become the "boss lady."

At best, they’re just a stand-in boss — what’s the point?

Having asserted his dominance, Xiao Qimo spent the entire morning in high spirits.

He and Lu Mian shunned socializing and left the guest reception entirely in Yuren and Dongyang’s hands.

The waiter Xiaoy, who had once clashed with Lu Mian, seized the moment during a lull in customers to chat with another waiter: "I honestly didn’t expect Boss Yu was working for Boss Lu..."

The other waiter nodded along, "Yeah, Boss Yu has always been incredibly dedicated, working tirelessly. If this weren’t his own shop, who would put in so much effort?"

Xiaoy pouted in agreement, "Exactly, Boss Lu barely manages the shop’s affairs, and Boss Yu is the one constantly busy. He’s thinking like a boss but earning like an employee. How could he not feel shortchanged?"

"Who knows?" After a pause, the other sighed, "If I had Boss Yu’s talent, I’d definitely feel the same way."

The two shared a few more thoughts before spotting incoming customers and hustled back to work.

The MM Ji Jinjing branch officially opened, drawing quite a crowd.

Both returning patrons and new customers who’d snagged reservations brought opening gifts, aiming to connect not just over food but with MM Ji’s owner.

Yuren patiently explained to them that the real boss was Lu Mian.

Everyone’s initial reaction was disbelief — who could imagine that such a young girl had accomplished this?

"I think, honestly, Boss Yu is the backbone of this shop. It’s not easy opening up here!"

"Not exactly... Do you know who currently owns the land MM Ji occupies?" One middle-aged male patron lowered his voice mysteriously.

"Wasn’t it Hengzhong Real Estate before? Who owns it now?"

The man answered, "Mr. Ya Qiao."

"The legendary stock market magnate Mr. Ya Qiao? If that’s the case, Boss Lu must be impressive to network like that!"

"Actually..." The middle-aged man’s expression turned a little sly, "With someone as young and beautiful as Boss Lu, opening a shop here isn’t that surprising... Especially with Mr. Ya Qiao supporting her."

The seasoned patrons quickly caught the innuendo.

Surely, Boss Lu’s "special relationship" with Mr. Ya Qiao secured this coveted location.

Their laughter took on a disingenuous tone, their eyes glinting with winks and knowing flirtation.

"I’ve also heard that the Watson Consortium will send people over!"

"Whoa, now that’s impressive! Such a major consortium coming to show support — Boss Lu really has some serious connections."

"It’s mainly because of Boss Lu’s link to Mr. Ya Qiao..."

As the banter continued, someone finally pieced something together.

"Boss Lu also brought her boyfriend along this time."

"He looks pretty handsome, probably a fan of living off others, haha."

"Despite his refined demeanor, compared to Mr. Ya Qiao, he does pale a little."

Although they kept the gossip discreetly among themselves, some whispers inevitably reached Xiao Qimo’s ears, and several others began giving him strange looks.

He knew Lu Mian was capable and trusted she would never have some unspeakable relationship with Ya Qiao. Still, hearing people tie his girlfriend to another guy left him uncomfortable.

Using the excuse of making a phone call on the balcony, he dialed Mo Nie.

Poor Mo Nie, long neglected, answered in ecstatic seconds: "Boss, what are your orders?"

Had the sight of Lu Mian’s thriving business finally sparked his entrepreneurial spirit?

Xiao Qimo inhaled deeply. "Find out from Ya Qiao if he’s willing to sell the Hengzhong Real Estate area. Price doesn’t matter."

Mo Nie froze in shock.

"Boss, you’ve finally come around!"

Thinking his boss had finally decided to focus on business gave him an emotional pang of elder-like relief. "Boss, why the sudden decision to buy Hengzhong Real Estate? The timing isn’t ideal..."

"Doesn’t matter," Xiao Qimo’s tone was resolute. "I just need everyone to know that I’m the one standing behind Lu Mian."

Mo Nie: ...

A heart committed to all the wrong purposes, ultimately betrayed.

——

At exactly 10:10, Yuren hosted the opening ceremony.

The ceremony wasn’t overly elaborate but had a certain grandeur. Numerous friends of Lu Mian showed up with congratulatory flower baskets. Prominent names in Jinjing had their well-wishes adorning the banners.

The three big names of Jinjing weren’t even worth mentioning — Ye Jinwen, Shen Yixin, Sniper, Ya Qing, Ya Ling, Lu Xi, Fu Yu, among others, all sent gifts.

Someone noted the roster and realized these names represented industry leaders across various fields...

Though their private connections remained a mystery, just seeing this turnout spoke volumes.

Lu Mian, Xiao Qimo, and Yuren took to the stage for the ribbon-cutting, officially marking MM Ji’s opening in Jinjing Central CBD.

Guests began taking their seats.

Dongyang, busy greeting visitors outside, soon ran over to Lu Mian and Yuren, whispering, "Boss, Mr. Yu, representatives from the Watson Consortium have arrived."

Xiao Qimo narrowed his eyes toward Lu Mian, who merely shrugged, helpless.

She hadn’t actually invited them; they’d insisted on coming.

"Dongyang, please bring them inside." Lu Mian’s expression remained composed, clearly not intending to personally welcome them.

Even in the eyes of onlookers, everyone present would have scrambled to curry favor with the Watson Consortium.

Dongyang nodded, "Understood."

The Watson representatives showed up late, missing the ribbon-cutting but arriving with significant pomp.

As soon as guests learned the Watson Consortium had arrived, their attention shifted instantly.

Their representative today was Saino, a refined, golden-haired, blue-eyed young man.

After mutual introductions, Dongyang politely ushered them in.

It was then Dongyang noticed that accompanying Saino was a sophisticatedly made-up young woman.

Lu Yutian introduced herself: "I’m Lu Yutian. Mr. Saino is new to Jinjing and unfamiliar with the area, so I accompanied him to support MM Ji."

"Pleasure to meet you." Dongyang gave a polite nod and gestured with a welcoming arm, "Please, follow me. I’ll introduce you to our boss."

Saino smiled and proceeded inside.

Trailing behind, Lu Yutian’s gaze subtly darkened as she lowered her eyes.

Watson Consortium representatives came all the way, and the MM Ji owner doesn’t even personally greet them?!

This level of disregard for such distinguished guests was outrageously rude!