Chapter 23: This Good-for-Nothing Is Here Too?

At this moment, Chen Ming was unaware that the prominent families had collectively descended upon Li Mu’s home to cause trouble, even going so far as to break off their marriage engagements. Only Jiang Wan still held to her promise.

Chen Ming actually possessed an intelligence network; any information was easily within his grasp. However, the problem was that he dared not pry into Li Mu’s affairs—even if forced, he would sooner choose death than do so. Had he known that his own superior had been humiliated and discarded by the woman standing before him, he wouldn't have just let Qiao Ruowei enter; he would have kicked her out the moment she drew near. Even if the patriarch of the Qiao family himself had come, he would have meant nothing to Chen Ming.

Seeing Chen Ming’s demeanor, Qiao Ruowei raised her head cautiously, her expression shifting from initial nervousness to a look of timid apprehension.

"Um, I heard that the Chen Chamber of Commerce has a major order and that you, Mr. Chen, are looking for a partner. So, I took the liberty of recommending myself..."

Chen Ming waved his hand, cutting her off immediately.

"You are the fifty-third person to come to me today. However, it is true that I am looking for a partner. My Chamber of Commerce has a project worth nearly ten billion, and we are indeed lacking a partner. That is just the initial valuation. The subsequent potential is surely greater; it is a lucrative prize for any enterprise, with profits easily reaching four billion. To be honest, including today, over two hundred people have come to me in the past few days."

Hearing this, Qiao Ruowei’s expression fell instantly. With her cautious demeanor, she appeared even more fragile and delicate.

"Mr. Chen, I understand. It’s just that our Qiao family is one of the top powers in Banyang City. Our business has never had any major issues, and those who work with us always praise our professional attitude. They are all very willing to cooperate with us. If you give this order to us, you can rest assured. So... please, give us your consideration."

Hearing this, Chen Ming turned and walked toward his chair. As he walked, he said, "Including your Qiao family, at least ten similar families and companies have come to me. Your family is indeed competent, but I need to think about it."

Qiao Ruowei showed a bitter look. She understood that Chen Ming was weighing which party would be the best choice.

"Understood, Mr. Chen. I’ll leave you to it."

Chen Ming did not reply, merely nodding slightly and gesturing with his right hand for her to leave. Qiao Ruowei understood this was a dismissal; she expressed her gratitude and departed immediately. That Chen Ming had even seen her was already a favor to the Qiao family; many other companies had been met by lower-level managers and promptly shown the door.

Just as she was pushing the door open, a thought occurred to her. She turned back and asked tentatively, "Mr. Chen, I heard that you and my grandfather were going to introduce me to someone?"

Chen Ming was taken aback for a moment, then slapped his thigh. "Oh, that’s right! I did speak to your grandfather about it. But I heard that you already had a fiancé, Miss Qiao?"

"Anyone introduced by Mr. Chen must be exceptional," Qiao Ruowei replied, blushing with a shy and coy look that made her appear even more charming. "Mr. Chen, the truth is... that fiancé of mine was arrogant and utterly useless. I have already broken off the engagement with him."

Chen Ming showed no reaction. Seeing his indifference, Qiao Ruowei did not mention the fiancé again, instead asking about the person Chen Ming had referred to.

"May I ask, who is the person you mentioned?"

"That..." Chen Ming’s previously flat expression softened into a smile. "That person is my superior, the newly appointed Head of the Imperial Medical Sect."

At these words, Qiao Ruowei’s world turned upside down. A good heavens, the Head of the Imperial Medical Sect? That was the premier sect within the Dragon Kingdom, possessing power, wealth, and influence beyond compare. Even Chen Ming’s assets were but a drop in the ocean compared to the Imperial Medical Sect.

The shock on Qiao Ruowei’s face gradually transformed into joy. Her gaze toward Chen Ming became burning with ambition. If she could catch the eye of the Head of the Imperial Medical Sect, her Qiao family would soar to the skies. By then, she, Qiao Ruowei, could become the wife of the leader of the Dragon Kingdom’s greatest sect, with no one daring to defy her!

"Since you are interested, Miss Qiao, I will arrange for you to meet him."

"Then... then... I leave it to you, Mr. Chen."

With that, she pushed the door open, ecstatic. If this multi-billion dollar project didn’t work out, she could still establish a connection with the Head of the Imperial Medical Sect. Once she became his wife, she would have no shortage of business opportunities.

Qiao Ruowei waited for the elevator, happy and eager to tell her father the news. At the same time, Li Mu also stepped into the elevator. When it reached the floor, Li Mu stepped out and looked around, clicking his tongue. "I didn't expect Chen Ming to be living so comfortably."

Hearing the voice, Qiao Ruowei looked up from her phone, glancing outward. The elevator doors blocked her view, but the voice sounded familiar—had she heard it somewhere before? As she pondered, a figure suddenly appeared in her line of sight.

Was that... Li Mu? How could he be here? It was impossible! Li Mu’s parents were scavengers; how could people like that have the money or status to come here? Could it be that Li Mu was hiding his true colors? But why would he bother? If he truly had such power, why would he let his parents and sister suffer?

The elevator doors closed, and she stopped dwelling on the confusing thoughts.

Li Mu was unaware that Qiao Ruowei had been in the elevator right next to him. He strode toward Chen Ming’s office and pushed the door open.

Chen Ming had been waiting for some time. Just as he was about to go out to check on why Li Mu hadn't arrived yet, he bumped into him as he entered. Seeing Li Mu, Chen Ming bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Sect Master."

Li Mu waved his hand. "You’re still so formal. Don't call me Sect Master. My master said that title is a bit sensitive. Just call me by my name from now on."

"I cannot. Your status as Sect Master is absolute; I cannot overstep my bounds. It is better to address you as Sect Master."

Hearing this, Li Mu rubbed his aching temples. "Don't call me that. If nothing else, just call me Director Li."

Hearing this title, Chen Ming nodded immediately. "Yes, Director Li."

Before Chen Ming could invite him to sit, Li Mu walked in like a regular guest and sat down in the executive chair. Chen Ming closed the door. Seeing Li Mu in the chair, he felt no anger, only a sense of nervous tension. To tell the truth, the man before him was the commander of the Hell Army—an army he had built with his own strength—and the absolute leader of the Imperial Medical Sect.