Hu Lei smiled at Lu Liang and took a sip of her lemon ginger tea. She savoured the taste with satisfaction. The Zhong family did not neglect even the slightest details, including the quality of the beverages in the hospital.

"It is natural for me to check up on my little brother." She responded.

Lu Liang could not believe that the wretched girl had spoken about this matter so casually. She could not help looking around in panic even though no one was close to them. A little carelessness could mean the end of her family during this delicate period.

"Do you think that you can behave errantly just because you have a little fame?" Lu Liang calmed down after a moment.

There was nothing that this girl could do to her as long as she held the power of the Murong family in her hands. Destroying a small author like her would not even create ripples in Supreme City. After all, her career had almost ended due to a little scandal about a week ago.

"It seems that Madam Murong is very confident in her invincibility." Hu Lei smiled once again, irritating Lu Liang.

The older woman did not want to keep talking to this daughter she had not seen in years. However, even if she held power, she still had to be careful. If word got out about the mother-daughter relationship, people might start figuring out other things which should remain hidden at all costs.

"How much money do you want?" Her voice was piercing and betrayed anger and disgust.

"What?" Hu Lei asked in surprise.

"You obviously approached Fai because of his connection to the Murong Clan. It is clear that you intend to use him to boost your financial situation or reputation." Lu Liang looked at her in contempt.

"Isn't that your game?" Hu Lei's face became calm and pleasant again.

Lu Liang's eyes glinted with a cruel light. She wondered if her daughter really knew about her motives and plans and the situation with Murong Fai. If she did, it would mean that she was vulnerable. She could affect her plans and shake her position as the future official matriarch of the clan.

Currently, Murong Hong's side was in a mess because of the illegitimate family scandal. However, it did not mean that they did not still stand a chance to come out on top. If Hu Lei knew anything, it would mean that the fate of her own family depended on this creature.

"Name your price, and stop seeing my son and poisoning him. He is a still a child, and I am in charge of his life and making decisions for him." Lu Liang was firm.

"How much is the entire Murong empire worth?" Hu Lei asked.

"Do not worry. I am certain I can come up with enough to satisfy your appetite." It seemed that this wretched girl really was after money. If this was the case, dealing with her should not be too difficult. Her lips twisted into a sneer.

"Madam Murong, you have misunderstood." Hu Lei took another sip of her tea. "What I mean is that I am only willing to consider your proposal if you offer the entire Murong fortune."

She did not show any discomfort as she looked at the seething older woman. In fact, there was a sense of satisfaction in her heart at the look of rage.

"Do not push me too far, wicked child. I am still your mother." Lu Liang hit the table with her palm.

The people in the cafeteria turned their eyes to the pair causing Hu Lei to smile a little more.

"Do not lose your temper so easily. As a show of filial piety, I shall allow you to keep your clothes. What do you think?" Those yellow eyes glinted with humour.

"You are testing my patience." Lu Liang seemed to be struggling to breathe due to her wrath.

Hu Lei felt that she had wasted enough time with this woman. Moreover, she felt a little hurt. How could she not when her own mother threatened her so easily? She never had any expectations towards Lu Liang, but somehow, she was always disappointed.

But there was no need to overreact. It was not like she could force her to be a mother to her. The woman had made her choice, and Hu Lei had to leave with it. She placed her cup aside and leaned forward across the table.

"Let me make myself clear, Madam Murong. I will not neglect FaiFai. He is my brother, and I intend to protect him for as long as I live. If you or anyone else threatens his wellbeing, do not blame me for dropping any pretence of cordiality." Her tone was clear and cold.

Lu Liang felt a sense of fear penetrate her heart as she looked at the daughter she had never known. However, she refused to bow down to pressure.

"How do you intend to do that? Do you think that just because you have a little fame you can threaten me?" She snorted.

"It is up to you to believe what you will. I don't have a lot of time to accompany you in your little games. Let's just say this. If you stay out of my way, I will stay out of yours." She was not a cruel person with a vengeful heart. However, she would not be polite to those who went against her.

With that, Hu Lei stood up and walked out with elegance. Lu Liang looked at her with a subtle frown as if she was seeing her for the first time. However, this had nothing to do with Hu Lei's effortless grace. And she had definitely not realised that she had given birth to a remarkable daughter.

Her gaze was instead focused on the clothes that Hu Lei was wearing. The patterned short dress covering her small lithe body looked simple. However, Lu Liang could tell that it was an original QKM. The designer was a resident of Supreme City, but his clothes were rare and super exclusive because of his exceptional craftsmanship.

Those who had the chance to purchase one dress would treasure it and only wear it on special occasions. After all, money was not enough when purchasing this brand. If Hu Lei owned a QKM dress, there was no way she would not wear it casually unless she did not understand its value, or she did not place much importance on its exclusivity.

The problem was not only the dress. Lu Liang had noticed that her purse and high-heeled shoes were also famous brands. With these thoughts in her mind, her gaze became deep and thoughtful. There was no way Hu Lei could get these things even if she had good money. After all, reputation was also needed to purchase QKM. This could only mean that she had backing.

As a cautious person, Lu Liang would not overlook anything when making her plans. 'It seems that I have to let her run rampant for now until I understand the situation.' She thought to herself with no small amount of annoyance.