As the group stepped out, Xu Xinxin immediately approached with a warm smile. After exchanging pleasantries with a few others, she walked straight toward Chen Mo.
Zhao Min's lips curled into a knowing smirk as she watched the scene. She leaned toward Xiao Yu with a teasing tone. "Boss, I'll go escort the guests to their cars."
Xiao Yu glanced at Chen Mo, then at Xu Xinxin, and nodded before following Zhao Min out.
Zhao Min glanced at Xiao Yu again. "Aren't you going to keep an eye on him?"
"No," Xiao Yu replied with a serene smile.
"Not worried she'll steal him away? That girl's nearly perfect. Every man dreams of marrying someone like her," Zhao Min said, half-joking.
"I trust him," Xiao Yu said softly.
Zhao Min paused, genuinely surprised for a moment. Then she sighed with a touch of envy. "No wonder he spoils you so much."
To others, that kind of unconditional trust might seem naive, but it also made people want to protect her. It wasn't weakness—just pure, quiet strength.
Xiao Yu's lips curled into a small, content smile. It came from the heart.
Meanwhile, Chen Mo turned toward Xu Xinxin with a resigned look. "Miss Xu, did you need something?"
"How did the business go?" she asked, her tone casual.
"Not bad. I was just tagging along, really. Zhao Min handled everything—I was brought over just to look pretty," Chen Mo said, shrugging.
Xu Xinxin giggled. "You're funny. Are you free tonight? I'd love to treat you to dinner."
"Sorry. I've got a date with a beautiful lady tonight. Movie night."
Xu Xinxin's eyes flickered with disappointment. "Your girlfriend?"
"Something like that," Chen Mo replied with a playful smile. "It's still low-key for now—not many people know."
"Your fiancée, then? Who's the lucky girl? Zhao Min?" she asked hopefully.
Chen Mo chuckled and shook his head. "Nope."
"She must be beautiful. Gentle, too."
Chen Mo smiled. "She's my lucky star. Objectively, maybe not quite as glamorous as you—but to me, she's the most beautiful woman in the world. My nights are hers."
Xu Xinxin stared at him, stunned. It was clear now—he was gently, but firmly, drawing a line.
He could feel her affection for him, but he had no time for these emotional entanglements. Better to cut things off now than let them fester.
"About last time—I didn't save you expecting anything. Just lending a hand. We're friends, nothing more. I'd be happy to treat you to dinner another time. But for now, I've got to go," he said with a polite smile, then turned and left.
Xu Xinxin watched his back disappear with a twinge of loss, like something precious had just slipped through her fingers.
She was smart. She understood exactly what he meant. It was rejection—clear and kind, but rejection all the same.
She just hadn't expected it to hurt this much.
"Hey, boss came out alone. Left the beauty behind?" Zhao Min teased as Chen Mo got into the car.
"She did ask me out, by the way," Chen Mo replied, glancing at Xiao Yu.
"You heard that, right, Xiaoyu?" Zhao Min turned dramatically. "Better lock him down tonight."
"I told her no," Chen Mo said, laughing. "Told her I already had a movie date with my girl. Hero saves the damsel once—he's not angling for a second round of gratitude."
Xiao Yu's eyes sparkled, her smile bright and full of warmth. At that moment, it felt like the entire world melted away, leaving just the two of them.
"Xiao Yu, did you actually invite him to a movie?" Zhao Min asked.
"Mm-hmm. Come with me tonight," Xiao Yu said, looking at Chen Mo with a soft smile.
"Gladly."
"You two…" Zhao Min groaned, mock-annoyed. "So much PDA. Can't even crack a joke without getting drowned in dog food."
"But what was that about the first rescue reward?" Zhao Min asked curiously.
"That's me," Xiao Yu said, cheeks slightly red. "Back in school, he saved me once. After that, I became his girlfriend."
Zhao Min gasped. "Wow, boss, you've got a 'criminal record'!"
Chen Mo scowled. "What record?"
"Exactly that," Xiao Yu giggled.
Chen Mo raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, I plead guilty. But I've served my time. Once is enough—I'm reformed."
Xiao Yu chuckled again, her eyes full of gentle affection.
Meanwhile, the business side continued moving at full speed.
The decision to authorize the multilingual intelligent assistant was excellent news for several mobile phone giants. Getting permission from the Marching Ant Company meant their phones could reach a new level—and no one wanted to miss out.
Early the next morning, top executives from several major companies arrived at the Marching Ant headquarters. They'd stayed up late reviewing the licensing agreements with their legal teams via video calls, making sure everything was airtight.
Now they were here to lock it in—and fast.
Getting ahead of their competitors, announcing the partnership first, and gaining the media spotlight… All of it mattered.
In the meeting room, Zhao Min surveyed the room calmly.
"Everyone has a copy of the licensing agreement. Since we're all here, let's get straight to the point. Do you have any objections to the terms?"
"I've got no issues," said Yu Chengnan. "Just one small request—but ask Lei first."
"The same," Lei answered.
"Same here," Fan Wei added.
"Ditto," said Chen Mingyong with a wry grin. "And no, I'm not just copying their lines. We're probably all thinking the same thing."
Zhao Min raised an eyebrow, amused. "What's your request?"
"A signing ceremony," Yu Chengnan replied.